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The Top 11 Mistakes That Recent Grads Make in the Job Hunt

Chris Bianchi

March 05, 2010


11 Mistakes to Avoid


For those of you ready to graduate and dreading the job search, I’ve got some good and bad news. The bad news? Job searching is hard. The good news? I think I can help you out. I made a lot of mistakes in my frustrating, grueling search for employment, and I want you to learn from my laundry list of mistakes.

I moved home the day after I graduated, hoping to find a job in a tough field in an even tougher economy, but I had no luck for seven months. I sent my resume to tons of places, I even felt good about doing my part to try and revive the permanently broke Postal Service, but unfortunately I had no luck.

After seven months of unemployment, naturally, I received two jobs offers within a week of each other.

Now, onto you. If you’re graduating in May or you’ve still got a while to go, read this, and take note. This is all from the front lines, a collection of observations from my fellow unemployed friends and me. Print this, staple it to your wall, and recite it before you go to bed every night.

1)Work your tail off >>



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    basmah87

    over 2 years ago

    8 comments

    this is a really good article. I would just say that if you just graduated and you are still on the job hunt, find a place to intern or even volunteer in the meantime. That way it doesn't look like you were being idle on your resume, and it will make you feel better about yourself in general.

    Even if you don't get a job right away or the job of your dreams, there is no reason to panic. It isn't healthy and doesn't benefit people in any way. So, while I am a big advocate in working hard for your goals, I also strongly encourage people to relax and take some time for yourself. Otherwise, fantastic article and thank you for all of the advice!

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    midun

    over 2 years ago

    4 comments

    nice lesson, i got excited when i read this.your advices were nice and meaningful.

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    Frank_Ball

    over 2 years ago

    19756 comments

    Please keep your comments on topic to the article -- Any comments posted with embedded links leading to questionable infected sites outside MonsterCollege will be removed and the poster's account will be banned from MonsterCollege. Thank you.

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    yvonnebottoms

    about 3 years ago

    6 comments

    thank you for all your advices

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    Unaccredited Cate

    about 3 years ago

    Good advice, Chris.

  • Sen

    ahmadz2

    about 3 years ago

    2 comments

    thanks Chris, this helps alot

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    beatalaska

    about 3 years ago

    2 comments

    Thanks Chris. Like all of us I hate to look for a job, I am thinking about my own business but I still need experience... For me getting hired means win with myself.

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    Mr_College

    about 3 years ago

    282 comments

    Thanks for sharing your story Chris.

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    Kacurran

    about 3 years ago

    2 comments

    great advice :) .... especially about being creative where you apply, even more so in this economy. I have been looking for a job in architectural design, drafting and rendering and just started dropping my resume off at different architecture firms in the area. I has called comapnies first and asked if i could drop off or e-mail or mail them my resume, some comapnies dont want you to just come in. while i was doing this i passed a construction and engineering firm and thought "what the heck, its worth a shot" i went in, introduced myself to the secretary and gave her my resume. she explained she didnt think they were hiring but would pass my resume along and they would call me if interested. So i left and continued onto the next firm on my list and 5 minutes latter i get a phone call from that company asking me to come in for and interview latter that day! ....i havent been hired yet,i find out in a week but it was defenitately a positive experience! you just never know where you could get in.

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    DavidChou

    about 3 years ago

    362 comments

    a nice personal experience. we all face very similiar situation. no matter if you abour to graduate or you have ten to twenty years of working experience.
    when talking about getting a job in a tough environment, we are all somewhat hopeless and uncertain and sometimes scary.
    but, we need help and motivation and organization. from our friends, and from ourselves and from professionals in the fields.
    go out and engage with people, friends and relatives for job search or for expansion of network. talk, observation and participation should help out how your see your future. remember, help out could also make your feel good too.

  • Belushicollege

    editor

    about 3 years ago

    396 comments

    Thanks Chris

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