In a few months, thousands of graduates all over America will be searching for jobs. However, most people who are about to enter the workforce are underprepared for the job hunt and interviews, and this could lead to a longer job search down the line.
However, graduates can get ready for the process by preparing a few things to bring before going on the job quest. Here are all the things that every job hunter must have before going to a job hunt and interview.
A resume
You can’t just walk into a building and ask for job openings without leaving a resume. Prepare an updated resume with a professional-looking template and font. Recent college graduates can include links to a LinkedIn profile and an email address in their resumes. You can also mention your GPA if it’s above a 3.0.
Ideally, you should have several copies of your resume, but don’t carry them around in a brown envelope. To keep them pristine, keep them in a slim, leather portfolio in a dark, solid color. Or take it up a notch with a leather padfolio from Leatherly, which protects your resume and has compartments for a business card or an ID card, and you can even stash a thin legal pad in it. It also houses a pen pouch and a pen holder so you can take notes or fill out application forms.
An interview outfit
Your interview outfit must make you look good and feel good. Apart from looking professional, your goal is to be comfortable while going on interviews. Men can wear dark suits and leather shoes if applying for a corporate business position, while a jacket, flat front slacks, and a button-down in tasteful colors are appropriate for business casual jobs.
Ladies should opt to wear heels no higher than two inches for comfort, so save the stilettos for date nights. Find out what the company’s dress code is before choosing your interview outfit, then dress accordingly. Makeup should be tasteful, so apply cosmetics with a light hand.
A kit for freshening up
Carry a small, zippered pouch with essentials for freshening up. For men, this could be a pack of body wipes, a small stick of deodorant, a mini toothbrush and toothpaste, mints, and a small comb. Ladies could bring the same items, plus a pressed powder compact, lipstick, stain remover, safety pins, Band-aids, and an emery board to smooth and shape nails.
Cash
Sometimes, you’re left with no choice but to get a cab, especially when you’re running late for an interview. Bring some cash with you in small denominations while going on a job hunt.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s tips on how to land a job after you graduate.
