Career Advice for New Graduates

Let’s face it, a lot of you go to college not really knowing what they are going to college for, except maybe get a degree and snag a decent job afterwards, or at the very least, just to please your parents. While this may not sound like a completely bad idea, it's also not good enough. And not good enough is definitely not a good start. Your parents, while they do have your best interests at heart, can't live your life for you. As Oscar Wilde put it, "Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation."

What I'm saying is if you are like most people, it's high time you took a step back and stopped living like the rest of them. Young as you are, think about what motivates you, what keeps you fired up, what propels you to wake up in the morning and embrace the day with excitement that you practically light up the room with your enthusiasm. It's time you lived your life for you.
Now how does all this tie up to your chances of finding a job? Like in everything else, you'll be surprised to know that passion is the thin line between failure and success.

Employers remember job seekers for their passion. Picture this scenario: You have the perfect resume and an equally perfect cover letter. Problem is you don't know what your ideal job is. All you do is send out resumes to every job opening you think you have the qualifications for. And then, what next? Unfortunately, if you have vague objectives, no specific career goal in mind, that will come across in a job interview. And employers will see you as simply directionless.

Enthusiasm is contagious. You get a phone call from one of the companies you handed your resume to and are asked to show up for an interview. Hey, it's normal to feel nervous. But you can lessen the jitters and improve your chance of success by preparing physically and mentally. Get enough rest. You don't want to look like you're going to pass out anytime during the interview. When answering questions, connect with what you love. Remember, passion comes from within. And if you succeed in communicating this passion across, employers will be more than happy to have you on board.

Career buzzword or not, if you truly have the passion, the zeal, the motivation, the willingness to up your game in any way possible, you are sure to position yourself ahead of the pack, not just in job hunting, but anywhere life may take you.