OFW guide: Practical job-hunting tips for fresh grads

With countries around the world undergoing a recession, finding a job is not easy, especially for fresh graduates as most employers prefer to hire people with solid work experience. 

Actually, even people who have had years or decades of experience will still face cutthroat competition in the search for jobs.

According to the Ezine Articles site, having a college degree "does not guarantee a flush job with plenty of pay and prospects."
 

"Employers are constantly having to decide between qualifications and experience. To combat this you need to use your time at university to prepare," the article suggests.

 

Another site — Intern Program 360 — said there are ways for students to prepare to join the job market soon after graduation:

 

(1) Excel in internship

 

Although an internship is usually required before graduation, most students don't take it seriously.

 

An internship is actually your golden ticket to employment. It offers various experiences that will be advantageous when you start looking for a career.

 

It gives you that much-needed work experience, a confidence boost, and if you perform well, your internship employer might actually hire you right after you get out of college.

 

(2) Show initiative

 

Showing initiative is an undervalued trait nowadays. When a fresh graduate applies for work, a potential employer looks for how well he performed in college.

 

When the employer sees that the applicant showed intiative in college, such as having extracurricular activities, that is almost a surefire way to getting hired.

 

It would be better to focus on projects or activities related to the field you would like to work in after graduation.

 

(3) Be on the top

 

There's no better way to get noticed for a job opening than to be one of the top students of your batch.

 

It may prove difficult but the rewards are exceptional as potential employers are the ones who woo the top graduates.

 

You could stand out by being involved in nonprofit organizations, campus projects and student-community activities.

 

(4) Network

 

Networking can be a very powerful tool once you master it. 

 

Imagine what could happen if you know at least one person everywhere you go. This will have tremendous impact on your projects and career as you always have someone you could ask for help when needed.

 

Networking also allows you to be at the top of the game when it comes to information. It is important to be leading the information race if you plan to be competitive in your chosen field.

 

(5) Secure a diploma

 

A diploma is one of those things that you can live without but will definitely give you an edge when it comes to applying for a job.

 

Sure, there may be people who have been very successful after they dropped out of school. However, securing a diploma really helps you be recognized as someone who knows how to finish things that you've started.

 

It also says a lot about your character as someone who has undergone proper training and experience for the job waiting ahead. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News