It really is WORK finding employment after graduation!
The diploma earned through so many years of dedicated study does not necessarily
guarantee employment immediately after removing cap and gown.
Students must realize that a job search is a process--a process that is
best begun early in the academic experience and that continues through
studies, internships, co-ops, graduation, and all the way up to the signing
of the contract.
Academic self-assessment is followed by skills assessment. General
job and specific employer research is followed by internships and co-op
opportunities. Mentors, shadowing experiences, and network development
illuminate the fact that there are two markets to consider in seeking post-graduate
employment. Finding your niche in the world of paychecks is akin
to playing tag--sometimes you are the tagged and sometimes you are
the tagger!
Jobs advertised
through the classifieds, employer hotlines, job banks or internet recruitment
sites are the taggers in this market. These postings call "ally ally
oxen free" in the hope that you will answer their invitations to bring
your skills to their tables.
Government relies heavily
on this method of procuring employees. The private sector also uses
these means during times of high demand and low worker supply or high turnover.
However, these usually highly competitive, entry-level positions do not
entice many specialized or experienced workers.
Still, the advertised market
does
have a comfortable feel to it because it was instrumental in obtaining
employment during pre-graduate days. The dilemma lies in the fact
that the advertised jobs represent only 20% of those available to you!
THE
HIDDEN JOB MARKET
In this market you
are the tagger. This 80% of all available employment is filled by
individuals who have created their own niche, have been recommended by
a network acquaintance or recruiter, or have had direct contact with the
employer through their own initiative.
Why? Because of efficiency,
of course. It is much less costly in terms of time and
money for the employer to have a potential employee recommended by a trusted
co-worker or recruiter than to run an ad, review resumes, and spend several
weeks waiting to interview. It also is beneficial to you in terms
of time and money. By tagging [or informing] your network regarding
your job search plans and by taking the initiative to begin your own search
and research, you cover more ground faster and more directly, with less
effort, than if you wait to be tagged!
Remember when you heard,
"It's not what
you know, but who you know?" Now it
is not only who you
know, but WHO KNOWS YOU! Everyone you
know is a potential contributor to your employment well-being.
Your ever-expanding network
is your best route to satisfying employment through a much less stressful
and much more productive method than answering pre-designed electronic
and hard copy ads. You are broadening employment possibilities significantly
each time you:
-
talk with your existing network
members
-
conduct information interviews
-
shadow targeted company personnel
-
select a mentor or speak with
career service personnel
-
attend local career expos
-
continue to expand your network
base
-
read current business publications
-
stay flexible /open to diverse
employment possibilities /employers
HIDDEN
MARKET JOB SEARCH STEPS
-
Develop
a self-marketing strategy that the employer will buy
-
Focus
on one position and one target industry
-
Research
to develop the best match to your skills
-
Develop
a list of keywords describing targeted industry
-
This list
will act as a catalyst for "spin-off" companies
-
Research
each and every company thoroughly
-
Evaluate
corporate climate, location, salary, etc.
-
Contact
your network
-
For company
info, contact people, parallel leads
-
Contact
companies of interest
-
Write
focused, error-free
resumes /"prospecting" letter
-
Prepare
a personal "30-second commercial"
-
Use to
information interview, to schedule shadowing session, to network in person
at fairs/companies or by phone or email
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