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Deborah
Student
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Question
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What is the best thing I can do to land a job apart from my resume after college? #Spring26
I know that things like my attire, resume, and over all professionalism all plays a part into whether I can land a job or not. But, what are some above and beyond things that I can do with-in my next 4 years that will bring me and my application to the top of employers' lists?
#Spring26
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1 answer
Cliff Schreier
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Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Deborah,
There are a number of things you can do:
1. Make a plan of what you want to do with your degree and your life. Talk with guidance counselors, family, friends, and people you know who have jobs you are interested in. Your plan can change, but it's good to at least have a tentative plan for things. I believe that the decisions you make and the actions you take in your teens through your early 20s will set you up for the rest of your life. I got a Bachelor's degree, got a job, and have spent 44 years at the same company - it all started in my teens with my college education decision.
2. Work hard in college and get good grades. If you don't have good grades, make sure you have a way to explain it (e.g. working a job while going to school to cut down on college debt). Whatever GPA you achieve, OWN IT!
3. Write a good one-page resume. Your resume should include: Name, Phone number, e-mail address, Education with GPA, Job Experience, Skills, and other relevant topics. Make it terse, pithy, and fact packed. If you are doing software development, include links to your github or similar. Ask for feedback on how it looks and make corrections as appropriate.
4. Come up with an 'elevator pitch of Deborah'. You should hand your resume to the recruiter and start saying it. It should go something like: "Hi. My name is Deborah. I'm a student majoring in xxx and I'm very interested in talking with you about employment opportunities with your company. I'm a hard-working, dedicated student and I would be an asset to your company doing any role...." You would obviously have to fill in blanks, but I think you get the idea. It may sound stupid, but it's a good idea to practice this in front of a mirror to watch your facial expressions and make sure you come across the way you want. Once you do this a few times, you can tailor it to each company you talk with.
5. Research companies you are interested in before you meet with any recruiters. Don't try to bluff your way through meetings with companies - put in some work to understand what they do and how you could fit in with them.
6. Work hard to get an internship or shadowing opportunity with a company. Talk to guidance counselors, career placement people, and research/attend career fairs whenever possible. Even if you have to travel a distance to get to a career fair, it could be worth it.
7. Be persistent. Do some practice interviews. Always ask for feedback on how you did in the interview and what you could do differently and better. Be attentive and an active listener to any recruiter or company representative you talk with.
8. How you dress is a factor. You don't need to be in a fully formal dress, but don't show up in t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops either.
9. Believe in yourself! Don't be a VICTIM, be a VICTOR! If you work hard, you will succeed.
Seize your future. Good luck Deborah.
Thanks.
There are a number of things you can do:
1. Make a plan of what you want to do with your degree and your life. Talk with guidance counselors, family, friends, and people you know who have jobs you are interested in. Your plan can change, but it's good to at least have a tentative plan for things. I believe that the decisions you make and the actions you take in your teens through your early 20s will set you up for the rest of your life. I got a Bachelor's degree, got a job, and have spent 44 years at the same company - it all started in my teens with my college education decision.
2. Work hard in college and get good grades. If you don't have good grades, make sure you have a way to explain it (e.g. working a job while going to school to cut down on college debt). Whatever GPA you achieve, OWN IT!
3. Write a good one-page resume. Your resume should include: Name, Phone number, e-mail address, Education with GPA, Job Experience, Skills, and other relevant topics. Make it terse, pithy, and fact packed. If you are doing software development, include links to your github or similar. Ask for feedback on how it looks and make corrections as appropriate.
4. Come up with an 'elevator pitch of Deborah'. You should hand your resume to the recruiter and start saying it. It should go something like: "Hi. My name is Deborah. I'm a student majoring in xxx and I'm very interested in talking with you about employment opportunities with your company. I'm a hard-working, dedicated student and I would be an asset to your company doing any role...." You would obviously have to fill in blanks, but I think you get the idea. It may sound stupid, but it's a good idea to practice this in front of a mirror to watch your facial expressions and make sure you come across the way you want. Once you do this a few times, you can tailor it to each company you talk with.
5. Research companies you are interested in before you meet with any recruiters. Don't try to bluff your way through meetings with companies - put in some work to understand what they do and how you could fit in with them.
6. Work hard to get an internship or shadowing opportunity with a company. Talk to guidance counselors, career placement people, and research/attend career fairs whenever possible. Even if you have to travel a distance to get to a career fair, it could be worth it.
7. Be persistent. Do some practice interviews. Always ask for feedback on how you did in the interview and what you could do differently and better. Be attentive and an active listener to any recruiter or company representative you talk with.
8. How you dress is a factor. You don't need to be in a fully formal dress, but don't show up in t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops either.
9. Believe in yourself! Don't be a VICTIM, be a VICTOR! If you work hard, you will succeed.
Seize your future. Good luck Deborah.
Thanks.
Thank you so much for your response Mr. Schreier! I love that you formatted it in a step by step guide with lots of explanation. Thank you!
Deborah
Make your family, friends, teachers, and co-workers proud! Thanks.
Cliff Schreier