How do you know where to start? Before committing to any one job, many recent grads want to get a taste of different companies and various job roles within their field. Danae Griffin, human resources manager at Onsite Companies, suggests temping as a great way to feel out the job market and "ease the shock of going into the work world." After graduation, she started as a temporary employee at the Federal Reserve Bank in Baltimore. Four weeks later, she was offered permanent employment. "No matter what you are doing," Danae says, "take pride in your job, because someone is going to notice and you will be recognized."

"Job shadowing is a great way to get to know the culture of a company," says April Cole, human resources manager at AEGON, an insurance company in Baltimore. "Recent graduates are anxious to get a job right away. Sometimes they don't spend enough time making sure the company is right for them." AEGON encourages candidates to spend a half-day in the department that interests them to get a sense of the company's environment--something they cannot always glean from formal interviews. "Think about the time and commitment you will be giving to your job," April says. "The more research you do in the beginning, the better off you will be."

Energy, according to Jennifer McDaniel, business manager at Carrig Learning, is crucial in not only getting a job offer, but also in making yourself an asset to your company. Since human resources is the first stop on the pipeline of getting hired, spending a lot of time developing a clear professional résumé is foremost. When preparing for interviews, Jennifer suggests going to the Internet where she found many helpful tips including frequently asked questions. Once hired, Jennifer's instructions are simple: "Come to work everyday. Be energetic. Learn all that you can. Give your best and try your hardest."