From College to Corporate:
Avoiding Common Mistakes Grads Make

Written by Jorie Scholnik

The job market is extremely competitive for graduating seniors.  According to a poll by MonsterTrak, employers received an average of 73 applications for each available entry-level job.  For this and many other reasons, some of our college-lifestyle ways need to be left behind so we can stand out from other applicants.  Here are some tips that recent grads should follow when seeking new jobs:

Ask yourself, "Will employers hire me when they hear my voicemail?"  Your voicemail shouldn't sound immature or too casual.  For example, informal greeting such as "Whassup" or "Holla back" won't impress anyone.

Change your cell ring tone.  Even though you may love the latest rap song, you could be embarrassed if you phone accidentally plays Snoop Dogg's latest hit in a professional setting.  Better yet, put your phone on silent before you walk in for a job interview.

Don't wear flip-flops!  We are known for our obsession with flip-flops and wear them because they are comfortable.  But let's face it, they aren't appropriate at work.  Wear professional, closed-toe shoes instead.

Make sure your Facebook and MySpace pages are clean.  These Web sites are the main way se stay connected to friends, but trust me, employers will Google you.  Make sure you don't have anything on your page that might decrease your chances of getting hired.  This includes racy photos of yourself or others, comments about your drinking games and rants about how much you dislike your former boss.

Get a professional email address.  If you've had the same email address since grade school it might be time to change it to something professional enough to include on a resume.  Employers won't find email addresses like sexxysue@aol.com cute.  Use something more appropriate instead like your first initial and last name.

Be careful how you communicate with an employer through email.  Stay away from acronyms including "ttyl" or "brb."  Although it's okay to be more casual when emailing friends, your ultimate goal is to make a great impression and get the job.

Jorie Scholnik is a recent graduate of the University of Florida with a double major in public relations and psychology and a minor in business administration.  She is currently an intern at The Protocol School of Palm Beach and is learning everything she can about business etiquette.