Planning to graduate? Prepare now for a job search

If you are completing your education and planning to graduate soon, it is not too early to begin preparations for a job search. Obviously, you need to have at least a basic version of your resume and a draft of a cover letter. You can then adjust both documents based on the job you are interested in/applying for. You should be contacting people to serve as references for you. You will need to create a list of references with their contact information.

In addition to the written preparations, you should also think about your wardrobe. You will need a decent suit to wear to interviews and a few different shirts or blouses to wear with your suit. Although a strict business suit may not be required, you should be able to dress a little better than you would if you were already working where you have an interview. Women should wear a conservative blouse - so that it is not too revealing. Your jewelry should be modest, if you wear jewelry. Men should have a nice shirt and tie that is not too wild. Of course you need a nice pair of shoes that are polished. You should plan to wear shoes that are not too flashy and are comfortable to walk in.

Unless you need to carry samples of your work, e.g. for design or art students, you would not necessarily need a briefcase, although that can be a nice touch. You do need a portfolio type notebook where you can write your questions and other information you need for the interview and carry an extra copy of your resume, your work history, reference sheet, etc. It should also include pens and blank paper in case you want to write something down.

As you get closer to interview time, you will want to check your personal appearance. Some of the haircuts and hair dos worn today may not be appropriate for a working professional. If you have body parts pierced or tattoos, you should consider whether it is appropriate to have those visible during an interview. You should also typically limit yourself to no more than one pair of earrings.

The idea is that you should present yourself to potential employers as a capable, competent professional - as if you were already working in your desired field. Some smaller companies have a more relaxed work environment than many large corporations, but you are generally better off to go conservative. It is usually better to be a little overdressed than to appear too casual in an interview. Of course, there are some exceptions - depending on the industry in which you will be interviewing, but for the most part, it is better to take a conservative approach.

Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice, providing career coaching and counseling for life's transitions. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; recognized as a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Check out her Web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
to contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.