This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Fordham chapter.
Summer is approaching and whether you are pursuing an internship or a post-graduation job, the hiring process is no easy feat. Whether you’re networking, circulating your resume, or heading into an interview, there are some important things to keep in mind.
When it comes to your resume:
- Keep it to one page. Check the margins, change your font size and style, and take out anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. It should definitely have all relevant job experience and skills, but keep it concise to keep them interested!
- Don’t just list tasks! You could write what you do at each job and leave it at that, but writing what you accomplished is even better!
- Listing courses isn’t that important. If you have some that are really cool and noteworthy, go for it! But when applying to a communications job, for example, its a given you took “Intro to COMM.”
- Have a SKILLS section! Experience is a very important thing to have on a resume, but skills are crucial! Add in the computer programs you know like the back of your hand, languages, field-specific skills that will help you in the future – EVERYTHING!
- List numbers and specifics when you can. If you wrote 40 articles over the course of your internship, SAY IT! If you worked unusual hours, SAY IT! If you assisted multiple executives, SAY IT!
- You don’t have to waste space saying you can send references or that you have letters of recommendation. Employers know this and will ask for them if they need them.
- Do not put an unusual or inappropriate email address on it. If you still have gymnastgurl20582045@gmail.com as your email address, change it immediately.
- CHECK YOUR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. Nothing looks worse than a teeny spelling or grammatical mistake.
When it comes to connections:
- Ask your supervisor and colleagues for feedback on how you’re doing throughout your internship so that you can show that you’re learning and want to improve. This will keep great, open communication with them and they will be more likely to help you when you’re job searching.
- Ask for HR contacts from your coworkers or anyone else that might be able to help push your career forward. These contacts don’t need to literally get you a job, just advice and a discussion about options could be priceless!
- Be persistent with meeting new people and expressing interest! If you’re always reminding them you’re qualified and interested, they’re not going to forget. It will be impossible!
- Keep in touch! You could make all the connections in the world and they could mean nothing if you don’t let them know you still exist and are still slaying the game!
When it comes to interviews:
- Dress appropriately. You can never be too business formal in an interview, show them you take this seriously. First impressions matter!
- Bring extra copies of your resume. Yes, you submitted one when you applied, but your interviewer isn’t responsible for bringing it with them or having it memorized. Be as prepared as possible.
- Maintain eye contact and express your enthusiasm! Showing professionalism and interest will be crucial – no one wants a mildly excited candidate.
- Memorize some talking points beforehand. Of course you’re not going to forget your own job experience, BUT sometimes when you’re interviewing you get nervous and can jumble your words. If you memorize some sentences before your interview, you’ll be able to recite exactly what you wanted to say without worrying about your nerves causing a mental blackout.
- Be yourself. At the end of the day, it is you who will be showing up to this new job. Show them who they would be so lucky to have! A working girl with experience AND a wonderful personality.