33 answers
Sabrina
Student
Ann Arbor, Michigan
2
Questions
Asked
1190 views
How do I make my job hunt more efficient?
Current Masters of Management graduate student looking to enter marketing industry in an excellent firm located in a big city #management #marketing #career #careersearch #business
33 answers
Andrew Moore
Product Manager
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Sabrina, great question, and congratulations on finishing up your masters degree. Great accomplishment. A few ideas for you as you start your job hunt:
- Make sure your resume is up to date. I suggest having a section at the top of your resume that briefly summarizes (one, maybe two sentences) your objective in your job search. Recruiters look at tons of resumes per day, so including this near the top will help them understand what you're looking for.
- Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile and it's up to date as well. Often times people will include that they are looking for a job in the headline of their LinkedIn profile to capture the attention of recruiters.
- Use your network. Wether it's people you know personally, or professors or alumni from your grad school, get in touch with anyone you may have a connect to to see if they can help. You would be surprised how willing people are to help a person they have some sort of connection to, even if they haven't met you in person. When you connect with these people, have a brief description of what kind of job you're looking for -- including potential companies you're interested in -- ready to show them.
- As you search, it never hurts to also look for a part-time gig in the area you're interested in, or an internship. If possible, freelance work could be an option as well, but the main point here is to do what you can to continue to build more experience in your field as you look for a job. This can also help you make connections with people who could help.
- Lastly, as you go through the interview process, especially if you don't end up getting a job, always ask 1) for feedback on your application and the process so you can learn and 2) if they know of any other companies you might be a good fit at. People want to help, so never be afraid to ask for it, like you have here :)
Overall, stay positive and keep at it. I've been turned down for several roles throughout the years, and it typically turns out for the best. Good luck!
- Make sure your resume is up to date. I suggest having a section at the top of your resume that briefly summarizes (one, maybe two sentences) your objective in your job search. Recruiters look at tons of resumes per day, so including this near the top will help them understand what you're looking for.
- Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile and it's up to date as well. Often times people will include that they are looking for a job in the headline of their LinkedIn profile to capture the attention of recruiters.
- Use your network. Wether it's people you know personally, or professors or alumni from your grad school, get in touch with anyone you may have a connect to to see if they can help. You would be surprised how willing people are to help a person they have some sort of connection to, even if they haven't met you in person. When you connect with these people, have a brief description of what kind of job you're looking for -- including potential companies you're interested in -- ready to show them.
- As you search, it never hurts to also look for a part-time gig in the area you're interested in, or an internship. If possible, freelance work could be an option as well, but the main point here is to do what you can to continue to build more experience in your field as you look for a job. This can also help you make connections with people who could help.
- Lastly, as you go through the interview process, especially if you don't end up getting a job, always ask 1) for feedback on your application and the process so you can learn and 2) if they know of any other companies you might be a good fit at. People want to help, so never be afraid to ask for it, like you have here :)
Overall, stay positive and keep at it. I've been turned down for several roles throughout the years, and it typically turns out for the best. Good luck!
Rajesh Khanna
Security Solution Manager for Business Markets
7
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Rajesh’s Answer
Hi Sabrina
You have got some very good advice from many members here from resume to linkedin profile, let me just add a few more steps that will help you land a good job in a company you woudl like to work
so here it goes, just know that finding a job even when the unemployment rate is very low is still a full time job, if you want to be selective on where you want to be
1. Research and make a list of 10-12 companies that you identify you would like to work for
2. Research these companies and have a paragraph about yourself as to why you are a great fit for them
3. Join Networking groups in the particular area you are looking for employment ( marketing etc); there are many groups particularly for fiannce and commerce which senior executives come present, there are many business schools who invite executive come where you can join and listen and connect
4. Join webinars or calls where the company may be offering to make some links into the organization
5. have on short profile of your self 2 - 3 paragraph which defines you not just personality but your accomplishments and when you introduce yourself share that one page either in person or even on an email.
