      As graduation nears, every strategy is worth considering. So here are a few
       additional tips from your Career Center:

     1. Start early and give weekly attention to your job search.

     2. Do not under estimate the value of direct contacts that you can have with
         employers through career fairs and any other employer related on-campus
         activity.

     3. Sharpen your credentials, competition is keen, i.e., improve your GPA,
         strengthen your leadership accomplishments, volunteer to gain experience
         outside of your field and continually update your resume and cover letters. Make
         sure you have received the consent of every reference that you are listing on
         your resume and this approval should not be simply assumed. This is also a
         good time to consider whether graduate school will enhance your skill-set and
         make you a more attractive candidate for employment.

     4. Practice interviews through the Career Development Center's Video Tape Mock
         Interview program, where you actually get feedback from real employers.

     5. Develop a backup plan until you secure employment, since the length of time
         between your interviews and an actual hiring date can be as long as 6 months to a
         year. Reduce expenditures; possibly move back or continue staying at home and
         save any money given to you as graduation presents.

     6. Be aware of alternate employment strategies such as: new employer sponsored
         post-graduation internships, temp-to-perm positions found through temporary
         employment agencies and part-time or seasonal employment.

    7. Pay close attention to employers who are still hiring and consider broadening your
         career considerations. Take another look at programs such as the Peace Corp,
         and Teach for America and emerging employment opportunities within the Federal
         Government.

     8. Stay positive and remember that a positive attitude and willingness to work in
         areas even outside of your field will help you to cast a wide net and eventually
         secure a rewarding position.

     9. Learn the art of networking. This is a skill and an attitude that you must
         continually refine. It's not just who you know, but who knows you! Be sure your
         on-line presence or brand reflects a high degree of professionalism -- no
         exceptions.

    10.Make regular use of your Career Development Center. Where else can you
        go to get direct feedback from employers and actually participate in campus
        interviews?

Linda Bates Parker, Director
Career Development Center

This page last updated on June 18, 2009
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