Get a job…after college

Black Enterprise, Feb, 1998 by Robyn D. Clarke

Just before high school graduation, Austin accepted an invitation to participate in a work-study program sponsored by The Foundation for Minority Interests in Media in New York City (see "It's Show Time," in the December 1997 issue). He continued interning at the television station during his college years.

Five months after he received his journalism degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, WPIX hired Austin as a production assistant. "My internship experience gave me a definite edge over my competition," says Austin, a 1994 graduate.

Internships should be served early in college, but many can be served afterward. Visit your career center for available internship and/or volunteer opportunities. Internships vary in length and compensation. Many are unpaid and for college credit only. Externships--internships of two weeks or less--are also a viable option.

Tip #4: Knock 'em dead with a killer resume. The success of your job hunt will hinge largely on your resume. Why? Because that one piece of paper will help determine whether you will be granted an interview.

To a potential employer, a resume is a one-page sales pitch and you are the product. Neil C. Kalt, Ph.D., author of Career Power! A Blueprint for Getting the Job You Want (Career Power Books, $12.95), says employers take one minute to determine if your resume gets a second look or goes through the shredder. Therefore, it must be perfect--in both substance and appearance.

A winning resume must be typed in a plain font and printed on good-quality paper. Chances are, yours will be one of several hundred to be screened on any given day. Try either ivory or light gray paper to make it stand out from all the white ones.

Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for and omit unnecessary information such as salary requirements and hobbies. "Be sure to include a specific objective that states the job you are applying for," says Angela Johnson, managing director of the INROADS minority internship program in San Diego, California.

Use action words to describe your previous responsibilities, and avoid using the word "I." In addition to your campus and e-mail addresses, be sure to include a forwarding address and phone number.

Read and re-read your resume for spelling and grammar mistakes. After changes, have someone else look it over--a fresh pair of eyes will pick up what you unconsciously overlook.

Finally, write a personalized, one-page cover letter for each resume you send. Take advantage of the fact that it is read first, by making it attention grabbing and to the point. Show that you've done your research, and mention a few facts or observations about the company.

Make sure your cover letter includes why you are contacting the company, why you qualify for the job and how you can be reached for an interview. Highlight two important accomplishments that can help to really make you stand out.

"Address your cover letter to an actual contact person, not just the `human resources director,'" says Nuriddin, who mailed an average of one resume per day. Commit yourself to sending out a fixed number of resumes every week.