6. Have a 3 min introduction about your self, practice, practice and practice, so you are confident to speak about yourself
Now you have all the tools and start applying .. and good things will happen .. good luck
You have got some very good advice from many members here from resume to linkedin profile, let me just add a few more steps that will help you land a good job in a company you woudl like to work
so here it goes, just know that finding a job even when the unemployment rate is very low is still a full time job, if you want to be selective on where you want to be
1. Research and make a list of 10-12 companies that you identify you would like to work for
2. Research these companies and have a paragraph about yourself as to why you are a great fit for them
3. Join Networking groups in the particular area you are looking for employment ( marketing etc); there are many groups particularly for fiannce and commerce which senior executives come present, there are many business schools who invite executive come where you can join and listen and connect
4. Join webinars or calls where the company may be offering to make some links into the organization
5. have on short profile of your self 2 - 3 paragraph which defines you not just personality but your accomplishments and when you introduce yourself share that one page either in person or even on an email.
6. Have a 3 min introduction about your self, practice, practice and practice, so you are confident to speak about yourself
Now you have all the tools and start applying .. and good things will happen .. good luck
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Samuel
Jennifer Aho
Property Manager
30
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Some great advise listed above. I would highly recommend keeping an active Linkedin account. Connect with professionals within your industry of choice and often they will list open positions within their companies. Internships are also great ways to gain experience and again, Linkedin will often advertise these opportunities.
Riccardo Sponza
B2B Marketing Director
2
Answers
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Updated
Riccardo’s Answer
Hi Sabrina,
Congratulations on your achievement.
My advice is to look for companies with early career programs. Very often multinational organization offer this type of programs, which help hiring talented people and accelerate them through the first steps in their career.
As an example, Microsoft used to offer the MACH Program, and you can refer to the following page to get a sense of what is currently available
https://www.microsoft.com/en-IE/earlycareers/programs
A few advice from my side:
1. Decide which Industry attract you the most (I would also suggest you consider employability in that industry and demand for the next years to come)
2. Look for the to 10-15 top companies in these industry, possibly with subsidiaries in the regions you are planning to live in
3. Look for any early career program they could offer and understand the requirements to apply.
4. Apply and be ready for very comprehensive interview loops and panel interviews. Be ready to compete with your peers!
I've seen dozen of talented young graduates in my life benefitting from such programs, now covering management and executive roles!
Go for it!
Good luck,
R.
Congratulations on your achievement.
My advice is to look for companies with early career programs. Very often multinational organization offer this type of programs, which help hiring talented people and accelerate them through the first steps in their career.
As an example, Microsoft used to offer the MACH Program, and you can refer to the following page to get a sense of what is currently available
https://www.microsoft.com/en-IE/earlycareers/programs
A few advice from my side:
1. Decide which Industry attract you the most (I would also suggest you consider employability in that industry and demand for the next years to come)
2. Look for the to 10-15 top companies in these industry, possibly with subsidiaries in the regions you are planning to live in
3. Look for any early career program they could offer and understand the requirements to apply.
4. Apply and be ready for very comprehensive interview loops and panel interviews. Be ready to compete with your peers!
I've seen dozen of talented young graduates in my life benefitting from such programs, now covering management and executive roles!
Go for it!
Good luck,
R.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Samuel
Kim Igleheart
Grassroots Organizer | Career Counselor | Police Officer
1609
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
I recommend keeping a spreadsheet where you can easily see where you applied, when, by what method, which version of your resume you submitted, who you've talked to, what the next steps are, phone and email contact info, etc etc etc.
Because of the ease of applying on-line, companies receive many applications. This means you need to apply for a lot more jobs, AND, more importantly, make the applications count. This means tailoring your resume and cover letter to fit the job you are applying for, IF it is one you are truly interested in. Sure, it's okay to send out the "master" resume to a bunch of places, and maybe get a response. But, spend some time on the ones that count.
Set up email folders and computer folders and use them. Stay organized!
Take a break. Job search can seem overwhelming. You need to take some "me" time, to relax, exercise, etc. When you go in for an interview, you don't want to look like someone who's been locked away in a room doing job search for the last 3 weeks! And, well-rested, you will be more productive in your job search efforts!
Best of luck to you!
Because of the ease of applying on-line, companies receive many applications. This means you need to apply for a lot more jobs, AND, more importantly, make the applications count. This means tailoring your resume and cover letter to fit the job you are applying for, IF it is one you are truly interested in. Sure, it's okay to send out the "master" resume to a bunch of places, and maybe get a response. But, spend some time on the ones that count.
Set up email folders and computer folders and use them. Stay organized!
Take a break. Job search can seem overwhelming. You need to take some "me" time, to relax, exercise, etc. When you go in for an interview, you don't want to look like someone who's been locked away in a room doing job search for the last 3 weeks! And, well-rested, you will be more productive in your job search efforts!
