De-Stress
You've been stressed with all those years/all that time in getting your education, and you have probably reached burn out. Realize you may not get that career job right away, but don't take too much time off from your job search. Most employers would give a newly hired employee two weeks off for vacation, so consider yourself hired by you - and take two weeks to just veg out and relax.
Get Focused
What's your main priority - getting work in your field or paying back all those loans? Some newly-graduated students don't have much of a choice, and must start paying back those loans almost immediately. Decide which is most important to you. Even better - talk to the bank manager about paying back those loans on better terms for you. They really do understand, especially if you take the time NOW to discuss arrangements, not when you have absolutely no other choice. Suggest nominal monthly payments until you can get into your field, or the money flow is better. Keep your promise! Once you do get a better job, let the bank know, and arrange for those low payments for six months while you get your feet on the ground, with a higher payback amount after that.
Even if you keep on that part-time job until you get your foot in the door of your preferred career, ensure you are still doing a full-blown search for that career.
Get Connected
Use all those contacts you made during your school years to your advantage. Call up or visit past employers, co-ops and placements, and teachers. See if they know of anyone or any companies you could try to contact for a job, and see if you could use them as a contact. Yes, this is networking. Don't be shy - ask everyone and anyone if they can point you in a direction for that job! Many former colleagues may be able to help you as well. Often, a former co-op or placement may even have a temporary job for you while others are on vacation or leave. While there is no guarantee it will turn into full time work, it IS in your preferred field, and will look great on your resume - so take it! You may even meet other company contacts - and when your contract is up, you can contact those other companies for potential work.
The Usual Haunts
Use the newspapers, internet, employment agencies and your school's Career Centre. Get your Resume looking sharp and some basic Cover Letters ready. Talk to your Employment/Career Centre Counsellors - many will have "ins" with local employers looking for graduates from your school.
Cold Calling
This is not as bad as it sounds. Just investigate companies that you think you'd like to work for, and why. Write down the why's, and why YOU'd be good for that company. Find out from Human Resources of that company who you should talk to - and send in your letter explaining the above "why's", asking for a meeting to discuss any possibilities or for advice. Many people love to talk about their work, but cannot give you a job - so approach it as advice rather than a job.
Getting Paid
Consider taking on part time work or a night shift while you look for work in your chosen area. Bills still need to be paid, and it keeps you active and meeting people - you never know what contact will bring you that coveted job!
Bottom Line
Follow the above guidelines to help you destress after graduation, and plan on how you intend to find work in your chosen area. Don't forget to think about what you'll need to do to pay back loans, as well as get on your own feet financially.
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Copyright June 16, 2008. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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