Hey Recent College Grads, Having Good Etiquette Really Sets You Apart, So Here Are A Few Things To Keep In Mind While Job Searching
Graduating from college and finally entering the “real world” is often terrifying.
All of a sudden, you are expected to go from constantly seeing friends and learning in a classroom environment to applying for jobs, figuring out your finances, and getting accustomed to a typical nine-to-five schedule. And all of this is largely completed by yourself, without the constant support of your social circle.
But whether you plan to take a few months off or dive right into the workforce, there is one thing that can set you up for success and make you stand out from the crowd: having good etiquette.
New college graduates are hungry, determined, optimistic, and flexible. However, they are also often underestimated due to age, lack of experience, and, sometimes, a lack of maturity.
That’s why knowing how to carry yourself is crucial– whether you are entering an interview room or attending a social gathering. You never know who you will meet that can help get you one step closer to your goals.
Essential Etiquette For Recent Grads
The first step in refining your presence is knowing how to introduce yourself– as well as how this protocol differs in various settings.
When at a networking event, you may choose to state your name as well as your title. If you have not yet landed a job in your field of choice, you could instead explain how you recently earned a degree in your field and are searching for new opportunities.
Now, at a non-work-related social outing, mentioning your title may not always feel appropriate. Nonetheless, it is still important to introduce yourself kindly. Afterward, conversations may flourish and allow you to share more about your background– building connections that could be valuable in the future.
Look! – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
At any kind of event, it is also crucial that you maintain good posture, make direct eye contact, and use a firm grip when shaking hands. This will convey confidence, which goes a long way when making a first impression.
In addition to how you hold yourself, you should also dress for success. For any work-related event, ensure you are wearing appropriate business attire. Upon landing a job, you can reach out to your company’s human resources to learn more about the dress code. This can help you discern whether you should dress “business professional” or “business casual.”
Outside of work, dressing nicely and being well-groomed can be beneficial, too. You never know who you will run into and strike up a conversation with at a local bar. Appearing polished will ensure you are ready for any professional networking opportunities.
Following graduation, it is also very common for recent grads to experience “imposter syndrome” or feel lost. And while these feelings are totally valid, they can also translate to anxiety that reveals itself during social interactions.
So, work hard to ensure that you maintain confidence and composure when communicating with people. Cultivate your own strong speaking voice, and don’t be afraid to take pauses to clearly articulate and communicate your thoughts.
Written and electronic communications are equally as important as well since so much professional correspondence now takes place over the phone or email. Find an appropriate email greeting and closing that works for you, and try your best to keep it professional on calls.
As you continue posting on social media following graduation, it is also crucial to be aware of how your posts reflect back on you. And you don’t have to change how you use social media necessarily. Instead, maybe make your social accounts private to ensure recruiters and other professionals do not have viewing access.
Finally, get comfortable with mingling. Networking and meeting new people may not be your forte, but it is a part of life– especially in the corporate world.
Work on remembering names, mastering your introduction, and being a keen listener. These skills will not only help you land a job, but they will also help you stand out in your new role.
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