By Lauren Kazemekas ’24Now that we’re more than one week into December perhaps you’re nearing the end of your college journey and it’s time to find a full-time job. Rather than sending the same resume and cover letter out to each potential employer, it is essential to customize each of your job applications to the company and position in order to look favorable to the employer. If you have a connection with a current or past employee of the company, reach out to them and ask for an informational interview. Some things you can discuss during the informational interview include:
These are also good questions to ask your interviewer when discussing the position. Rate of Turnover When looking at employee feedback, pay close attention if there seems to be a high number of people leaving their jobs at the company over a short time period. While it is always positive to get work experience, stability and security can also be necessary early in your career to help you build stronger relationships with colleagues. Of course keep in mind that everyone also has their own reasons for leaving a job or company. Valid reasons for employees frequently changing jobs could be wanting to build new skills, the opportunity for more hours (switching from part-time to full-time work), increase in responsibilities, upgrade in pay, and more. Ultimately, your first full-time job should provide you with enough time to build relationships and have meaningful responsibilities that will grow your skill set. Benefits Benefits include any form of compensation other than salary that ensures employees can meet a certain standard of living. Companies provide both mandatory and voluntary benefits as part of their contracts for their full-time employees. Mandatory benefits are required by law and include social security, unemployment, workers compensation, and unpaid leave for medical needs. Voluntary benefits typically deal with health and wellness and can include medical and/or dental coverage, retirement savings, and other areas. Some companies could even offer tuition reimbursement for graduate school or other forms of postgraduate study as one of their benefits. When a company provides benefits, it can make your financial situation easier because everything is laid out for you. Comparing company benefits is a great way to see what company you strive to work for. Development and Employee Training The amount of onboarding or early training that companies provide can vary from extensive to a minimal amount. Training time can be allotted for weeks, months, or even years. It’s important to think about the level of training you want or need in your entry level job. Many companies offer development programs for new graduates. Company Mission, Vision, and Values The final, but one of the most important, factors to consider when job searching is how an organization presents itself and its goals. Many people try to find companies whose social values align with their own. The company’s mission and vision statements usually communicate its values well. While a mission statement stands for the company’s current objectives, the vision statement shows its long-term goals and outlook for the future. In any job you want to feel motivated, supported, and trusted while you contribute to the company’s mission and vision. As you search for your first full-time job decide on aspects of roles and companies that are most important to you. A company name alone can sometimes overshadow what you truly need in a job or tasks you will perform. These factors should not only be considered for your first job out of college, but also as you progress in your career and your priorities change. Happiness in your job will not just be beneficial to you as an employee, but also as a human being.
1 Comment
4/28/2023 12:35:11 am
I appreciate you defining benefits as any type of payment other than a salary that guarantees employees can maintain a particular level of life. Concerns about my friend's remuneration income exist. I'll advise her to contact an attorney for workers' compensation.
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