It may sound silly but the only way to find a job is to look for one. Some experts actually recommend you start looking six to nine months ahead of time. In fact, finding work can be almost as time consuming as a full-time position.
Constantly keep your eyes open for new opportunities and keep up on networking to build your list of contacts. Even if you choose not to work immediately upon graduation, it’s good to have the opportunity if you change your mind.
The resume
Have a well-written resume that focuses on the skills and experience related to the specific position. If you’re lacking in work history, you can always include your education and other applicable experience along with any awards you have received that are applicable to the job. As you continue down your career path, remember to update your resume with your most current and relevant work experience.
Use action words and other phrases to better illustrate your experiences. “Managed all inventory,” sounds more active than “in charge of all inventory.”
Also, keep in mind that employers receive many resumes, so make sure yours stands out with smart content or an interesting design. Employers are also incredibly busy. When writing your resume, try to be concise without making things sound like a laundry list. They would much rather read one well-written sentence than four describing the same thing.
Appearance is important. In addition to ensuring your resume is well-thought out and organised, make sure it is pleasing to the eye. This will give potential employers the impression that you have strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
The Interview
Preparation is key to a successful interview. Research the company as well as you can and learn about what they do and how they do it. During the interview, be sure to ask questions about the company and share the things you’ve been looking into. Also, take your knowledge of the company and determine how you fit in, then discuss how your skills could help the company.
Research standard questions interviewers generally ask and prepare to answer them. What is your biggest weakness? Where do you see yourself in five years? They may be cliché, but employers ask them for a reason.
There will also be questions you won’t expect so pay attention. Don’t let a curveball throw you off and disrupt the interview. Coming into an interview prepared not only to answer questions but to ask them shows two very important qualities every employer is looking for—a genuine interest in the company and self-confidence.
