2 answers
Elias
Student
Maplewood, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
627 views
How can I prepare for a successful job search while still in college?
How can I prepare for a successful job search while still in college?
Login to comment
2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1783
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Elias your school’s career services center is dedicated to helping you find and train for your career. While it’s a great resource for students looking for help creating a resume or searching for a job or internship, it most likely has resources that go beyond that scope as well. Generally, the career services center can point you towards alumni in your field who are more than happy to act as mentors and share some career guidance.
CAREER FAIRS
Most college career centers host at least one large career fair per semester. At a typical fair, dozens of company representatives show up and set up shop in a conference room. Students make their rounds and network with tons of employers. The goal is to establish meaningful connections that can serve as launching points for future opportunities. (If you only go to one event from your career center, let it be this one.) Now, before you walk into any career fair, there’s a little prep work. Once you find out which companies will be there, choose a handful to focus on. Brainstorm some questions to ask recruiters and polish your elevator pitch. Don’t forget to set aside your professional attire and have some copies of your resume handy—you never know who you might run into.
TEST-DRIVE INTERVIEWING
Let’s face it: Interviews can be scary. Especially if it’s for a job that you really want. That’s where mock interviews come in. A mock interview is exactly what it sounds like: a trial run that simulates a real job interview. It allows you to test yourself in a low-stakes environment. Whether it’s answering the infamous “Tell me about yourself” or nailing those behavioral questions, doing a mock interview will help ease your nerves before the real deal. Usually all you need to do is ask a career counselor or peer advisor to set up some time for a practice interview. Make sure to give them some details beforehand. Along with career services, some professional student organizations offer mock interviews from student mentors. Just make sure to choose someone you trust who will be real with you about what you need to work on.
CONCLUSION
Along with tools offered by your school, there are also online career resources out there for everyone, like The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. This guide compiles key data from hundreds of jobs to help you make the most informed decisions.
CAREER FAIRS
Most college career centers host at least one large career fair per semester. At a typical fair, dozens of company representatives show up and set up shop in a conference room. Students make their rounds and network with tons of employers. The goal is to establish meaningful connections that can serve as launching points for future opportunities. (If you only go to one event from your career center, let it be this one.) Now, before you walk into any career fair, there’s a little prep work. Once you find out which companies will be there, choose a handful to focus on. Brainstorm some questions to ask recruiters and polish your elevator pitch. Don’t forget to set aside your professional attire and have some copies of your resume handy—you never know who you might run into.
TEST-DRIVE INTERVIEWING
Let’s face it: Interviews can be scary. Especially if it’s for a job that you really want. That’s where mock interviews come in. A mock interview is exactly what it sounds like: a trial run that simulates a real job interview. It allows you to test yourself in a low-stakes environment. Whether it’s answering the infamous “Tell me about yourself” or nailing those behavioral questions, doing a mock interview will help ease your nerves before the real deal. Usually all you need to do is ask a career counselor or peer advisor to set up some time for a practice interview. Make sure to give them some details beforehand. Along with career services, some professional student organizations offer mock interviews from student mentors. Just make sure to choose someone you trust who will be real with you about what you need to work on.
CONCLUSION
Along with tools offered by your school, there are also online career resources out there for everyone, like The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. This guide compiles key data from hundreds of jobs to help you make the most informed decisions.
Thank you for the advice.
Elias
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
403
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
What a great question, Elias! I think about a job search in several parts:
1) Clarify what you want to the point that you can confidently and succinctly tell someone else what you want. Someone can't help if they don't understand that. Read job ads, check with your career center, and talk with people in the field about what that job is called.
2) Get the pieces in place - a nice-looking and quantified resume, examples of your accomplishments, updated LinkedIn profile, appropriate email address, interview clothes, etc. Hopefully, you have had internships in your field - if not, identify key skills and write down how you have developed them in other roles. Writing this down will help collect your thoughts and make them easier to recall in interviews.
3) Set reasonable goals for job-seeking activities and follow through. You will have less time for job hunting around exams or due dates for projects so plan for that. Include networking and information interviews along with following up on identified leads. Revise your strategy and resume as you learn more about the job market. If you get an interview, learn about the organization and prepare written questions ahead of time. I like to send brief thank you's by email after an interview to show courtesy and follow-through, as well as remind them of my qualifications. Some people consider that too old-fashioned if you have already thanked them in person.
I have put a link below to suggestions by indeed.com. Good luck!
Indeed.com career guide - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-get-jobs-after-graduation
1) Clarify what you want to the point that you can confidently and succinctly tell someone else what you want. Someone can't help if they don't understand that. Read job ads, check with your career center, and talk with people in the field about what that job is called.
2) Get the pieces in place - a nice-looking and quantified resume, examples of your accomplishments, updated LinkedIn profile, appropriate email address, interview clothes, etc. Hopefully, you have had internships in your field - if not, identify key skills and write down how you have developed them in other roles. Writing this down will help collect your thoughts and make them easier to recall in interviews.
3) Set reasonable goals for job-seeking activities and follow through. You will have less time for job hunting around exams or due dates for projects so plan for that. Include networking and information interviews along with following up on identified leads. Revise your strategy and resume as you learn more about the job market. If you get an interview, learn about the organization and prepare written questions ahead of time. I like to send brief thank you's by email after an interview to show courtesy and follow-through, as well as remind them of my qualifications. Some people consider that too old-fashioned if you have already thanked them in person.
I have put a link below to suggestions by indeed.com. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Elias