Jazzy T’s Top 5 Tips To Getting Hired After Graduation

Congrats, Class of 2013! You've graduated -- now let's go out and get this money. Check out my personal advice on how to land the job of your dreams inside!

As the first person in my family to graduate college, I didn't really have anyone to give me advice on how to find a job after graduation. So allow me to share my top 5 tips for getting hired for the job you want!

1. Survey your warm market for job openings.

Most open positions are filled before the job listing even hits the web. That is because companies like to “hire from within” or from a reference of a co-worker. So the first thing you should to is check with your school, church or other groups you're affiliated with and let them know you are in the market for a job!

I got my first job in radio because I was already an intern at the company, so when an on-air shift opened up, I was right there to fill it.

2. Apply for the job you want with confidence.

Create a resume you can be proud of. Be sure to highlight your greatest accomplishments, even if it doesn't seem work related, employers want to know about YOU and the skills you have. Include references even if they don’t ask for them. Be confident of your qualifications to land the perfect position.

3. Follow up with your potential employer no later than seven days after you first applied.

This lets him/her know that you really want the opportunity to work and increases your chances for an interview.

4. Visualize yourself in your dream position!

If you've read the book or watch the movie 'The Secret', you know how powerful this is. If you can get to a mental state where you are actually feeling the feelings of having the job you want NOW, you will literally attract it into your life. This also helps you get rid of the anxiety of “I HAVE to find a job!”

5. Go for the win!

When you finally sit down with your interviewer, let him/her know that you are ready to work! Don't focus so much on the interview itself. Go in there like it’s your first day.

Wear your most professional outfit and be friendly. Remember the employer can get anyone to do the work, but they will hire the person they like and who is eager to assist the company in accomplishing its goals.

Check out some of the summer job interview questions you may be asked:

Why are you interested in this job?

When are you available to work this summer? When could you start and when do you need to return to school?

What days and hours are you available each week?

Do you have any activities that would prevent you from working your schedule?

Do you have summer vacation plans?

Tell me about yourself.

Why do you think you are qualified for this position?

Have you ever had difficulty working with a teacher or supervisor?

If I asked your teachers or your guidance counselor to describe you, what would they say?

If you have worked before, what did you like best about your last job?

Describe your ability to work as part of a team.

Why should we hire you?

Do you have references I can contact?

Do you have any questions for me?