SDSU’s executive director of Career Services has advice for graduates heading into the job market.
SAN DIEGO (Wednesday, May 6, 2015) — According to James Tarbox, who has 18 years of experience leading career centers and is the executive director of San Diego State University Career Services, research shows employers plan to hire 8.3 percent more new college graduates than they did from the Class of 2014.
The degrees most in demand are business, engineering, computer and information sciences, and math and science, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
So what do graduates need to do to keep them at the top of hiring manager’s minds? Tarbox shares his list of top advice for searching, applying and interviewing for the first post-college position.
7. Jump start your search
Graduates should get in contact with their campus career services office, many of which offer information on how to market oneself, stand out against other applicants, conduct effective job searches and negotiate salaries. Many universities also offer post-graduation resources, free to recent graduates for a set period of time.
6. Leverage your college experience
Many employers value and actively seek out graduates from their alma mater. According to Tarbox, they cite the job-ready strengths alumni from their universities bring to their organizations. Your job as a candidate is to clarify what you gained from your college experience. Emphasize the skills and knowledge you expanded throughout your time at your university and how they will allow you to contribute to the position and to the organization.
5. Know the strengths employers seek
Your resume should be a reflection of your expertise and experience. But knowing what hiring managers look for while reviewing resumes can help you to communicate your strengths better. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the key qualities are: leadership, ability to work in a team, strong work ethic, initiative and strong communication, problem solving, analytical, technical and computer skills.
4. Maintain your ethics and integrity
Many employers have moved interviewing to online, sometimes incorporating phone and video-based processes and social media. These require applicants to complete qualifying assessments, exams and skills inventories. Tarbox emphasizes that along with following employer guidelines for these requirements, it is vital to provide information that honestly reflects your work and experiences. A lapse in ethics and integrity could cost a job, even after an offer is made.
3. Use the social media advantage
Whether you maintain a personal web page or are active on LinkedIn, it’s important to proactively maintain professionalism on all of your social media profiles.
“Your LinkedIn profile should include your education, professional summary, diverse recommendations and a display of relevant group connections,” Tarbox said. “Customize your public profile URL, link your social media accounts and stay on top of updating any new responsibilities or experiences you have.”
2. Network, network, network
Many graduates have already made connections through internships and jobs they had while students. When making new connections, Tarbox says it’s important to be interested (ask questions) and interesting. He suggests exchanging business cards, connecting on social media and asking for an informational interview. Don’t know where to start? Make the most of your relationship with your university by attending networking events and alumni functions. Aside from athletic games, join your college alumni association and look for affinity groups that hold a range of events.
According to Tarbox, the most important thing to remember is … 1. Persist and point out
If you are taking advantage of networking opportunities, checking and applying for experience-appropriate positions and making the best use of your online presence, your professional image will catch the attention of employers and recruiters. Persistence pays, but maintaining an updated paper and online resume is a vital part of what gets you noticed.
“Even in a solid economy, the job search takes time. Use the job search period to learn, connect and grow,” Tarbox said. “Each interview is a chance to learn more about yourself and a company. Before accepting an offer, assess the position, the fit with the organization and your career path.”
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is a major public research institution offering bachelor’s degrees in 89 areas, master’s degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 21 areas. The university provides transformative experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, for its 34,000 students. Students participate in research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. The university’s rich campus life features opportunities for students to participate in, and engage with, the creative and performing arts, a Division I athletics program and the vibrant cultural life of the San Diego region. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.
