The Job Search

This is a topic that I am currently struggling with.  I had hoped that by the time I was about to graduate I would have a job set in stone; however, that is not the case.  I have applied to about 20 jobs as of right now and have only gotten called back from three of them.  At this point, I probably should have applied to about double that number, but I became discouraged.  Two of the callbacks I had interviews with over spring break; the other said they needed someone immediately.  I was offered one job, but I denied it, and was asked for a second interview by the other.  I know a beggar can’t be a chooser, but the job I turned down didn’t seem like a good fit for me.  I have come up with a list that I hope works for me, as well as others that are also in my situation.

1. Using advanced search options saves time. This will narrow down the millions of jobs that are available to maybe a hundred that you might actually be interested in, saving you a lot of unnecessary reading and time.
2. Only apply to jobs that you are actually interested in. There is no point in applying to jobs that you don’t actually plan on taking, it is a waste of your time.
3. Always be yourself. You want the job you accept to be a good fit for you and you will only find that job by being yourself.
4. Don’t stop applying for jobs. (A tip that I should have followed!)  Job listings change every day and you don’t want to possibly miss the one that could be perfect for you!
5. You should write a cover letter specific to each job application. The employer will notice the extra effort and allow you to cater to the job’s preferences that will ultimately appeal to the employer.
6. You should tailor your resume to the job- you don’t need to include all your experiences on your resume. A resume should not be multiple pages long.  Leave off the less important skills and just talk about at the interview.
7. Dress for the job you want. It is important to dress how you would dress if you were to get the job.
8. Share a relevant story during a job interview that depicts your experiences and skills. This is a perfect way to show the employer what you are actually like and demonstrate your great attributes by explaining how you have handled a situation.
9. Do not speak poorly of a previous employer. This only reflects poorly on you and makes future employers nervous that you will do the same to them eventually.
10. Networking is key. The people around you have more connections than you realize.  You never know who could help you get your next job.
11. Select your references carefully- they can make or break you. Chances are that the employer will reach out to them and the more they can say about you the better.