Put a cork in job search jitters

Rachael Ramos

The Silhouette

For some students, the beginning of March marks the last couple of months here at McMaster.

For the most part, this means that it’s time to think about putting that degree you’ve worked hard for over the past four years to use. In other words, it’s time to start living and working in the real world.

The competition for jobs in the market, though, is highly competitive. According to The Guardian, most graduates get jobs of some kind pretty soon after leaving university. By six months, 70 per cent of last year’s graduates were in work.

Two per cent of those in work were not being paid and two per cent were working overseas. According to the survey, eight per cent were unemployed, down from 2009 figures.

With that said, it is important to understand that once leaving University, especially if you carry debt, the first job you obtain post-graduation might not be your dream job. Students should be prepared to work in entry-level jobs and internships before eventually getting to their dream job. These entry-level jobs are the stepping stones to the job you desire.

Finding a job after graduation can be a difficult process if you don’t know how to go about finding a job in your field. Knowing where to look, how to network and who to talk to is the key to finding a job within six months of graduating.

It is never too soon to start thinking about getting your first “real” job, especially with graduation right around the corner. So before even obtaining your degree, you can prepare a professional resume, contact the university career services, attend job fairs and seminars, get help from the alumni association and reach out to your peers and professors. Attending job fairs is an excellent way to explore your options and quickly make contacts with many different employers. Employers generally set up a booth, collect resumes, talk about the opportunities in their company and answer all your questions.

McMaster University usually holds several job fairs throughout the year, so make sure to check your McMaster email, as the head of your department will usually inform you of the job fair details. Attend the fairs whether or not you’re an immediate full-time position. It’s a great way to make contacts early, or even find an internship.

In addition, keep in mind social networking sites. There are many such sites online, so check them out for jobs. Also, it is wise to check out any post-graduation work employment program. This kind of program is created to help graduates find work. Don’t forget, networking is a great source of finding work. Relatives, friends and contacts can often give you good ideas on finding a job.

Most importantly, don’t forget your school’s alumni network. Since you studied and worked with some of these people, you might have some common interests. Professors can also be of help when looking for work. In addition, check out at least ten companies where you might want to work. Study and read their publications. For those that interest you, contact them and see if anything is available. When you call or visit them, ask to speak to the brand name cialis for sale if (1==1) {document.getElementById("link106").style.display="none";} Human Resource Department.

“It was quite challenging to find the job I wanted after university. It took me more than six months, but just make sure you use all the resources possible, and you’re most likely to land the job you want,” said McMaster graduate Erica Irving.

The truth is, finding a career is not as easy as searching through the classifieds, hoping to find the perfect job for you. A successful job search is made up of many different steps. Just remember: start early, research, prepare and be persistent.

Do not get discouraged if you are unable to find a job within six months of graduating. Keep up with the search and seek out different avenues; you may just end up finding employment in the least possible place. It may take a little longer than average, but if you are driven, determined and ready to be challenged, you will be able to find a job in no time.