Professional courtesies to remember as graduates get set to tackle their job search – Lori Malett

After spending my career in the recruitment and staffing industry, I have seen way too many new graduates make fatal mistakes in their job search. These mistakes have been made by all generations and should not be labeled or stereotyped as a millennial downfall as we see so often today.

To assist new entrants into the job market this spring, I have prepared a TOP 10 list to remember as you begin your search:

1. Do your homework – We live in the age of technology and we are only a few clicks away from gaining an in depth understanding on the industries, organizations and people we are interviewing. There is no reason to waste your time or someone else’s time if you haven’t done your homework in advance. Use resources like Google and LinkedIn to prep for your meetings.
2. Be on-time, and prepared – Plan ahead. If time permits, drive to the interview a day in advance during the exact travel times of scheduled interview. Then allow an additional 20-30 minutes more time for the unexpected. Nothing starts an interview off on a negative note more than a late arrival no matter what the reason.
3. Professional dress – Even if the organization is known to be casual, this is an interview. Dress smart, and dress professional. Cover tattoos, shave, press your clothing, wear conservative tops, grab a breath mint, and do a double take before walking into the meeting.
4. Portfolio Management – Ensure you have a professional looking portfolio, print out a couple copies of your resume/references, clean notebook to take notes and at least three pens in your portfolio. Put your research information in your portfolio as well.
5. Show gratitude – You can’t forget the importance of showing others appreciation for their time, talent and resources. Too many job seekers today forget to show gratitude when they are not interested or no longer interested in a position. You are building a brand in the employment marketplace. The market is not as large as you think and most individuals are well networked and connected in their respective communities. Do not start your career with a tarnished brand. The employment market is too small and one day, you may lose your dream job because of something you did or didn’t do in your job search early on in your career. Send thank you notes, follow up within 24 hours of your interview and connect with all parties on social media.
6. Follow company on Social Media and engage in points of interest – easiest way to differentiate yourself due to relatively small engagement on company social media sites. You “like” a post and “comment”, most people in the company will take notice. This helps build your brand with that organization and ensures you stand out from the pack.
7. Be honest – avoid stall tactics, leverage games and / or “practice” interviews with organizations you know you have no interest in joining. There are far too many professionals in recruiting that will help you. They will do mock interviews with you, they will share industry information and they will give you market information on salaries taking place. Avoid games as they are not well received and not soon forgotten.
8. Don’t commit if you are not passionate – We understand the fear you may have of not having a job, getting bad advice from family and friends to just take something while you keep looking but nothing is worse than saying “yes” to an employer, continuing to explore your passions and ditching a company prior to or soon after starting. You do not want to start your career burning bridges.
9. First job is all about work experience – Commit for at least a year! Few things that are your “first” ever represent perfect but your ultimate goal is to gain as much experience as possible, learn as much about you as you can and use it to propel you in the future. You can’t figure this out if you are starting over every 3-6 months.
10. Start your new job with an open mind – Be a sponge in the beginning. Have no expectations! Establish goals for yourself and focus on every aspect about your first job that you control not “them”.  For more great job tips, visit us at http://www.hatchstaff.com!