Job Market Strategies For New Graduates

It's that time of the year again when colleges let out and
newly graduated young adults receive their diplomas. They
will enjoy a well deserved, long hot summer and then
realize "I've graduate - now what? I don't know what to do
next!" A little daunted with the realization that now they
need to find a job and put their four or five years of hard
academic work into practice. The sad thing for these
graduates is that they are already about a year behind.

Ideally, the best time for graduates to start looking for
an entry level job is before you graduate. College Career
Centers are very helpful when utilized. They offer
counseling and other career tools, career fair
opportunities and internship availabilities. The
internships are invaluable beginning for soon-to-be
graduates and often a requirement for many degrees. Nearly
60% of interns are asked to stay on permanently after
graduation and at the very least; the internship can act as
a great reference when getting into the real world after
graduation.

For those who were enjoying being in the moment and now are
a little in the past - what do you do? First, realize that
you need to decide on which career direction you are
interested. What is your current career objective? Not
sure? Don't worry many graduates aren't - instead of
procrastinating or doing nothing - chose a path and get
started! You can always change your mind and steer yourself
in another direction later but you'll never know what you
do like if you don't find out what you don't like.

Career coaching is very effective in helping graduates
narrow the possible career paths. They offer a variety of
tools to help you understand which industries, fields, and
work environments best fit you. Use of career assessment
with a professional assessment administrator is a good way
to start and can be very helpful. Assessments will reveal
what your strengths are and usually will provide a great
list of career options to think about.

Next is your gathering of career tools. I would of course
recommend an experienced certified resume writer, one who
is willing to assist you as you make your way through the
preparation process. A well focused resume is the most
powerful tool you can have, so your career objective at
this point is a must! You'll need at least a presentation
resume, cover letter and follow-up letter and an ASCII
resume. If your resume writer doesn't provide additional
services in job market strategies they are usually a pretty
good source for where to find the services you will need
such as interview or career coaching, a resume distribution
service and a posting service. Although these additional
services will cost you initially, you will save yourself
time and much frustration plus with the coaching you will
receive pivotal information that will give you an edge or
advantage over other applicants during an interview.

The job market is a competitive place but a great career is
worth working for! Take the time to do it right and be
prepared so you won't settle for a job you will begin a
career! CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!!


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Kris Plantrich is the owner of ResumeWonders Writing and
Career Coaching Services. She is certified in Resume
Writing and Interview Coaching, experienced and affordable
and is nationally published. Reuse of this article is
encouraged but must include a link to
http://www.resumewonders.com .