It could contain things like your boyfriend’s name, your graduation year, or your nickname. But it also can contain profanity, vulgar phrases, or slang words (e.g. bootylicious@aol.com, pimpdaddy@gmail.com, hotblondebabe@yahoo.com, etc.). This is your choice to have an email address with any or all of these things if you are emailing your “buddies” or someone you know would not be offended by the address.

However, do you really think these things are appropriate to be sending to a potential employer or someone who is helping you find a job? Do you think this will help your chances of finding a job? The answer is most definitely NO. Employers that receive your job application definitely notice your address and do not look upon you favorably if they are inappropriate. We cannot tell you how many hiring managers complain about email addresses – and about how they cannot imagine even calling someone about the job when they have such a ridiculous email address!

How to Create a Professional Email Address

Open an email account that is strictly for job searching. It is quick, simple, and will be greatly beneficial to you. This will enable you to keep your job emails together and have a professional email address for all of your job applications. If you do have a separate job searching address, however, be sure to constantly check the account for any emails you might receive. If you feel that it is too difficult to have two email accounts, then use only one address, but make it or change it to be a proper and professional address.

I could not possibly list every badly chosen email address that is out there, but I can tell you the kind of email address that you should have. It should be simple, clean and clear. Try and stick with your name, possibly a few numbers, and maybe a reference to your job search. Some examples are:

William928jobsearch@XXX.com
EmilyDavies@XXX.com
JeffSmith0928@XXX.com

If you use something like one of these, you don’t run the risk of an employer throwing out your job application because of your email address. Instead, they will instead focus their attention on your application and on what a great possible employee you could be.

Email Addresses: Is Yours Professional? originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

I am the owner of a retail business employing about fifteen people. Here are some of the things I look for in my employees:

First, I look for a “good” person. By good I mean an individual who is kind, thoughtful, respectful and an all-around nice person. I can teach them skills but I cannot teach them to be nice. Secondly, I look for commitment. Are they committed to their job, to this organization? If they cannot be committed, they should not be here. Committed means they show up on time for work; they are willing to stay late on occasion if the need arises; they do not wait for you to tell them something to do throughout the day but they look for work to do; they are interested in the welfare of my company and will do what ever it takes to help us be successful; they do not waste time (which in effect is stealing); they are committed to helping the other people in the organization.

Honesty is essential, whether we are talking about wasting time or taking things that do not belong to us. Always try to see how much you can do, not how little. Do not wait and complain if you do not feel you are properly trained. Why not take the initiative – ask questions, read books, attend seminars, even if you have to pay for them yourself. Why would you do that? Because you are investing in your future. If you are not interested in investing in your future, why should anyone else?

It is essential that you be able to get along with others. Not that everyone is easy to get along with. There are jerks in every work place. However, when you respond in kind, that only makes you what they are. In every work place, in any job, there has to be a lot of give and take. Make it your goal in life to be kind to and get along with every one. You might think no one is going to take advantage of you, you won’t allow it. If you react every time you are treated wrongly, I can assure you that you will spend your life retaliating. You will spend a large portion of your time on wasted emotion that will accomplish nothing positive. Many times it is better to shrug our shoulders and walk away. There are times when you will need to take a stand based on an important principle. However, be certain you are selective as to which issues are of critical importance.

If you follow these few basic business principles, I can almost guarantee you will be successful in whatever you do. By the way, make certain, especially as you choose your life’s work, that you love the work you do. That simplifies everything and makes your work so much more enjoyable. In the interim, even if you do not like your temporary job, give it everything you have. Your employer will appreciate it, will give you a good recommendation, and you will learn a good work ethic.

Start your search for retail jobs now!

How to Get a Job in Retail originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

A phone screen is a brief telephone conversation between a job seeker and a recruiter. The phone screen helps determine which candidates will reach the interview stage of the hiring process.

Many job seekers assume that a phone screen assures an interview. Not so. In fact, a poor phone screen usually assures only one thing: That the candidate will be dropped from consideration altogether.

