4 answers
Elias
Student
Maplewood, New Jersey
1
Question
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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?
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1899
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
Disraeli Partridge
Accounting
27
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Disraeli’s Answer
Hello Elias,
There are a variety of ways to prepare for a job search while still in college. My favorite one is join a student organization that is focused on the career you want. This club's meetings may involve a professional speaker from the industry (perhaps a recruiter who is looking for prospective employees!) or perhaps a workshop on how to gear your resume towards your industry. Additionally, you will meet others with the same goal and they might be able to refer you to a job when they get hired.
Other ways to start your search include: going to your school's career center to work on resume and interview skills, applying to jobs and networking at career fairs, and going to company websites and cold applying. Any of these options can lead to getting hired.
Good luck with your search!
There are a variety of ways to prepare for a job search while still in college. My favorite one is join a student organization that is focused on the career you want. This club's meetings may involve a professional speaker from the industry (perhaps a recruiter who is looking for prospective employees!) or perhaps a workshop on how to gear your resume towards your industry. Additionally, you will meet others with the same goal and they might be able to refer you to a job when they get hired.
Other ways to start your search include: going to your school's career center to work on resume and interview skills, applying to jobs and networking at career fairs, and going to company websites and cold applying. Any of these options can lead to getting hired.
Good luck with your search!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1028
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Preparing for a successful job search while still in college involves a combination of strategic planning, networking, and skill-building to position yourself as a competitive candidate upon graduation. One of the first steps is to take advantage of the career services offered by your college. Many institutions provide workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and even access to job boards specifically for students and alumni. These resources can help you craft a professional resume and develop strong job-searching techniques tailored to your field of interest.
In addition to utilizing career services, it's important to start building a professional network early. Attend career fairs, industry-specific networking events, and alumni meetups, where you can connect with professionals and recruiters who may offer guidance or even potential job opportunities. LinkedIn is another powerful tool for building your network. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, professional, and aligned with your career goals, and actively engage with posts, join relevant groups, and connect with individuals in your desired industry. Networking both in-person and online can often open doors to internships, job shadowing, or even full-time opportunities after graduation.
Gaining relevant experience is another key preparation step. Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work in your field of interest provide not only hands-on experience but also valuable insights into the professional world. Many employers value practical experience, so taking the initiative to apply for internships or volunteer positions during college can significantly enhance your resume. Additionally, engage in extracurricular activities, clubs, or leadership roles on campus, as these experiences help develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that are highly sought after by employers.
Finally, focus on developing the skills and knowledge that are in demand in your chosen field. Stay updated on industry trends and consider taking online courses or certifications that complement your degree and increase your employability. Being proactive in seeking professional development opportunities during college not only helps you gain valuable skills but also demonstrates to potential employers that you are committed to continuous learning. By combining networking, experience, and skill development with a strategic approach to job searching, you will be well-prepared to launch a successful job search upon graduation.
In addition to utilizing career services, it's important to start building a professional network early. Attend career fairs, industry-specific networking events, and alumni meetups, where you can connect with professionals and recruiters who may offer guidance or even potential job opportunities. LinkedIn is another powerful tool for building your network. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, professional, and aligned with your career goals, and actively engage with posts, join relevant groups, and connect with individuals in your desired industry. Networking both in-person and online can often open doors to internships, job shadowing, or even full-time opportunities after graduation.
Gaining relevant experience is another key preparation step. Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work in your field of interest provide not only hands-on experience but also valuable insights into the professional world. Many employers value practical experience, so taking the initiative to apply for internships or volunteer positions during college can significantly enhance your resume. Additionally, engage in extracurricular activities, clubs, or leadership roles on campus, as these experiences help develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that are highly sought after by employers.
Finally, focus on developing the skills and knowledge that are in demand in your chosen field. Stay updated on industry trends and consider taking online courses or certifications that complement your degree and increase your employability. Being proactive in seeking professional development opportunities during college not only helps you gain valuable skills but also demonstrates to potential employers that you are committed to continuous learning. By combining networking, experience, and skill development with a strategic approach to job searching, you will be well-prepared to launch a successful job search upon graduation.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
458
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