Job Hunting 101 for Recent Graduates

Job Hunting Tip # 1. Know what you want.

Don't apply to every job announcement that you see. Employers see this as a cue that applicant lacks focus, goal, and ambition. Applying for a variety of positions in several industries shows that one  doesn't really know what career direction he wants.

Ask yourself first - what am I passionate about? If you know deep in your heart what it is, then you're ready to begin the search. You have to prove to your potential employer that you're serious in your career plans and believe that getting into their industry or company is just the break that you need to kick start your career.

Job Hunting Tip # 2. Network. 

While you have that sense of pride and independence and would want to market yourself by being who you are, be humble enough to accept any act of kindness from the people you know. These are your former professors, alumni group, could be a distant relative, or just your friendly hair dresser. They must care for you and that's why they even bother to tell you of any opportunity that might be worth looking at. After all, we're all interdependent. You still have to prove your worth and qualifications in order to win a job offer and not because of who you know.

Job Hunting Tip # 3. Keep Busy. 

It might take a while before you find that elusive dream job. But take this opportunity to sharpen your skills or even learn a new one. If you've been wanting to join an advocacy group or be involved in community work, this is the right time. You get to do what you've always wanted to do while again building on your network. You can't always be staying at home or otherwise get too busy tinkering on the computer and sending your resume online. Go out and attend seminars or workshops organized by your university, professional association, and even by your church group.

We're actually very impressed with candidates who value professional development and by those who keep themselves productive. You don't even have a lot of explaining to do for a few months of unemployment that we usually notice on the application form if you can tell your interviewer, without batting an eyelash, how you kept yourself busy while waiting for interview invitations.