When Is Not a Good Time to Talk?

Recruiters are trained to begin phone screens by asking job candidates if it is a good time to talk.

Before you get swept up by your enthusiasm and answer “yes,” there are a couple of situations in which you might want to reschedule the conversation.

If you are in a room with coworkers, on a cell phone, distracted, in a noisy environment or completely unprepared, reschedule the call.

Many people assume that they will get “extra points” by talking with the recruiter even if it is a bad time. Unfortunately, that’s not the case and the job seeker usually pays a hefty price for their good — but uninformed — intentions.

Many recruiters have been trained to be sensitive to timing issues, so if their call finds you at an inopportune moment, follow these steps:

• Express you enthusiasm: That’s great news! It’s so nice to hear from you
• Explain briefly that: now is not a good time for me to talk
• Write down (and confirm) the recruiter’s phone number and name as well as a good time to return her call
• Thank the recruiter sincerely for his or her call: I really appreciate your call. I look forward to talking to you soon

Prepare Beforehand

If you’ve arranged to call a recruiter back for a phone screen, take some time to prepare by practicing the following:

• Standard interview questions: Why would you like to work for us? What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?, etc.
• A brief summary of your background as well as any difficult topics that are likely to come up (a lapse in your work experience, for example)
• A response to any salary questions. (I usually recommend giving a range, rather than a hard number. Keep in mind that if your range is drastically outside the target area, you will most likely not reach the interview stage.)

Other Tips

• Take the call in a place where you will not be interrupted and where you can speak freely. If you’re in a room with a TV or radio, turn it off.
• Make sure your answering machine greeting is professional. One recruiter I interviewed for this series recalled a message that went like this: “Yo! Yo! Yo! Ain’t Home! Bye!” Needless to say, that person was dropped from consideration.
• Some people suggest that your voice sounds stronger if you speak while standing up, but if this feels uncomfortable to you, by all means sit down. The most important thing here is to be relaxed and comfortable.
• According to folks who talk on the phone a lot, this makes you sound more positive.

Surviving the Phone Screen originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

These job tips will help you find the best possible first-time job given your age and lack of work experience:

Know what you’re getting into. It’s important to have realistic expectations about your first job. After all, you are just entering a job market in which many others have been operating for quite some time. Don’t get discouraged, but know what to expect. Talk with a school guidance counselor, your parents or others who have been there. They can provide valuable insight into the reality of the working world. Be prepared with a list of questions so you get the kind of information you need to find your first job.

Prepare yourself. Before looking for a job, learn everything you can about the job search process. HourlyCareers.com has lots of job resources to help you. The Internet is a treasure-trove of information about job hunting, labor laws for teenagers and information about companies. Also, learn how to fill out a job application, prepare a profile and interview for a job.

Spread the word. Many jobs come through referrals from people you know, so it’s important to let everyone know you’re looking for a job. This is where your parents and their friends, teachers, coaches and other adults can be a great resource. Be sure to mention the kind of work you’d like to do, but don’t turn down an opportunity just because it’s not the perfect job. It might lead to the job you really want!

Work to gain experience. Sometimes a job might not be exactly what you’re looking for, but it puts you in contact with people or organizations that might help you in the future. For example, working as an office clerk might not be the most exciting first job, but it might enable you to shadow someone in a job that interests you. Also, don’t be too quick to turn down a volunteer position in your first job. Sometimes the best compensation is experience or access – and future employers look at any work experience as valuable.

Consider your options. Especially in looking for your first job, don’t limit yourself to your dream job or to the first job that comes along. Broaden your thinking to include as many options as possible. Start with your interests and consider all the possibilities. If you like working with animals, jobs might include working at a zoo, an animal shelter or a veterinarian. But what about providing a dog-walking service or taking care of pets while their owners are on vacation? If you like working with computers, you might not get hands-on experience in your first job, but what about a position that gives you access to IT professionals or helps you learn the latest software?

