Job Prep Proverbs

Following are some initial thoughts for you to consider as you prepare for your job search:

• Only you can find your dream job. Do not depend on anyone else to hand it to you on a silver platter.

• Your college owes you nothing other than a great education. Your diploma does not come with a guarantee for a great job. That is something you will have to secure on your own.

• Seek work you love. You will be spending the greater portion of your life working. Make it an enjoyable experience.

• You are infinitely better off making $15,000 and happy than making $50,000 and miserable. No, the extra $35,000 is really not worth the misery. Happiness is priceless.

• Extracurricular activities count. Whether a club or athletics, it shows you are a well rounded person. And it may be your best opportunity to exhibit leadership skills.

• Experience is experience. You gain new experiences every day. You do not have to be paid for it be considered valid experience.

• A part-time job during school is a great way to pay the bills and gain some experience. But don't let it take priority over your education or your eventual entry level job search. Remember what you came for.

• Grades do matter. If you are reading this early, keep your grades high. If late, you will need to provide potential employers with a very good reason if they are not at least a 3.0 ("B" average) or above.

• Keep your ethics high and it will soon become one of your most admired qualities. For very few have stayed honest to their ethical standards. Do not let yours down. Be the exception rather than the rule.

• Truth is still the truth even when everyone else abandons it. Stand for honesty and truth in all you do.

• Don't be afraid to ask questions. There are many people willing to help. But first you must be willing to ask for their help.

• Develop the key computer skills for your field or industry of interest. If you are not sure what they are, check out current job postings.

• Thoroughly research each employer you pursue. It is not enough just to show up for the on-campus interviews and hope for the best.

• The most qualified person does not necessarily get the job. The person with the best job search skills will typically get the job over the most qualified person.

• Job search is a game, complete with a defined set of rules. You need to play by the rules. But to win, you will need to push those rules to the limits.

• Remember that managers hire people who are like them. Do your best to reflect common attributes.

• Always think about meeting the needs of others. This is the only way to meet your own personal needs.

• Nervousness is common and to be expected. It helps you stay on your toes.

• You are unique. There is no one else out there exactly like you. Learn to recognize your unique strengths so that you can communicate them to others.

• A smile will carry you a great distance in your job search. A warm, friendly attitude communicates the message that you are enjoyable to work with.

• What you lack in experience, compensate for with enthusiasm.

• The better you get at your job search, the easier it becomes. And when you have finally mastered the process, it is over. But it is a life skill that you will return to again and again.

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