Category Archives: College Student

Time is Money in a Job Search

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Lisa

job search, college gradTime is money in a job search. Being unemployed, or underemployed, carries a hefty price tag.

If you just graduated from college, without a job, I have bad news for you. While the economy is strong and unemployment is at its lowest in years, the number of companies planning to hire new college graduates declined this spring. Clearly not the graduation gift you wanted.

According to NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average college graduate spends 7.4 months searching for their first post college professional role. That’s nearly as long as an academic year at almost the same cost. (more…)

Posted in Career Advice, College Student, Job Search |

The College Graduate’s Job Search Checklist – 9 things to do to kick start your job search

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Lisa

College Career Coach

College graduation is in the rear view mirror for the class of 2018. The road ahead offers endless career options for recent graduates – perhaps too many. In my work as a career coach, I see daily the paralysis that too much choice brings. Bright, motivated college graduates who are so anxious about what’s next they have no idea where to start.

In his TEDTalk, psychologist Barry Schwarz discusses the “paradox of choice”: why too many options can be paralyzing. Anxiety often results when you think you have to figure everything out alone. Not knowing where to start can be daunting, yet the most important step in any job search is starting.  That’s why I created the college graduate’s job search checklist: to ease your anxiety and help you kick-start your job search. (more…)

Posted in College Student, Job Search, Uncategorized | Tagged , |

15 Things to Do on Winter Break

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Lisa

winter break

There’s nothing quite like endless papers to write and final exams to set you dreaming about winter break. That said, sleeping in late and lounging on the couch binge watching Netflix is not the best use of your time off. Nor is it likely to impress your parents.

Ramping up your job search over winter break will help you make the most of your senior year. Having a job lined up before graduation or better yet, by spring break, is the best way to really enjoy your final time on campus.

Here are 15 things to do on winter break to make the most of your senior year. (more…)

Posted in Career Advice, College Student, Job Search, Resumes & Cover Letters | Tagged , , , , |

The Must Have College Student Checklist

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Lisa

college student checklist

There’s a long list of must-have items on every college student’s checklist. Do a Google search and you will find numerous helpful options, with lists running the gamut from bedding, room décor, laundry needs (yes, you will have to do your own laundry), food, kitchen, bathroom and, surprise, school supplies. I find it interesting that school supplies are the last items on all the college lists, but that’s a topic for another time.

While planning for your campus entry is important, arguably what you do once you arrive on campus is far more important. This is especially true for college freshmen. College life is a new, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, world. (more…)

Posted in Career Advice, College Student |

Is Your Job Search as Busted as Your March Madness Bracket? 8 tips for getting back in the game.

Posted on April 1, 2017 by Lisa

Luke Maye

Photo by Kevin C. Cox

It’s March Madness when everyone becomes a basketball fan, if only for the office bracket pool. If your job search is feeling as busted as your March Madness bracket, take a few lessons from your favorite team to re-ignite your search. Below are 7  tips to help you get back in the game.

(more…)

Posted in Career Advice, College Student, Job Search | Tagged , , |

Career-Killing Lessons from the Oscars (and 8 ways to fix them)

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Lisa

2017 Oscars blunder, career coaching

Photo by Al Seib of the Los Angeles Times

The 2017 Oscars ceremony likely will be remembered not for who took home the most Oscars (La La Land) but for the potential career-killing blunder that occurred at the end of the awards show. Fans who watched the nearly four hour presentation were as stunned as the audience was when the wrong film was named Best Picture. How could a Steve Harvey Miss Universe moment happen again at one of the most tightly scripted award shows? (more…)

Posted in Career Advice, College Student, Job Search |

Maine Movers and Makers: Interview with Ed McKersie, founder of LiveandWorkinMaine.com

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Lisa

This interview with Ed McKersie, is part of my new blog series, Maine Movers and Makers, featuring career insights from Maine’s leading executives. Ed is the President of Pro Search, a recruiting and placement services company focused on connecting talent with Maine based employers. He is also the creative force and founder of LiveandWorkinMaine.com, a website dedicated to making “Vacationland Work for You.”

Ed McKersie Pro Search LiveandWorkinMaine

“Ask good questions.”

This interview has been edited for space and clarity.

Please tell me a bit about your childhood and the influences that helped shape you?

(more…)

Posted in Career Advice, College Student, Interview Tips, Job Search |

How to Keep Your Resume Out of the Application Black Hole

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Lisa
resume application black hole

The application black hole. Where resumes go to die.

The application black hole, where resumes go to die. If you are one of over 1.6 million of college seniors looking for their first “real job”, you know it all too well by now. You’ve applied on line and sent in your resume to so many companies that you’ve lost track. And, you hear nothing, from anyone. If you are lucky, the online application process will send you a computer generated email thanking you for applying for the job. And that’s it. Days, weeks, and sometimes even months go by and nothing. So what should you do? (more…)

Posted in Career Advice, College Student, Job Search, Resumes & Cover Letters |

Attracting the Best and Brightest Millennials

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Lisa

Millennials

Generational changes always impact hiring, especially perceptions about workplace readiness. This has been true for every generation, notwithstanding the current obsession with the Milliennial generation. The great myth that Millennials are lazy, entitled and high maintenance isn’t serving employers, or Millennials, well.

(more…)

Posted in College Student, Job Market, Job Search |