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Land Your First Job

Graduation day is quickly becoming a distant memory.  With fall approaching, many young adults are looking to take that first career step.  Let the web help you!


If you still don't know what you'll be doing with your degree, don't be discouraged by the less than perfect US economy.  A survey of employers found that hiring for entry-level positions could be up.  Use your cyber skills to find that first job. 

Search Yourself:  It may be true in some fields that there's no such thing as bad publicity, but most would agree that this idea falls flat when trying to give a great first impression.  Do what many potential employers are already doing and research your cyber identity.  Does a simple search of your name turn up offensive writing or unprofessional photos?  If the answer is yes, you need to clean up image fast.

Promote Yourself:  You are your best publicist and the internet is a great way to promote yourself as a top candidate for the job.  The first step is taking down anything on social networking sites or blog spots that could be seen as unprofessional or immature.  Change your privacy settings so that you control who reads about you.  If you're finding it difficult to clean up your image on these sites it's also a good idea to reach out to friends who may have posted questionable photos or rants about you.  If you're still having trouble cleaning up your image consult a company like DefendMyName.com or ReputationDefender.com.  It can be pricy, but it could be the difference between landing a job or being rejected. 

Once you've cleaned up your profile think about highlighting positive experiences and accomplishments or showcasing your portfolio online.

Network: Find a professional network like LinkedIn to join.  These tools are a great way to build contacts and find mentors or former employers to recommend you. 

Strategize Before Hitting Send: The internet has made it very easy to send out massive amounts of your resume with just the click of a button, but you may want to consider quality over quantity.  Spend time researching each job opportunity, tailoring your resume and cover letter for each employer and position.  Add key words to your resume that are industry specific to prove you're 'in the know' about the job you're seeking.

Always Say Thank You: Even if the web helped you land your interview, remember to send a thank-you note as soon as possible.  Old-fashioned, handwritten notes still make the best impression. 

Source: hotjobs.yahoo.com