Other options include:

Retail jobs
Cashier jobs
Customer Service jobs
Restaurant Jobs (from greeting to clean-up)

Teens: How to Get Your First Job originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

Be prepared to answer questions: Know about the company and yourself. Perform an online search for information about the company. Read their latest annual reports to determine their market scope and financial condition. Find out something about the top executives in the company and the division in which you are applying for a job. Find articles in trade publications about the company.

Arrive early on the day of the interview to fill out the job application materials. It is helpful to bring at least two pieces of identification, like a social security card or driver’s license. Try to make a strong first impression with everyone you meet at the company, not just the interviewer, since several people could have a say in filling the job.

Experts generally agree that within 30 seconds your interviewer has already formed an impression about you, so make that time count. Arrive on time, give a firm handshake, look the interviewer in the eye, smile and introduce yourself.

Regardless of the type of interview, remember that the interviewer is wondering how you can help the company. Your answers to his or her questions should illustrate how you can help the company achieve its goals.

Typical Questions, Be Prepared to Answer

Tell us about yourself.

Provide a short, organized statement of your education, professional achievements, contributions you could make to the organization and how your personal goals relate to the profession.

The use of “I” vs. “we.”

Use “we” instead of “I” to indicate you are a team player.

What are your hobbies and sports?

Some hobbies, such as chess or bridge, demonstrate analytical skills. Other hobbies, such as reading, music, and photography, creativity. Sports such as swimming, running, and golf are seen as endurance sports that show determination and stamina. Group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as a part of a team.

Have you ever been fired?

Be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes.

Why do you want to work here?

Except for sales positions, money is generally not seen as a primary motivator. The interviewer will be interested in how your professional skills will be of benefit to the company. Compensation (money and benefits) should be left for negotiation if a position is actually offered.

What about our company interests you?

Show them how much you know about the company.

Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?

The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.

What are your best skills?

If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should already know what skills the company values.

What are your personal goals?

If you have sufficiently researched the organization, and if you have well developed personal goals and objectives, you will be able to show how your goals and the organization’s goals are not in conflict.

What have I forgotten to ask?

Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed.

How to Have Successful Job Interview originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

Finding meaningful employment takes a lot of hard work, determination, and persistence. While there is no ‘quick fix’, there are a number of things that you can do to help increase your chances of landing your next hourly job.

Identify Your Skills - When looking for employment you are in effect a salesperson. If your not sure what you’re selling to prospective employers, why should they hire you? Take inventory of your attributes and make employers an offer they can’t refuse.

Start Your Job Search Early - Don’t leave your job search until the last moment. Careful preparation now can mean all the difference in finding a job down the road. Try many new jobs, even if they are not in your field of study. Every position, no matter what it is, lends itself to a new set of skills.

Research Your Industry Thoroughly - Learn as much as possible about the industry you plan on entering, by visiting your local library and/or career center. Visit the BLS, read newspapers, magazines, etc. Stay on top of new information.

Look Into Various Trade Associations - Trade associations are a great way to learn more about the industry you wish to enter, as well as find out who the decision makers are. Look in the library for ‘Associations Canada’ to get a full listing.

Be Innovative - Make yourself stand out from others in the job search. Spend a day visiting companies, and hand out your resume in person rather than by mail or online. Creative thinking will help you get noticed.

Network as Much as Possible - Let everybody know that you are looking for a job. Be proactive in attending industry events, and talking to others. It’s amazing how networking today, can create unforeseen opportunities down the road.

Seek Non-Traditional Opportunities - Approach companies that you may not traditionally think of as now hiring in your field of study (ie. an accounting student could apply to a hospital). Maybe you should consider starting your own company. Youth Venture Loans are available to help with start up capital.

Remain Positive - Looking for a job is definitely a full time job in itself. With each barrier you cross you’re that much closer to reaching your goal. Don’t give up!

