How to get that job you want and keep it. What employers look for in an ideal candidate.

How do you land the perfect job? Well, no one said it was going to be a cake walk, but it may not be as hard as you think.

I was extremely nervous about graduation- leaving school and going out into the “real world.” I was given a few pieces of advice that made the finding (and keeping!) my dream job possible.

Connections- everyone has some, so use them! Ask around, and find out who knows people in the field you’re interested in. If you get names of people, call them. If you’re feeling extra productive, call a company directly and ask who you should speak to about potential jobs. You will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is, and how helpful people are. What do you have to lose?

Don’t be shy! It’s intimidating to call people you have never met but it will pay off. Speaking directly with a person allows you to connect with them and convey yourself more clearly.

The majority of companies have job listings on the web and applications can be filled out online. This makes it very easy to apply for lots of positions. Signing up for MonsterTrak.com (free from USC) is very helpful and lists job openings by area.

Oh, and make sure your resume is flawless before you send it out. Companies have stacks of resumes to look through, and you have one page to express yourself…make it count. Examples of excellent resumes can be found at the USC Career Center.

Okay, so you’ve done the calling and applying, now they want to see your beautiful face. Dress professionally. First impressions matter, so present yourself the best way you can.

I found the hardest part of the whole process to be interviews. The key to a good interview is practice. Ask your friends or professors to conduct a mock interview with you. One word of advice- don’t rush. Take the extra 5 seconds to think about what you’re saying, instead of just blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. You will speak more eloquently.

Now how do you keep that perfect job? Here are a few things that have always helped me make sure that I am in the best possible standing at work:
Always be on time, always be honest, always do the best that you can.

As cliché as it sounds, these three tips are excellent rules to make for yourself. They have always worked for me.