As graduation nears, the more you'll hear about people scrambling to send out mass emails, heavily equipped with cover letters and resumes. You'll also probably hear a bit of students becoming discouraged that the interviews aren't flowing in as quickly as the emails are going out. Here are a few tips to really solidify your job search and get those interviews (and hopefully jobs) locked down before graduation.
1. Don't limit yourself to listed jobs
Often times, listed jobs are the easiest and most convenient to find, whether they're on Monster or Indeed. But, that doesn't mean that those are the only jobs out there! Think about the places you want to live after graduation and look up companies in those locations. Once you've developed a strong list, start pursuing those companies with job inquiries (I mean, the worst they can say is they don't have any positions available). Just because a job opening isn't listed on a company's website, doesn't mean they aren't looking for the addition of a talented, new team member. You'll never know unless you ask right? And remember, you only get out of a job search what you put into it.
2. Don't forget to follow up
You've been sending out dozens and dozens of cover letters and resumes and still haven't heard anything back. That doesn't necessarily mean that you did anything wrong. There is always the possibility that the hiring manager at that company is tied down with work and meant to email you back, but totally forgot. Remember, you're seeking them out, not the other way around. It's your job to make your presence known and remind them that you're out there and you're the best candidate for the job. It doesn't have to be annoying, just a simple reminder that let's them know that you're a persistent individual and that you're extremely interested in working with them!
3. Reevaluate your resume/cover letter
If it seems like you're doing all the right things and still haven't snagged any interviews, it might be time to reevaluate your resume or cover letter. Make sure that your cover letter is engaging, fits with the company you're applying to and is free of any mistakes or typos. Feel free to take it to a friend, family member, colleague or professor and get them to brainstorm with you! Cover letters are hard and a second or third opinion never hurt anyone. Do the same with your resume. Make sure that it is tailored to fit each job or company and is free of all mistakes. One thing that will get your email tossed directly into the trash is spelling the company or hiring manager's name wrong. Even a typo can knock your chances of getting your foot in the door.
4. When it comes to listed jobs, utilize LinkedIn
If you've decided that you're going to focus on jobs that are listed and have qualifications and job descriptions to accompany them, that's just fine. My advice to you is to utilize the jobs section of LinkedIn along with the other job sites that you may be searching. On LinkedIn, you can follow your favorite companies and keep up with their job postings, which most of the time can be easily applied to online. LinkedIn is also a great way to see who else you may be able to connect with and if you do the right amount of "stalking" you can find the right people to get in touch with about jobs.
5. Stand out!
Always be thinking of ways that you can stand out from the crowd. Chances are, there are a myriad of other applicants that have resumes that look just like yours. Whether you decide to take a different approach to creating your resume or you draft up a 30 day plan for the company, going above and beyond will help set you apart and make your presence memorable.
5. Don't give up
As time dwindles down, it can definitely be hard to stay focused and motivated. Don't stop now though! Keep working hard and stay persistent. Remember, you're only going to get out of a job search what you put into it. Just because you haven't found something yet doesn't mean that you'll never find something. Give it time and stay patient because good things are bound to happen if you work hard for them.
1. Don't limit yourself to listed jobs
Often times, listed jobs are the easiest and most convenient to find, whether they're on Monster or Indeed. But, that doesn't mean that those are the only jobs out there! Think about the places you want to live after graduation and look up companies in those locations. Once you've developed a strong list, start pursuing those companies with job inquiries (I mean, the worst they can say is they don't have any positions available). Just because a job opening isn't listed on a company's website, doesn't mean they aren't looking for the addition of a talented, new team member. You'll never know unless you ask right? And remember, you only get out of a job search what you put into it.
2. Don't forget to follow up
You've been sending out dozens and dozens of cover letters and resumes and still haven't heard anything back. That doesn't necessarily mean that you did anything wrong. There is always the possibility that the hiring manager at that company is tied down with work and meant to email you back, but totally forgot. Remember, you're seeking them out, not the other way around. It's your job to make your presence known and remind them that you're out there and you're the best candidate for the job. It doesn't have to be annoying, just a simple reminder that let's them know that you're a persistent individual and that you're extremely interested in working with them!
3. Reevaluate your resume/cover letter
If it seems like you're doing all the right things and still haven't snagged any interviews, it might be time to reevaluate your resume or cover letter. Make sure that your cover letter is engaging, fits with the company you're applying to and is free of any mistakes or typos. Feel free to take it to a friend, family member, colleague or professor and get them to brainstorm with you! Cover letters are hard and a second or third opinion never hurt anyone. Do the same with your resume. Make sure that it is tailored to fit each job or company and is free of all mistakes. One thing that will get your email tossed directly into the trash is spelling the company or hiring manager's name wrong. Even a typo can knock your chances of getting your foot in the door.
4. When it comes to listed jobs, utilize LinkedIn
If you've decided that you're going to focus on jobs that are listed and have qualifications and job descriptions to accompany them, that's just fine. My advice to you is to utilize the jobs section of LinkedIn along with the other job sites that you may be searching. On LinkedIn, you can follow your favorite companies and keep up with their job postings, which most of the time can be easily applied to online. LinkedIn is also a great way to see who else you may be able to connect with and if you do the right amount of "stalking" you can find the right people to get in touch with about jobs.
5. Stand out!
Always be thinking of ways that you can stand out from the crowd. Chances are, there are a myriad of other applicants that have resumes that look just like yours. Whether you decide to take a different approach to creating your resume or you draft up a 30 day plan for the company, going above and beyond will help set you apart and make your presence memorable.
5. Don't give up
As time dwindles down, it can definitely be hard to stay focused and motivated. Don't stop now though! Keep working hard and stay persistent. Remember, you're only going to get out of a job search what you put into it. Just because you haven't found something yet doesn't mean that you'll never find something. Give it time and stay patient because good things are bound to happen if you work hard for them.