Student Job Search Secrets originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

Preparing for a job interview is crucial. Be prepared so that your knowledge and talent are allowed to shine. An interviewer will make an initial judgment about you within the first few moments of your meeting, so follow these tips to make sure you shine from the instant you meet your interview panel:

1. Map the location. It sounds silly, but please make sure you know exactly where you are interviewing. From the location of the building to the location where you will park your car. Be prepared.

2. Show up 10 to 15 minutes early. By arriving early you show that you’re prompt and considerate of other people’s time. It’s possible that you will have to fill out some paperwork before the interview so show up early just in case.

3. Relax. The job interview is a two way street. No matter what anyone says, the company you are interviewing for is just as often trying to impress you as you are with them.

4. Dress appropriately. Appearance does matter during a job interview. Be formal and professional – wear a suit, minimal jewelry, and a neat hairstyle. Go easy on the cologne and perfume.

5. Do Your Homework. The only thing that will make the job interview jitters go away is being prepared. Know the name of the CEO and become familiar with the company’s mission. Learn as much as possible before the interview as it makes you able to understand the company and ask the proper questions.

6. Treat the receptionist/greeter politely and professionally. Interviewers often ask their assistants how candidates presented themselves on the phone and in waiting areas. People often make the fatal mistake of treating corporate receptionists with disdain, and that can backfire dangerously.

7. Have references ready. You may be asked to fill out a job application, including a list of references, so be sure to have their contact details with you at the interview.

8. Avoid discussing special needs. During your first interview do not discuss any type of special needs. Only if the interviewer brings it up, a first interview is not the time for you to discuss wages, hours or special needs like flex time. Wait until they’ve established a strong interest in you. If you’re already talking about the hours or your desire to work from home in the first 20 minutes, you’re more focused on yourself and your needs than the needs of the employer. During that first meeting, you need to put them first, not you.

9. Do not bad-mouth former employers. Event though it might feel like loads of fun, it’s essential to resist the urge to spill the beans on what you really think of your old boss. The momentary pleasure you’d have venting just isn’t worth the long-term headache it’s likely to create. Remember, you never know who they might know. Rest assured that it’s natural to feel anger toward an unfair boss. What’s not OK is to burn bridges – with a long career awaiting you – based on those feelings. Recruiters see huge red flags when talking to candidates who harbor ill will toward former employers. Trust me, leave the baggage behind.

10. Actively listen. The old adage, “you have two ears and one mouth” has some value in the job interview. You can miss extremely valuable nuances in the conversation if you’re constantly thinking of what to say next.

By paying better attention to the hiring manager’s verbal as well as non-verbal cues (body language), you can not only validate what’s said – which is always appreciated – but you can better refine your pitch. Too many job candidates go into “sales auto mode,” and into unrelated tangents.

BONUS TIPS: Here are some rapid-fire job interview tips that should be common sense but we felt it necessary to mention them anyway.

• Turn off your cellphone ringer and do not answer any calls
• Do not chew gum
• Don’t smell like smoke (if you’re a smoker)
• Don’t seem desperate for a job
• Don’t treat the interview casually

Job Interview Tips: The Dos and Don’ts originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

Fall is an ideal time to renew your job search efforts. A competitive job market forced many new graduates to settle for part-time or temporary summer employment. According to many employers, including staffing managers from a wide range of industries, now is the time for recent graduates to aggressively seek that first job.

Recently, Romac International conducted an informal poll of client companies where its consultants are assisting with employee hiring. The replies reveal several reasons for renewed recruitment activity:

• With the expanding economy, companies have continued to develop entry-level professional jobs, but fewer applicants are available.
• Errors in anticipated workload and the numbers of new employees required, due to cautious projections, may now have to be corrected.
• Resignations are submitted by new employees who decided to pursue graduate education or accepted other job offers, as well as rejections from graduates who previously agreed to a September start.
• The scarcity of experienced personnel has forced employers to consider recent graduates.

