May 27 2009
How to Network
You’ve finally done it! All of you seniors out there are about to graduate from four intense years of learning. Give yourself a pat on the back and congratulate yourselves. You’ve earned it! Now with a college degree under your belt, it’s time to face the real world (after a long, well-deserved vacation of course) and all it has to offer. Sure, times are tough. But just because the economy isn’t at its finest, doesn’t mean you have to follow suit.
Having graduated just last year, I have to admit it was a scary time. There I was with not one, but two Baccalaureate degrees under my wing and no job in sight. Although I jumped the gun and immediately thought I had no future (we all get emotional sometimes, right?) I knew I had to allow myself some time. So my right hand reached into my bowl of networking. And even if you’re worried about your number of contacts, there are still ways to brand yourself. Of course it’s natural to feel a bit shy in doing so, but you ladies are inspiring and worthy of a job. Hey, you worked for it!
How to Market Yourself
It’s all about how you market yourself. For example, if you studied to become an entertainment journalist, you need to widen your prospects and be willing to take on some not so amazing jobs. It’s very rare that we chicks in our early 20s will land that dream job right out of college. Sure, the jobs you obtain early on may not be the most glamorous, but they will benefit and only add on to your resume. These positions will showcase your talents in other areas, not just entertainment. Remember, employers want a jack of all trades, not someone strictly about one subject. It’s also handy to have your own business card regardless of your current job situation. Not only does it give a sense of professionalism, but it accentuates your drive and desire to work. A good looking card is able to grasp attention so opt for a different color background aside from white. It’s said that many cards with a type of logo or design on them attract those receiving. Attaching your business card to a resume is also a great way to separate yourself from other applicants.
How to Impress During Exploratory Interviews
These interviews are very beneficial in the sense it is under the initiative of the job seeker to conduct the meeting rather than the employer. By setting up the interview, you are able to screen the company as a potential work place, finding out if the setting fits well with you or not. Exploratory interviews are ideally meant to find a position even if nothing is currently available. It’s up to you to come in with a positive attitude and impress the possible future employer. Not only will you gain some practice on interviewing, but you will network with a great contact.
By leaving a memorable impression, the employer could end up helping you in the future. The next time a great position opens, he or she may just contact you for a real interview. Be prepared with questions about the company, types of positions available and thank the company for their time. It’s up to you to keep the interview rolling so don’t expect the person interviewing to ask questions about you. Your job is to ask as many questions as possible pertaining to the company and person at large. Check out this website for some great interviewing tips.
How to Keep In Contact With Former Supervisors
You’ve put your blood, sweat, and tears into your internship and still, they don’t have any room to hire you. Don’t worry! Just because we’re in a time of economic woe, doesn’t mean you have to be. Never disregard your former internship supervisors because you didn’t land a job shortly after your last day. That not only shows poor workmanship, but no drive whatsoever.
To get somewhere, you have to smile while doing the grunt work. My supervisor from Us Weekly told me she had interned with the magazine and didn’t nab a position until she was 23-years-old. Make sure to send a simple e-mail every couple of months to catch up with a former supervisor. Keep in mind that contacting them out of nowhere after you hear about a potential position, doesn’t work in your favor. People love to feel appreciated and sending a quick “How are you doing?” e-mail once in a while shows that you care. They will keep you in mind if a position ever opens up and will give you a great reference if necessary.
How to Freelance Yourself
Sure, we all want to get paid to do something we love to do. However, times they are a changin’ and we have to roll with the punches. Everyone is looking for freelancers and sometimes you won’t get paid. Don’t hang your head in shame, chicks! Regardless of getting paid, it’s another position to expand your resume. It can’t hurt you, only help you. Keep in my mind, doing something is better than doing nothing for your career in a time of downswing. Not only will this build your portfolio, but enhance your skills as well. And as I previously said, companies want an employee who can do multiple things, not a person who restricts themselves to one area. For great writing opportunities, check ED2010.
How to Make New Contacts
You can make some great contacts in the most obvious of places. Going to happy hour with your friends? Bingo! Social atmospheres are the best way to network. Although it can be a little awkward talking with a stranger, you’re in a public environment so it should ease the tension. Exude that confidence! You never know who you could be conversing with. Refrain from jumping right into occupation talk. Instead, schmooze and ask questions about the person.
People LOVE to talk about themselves and this will act as a great leeway into discussing job details. A friend of mine recently just told me about a random encounter she had. While waiting at a crosswalk in New York City with an unknown male, they struck up a conversation about the weather. They walked a couple of blocks together and by the time of their departure, the man gave her his card. He just so happened to work for Merrill Lynch and told her to call him to discuss her resume and possible employment.
So, ladies, it’s all about being personable and likable. By putting yourself out there and really digging deep into your talents, that job could be just around the corner. Get out there and give them what you got!
Chantal Waldholz is a 2008 journalism and English graduate from New York University who hopes to one day write for a major entertainment magazine or network. She has a weakness for pricey shoes and secretly adores her guilty pleasures—gossip and reality shows.
