Getting that Job after College

Getting that Job After College

I graduated college with my Bachelor of Arts degree in May of 2016. Once I went across that stage, my life would forever change. The world I had grown accustomed to the last 4 years was over and it was time to move on (whether I was ready or not!) My degree was in Telecommunications with a concentration of Video Production. I knew I wanted to work in the film industry, so I had that narrowed down... Easy enough, right? Ahhh, not so much. I knew living in Indiana might be my first challenge because let’s be real it isn’t Hollywood. So, what could the beautiful crossroads state offer me in the production world? First, I started by asking Google. I began searching anything with the key words “Production.” Then to my surprise there were similar jobs in my field throughout Indiana… The results featured News Stations and Communication Companies. But before I began applying, I wanted to have everything ready... You want to be prepared for every job you’re applying to. It’s so much more than just filling out an application online.

Here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Get Organized

You need your resume, cover letter, and letter(s) of recommendation.

Now, if you’re like me you started creating these documents while still in college for internships. But once I had graduated, I needed to update all the details.

Resume

Here is a snippet sample of my resume:

Important Note: Try to keep your resume at one page because that’s the ideal length for employers. If you make it two pages, that’s fine. But just keep it short, sweet, and to the point by only adding the pertinent experiences and skills.

Here are the other categories listed on my Resume:

Professional Experience

All the recent jobs and internships you’ve had

Any leadership position that is relative to your major and desired career

University Activities

Such as your Fraternity / Sorority and any roles you obtained while an active member

The 3 C’s: Clubs, Committees, and Community Service

Sports

Related Skills

This is where you will list the skills you’ve acquired over the years that could be beneficial to your desired career.

For Example: I added Adobe Premiere because this is the program I would edit all of my videos.

This could be a requirement for a job I’m applying for.

Important Note: Not only should you add how technically savvy you are and the experiences you’ve had. But also boast about your character traits. Add your professional speaking abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and problem solving. If you’re confident about it – add it to your resume. These things just make you that much more valuable to an employer.

Cover Letter

Your cover letter is very important it’s meant to express your interest to the job in which you are applying and how it would be a good fit.

What goes on the cover letter?

• Your contact information

• Why you’re interested in that position

• Previous experience that can relate back to how your skills could benefit the company

• Conclusion Sentence

• Say Thank you for their time

Here is an example of my Cover Letter:

Important note: Do not copy and paste the same cover letter to every application. You should always personalize it to that company.

Letters of Recommendation and References

These are so beneficial to have! They are not always required but it’s better to have them just in case. You can get reference letters from professors, previous employers, co-workers, or even academic advisors. If you don’t have an actual letter, that’s okay!

You can just use these people as a reference. It works basically the same way!

Here’s how they can look at the bottom of your resume:

Step 2: Start Applying for Jobs

It’s 2019 and almost all applications are found online.

The best way to search is Google, using the key words related to your major or desired job title. Employers also post job openings on third party websites like Indeed.com. As I was searching for jobs, I would Bookmark the ones that interested me.

I made a folder in my Bookmarks and titled it “Jobs to Apply”.

I noticed while applying a lot of companies have a portal now where you create an account, fill out the basic application, and attach the documents. So remember as you’re applying-- add all the documents you created.

If there isn’t an application online or a portal, you can email your information over to a hiring manager. Just look around on their website and you should be able to find an email address.

Important Note: If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name you can just address it as:

---

Dear Hiring Manager,

I saw this posting for the [ Job Title ] position I would like to connect with you more to learn further details.

Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing back.

---

Important Note: Keep track of all the places you applied and the date. I wrote all of mine down in a notebook.

Step 3: The Interview

After I applied for my job through the company’s online portal, I got an email about setting up a phone interview. I wrote back and scheduled a time for the following day. I prepared for the call by grabbing a notebook to write down any information down during the interview (you should do this for in person interviews as well). The Hiring Manager called me and asked a series of questions about my experience and why I applied for the job. Once the interview was over, we scheduled an in-person interview.

Be Prepared

I know interviews can be nerve-racking but just be yourself—You’ve got this!

Be polished, excited, and professional.

Do your research! Expand your knowledge about the company online. I had an interview during college and the hiring manager asked me what my values are, and I mentioned the company’s CORE values and how they are like mine. And guess what?! I got hired on the spot. Proof that this works! Be on top of your game.

They will ask you a series of questions:

What are your strengths?

What experiences do you have?

Will you tell me about yourself?

What work place issues have you had and how did you overcome it? (This is a popular one)

Important Note: During your interview always ask questions!

It shows your interest in learning more about the position and company.

What to Wear

Business Casual is the best option! No Jeans!

Here are some examples I found on Pinterest:

(Source: Pinterest)

Follow Up

Send a thank you email or even a handwritten letter to the hiring manager for their time.

Step 4: Accepting the Job

I received a call three days after my interview and I was offered the job! I was ecstatic! It was like all my hard work had paid off. This was my first adult job in my degree after college!

I just want you guys to remember, if you don’t get that call back, keep your head up. It wasn’t meant for you. I applied to so many jobs and didn’t hear back. I went to interviews and didn’t get offered the job. I realized during interviews the job wasn’t what I wanted to do. AND THAT’S OKAY. Everyone must start somewhere with their first job, and it takes time, patience, and a little bit of hustle. Also remember your first job doesn’t have to be your last. Look at it as a stepping stone to another job or position in the future. But be excited about where you are and the future.

You’ll get that dream job, you’ll be successful, you’ve got this.

Any more questions? Let me know!

Xo,

Dani Kaye