Mistakes Recent or Upcoming College Graduates Make & the Solutions to be a Savvy Searcher!

 

 

Mistake #1

Trying to search for a job on your own.

 

Solution

A crucial part of the job search process is networking with others, including family and friends, other students, professors, and former employers and co-workers. People who advance successfully in their careers know how to seek advice and counsel from the networks they develop throughout the years

 

Mistake #2

Accept advice unquestioningly.

 

Solution

Remember that people have their own perspectives, which may not conform to your value system or even be accurate or appropriate. Ask, listen, probe politely, do your research, and then evaluate.

 

Mistake #3

Handcuff yourself to a major.

 

Solution

Your major doesn’t guarantee you anything, and it doesn’t put any career handcuffs on you, either. Think in terms of what you would like to do in your career and go forward from there.

 

Mistake #4

Have false expectation.

 

Solution

Make sure that you are fully aware of the entry level position taken by college graduates. Talk to as many people as you can about the nature of their jobs, especially at the entry level stage. Seek out those who are employed in the field you want to enter.

 

 

Mistake #5

Rely on a single source of job leads.

 

Solution

A successful search usually requires using a variety of sources, including your campus career services office, the faculty, networking, professional association directories, and the Internet. Besides, finding a job is more about contact with people then merely technology.

 

Mistake #6

Exhibit a lack of direction.

 

Solution

On your resume, have an object or summary that indicates, at least broadly, what type of job you are seeking.  For an example, “seeking a position in finance” or pursing a career that utilizes my writing and creative abilities.” At a job interview you will likely be asked, “Why do you want to work for us?” Notice the question does not end in the word “only.” Treat this as a concrete question dealing with the foreseeable future rather than a theoretical question dealing with the next 40 years. Tell the interviewer what you like about the job and the company as well. The fact that you are not absolutely certain about your career plans does not have to enter the discussion.

 

Mistake #7

Confuse inappropriate with candid.

 

Solution

Employers are hiring your professional self, not your private self and the professional self is what should be presented to them, rather than discussing personal matters. Keep personal issues to yourself.

 

Mistake #8

I hide it you find it.

 

Solution

A good guideline is this: If you don’t say it, the interviewer won’t hear it. Your responsibility is to make your strengths shine forth in your answers and questions you ask at your job interview

 

Mistake #9

Keep sloppy records.

 

Solution

You should make notes after every interview, including the name of your interviewer.

 

Mistake #10

Use sloppy language.

 

 

 

Solution

 

You should avoid using slang or college lingo. Interjections such as “you know” and “like” will hurt your chances. For example instead of “cool” say “interesting”

 

Mistake #11

Criticize a former employer.

 

Solution

No one demands perfection, but everybody will expect you to take responsibility for your own action and to learn from your mistakes. Tearing down other does nothing to build yourself up. Never do this during a job interview.

 

 

 

 

All mistakes and solutions came from p.121-125 in the book 95 Mistakes Job Seekers make…and How to Avoid Them  by Richard Fein (2003,Impact Publishers). To learn more mistakes and solutions come to Career Services DeRicci 206 and browse through this and other great books.  The book will be available for check out after Friday , Feb. 17th.