2008 Woodie Awards
Oh The Places You'll Go
How to land that perfect job
By Michael Keefe
Issue date: 6/18/07 Section: Campus Life
For many graduating seniors, this summer will be the first chance to look for employment in the "real world." Although many students look forward to the prospects of finishing school and finding steady employment, you cannot seem to escape the nostalgic feelings about your future Alma Mater. For graduating seniors, it's now time to apply all the knowledge you have gained to your future carrier, and hope that the life lessons learned both in and out of the classroom have prepared you to succeed.
It may seem like just yesterday that your parents were dropping you off at your freshman residence hall for the first time. Chances are you went to class and relished your new and exciting collegian life with little thought as to what you wanted to do when you graduated. Although some students may have no problems picking a major and sticking with it, many students change majors or are unsure how to apply the major they intend to graduate with. Though you may miss those seemingly carefree days of freshman year when you had all the time in the world, the time has come to figure out how you wish to apply your degree.
When perusing for a job, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Just like serving a plate in a restaurant, presentation is everything! The way you present yourself speaks louder then anything you can say during an interview. Presentation starts at the resume you initially hand in before the interview. Seventy percent of hiring employers say a good cover letter is sometimes more important than the interview itself. Cover letters are very important because it lets the employer gain incite into your character and work ethic. For those who may not be too sure how to create a nice cover letter; Microsoft Word has a great online program with the software that allows users to employ templates of resumes and cover letter to ensure a concise, professional resume. A cover letter printed on nice stationary can speak volumes over words.
Secondly, it is important to look and act professionally when going into an interview. Dress to impress, first impressions make all the difference when applying for a job. It is also important to be punctual, and employers like to see if you are early for an interview, because it shows aspects of character like drive and work ethic. Simple gestures like a firm handshake and eye contact upon initially meeting the employer can help you get to an understanding based on trust. If an employer sees that you are trustworthy and courteous, he or she is more likely to hire you because they will see you aren't problematic.
While doing an interview, it's very important to keep a calm exterior. Although you may be nervous on the inside, try not to let others see you are nervous on the outside. You can avoid excess stress by arriving early and having time to collect yourself before the interview. When in the interview, try not to be "fidgity" with your hands. Keep your hands crossed over your lap in a calming manor. Remaining calm during an interview expresses your ability to deal with people as well as the confidence you have about yourself.
With a good degree and professional ambition, the sky is the limit for a Kean graduate who is seeking that perfect job after graduation. The small class sizes, coinciding with a sterling record of academic excellence, Kean is the ideal launching ground for a career of great heights. So as you pack away your cap and gown and reflect on your college experience, keep in mind you posses all the knowledge you need to go far in your career.
It may seem like just yesterday that your parents were dropping you off at your freshman residence hall for the first time. Chances are you went to class and relished your new and exciting collegian life with little thought as to what you wanted to do when you graduated. Although some students may have no problems picking a major and sticking with it, many students change majors or are unsure how to apply the major they intend to graduate with. Though you may miss those seemingly carefree days of freshman year when you had all the time in the world, the time has come to figure out how you wish to apply your degree.
When perusing for a job, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Just like serving a plate in a restaurant, presentation is everything! The way you present yourself speaks louder then anything you can say during an interview. Presentation starts at the resume you initially hand in before the interview. Seventy percent of hiring employers say a good cover letter is sometimes more important than the interview itself. Cover letters are very important because it lets the employer gain incite into your character and work ethic. For those who may not be too sure how to create a nice cover letter; Microsoft Word has a great online program with the software that allows users to employ templates of resumes and cover letter to ensure a concise, professional resume. A cover letter printed on nice stationary can speak volumes over words.
Secondly, it is important to look and act professionally when going into an interview. Dress to impress, first impressions make all the difference when applying for a job. It is also important to be punctual, and employers like to see if you are early for an interview, because it shows aspects of character like drive and work ethic. Simple gestures like a firm handshake and eye contact upon initially meeting the employer can help you get to an understanding based on trust. If an employer sees that you are trustworthy and courteous, he or she is more likely to hire you because they will see you aren't problematic.
While doing an interview, it's very important to keep a calm exterior. Although you may be nervous on the inside, try not to let others see you are nervous on the outside. You can avoid excess stress by arriving early and having time to collect yourself before the interview. When in the interview, try not to be "fidgity" with your hands. Keep your hands crossed over your lap in a calming manor. Remaining calm during an interview expresses your ability to deal with people as well as the confidence you have about yourself.
With a good degree and professional ambition, the sky is the limit for a Kean graduate who is seeking that perfect job after graduation. The small class sizes, coinciding with a sterling record of academic excellence, Kean is the ideal launching ground for a career of great heights. So as you pack away your cap and gown and reflect on your college experience, keep in mind you posses all the knowledge you need to go far in your career.