Tips for New College Grads Who Are Nervous About Landing a Job

Tips for New College Grads Who Are Nervous About Landing a JobTips for New College Grads Who Are Nervous About Landing a JobDoes the thought of securing your first real job put the same pit in your stomach as a calculus final? Youre not alone- this major life event fills most new grads with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Fortunately, calming those nerves involves using many of the same skills that got you through college.Employ these strategies for new college grads to reduce anxiety and start your career journey with confidenceGet organized.A job hunt is similar to writing a term paper. At first, the task feels overwhelming. But when you break it down into manageable chunks, the prospect no longer seems as scary.Organize your job search by blocking out time to truly focus. Make daily to-do lists spelling out what youd like to accomplish, such as revising a titel letter, sending out three applications, and spending a half hour on LinkedIn exploring connections. Consistency yields results and promotes sanity.Prepare for interviews.This may sound like a no-brainer, but doing homework pays off.Be knowledgeable, says Vicky Oliver, author of 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions. Learn everything you can about the company. Just amassing the knowledge will give you confidence when you walk into the interview.Oliver also suggests the followingPlan your questions. Once you do a deep dive into the company, its easy to strategize on what your questions should be. Write them down and practice them.Work with another job-hunting buddy. Practice asking each other questions and flesh out your responses.The night before, get some good sleep. You will be able to think better on your feet.Know your goals.Feel like youre cut out for everything, anything, and nothing? Figuring out which of the multitude of opportunities out there best suit your objectives and abilities can be a daunting prospect, but a great investment. A sense of direction focuses efforts and m akes you a more passionate candidate.Have a game plan, says Roy Cohen, author of The Wall Street Professionals Survival Guide. Where do you want to be in 1, 3, 5, and 10 years and why?By having a strategy- one that can be modified to reflect changes in the market and in your thinking- you can extract maximum value from your initial experiences, and you will sound far smarter in terms of building a case for what you want to do and why you are qualified.Learn.Finally, realize that job hunting is a process, and you need to cut yourself some slack. As Oliver notes, Like any skill, you get better at it the more you do it.Find mentors and ask them questions. Read books on the importance of body language. Join industry associations that will improve your knowledge and boost your network. Strengthen your leadership skills while volunteering for a favorite cause.Viewing yourself as a continuous work in progress takes away much of the pressure to be perfect. And a commitment to ongoing improv ement not only impresses prospective employers, it shows that you grasped an important concept during your years in college- education does not end once a diploma is in hand.Browse All Open Flexible Jobs