Here are some basic tips for finding the best graduate career opportunities:

• Check with your placement office regularly. Most schools have a placement service, but many students don’t realize they can keep using it even after they’ve graduated.
• Research hot careers at your state unemployment office. Each state maintains a list of online and in-person resources for identifying what kind of workers are most needed in that specific area of the country.
• Check national statistics. The Department of Labor maintains a database of all the jobs in the U.S. and which ones are hot and which are not.
• Consider public service jobs. Check your city, county, and state government websites for job openings. Often state and local governments set up special internships for recent graduates that can lead to long-term employment.
• Consider temporary work. Many temporary services can place you on a trial basis with a company that is really looking for a permanent hire.

Finding the best graduate career opportunities takes a certain amount of work and drive. It’s almost like a job in itself. Devote yourself to the task and you will be rewarded with a career that lasts and opens up lots of new opportunities.

Better questions and service can be received if your appearance itself commands respect.  It’s important to consider the surroundings of the company granting you an interview.  There is no reason to be over dressed or poorly dressed during this very significant day.  In fact, it is a good rule of thumb to always dress appropriately for any situation.  All to often appearance is glossed over.  Some might say that the inner characteristics of the person matter more, but in reality, you only have one opportunity for a first impression.  Make it count!

Although there are specific guidelines that can be followed, these do not apply to all states like New York for example, where people wear trendy up to extreme styles that are far away from the usual fashion rules common people know.  The rule of thumb should be to wear something that could boost your confidence.

Below are the top ten do’s and don’ts for an interview:

Ø Avoid wild colored nail polish before the interview.  The same goes with long nails that could easily turn off some conservative employers.  These should be neat and very tidy looking.

Ø Never wear jewelry that rattles and jiggles as you speak and move.  Try not to wear two or more rings or earrings.  Piercing aside from the ears is also a no.

Ø Professional hairstyles ar eimportant

Ø A good suit or dress makes you more confident.

Ø Avoid short skirts for women and wearing leggings are a no- no during interviews.

Ø  Do not use any leather coats or jackets.

Ø For men, a tie is still appropriate.  Avoid using turtlenecks.  If there is no suit and tie available, use a collared shirt or white long sleeves.

Ø Men must not use too much aftershave.

Ø Use bags that are not too bright and conspicuous.  These should be conservative and matching the dress.

Ø A briefcase used must be in perfect condition.

The way a person looks equals the message he is trying to convey.  During the interview, this can either become a plus factor for the applicant or big loss.

Regardless of your personal career background, skills, and underlying talents, if the first impression was never striking enough to make an outstanding appeal to the interviewers, nothing else counts.  This can be the potential employers’ initial interpretation of how an applicant will do on the job.
Whether that perception is “fair” is irrelevant.  Do you want the job?  Look the part and your chances for success are much greater!

Most employers tend to look for people who are endowed with the most desirable job skills in order to match the expectations and necessities of the company.

Therefore, for people who wish to make it to the jobs that they have long been dreaming of, it is important to know the most sought after job skills of most employers.

Below is a list of the important job skills a job seeker must have in order to land a good job and keep it.

1. The ability to research

Job seekers should possess the ability to research not because they wanted to land a job in a research company but in order to do simple searches on the data needed by a particular activity.

2. Logical thinking

Most employers need people who are able to produce effective solutions and to make sensible solutions regarding a proposal or a probable activity.

3. Technologically literate

With the advent of information technology, most job openings require people who are computer literate or know how to operate different machines and office equipments.

Most employers do not necessarily need people who are technological graduates. The simple fact that job seekers know the basic principles of technology is already enough.

4. Communication skills

People who are able to land a good job are mostly those who are adept in speaking and writing. Employers hire people who are able to express their thoughts efficiently through verbal and written communications.

5. Organizational skills

No employer would like to hire somebody who is disorganized. Organization is extremely important to maintain a harmonious working relationship in the company. Hence, most employers find people who know how to arrange scheme and methods that would maintain the orderliness in the area.

6. Interpersonal skills

Because the working environment consists of various kinds of personalities, it is necessary, therefore, to acquire the skill to communicate to people form different walks of life.

7. Professional Growth

Employers hire people who are able to create a plan that will generate personal career growth, therefore a new graduate should be willing to improve him or herself professionally by learning new things he or she still does not know.

These are just some of the most wanted job skills required by most employers. Hence, it is important for the job seekers to take note of these assets in order to be successful in every endeavor they make.

The majority of the top companies search for employees who stand out based on their expertise, ability tbring new ideas to a role and a pleasing personality that would enhance the organization.

Skills are grouped into three kinds – knowledge-based, transferable, and personal traits.

1) Knowledge-based skills are those learned from experiences. These may include educational attainment, additional training, seminars attended, and other practices that you have studied to enhance your expertise.

Knowledge-based skills include computer and communication skills, marketing or managerial knowledge, product development, and many more. These skills vary depending on the field of industry of each job candidate.

2) Transferable or portable skills are those you bring to a specific job. This is the reason why interviewers ask, “What could you offer the company?” Transferable skills are important because companies strive to look for quality employees that would improve the development of the workforce.

Portable skills include problem solving, team leader potential, organized, writing and communication skills, customer service oriented, time and project management, and good with numbers and budget. This kind of skills varies depending on the experience and versatility of each job candidate.

3) Personal traits determine who you are. In a job interview, one of the most common things an employer says is “Tell me something about yourself.” Your response is vital because it would set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Personal traits include good judgment, well organized, analytical, goal oriented, flexible, creative and many more. Try to sell yourself in as modest as possible within a limited time.

* Self-assessment. In order to provide an impressive presentation, examine your resume and list all the skills you have used for each past job experience. Make a comprehensive list of your skills and strengths including personal traits, knowledge-based and transferable skills. This would be the basis for your personal commercial.

* Once you have completed your script, you are now ready to face the interviewer. Remember that employers are interested in your accomplishments. Use words that are concise, direct and clear.

Although many companies require a unique set of skills, you should still highlight your technical skills in the interview. These skills, which top companies usually seek, include leadership, communication, confidence, flexibility, problem solving and energy.

Emphasizing all of your strengths and skills on job interviews would increase your chances of landing the desired job.