Words of Wisdom About Your Entry Level Job Search

Following are some initial thoughts for you to consider as you prepare for your job search:

• Only you can find your dream job. Do not depend on anyone else to hand it to you on a silver platter.
• Your college owes you nothing other than a great education. Your diploma does not come with a guarantee of a job. That is something you need to secure on your own.
• Seek work you love. You will be spending the greater portion of your life working. Make it an enjoyable experience.
• You are infinitely better off making $30,000 and being happy than making $60,000 and being miserable. No, the extra $30,000 is really not worth the misery. Happiness is priceless.
• Extracurricular activities count. Whether a club or athletics, it shows you are a well-rounded person. And it may be your best opportunity to exhibit leadership skills.
• Experience is experience. You gain new experiences every day. You do not have to be paid for it to be considered valid experience.
• A part-time job during school is a great way to pay the bills and gain some experience. Yet don't let it take priority over your education or your eventual entry level job search. Remember what you came to accomplish.
• Grades do matter. If you are reading this early, keep your grades high. If late, you will need to provide potential employers with a very good reason if they are not at least a 3.0 (B average) or above.
• Keep your ethics high and it will soon become one of your most admired qualities. Very few remain committed to solid ethical standards throughout their lives. Do not let yours down. Be the exception rather than the rule.
• Truth is still the truth even when everyone else abandons it. Stand for honesty and truth in all you do.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions in your job search and life in general. There are many people willing to help. But first you must be willing to ask for their help.
• Develop the key technical skills for your field or industry of interest. If you are not sure what they are, check out current job postings.
• Thoroughly research each employer you pursue. It is not enough just to show up for the on-campus interviews and hope for the best.
• The most qualified person does not necessarily get the job. The person with the best job search skills will typically get the job over the most qualified person.
• Job search is a game, complete with a defined set of rules. You need to play by the rules. To win, you will need to push those rules to the limits.
• Remember that managers hire people who are like them. Do your best to reflect commonality.
• Always think about meeting the needs of others. This is the only way you will be able to meet your own personal needs.
• You are unique. There is no one else out there exactly like you. Learn to recognize your unique strengths so that you can communicate them to others.
• A smile will carry you far in your job search. A warm, friendly attitude communicates the message that you are enjoyable to work with.
• What you lack in experience, compensate for with passion and enthusiasm.
• The better you get at your job search, the easier it becomes. And when you have finally mastered the process, it is over. But it is a life skill that you will return to again and again.