Getting that first REAL job has always been a bear, and it seems to get harder every year. Here are 5 tips to get college students thinking about how to tackle the challenge.
As we all know, there are times in one's life when it just doesn't make sense to reinvent the wheel. And offering sound advice to college students (or soon-to-be or recent college students) is one area where there are a number of professionals who have already done the work, written the blogs, and have more cred than I do. So, while I may have some thoughts I want to share about this myself, if I come across something already written which communicates most of what I would want to say, I will present it for your perusal (with my personal additions interspersed [in brackets like this]). As such, here is a piece written by Neil Danzger, founder of and career consultant at the Danzger Group.
5 Key Tips for Students to Master Their Back-to-School Job Searches
As the summer days start to wane, the excitement of heading back to school takes center stage for many students. For seniors, this marks the grand finale of their academic journey, while for others, it's another step toward their ultimate goals. Amid the flurry of syllabi and class schedules, there's a hidden gem of opportunity that often goes unnoticed—the chance to plan your job search strategy with intention, whether it's to land a full-time position or secure an internship that sets the stage for future success.
Here are five steps you can take to deliver on your job search mission:
1. Form Career Clarity
As you gear up for another year of academic pursuits, now is the perfect time to pause and reflect on your career aspirations. Delve deep into your strengths, passions, and interests to create a comprehensive map of where you truly belong. Pinpoint roles, industries, and types of organizations that resonate with your inner ambitions. This self-awareness will not only guide your job search efforts but also present you as a focused and committed candidate as you engage with potential employers. [Career development offices at colleges can really help with this if a student has no idea what they want to do or what their major can offer for them from a career perspective].
2. Elevate Your Career Documents
In the digital age, your resume and LinkedIn profile serve as your personal branding statements. Gone are the days when a mere list of roles and responsibilities sufficed. Your resume should now paint a vivid picture of your accomplishments and contributions, showcasing how you've added value to each job. Your LinkedIn profile, which builds upon the content in your resume, should serve as your billboard to prospective employers, highlighting your unique value proposition through your headline and About section.
Crafting a cover letter that is concise yet compelling is paramount. Your cover letter should be a networking tool that opens doors to meaningful connections and interviews. It should provide the sizzle to encourage the reader to invite you to a conversation.
3. Master the Art of Interviewing
Interviews can be daunting, but with the right preparation, they become your chance to shine. [In my opinion, your college's career development office should be your first stop for this help as they often offer workshops and mock interviews (even specific to the student's intended industry)]. Enlist the help of friends who can simulate mock interviews for you. Provide them with a job description, and let them grill you with questions. Even better, conduct these mock interviews over Zoom and record yourself. This will allow you to scrutinize your performance, refine your responses, and enhance your body language.
Effective storytelling is the key to acing interviews. Employ the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to artfully narrate situations where you showcased your skills and achievements. Having a repertoire of STAR stories at your disposal will ensure you can tailor your narratives to the specific demands of different interviews.
4. Cultivate and Expand Your Network
Being on campus is like being in a bustling marketplace of opportunities. Don't miss the chance to forge connections with fellow students, professors, and visiting professionals. Leverage the camaraderie of campus life to expand your network. Take advantage of career fairs. They’re an invaluable platform to interact with recruiters and industry experts. [And be sure to sign up for Handshake or whatever job posting system your college uses!] Remember, once you leave campus, these opportunities won’t be as accessible.
[Not only does your campus offer a myriad of networking opportunities as mentioned above, don't hesitate to look OUTSIDE the campus! The alumni make a wonderful network -- use LinkedIn and your college's career center to seek out alums working in industries/jobs you are targeting and reach out to them, asking for informational interviews. Tell family members and friends of family what you are looking for and reach out to any connections THEY have (and/or have them reach out)! Like it or not, nepotism and personal connections are still a thing.]
5. Balance Job Search Academics and a Healthy Social Life
Balancing the demands of academics, job hunting, and socializing might seem overwhelming, but it's a crucial skill that mirrors the juggling act required in a professional setting. Create a strategic plan that allocates dedicated time to your job search efforts. Treat these appointments with yourself as non-negotiable commitments. Otherwise, the whirlwind of coursework, extracurricular activities, and social engagements might sweep your job search goals aside, leaving you empty-handed as graduation approaches.
In conclusion, as you step into another year of academia, seize the chance to simultaneously lay the groundwork for your career. By refining your career goals, fine-tuning your documents, mastering the art of interviews, cultivating a robust network, and seamlessly integrating job search with your academic pursuits, you'll emerge from this academic year not only with a degree but also with a promising path ahead. Your dedication and strategic approach will set you apart in the competitive job market, giving you a head start on the journey toward your professional aspirations.