Hit the Bulls Eye: Finding a Job in the Real World

Andrea Syrtash, special editor of How To Survive The Real World: Life After College Graduation (Hundreds of Heads, $13.95), provides 5 great tips from the book on finding a job in the real world. 

 1) It’s important to find a job you might like and then set up an informational interview. Syrtash says this is valuable advice because the person you meet with may not have an opportunity for you, but he or she may put you in touch with somebody who does or even remember you later when a new position opens up.

2) Find a connection rather than cold calling—even if it's a friend’s aunt—any personal connection helps you stand out from the other applicants. If you have to apply “cold,” print your resume on non-white paper. You have to do whatever you can to stand out from the rest.

3) During the interview, stay enthusiastic, but don't mention you want to run the company one day or you see this job as your launching pad to something bigger.

 4) Always follow up with a thank you note—a card is better than email. Either way, make sure to send something to acknowledge the time put aside to meet with you.

5) Be open-minded. Your first job may not be your dream job, but with the right attitude and commitment it may lead to another fantastic opportunity in the company or somewhere else.