Oryx Nashville's Top Tips for Upcoming Grads

As graduation approaches and you begin the search for the initial step in your career path, it is critical to get a head start. Oryx Nashville has composed four simple tips that will get you ahead of the competition and off and running towards your career.

Ditch your teenage email.

Get a professional email address: it's hard to change email addresses; we get it. From forwarding emails importing contacts, it's not a simple process. However, your studmuffin007@yahoo.com address shown at the top of your resumes is not impressive.
Ory Nashville's recommendation: Get a Gmail address and using your first and last name in it.

Make sure your social media presence is on point.

Employers are using social media to find out what type of person you are. So, think from their point of view about the photos you have posted from last summer. If your potential employer saw them, would they be put off? You may also want to Google yourself (as silly as it may sound), and you will be amazed how much information is out there. From photos to social media postings, this information is there for anyone to see. Again, just make sure there is nothing out there that could jeopardize your chances before you even get the opportunity to interview.
Oryx Nashville's recommendation: Get a professional online presence by using LinkedIn.

Make a game plan.

As you enter into the business world you have two sets of competition. Those who are also leaving college and the people who are already in the job market. This can seem overwhelming at first, which is why it’s important to have a game plan. Having a plan will help you think through what you want and how you are going to get there.
Oryx Nashville's recommendation: Build a resume that is visually appealing, one page, and shows your personality.

Don't apply for anything and everything. 

This is a common problem that a lot of people make (your competition). They plow through 30 jobs per day and insist on sending the same cover letter and resume to all of them. Hiring managers are sifting through and looking for inspiration, not the same template using the same wording as the last five he or she read. Apply with thought and care. Do some research on each company and if possible, on the person you are applying to. Knowing just a tiny amount of information shows you have taken the time to research the company and the people within it.
Oryx Nashville's recommendation: Visit a company's website before applying to get a better feel for the culture and work environment.

Be ready for a call.

You never know when a hiring manager will pick up the phone and call you or email you. Be ready and prepared. There is nothing worse than a hiring manager calling and being greeted with “who is this again?” They want to hear how keen you are, happy you are that they have called you and most importantly how attentive you are. If you miss the call or email, respond immediately. Don’t make them wait as they will be calling other people at the same time.
Oryx Nashville's recommendation: Always answer the phone as if it were a prospective employer. Also, may sure your voicemail message is professional!