So you missed the career fair last week and you need an internship by summertime. No sweat, there are other ways you can be as prepared as possible to get that job!
Resume
It’s important to make sure you’re doing your resume correctly because it’s one of the first things your potential employer looks at. If you’re starting from scratch, start by writing down a list of everything you’ve done in college, whether it be jobs you’ve had, projects you’ve done, achievements and more – but try not to include high school accomplishments. Make sure your resume doesn’t exceed one page and is visually appealing and clean. Check out this link to get more tips on mastering your resume!
Cover Letter
Once you have found a job that you want to apply for, it’s time for the cover letter! This letter is usually sent with your resume, so it’s meant to supplement what’s on your resume instead of reiterate what’s on your resume. A good way to get some ideas on what to include is to look at the job description of the job you’re applying for. Take a look at the requirements and the skills they’re looking for. You should write your letter around this and explain how you match that job by giving brief examples. Keep in mind that the purpose of this letter is to get the employer’s attention to then get an interview, so don’t be too extensive with your cover letter and instead keep it to a page. For more information on how to perfect your cover letter, check out this link!
LinkedIn is a great tool to put yourself out there professionally and connect with professionals who can help you out in your career. Create your profile and fill out as much as possible, from education to previous employment to what honor societies you’re involved in. LinkedIn is a great way to expand on your resume. Because you don’t have a space limit like a resume, you’re able to include more details. Also be sure to have a professional headshot as your photo – not a cropped out on of you with a friend! LinkedIn isn’t like Facebook, so you don’t have to ask to connect with every person you know. Instead, think about people who could professionally benefit you in some way. Consider connecting with professors, past employers or anyone who knows how you work and could help you in the industry you’re interested in. You can also use it to look for jobs!
When starting the job hunt, the best place to begin is the Career Center. It’s a great place to get your resume looked at, have a chat on what steps you need to take, and see what job might be the perfect fit for you!
It’s never too early to start preparing for a job. Keep these things in mind when applying for jobs and you’ll get interviews in no time!