My Top Five Tips When Searching for a New or a First Job

As someone who was previously unemployed for just a little under six months, I have a pretty good idea how frustrating finding the perfect job is in this economy. Below I will dispense the top five tips I can give anyone that is currently undergoing a job search.

1. Don't be deterred by certain times of the year. I have been told to avoid applying for job at times such as early summer (because all college students are getting out and looking for jobs and increasing competition), in December (because of holidays). Don't bother worrying about this. Companies look for different employees at all different types of the year for different reasons. For instance, many employees hire during December if they came in under the budget and have the finances to hire an additional employee or they have more time to interview in the summer when it's a bit quieter in the office.

2. Don't give more information than needed. While you may be detailed in your responses, often going in to great of detail may in fact hurt you. If an employer asks you if you are familiar with Microsoft access or excel, but you have never used them outside a school room setting, don't feel the need to volunteer that information. Just inform them that you have a familiarity with the program and only elaborate if you are pressed to give further information. Put the burden on them.

3. Don't underestimate your interviewing skills. No one likes interviewing, even the most outgoing people I know. Additionally, very few people know how to successfully and properly interview potential job candidates. Some may answer the standard interview questions that you can practice how to answer by googling them online, while others are much less formal. I have even had people ask me illegal things in job interviews like do I have children. Just remember that the person is probably no better than conducting an interview than you are at interviewing and that may help you to relax during the process.

4. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Do you research on the company before the interview including fully reviewing the company website as well as doing a Google news search for any relevant information financial or otherwise. The college I went to compile these forms called performance transcripts in addition to typical academic transcripts. They showcased skills as being developed, validated, mastered, or not tested. At the time I considered them useless and didn't see their value. However I urge you to bring items like this along to an interview including copies of dean's list certificates, honor society memberships and any positive academic achievements. I once balked at a friend that told me she compiled an entire portfolio to an interview until she landed an awesome job. Okay, so depending on who interviews you they may think you're a little full of yourself or they care less about your college honor role when you're 28, but most employers will view it as you are very organized, resourceful, and that you take pride in your work.

5. Don't get discouraged. You are going to go on many interviews before you land a job. Many times your resume is picked out of hundreds or thousands of resumes (especially in this economy) so take that as a positive sign that you are even attending interviews. Often your interview is just a formality to widen the pool of applicants when the employee fully knows that they will be hiring within but have to conduct a thorough search beforehand. This is a waste of your time, but it is unavoidable. You will find the perfect job in time.