Congrats New Grads! Welcome to the Annual Hunger Games...

As you cherish your last couple of days of all-nighters at your university's library studying for finals with your 6th cup of coffee, in a moment of distraction and respite, you reflect on how the end of this stage is near and how life as an "adult" is soon to begin. What does that even mean? Where will you end up? Is everything going to be okay?

Now, I can't guarantee an amazing future with millions on the horizon, but there is some good news for the class of 2017. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016, subgroups with any degree after high school have lower unemployment rates by over 1.5%. For example, the unemployment rate for those with a high school degree is 5.2%, while the unemployment for those with a bachelor's degree is 2.7%. To see the complete breakdown click here. How about the class of 2017? According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE),

"Results from NACE's Job Outlook 2017 survey indicate a positive job market for the Class of 2017. Employers taking part in the survey expect to hire more new college graduates in 2017 than they did in 2016."

Even with a solid labor market for our newest class of graduates, there is some advice I can contribute to make your transition into "adulting" smoother.

Your Resume - Essentially Your New Tinder Profile

Whether you have used Tinder or not (who am I to judge?), most are familiar with the concept. Users decide to swipe right or left on a potential partner based on seconds of assessment. These decisions are based on a couple of carefully chosen pictures and a well-contemplated and concise written description. These mere seconds of assessment can affect your near-future plans.

Your resume will take its place in a corporate setting. A study conducted by TheLadders showed that recruiters spend on average "six seconds before they make the initial 'fit or no fit' decision." You will need to spend time on the content and design of your resume to make sure you fully take advantage of those six seconds of attention. Is the information on your resume concise? Is it organized? Is it relevant?

Dress for Success - On a Budget

I am sure you have heard the common adage "Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have." This saying now has many caveats. First, this is entirely dependent on the industry and corporate culture of your future employer. As you attend interviews and meet with recruiters/hiring managers, pay attention to what everyone else is wearing. The dress code for an accountant at a Big Four accounting firm is not the same as the dress code for a software developer at a tech start-up. Second, you may want to eventually be a CEO, vice president, or director, but that does not mean you need to shell out thousands on a Dior suit for your first 9 to 5 job. You can still look professional on a budget.

You are able to get a couple of decent and professional outfits at an affordable price while you interview and set your budget with your first job. You can find a workable and affordable collection for both men and women at stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory. Keep in mind, for a full time role, you are looking at five outfits a week, so be aware of the variety you would like to have in your wardrobe and how difficult it is to maintain your clothes (dry cleaning vs. regular wash)

Corporate Culture - "Adult" doesn't equal "Mature"

Work is the true story of strangers picked to work at a place and have their work judged; find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real... The Real World: Corporate America. In college, you may been in clubs, Greek life, or team projects for class. You have dealt with the dynamics that go along with working in a team. You will encounter some of these dynamics again, with coworkers, clients, or even your manager. I would even say it becomes more complicated since these interactions can determine your effectiveness, growth potential, and even your income potential.

Be aware of your words and actions, and how those around you respond. To explore some potential complicated scenarios (competing for a promotion, disagreeing with a coworker, not getting along with a manager) I recommend two books, "They Don't Teach Corporate in College" by Alexandra Levit and "Business Without the Bullsh*t: 49 Secrets and Shortcuts You Need to Know" by Geoffrey James. Both of these authors not only describe sticky situations you'll encounter but potential solutions for these interactions.

Once again, congratulations! Your loved ones are very proud of you. Start prepping for your future and you'll be a success. Use this advice to jumpstart your career. I look forward to the innovation, creativity, and productivity the class of 2017 will bring and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Are there any additional questions you have about your job search, interviews, or resume? Please comment below or on our Facebook page. You may see your question featured on one of our posts!

Sources:

"PRESS ROOM: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS." National Association

of Colleges and Employers. National Association of Colleges and

Employers, n.d. Web. 10 May 2017.

"Unemployment Rates and Earnings by Educational Attainment." U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 Apr. 2017.

Web. 10 May 2017.

This post was sponsored by Stallion Consulting Group, LLC.

Stallion Consulting Group provides one-on-one career coaching and training and partners with companies to improve their recruiting processes. They are having a graduation special on their "Get Hired" Deluxe Package which includes a resume review and rewrite, one-on-one job search training, one-on-one networking training, and one-on-one interview training. 50$ OFF the Deluxe Package. Use Coupon Code SPRNG17 during checkout. (Exp. 05-15-17)

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