Tips for Freshers – Part 2

Venturing into the job market with a fresh college degree in hand? Yes, the shift from college life to corporate world is a dramatic one, and calls for putting all the theory you learnt in books into real life practice. However, even before you start to apply what you learnt on campus lies the all important task to find your first job.

The right approach, planning and vision is needed to make the first steps in your career steps in the direction of career advancement. Here are some ways to ensure you make a successful entry into the corporate world:

• Be a keen learner – You will realize that learning never stops even after you accept a job offer and begin your work life. There are always new techniques to learn and concepts to imbibe on-the-job; as a first time employee, be upbeat about applying your knowledge into daily work situations but also keep your eyes and ears receptive to learning new ways of performing tasks from those who have been around for longer than you have.

• Set your goals – Be sure of where you would like to see yourself five years from today. It is important to have clear cut goals as what you aspire to do paves way for the career and job decisions you make. It will also help in your job search in finding the right job for you.
  

• Stay committed – The initial years will bring tough times – there could be interview rejections, difficulty in adjusting to new workplace environment, minor work goof ups, etc. Do not let fear get the better of you and your goals. Perseverance to your work will pay dividends in due time, so don’t give up!

• Make smart choices – Yes, you are young and driven and feel excited about being offered jobs by some good companies. However, maintain your objectivity and decide for yourself whether the job on offer aligns with your career plans and allows you to grow and advance in your chosen field. Evaluate the designation, the job role and compensation carefully.

Good luck with your endeavours!

Quick tips for freshers entering job market

• Job interview preparation – Gear up for interviews by tailoring the right resume that fits the job position you are applying for, taking care that your resume is phrased specifically for that role. Also, be honest in the details you share – both in the resume as well as at the time of interview. Brush up on your communication skills and basic interview etiquette to set a positive tone for the interview. Listen attentively, answer in a precise and pleasant manner, and don’t forget to thank the interview for his/her time.

• Focus on learning – As a fresh graduate looking for job or as a first time employee in an organization, surely there is tremendous excitement and drive to succeed. You may have excellent credentials but remember – you haven’t as yet seen how an office environment functions. You will come across people with vast experience and it is best to be on the receptive mode and learn as much as you can.

• Internships – Did you spend few weeks in a corporate environment as part of the summer internship programme of your curriculum? Most industries these days hold trainee positions for students pursuing degree courses or students right out of college, with the provision of absorbing them as permanent workforce based on their performance. You never know, the seemingly short summer training can become a window of opportunity to get your potential noticed and find a full time job.

• Layout goals – Having defined career goals is extremely important. With no prior work experience to highlight your career interests, recruiters will be interested to know what your short-term and long-term plans are. This would give them an idea of how well suited you would be for a role in their company. Thus, be prepared for interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “where do you see yourself five years from now?”

Though there will be many jobs that will come your way as you progress in your career, it is the first one that sets precedent for those that follow. Take the first steps into professional world with confidence. Here’s wishing you good luck!