Graduates: Make Yourself Marketable

You’ve just been handed that wonderful diploma and you know the clock is ticking for you to turn that diploma into a professional position. Take heart, graduates! The following is a series of simple and fast steps you can take to lead you to that first professional opportunity whether you are graduating with a college or a technical diploma!

1. While you are job searching, consider volunteering or taking an internship.Future employers will applaud your strong desire to make a positive contribution of your talents to a worthy cause.

2. Become a networking expert. Experts estimate that 80 percent of all positions are filled by those who have networked their way into often unadvertised jobs. You’ve proven that you know how to learn new skills by successfully graduating. It will only take a day or two with free resources on the internet to learn the latest social and personal networking tips to network your way into your first professional position.

3. Create a “one-minute elevator speech.” And rehearse saying it! Make this speech a concise and interesting summary of who you are and where you want to go. Not only will your focused speech “wow” future employers, it will help you market yourself as you network.

4. Make sure you have an up-to-the-minute, one page resume. And keep it with you at all times. Remember, as you network, your one minute speech and one-page resume along with your enthusiasm will make a powerful impact on anyone who could refer you into your first professional position..

5. Have one interview-ready outfit ready. And make sure it’s simple and professional. Not sure you even have the money for this? Check re-sale and thrift stores, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you need at a reasonable price. Not sure what professional look will work for you? Have a fun day researching by going to the business district at lunchtime and watch what people are wearing!

6. Join a public-speaking group. There are many, including Toastmasters. Terrified of making a speech or presentations? Guess what? That’s the single biggest fear of everyone on planet earth, hands down! What better way to get ready for the professional world of interviews through this type of group. Whether you are a car mechanic or a manager, you will need to communicate to people to be a success! (P.S.: Also bring your resume to your speaking group and be prepared with your “elevator” speech. Your public speaking group may be one of the single best sources for you to job network!)

7. Join or create a job search group. Try not to job search alone. It is a proven fact that people in groups achieve more goals faster than those working alone. Again, use the internet to locate a job group by your city or county. Most of them are free, and meet every week, and work not only on networking but also interviewing and resume skills. If you can’t find one in your area, call your school friends and host a job-search and support group over the internet!

Best of luck to you as you connect to your new jobs