Tips for Entering the Job Market After College

The average job search can take more than six months, and this is especially true for recent college graduates seeking their first entry-level positions. This is the toughest entry-level job market in recent history, which means many college graduates will have a longer interim period between graduation and their first professional level job. Be prepared for a long wait, but take advantage of everything you have to score that first job.

Invest in the Necessities

New college grads are not known for their copious amounts of spending money. However, there are a few things you will need to spend money on to be prepared for those first interviews. Think of these items as long-term investments in your future. They are as necessary as your new degree to score a good position out of college.

Your college wardrobe probably consists of t-shirts, jeans and college hoodies, none of which are ideal for the job interview. The day after graduation you need to invest in a nice business suit. Beware of cheap dress clothes which are ill fitting, but don't feel you have to spend two months rent either. Stores like Express and the Men's Warehouse have fine brand names, well-fitting clothing, but also offer decent sale prices.

For men, this means at least one pair of nice dress slacks, which fit you well and look expensive. Then choose a simple, professional jacket to coordinate with the dress pants. Dark charcoals work better than black, which can seem too severe and tuxedo like. Lighter grays may not be appropriate in cooler months. Choose two or three dress shirts in different colors. White, royal blue and silver are the hottest fashion colors but are also classics that make any many look sleek, professional and sexy. Choose a basic tie to complement all three shirts and a nice pair of dress shoes. You can go cheaper on the dress shoes as long as you keep them clean and only wear them for your job interviews.

Ladies, you will need a similar job interview wardrobe, but you may do a knee-length pencil skirt instead of slacks. You may also want to swap the suit coat for a hip-length blazer. Choose simple dress shoes without the sexy details. A sleek peek-toe or Mary Jane with a one to two inch heel is ideal. Avoid boots, high-heels or strappy sandals which can appear too sexy and backfire.

Next, purchase one package of nice resume paper with a watermark. Add a package of letterhead and envelopes which match the color. If you get cream resume paper, you should get cream letterhead. Avoid extreme yellows which can look cheap. Go for a subtle off-white tone.

Finally, you will need a simple but professional portfolio. These sleek folios, usually made of faux leather in black or brown, are really just stylish folders. However, you will appear much more professional and hireable pulling copies of your resume out of leather portfolio than a cheap school folder at a job interview.

Research the Possibilities

Compile a list of resources to scout out openings in your field. When I entered the journalism market, I had a list of websites which posted national journalism and photojournalist positions at reputable companies. National jobseeker sties like Monster and Careerbuilder may waste your time. Few local companies will post on these sites. Instead, they post to internal job boards and field-specific websites. With a little research you can compile a list of these places. Check these every single day. Make it part of your routine. Whenever a new position pops up, apply as soon as possible. This will give you the best insight without have actual connections at each company.

Don't Be Afraid to Cold-Call

Remember also that many companies never post their open positions. They use word of mouth to hire new prospects. Make a list of companies for which you would like to work and prepare a cover letter specific to each one. Research the company so you know what types of positions for which you might be qualified. Send your information to human resources, even if they have not posted open positions. Your info will be on file so if they do suddenly need a new-hire they are more likely to call you.

Get a Name

This is especially true for cold-calling. When I sent resumes to newspapers, I would always address them specifically to the photo editor or newsroom editor who would be my boss. They can then pass your info along to human resources, but you will have made an impression on one of the people who would hire you. Addressing your information to someone specific makes it much more likely that your information will be reviewed and saved.

You Gotta Start Somewhere

As recently as five years ago, my business ethics professor advised my class to wait for the right job instead of jumping into the first offer. While this is still good advice in some ways, the tougher job market of today may not make it worth the wait. For many reasons, it can be good to wait through some lesser first offers until you get the right position and salary you want. However, it is always hardest to get that first job without any professional experience. Consider all the offers you get the first few months out of college. If an offer will pay you enough to survive and has a decent company reputation, go ahead and take it. It is always easier to get hired when you currently employed. There is nothing wrong with continuing to look for a better position once you get that "first-job stigma" out of the way. Just remember, short terms on resumes will hurt you in the long run, so do not bounce around more than two or three times. Don't swap positions and companies in your first few years unless the pay and position differences will be worth it.