Tips for Finding a Job after College ...

1. It is Easy to Find Work

*People want jobs, but companies need staff

The truth is that finding work is not hard. Even in our difficult economy, unskilled labor is still in demand, and even the retail sector is still groaning for new employees because staff turnover is so high. However, if you went to college, then there is a good chance that you are looking for something a little better than flipping burgers or standing behind a cash register all day.

Therefore, the first tip is to find a job that you actually want. It is hard to know what you will like and what you will not, when you have no experience. So why not get a part time job to finance your efforts, and take up a little bit of volunteer work or unpaid work experience. Furthermore, if you research into different jobs you may find that they have aspects to them that you were unaware of. For example, a biomedical scientist in a hospital will have to test the same material every day, every week, which involves repetitive tasks similar to those in a factory.

2. Finding a Job You Enjoy is Hard

*because everyone wants a job they enjoy

There is literally a whole world to choose from, but nobody tells you what the choices are and where to look. Sometimes it is more a case of listing your personality traits and talents, and then seeing what sort of jobs they apply to. For example, do you like animals, harsh weather, and danger--then consider feeding endangered wolf pups in Northern Europe.

3. Finding a Job You Are Passionate about Takes Effort and Tenacity

*If it’s worth wanting then it’s worth fighting for

Once you have your ideal job in mind, then you have taken your first step. You now need to research the industry, the people in it and the jobs you will be best suited for. You need to know where to go and who to ask. You need to refuse to accept any less than the job you want - even if this includes getting a job in their mail room, just to get your foot in the door before working your way up to chief executive. The ONLY thing that is going to stop you getting your dream job is a decision by YOU to stop trying.

4. Take a Risk - Even when the Odds Are against You

*Fingers were made to be crossed

Oddly enough, when you are unemployed, or even working but looking to find your perfect job, your most valuable asset is your time. You need to risk your time and go all or nothing if you ever want a hope of success.

It is frustrating to spend days researching a company and talking to their employees, to write a perfectly targeted resume with additional notes and details, only to have it ignored by the company you applied to. Every time you send out your resume that is not tailored to the company, your resume finds space in their bin. Every time you research a company to create a perfectly tailored and targeted resume, you take a risk. You need to take this risk every week.

5. Knowledge Isn’t Power, but Its Application Can Wield Great Power

*a gun isn’t a weapon until it is shot

Use the research and insider information whilst creating your resume and on your interview.

6. Read up on Creating the Perfect Resume

*because you do not know everything

Read comments from people who look at resumes all the time. Many resumes have common mistakes.

7. Ask People Who Are in Your Dream Job How They Got It

*even the stuff they don’t tell you is valuable

Some will be honest, and some will lie because they do not want to lose their jobs to younger people. But, the information they hold is more valuable that advice you will get from others. If they did not mention a certain aspect (holiday pay, staff motivation, application process, etc) then ask yourself why.

8. Be Prepared to Move Home

*Sometimes you just have to go where the work is

Try applying for jobs that are far away and decide how feasible it is to move out there when you have your first interview.

9. Be Persistent in Getting a Job but Patient in Waiting for a Reply

*to climb a mountain you keep going until you get to the top, you cannot keep stopping to ask how far you are from the top.

Do not stop trying to get a job, even if it means applying for the same job at the same company six months later. However, do not call up and ask about how your application is doing, or why you have not had a reply. Nobody has ever nagged himself or herself into a job.