Getting job experience in your preferred field during college can be hard. Since a college education or better is required for even entry-level jobs, getting your dream position can seem impossible. Differentiating yourself from all the other applicants who, let’s face it, are almost exactly like you is a daunting task. However, all is not lost! Use these six tips to help you get the job you’ve always wanted, or at least as a stepping stone to get you one step closer.
- Get your resume ready.
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The first and most obvious step. Your resume is often the first thing potential employers will see, and therefore should be tip-top. Beware of using colors or fancy formats; oftentimes, simplicity is best. The Career and Professional Development Center has some great sample resumes to help you know what employers are looking for.
- Write specific cover letters.
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Don’t have a cover letter that you use for everything. Cover letters should be specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for.
- Make sure you’re aware of deadlines.
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If you’re a busy college student, which I’m sure you are, you may have a hard time keeping track of everything. Make sure to put important deadlines (and reminders) on your calendar, and preferably have things submitted before the deadline.
- Visit the Writing Center.
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You may think that your application is perfect, but it’s always good to get a second opinion. The Writing Center is perfect for helping you with formatting and grammar problems.
- Get interview-ready.
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The PreProfessional Office is a great resource. They can do mock-interviews with you as well as look over personal statements.
- Make sure your outfit is fly.
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You should dress for a level above the job you’re interviewing for. If you’re interviewing for a job where you’d wear business casual, wear business professional.
- Be yourself.
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Once you get into the actual interview it’s important to be yourself, as cheesy as it may sound. Chances are you’re the thousandth applicant they’ve interviewed, so you need to make sure you show some memorable personality.
- Differentiate yourself.
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Show the interviewer how you’re different from the rest of the rabble. Do you play a sport? Do theatre? Watch foreign films? Many schools and internships are looking for a well-rounded applicant, not just a cookie-cutter college student.
If you follow all of these tips you should ace that job/internship interview no problem. If you don’t get the position, no sweat! There are plenty more opportunities just waiting to be explored. Good luck, and happy applying!