By Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer
Resumes, cover letters, applications, interviews, how does one comprehend it all while trying to attend college and take part in clubs and organizations? For some it might be daunting; however, I am here to tell you that it is in fact doable. Whether you are idle and looking for a job, a senior and ready to enter the job force or sick of your old job this story is for you. Who said the job hunt has to be hard? By following these simple steps, you could quite possibly be walking through the doors of your next dream job.
1. Window Shop
We have all heard the famous phrase “I am just going to go window shopping,” well instead of looking for the latest sales start browsing for jobs whether you are walking down the mall or surfing the web.
Check out websites such as Indeed.com or LinkedIn to help categorize what it is you are interested in.
Make sure to apply only to the jobs you are passionate about because if you end up in a field you don’t like it’s going to make going to work a chore.
Once you find what it is you are passionate about you won’t even feel like it’s work because you’re in your element.
2. Create Your Network
Utilize your friends and family, LinkedIn connections, professors, advisors, and social media to your benefit.
If you know of someone who has a lead in an area that interests, you don’t be afraid to ask.
If you don’t ask the answer will always be a definitive no; however, if you do 99.9 percent of the time they would be more than happy to help you out.
Therefore, it is important to save all emails and numbers; you never know when you might need them.
3. Build Your House
Okay, not literally but figuratively think of the process as building yourself from the ground up. When building a house, you start with a foundation. This would be your resume stage.
Cultivate a resume that includes your education, skills, past jobs, experiences, qualifications, leadership roles, awards, organizations, volunteer work, and community involvement.
Next starting thinking about the rooms, which would be your cover letter(s).
Ask yourself: what fills your life goals and how do you feel you will be an asset to the company?
Book an appointment with Career Development, which is located in the Campus Center who can review your resume and cover letter to give it a once over and help with format and content.
Once you have a solid resume and cover letter you are ready for the open house (aka start applying to jobs).
4. Apply
So, you have your mini “tool kit,” ready now, now it is time to fill out the applications on your list.
Take time filling these out and make sure you read all the fine print.
Ask questions to clarify and make sure you are aware of the qualifications and roles of the job.
5. SAVE Everything
Make sure you keep a folder with copies of everything. This way, if you land an interview, you can take it with you (this shows you are prepared and organized).
Also if something happens to be missing you will have it readily available.
6. The Call
Okay, so you have waited two weeks and either A. you haven’t heard anything or B. You landed an interview.
f you are option A. don’t be afraid to send a follow up email or call to the one in charge of applications. They will be able to give you an idea of what the status of your application is.
For those of you who fall in option B. congratulations now it’s time to prepare for the interview.
7. Dress Code
Dress to impress, three words that need to be added to your wardrobe. Depending on the job the dress code can be different; however, most of the time it’s across the board.
A typical dress code will include a dress, knee length skirt or slacks and a blouse for women and slacks, khakis and a button down, and depending on how upscale: suit jacket and tie for men.
8. Practice
Practice makes perfect so have your family or friends go over a mock interview with you.
Have them run through your typical interview questions (look them up online if you need iedeas) that way it will reduce the amount of stress amd nerves from interview day.
9. Pre-Plan
Gather everything two days prior to the interview that way you are ready and don’t run into any last-minute issues, such as trying to print out your application or finding your dress shirt in a wrinkled mess in your closet.
The night before, go through your check list and layout your clothes in doing so will make you feel confident and ready.
10. Ace the Interview
Take a breath you have prepared yourself, all you can do now is just go in there and be yourself. There is only one you and that one you is pretty special!
Good luck and don’t forget to smile!