Recent Grad? Help Wanted!!!!

Congratulations!!! You just graduated….now what? This is arguably one of the most exhilarating times of your life to date! You have successfully obtained your degree and are excited to embark on your future. If you are in the percentage of recent grads that know exactly which path to take…own it, follow it and best wishes! If you are in the percentage that isn’t sure what you want to do, listen up because this blog is directed at you. I am by no means a Career Counselor, but I do offer fifteen years of Recruiting experience and often have candidates sit across from me with no clear direction. For the record, this isn’t a negative, I promise! In fact, I was in a very similar position, once upon a time. This just means you’ll have to do a little more networking, research and most importantly, practice patience.

Here are a few tips to help you and hopefully make this process a little less daunting:

• Network. Online and In-Person – Utilize LinkedIn and all the advantages it has to offer. Join local professional groups that interest you and definitely join your alma matter group(s), including your sorority, fraternity or the club with which you were affiliated. Most local groups meet once a month so my advice to you is, figure out when and where and show up. You’ll never know if the contact you meet has an opening or knows of someone hiring if you don’t try. It’s not always easy but this is the time to step out of your comfort zone, because I’m here to tell you, the networking scene is one of the best ways to find a job whether it’s direct or via a referral.
• A little Flexibility & Patience goes a long way – I get it, you want to hit the stores to buy your new professional wardrobe, rent your first apartment and maybe purchase a new car. But, first things first… lets figure out how you will pay for this wish list. If you are truly at a loss for which direction to take, consider contract/temp assignments. These positions can help you figure out which industries you would entertain long-term or you can start the process of elimination list. Also, remember that your first job isn’t necessarily where you will be for the next 40 years… chances are it won’t!

Be Open Minded, Be Flexible and most importantly, don’t be too proud to take a job to get your foot in the door because you never know what might happen!!! Here is my story:

I was originally hired at TEWS in a business development role. After a few months, I quickly realized that making cold calls wasn’t my “calling”!! That realization was brutal because I loved the company, the culture and my co-workers. I knew I had to figure out a way to stay at TEWS and had always admired the team of Recruiters and the work they were doing. At the time, the proverbial “right of passage” to become a Recruiter was to start at the front desk to learn the ins and outs of the recruiting process. Luckily for me, timing was on my side, as the Receptionist was recently promoted. I knew that requesting to be the new Receptionist was a bit of a step down but I had my eye on the prize. Within a short year, I was promoted to a Recruiter and have never looked back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Caruso, Senior Recruiter