As my advisor told me, “nobody knows you or your worth
outside of your current network.” This statement completely opened my mind to
the type of work I had to put into job searching. The truth is, up through
college everyone knows your work ethic and talents, but the real world doesn’t know
anything about you.
In order to make yourself look like more of an asset and
less like a risk, there are a few steps you can take. I researched a guide for
young professionals written by PR 20/20, a PR and marketing agency in Cleveland, OH.
This guide will let you know some insider tips on how to sell yourself and go
the extra mile on landing your first job.
Here are a few lessons I learned from the guide.
1. Go the extra mile.
If everyone has the same qualifications as you, a thank-you
card could separate you from the competition. Consider yourself a contestant on
The Bachelor, and you are in desperate need for the rose.
2. Creep!
A more respectable term would be researching. You have to
dig up information on the employees, position and company to look competent
and desirable. Not to mention, this process will allow you to enter the
interview with more confidence and build your credibility.
3. Take this time to
learn.
Finding your first job is overwhelming and probably full of
rejection. However, there are many people you will meet along the way that can
give you valuable insight to the unfamiliar real world. Take the time during
interviews to ask questions and gain insight. This will make the interview
beneficial for both you and the interviewer.
Enter the world with a fearless and ambitious attitude.
Hopefully, with this advice, you can get your foot in the door.
