Successfully Executing Your Post-Graduation Career Search  

In your last semester or quarter of college, you’re sure to be considering different options for post-graduation. Will you continue your education? Travel or take a break from school and work life? Begin pursuing your career objectives?

For those of you pursuing graduate school or entering the job search process, there are several ways to make yourself ‘stand out’ from the competition:

• Research websites and other resources for relevant information and postings. Consistently check and use them.
• When applying for graduate school, investigate career services and local professional organizations affiliated with your specialty.
• If you are pursuing a career, check out company HR websites for any key targets and departments. Visit general search engines like CareerBuilder©, Monster© , Jobing.com© and ones that are tailored to your area, like TheLadders.com®.
• No matter which direction you are taking, remember that candidates who send their resume or application into the “posting black hole” are at a disadvantage if the competition is actively making contact with the school or organization. Companies search for individuals who show initiative and persistence, regardless of the specialty, so follow up within 48 hours of posting your information.

Once you have been invited to interview for the school or position, preparation is key. When you are prepared, the process will be less intimidating and you’ll be able to accurately communicate your skills. The interview process can be multiple steps including a phone interview and face-to-face interviews with individuals or a panel depending on the school or organization.  Here are the keys to successfully navigating the process:

• During a phone interview, focus on the qualities and skills they would like in a student or employee. Don’t forget to include information about the skills you have learned in Kappa Delta. Teamwork, organization, communication and leadership are all valuable as a graduate student and employee.
• Secure a face-to-face interview with them or another decision-maker and dress to show your confidence and professionalism. A suit is always the most appropriate interview attire.
• Ask for more information on what skills the school or organization is looking for and describe how you have exhibited those skills in academic, extracurricular and work experiences.
• Find out the timeline for accepting students or filling the position. Ask what the next steps in the process will be.
• After each interview, be sure to show your business acumen by following up with an email or handwritten note within 24 hours.  Offer to provide additional information to the person regarding your abilities as an effective student or employee.