This morning I presented to room of 100 summer interns -- and a few recent new college hires -- on some of my favorite subjects, "Careers, Culture and Cool."
My goal was to provide them one or two gems that might help them in their careers -- and help them get a job once they graduate from college.
To put their current opportunity in context, I shared that only about 20% of college grads this year got jobs after graduation. Of all the people that applied for a summer internship position at EMC's headquarter campus, only 5% got in.
I'll share my tips with you -- but first, let me share Rachel's. Rachel managed to be one of the 20% of grads to land a job this year. And, she also managed to get into EMC's ultra elite Marketing Leadership Development Program. She sent me these tips this afternoon saying that her job search experience is still so fresh in her mind, she thought these tips might help someone else out.
Rachel Rosenfeld's "Get a Job" Tips for College Seniors
1. Start
your job search NOW. Don't wait for the fall career fairs and
recruiters to come to you. Do your research now and know ahead of time what
careers interest you. Doing so will save you a lot of time at career fairs,
recruiting events, and so on.
2. Be
proactive. Send recruiters your cover letters, request more information
on a position that interests you. Building contacts and getting your name out
there early-on will make you more memorable, and desirable as a potential
candidate for an interview.
3. Use your
network. Leverage your professors for contacts and openings in
positions that interest you. The contacts you build at school (professors,
advisors, coaches, career counselors) are valuable resources and you should take
advantage of it! Get to know them, get their advice, and use it to guide you
through the job search. They may even set you up for an
interview!
4. Don't
jump on the first offer, even if it seems great. Weigh out your
options, wait, and make an informed, smart decision. If the company wants you,
they will give you a grace period before you must except the offer. Don't cancel
all scheduled interviews just because you made it through round one of
interviews with a great company. Keep your options open, and do it
professionally. When a recruiter asks you who else you are interviewing with,
tell them.
5. Be
professional. Shockingly, I saw individuals dressed in jeans and a
t-shirt walking around a campus career fair and speaking with recruiters. DO NOT
DO THAT. Remember etiquette.
Make a business card with your information to give to recruiters, always send a
thank-you email or card after an interview or meeting. Obey professional dress
codes, speak professionally "totally, cool, yup" and other informal language
should be avoided when making a first impression.
Rachel ended her note to me with this comment, "I am fortunate to be one of 20% of
college graduates to have a job, and in a position that I love."
---------------------- Talk Back --------------------
Do those tips resonate with you? What would you add if giving get a job tips in today's market to the college set?
By the way, Rachel has only been with EMC for about 5 weeks. If this proactive type of value-add participation is any indication of the type of engagement and passion she brings to the job, she will thrive here! Smarts, passion, energy, caring, winning, and exceeding expectations are the stuff this place is made of.
- Polly Pearson
http://www.pollypearson.com
http://twitter.com/pollypearson
http://twitter.com/emccareers
