Here’s a great post from Thom Singer about a recent grad in a not-fun job search. Thom has some good advice (6 points, including 1. Don’t get discouraged, 4. Ask your friends how they found their jobs, 5. Network like your life depends on it… because it does!).
One thing that jumps out at me from this story is this:
I never heard from her again. She did not have business cards, so I had no way of reaching out to her to see if she has made any progress in finding a job.
Do you have a business card? People WANT TO HELP YOU. They really do. Thom just met this person but he was interested in following up. And Thom is on track to know about 1/2 of the people in the U.S. this decade… wouldn’t he be someone you want in your corner?
She missed out on an opportunity because she wasn’t ready with a business card… it really takes just a few bucks and a few minutes and you can get your own. I get mine from Vistaprint.
College grads need to step up… they are out of the institution where their demands and expectations are artificially driven by professors… it’s time to be a professional.
At the very least get a business card.
(and call on your career center to get some coaching/help)