By Nachalie Rodriguez—

The month of May symbolizes renewal and birth, but for many graduating college seniors it means the start to a new beginning. Planning your life after college is a very crucial time period because now you’re about to face the real world. The next few months will be extremely competitive while on the hunt to land your dream job, but keep in mind that being a strong candidate takes the right preparation.

Before you begin your job search, make a list of your strengths weaknesses, goals and skills. “Take the time to prepare properly. Take the time to clearly decide what kind of job/career you are looking for. Next take the time to build a resume that clearly presents who you are, what you know, what skills you have and what you have done in a way that clearly support your objective,” says Mike Moriarty, Associate Director of NJCU’s Academic Career Planning and Placement.

Take advantage of all the resources that your school offers or anything that will be beneficial for future interviews. “The soon to be graduate should come to our office and sign up for the perfect interview, where you can be videotaped on a mock interview. This system will also allow you to go back and revise your answers and it will also give you tips,” says Juan Arroyo, Assistant Director from the Academic Career Planning and Placement. Lastly, you want to make sure that your Facebook is set to private and that you do not have any obscene images that will alarm employers.

When you get a call for an interview make sure to do your homework! You’d be surprised as to how many interviewees do not research the company or organization that called them. Researching will allow you to come up with questions or any concerns that relate to the position you applied for. These questions will let the employer know how interested you are and that you actually took the time to familiarize yourself with their operation. Moriarty suggests to “Ask questions about the responsibilities of the job, what is the one thing that the employer would most want his new employee to excel at in the job. Ask about the hiring process. Will there be a second interview? Will the position be filled immediately? Don’t just focus on what the company can do for you, but also focus on what you can do for the company! This will also cause you to make a lasting impression, because most people make the interview about themselves and not the company.”

It’s important to follow up any interview you’ve had by giving a call back or sending a thank you e-mail or note. Try to get this done within 24 hours of an interview because remember you are not the only one! The purpose is to make sure you stand out and show gratitude for being given the opportunity to meet with the employer. The thank you e-mail/note should begin by expressing your thanks, day and position you interviewed for. Remember to be concise. Then tell them why you are a good candidate and include any additional information you forgot to mention. Finally express your thanks one last time and add a contact number may they need to contact you. These tips will not only help you stand out but it will give you the ability to have things go smoother for the next interview.