Mindy on the Move: Tips for Successfully Navigating the Job Search Process
by Mindy on the Move on August 9, 2019 in Chicago, Mindy on the Move
Hi friends,
I had my first ~big girl~ interview this week! And it only took me 30 minutes to figure out what to wear. I’ve really underestimated the wardrobe required for the real world. Anyway – here’s a quick update on my job search extravaganza.
After I sat down with Susie and dipped my toe in the waters of the recruiting world, she introduced me to her co-worker Sophie. Essentially, Soph and I sat down for an initial interview and to get into the nitty-gritty of the job-search process. She broke down specific need-to-know tips and the make-or-break details that every jobseeker should be aware of. Again, she’s the expert – I’ll hand the mic over so Sophie can bless you with her knowledge.
Court dismissed; bring in the dancing lobsters.
Mindy on the Move
Sophie’s Secrets to Job Search Success
Most recent college graduates don’t realize how many steps there are in the job search process until they’re in the thick of it. To put it simply – they don’t know what they don’t know. I usually tackle this challenge by giving my candidates these key tips before they’re knee-deep in their hunt.
- Practice interviewing. Find a friend, family member, or recruiter to sit down and do a mock interview (or two) with. If you think that sounds nerve-wracking or embarrassing, just imagine how much worse it would be to go in blind with your potential boss. Practice interviews aren’t meant to be great at first – they’re an opportunity for you to work out any kinks and ensure you’re totally prepared when it comes to the real deal.
- Break your mental barriers. Chances are, you have a distinct vision of your future in mind. Having goals is awesome! But it takes time to get there. Don’t be discouraged when your first role isn’t in your ideal industry or if the pay rate you were hoping for isn’t available right now. There are so many opportunities that I guarantee you don’t know even exist yet, so be open to different jobs and growing within them to reach those big-picture goals.
- Gain valuable experience. Many organizations have strict guidelines and requirements for their positions and, without industry experience under your belt, you may not even make it through their screening process. Post-grad is the perfect time to take advantage of all that contract and contract-to-hire positions have to offer. As an emerging professional, they provide the experience you need to succeed, as well as a foot in the door at companies that may have quickly overlooked you for a direct hire role.
- Don’t swipe left too quickly. Think of job searching like dating – a dating profile can’t tell you whether or not you’d want to marry someone. Instead, you’d have to take them on a few dates to get a sense of your connection. In the same vein, you can’t know if a company or position is right for you based on a job description alone. Take the opportunity to get to know them, then decide if the chemistry is there.
Navigating unfamiliar territory is super overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Reach out to Sophie or another recruiting connoisseur at MindSpring and grab the job search by its horns.
Related Articles
Mindy on the Move: Working with a Recruiter as a New Graduate
Mindy on the Move: Taking the First Step in the Post-Grad Job Search
So, You Graduated College. Now What? Meet Mindy on the Move.
