An early start and flexibility are keys to successful job searching for graduating seniors. Tara Smith and Lance Erickson of the Career Center say getting hired can take months, so students should start looking for their post-graduate job now.
“Start as soon as you can,” said Smith.
Erickson, the Career Center’s interim director, recommended students visit the career center to prepare for finding a job. Some of the Career Center’s free services for students include resumé and cover letter help as well as mock interviews.
All mock interviews at the Career Center are recorded, and then a digital copy is given to the student so he or she can review it later, much like a sports team watching game tapes to better prepare for future events. Erickson said students often don’t realize when they are fidgeting or using filler words, such as “um” and “like,” which are caught in the mock interview tape.
“Practice with someone,” Erickson said. If students aren’t able to make it to the Career Center, practicing with a friend or family member will still help prepare students for interviews.
Smith advised students to apply for as many jobs as possible to improve their odds of being hired quickly.
“Don’t rely on one position,” she said. Even though one interview may have seemed to go well, she said, students should still apply for other jobs while waiting to hear back from that company.
After applying or interviewing for a position, follow up with the company within a week.
“The more times they hear your name, the better,” said Smith.
Flexibility may be important for graduates whose majors are not specific to jobs in this area.
“Look beyond the region, be open,” said Erickson. Smith agreed, saying more options lead to more opportunities.
To find openings in a career field, Erickson recommended as broad a search process as possible.
“Use all available job searching methods,” he said. In addition to searching online, graduates should network with friends, family and acquaintances.
“There’s a hidden job market out there,” Erickson said. Smith followed up by saying roughly 80 percent of job openings are not posted online or in newspapers, and candidates are only found via word of mouth.
Smith said the job market is improving for college graduates.
“We posted more jobs this month than ever before,” she said. “It’s getting better.”
Last year, 17 companies attended the Education Career Fair. This year, 36 companies were there, more than double the previous year’s event. Erickson said more companies attended ISU’s general career fair as well.