It’s clear to me that some employers are seizing on this opportunity (if you can call it that) to make low or even insulting job offers to entry level candidates. They do this because there are just so many more candidates than jobs at this level.

So, what does the inexperienced, young job seeker do? Do you accept a position with an insultingly low salary just so you can have a job and a chance to prove yourself? No. Even in this economy, I discourage such a move. The solution is to educate yourself so that you’re in a good position to negotiate when you have a job offer. You also need to know what to listen for.

Read the rest here.

1. Select your attire. Decide what you are going to wear at least one day before the interview. If you have not worn something in a while, it may not look, or fit the way you remember. Maybe you bought the clothes while you were sporting the Freshman 15? You should actually try everything on, confirm that your clothes are cleaned and pressed, and make sure you feel confident about your appearance. Guys–make sure you have the right color socks (no lime green, please). And don’t forget to have the shoes shined! Remember, the first impression you make is your appearance. Even if everyone who works there is in casual attire, you are still in the interview process and you should look like a candidate, not an employee.
2. Organize your resume and other materials you’ll take to the interview. Even though you’ve submitted your resume to the company before, it is always good to have hard copies when you go to an interview.
3. Have a plan for getting there. Make sure you have directions, phone numbers, and email information. If you are driving, you should find out where to park and if you will need a permit for your car. If you are taking public transportation, determine your route in advance. No matter how you are getting to your meeting, make sure you know how long it will take to get there. And don’t forget to bring a photo ID if required by the Security Desk.

Make sure your interview day goes flawlessly and read the rest of the advice.

1. Update your resume at the end of each semester.

Even if you’re a freshman, prepare a resume the minute you get to school. But this is not just about having a resume–it is about building your resume. You should have new work experience, internships, research projects, community service or activities to add to your resume EACH semester. Think about this: You want to be concerned about how you are going to fit everything on one page, not how big the font has to be so you fill the page. If you are simply going to class and getting good grades, you are not doing enough. Potential employers want to hire people who have demonstrated energy, passion and commitment. It is not enough to say you are hard working and ambitious–you have to show it!

Get the rest of the tips here.

Make every job count.

In this difficult job market, you might be tempted to take any job right after graduation, just to get a paycheck–not the best move when it comes to your MBA candidacy. Will the position provide significant learning opportunities and/or the chance to network?

Don’t take the GMAT until you’re ready.

This infamous standardized test has constrained many otherwise strong MBA applicants. It has also helped many who “underachieved” in college to show the b-school admissions committees that they have the potential to excel in the classroom. In other words, the GMAT matters! The worst thing you can do is to take this test before you are fully prepared to earn a score that is at least equal to the median at the desired business school. Why? Because the admissions committees will see your prior scores even if you do better the next time. And the more tests you take, the less convincing your improvement will be. So start by finding the best possible prep resources, which could mean self-study or securing a reputable tutor.

Read the rest at Student Branding.

Many colleges and universities are offering programs like these, both online and in the classroom, that can help you develop specific career competencies. They are each distinct in their offerings but either can provide you with the additional skills or knowledge that can make you more relevant or marketable in the career that you would like to pursue.

Read more here.

Here are three things that you absolutely must consider when you polish your resume:

1. Don’t lead with your education.

2. Don’t just list your work experience.

3. Pay attention to layout and alignment.

Read Lesley’s full piece here.

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with the chief operating officer for equity capital markets for a premier global financial services provider. The COO, who has interviewed countless people throughout her career from interns and recent graduates to more experienced applicants, is a personal friend and colleague. I’ve know her for many years, and we’ve never had a conversation that I’ve not found very educational.

This time, I asked my friend what are three of the most important questions she asks recent graduates during their interviews, and what kind of response is she anticipating for each one. I’m excited to share her refreshing and honest responses.

Read the entire post here.

Believe it or not, some references don’t shower praise on their former employee, and just because the company has asked for your references doesn’t mean it’s not checking references for several other candidates too. The reference checks can help distinguish between finalists and provide clarity on which would be the best fit for the job.

Read more here.

When you get to be a career coach with more than 25 years of experience in the recruiting space, you come to expect that all the college students and recent graduates you encounter will be light years ahead of you in their grasp of all things digital. You even resign yourself to the inevitable slip up and reference to some kind of outmoded technology–which was so last minute, and, already, so uncool.

Yet, I’m consistently amazed at how pathetic most college students’ and recent graduates’ online social profiles are.

Read here to find out the truth about three common misconceptions she often hears from young job seekers.

1. Prepare a resume after the first semester. In so doing, omit most of your high school activities, so you can see how much you need to accomplish by your senior year to have a robust CV. The gaping holes will motivate you to make the right choices about activities, internships, and coursework that will tell your unique story and make you stand out as an appealing candidate for employment.
2. Make an informed decision about your major. Your research ought to focus primarily on the post-graduation opportunities inherent in your selection. Understand what coursework, internships, and research experiences will position you most favorably, and consider selecting a minor that builds upon your major. Learn about the types of job offers recent graduates from your school have received, and do everything you can to best prepare for your job hunt before you actually have to face the uphill battle of securing full-time employment.
3. Understand your choices have consequences. Underemployment, unemployment or conspicuous gaps in your resume can and will absolutely derail your job search. Those choices will tell a story which will damage your credibility. They reflect on your decision-making skills and will dissuade employers from hiring you.

Read the rest here.