Blog Post: "I'm currently in college, but getting ready to graduate in 3 months. When do I need to start looking for a job and what should I do to start the process?"

Recently, I have been asked on more than one occasion this very question.  So, I thought I'd write down a few ideas to share!  This doesn't just apply to students either. Perhaps you are transitioning into a different industry, changing jobs, or perhaps you've been out of the workforce for a while, and coming back in.  Either way, here are a few thoughts, but I'll tailor it to the graduates since this was the direct question.

First, congratulations on your achievements in education!  Your question hits close to home with students getting ready to graduate, so thinking about it now is a step in the right direction.  Most graduates make the mistake of waiting until after graduation to start looking for a job, only to find thousands of other recent graduates doing the same thing.  Finding a job is a full time job, and you need to treat it like a business.  Here’s what I mean...

Within a company, there is typically a strategic plan, incorporating a number of factors including but not limited to: Marketing, budgeting, planning, values, a mission statement, client lists, etc.  Many of these concepts should be considered into your plan, as you are now the CEO of YOU!  You are the sole proprietor of YOU and you can take some very basic steps to put you in the lead. 

First, keep your focus on your school projects and finals, but balance in time to start the “process” of looking for a job.  Schedule out time in your day/week that you will dedicate to getting your strategic plan going.  By having designated time, you are ensuring that it will get done- almost as if it’s another assignment. (probably not what you what to hear, but necessary)

Second, how are you “marketing” yourself?  There are a number of social media sites out there (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter) but are you only using them for your personal use?  What about creating a Professional profile on these sites as well that highlights your accomplishments, awards, projects, etc?  Have you been on LinkedIn?  By creating and designing your professional profiles on these types of sites, also allows you to be visible to the recruiting and business world.  Trust me- Many recruiters and HR Professionals ABSOLUTELY look at these sites when selecting candidates.  Do you want them to see your Friday night, out at the club, keg stand pictures, or your professional profile with accomplishments? Upload your resume and create your profile on job boards such as Jobing.com.  Many employers utilize these sites to not only post jobs, but they also search the resume databases looking for key words within resumes.

Next, begin networking- not only through the social media sites, but start utilizing your connections to learn more about different industries, companies, businesses around town, etc.  Write a list of all the people you know that work in an organization, or start seeking out people that you would like to get to know.  Have you thought about what type of company culture is important to you?  Do you want to wear a business suit, or work in a more casual environment?  Do you like fast-paced changing companies, or more traditional?  These all come into play as you begin your discovery process. Create your own Mission Statement and Value Statement.  Check out your local Professional Associations for your industry.  For example, with HR students, SAHRMA (San Antonio Human Resource Management Association) is a fantastic organization with phenomenal resources, people, and connections.  Check out their website for local events, luncheons, and start meeting others in your field of interest. www.SAHRMA.org 

Finally, (although there is so much more to cover, but this is the start), don’t be afraid.  This is a learning process, just as the last 14-16 years in school as been.  Nobody is perfect at it.  There isn’t one perfect way to job search.  Do not sit behind the computer all day and just use that for your job searching.  Get out and talk with people- Get involved with your local Chambers, or professional associations, work with your Career Advisors and Alumni network.  You’d be amazed at how many people can connect and build rapport based on the town they are from, or college they went to!  Even if it’s out of your comfort zone, remember, this is about YOU and YOUR career to be.  You don’t have to be a sales person to sell yourself in the job market… Just be smart, strategic, and most of all, be CONFIDENT!

Stay positive!
Brian