Two million college graduates will emerge in 2024, as predicted by the National Center for Education Statistics. And with graduation season underway, many young people are either beginning job hunting or are already starting jobs.
For those pondering their initial career steps, it is important to maintain a running list of your work achievements and ensure your resume highlights your contributions to organizations, encompassing internships and school activities to showcase your impact.
Here are a few tips from career experts for recent graduates to ponder.
Joining Professional Associations is A Superpower
When seeking your first full-time job, utilize networks such as clubs, sports teams, or Greek life affiliations to expand your connections.
Gorick Ng, a Harvard career advisor and the brain behind the "How To Say It" flashcard series for professional communication, suggests that former members of an organization are often listed in spreadsheets or Google Docs, who can be valuable contacts for networking and may provide insights into unadvertised job opportunities.
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According to career coach Phoebe Gavin, joining such associations is an excellent method of enhancing skills, expanding networks, and building a reputation, which Gavin considers a superpower.
Showing Interest in Following Someone Else's Footsteps
An invaluable practice to adopt early in your career is the informational interview. This informal conversation, which can take place virtually, over the phone, or in person, provides an opportunity to gather insights about a specific field, job role, or the career trajectory of the individual you are conversing with.
Both the clubs you were involved in and professional associations present excellent avenues for arranging informational interviews. Depending on your access, contact individuals via email or LinkedIn to initiate these conversations.
If you identify a member in your new professional association whom you would like to learn from, Gavin recommends sending a concise email or LinkedIn message introducing yourself. Express your eagerness to gain their professional insights and include one straightforward, specific question related to the general theme of insights they could address via email to increase the likelihood of receiving a response.
According to Gavin, straightforward questions can pave the way for a more meaningful exchange that can foster rapport.
Researching The Company Before an Interview
Finally, regarding an actual job interview, Ng's top advice is to thoroughly research the company, the individual you will speak with, and the industry.
Ng suggests utilizing tools like Google News and Google Alerts to stay updated on the latest news regarding the company and the individual conducting the interview. This preparation allows you to inquire about recent developments, such as new product launches or promotions, demonstrating to your potential employer that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about their objectives and initiatives.
Before heading into your interview, Gavin strongly advises practicing telling your story. Seek assistance from a career coach, utilize resources at your school's career center, or even practice specific interview questions with ChatGPT to refine your interview skills.
Mastering the art of crafting your work story and aligning it with the job opportunity at hand is crucial as it can effectively demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the role. According to Gavin, learning this early on can significantly enhance your interview performance throughout your career.
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