essential tips for job success

Many graduate employers start the recruiting process in the first semester. Visit your universitys careers service, get registered on the jobs database and learn how to participate in graduate recruitment programs. Check the university careers website and any jobs bulletins often to keep up to date on the latest employer information sessions, careers fairs and job search workshops.

Find out where graduates in your major subject area have become employed. Visit the careers service to look at graduate destination reports or access them online via Grad Jobs and Dollars.

If you havent done so already, ask if any selfassessment tools are available to help you learn more about yourself for example, GCAs Your Career and You publication, CareerQuest, Future Selves, Card Sorts and the MyersBriggs Type Indicator.

Browse through your the careers service resource library at your college to research companies, check out scholarships opportunities, consider postgraduate study or work overseas. Visit the Graduate Opportunities website.

If you havent had the chance to gain much work experience, consider doing so now. Look at working part time or volunteering to get the experience you need. Talk over any skills gaps with a careers advisor and make a plan to develop the required skills.

Employers look for allrounders with interpersonal and social skills as well as technical and or academic skills. Get involved in activities other than study join a club, take up a sport or hobby, work in the community, tutor college students, volunteer around campus, become involved in student radio or the student newspaper. Find something youre interested in and do it

Dont wait until you find the perfect job. Start preparing a basic resume and learning interview skills now. Look for career workshops, pick up handouts, look at resource books and watch videos. Get a careers advisor to check your resume and roleplay an interview.

Attend careers fairs and employer information sessions. Some are held on campus, others are off campus. Times vary from lunchtime to evening presentations. Find out what employers are looking for and identify the ones you are most interested in.Exploring career opportunities can be fun and exciting if you dont leave everything to the last minute. Avoid stress by taking the advice above and starting your preparation now.

Use resources like Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with people in your field. Just be sure to keep the unprofessional aspects of your personal life out of your profile. And remember that social networking is like a cocktail party If you talk only about yourself and your accomplishments, youll bore people. Start a dialogue.

Shy Dont be defeated by networking. Set goals for yourself at networking events, and your skills will improve with time. Fortunately for you, being a good listener is an asset in networking, so make your introverted personality your advantage.