Job hunting tips I wish I knew when I was in college

Recent college graduates are coming into one of the worst job markets in history. I graduated college in May of 2006 and thought I was well prepared for my job search. I started looking in February, submitting one or two resumes a week. “Piece of cake,” I thought. “I’ll have a job by May.”

I soon found out that job hunting was, in fact, a job in itself. And that was in a much better economy. I’d like to share some tips that I’ve learned over the past 4 years since graduating. I hope they can help you avoid some of the mistakes that I made in my post-college job hunt.


Do your research. At the very least, you should visit potential employers’ Web sites and learn what they do. Check out the company’s history and learn as much as you can so you can be prepared to explain why you want to work there.

Tailor each cover letter and resume to each individual job you apply for. Be specific—let the hiring manager know exactly what you bring to the table for the open position. Include information that you’ve learned in your research as to why you would be a solid fit.

Never use this objective statement: “To obtain a position that utilizes my skills and ability.” Looking back, I cringe at what I thought would land me a job. Don’t tell the hiring manager how you would benefit from the position; tell them how the company would benefit from you!

Take an internship if you can. One of my biggest regrets from college is that I wasn’t able to take an internship because I worked during the school year and the summer. If your financial situation allows it, sign up for an internship. Even if it is unpaid, the experience you will get will set you apart from those who have none.

Join a student organization. Take advantage of student organizations that bring in real world speakers. Listen and apply their advice in any way you can.

Get your foot in the door. If you find a great company that you would love to work for, see what open positions they have. Many companies promote from within; there is nothing shameful about working your way up.

Practice networking. Think networking is scary when everyone is the same age? Wait to you attend your first business event and realize that you are the youngest person in the room. Practice your networking skills; you never know who will help you earn a job.

As for me, I found my first full-time job in September. A girl I worked with during summers, when I mowed grass for the City, had an internship at QPS and told me they needed another marketing assistant. I applied, interviewed and am still here, three and a half years later.

Let my story be an example for you. Learn from my mistakes and be well on your way to securing a post-college position!