Local Educator

*This is second in a series of posts regarding interview preparation and job seeking tips for recent graduate. Be sure to check out our first post, Dressing and Preparing for an Interview.

So, the summer after graduation is almost over, and while living with the parents rent free has been fun…it’s time to join the real world! That’s right, it’s time to put that hard earned degree to use, and find your dream job! But where do you start the search? There are thousands of job search engines on the web. Here are the top 5 job search sites and some tips to help you along the way.

Top 5 Job Search Engines
1.Monster.com & Careerbuilder.com
These two job search engines provide you with the ability to create a profile, post your resume, search and apply for jobs, and set up job alerts. You can even search for local job fairs! Monster and Careerbuilder also provide you with helpful advice on topics just as Career Mapping, and interviewing. It’s truly your “one stop shop” when it comes finding your new job or career!

2.Indeed.com
This site is exactly as it claims: one search, all jobs. You enter what job (keyword), and the location (city, state), and voila! You have the most complete list of jobs in your industry, created from thousands of job listings. Simple, fast, and comprehensive!

3.Usa.gov
Use this site to search all U.S. government jobs.

4. LinkedIn.com
I like to think of this site as the myspace and facebook of the job search. You create a profile with your photo, work experience, education, extracurricular activities, and search jobs. Then you invite your co-workers, bosses, and friends to join your LinkenIn network. People in your network can write recommendations for you that appear right on your profile!

5.Craigslist
This site has become a household name for many things including job search. Here you start with the location (city) you would like your job in, then you search each industry section. Perfect for the job seeker who is looking to relocate!

Job Search Tips
While the sites listed above are some of the most used/larger sites available, they aren’t necessarily the best search tool for all industries. These commercial sites are good for jobs that saturate the market. For example, if you graduated with a computer networking degree these sites are perfect for your job search. Computer networking jobs are available in all industries and all over the world.

Now let’s say you graduated with a more particular degree, such as an interior design degree. Where do you begin your search? Using a commercial job site such as the ones listed above would make sense for you as well but, it would also be a good idea to search more niche job sites. These are job sites that are industry specific. Using the example of interior design, you may want to use interiordesignjobs.com to narrow your job search.

No matter what career you pursue after obtaining your traditional or online degree make sure you use as many job search engines as possible. Sometimes finding the perfect job, can be like finding a needle in a hay stack. Happy Hunting!

*This is first in a series of posts regarding interview preparation and job seeking tips for recent graduate.

Ever heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? This could not be truer than in an interview setting. Over half of someone’s initial impression of you is based on how you look. That means at least 50 percent of your time should be spent on your appearance when preparing for an interview. The other time should be spent researching the company, practicing good body language during an interview, and developing good responses and questions to general interview questions.

Below are several tips for males and females when dressing for success:

Females

• Inspect your hair and nails: manicured nails and natural hair

• Natural make-up

• Minimal jewelry and perfume

• No low cut shirts/blouses, miniskirts, tight sweater, sandals, or strappy shoes

• Do wear a solid colored conservative suit with a coordinated blouse

• Make sure your shoes are close toed pumps or loafers

• Silk scarf

• Portfolio or briefcase – leave your disorganized oversized bag at home

Males

• Make sure your outfit is cleanly pressed without holes, tears, stains, scuffs, or wrinkles

• Chose a solid color conservative suit and tie, with a white dress shirt

• Perfect grooming – clean hair and nails

• Minimal after shave and jewelry

• Dark socks and professional shoes

• Briefcase or portfolio

Now that you are perfectly groomed here are some tips on what to you can do before the interview to prepare yourself:

• Research the company – you’ll be surprised how many people do not do this. Make sure you know about the company’s culture, mission etc. (ex: if interviewing for online schools – know what degree programs they offer, and a little bit about each school)

• Practice good posture, eye contact, and firm handshake.

• Rehearse answering typical interview questions (found on any job search site) in a well spoken manner.

• Put Thank You cards and stamps in your glove box- send one out directly after the interview thanking the interviewer(s) for there time and to reiterate why you would be a good fit for the position.

Now you that you have a perfectly polished professional look and demeanor, walk in with confidence and blow them away!