Ten ways to beat a wavering economy

Soon-to-be graduates are wondering how to get a job in this difficult economy. There are many ways in which a job hunter can land a dream job. Director of Career Services Margo J. Sassaman describes the skills and tools needed to succeed:

1. Start early. It can take up to six months to get a job in a good economy, and in a bad economy it can take much longer. Sassaman explained, “You need to network with people you know, who know other people that are in the position you want to be. Don’t assume employers will fit you in. Figure out what you want to do early and make that very clear in your marketing tools.” Later she added, “Lots of big companies will be done looking for employees in November, like Vanguard, and will hire to start in May and June. School systems start the process at the end of February.”

2. Work on your marketing tools. These tools are essential. They are your résumé, cover letters, applications, interview skills, and portfolios if needed for your field. “One résumé does not fit all. There should be one résumé for each potential position. Don’t use a Word or Works template. Make it specific for each job,” emphasized Sassaman.

3. Do your research. “Know the company you are applying to,” Sassaman stressed, “And be able to present yourself and communicate that you know these things. Know the position you want. Show that you have the skills that position requires. Look at job descriptions; this will help build your résumé for that description. If the description requires ‘x,y, and z,’ you need to show that you have ‘x, y, and z.’”

4. Make plans. Plans should include making your marketing tools, as well as constant revision to them. “You should have a plan B, plan C, maybe even a plan D,” Sassaman said, “Don’t take the first offer right away. Make sure it is a good fit, but remember it might not be perfect. You can still find an ideal job in a back door by working your way up.”

5. Be prepared. Sassaman next explained the crucial steps to good preparation, “Interviews are a two way street. You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Ask the questions you need to make sure it is the right field and the right fit for you. Relate your skills to the positions.”

6. Hit up Career Services. Career Services starts by helping the student figure out what field they want to go in, what skills they have to perform specific jobs, and what companies they want to apply to. They also help develop the marketing tools by developing a solid résumé, helping fill out applications, and performing mock interviews.

7. Perform the mock interviews offered. “We have heard back from students who attend job fairs,” Sassaman explained, “And they feel successful. They feel better prepared from the mock interviews and more comfortable and can communicate better outside the mock setting.”

8. Identify your unique qualifications. “Employers are looking for communication skills, the ability to grow within the organization, and basic skill sets to do the job,” Sassaman said, “Make sure you show why you qualify for the position. Develop a 30 second commercial to present yourself to the employer. Freshmen and sophomores should get internships and summer employment that will get them that job. Seniors still have time to do that as well.”

9. Pound the pavement. Good impressions are made in person. “I don’t recommend using Monster.com,” Sassaman said, “It is not the most effective way to market yourself. Companies with high turnover will utilize Monster.com.”

10. Be persistent. “The biggest problem for people looking for a job is they think one size fits all and they don’t do their homework. They are also impatient and give in too early. You never exhaust your options. Even 10 companies isn’t enough,” advised Sassaman.

For more information, contact Career Services located on the third floor in Lyle Hall, or check out their website, http://www.millersville.edu/careerservices/.