Your
ideal college life is about to end and the daily grind is
about to begin. But don’t dismay, if you understand
corporate culture and target the right job much of that ideal
life will not be lost.
While the economy is still not in tip-top shape most employers
are expressing a desire to hire college graduates this season.
So, it is important to get all of the information you can
to land your most desirable job.
Pertinent experience
When you interview after college you will not have a long
list of full time jobs at your credit, but there are other
experiences your employer will look at when considering your
experience. List all of your college jobs, summer jobs, volunteer
experience and special skills you have developed. Special
skills could be anything from advanced skills with the Microsoft
suite to advanced skills in web or print design.
Interview professionalism
My younger sister was once hired as
a first time accountant. After taking the job she learned
that she was hired as only
two of two hundred. She asks management, “why did you
pick me over so many others?” They responded by saying
that 100 candidates where thrown out because they did not
have an accounting degree or anything related (some had art
degrees), another fifty were thrown out after the first interview
because they came dressed in blue jeans or similar attire.
The rest were thrown out because they were late or rude,
and the remainder were judged on education, additional skills
learned in college, and knowledge about the company. They
were particularly impressed about my sister’s knowledge
about their company. They said she had the most extensive
knowledge of anyone interviewed.
Company Environment
All companies do not share the same environment. Read the
companies website thoroughly, talk to others who work for
the company to make sure you fit into that environment.
Your Education
Be careful to list relevant courses to this particular job,
and additional related skills you acquired while in college.
All companies are different and will consider a different
combination of college attended, college degree, and college
grades.
Your Attitude
Every employer likes a cheerful employee.
Maintain your enthusiasm after you are hired; understand
the corporate
culture or the culture of your particular area of employment.
Office politics are everywhere, so beware, and don’t
get involved. It will take a while for you to learn the different
personality types you are working with.
As a long-term employer, I have looked for the same qualities
year after year, and those are employees who:
1. Are on time
2. Make work related goals a priority
3. Have a good attitude toward co-workers and customers
4. Limit their personal business at work
5. Ask important questions to supervisors and co-workers
6. Work well as a team member
Try this eCourse-Job Interview Techniques
[click here]
Lois Center-Shabazz is the founder of MsFinancialSavvy.com
and author of the 3-time award-winning personal finance book,
Let's Get Financial Savvy! ISBN #0971979502.
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