Four PRo Tips For Job-Hunting Seniors

The holidays are over, the start of the semester is around the corner and reality is becoming more real. For seniors everywhere, the next few months will be filled with interviewing, resume critiques and (hopefully) receiving the perfect job offer to commemorate four years of hard work.

Entering the "real world" can be a looming thought, and is one that many seniors have tried to put off having to face for many months now. Searching for the perfect job (or any job, for that matter) can be quite the overwhelming task. When you have the same end goal as the rest of your graduating class, it's easy to feel like a small fish in a huge pond.

Despite the pressures and concerns, we should all take comfort in the fact that this happens every semester. Seniors graduate, search for jobs and end up just fine. And you will, too!

Here are four tips to help you kick off your job hunt like a PRo, giving you the chance to start early in the semester.

1. Evaluate Your Network

Who do you know, and how can they help you? Take some time to consider if past mentors, professors, bosses or internship colleagues may be able to help make your search a little less stressful. Send emails or handwritten notes to check and and re-spark conversations (that you've hopefully been keeping up with all along). Really beef up your LinkedIn profile and make those connections more than just meaningless digital data.

2. Visit the University Career Center

This may seem a bit cliche, but considering you've been paying for your education for 4 years now, it's best to use every resource at your disposal. Ask for advice on your resume, cover letter and interviewing techniques. Does your university offer any assistance with connecting you with local alumni who you may want to network with? These are all valuable questions that can lighten the load of your job-searching burden.

3. Compile Your Accomplishments

No, I don't mean write a resume (though you should have one of those, too). I mean physically gather all of your accomplished works in one place, and create a portfolio of sorts. Your resume will outline the work that you've done over the years, but having the physical work in front of you will spark memories about just how good you are at what you do. Go through the materials you've gathered and develop taking points about your strongest work. Then, take those talking points and pieces into interviews for an even stronger self-pitch.

4. Develop a Plan

Right now, anything is possible. Your future career may be right in front of you or a plane ride away. To help narrow down the possibilities, it's easiest to work from a strategic plan (treat your job search like a client). Decide what you'd like to do, and what you wouldn't like to do post-grad. Select companies that you could see yourself working for and set up informational interviews, face-to-face or phone meetings. Create lists of why you'd be an ideal candidate for all of the positions you're interested in. Don't walk into the job search blind --know what's out there and go for it!

Seniors, what methods are you using to make the job search easier? And to those who have already graduated and landed their jobs, what advice do you have for current seniors?

Interview Moves (Like Jagger)

Winter break is quickly approaching and with it comes prime job hunting time.When it comes to the interview, we've had posts on how to land one, proper attire, and even informational interviews. However, we haven't given as much attention to the body language we use.

We know that body language speaks just as loudly as our verbal communication and we're aware of obvious movements we should not use...but what exactly should we do? A recent article on Mashable pinpointed several very useful tips to keep in the back of your mind while trying to score your dream job. The following are just a few that I personally found surprising and may help you as well.

• Don't make direct eye contact. "Um, excuse me?" I said the same thing. Although most of us have been taught to do this, too much direct eye contact can be a bit unsettling for the interviewer. Instead, opt for what the article calls "direct face contact." Choose several different points on the face to focus on for seconds at a time for a more natural gaze.
• Show your palms. Studies have shown that when your palms are facing up, it sends a signal to our limbic brain communicating honesty, engagement, and positivity. Patti Wood, a body language expert, says, "It’s one of the reasons we shake hands, to show the open palm. It’s so tied to survival instincts ... If we don’t see open palm gestures, it puts us on our guard."
• Plant your feet on the ground. This tip is also grounded (no pun intended) in science. Apparently keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground makes it easier to think quickly. It allows you to move between the limbic reptilian brain (creative thought) and the neocortex brain (rational thought) to answer highly complex questions more quickly. I suppose that's where we get the phrase "Think/quick on your feet."

For the complete list and even more tips to put you a step ahead of the rest during interview season, read the rest of the original article here. Best of luck!

Say 'Yes' to the... First Job Offer?

As graduation looms, the class of 2014, along with myself, have been anxiously awaiting that "first job" offer. When that offer letter finally arrives, however, the stress and anxiety sets in. You ask yourself, "Is this the right decision?" Or, "Will I be happy at this company?" A whole series of questions and emotions will overcome you as you set out to make this life-changing decision. 

