5 Things You Must Do Now To Get Your First Job After College

For college seniors, graduation is right around the corner.  That means it's time to start searching for jobs!  In only a few short weeks, it will be time to enter the real world.  I advise you to prepare yourself now for what is to come.  Here is my advice to best prepare for post-graduation life:

1. Start exploring different industries and companies to see which are an ideal fit for you.  Read up on their mission, values and products or services.  Select your top picks and start looking for jobs and contacts!  Consider the location, commute, opportunity for growth within the company and your qualifications and capabilities. 

2. Perfect your resume.  Make your resume as relevant, clear and organized as possible on only one page.  List your education, experience, special skills and accomplishments.  Highlight all of your achievements.  Include numerical information and write detailed points under your internship and work descriptions.  If you have done multiple internships, including those logos under 'experience' in a straight line would be a nice touch and grab an employer's attention.  Make sure to have a few people review your resume and provide tips before sending it out.  Save it as a PDF when applying to jobs so that original fonts are not changed and no one can alter it. 

3. Update your LinkedIn.  First off - if you don't have one, create one NOW.  If you have one, remain active and make sure you utilize all of its features.  Use LinkedIn to include links and documents of sample writing pieces, articles and projects.  Upload a current, professional picture and update your headline, if needed.  I recommend going on daily to stay connected and look for jobs or networking events.

4. Establish an online presence - aside from social media.  Brand yourself in as many ways possible!  Showcase your writing skills by creating a blog or brag about your achievements in an online portfolio or website.  You can even contribute content to an online magazine or publication, or make a YouTube channel and upload videos doing something you love and are good at.   

5. Explore these career sites for career advice, job opportunities and inspiration: Ms. Career Girl, Career Girl Network, Daily Worth, Life After College and She Takes On The World.  Ms. Career Girl and She Takes On The World are particularly inspiring for a career-oriented collegiate, so I definitely encourage you to investigate what they have to offer!