If you are graduating from college in the Spring, hopefully you have already begun your job search. If you have not, do not let another day go by. A job search for a new college graduate can take months, particularly during tough economic conditions. Here are several helpful tips: Use Campus Resources: Most colleges and universities offer some type of job searching assistance. If your school hosts employers who come to recruit new grads, find out as early as possible when to expect the recruiters and what companies they represent. Research these companies thoroughly to determine if your skills and education potentially match their needs. As soon as appointments are made available, make arrangements to meet with the appropriate recruiters. When you meet with them, treat each conversation as you would a formal job interview. Dress professionally. For men, that means a dark suit, dress shirt and tie and dress shoes. For women, suits are also advisable, but any other conservative business attire may suffice. Avoid extremes in hair styles, jewelry, makeup or fragrances. Your goal should be for the recruiter to focus on what you are saying. Anything that detracts from that focus will work against you. Key Interview Elements: Bring extra copies of your resume with you and have a separate page with academic and professional references to offer the recruiter. During the meeting be specific about your career goals and any plans you may have for additional training or education. Maintain eye contact during your conversation. Answer the recruiter's questions substantively, but briefly. Generally, recruiters allot a certain amount of time for each student (e.g. 30 minutes), and you want to use the time as effectively as possible. Go to the meeting prepared with any questions you may have about the job function, the company and potential career growth with the employer. Your preparation will be evident to the recruiter and it may go a long way in encouraging him or her to remember you. Before you leave the meeting, be sure to secure the interviewer's contact information, so that you may follow up later. Network: It is never too early in a career to begin networking. Use all available resources. It is possible that your family or friends may have useful contacts in the industry you wish to enter. Some of the contacts may be ideal for informational interviews, which simply means you might meet with them to find out more about the industry and ways to get an entry level position. Other contacts may actually be able to offer you employment upon graduation. The more people you know in and around your chosen industry, the better your chances are of securing employment in a timely fashion. Again, when you meet with these individuals bring your resumes and references. Determine Your Parameters: Before you launch your job search, you must decide what you are willing and able to do. For example, decide if you are willing to relocate or travel frequently for a job. Research average salaries for your desired job type and decide the minimum salary you are able to accept. If the job type requires training in addition to your degree, are you willing to complete this training prior to employment? In some cases, employers will allow you to do so simultaneously with your job. If so, find out if they have a tuition or training reimbursement policy that may help you with expenses. Since you are going to be an entry-level employee, try to be as flexible as possible in your requirements for the new job. Use every resource possible to search for jobs. Study the classified ads in the Times-Picayune and job listings on Nola.com. These listings will help you find available positions, as well as giving you a good idea of credentials employers in your field require. Work on your job search regularly throughout your last semester in school and you may find yourself happily employed immediately upon graduating. -By Paul A. Greenberg, Employment Writer Source: nola.com/careerwise