We have officially approached graduation season, and Mustang Marketing would like to send a big congratulations to all the grads out there. Now that school is over, graduates are facing the decision of what to do next as they take the leap into the “real world.”
Each of us at Mustang once encountered that same decision, and it led us down a variety of paths. Some of us jumped right into our careers merely days following graduation. Some of us took time off to pursue other opportunities. And some of us, such as our president, Scott Harris, and our COO, Dianne McKay, have gone on to mentor and speak before college students.
With that, we want to share a few helpful tips for grads that we have learned along the way.
Build a Stellar Resume
Now that you’ve put in the hard work, received your degree and shaken hands with your dean, it’s time to perfect your resume. Here are some suggestions:
- Make sure your resume is readable, clean and, if possible, limited to one page in length.
- Try to give employers an understanding of how your strengths will benefit their company. Be sure to include your contact information as well as relevant skills, past work experience and education.
- Consider building a professional LinkedIn page to complement your resume. An increasing number of employers are looking at job candidates’ social networking pages, and your LinkedIn page might be the final component that helps you land the right job.
Be Prepared
After you’ve begun your job search and started sending out your resume, it’s important to be proactive in preparing yourself for interviews. Research the companies and industries you’re interviewing for in advance. Having this knowledge when you arrive for an interview will convey enthusiasm, help you look professional, and prepare you to ask intelligent and relevant questions.
Choose the Right Work Environment
Be sure to choose your workplace and boss with care. These two things have tremendous potential to influence your enjoyment and success in your career. Remember that your bosses and coworkers can be excellent mentors, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and show that you’re eager to take on more challenging responsibilities.
Also, pay close attention to company culture. Often workplaces are governed by pre-established norms, and adjusting to those norms can impact your ability to succeed at a given company — so, if possible, try to find a workplace with a culture you like and values that align with your own.
Lastly…
At Mustang, we’ve studied a variety of fields pertaining to the marketing industry, but one thing we all have in common is that we are passionate about what we do and willing to work hard. So remember to remain patient, positive and open-minded, and prepare to watch your career flourish.
For more insights and tips for conquering the “real world,” be sure to stay tuned for our upcoming book of advice from Ventura County leaders.
We wish all of you college grads the best in your next adventure!