Staying Positive in Your Job Search!

Graduating is an exciting time that brings a new stage of life, your career! Although many seniors have already secured a job (Congrats!), there are still some that are feeling a little stagnant in their job search (I'm one of them!). Here are few tips to stay positive in your job search! Don't give up!

1. Network!

Just because you aren't employed doesn't mean you can't chat it up with other employed people! take advantage of different groups and networking events. These will provide opportunities to meet up with people who can help in your career and give you insight on building it.

2. Set Yourself Apart!

This time isn't just for waiting! Build your LinkedIn profile and update your cover letter and resume. Creating personal websites or beefing up your portfolio is also great. Be sure that when updating these documents to let your personality peek through. Show employers why you are the perfect pick!

3. Stay Positive!!

It is difficult. And scary. But don't worry! There is a position out there for you! Don't settle for just any job either. Be sure to take something that not only will advance your career but be something you enjoy! Everyone's paths are different, so don't compare. Don't give up!

Building Your Credit!

Being out on your own has its financial importance and building credit is apart of that. Having a good credit score not only plays a role in the interest rates for your loans (like car and student ones), credit limits and credit cards, but also in building a stable financial future. 

So what is a credit score? 

A credit score is a rating of your credit activity, current lines of credit, mortgages, paid off loans, etc.  The ratings are broken down as follows:

• 750-850: Highest.  
• 700-749: Really good.  
• 660-699:  Average.  This is where most people sit.  
• 580-659: Poor.  
• 300-579: Lowest. 

You can get a copy of your score once a year from credit reporting agencies and some credit card companies will provide it to you monthly. 

Ways to Build Your Credit

Secured Credit Cards: If you currently don't have credit, secured credit cards can be an option. You provide the money up front to use like a debit card and can switch the card over to a normal credit card with the creditor's approval. 

Credit Cards from your Bank or Credit Union: These cards are issued if you have a savings or checking account and usually require you to have a certain amount in those accounts before issuing you the card. These cards usually provide a lower interest rate and are good for those building their credit.

Service Credit: This type of credit includes utility services, cell phone bills, cable providers, etc. Here you have an agreement with the provider to pay monthly for the services they provide. 

Tips To Maintain a Good Score

Pay Your Bills on Time: This if anything affects your credit score the most. Paying your bills on time ensures you are a reliable borrower and aren't at risk for default. Your credit score can drop significantly if you do not pay your lenders on time.

Avoid Maxing Out Your Credit Cards: Keep the utilization down on your credit card to avoid maxing out and defaulting on payments. 

Reduce the Balances on Your Lines of Credit: Like the previous tip, keeping the utilization down on your line of credit decreases the chance for default and decreases the interest accrued on the credit to lessen the chance of default.  

What ways are you building your credit?

10 Tips to Maximize and Expand Your LinkedIn Network!

With the job application process being so important for current college seniors, LinkedIn has become a hub for job searching and connecting professionals from everywhere. Here are 10 tips to beef up your LinkedIn profile to maximize and expand your network!

1. Create a catchy headline!

2. Keep an active account through liking posts or even publishing your own.

3. Include keywords in your summary and background to be found in searches.

4. Use your profile as an online portfolio by adding links or documents to show the work you've done in a specific position. 

5. Join groups that are relevant to your career path.

6. Add an industry to your profile to increase your profile views.

7.Don't forget to include volunteer work!

8. Send thank you notes to new connections.

9. Ask for connections to provide you with recommendations.

10. Check your profile regularly! You don't want to miss out on an opportunity by neglecting your page!

What other tips do you have to expand your LinkedIn network?