Preparing Yourself
Create a Winning Resume
A good resume is an essential part of your job search. It may also be key in applications for scholarships or graduate study. As in any good writing, the reader’s point of view should be considered and the resume targeted to reflect those qualities and qualifications that would be most important to the employer. A well-written resume can be the difference between landing an opportunity to interview and being passed over.
Craft a Credible Cover Letter
A cover letter should accompany each resume that you send to a prospective employer. This letter should not repeat the information in your resume, although for emphasis you may restate a point or two. Certainly you can enhance your opportunity for employment by including relevant achievements not listed in your resume.
Nail the Interview
The initial interview is a preliminary screening tool for you and the prospective employer to evaluate each other. It gives you the chance to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job. More specifically, it is the time to provide information that will assist the employer in evaluating your skills, experiences, goals, objectives, and personal traits for the positions the employer is trying to fill. It is important to prepare for the interview and know how to dress and act professionally.
The good news is, if you are offered an interview, it means that your application and resume showed you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. It’s important to keep in mind, especially if you’re feeling less than confident. Now, they want to meet you to see if you fit in and if you are who you say you are.
Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with millions of members in over 200 countries and territories. You can find, be introduced to, and collaborate with qualified professionals that you need to work with to accomplish your goals. If you do not have a LinkedIn account, then you are missing out on a major way to make connections, build your network, and find internship and job opportunities.
References and Letters of Recommendation
A good reference is someone who can speak positively about your work performance. It could be a former/current manager/supervisor, coach, volunteer coordinator at an organization you’ve volunteered for, or a faculty/professor you’ve either done research for or built a good relationship with. These people should always be aware that they are listed on your reference sheet and you should keep them informed of your job/internship search progress.
Be Professional
It’s important to represent yourself well in every interaction you have, especially as you start to take the next steps towards your potential career. To be professional is just a fancy way of saying “be the person that others want to work with”. Show traits such as: honesty/integrity, reliable, respectful, compassionate, communicative, self-improvement, self-awareness, and unselfish.
Professionalism can also refer to your attire. When attending a career fair or going to an interview, it’s best to present your best self and dress for the type of job you aspire to have.
