A Job Search Tip for the New Grad

If you are/were a member of a student organization while in college, obtain a list of past officers and conduct an internet search of the individuals. During the search, compile a list of any past members who are employed in an occupation which interests you. Contact the individual(s) and introduce yourself as a current (or past) member of “Organization X.” (This will immediately form a commonality between the two of you and will increase the likelihood of the individual answering your questions.) Explain that you are a new grad and ask if he/she would like to offer any tips or advice for somebody new to the industry. Most former grads are more than happy to help out new grads, and by taking this approach, you have added one more individual to your network of contacts. And remember, each contact has his/her own network of contacts ... you never know when one of them will hear about a job opening.