#BizChats: Dominate your job search as a recent grad

Mashable hosted a #BizChats Twitter chat to share tips on how recent grads can stay ahead of the entry level job search post-graduation.

Storified by Mashable· Wed, May 20 2015 21:01:49





and several money experts participated a It's graduation season, and along with the newly printed diplomas accompanies a batch of recent graduates eager to put them to good use. It's no secret that the competition of finding a decent and rewarding job is stiff. It can be very easy to feel discouraged after months of job searching with no bites, but we want to help shift the odds in your favor. @mashbusiness and several money experts participated a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss what it takes to snag an entry-level job as a recent graduate.

Welcome to #BizChats! Today we're discussing steps college grads should take post graduation. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable Business

A warm welcome to our job experts: @AvidCareerist, @AlisonDoyle, @FishDogs, @jtodonnell, @MaggieMistal, and @ThisIsLars! #BizChatsMashable Business

#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're

answering. (ie., Q1.—>A1., Q2. —> A2., Q3. —> A3.)Mashable Business

Question 1:

Q1. What are the first steps recent graduates should take when looking for a job? #BizChatsMashable Business

A1: Think long-term. Where do you want to be in 5/10 years? Reverse engineer your career from there. #BizChats #BeginWithTheEndInMindDonna Svei

@mashbusiness A1: Contact your career office for help with resumes, letters, applications, job leads, and alumni networking. #BizChatsAlison Doyle

@mashbusiness A1: First step should be to check in with yourself-know interests and market for those interests #bizchatsLaura Craig

A1: Grads need 2 Soul Search b/f Job Search and get clear on their ideal work situation #BizChatsMaggie Mistal

A1. Review your digital footprint. Recruiters and managers will be Googling you. Know what they'll find. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A1: Create “bucket list” of employers & focus on connecting w/people who work there. Fastest way to learn about entry-level jobs. #BizchatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A1: Find people who have the job you want in 5/10 yrs on LinkedIn. Look at their profiles to understand career paths. Emulate. #BizChatsDonna Svei

A1:Soul search means knowing yourself incl what love to do, unique talents, skills want to utilize, how u want to make a diff #BizchatsMaggie Mistal

@mashbusiness A1: what I did coming out of college was finding people on LinkedIn & research trade shows. #BizChatsKalind Patel

A1: Reflect on college/life experience, what do people come 2 u for? How r u already of service? These pt to ur Career/Purpose #BizchatsMaggie Mistal

A1 Hopefully you already know what you want to do. But talk to your network about their jobs and laser target 5 companies.Craig Fisher

A1. Take some time to build our your @LinkedIn profile. 93% of recruiters globally are using #LinkedIn to find talent. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A1: Reach out to their network! Other alumni, family members, professors, mentors, past colleagues... #BizChats @mashbusinessJennifer Harmell

A1: Start searching three months ago. Serious answer: clean your social accounts and set up LinkedIn! #bizchats https://t.co/LGsr7JhP6FSarah Vandenberg

A1. Be strategic about your #JobSearch - know what companies/roles/cities you're targeting and build a hit list of opps. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A1 #bizchats Search Linkedin for managers at your target companies who went to your school. Ask to chat w/ them abt their jobs.Craig Fisher

A1: Look for employers who will train & educate you & give you stretch & leadership assignments. #BizChatsDonna Svei

@mashbusiness A1: Knowing where to look! Our job data shows some of the best college towns to find a job https://t.co/EU14mFzqHC #BizChatsZipRecruiter

A1 #Bizchats Look at the job descriptions that interest you. Make sure you have the key words from them in your Linkedin profileCraig Fisher

Question 2:

Q2. What are the pros and cons of taking an internship post college graduation? #BizChatsMashable Business

@mashbusiness A2: Post-grad internship pros: will give you more work experience and bolster your resume, cons: may not pay. #BizChatsAlison Doyle

A2: Only do post-college internship if you can prove skills acquired will make you more marketable to employers. #BizchatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A2. Some orgs use internships as talent feeder system. The @NPR program helped discover stars like @arishapiro @npraudi @guyraz. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A2: Pro: More work experience you have, the better you can uncover your unique career needs & goals #BizChatsMaggie Mistal

A2. PROS: Experience and Networking, foot in the door, hopefully (modest) pay. CONS: lack of pay, possible meaningless experience. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

I learned most of my skills through internships. Although not paid - the experience is certainly worth it! #bizchatsManon Jung

A2: Con=Internships aren't always paid nor r they a guarantee of a job. May be better focusing on FT opps post college #BizChatsMaggie Mistal

A2. You need some experience, period. If via internship, great. Or start a project researching the industry you want to work in. #bizchatsCraig Fisher

