Reflections on the job seminar, “Launching Your Career 101”

I recently had the opportunity to attend “Launching Your Career 101,” a career search seminar for college seniors and recent graduates. Before attending the event, I was skeptical as to what would be discussed during the course of the program that I did not already know. Below are some takeaways I would like to share.

What are you trying to sell?

In order to land a career, you must have a unique positioning; something that differentiates you from all of the other candidates. Simply having a college diploma doesn’t cut it because so does everyone else who will be applying. You must sell yourself as bringing a distinctive offering that employers cannot overlook.

Who will be your target buyer/market?

After you have created your “brand” you must narrow down potential employers. Perform a self assessment to see where your strengths and weaknesses are, and match up your unique “brand” with a company or organization who could utilize your skills. Identifying a “priority focus” of your top companies, as well as key decision makers within those companies can be very beneficial.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be extremely advantageous when searching for jobs, if used effectively. You should use this social media outlet to connect with professionals who work in the field you want to get involved in. I learned that seeking out individuals who graduated from the same university as you can help get your foot in the door of a company. If you can make a connection with someone who has been in your shoes, that person is more likely to give you a push in the right direction.
30 Second Commercial

Create a 30 second pitch for potential employers that incorporate who you are, your skills, experience, and what you want to do in the field. Practice this pitch and be ready to deliver it to employers. Being able to talk about yourself in a confident manner is important and something employers recognize.


Are you in the market for a job? What steps have you taken to insure a successful job process? Let us know!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Steve Jacobs.