Eating cold beans out of a tin and scraping together two pence pieces for a pint of lager on a Monday night are the stereotypical activities associated with student life. Moving from this paradigm into a world where, suits, briefcases and feet on corporate ladders are part and parcel of everyday life can come somewhat as a shock. The most trying time, between graduating and getting that first pay check can be toughest ordeal. Without the security of even a miniscule student loan, and the burden of passing yourself off as a professional to prospective employers, job searching can be a difficult time both economically and emotionally. Here we endeavour to ease the transition by providing you with top tips that pave the way to professionalism with success. The number one tip has to be to keep thrifty with the pennies. During your years as a student, you will have learned to prioritise your spending (admittedly on cheap beer!), and this is a skill that you'll have to keep utilising until you get that first pay check. It can be difficult, not only while you are job searching but during that first month of employment. Coping with the social demands of a well paid job can be tough until the cash comes rolling in, so make sure that you set aside an allowance that will enable you to get to know your colleagues on a social level. The other necessity to fund frugally is a well stocked professional wardrobe. During interviews you will have to make an impression that reflects your dedication to embarking on a career, and is a match for already established professionals. First impressions count, so invest in one well cut suit. The thrifty way of going about this is to scour charity shops and E-Bay for a well known make of suit such as Paul Smith or Vivienne Westwood. Buying these suits new can cost in excess of 500 quid, but on the vintage resale market, can be scooped for a bargain price of as little as 50. Don't worry too much about how well the item fits, as a trip to any high street tailor can see yo8ur suit fitting like a glove for an extra 20 quid. Getting noticed for fashion prowess cannot happen until you get through the door in the first place, so to do that you need to dress up your CV in the same way as you plan to dress up yourself. Keep in mind that some companies have human resources departments that receive hundreds of unsolicited CVs a week, and possibly thousands when a post is advertised. The trick here is to get your CV noticed by making it stand out from the rest yet remain professionally appealing. Utilise your IT skills to prepare a well structured and to the point CV. Choose a clean yet slightly unusual font and use a slightly different colour for headers and sub headings. Keep information relevant and concise, with the most important information at the head of the CV, so that the recruitment department do not need to search for information. An additional feature to consider is creating an online presence that can act as an electronic portfolio for prospective employers. This not only frees up the CV from detailed information, it shows that you are au fait with new media and understand its importance in the modern world of work. The final tip for a job search is to not lose faith, and to keep at it. Keeping a positive frame of mind will give you a mental and emotional advantage over your competitors, and show you as the stronger candidate during interview stages. Even though the search for work can be a long and arduous task, keep the student mind frame of basic living and a carefree attitude of a hopeful future until the time comes where your feet are firmly on the path of career confidence.
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