Employment experts with practical, hands-on experience offer the following tips to college graduates renewing a job search:

• Closely study the marketplace. Determine which industries are doing well or are likely to improve sales or revenue.
• Investigate smaller companies that do not have the resources to recruit on campus. These corporations typically develop many new jobs.
• Contact classmates who have started their careers, and request their assistance.
• Do not limit yourself geographically. New openings can develop overnight, and it is not always possible for employers to fill jobs locally.
• Consider a part-time or volunteer position. It could develop into a permanent situation once an employer evaluates your performance.
• Utilize every job source, especially classified advertising. Don’t be discouraged by any previous experience wherein you were rejected.

Finally, be prepared to explain why you didn’t obtain a position immediately after you graduated. Don’t allow employers to form the impression that they might be considering someone whom no one else wanted.

Fall Job Hunting Tips originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

Categories: Teamwork, Motivation, Organization, Managing People, Budgeting, Career Change, Recent Graduate

Teamwork

Question: “Describe a recent team project and your responsibility for its success.”
Insight: The interviewer is asking a basic question about your experience. Try to make yourself sound responsible, without overstating your involvement in the project. Be honest about your experience while emphasizing your responsibilities.
Sample answer: “Our team was responsible for streamlining the work flow within the department. My responsibilities were to research the steps involved in each of the tasks we performed and determine which steps were unnecessary.”

Question: “Describe a situation where you served as team leader. What did you look for when choosing team members?”
Insight: The interviewer wants to learn about your leadership skills and approach to team organization.
Sample answer: “I was a team leader for the advertising launch of a new product. We were responsible for determining the target group for our product and coming up with marketing strategies to reach that group. I looked for diversity among the team members when choosing people for the group. I determined the strengths of each member to be sure they would complement each other. I also looked for people who were dedicated to the common goal of creating a unique and effective marketing campaign.”

Motivation

Question: “Describe methods you have used to motivate a team.”
Insight: The interviewer wants to learn about your leadership style.
Sample answer: “There are numerous ways to motivate a team. I try to show the members individually that I’m interested in what they are doing and appreciate their efforts. Recently, when I headed a team looking for new financial software, I assigned specific tasks to each team member. Then, when they had finished them, I made sure to compliment them on a good job. Compliments can be a powerful motivator. It’s also effective to use awards and cash incentives to recognize contributions in a more concrete way.”

Question: “What motivates you to do a good job at work?”
Insight: The interviewer wants to know that you enjoy your work and are committed to doing a good job.
Sample answer: “The challenge of a new project motivates me. In the past I’ve had to motivate myself on projects that initially held little interest for me. I usually try a new perspective or make a fresh start if a project has become stale.

Question: “What are you seeking from this position that you are not receiving in your current position?”
Insight: The interviewer is looking for enthusiasm about the new job. Be careful not to appear too negative when answering this question.
Sample answer: “Although I am not unhappy in my current position, I am ready for a change and the opportunity to gain insight and intelligence in this industry.”

Organization

Question: “Describe your organizational skills. How have they helped you at work?”
Insight: This question is straightforward. Answer it by focusing on a specific example from your life in which your organizational skills made a difference.
Sample answer: “My organizational skills allowed me to work full time while attending school. It was necessary to be very organized so I could continue to meet deadlines both at work and school.”

Question: “Describe a situation in which you had to motivate yourself to complete a task. What resulted from your actions?”
Insight: The interviewer wants to know how you react to an uninteresting project. Turn the question around and focus on positive qualities.
Sample answer: “On any project, I try to set specific, attainable goals. As I reach each small goal, that success motivates me to set other ones.”

Managing People

Question: “Have you ever dealt with a difficult employee? Describe how you handled that situation.”
Insight: The interviewer is asking about your management style.
Sample answer: “Typically, I speak one-on-one with the employee. If a situation warrants, we discuss different levels of corrective action. I explain the problem in detail, show examples of poor work and set attainable goals for the employee to reach.”

