That moment when you graduate from University everyone asks you; “so what’s next?”, “are you going to get your Masters now?”, “have you applied for jobs?”, and many variations of the same question – what is your plan?!
Flickr – Michael
After your family finished asking you all these questions, you start to feel overwhelmed that you may even look like the picture above. Maybe you just don’t know what’s next or maybe you’re just trying to find a job that even remotely sounds decent. But where should you look? Where should you apply? And once you get that interview, what do you do next? Here are some tips and tricks I’ve found to be successful.
Applying For Jobs – Where to Even Look?
Whether it’s a summer job or something more permanent I like to first look at the companies I want to work for. Usually these are companies that I believe have the work culture and philosophy that matches with my own.
One great place to look is LinkedIn. Not only can you apply to jobs using this website but you are also able to set email alerts for jobs by keyword and location. So if your dream job at your dream company isn’t available, create an alert for it and LinkedIn will email you when it’s posted.
Resume or CV? [Whatever the Kids are Calling it These Days]
When writing a resume for a potential job I like to aim my work experience to the job posting. It takes a bit of time but I think more often then not it helps with getting an interview. I will print the job posting and highlight key traits they are looking for. I then write down what job experience or school experiences meets their needs and work this into the resume/cover letter. This also helps you rank higher if the company uses a program to scan over resumes.
Cover Letters May Lead to Table Flipping
I think cover letters are the bane of my existence. I find them awkward (I’m basically trying to say how great I am) and tedious to write (trying really hard not to sound too arrogant). But alas they are a necessary evil in any job hunt and a well-written cover letter can help you to get that interview.
Cover Letters can be a great tool to explain what work experiences you have that meets with qualifications the company is looking for. It is also a tool to show how much you want the job and an example of your written communication skills.
You Have an Interview. Now What?
So your dream job is only a few steps away but your biggest challenge is just ahead, the Interview! The first thing to do (if you haven’t already) is to really research the company. Who is the CEO? When was the company founded? What is the company’s mantra? What do they sell/do? Look at ways to relate yourself with the company’s core beliefs because most likely the interviewer will ask you a question along those lines. If you know who will be interviewing you, research them as well. See what experience they have and if you have anything in common (you can try to bring it up in the interview). If you don’t know who will be your interviewer, try finding who would be your potential boss (most likely they will be at the interview).
Next you want to write down potential questions that could be asked at the interview. It is good to go back to the job posting and look at what qualifications they are looking for. Usually these are formed into questions. Come up with potential answers for these questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), as this style of answer is the best way to show your strengths.
Lastly write down a few questions to ask the interviewer. You never want to say “No” when they ask, “Do you have any questions”. You should always have a question, ALWAYS.
What do I Even Wear?
Planning an outfit is tough. You don’t want to give your interviewer any reason to not like you and the first thing they will notice about you is what you are wearing. I find dressing business casual is the accepted norm (there is always exceptions though). If you are applying to more of a creative industry then adding a colourful cardigan or accessories is a great way to show a more artistic side. When in doubt = business casual.
Have any more tips? Comment below!
Cheers!
Jennifer Bacher - Blog Portfolio 