Considering the current global economic trends, the retrenchment scenarios in many industries and the present unreliable world of employment, looking out for a job is quite a challenging task. So if you are in the final year of college and are keen to embark on your employment journey it would be advisable to be very well prepared. Job hunting-especially for first timers can turn out to be a nightmare if not systematically done.
Here are ten common mistakes that people who apply for their first job should necessarily try to avoid:
Not visiting career centers
Most universities have career centers. These assist students in being selected into companies from the campus itself. Avail of such services and seek professional help from the counselors. Once they are aware about what you’re looking for they will be in a better position to get you interviews to Companies listed in your field of interest.
Not figuring out your career path
At such an early time in life it is very rare to know what you would ultimately want to pursue and excel in. Hence, seek the guidance of career counselors. Take aptitude tests to figure out your core strengths. Attend seminars and informational interviews to help narrow down your industry focus.
Not creating an impressive curriculum vitae
In this rat race, it is necessary to stand apart from the crowd. Along with being the ace in the passing out litter, it is essential to be a cut above the already existing army of job applicants in the market. To achieve this you could seek professional assistance in creating an impressive resume. Nowadays, there are many specialists/personal branding experts in this field who can assist you to create a curriculum vitae that is conspicuous. Prepare a resume that highlights your knowledge and strengths in the prospective industry’s position. Avoid sending generic resumes as this reflects a casual approach.
Waiting to look for a job
Do not procrastinate and put off your job search until the last minute. Surfing the online job websites is an important step in finding a job. List out the opportunities available in your line of work and prioritize the employers you would like to work for. Post your resume to the selected organizations. Do not attempt to scatter your resume to umpteen organizations with the hope of getting called for an interview. It would be a herculean task to keep a track of these and also doesn’t reflect well on you as a candidate.
Not networking
For many first-timers, networking is one of the most dreaded aspects of job hunting. But research has shown that more than 60 percent of successful job searches are the result of networking. Instead of spending endless hours in front of the computer, go out and meet people. Putting across well-positioned questions will provide you with valuable information and advice. Though the golden rule of networking is not to ask for a job directly, it is an essential tool required to build a strong professional network for the future.
