Tuesday, May 31, 2011

3 Things to Do While You Wait on a Job Offer


Last week I wrote a post about what parents can do to help their college graduates who have to move back home until they find a job. Now, I'm going to write a post for college graduates who are jobless -- and it has nothing to do with writing a resume or brushing up on interview skills.

Instead of watching CollegeHumor videos or "Scrubs" reruns, here are some things you can do now that will pay off once you get a job.

Just think of this as the class they never gave in summer school...

1. Improve your handwriting. I know, I know. Who uses pen and paper anymore? You've always got your laptop or your smartphone, so the thought of handwriting a note seems ridiculous. But what's ridiculous is the college graduate who can't write in cursive and whose notes resemble something that should be submitted to Sesame Street. Download some free handwriting guides, and practice at least 30 minutes every day until you can do it with ease. Employers roll their eyes at young workers who can't write in cursive or print like first-graders. Don't give them an excuse to think your handwriting is a reflection of your abilities.

2. Stay up on current events. I know that many people said they learned of Osama bin Laden's death via Facebook, but you also need to get news from other sources as well. Like newspapers, magazines or RELIABLE blogs. You need to understand local and world events and how they may affect others. You'll garner respect from colleagues and bosses if you're able to not only keep up with current event discussions, but add some insight based on a deeper understanding.

3. Take a dance class. Learning to move gracefully projects maturity and confidence. A dance class (traditional dance like the foxtrot, not hip hop) will improve your posture. It will teach you how to move in front of others without tripping over your own two feet. It will teach you how to wear dress shoes or high heels without looking like an idiot. And, believe it or not, you may someday have to dance with the boss' spouse, and won't you look awesome when you know how to move with confidence as opposed to the others who stand around waiting to Dougie?

What others tips do you have while college grads await a job offer?

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3 comments:

sewa mobil said...

Nice article, thanks for the information.

kaleigh said...

I love this unique look at things to do while you're not working. There's always the obvious (keep looking, network, brush up on your skills, go back to school, intern, etc.) but these are great too.

Brad Merrill said...

Great post, Anita! Especially love the information on handwriting. As a little bit older job seeker it is a bit of a pet peeve of mine. That being said, mine can get better, but one thing that I went and did is dropped a few dollars (while I still had an income stream) on a nice but relatively inexpensive fountain pen and a bottle of ink. (<$50 for both) Because of the way you have to write with a fountain versus a ballpoint, gel or rollerball you learn how to write better as well.

Staying up to date on current events - even if that is reading your local paper - either hard copy or online, cnn, fox news etc. One of my choices is actually the weather channel. They have a lot more general news since being acquired by NBC Universal.

I hadn't thought about the dance thing, but it makes a lot of sense.