Don’t wait – Start NOW!

Regardless of your academic major, GPA, or career choice, it is a very competitive job market and the competition begins early.   Companies make predictions as early as the fall semester on how many people they will need to hire in June and start recruiting in October or November.   Most experts agree that in a good economy, finding that first job can take from six to nine months.  It is a process that requires persistence and patience.

Focus, Focus, Focus!

Have a clear objective in mind.  Knowing what you would like to start out doing is the first step because it defines the rest of the process.   Many students struggle with finding a focus because they have considered a lot of options, but could use some more information about themselves and the opportunities that exist out there.  Career Services has a lot of resources that can help you clarify your focus.  Schedule an appointment to talk with a staff member about ways to identify possibilities based on your interests, strengths, and experiences.

Don’t get bogged down with deciding what to do “for the rest of your life”

Think back about your decision to attend college.  You knew it was an important decision and that you had to start somewhere, but you knew you could probably change your mind after you had started.   Many people don’t end up graduating from the college they started with, and it’s the same with jobs and careers.  You should concentrate on what you’d like to do for the first three to five years after graduation and trust that you will more than likely move from your first job to something better and more rewarding.  Don’t settle for just anything, but don’t assume that your first job or career will be your only one.

Get Your Tools Ready and Sharpened

Develop or refine your resume.  Just about everyone in the job search process not only needs a resume, they need one that is appropriate to the employer’s needs.  There are many rules associated with developing a resume, and unfortunately, well-meaning independent-thinking college graduates violate those rules without knowing it.  A poor resume doesn’t keep you from getting a job - it keeps you from getting the interview which is really what gets you the job.   You can find samples of resumes on this website.  Make sure you have someone from Career Services review your resume. 

Participate in mock interviews and career fairs.   Mock interviews are low-risk and give you a chance to try some things out.  Take advantage of every opportunity to interact with employers.  You’ll feel more confident and experienced when the time comes to have that most important real interview.

Get connected on BEARLink.  Career Services can show you all the benefits to having a profile and your resume on BEARLink.  You’ll receive important information about employers coming to campus, available jobs, and upcoming events.

It’s All About the Network

Develop a broad network of contacts and resources.  Students have spent a lot of time and energy at Mercer developing skills and relationships on campus.  There are people at Mercer who can support you and assist you in locating opportunities as well as family and friends.  The internet provides a wealth of opportunities to network and identify potential contacts.  There are several ways to connect with people and opportunities.  Don’t limit yourself to just one or two.

Expect Rejection – No One is Immune

Because the job market is so competitive, rejection is a very real part of the process.  No one likes to be rejected, but it happens and you can’t let it slow you down.  There are two types of rejection – direct and implied.  A good rule of thumb is that for every ten jobs you apply for, you will receive acknowledgement from only about half of them.  That’s the implied rejection part – you don’t hear anything.  Of the five you do hear from,  two or three of those may be letters of rejection – that’s the direct part.  While it doesn’t feel good, at least you know where you stand.  But out of those ten applications, two to three positive responses can lead to good interviews that can also lead to job offers.

Bottom Line – Don’t Try this Alone – Use Career Services’ resources to help you get the job search started.