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3 Tips to Help Land Your First Job
HBCU Careers Magazine
By: Dr. Mike Ammons
Director, Raleigh-Durham Aspire Campus
North Carolina Wesleyan College
10-page research papers, 1 ½ hour essay exams, and 8am classes – No More!
You have successfully completed your bachelor’s degree and are anxious to move to the next
stage of your life and career. This moment is filled with excitement because you no longer have
the burden of earning passing grades, yet, there is also a sense of
trepidation resulting from the uncertainty of post-graduation life.
There is no greater pressing issue than finding your first job with
diploma in hand. If you follow these tips, you will be that much
closer to having a W-2 and enjoying all of the benefits of your
years of hard work in college.
Update your Resume
As a job seeker, your resume is the best marketing tool you have
to capture the intention of hiring managers. While having a stellar
resume will not guarantee a job offer, it is, however a needed tool
to get an invitation for a job interview.
In crafting your resume, you need to quantify your experiences to date. Since you have a limited
or short work history, you need to highlight those activities that you engaged in during your
college years. For instance, involvements in clubs/organizations, volunteering, work study, and
internships.
Additionally, discuss the leadership roles that you were in and those problems you resolved.
However, while it may be tempting to use buzzwords like “motivated” “team player” and “detail
focused”, you should, however, explain how you were able to make a positive impact within the
organization, even if you only served as a volunteer. Use statements such as “improved process
efficiency by 15%” or “exceeded alumni donations by $10,000”.
Lastly, take advantage of your schools resources. Most schools have an entire department devoted
to alumni relations and career services that offer a host of amenities like a job network, on-
campus recruiting, interview workshops, and resume writing. Also, do not be afraid to ask your
former professors for a letter of recommendation.
Buy a Business Outfit
While the business culture of today is trending toward that of a casual work environment, you
still need to make a good impression to get hired. Buy yourself a simple black suit (Males) or skirt
(Females). Even though you may be on a budget, there are some cheap alternatives to reduce the
costs associated with purchasing these items.