As a career coach, I work with fresh college graduates looking to launch their professional career as well as baby boomers looking for a satisfying second career. While they have different obstacles – they have the same goal: they need to make their resumes “age-neutral” and convince the hiring manager that they are the ideal candidate for the job. Jobseekers with little experience need to sell themselves on their potential while more mature workers need to show they still have a lot to offer an employer. There are effective strategies for each to overcome age discrimination in the job search. This week I’ll offer a few tips for the new graduates, next week I will address the boomers.
New college graduates and other Millennials need to show prospective employers that they have transitioned from “college kid” to “young professional”. Experiential learning while in college, whether through a co-op, internship or collaborating on a research project with a faculty member is a great way to show that you know what the job entails and can put to use what you have learned in the classroom. This can also show the employer that you have successfully assimilated into the working world, which makes you a “safer” hire.
Show that you are a serious job candidate by:
- Tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job posting.
- Preparing for the job interview by researching the company, preparing answers to the most common questions and developing a few questions for the interviewer.
- Follow up after the interview with an email or handwritten note to each person who interviewed you.
If an employer is interested in bringing you in for an interview, they will check you out online first. It is important to clean up your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, and establish a professional LinkedIn presence. A well-developed LinkedIn profile is one of the best ways for Millennials to show that they are ready to launch their professional career. (Download our FREE LinkedIn profile e-book for tips.)
Demonstrating proper LinkedIn etiquette is crucial.
- Share only business-related information on LinkedIn. Always use proper grammar and spelling – no texting shortcuts. One LOL will get your resume TOSSED.
- Send personalized invitations to connect, not the canned option LinkedIn offers.
- Join groups in your industry and participate in group discussions to show you are knowledgeable in your field.
There is a lot of hiring out there right now. To win an interview, and then the job offer, you must show the hiring managers that you are a serious job candidate and have a lot to offer the organization. Worried about paying off your student loans and not sure where to start? We can help. Our New Grad Launch Package provides a customized resume and cover letter, as well as career coaching, job search strategies and interview preparation. We have helped quite a few new graduates launch their professional careers. Why wait? Let’s get started today!
Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people develop the tools, strategies and confidence to build satisfying careers. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she helps her clients articulate their unique value to stand out from the competition, and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful. Contact us to see how we can help you build a more rewarding career. www.the-resume-resource.com