I remind my students that it isn't always going to happen on their first try. Keep a positive outlook, each no brings them closer to a yes. They chose this field for a reason, they have a passion for it. Let their interviewer's see that passion. Once they get to the hands on interview, let that passion again be shown in their touch. When you are doing something you love, you will succeed.
We are constantly trying to come up with new, exciting ways to get our students and grads interested in the different avenues of the industry. I created a "Meet the Industry" event where employers come to our campus and talk to students and grads about their companies and what they look for in employees. It is like a job fair without the pressure of interviewing. We have done it twice now with very positive feedback from both students and employers.
I try to help my students to maximize their search results by using google/keywords and their Zip code to identify job leads starting with (Ground Zero)their home area, then add/subtract 1 number search again, this technique identifies all potential industry related employers, as well as minimizes travel to and from work once a job is found. Gas is expensive and Time is money.
Cathy,
This kind of ongoing support is so important both to keep students on track with their search and to keep their spirits up when things look bleak.
Elizabeth Kemler
Jessica,
This sounds like a smart approach. Many students are uncomfortable putting things to paper in this way so clarifying the importance is key.
Elizabeth Kemler
My guys for the most part are very blue collar so acknowledging that job placement assistance has a keen understanding on how much time and effort goes into creating a good resume and cover then distributing the documents goes a long way. I know that many times that creating a document and letter are outside their comfort zone. In addition I also have a frank talk about the job market, heavy competition for open positions, and discuss how to handle rejection.
Our Career Services staff maintains consistent contact with our job-seeking graduates and partners with them in targeting their interests, setting and achieving employment goals, and providing them with individualized sessions.
As Jenn stated, taking the team approach and partnering with our graduates is helpful in "getting over the bumps" and provides them with a sense of support as they work towards fulfilling employment. Regular contact also seems to help buoy the spirits when discouragement starts to settle in.
Jennifer,
There's nothing like having an active ally like that-you're clearly doing your students a great service.
Elizabeth Kemler
I call them regularly to check in and give them tips as to where to look for jobs (job boards, calling/visiting places in their communities). I'll research some employers in the area in which they live and give them the contact info so they feel as if they have a "partner" in their job search, that they're not going it alone.
Nicole,
It sounds like you're offering some very useful guidance and support to help students prepare for their interviews.
Elizabeth Kemler
I help the students by keeping in contact at least once a week or every other week. I want the students to understand that we are here to help them by motivating and giving them the extra boost when they feel that they want to give up. I also ask the students to come in to do mock interviews to see how they would present themselves while an interview. If not doing so well in the interview, I give the students pointers to where they can improve and maybe that will give them a little more boost of confidence.
Susan,
This is an excellent idea. There is nothing more valuable and informative than real world examples of what does, and doesn't work.
Elizabeth Kemler
First, I have collected the practices of successfully employed students and I've also collected the practices of the students who were not as lucky. I share both sets of practices with new graduates so they can adopt the successful practices and hopefully avoid the impeding practices. I find it also helps to provide the unemployment rate of their particular region so they don't take the rejection or lack of response so personally. I encourage the graduates to try "information interviews" so they can start networking with people in their industry.
Gloria,
The negative self-message can really be a huge obstacle for students. Helping them to replace them with more positive, motivating messages will enable them to see better, the opportunities that they have.
Elizabeth Kemler
Jennifer,
It sounds like you and your team are actively involved with your students job search and offering them very helpful guidance. I like the idea of tracking the different 'search avenues' as it gives you a good idea of where people are finding the most jobs.
Elizabeth Kemler
We have our gradautes/students keep track of the different avenues they are using for job searching (ie: Internet, newspaper, walk-ins) and help the grads to look at what has been giving them the best results in their job search. We call our graduates bi-weekly and visit with any current students in person at least twice a week. We share all new job openings at the time of the visit or the call and also share who has gotten hired and where to show the grads that they can be just as successful as their classmates.
never give up, feel confident, replace negative self-massage with positive one.
Dax,
High expectations can indeed be a problem; both in terms of finding a job quickly, and finding one that meets all their criteria. It's good that you're focusing on keeping them hopeful about their prospects while encouraging them to remain practical-which often does mean taking the 'not quite right' job until the right one comes along.
Elizabeth Kemler
I agree with what most people have said thus far. It has been my experience that people get discouraged and give up because of exceedingly high expectations. Although it looks like the economy is improving (knock on wood) and the training they receive at our school has proven to work for most graduates, there is still the possibility that alumni will not receive a job offer for a while. I can speak from experience; it took me much, MUCH longer to find a job out of college than I expected. I just remind my students that something will come along, and in the meantime, find any type of work. This will keep their skills and their spirits up.
We have had success just by staying touch with businesses in our community. Our relationships with the business community provides our school with job leads and mentors. A former student may work as a mentor to help them with the confidence to keep on trying.