In a recent article, Heather Huhman, a Gen Y Career Expert, outlined some tips for considering your first job offer. If you've recently received a job offer or are anticipating one, these are great things to keep in mind:

1. Determine whether the job fulfills your immediate needs.

Before accepting any offer, make sure it fulfills your immediate needs. To determine whether the position is a good fit, ask yourself questions such as "Why should I accept this job offer?" or "Does the job meet my career goals?"

To help your decision, make a list of your personal and professional needs. Outline everything you desire out of your first job -- from the type of lifestyle to specific benefits/perks to your goals, and everything in between. 

2. Find out as much as you can about your potential boss.

A huge determinant of whether you’ll like your first job depends on your boss. This is why it's a good idea to learn about your potential boss before accepting the job offer.

Make a list of qualities you look for in a boss. These can be characteristics ranging from management styles to personal values. Do I prefer a supervisor who values flexibility? Do I want to avoid bosses who micromanage? Asking yourself these types of questions can get you thinking about the type of person for whom you want to work.

After creating a list of what you're looking for in a boss, research what the boss at this potential position is like. If the qualities aren't lining up (especially the most important ones), this could be a red flag.

3. Consider the big picture.

What do you want to accomplish in the upcoming year? Where do you see yourself five years down the road? As you look at the big picture and what you want to accomplish, determine if this position will help you get there.

For example, if you picture yourself moving up in a company, you'll want to make sure the company provides opportunities for growth -- and approximately how long it should take you to reach each stage.

4. Make sure every detail is crystal clear.

As you review your job offer, make sure every detail is clearly outlined in writing. (An offer isn't an offer unless it's in writing.) Ensure you are promised everything the employer told you during the interview. If something is unclear to you, ask the employer for clarification.

The job offer should clearly outline details regarding your schedule, compensation, and various benefits, including vacation and healthcare plans. You should also look out for extras such as contracts or buy outs. Some employers want to lock in their new hires for a specific period of time. If that's something you're not interested in, definitely reconsider the offer.

5. Don’t make your decision on the spot.

Although you deserve some time to think, most employers give candidates 24-48 hours to make a decision. In other words, you should be prepared to make a decision fairly quickly or risk losing the offer altogether.

If you feel like you're struggling with your decision, ask the employer if they can give you an extra day or two to decide. This would give you more time to weigh your options and talk to a friend or mentor to help you make an informed decision.

As you continue to think about your first job offer, make sure you're aware of your needs, as well as any warning signs. Every offer should be in writing and clearly explain the agreement. Accepting your first job is a huge milestone, and you want to make sure you make the best decision for your career.

What tips do you have for accepting your first job offer?

The Job Hunt To-Do

With May just around the corner, one thing is on every graduating senior’s mind besides warm weather - getting a job! Add in trying to finish out the semester strong and do well in classes, the process can prove to be very stressful. However, keeping organized is the key to success. To help organize the process a little more, I created an excel spreadsheet that arranges everything to keep in mind when applying for first jobs.  Doing something as simple as creating an excel spread sheet can make the process go a little bit smoother!

Here’s an example of the spreadsheet I created:

1.     Set criteria of job - What industry are you looking to go in to? What kind of position would you ideally want with a company?

2.     Set criteria of location - Are you willing/ do you want to relocate?

3.     Finish resume - Update resume with your most recent experience and have a trusted family member, friend or the career center review it!

4.     Finish cover letter - Tailor each cover letter to respond to the job responsibilities and qualifications when applying for different positions.

5.     Personal network list - List all former employers, connections, family members and friends that might be able to help you.

6.     Network List of Mom and Dad - Boss or friends?

7.     Networks through clubs - PRowl, TAC, Greek Life, etc.

8.     Join online groups - LinkedIn, Monster.com, etc.

9.     Join in-person groups - Many cities have young professional networking groups that meet monthly!

10.  Make contact with network lists - Reach out to each person and let them know you’re going to be graduating soon. Depending on your relationship, maybe ask to meet for coffee or lunch and send them your updated resume!

11.  Check online job postings - You have to start somewhere!

Applying for first jobs can be a stressful experience. By outlining key components of the job hunt with certain deadlines, you begin to have a better sense of control over something that can seem overwhelming at times. Also, listing contacts and connections of your own and of family and friends helps to lay out all of your possibilities.

What are some tips you have for college graduates and keeping organized in the job hunt? Leave us a comment and tell us!

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Tessa Cohn.