Speaker 1: After an entire year, over an entire year of Zoom school, tis the season for graduations. For college grads, this means the ever so lovely search for a career worthy job. This can be a daunting time with or without a pandemic going on. But I talked with a career coach to give a few helpful tips to all those in this sticky situation.

Speaker 2: Look, you may get a lot of nos and I want everyone to remember that no means next opportunity.

Speaker 1: Getting a job out of college can be a struggle, especially coming out of a pandemic. Career coach, Elizabeth Graza, has five tips for college grads looking to make their first big move. Step one, research your potential employers so you can alter your resume.

Speaker 2: You want to research the company. You want to research the position. How can I tweak my resume? So, you know, whomever is hiring, their eye is caught and they're thinking, oh, wow, this is a great potential employee. You really want to customize it to the job that you're applying for.

Speaker 1: Step two, have your elevator pitch ready.

Speaker 2: What is most impressive about me? Is it that I've won an award? Was I top of my class? Was I working for a volunteer organization during college? You know, was it that I maybe perhaps worked at a restaurant at the busiest time of the day? You know, that rush hour, which, you know, maybe you're not applying for a restaurant job, but it shows that you can perform under pressure. You want to think about these skills and think about what is most impressive about me. I want you to write this out in the notes of your phone or whatever document you want to use so you have it handy when you're in this scenario. Step three, ask for what you want. Don't be afraid when the employer says, well, do you have any questions for us? Or even before they ask that, if you're going back and forth on email, don't be afraid to ask about the job, about, you know, what it pays, what the benefits might be, who you will be reporting to, what the team might look like, because you want to choose the best fit for you, okay? You're making an investment in yourself and you want to make the right decision because your happiness and your career really does depend on this. Step four, be realistic. You are, you know, coming in at an entry-level position and that's okay. We've all been there, right? There's no shame in that. That's a great position to start because that means there's so much growth potential for you. Lastly, follow up with a thank you. You know, of course you can write an email, right? Maybe if you were texting, you can do that as well. What people really appreciate is a letter, is a note, and I know it's extra work and extra time, but if it's important for you, you know, take that extra step, get their address and send that off. So get to applying and good luck, grads. You can do this. You can still get a great job, you know, as we're coming out of this pandemic.

Speaker 1: That's just a few of Elizabeth's tips and tricks, but she has so much more to offer and not just for college grads, but anyone looking for a new position or prepping for an interview. You can find more from her at elizabethcarrasa.com.