An entrepreneur in the tourism and hospitality industry, Jeffery Scott Fraser owns Tsaina Lodge, near Valdez, Alaska. He holds a BS and MS in human resource management and management information systems from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. In addition to his role at Tsaina Lodge, Jeffery S. Fraser is an investor in Job Pose, a company that matches job seekers with employers.
For young graduates, looking for a job is a job in itself. It entails researching opportunities, applying for them, networking with professionals, attending interviews, negotiating offers, and (hopefully) getting the job.
First, prepare yourself for the journey. Set aside five hours each day to researching jobs and preparing your applications for each. Do not send a boilerplate application to every company in the hope that one will respond, as that method rarely works. Instead, update your details so that you appeal to each company individually.
Next, network actively with professionals in your field. Pay a visit to your school’s careers office. Besides career opportunities, you’ll find programs that connect graduates with mentors and grant access to networking opportunities. Attend your school’s alumni events and actively seek helpful contacts. Register as a member of a professional organization and attend their events. Make meaningful connections with the people working in a company you would like to join. Not only does this show interest, but your contacts can help you prep for an oncoming interview.
Remember to use social media wisely. Research the best apps or social media sites for professionals in your field and join these platforms. While there, communicate your strengths. Project the unique skills and expertise you acquired at your last internship, while serving on a student organization, or while doing your course projects. Highlighting experiences that show your strengths will help you know what to include in your resume and help you to answer career-based questions during interviews.