Best of luck to you!
Glenn Fitzgerald
Federal Account Executive (Sales)
14
Answers
Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Make sure your LinkedIn Profile is exceptional, add a relevant picture to your banner, add a vision statement to that banner picture like: Helping companies with their skills shortage. Something that tells them that you can help them solve a problem. Make sure your picture is current and taken by a professional photographer. Work on a summary for your profile. No more than 2 paragraphs and tell them how you can help them with your skillset. Many times when you are done with your summary you can pick an idea from it and use it as your vision statement. Take a screenshot of your current LinkedIn page and paste it into PowerPoint, that way you know the exact size of your banner. Search the web for a picture that might tell a story about you or a professional background about the job you are applying for. Make sure if is about the employer and not about you as much as possible. Why you, how you can help, what experience you might have in solving their problems and why now. Good luck and good job hunting.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Samuel
Stacia Sharpe
Director - Technical Customer Service
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Stacia’s Answer
Hi Sabrina,
Congratulations on this milestone. You were already given some great advice so I will just add this:
Don't limit yourself to just marketing firms. There are some excellent corporations that have huge marketing departments
Do your research on the companies - their track record, their values, their stability
Use the network you have built - peers, professors etc.
Congratulations on this milestone. You were already given some great advice so I will just add this:
Don't limit yourself to just marketing firms. There are some excellent corporations that have huge marketing departments
Do your research on the companies - their track record, their values, their stability
Use the network you have built - peers, professors etc.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Samuel
Henry Char
Data Scientist
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Henry’s Answer
1. Try to create a few resume templates, each one targeted for some type of role that you are interested in that way you can make minimal modifications when sending to a specific company.
2. Look up specific companies, find out what they do and try to connect with someone who works at the company to get a sense for what they do/what's it like to work there.
3. Continuing education to make sure you understand current and future trends in your own respective industry.
4. Understanding common jargon in your industry/field.
5. Understanding what recruiters look at.
6. Finding out about the interviewing process so that you can prepare adequately for questions or knowledge that they might ask you on the spot.
2. Look up specific companies, find out what they do and try to connect with someone who works at the company to get a sense for what they do/what's it like to work there.
3. Continuing education to make sure you understand current and future trends in your own respective industry.
4. Understanding common jargon in your industry/field.
5. Understanding what recruiters look at.
6. Finding out about the interviewing process so that you can prepare adequately for questions or knowledge that they might ask you on the spot.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Samuel
Melvin Flippin
Dir-Program & Project Management
7
Answers
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Melvin’s Answer
Leveraging digital avenues such as Indeed and LinkedIn.
Thank you for the advice.
Samuel
Could you please add more details to this? How can the student leverage LinkedIn or Indeed?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Pamela Zarrilli
Marketing
6
Answers
Bloomfield, New Jersey
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Does the school you're attending offer any Career Services assistance? Is there an alumni office that maybe has connections other alumni in an industry you are interested in? Marketing casts a large net... any contacts you can make ... before you graduate would be helpful. Attend any career fairs you can.... maybe even ask your professors if they have know any alumni's you could talk to.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Samuel
Ruquayyah Qawiyy
Administrative
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ruquayyah’s Answer
Hello,
There is a ton of good advice regarding this question. As networking is huge benefit in looking for a job, you should definitely access social media outlets such as linkedin and job recruiting sites. Also, if you are able to connect with a headhunter they can be very valuable in your search process as they are directly connected to the hiring company.
There is a ton of good advice regarding this question. As networking is huge benefit in looking for a job, you should definitely access social media outlets such as linkedin and job recruiting sites. Also, if you are able to connect with a headhunter they can be very valuable in your search process as they are directly connected to the hiring company.
Luis Pacheco
8
Answers
Updated
Luis’s Answer
Sabrina, great question! You absolutely want to have your general resume ready to go, LinkedIn profile updated with a solid professional picture, and create a job search plan.
In regards to resumes, you should always have multiple versions of your resume that you create based on your standard general resume. I saw multiple versions because you should make tailored resumes based upon the job description you're applying to. For example, if someone in Supply Chain wants to go into Finance and they gained financial experience while in Supply Chain, then they need to make sure they adjust their resume to show lots of content around the financial and operational data and KPI reporting, analysis, forecasting, etc. When you read a job description, you may notice certain tasks, experiences, skills and software you already gained in your relevant or irrelevant jobs, so you want to adjust your resume based on the job and the experiences you have for that job.
