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How to get noticed in the job crowd
Mar 21, 2010 (The Kansas City Star - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
This is for the college seniors who are back from spring break and really, finally, jumping into the post-graduation job search.
(But, hey, parents might want to keep reading, too.)
Job searches aren't easy, especially this spring. The job market is only a tiny fraction better than last spring's misery, and you'll be competing with lots of experienced workers.
But there are ways to improve your odds of getting noticed.
First: You are extremely unlikely to get a job simply by responding to job postings you find online.
Instead, send your resume very selectively to your dream company or in response to posts that you believe you are perfectly qualified to do.
Don't waste time spraying the Internet with applications for any job that you think, "Well, I could do that." So could thousands of others.
Instead, talk to people.
Talk to your parents, relatives, neighbors, professors, career counselors, coaches, church leaders and friends' parents. Talk to people who know you and -- we hope -- like you and will vouch for your dependability, your intelligence and your perseverance.
You are most likely to get an interview -- your chance to sell yourself -- because somebody recommends you. Do not be shy about building a job search network.
Meanwhile, be honest with yourself. Are you willing to move? What are you good at doing? What fits your personality? What are your true financial needs?
Your goal isn't a paycheck. It's work that fits you -- or you'll repeat your job search shortly.
Clean up your Facebook or MySpace pages. Get rid of college drinking or sexually inappropriate stuff. Be careful what you put on Twitter. Job recruiters look at social media.
Fix your cell phone greeting and your e-mail address. No " hotchick@gmail.com" or music recordings.
If someone you've reached out to calls you or e-mails back, answer quickly and professionally. No texting.
Finally, write a thank you note to anyone who refers you or interviews you. You will stand out from the crowd.
To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send e-mail to stafford@kcstar.com. Read her past columns at economy.kansascity.com.
To see more of The Kansas City Star, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.kansascity.com. Copyright (c) 2010, The Kansas City Star, Mo.
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