Time flies when youre figuring outhow to navigate a post-recession economy.
This year, theres an entirely new generation graduating from college: Generation Z.
And theyre facing a competitive job market and a still-uncertain economy.
So heres some expert advice for the latest grads entering the workforce.
The displacement of in-person social interaction by screen interaction seems to be reducing social skills.
Before entering the job market, recent college graduates shouldpractice their 30-second sales pitch,Hopkins suggested.
Make your friends and parents practice with you about how to have a smooth conversation.
That seems incredibly lazy, and ultimately unimpressive.
Clean up Your Social Media Accounts
Another must?
Potential employers are definitely creeping on your accounts to see if you fit their standards.
And its not just employers,but landlords and lenders, too!
Social media is like a lazy background check, and its a surprisingly common way to vet job candidates.
Better yet,step up your social media game altogether.
Share interesting articles in your industry.upgrade your bioto something a bit more professional.
And, of course,build an awesome LinkedIn profile.
This is a dumb stereotype, so ensure your resume busts it.
On the other hand, its important to realize your resume isnt all aboutyou.
Employers are more concerned with what they want and how you are going to help them.
Do your research and come up with something relevant the employer might not know about their industry or market.
You also want to show, not just tell, Shindler says.
Dont just say youre good at tackling a challengeget specific about what kind of challenges youve overcome.
Use other peoples words to describe you at your best rather than your own.
Show off your portfolios, designs, languages, personal websites and blogs.
Leave a takeaway to be memorable.
Dont leave your personality at home.
Show real interest in the job, the employer, and their world.
They want the right kind of characters to fit into their team.
There are a number of reasons to hire someone beyond their experience.
Dont Be Afraid to Negotiate
Itshard to negotiate your first-ever salarybutnotnegotiating it can be an expensive mistake.
The study concluded that this added up to $600,000 over the course of ones career.
A shocking percentage of Generation Zs do not negotiate their first salary, said Streif.
Either way, Streif says, Generation Z-ers should do their research before accepting a salary.
Sites likeGlassdoorandPayscalemake it really easy to do this.
So dont say that.
Instead, focus on the skills and traits youdohave that employers want to see.
The sooner you might get comfortable with it, the better.
Thats another great reason to negotiate your starting salary, as terrifying as it may be.
Just ask, and consider it experience.
And if you get what you want?