Question: “Explain the dynamics of your staff. Is your staff made up of professional or administrative-level employees? Do you supervise mostly part-time or full-time employees–or is there a different structure?”
Insight: The interviewer is asking about your managerial experience. Be honest about the size of the staff you have managed and your responsibilities. You can turn a question like this into a opportunity to shine by pointing out strengths in your style of management.
Sample answer: “My department is staffed by both exempt and nonexempt employees. I try to create an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork in my department by fostering a sense of ownership of a project.”

Question: “Provide examples of how you changed the behavior or performance of an employee.”
Insight: The interviewer wants to learn about your people skills, especially when dealing with a difficult employee.
Sample answer: “I set specific, attainable, written goals and followed up on those goals. I also acknowledged when the employee had reached each goal and discussed the next goal to be attained.

Budgeting

Question: “Describe the type of budget you have been responsible for in the past. What was the size of a typical budget?”
Insight: This is another question designed to measure your level of management experience. Be honest about the size of the budget and your responsibilities.
Sample answer: “The typical budget was about $500,000. I was responsible for allocating the salaries of the workers and operating expenditures, figuring profit margins for each quarter and overseeing expense accounts.”

Question: “Have you been responsible for forecasting a budget? If so, how did you proceed in this process?”
Insight: The interviewer wants to know about your fiscal experience and methods.
Sample answer: “Forecasting a budget involves considering the previous year’s operating budget, additions to the staff and cost of new equipment, taking into consideration changes in the industry and determining what is necessary to stay competitive.”

Question: “Provide examples of how you controlled costs and improved efficiencies in the past.”
Insight: The interviewer is asking about your ability to cut costs and save his or her company money. Answer with specific examples of how you have cut costs in your previous job.
Sample answer: “I work toward a paperless society. Departmental memos are now issued through internal e-mail. This cuts down on paper costs.

Career Change

Question: “Why are you seeking a new career?”
Insight: The interviewer is asking why you are unhappy with your old career. Focus on positive qualities, such as your enthusiasm for challenges and your desire to learn.
Sample answer: “I am looking for new challenges in my work. I want an opportunity to grow with my job and expand my skills.”

Question: “What were your career goals in your previous position? How have they changed?”
Insight: The interviewer wants to know why you are leaving your old career. Answer by emphasizing growth in your old career and enthusiasm for the new career.
Sample answer: “In my previous position I tried to learn each of the skills necessary to perform my job successfully. Now that I have completed that goal, I’m ready to move into a new area and take on new challenges.”

Question: “Describe what skills you have gained in your previous career that would benefit this position.”
Insight: The interviewer is trying to determine how qualified you are for his or her industry.
Sample answer: “I believe I am strong in the areas of customer service, troubleshooting, and project management. Each of these skills would be beneficial in this position.”

Question: “Describe your reasons for changing careers and why this profession appeals to you.”
Insight: The interviewer wants to know how committed you are to your new career.
Sample answer: “I believe I have reached a level in my current career where I’m no longer challenged. I am ready to move on to a new area that will present a rewarding change. I think this profession is an ideal fit for my training and background.”

Question: “What additional training or education do you think is necessary for you to be successful in this position?”
Insight: The interviewer wants you to demonstrate confidence in your abilities, but acknowledge that you are open to learning new skills.
Sample answer: “I think I have the skills to perform well in this position, but it would benefit me and the company to complete a master’s degree. I hope to attain that goal in the next two years.”

Recent Graduate

Question: “How has your education prepared you for this position?”
Insight: You probably have little work experience, so the interviewer wants to know that you are qualified for the job. Emphasize any past accomplishments or skills that would be applicable to the job.
Sample answer: “I have a degree in this area and am ready to use my knowledge in a business situation. I interned at Acme Inc. company and have gained valuable on-the-job training.”

Question: “What specific classes do you think prepared you for this position?”
Insight: The interviewer again is trying to measure your qualifications. Be as specific as possible.
Sample answer: “I believe that my course work in accounting, management, and interpersonal relations has prepared me for this job. In addition, because of my liberal arts background, I’m more flexible.