@mashbusiness A2: Pros of post-grad internship-major networking. Major con if not pursued with purpose #bizchatsLaura Craig

@mashbusiness A2: Another pro – use your internships as a way to try out different jobs and career fields #BizChatsAlison Doyle

A2. An internship is the best way to see whether you love the job you think you want. #bizchatsEntrepreneur Store

Q2: Build skill set, making connections, having accomplishments for resume building. #bizchatsNextJob

A2: Pro: An internship in your field shows employers you've tried the industry/job & like it. You're less of a turnover risk. #BizChatsDonna Svei

A2: PRO: Post-college internships that offer unique experiences, access to a great network are worth it b/c of future value #BizChatsMaggie Mistal

A2:Some grads feel "stupid" if they r in an internship post-college. I don't agree. It's smart to get on the rt career path early #BizchatsMaggie Mistal

A2. My personal view - ALL internships should be paid. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A2. Besides experience, Your chances for a full time offer may be increased due to already have graduated. #BizchatsDayvon Goddard

Question 3:

Q3. How do you separate college experience from professional experience on a resume? #BizChatsMashable Business

A3. Resume format is subjective. Most reviewers read vertically, so listing chronologically mixed w/your prof exp is ideal. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A3: Only put quantifiable experience on resume. If you can’t validate college experience as useful in workplace, leave it off! #BizchatsJ.T. O'Donnell

@mashbusiness A3. I separate it by "professional development" and "on campus experiences" #BizChatsBuku

@mashbusiness A3: List internships, college jobs and post-grad work together. Extracurriculars can go in a separate section. #BizChatsAlison Doyle

A3 Highlight what you accomplished, started, grew, achieved but with college as specific area #BizChatsJon Hochstat

A3: You don't need to separate relevant experience between college & work on your resume. Just call it "Professional Experience." #BizChatsDonna Svei

@mashbusiness A3: You can tailor your resume to fit the jobs you’re applying for. Don’t need to include everything. #BizChatsAlison Doyle

A3. No need to separate! Treat your college experience as professional experience and speak to it that way #bizchats https://t.co/KfB3lnFAkpGradStaff

A3. Remember, your resume is a lot broader than that file with your work history these days. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A3: A project u worked on for class is experience - list that on your resume! Especially if it's something you may do in a FT role #BizChatsAutumn Smith

A3. Relevant experience at the top, then list date range and "Other Experience" for anything else you wish to highlight. #bizchatsCraig Fisher

Main focus on any resume: Be truthful, keep it specific and to the point, and try to reflect your personality in the design! #bizchatsManon Jung

A3. Emphasizing the professional experience can be more appealing. Show ya skills! @mashbusiness #BizChats https://t.co/8EiLju4teCZipRecruiter

A3. DON'T list every restaurant job you ever had on your resume or Linkedin profile. Bulk odd jobs together in one spot and them. #bizchatsCraig Fisher

Question 4:

Q4. What are the best resources to help recent graduates find jobs? #BizChatsMashable Business

@mashbusiness A4: Best resources for recent grad jobs include your career office and alumni, LinkedIn, and entry level job sites. #BizChatsAlison Doyle

A4. Resources: Target org career sites, University alumni, network, @LinkedIn @google @indeed @SimplyHired @dailymuse @Glassdoor #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A4: Most jobs r landed by referral. Fellow alums employed in jobs/fields you want are best resources for grads to get jobs #BizChatsMaggie Mistal

A4: Alumni associations! SUCH a great resource for recent grads and not-so-recent ones #BizChats https://t.co/8FA5DBuBubSarah Vandenberg

@mashbusiness A4. LinkedIn, @dailymuse, & Twitter to name a few. Can't forget university either, from advisor or alums. #BizChatsMilap

@mashbusiness A4: Your network, LinkedIn, tailored resources specific to your interest. Keep your network informed! #bizchatsLaura Craig

A4: http://t.co/SX7icCUw7c offers free resources on companies & http://t.co/LjqfPep2s2 offers free resources on job search. #BizchatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A4: Your network (+ connections of connections), internships, employers who interview on campus, info interviews, temp to perm... #BizChatsDonna Svei

#bizchats A4: resources are just six degrees away from you. Connect the dots. Friends & family know someone who knows someone @mashbusinessRoshni P. Kumar

A4. LINKEDIN!! LINKEDIN! You can get your resume DIRECTLY to the hiring manager. Ive helped a ton of recent grads do this. #BizchatsDayvon Goddard

Never under estimate your networks! They are a great resource! #bizchatsLauren Mostiller

A4. Use this tool to find where the Alums from your school work: https://t.co/4AY2SZkQzy #bizchatsCraig Fisher

Q4. Don't rule out leveraging a college recruiting/staffing firm. Companies like GradStaff can introduce you to a huge network. #bizchatsGradStaff

Read @Mashable to keep yourself current on technology & career advice! #BizChatsDonna Svei

Question 5:

Q5. What are some key factors to consider before accepting a job offer? #BizChatsMashable Business

A5: The greatest currency in any new opportunity is the chance for learning. #bizchatsJoe Saumweber

A5. Who are the people you'll work with? Are they smart? Will you learn from them? That can be as valuable as the experience.