LinkedIn, always make sure it's updated and you have a professional picture (this is not Facebook, Instagram, etc.). This is one of the best places to find a job or connect with people that may be able to help you find that job.
Create a job search plan. You don't want to apply to 100+ jobs, as that's time consuming and probably not strategic. Although landing a job is a numbers game (the more applications and interviews you do, the higher the rate of you landing a job offer), you're much better off applying to a dozen jobs that match your experience, interests and network than applying to 100 jobs and hoping someone calls you. Narrow your search based on filters and see how many jobs align with your criteria/considerations. If you find a job posted on LinkedIn, see if anyone in your network is a current or former employee there and if they could help make an introduction. Additionally, you could look up HR people at that company to network, connect and share your resume.
In regards to resumes, you should always have multiple versions of your resume that you create based on your standard general resume. I saw multiple versions because you should make tailored resumes based upon the job description you're applying to. For example, if someone in Supply Chain wants to go into Finance and they gained financial experience while in Supply Chain, then they need to make sure they adjust their resume to show lots of content around the financial and operational data and KPI reporting, analysis, forecasting, etc. When you read a job description, you may notice certain tasks, experiences, skills and software you already gained in your relevant or irrelevant jobs, so you want to adjust your resume based on the job and the experiences you have for that job.
LinkedIn, always make sure it's updated and you have a professional picture (this is not Facebook, Instagram, etc.). This is one of the best places to find a job or connect with people that may be able to help you find that job.
Create a job search plan. You don't want to apply to 100+ jobs, as that's time consuming and probably not strategic. Although landing a job is a numbers game (the more applications and interviews you do, the higher the rate of you landing a job offer), you're much better off applying to a dozen jobs that match your experience, interests and network than applying to 100 jobs and hoping someone calls you. Narrow your search based on filters and see how many jobs align with your criteria/considerations. If you find a job posted on LinkedIn, see if anyone in your network is a current or former employee there and if they could help make an introduction. Additionally, you could look up HR people at that company to network, connect and share your resume.
I appreciate your support, Luis
Samuel
Michael Henderson
Solutions Architect
13
Answers
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Updated
Michael’s Answer
You obviously have a good platform to spring from. That said, there are an assortment of potential opportunities akin to what your target parameters are. So my advice to you would be to identify resources at the the firms you are interested in joining and work to arranging a meeting with those select personnel or attend an event or conference that they are accustomed to attending. Worst case, I would send a direct communiction to them. Leveraging tools such as LinkedIn may be advantageous. Lastly, there are key industry forums that can be contacted who may have inroads to or be aligned with the excellent marketing firms you have targeted.
I appreciate your support, Michael
Samuel
Jeff Chiu
Technical Support Engineer
7
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Sabrina,
Congrats on your degree! As someone who slogged through job applications to get into a role as a technical support engineer and a new career, I have a couple of suggestions: First, I'd do some soul searching on your end for what you want to look for in a position. The sooner you find out what is a "red flag" to you, you'll know what sorts of jobs and companies to avoid. Then do the opposite and find things that you absolutely must have. When I was applying for my job, I pointedly asked many interviewers if they (the company) was supportive of continuing education and career development. There's a lot of jobs that are great out there and then there are a lot that are not and finding out what matters to you will really help streamline the process and help you determine where to put your efforts.
Best of luck!
Congrats on your degree! As someone who slogged through job applications to get into a role as a technical support engineer and a new career, I have a couple of suggestions: First, I'd do some soul searching on your end for what you want to look for in a position. The sooner you find out what is a "red flag" to you, you'll know what sorts of jobs and companies to avoid. Then do the opposite and find things that you absolutely must have. When I was applying for my job, I pointedly asked many interviewers if they (the company) was supportive of continuing education and career development. There's a lot of jobs that are great out there and then there are a lot that are not and finding out what matters to you will really help streamline the process and help you determine where to put your efforts.
Best of luck!
Thank you, Jeff for the advice.
Samuel
Manda Joy
People Operations (HR)
10
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Manda’s Answer
Congrats on your accomplishments! You have some great advice here. I definitely agree about completing your LinkedIn profile with as much information as you can. In marketing, it also helps to ha
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