Question: “What are your long- and short-term goals? How did you determine these goals?”
Insight: The interviewer is asking about your future plans. Show that you are willing to grow with the company.
Sample answer: “My short-term goal is to attain a position where I feel challenged and can contribute to the company. My long-term goals are to take on new challenges as they present themselves. I have determined these goals through four years of college and various internships, which molded my interest in this position.

Common Interview Questions and Answers originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.

“College kids, and especially communication school grads, don’t think in business terms yet, so they don’t understand how to write a resume that looks like that of a ten-year veteran,” my friend said. “Plus, many human resources managers are looking at these kids from the wrong side of the table. They are looking through years of hiring experience; they’ve seen it all and believe each candidate fits in a box, or with a certain type of account. These applicants are so nervous, so inexperienced, they are just hoping to get through the interview without breaking a cold sweat. How can you put someone like this in a box?” he asked.

I’m young enough to remember what looking for that first job felt like and old enough to know what works and what doesn’t. So I decided to use my experience in looking for jobs – and hiring interns and entry level personnel – to write five common sense tips to help recent or upcoming graduates land a solid first job. These tips won’t provide easy salvation, but they might improve your chances of finding what you want.

#1 – Experience is what separates of wheat from chaff when it comes to resumes.
If you are a sophomore or junior, heed these words. If you are a senior without experience, you better be quick on your feet and a fast thinker. Basically, the real world of employment is changing. Entry-level positions, i.e. gophers, are disappearing as the computer makes offices more productive and efficient with less need for errands and busy-work such as copying, faxing, basic editing, etc. Most agencies or firms need employees who are able to hit the ground running, with only minor training and down-time involved. If you have experience from either internships or part-time employment, your chances are exponentially greater than those of another candidate who has the same BA with no experience.

#2 – Don’t view your senior year as an extended vacation. I can’t count the number of friends who waited until the last minute to send out their resumes. Agencies and firms don’t operate under the same simple deadlines you’re used to from your days of writing term papers; they make hiring decisions months before they begin interviewing for positions. This means that, in the time period between the decision to hire and the actual interviewing, they are narrowing down the list of candidates. You need to send your resumes no later than January if you’re graduating in May or June – and in some cases, even sooner. Don’t get caught behind the curve; you don’t want to be flipping burgers with a diploma.

#3 – Take advantage of informational interviews and on-campus club presentations. Typically, these interviews/presentations aren’t conducted by agency vice-presidents but by mid-management personnel who are take the time from their schedules to talk to students and answer questions. My suggestion is to carefully listen to what they say, then drill them with specific queries. The more you learn about their experiences, the more knowledge you bring to the table at an interview. Don’t kid yourself – knowing the lingo and work environment at different companies can be enormously helpful.

#4 – You may think that your parents know nothing at all about your modern job markets because they’re so old – but they do know people! Want to get into marketing communications right out of school? Have your Dad ask his golfing buddy if you can stop by his firm and chat about what the company is looking for in entry-level hires, or if they look at all. So your Mom’s best friend is an independent marketing consultant? Sit down with her over lunch and get her views on today’s marketplace and whether a young gun should consider getting into the consulting field. These conversations can be very informative and informal, and they are a launching point for networking with experienced professionals. You can also air your most harrowing concerns and have them addressed truthfully by someone you trust. Those answers may well tell you how it “really is” in the business world.

#5 – Think your grades don’t matter? Think again! Candidates can only be judged on what they’ve accomplished before they step through the door for the first interview. If you haven’t attempted to excel in college, you’ve shown you won’t attempt to excel in a work environment. Companies are becoming more and more conscious of quality management, and sorry folks – a 2.1 GPA doesn’t show quality management for four years in school.

So there you have it. Our 5 job searching tips that will teach recent graduates how to get a job. If you have a few suggestions that you would like to share, please enter them in the comments section below. Good luck in your job search!

Recent Graduates: How to Land Your First Job originated from HourlyCareers.com; where you'll find the best part-time jobs now hiring in your area.