Got the Degree. ?Now Help Me Get A Job!

If you're a recent grad with little work experience, you're probably finding out that your degree alone is not enough to get you the job that you want. So what's the problem?

For the most part, it all comes down to one thing - experience. Employers don't just want a person that has a good education from a well-known school. They want someone who can help to solve problems. The problem though for new graduates is that they typically have limited real-world work experience in the field of their degree, after all, the whole reason for getting the degree is so that you can get that job. In spite of this challenge, here are a few things that you can do to boost your chances of landing that new job:

• Do your research - Find out as much as you can about any company that you are going to be applying to. If you can get information about the particular division (management team, current challenges, work environment, etc.), you will be in a much better position to craft an email, cover letter, or other initial communication to the appropriate person. Your knowledge will also set you apart from other applicants and may help to mask your lack of experience.
• Call on your network - Once you identify a few companies, leverage the strength of your network. Use your Facebook friends or LinkedIn connections to try and identify someone within that organization that you can be introduced to.
• Develop a compelling story - so you don’t have 10 years of work experience but you do have valuable experience. The key is understanding how to apply your personal challenges, academic projects, and extracurricular activities to the needs and wants of the hiring manger.
• Make your resume a standout - Your resume is often the source of your first impression at an organization. Make it count. In the least, be sure that it is free of spelling and grammatical errors. Make sure that it is well organized and has a logical flow to it.
• Dress for success - Once you are invited to a face-to-face interview, continue trying to impress. Wear a jacket and tie to your interview. The first impression is a lasting one and you want to make sure that you look like a professional. Remember, even if the company's dress code is business casual, you're not an employee yet.

Don’t give up! Be ambitious, persistent and focused. These attributes will prove beneficial not only in landing that first job but also in growing and sustaining a rewarding career.