3 answers
Genavieve
Student
Murrieta, California
1
Question
Asked
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How can I look competitive on an application?
I’m looking to major in environmental studies in college next year. I’m primarily an academic and have had little time to get a job - although I’ve done a fair amount of volunteer work at local libraries etc. Due to this inexperience I'm worried that I’ll struggle to find a job that will seriously consider me for a position or an internship accept my application.
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3 answers
JOHN German
85
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
I grasp the thoughts and concerns about your lack of employment, though your schooling, volunteerism, and outside activities (whether a part of school or not) can be utilized to present to employers the skills you have.
Volunteerism would be a job without pay. Put down the duties you were doing within those times. The educational setting, you can gift out what you focused your moments within and showcase your unwavering dedication, mental focus, and determination to reach the end result that you pushed to initiative.
Your positive mindset, care to want to reach for heights beyond your present, and the desire to care to ask this question - prove the delightful life you unwrap.
Grateful for your pathways.
God Bless,
John German
I grasp the thoughts and concerns about your lack of employment, though your schooling, volunteerism, and outside activities (whether a part of school or not) can be utilized to present to employers the skills you have.
Volunteerism would be a job without pay. Put down the duties you were doing within those times. The educational setting, you can gift out what you focused your moments within and showcase your unwavering dedication, mental focus, and determination to reach the end result that you pushed to initiative.
Your positive mindset, care to want to reach for heights beyond your present, and the desire to care to ask this question - prove the delightful life you unwrap.
Grateful for your pathways.
God Bless,
John German
Charlie Adams
Senior Human Resources Manager
37
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
As an HR professional frequently involved in the recruiting process, here are some suggestions for making your job application more competitive.
Highlight your academic achievements, including any academic awards or distinctions you have received. Even if you don't have work experience, your academic achievements can demonstrate your ability to learn, research, and work hard.
Emphasize your volunteer work, including the skills you developed and the impact you made while volunteering. Although volunteer work may not be paid, it can still demonstrate your work ethic and willingness to contribute to your community.
Read the job description carefully and tailor your job application to the specific skills and requirements listed. Use keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you have the skills they are looking for.
Network with people in your field and ask for informational interviews or advice. Attend career fairs and industry events to make connections and learn more about potential job opportunities. Partner with your school's career services department to inquire about possible internship opportunities related to your field of study.
Conduct mock interviews to give yourself the opportunity to practice your responses to common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and prepared for the actual interview.
Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Even if you lack experience, there are still ways to demonstrate your skills and potential. Don't be afraid to apply for entry-level jobs that may be a bit of a stretch - you never know what opportunities may come your way!
Highlight your academic achievements, including any academic awards or distinctions you have received. Even if you don't have work experience, your academic achievements can demonstrate your ability to learn, research, and work hard.
Emphasize your volunteer work, including the skills you developed and the impact you made while volunteering. Although volunteer work may not be paid, it can still demonstrate your work ethic and willingness to contribute to your community.
Read the job description carefully and tailor your job application to the specific skills and requirements listed. Use keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you have the skills they are looking for.
Network with people in your field and ask for informational interviews or advice. Attend career fairs and industry events to make connections and learn more about potential job opportunities. Partner with your school's career services department to inquire about possible internship opportunities related to your field of study.
Conduct mock interviews to give yourself the opportunity to practice your responses to common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and prepared for the actual interview.
Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Even if you lack experience, there are still ways to demonstrate your skills and potential. Don't be afraid to apply for entry-level jobs that may be a bit of a stretch - you never know what opportunities may come your way!
Clarissa Escamilla
Geological Engineer
29
Answers
Mesa, Arizona
Updated
Clarissa’s Answer
The other answers on here are great - I just wanted to emphasize the power of networking. Find some professionals at the companies you want to apply to and ask them to connect! That’s a great way to get a conversation started. Also, if you are part of any student chapters at school, many have a larger professional chapter with more resources for finding jobs, that would be a good place to start.
If it comes down to two applicants with similar applications - they tend lean toward hiring the person they know if they have a good impression of you vs someone they’ve only met through their resume.
If it comes down to two applicants with similar applications - they tend lean toward hiring the person they know if they have a good impression of you vs someone they’ve only met through their resume.