It's graduation season and you know what that means, right? More unsolicited career counsel from people like me. Does it ever just start to sound like white noise? If so, tune it out.
That's right.
There's really nothing new you can learn at this point, and most of the advice is just warmed-over versions of the same old stuff you've been reading for years anyway. Honestly, do you really need to be told - again - what not to post on Facebook? If you want to upload a photo of yourself downloading dinner in the back of a cab, go right ahead. No one will notice and, if they do, they'll probably think it was as funny as you did when you sobered up.
While you're at it, hit the diner at 3am and be sure to chase your sugary cocktails with caffeine and bacon. What's another five pounds when you're already sporting the Freshman 19? (See, you're overachieving already!) Besides, it's not like they're grading you on appearance in the interview or anything.
But don't get too fat, though, because that would defeat the whole purpose of looking hot at work. Ladies, are you with me? The best way to be taken seriously in a professional setting is to look high maintenance, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing your killer "Girl's Night Out" dress in the office. (Just be sure to tone it down with a blazer or something, okay?) And fellas, business or not, if a coworker catches your eye in that dress, by all means point it out in front of as many colleagues as possible. Trust me, she'll view it as a compliment.
Also, if you're still hunting for post-grad jobs at the moment, don't settle for anything too entry-level. Recession or not, you've just spent four years and five figures learning how to be a leader and deserve to flex those skills from day one. That means no data entry, no errands, no taking messages, and absolutely no refilling the copy paper. 72% of the American public doesn't have a college degree, so let them fetch coffee. That's not why you went to school.
Likewise, your compensation package should adequately reflect this new graduate status. Depending on your degree of course, you can expect to start somewhere in the upper five figures with rapid advancement opportunities and a performance review in six months. By the way, if there's no mention of your work space during negotiations, don't worry. Your new team wants to surprise you with an office on your first day. (Shhh.... That's a newbie secret you did NOT hear from me.)
Finally, be aware that your new company should have prepared for your arrival in detail so you will most likely have a thorough orientation outlining your specific responsibilities. Once you're ready to hit the ground running, though, you'll be assigned a mentor who will show you the ropes and take a personal interest in your success. P.S. If you're smart, you can have her job in two years. Welcome to the workforce, baby!
Follow Emily Bennington on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EmilyBennington
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Don't take a lot of so called "advice" seriously.
Try to learn something about the company, look sharp, be nice and do the best you can.
After the interview:
Ask yourself:
WHAT'S NEXT?
Meaning of course, it's time to move onto the next interview.
Don't get too hung up on your dream job, you never know which one will give you the offer.
And if you do get an offer...TAKE IT!
Fact is that today, there are a heck of a lot of folks wanting a full time job as about 17% of us don't have one.
So, just keep plugging away:)
Oh, kudos on the book and 800+ twitter followers Emily, you seem like quite the success yourself.
It actually seemed more like a slam at the people who are consistently slamming THEM for not getting that they have to start at the bottom.
maybe it's just me, but that's what I saw in it.
Regarding the following quote, "72% of the American public doesn't have a college degree, so let them fetch coffee. That's not why you went to school." This kind of elitist, smug crap is what your selling to new grads? Wow. I'm beyond words at how offensive this is.