As one of thousands of upcoming college graduates entering the workforce this summer, you may be intimidated to make the transition from student to young professional. However, there are steps you can take to make you feel more confident during your job search and in interviews. These actions can be undertaken regardless of your major, skill set, or personality, and help you make a positive first impression to a potential employer. Develop Self Awareness Prior to applying for any position, you need to be aware of who you are and what you can bring to the company. Your attributes are more than just the hard skills that you gained in your college classes or previous internships and work experience. The way you approach new concepts and brainstorm ideas is essential to earning a new opportunity. Every job in some way, shape or form involves persuasion. Whether you’re part of a business that's trying to sell a product or service or a non-profit promoting an idea, most employees often need to convince groups of people to give their time and attention to their organization’s mission. Thus, you need to ask yourself the following questions before you apply for a full-time position:
By pondering these questions and possessing self-knowledge you will be able to present yourself as the top fit for the company. Be Honest Now that you have taken the time for self reflection don’t deviate from what you have learned. Hiring managers can sense when candidates are being genuine regarding their passions and goals. If you are trying to come off as someone you are not, you will appear to be fake and unfavorable to an employer. Don’t Be Afraid to Look Outside of Your Career Path Too often many prospective employees limit their thinking when deciding on positions to apply for. Many people assume that there's a specific road map to success that they have to follow to obtain a job. They believe if they major in Political Science, for example, their options are to go to law school or work on election campaigns for nonprofits. However, limiting your scope of applications will only prevent you from finding opportunities. A 2015 Forbes article noted that liberal arts majors are often some of the most valued employees in the tech industry because a liberal arts degree enhances communication skills, creativity, and the ability to analyze complex situations. Adapt to the Situation During the Interview In the interview process you are going to get questions that you were not prepared for or may not know how to answer. This is often a make or break moment where an employer is going to be able to see how you think on your feet. When this type of situation arises, breathe and take a second to fully process the question. Take it apart piece by piece. What is the root topic the employer is trying to get at? What potential connections do you have to best respond to the open ended question? Even if the inquiry is referring to a topic that you are unfamiliar with, you can likely find a way to connect to it a situation in your own life or a conflict you helped resolve. Don’t Be Modest You will need to be cognizant and proud of your own accomplishments despite the level of your work experience. Above all, an employer is looking for someone who can efficiently get tasks done. By being able to showcase your own skills such as problem solving and attributes such as ambition and being goal oriented, you will be able to show that you have the traits most desired by employers. Have an Elevator Pitch Ready Now that you’re aware of yourself and your abilities, you need to incorporate both into a concise and effective speech. Often coined an “elevator pitch”, this is a prepared summary, roughly 20-30 seconds long, that you can use to make a lasting impression. My name is ________ (your name), and I am a __________ (class year) at Marist College studying __________ (field/major). I will graduate in __________. I am interested in the _____________ (full-time/internship) _______________ (position title) at ____________ (company name). I have the _____________ skills and experience that the job posting describes. _________ (the company name) interests me because _________________. Conclude with something about yourself that is positive and memorable. Candidates who are able to effectively market their own skills and abilities will increase their chances of being hired. A good candidate must be persistent and have a mix of soft and hard skills to bring to the role. Everyone has their own unique experiences and perspectives that make up their story. All you have to do is be able to use them in the most effective way.
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