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How should I prepare myself for my job search as I go into my senior year of college?

I am a Sociology, Political Science, and International Studies major, and I love communicating with others in the community. #job-search #college-jobs #job #career-choice

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Ken’s Answer

The most important thing that you can do is to get to know yourself well enough to determine a career focus and meet people who are doing what you think that you want to do, so that you can see the inside view of careers. Starting as soon as possible will enable you to take the right courses and make connections that could help you not only to determine appropriate career areas but put you in line for shadowing and internships and part time jobs and other career exposure related opportunities.


Getting to know yourself and how your personality traits relate to people involved in various career opportunities is very important in your decision making process. During my many years in Human Resources and College Recruiting, I ran across too many students who had skipped this very important step and ended up in a job situation which for which they were not well suited. Selecting a career area is like buying a pair of shoes. First you have to be properly fitted for the correct size, and then you need to try on and walk in the various shoe options to determine which is fits the best and is most comfortable for you to wear. Following are some important steps which I developed during my career which have been helpful to many .

Ken recommends the following next steps:

The first step is to take an interest and aptitude test and have it interpreted by your school counselor to see if you share the personality traits necessary to enter the field. You might want to do this again upon entry into college, as the interpretation might differ slightly due to the course offering of the school. However, do not wait until entering college, as the information from the test will help to determine the courses that you take in high school. Too many students, due to poor planning, end up paying for courses in college which they could have taken for free in high school.
Next, when you have the results of the testing, talk to the person at your high school and college who tracks and works with graduates to arrange to talk to, visit, and possibly shadow people doing what you think that you might want to do, so that you can get know what they are doing and how they got there. Here are some tips: ## http://www.wikihow.com/Network ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/nonawkward-ways-to-start-and-end-networking-conversations ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-questions-to-ask-your-network-besides-can-you-get-me-a-job?ref=carousel-slide-1 ##
Locate and attend meetings of professional associations to which people who are doing what you think that you want to do belong, so that you can get their advice. These associations may offer or know of intern, coop, shadowing, and scholarship opportunities. These associations are the means whereby the professionals keep abreast of their career area following college and advance in their career. You can locate them by asking your school academic advisor, favorite teachers, and the reference librarian at your local library. Here are some tips: ## https://www.careeronestop.org/BusinessCenter/Toolkit/find-professional-associations.aspx?&frd=true ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/9-tips-for-navigating-your-first-networking-event ##
It is very important to express your appreciation to those who help you along the way to be able to continue to receive helpful information and to create important networking contacts along the way. Here are some good tips: ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-informational-interview-thank-you-note-smart-people-know-to-send?ref=recently-published-2 ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-tips-for-writing-a-thank-you-note-thatll-make-you-look-like-the-best-candidate-alive?bsft_eid=7e230cba-a92f-4ec7-8ca3-2f50c8fc9c3c&bsft_pid=d08b95c2-bc8f-4eae-8618-d0826841a284&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_20171020&utm_source=blueshift&utm_content=daily_20171020&bsft_clkid=edfe52ae-9e40-4d90-8e6a-e0bb76116570&bsft_uid=54658fa1-0090-41fd-b88c-20a86c513a6c&bsft_mid=214115cb-cca2-4aec-aa86-92a31d371185&bsft_pp=2 ##
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GABRIELA’s Answer

Hello i would focus 100% in your final studies first and graduate with great grades. Then the rest will come. This is what i did then after graduation i took summer off then while i was off i was also doing my research in job opportunites out there and applied. The perfect one will come it takes time. Good luck!!
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Liuv’s Answer

Go to several interviews. Even if its jobs you do not like. Go to several of them and don't take your first offer unless its something you know deep down you will regret.
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anahi’s Answer

Preparing for your job search in your senior year of college is a crucial step towards securing a fulfilling position after graduation. Here are steps to help you prepare:

1. **Define Your Career Goals:**
- Clearly outline your short-term and long-term career goals. Understand the type of work you're passionate about and the industries you want to explore.

2. **Update Your Resume:**
- Review and update your resume. Highlight your education, relevant coursework, internships, projects, skills, and any part-time work or extracurricular activities. Tailor it for each job application.

3. **Build a LinkedIn Profile:**
- Create or update your LinkedIn profile. Use a professional photo and ensure your profile reflects your skills, experiences, and career aspirations. Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your field.

4. **Research Industries and Companies:**
- Explore industries and companies that align with your interests. Research their cultures, values, and the types of opportunities they offer. Make a list of target companies for your job search.

5. **Networking:**
- Attend networking events, career fairs, and industry conferences. Connect with professionals, alumni, and recruiters. Networking is a valuable way to gain insights and potential job leads.

6. **Utilize Career Services:**
- Take advantage of your college's career services. Attend workshops, job fairs, and career counseling sessions to gain access to valuable resources and guidance.

7. **Internship or Co-op Experience:**
- If you haven't already, consider securing an internship or co-op experience. Practical experience is highly valued by employers and can set you apart from other candidates.

8. **Develop a Portfolio:**
- If applicable to your field, create a portfolio showcasing your work, projects, and achievements. This can be a valuable tool during interviews.

9. **Prepare for Interviews:**
- Practice common interview questions and develop concise, compelling responses. Research the companies you're interested in and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs.

10. **Attend Job Fairs:**
- Participate in job fairs on campus or virtually. Bring copies of your resume, research the attending companies, and be prepared to engage with recruiters.

11. **Learn Job Search Tools:**
- Familiarize yourself with job search platforms, company websites, and other tools relevant to your industry. Understand how to use these resources to find job opportunities.

12. **Seek Guidance:**
- Schedule informational interviews with professionals in your field. Seek advice from mentors, professors, or career counselors. Their insights can be invaluable as you navigate your job search.

13. **Stay Organized:**
- Keep a record of the jobs you've applied to, interview dates, and follow-up actions. Staying organized helps you manage multiple applications and ensures you don't miss important deadlines.

14. **Practice Self-Care:**
- Job searching can be stressful. Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Maintain a healthy balance between your job search efforts and personal life.

Remember, the job search process takes time, and persistence is key. Stay proactive, adapt your strategies based on feedback and experiences, and celebrate your successes along the way.
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