Anne Fisher, a senior writer for Fortune Magazine, wrote a column titled "Five big mistakes new grads make" about blunders college graduates make when searching for jobs. She has some great tips, such as keeping your parents out of the job-interview process. Employers don't want to hear from your mom or dad. Their phone calls or e-mails on your behalf may call into question your maturity and independence. You can read all five of her "big mistakes" by clicking here.
Here are a few more "mistakes" to avoid when looking for work or starting your first job, based on my own experience:
1. Send a resume with a typo or misspelled word. This mistake might not be unpardonable if you were a chemistry or pre-med major, but hey, we're journalists and communicators, right? JMC majors, of all graduates, should know how to spell and write. In competitive hiring situations (aren't they all?), one single mistake can result in your resume being tossed in the trash. Make sure to proofread your resume and cover letter carefully. Then, print them out and proof them again. Ask a friend to read them too. Do all this before sending the resume to the employer.
2. Dress like you're still in college. This isn't meant to be insulting to your intelligence, but "inappropriate dress" is one of the most common complaints I receive from employers about interns. When you start work (internships too), it's time to leave the flip flops, denim and spaghetti straps behind. One of your objectives during your senior year should be to accumulate a new wardrobe for job interviews and your first year on the job.
3. Talking to friends and sweethearts while at work. Most employers tolerate occasional short personal phone calls at work, but don't abuse the privilege. Stay focused on work while on the job and take care of personal business later. If you must take a personal phone call, keep your voice low and keep the call short, one or two minutes, no more. Let most personal phone calls go to voice mail and respond to them later.
4. Be a drama queen (or king) in the office. Everybody has a personal life, and we all experience emotional ups and downs. Trust me on this one, your boss doesn't really want to hear about it. When at work, keep problems with boyfriends, girlfriends, roommates and family to yourself. A moody, emotional or crying employee can be a huge distraction in the office. Don't let that person be you.
Anne Fisher's column appeared in Fortune Magazine May 16, 2007.
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