It’s only a select few who manage to get a job while still in college. As for the rest of us, we have to live with struggle and innumerable rejections. But then we all get there, don’t we? Maybe a little late but yes we all get there. In the meanwhile, when the struggle is still on and the blood is still hot, it sometimes gets a bit too much. I have had to go through my share of rejections before I could land a job with TCS, one of the leading software companies in the world. The struggle however has not ended and today I fight a different battle. But the lessons I learnt during my initial struggle as a fresher stay with me forever. It is now time I shared some advice in no particular order:

1.       Network:
Be part of social networking, join groups and grow your interaction among people. Social networking sites like Orkut, Facebook and LinkedIn are great ways to showcase your talents. Start a blog and let people know more about you. If you are wondering who would want to visit the profile of an inexperienced person, think again. There are many companies out there who would like to hire freshers but are unable to find any.

2.       Register in job sites:
Isn’t this the obvious thing to do? With the advent of jobsites like naukri.com, monster and shine it is very easy to get offers. But again, offers do not flow very generously for less experienced candidates. But that should not be a damper. Do your best to make the online resume as attractive as possible.

3.       Join mailing lists:
I got my first job through a mailing list. Check out the groups on Yahoo and Google and you should be able to find innumerable lists. But subscribing to lists isn’t sufficient. Act. Send resumes and attend interviews.

4.       Keep appearing for interviews:
In the movie 'The Guru', Heather graham tells Jimmy Mistry "Fear is cold. It freezes us up. Fear of performance". I have known many brilliant people stay away from interviews because they are afraid they will fail. After you have failed a couple of times, the fear starts building up, then complacency starts building up, which gives rise to frustration and depression. Instead, it is easier to face the fear. If it hadn’t been for a chance interview at an unknown company, I would never have developed the skills needed to get into a multinational. Never be afraid.

5.       Be social:
Keep in touch with friends. Never feel left out and lonely. It is very common to withdraw into a shell during the jobless period. But build references and people. News can come from any side. You will realize as you grow that people are always the biggest assets. If you have people by your side you are bound to succeed.

6.       Be patient:
This is one field where we all lack don’t we? All of us want things to happen now. But unfortunately life doesn’t work that way. It has its own plans for all of us. And then there is luck. Some of us are just born lucky while the rest have to struggle. But trust me we all get there. Be patient as you work your way to your goal.

7.       Be flexible:
I have known many people who want to be in software, or in banks or in some high profile job. No job is bad and it is better to have any one than nothing at all. Be flexible in life. It is my motto and it has helped me a lot.

8.       Read newspapers:
Newspapers carry advertisements of companies and many news articles are about companies’ hiring plans. Be on the lookout for companies that are hiring and send in your resume immediately.

These are just my experiences that I learnt when I was looking for a job. There might be many more tips but there are the very basics that I have found to be most useful when I talk to freshers. Keep watching and be patient. You will definitely land your dream job.