#bizchatsLars Schmidt

Your work environment should allow you to bring new ideas to the table and be challenging so you don't get bored! #bizchatsManon Jung

A5 Turnover of staff, possibility for growth/promotions, reputation of company, any legal issues company is facing is good start #BizChatsJon Hochstat

@mashbusiness Make sure you look at the working conditions (are they safe) and be aware of your rights as an employee. #BizChatsSamina Sultana

Leadership, Positive Work Environment, Passionate, and room to grow with the company! #bizchatsManon Jung

Q5: Cultural fit. If it doesn't feel right it probably isn't. #BizChatsNextJob

A5: will it challenge you? Can you see yourself growing professionally w/ the company? And now people have to consider benefits! #BizChatsAdam Viet

A5: What will u learn & who will teach u? How will this help your career path? What does Glassdoor say? #BizChats https://t.co/UzEimqDrKHSarah Vandenberg

A5. If nothing else, make sure the job gives you the opportunity to LEARN. Build your intellectual capital. Set the foundation. #bizchatsGradStaff

A5. what are the opportunities for cross-functional development (so you won't get bored - it happens) #bizchatsCraig Fisher

A5: Again, look for employers who will invest in you by giving you giving experience & training. #BizChatsDonna Svei

A5. I say the only factor that matters is do you fit in with the companies culture. If you dont, everything falls apart. #BizchatsDayvon Goddard

A5: How will this job advance my career? What will I learn? How will I use it to get my next job? #BizchatsJ.T. O'Donnell

A5. Don't fixate on how aligned the job is with your ideal career in 5 years. Think about whether you can learn and build on this. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A5: Will the job pigeonhole you or expand your future opportunities? Check LinkedIn to see how previous incumbents have advanced. #BizChatsDonna Svei

@mashbusiness A5: Credibility of the company, work diversity, remuneration offered, cost vs benefit ratio, distance to work and growth ratioDrashti Shah ♔

A5: Will the job pigeonhole you or expand your future opportunities? Check LinkedIn to see how previous incumbents have advanced. #BizChatsDonna Svei

@mashbusiness A5: Research the role, company, culture, comp, and opportunity to move up. Be sure you want the job. Don’t settle. #BizChatsAlison Doyle

A5: B/f accepting a job, consider how the role matches your personality, your values, your workstyle & other preferences #BizchatsMaggie Mistal

A5: 12 Things You Wish You’d Known Before You Took the Job — Infographic http://t.co/pdeRdvpALQ #BizChats http://t.co/gIRaujkIdsDonna Svei

Question 6:

Q6. What networking skills should recent grads have mastered by the time they graduate college? #BizChatsMashable Business

A6: Master the art of "curiosity" it builds the knowledge barns. It helps broaden ones horizon on what he knows and do #BizchatsChukwunonso Nzekwe

@mashbusiness A6: College grads should be comfortable networking in-person as well as online. Who you know can help get you hired. #BizChatsAlison Doyle

A6 Most people listen to respond, good networkers listen to understand. BIG difference #BizChatsJon Hochstat

A6. Be a good contributor in your online networks. Post valuable info regularly to position yourself as smart + helpful. #bizchatsCraig Fisher

A6. Keep this ratio in mind for all interactions (online and IRL) 5:1 gives to asks. #bizchatsCraig Fisher

@mashbusiness A6: Here are some tips for college students/grads just starting out networking http://t.co/giind2rmfFAlison Doyle

A6 Fearlessness, communication, writing, humor, knowledge of industry, key people to focus on, online image/reputation good start #BizChatsJon Hochstat

A6. Very few people are immediately comfortable with networking. It takes time and repetition. The key is starting in school. #bizchatsLars Schmidt

A7: How to make connections both socially & in person. Understanding their personal brand & what they want to portray. #BizChatsNextJob

@mashbusiness A6: First, be comfortable in your own skin. If you're confident in yourself, conversations & networking come naturallyTEKsystems

A6. The best skill you can have is learning to ask for things while also having something to offer. U must give to get. #bizchatsCraig Fisher

A6: Being comfortable not knowing anyone in the room & being able to look ppl in the eye when you speak. Engage others with a