To The Graduating Class of 2016

Buckle up! You are now on the runway of life, preparing for takeoff! You are no longer the student. Now you are the pilot in charge of your life and finding a job is your main priority. I’m going to walk you through the upcoming days and weeks to better prepare you so that you can standout among your competition for the job of your dreams.

You’ve gotten all fueled up with your “receipt” in hand to show the recruiters and employers what your qualifications are. Before you can head towards the runway, you have to make sure to check a few things off the list so that it is a smooth take off. First, make sure that you’ve made a resume that maps out all of your education, skills, and any work history and experiences you have had along the way. This is your opportunity to get creative. Recruiters see hundreds of boring resumes each day. Add a little bit of color to make yours stand out in the “cabin” of resumes. Does everyone on the plane look the same? I bet there is at least one passenger who stands out for one reason or another. My challenge to you is to find a way to make your resume stand out. You don’t have to do anything too dramatic, but you only have a short 10 seconds for a recruiter to give your resume a quick scan, so think outside the box and create a masterpiece that is a true representation of all that you have to offer this company. Creating a resume is similar to creating a sales pitch. In essence, you are trying to sell yourself to this company. Use bullet points, descriptive words, and just a taste of what you’re made of is all that is necessary. Why should they choose you over the others? If your resume contains misspelled words, grammatical errors, or is misaligned, you are giving the WRONG impression to your recruiter.

The next item on the checklist before takeoff is making sure that you have communicated to your “flight attendants” (recruiters) what is expected of them. It is their job to keep everyone calm, informed, and provide great service. In return, you are required to be honest, realistic, and have a clear understanding of what is expected from you. Have you posted your resume on sites such as CareerBuilder, Indeed, and created a profile on LinkedIn? The more visibility that you have, the more likely you will be working faster. This will also show your “flight attendants” that you are serious about the job search and that you are being proactive.

You are now ready to head down the runway. Buckle your seat belt and be alert. As you cruise to higher altitudes, you will notice that things can be unpredictable and even encounter turbulence along the way. Remember, you are the pilot and you must remain calm. Going on your first interview will be the toughest challenge. If you are meeting with the recruiter, you still need to treat this interview as the most important one. Why? If you cannot present yourself in a clear and concise manner, it will be hard for them to place you in front of the most suitable clients. Be honest with your recruiter. Let him/her know exactly what you are looking for, but also let them share other “destinations” that they have experience with and you may have not thought of.

As you prepare for your first interview with a client or company, remember that first impressions are everything. Did you shower, shave, and make sure that you are well-groomed? Is the suit that you’ve pulled out from the back of your closet one that still fits? Are you ironed and confident with the attire that you will be wearing? If not, make sure that you make changes to the flight plan so that you don’t have additional turbulence that in turn creates more stress. Dressing for the interview is NOT necessarily how you will be required to dress for the job in which you are being interviewed. Nonetheless, dress for success! Arrive at least 15 minutes prior and make sure that you have an extra copy of your resume, a pen, and a professional portfolio that you can use to take notes.

Make sure that during your interview, you have eye contact with the interviewer and display great verbal and non-verbal communication. You want to be engaged during this meeting so that they can see that you are giving it your very best. Let them know that you are excited to embark on a new journey. The last 4+ years have provided you with the tools that are necessary to survive and reach your desired destination. Make sure that you are asking questions that show that you are an active listener. The last thing that you want to have happen is leaving and realizing that you weren’t clear on what the next step will be. Knowing what comes next will help keep you calm. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and let them know that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Finally, the key to standing out is making sure that you write a handwritten note to the interviewer thanking him/her for their time and energy that they are putting into this search. And then it happens. You pick up the phone to take a call from the “control tower” advising that it is safe to land. You have been cleared for landing! If you have any questions about any aspect of the position that is being offered, make sure that you ask the control tower, to clarify the particulars. You need to make sure that you know the “gate number” and arrival time, so that you can land this aircraft safely.

Congratulations to you, the Graduating Class of 2016. You have worked hard and have prepared your “flight team” and “passengers” for what they can expect. I challenge you to always remember, “Do better. Be Better.” You can’t fly a plane successfully by yourself. You must remember to be a good team player and accept the assistance of your “co-pilot.” Be grateful to those who have taken the time to train and coach you. Greet each day with a smile and a good attitude. A good attitude is the most vital quality over any skill. Don’t allow anyone to bring you down. Leave your excess “baggage” at home! Challenge yourself daily to learn something new. You’ve got this! Safe travels to the perfect job for you.

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