Graduation should be a time for rejoicing because a person has finally got the degree he has aspired and worked hard for several years. However, the lack of employment opportunities has made graduation a moment of truth. Graduation is in fact the start of a person’s quest for the best job he can find considering his educational attainment, talent and work experience.

A person who wants to find a good job should not just sit around and be complacent just because he already has a degree. Unless a person is a computer genius, employers will never knock on his door and bend down on his knees to hire him for a job.

Job hunting is an art and a person should use all the strategies he can muster to develop very good job hunting skills. Job hunting should not really be a hit and miss effort but it should be a skill that has to be developed.

A person on a job hunting mission should arm himself with a very good resume. New graduates do not have much work experience to build their resumes on but they can be creative and make their resumes effective and attention catching. The resume is one of the most important tools a person should have when on a job hunt.

Employers do not have all the time in the world to read novel-like resumes to make sure it is really just a preview of what you have to offer to the employer. The specifics can be discussed later on during the interview phase. However, an applicant will be scheduled for an interview if his resume is impressive enough for the employer.

Never submit a resume without a cover letter because it is some sort of an introduction to your resume. A cover letter is like a teaser and employers sometimes make a decision to interview an applicant just on the basis of his cover letter.

It is always advisable to do some research on the type of company a person is applying for. Research on the people behind the company; the history of the company and even the people working for the company. This can help any applicant especially during the interview and in determining his chances of being hired and of advancement in the company once hired.

Look out for career or job fairs because employers usually flock to these job fairs. In the same manner, job applicants also flock to these job fairs so make sure you come well prepared with several copies of your resumes and cover letter. Bring extra envelopes for your resumes and replace them when they get soiled. Making an impressive first impression can do a lot for your career.

Job fairs are usually held in universities especially when graduation time is near. These fairs are also held in malls or other public areas that are accessible to a greater number of people. Look out for announcements of job fairs on the radio, televisions and even posters in the park.

It is always wise to network. Keep in touch with family friends, with past classmates and with other contacts who may present you a job opportunity. People in your network may know of a job vacancy which fist your qualifications and getting in touch with them and letting them know that you are looking for work will remind them to call you up when an opportunity for such need presents itself.

Always read the papers because job vacancies are usually advertised on newspapers. In fact, make it a habit to check the papers everyday because there are plenty of job opportunities not just in the advertisement of classified ads section but also in the news reports.

A solicited job application is fine but there is no rule in submitting unsolicited job applications. Send your resumes to several companies in your areas of interest even though they have not advertised a vacancy. Some companies do not advertise their vacancies. Submitting a resume even if unsolicited can give the applicant an advantage over the others who will still wait for an advertisement.

There are a thousand and one ways to get a job but a person really has to be creative and industrious to land the best job the soonest possible time. SO go out, network with friends and associates, join job fairs and make sure you submit the best resume!

When you apply at a college or university, you will be asked to put together your application package, which normally consists of your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, resume, and personal statements.  The schools that you apply to are likely to send you a request for an interview if they are interested in admitting you to their school.  Whether the call for an interview is optional or not, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to better your chances of getting admitted.  Some people find it difficult and even nerve-racking to go through admissions interviews, but it is an important part of the admissions process that plays a big role in whether or not you get accepted into school.  Read on for some helpful tips on acing your interview and sealing your slot in college.

Prepping yourself for the interview

Before you go through with the interview, you may want to do some research and prepare ahead of time.  The first thing you should do is settle the date for the interview.  Most likely, the school will already give you an interview date, but you may be able to ask for a change in schedule if necessary – just be sure not to ask for too much.  Once you have set your schedule for the interview, make sure that you allot enough time for preparation.  Try visiting the website of the school that will be interviewing you to see if they have any interview tips.  Some schools may have specific guidelines or policies that need to be followed for the interview, such as a dress code.

Perhaps the best way of preparing yourself for the admissions interview is to go through some of the commonly asked interview questions.  Sample questions can give you a good idea of what to expect and how to formulate your answers.  There are a lot of sources on the Internet that have sample interview questions, so take your time to research and prepare yourself for the questions that are likely to be asked.  Sure, the interviewer may throw in a few unexpected questions, but at least you will already be well prepared for most of the interview.

Interview DOs and DON’Ts

DOs:
-  Make sure to dress well, perhaps semi-formal or corporate attire would be best.
-  Be confident, but not boastful or arrogant.
-  Be honest and be yourself.
-  Ask educated and informed questions.
-  Remember that you are just having a conversation with another person, try not to be nervous.

DON’Ts:

-  No matter what, don’t be late.
-  Try not to deliver your answers as though they are prepared and practiced, instead be natural.
-  Don’t lie, even if you are tempted, because it will reflect badly on you if the truth comes out.
-  Don’t forget your manners, try not to be rude by interrupting, chewing gum, or being impolite.
-  Don’t forget to do some research on the college before you go in for your interview.

Conducting a simulated interview session with other applicants

Another helpful tip for acing your interview is to practice with other applicants, your parents, or perhaps even a teacher or counselor who is willing to help.  Not only will you get a feel for the tone of the interview, but you can also practice on delivering your answers more naturally, without being too nervous.