Kimberly writes:
I graduated from a MBA program with honors in December and have been unsuccessful in my job search. Thus far, I have done the following: (1) networked through associates and friends; (2) attended career fairs; (3) applied for positions online that are posted to corporation’s websites or my university’s job postings. I have not had an interview since December. Can you provide any advice?
The Career Doctor responds:
My best suggestion for you would be to run immediately to the career center of the university from which you earned your MBA. There is obviously something wrong with your job-search, and I don’t have enough clues from your question.
If I were making a guess based on similar questions I have received from MBAs in your same position, I would say it probably relates to three things: no or limited job experience, a poor or underdeveloped network, an unfocused resume.
If you have no job experience, immediately seek some out through volunteering, consulting, or temporary work. Employers expect undergrads to have job experience — so you can only imagine how much they expect from a MBA.
If your network has not led to any kind of results, then either your network is weak, or you are not using it correctly. Besides the usual family, friends, co-workers, professors, etc., have you joined one or more ? You need to get more involved with your networking.
How’s your resume? I suggest getting it critiqued from a professional — either a resume expert or someone from your field. An unfocused resume will not get you job interviews.
Here’s where you can find other useful information from Quintessential Careers: Job and Career Resources for Job-Seekers with MBAs.
