Spring semester is underway, graduation looms on the horizon and the panic to find a summer job sets in quickly. Searching for a full-time job or internship can be an incredibly stressful process. As if finding the right job for your talents and interests wasn’t hard enough, competing with hundreds of other students who want the same job gets in the way.
Don’t stress, don’t fear. Here are some tips for how to job search and be successful in it.
1. Take advantage of Ohio University resources
Bobcat CareerLink is an online resource available through the Career and Leadership Development Center, where potential employers post job opportunities specifically looking for Bobcats to fill the positions, Erika Peyton, assistant director for employer relations and marketing, said.
Also, career fairs and job fairs are not overrated. Potential employers take the time to come to campus because they are highly interested in hiring students, so showing up and visiting with a few makes a good impression.
If all else fails, network with alumni, as many are willing to work with current students to help them succeed. Even if they don’t lead you to a job right away, they are good resources to have.
2. Be willing to relocate for a job
Flexibility goes a long way with potential employers. If they see candidates who are willing to move in order to be part of the company, it’s an extra point in their favor. Some employers may even offer relocation compensation, or help point you in the right direction for housing nearby.
New York may be filled with a million job opportunities, but perhaps small-town Michigan is looking for candidates for those same positions. Take an interest in where your industry is growing and follow the opportunities.
3. Don’t fixate on getting the dream job
Everyone has to start somewhere. By not focusing on finding the perfect job right out of school, you avoid disappointment.
That being said, don’t give up on the dream job. Make a long term plan and see where the first job can lead you.
4. After an interview, follow up
Send a thank you letter or email to your interviewer. Acknowledge that you know they took time out of their day to meet with you, and thank them for doing so. Not only is this polite, but can help them remember you better or put you one step ahead of other candidates.
Following that, after a decent amount of time has passed, make sure to follow up to express your continued interest in the job after a few weeks have passed.
5. Tweak your resume
Each resume you hand out should be tailored to the job you are applying for, Peyton noted, so don’t be afraid to make constant edits. If your resume has any sort of complicated design, spelling errors or flashy colors, clean it up so potential employers can get through it quickly and find what they’re looking for.
6. Be aware of jobs scams
If a company asks for any monetary transaction, claims it can make you more money, or says they received your resume from somewhere else, it could be a scam. It is possible to be so excited about a new opportunity that you forget to look for the red flags. Simply step away and continue on with your search. For more information on job scams, visit the CLDC’s website.
