Job Seekers' Bill of Rights and Wrongs

We, the people in the business of helping college students attain their career goals, in order to form a more perfect union between young professionals and employers, promote general employment welfare and secure the blessings of career satisfaction, do ordain and establish this constitution for student career development.

Amendment I - Never Believe a Career Counselor Who Says "Always" or "Never."

Yes, that's a bit of irony, however, the truth remains that there is no one-size-fits-all method for career development. There are many ways you may conduct a successful job search that matches your personality, interests and goals. Remember, for every counselor who says, "Always wear navy blue to an interview," there are 10 people out there who landed great jobs wearing radical colors like black and gray.

Amendment II - Career Assessments Are Not the Path to Career Nirvana.

If you're expecting a survey to decide your career path, you're in for a huge disappointment. Assessment tools will not save you from the heady responsibility of deciding on your future. However, don't dismiss the value of reliable and valid career assessment tools. They can be very helpful; you just need to know they are one of several means to help you decide your career path.

Amendment III - Do What's Right for You.

Young professionals have the right to do what's best for them. How do you do that? By determining your priorities, whatever they may be, and striving for success on your own terms. It may be difficult at times, but the payoff will be career satisfaction, and very few people can claim that.

Amendment IV - Cast a Wide Net.

Don't limit yourself in your job search. Talk to your career counselor, check the classifieds, research companies, attend campus career fairs, go on informational interviews, and, lastly, see Amendment V.

Amendment V - Networking Is Everything.

Everybody knows somebody who knows somebody, so get connected with the well-connected. Spend time talking to people who know many other people working in all sorts of career fields. Before long, you'll have networked your way to opportunities you otherwise wouldn't have known about.

Amendment VI - Know Your Major May Not Decide Your Career.

Less than half of those in the workforce who possess college degrees work in positions related to their majors. You can look at a college education in one of two ways: Either your degree is the first step on a career path you may eventually find unfulfilling, or your college education is preparing you to do anything you put your mind to. The choice is yours.

Amendment VII - Don't Answer the Question, "What Are You Doing After Graduation?"

Not only is it OK to not know what you want to do after graduation, but I highly recommend it. Expecting 22-year-olds to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives is ridiculous. It might be scary as hell, but it's OK to say, "I'm deciding."

Amendment VIII - Avoid All People in College Who Act Like They Know What They Want to Do for a Living.

Please see Amendment VII.

Amendment IX - Experience Counts in Large Amounts.

Many students think internships are the ticket to post-graduation job offers, but experience is the key no matter where it comes from. Believe it or not, some students who work as library assistants or wait tables are probably more ready for the world of work than interns who spent the summer copying and filing all day. So make sure potential employers know what experiences you've had and how they've made you ready to contribute.

Amendment X - Use Your School's Career Center.

Sure, earlier I said never believe a career counselor that says "always" or "never," but never assume you can always go it alone in your job search. Working one-on-one with a career counselor can help you figure out your professional interests, the types of careers your major might lead to, and identify your personality traits and the careers that may match them.

Now it's time to announce your own declaration of independence and begin your quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in your career.

© 2008 MonsterTRAK