You’ve graduated, you’ve earned the diploma that Mom and Dad said would really help you out – a necessity – and now – where are the jobs? Even when you have great self esteem looking for employment and finding the ‘right job’ can be defeating – no interviews, no offers, no hiring….how to break into the real world?

1. Keep the focus – look at more places than just the internet, talk to your parents friends…who do they know, these lesson are as old as the hills – but really do make a difference.
2. For a moment – give up some of your independence. I know you want to secure the job on your own…so you’re not tempted to contact someone that works at the company for a referral. However put some energy in finding that person. It may be someone that graduated with your sister/brother a few years ago – contact them….connect the dots until you find someone that works at the company where you want to get in. Some companies pay for referrals – so your ‘new friend’ may be motivated to help you. Don’t forget that flavor; be thankful and appreciative to the person that helped you out.
3. Think career fairs are a bust – think again; you’re getting a chance to make an impression – I know they take a few hours – you have to dress up – but – guess what – it is another face to face chance.
4. Have your resume reviewed by someone that works in your field – someone that actually reviews resumes. I’m not saying that the college class didn’t prepare you – but stay current; see what the people hiring are really looking at and for.
5. Taking a job – that isn’t the perfect fit is not the end of the world. Take the situation and learn from it, what you like and what you don’t. Use it as motivation to keep looking for the job that is a better fits. Recently we hired an art education major part time to help us develop our mailing campaigns – she is bright and creative and ready to learn a new program. It’s a win for both parties – she earns some income and we are able to have someone dig in and help us out. We both know it is a short term project that helps her until she has a full time job and frees up our time to coach teams.
6. Keep life in perspective – careers happen a day at a time; start building yours with what is available today, adjust and adapt. It just may be the skill set a future employee will be really looking for.
7. The job hunt isn’t easy; today it’s not about signing bonuses. Companies are being cautious about their bottom-line; employees/benefits are a huge expense. Understand that the hiring isn’t just about you…your role is about helping the company thrive.
Jodi Wiff is a partner in Lighthouse Leadership, a leadership coaching company that helps individuals and teams navigate the rough waters of business.