Finding a Job Isn’t Impossible – Just Get Creative!

As the semester comes to a close, one thing that’s on my mind (and the minds of most everyone I know) besides finals and start-of-summer parties is getting a job.

By Laura Dondero

Whether it’s a summer job, internship, or, if you’re graduating like I am, an entry-level position into a career, finding a job is a top priority.  However, we all know that isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be.  Competition for jobs is higher than ever with the tough job market we’re in, which is why you have to stand out in the sea off all the other job/internship applicants out there.

But before you purchase some sort of ridiculous costume or do the dirty with your interviewer in attempts to stick out in his or her mind, try a few of these more professional ideas:

1.  Network, network, network – You’ve heard it before, and I’m telling you again: networking is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to helping you get a job.  Think you don’t have connections?  Think again.  Reach out to everyone you know–professors, friends, coworkers, your parents–you never know who has info on great job openings. There are also tons of online groups catered to all sorts of fields that set up networking events in cities across the country. Sign up and go to these; you will meet tons of people in your field that can help you out down the road.

2. Utilize your school’s career center – Sometimes universities get job listings that don’t go into public listings.  You may not find anything the first time, but keep checking, because new jobs open up all the time.  Plus, your career center can offer more than just job listings.  Depending on your university, you can get career counseling, have your resume checked, and even do mock interviews.

3. Social networking sites - You may use Facebook to see what everyone was up to for the past 6 minutes, but it offers a lot more, combining the whole idea of networking with the fact that you can find pretty much anything on the internet.  People have found jobs on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and, of course, the old standby, Craigslist.  Even though these job listings are accessible to a lot more people than those at your university’s career center, don’t underestimate what you might find. But, don’t take the lazy approach to applying either. Thousands of other people will also be vying for these positions, so you must go above and beyond to stand out: research the company, send digital and paper copies of your application, follow up with a thank-you-note, etc.

4.  Make your own website - In such a terrible job market, many people are turning to drastic measures to get noticed by employers.  Making a website with your qualifications (like a resume) is a great way to stand out. It proves you are innovative, savvy, creative, and a whiz on the computer. Plus, it saves the planet; less paper!

5. Network some more – Seriously, it’s that important. Those adults weren’t lying when they said it’s all about who you know. You know how hard it is to sound good on paper, so meeting people in person is 1,000 times more effective than having an impressive resume. Make connections anywhere you can and you will have a major leg-up on your competition.

Take these tips to heart and good luck in your job search!