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Embarking on the journey of job hunting as a student can be both exciting and overwhelming…but it is a must do for many. Whether you’re seeking part-time work or gearing up to go full-time over the summer, step one is to find that awesome summer gig!
Below are some invaluable tips to help you navigate the job market and land that summer opportunity that helps fund your higher learning.
Start early
Believe it or not, many of the best summer opportunities and internships are posted months in advance. This allows time for employers to interview students, extend offers, and plan for a successful onboarding.
Beginning your job search as early as possible will allow you to get in the job searching groove. Similar to presenting, interviewing is a skill and takes practice. If you are a newbie and need a little extra help getting your resume together and preparing for the interview, check out Expedition Job Search, our online job search and personal branding course. This can be handy for summer employment, and internships, as well as landing your first full-time position.
Nailing your resume
Your resume is your professional introduction. It’s like a sell-sheet on why you. Tailoring your resume to the specific discipline or industry can help employers connect the dots and see transferable skills. Start by highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Try action verbs and quantify your accomplishments to help make a lasting impression.
Even if it is your first job, give thought to your “value proposition”. This is your “why you” statement. If this is not clear in your mind, then it may be hard for a prospective employer to distill this information from your resume. For more tips on goals and determining your value proposition, check out our article here.
Create a LinkedIn profile
Create and optimize a LinkedIn profile. It’s never too early and this platform can help you acclimatize to the working world, it’s social norms and vocabulary. Showcase your skills, experiences, and projects. Connect with professionals in your field, join relevant groups, and follow industry influencers.
Network
Most schools have events. Attend career fairs, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. Establish connections with professionals in your desired industry. Informational interviews are a fantastic way to gain insights into your chosen field and build valuable connections.
Develop a strong elevator pitch
Next up is crafting a concise and compelling elevator pitch that introduces yourself, highlights your skills, and communicates your career aspirations. This is a great spot to insert your value proposition. This can be a powerful tool when networking or during interviews. You never know when and where you will meet a prospective employer.
Get to know career services and their job board
Take advantage of the resources provided by your college or university. Often, employers post entry-level or summer opportunities directly with local schools. Additionally, a career services department may offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search workshops. The guidance and support they provide can be instrumental in your job hunt.
Research companies
Before applying to a company, thoroughly research its values, culture, and work environment. Look at recent news and be thoughtful in your response to the question “what inspired you to apply to our organization?” Tailor your application to align with the company’s mission and culture, as well as the role-specific needs. Demonstrating that you’ve taken the time to understand the organization can set you apart from other applicants.
Practice interview skills
Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions, researching the company, and refining your responses. Pro tip here…practice in front of the mirror to watch yourself in your delivery. Are your responses too short, too long, too scripted, etc. Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. Consider their pain points to ensure your responses are mindful of the demands of the role and the department. Utilize resources like career services, mock interviews with friends, or online platforms to improve your interview skills.
Keep the faith
Like the Coldplay song…nobody said it would be easy but it’s totally doable to land a great summer gig. Job hunting can be hard on the soul. It can shake our confidence. It’s so important to have mindset tricks to stay positive. Know that only one person will get the job so rejection is just part of the process. It can be helpful to reframe it as “that’s okay, it just means it was not the job for me”. Stay persistent, learn from each experience, and maintain a positive attitude. That perfect summer gig is out there waiting for you. Celebrate small victories and use setbacks as opportunities for growth. Read more on mindset here.
Successfully navigating the job market as a student requires a combination of preparation, networking, and perseverance. By implementing these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to showcase your skills and secure opportunities that align with your career aspirations. Remember, the journey may have its bumps along the way, but with determination and an intentional approach, you’ll find the path to a fulfilling summer opportunity. We’re sending you great summer job hunting vibes!
