Hey everyone! As I'm sitting here typing this, I cannot believe that I have two more months here at school until graduation. Two! It is crazy thinking about how fast this college journey has been for me. It really did fly by.
My friends, family, and contacts on social media know that I am currently going through the process of looking for a job or internship for after graduation. Not only do they know that, but they are also all aware of what a process it has been so far. For a good laugh, here are a few of the unfortunate things that have happened to me during my search, but make for an interesting story:
1. During my first phone interview, the interviewer asked what my spirit animal was and I had no idea how to respond, so I said a squirrel.
2. I have no idea if some of my post interview thank-you emails have sent.
3. I was so excited about getting an email that when I wrote back, I spelled the name of the company completely wrong.
4. I completed a phone interview with my boyfriend sick in the room, and after the interview was over I ended up having to take him to the emergency room.
5. I called the co-founder of a company for a scheduled phone interview and she forgot our time and had no idea who I was.
Pretty great so far, huh? The job search definitely has a lot of ups and downs, and I have decided to share my tips of what I have learned so far in the process, because they have all helped me and I know that they will help anyone from any major who is looking for a job right now.
1. Start Early
-Why start early? Because it gives you a leg up on the job search. Prime time off of school such as winter break and spring break allow great opportunities to update your resume and practice some cover letters. Starting early gives you more time, helps you from feeling nervous about falling behind, and also ensures more possibilities of companies emailing you back and scheduling interviews.
2. Forget What the Rest of the Internet Says - Apply to as many places as you can
-**To a certain degree. I learned this the hard way when I signed up for ZipRecruiter and threw my resume out there for everyone to see. I ended up getting numerous phone calls for weeks after that, from companies in different states and ones that weren't even in my field. One of them even turned out to be a scam. Apply to a decent amount of positions, but for companies you have researched with realistic start dates and job descriptions. Apply to as many of the ones you like, because after all, the more you apply to, the better of a chance you have at getting a response.
3. Perfect Your Cover Letter
-Ugh, cover letters. Love em', hate em'. Cover letters are essential because they give you an opportunity to sell your self and highlight what would make you the perfect hire for a particular position. But just because they are essential, doesn't mean they are easy! I have gone through so many cover letter drafts, and have had to go through plenty of revisions to reach a final product (which can always still be revised). My piece of advice is to have friends, family, mentors, or professors look over your cover letter for you. Their feedback can be much appreciated and will surely make a huge difference. Plus, they would all be honored to help you!
4. Really Practice for Phone Interviews
-In this day and age, more hiring managers than ever are starting the recruiting process off with a phone interview if they have liked your initial application. Some people find phone interviews easy, while others find them petrifying (me!). Regardless, it is something we will all have to face during the job search. The best way to make the process easier? Practice. A lot. Know the company, as well as practice answers to common questions. You don't want a totally rehearsed answer, but having a mental picture of what you are going to say makes a huge difference. Also? Breathe. Slow down your speaking, smile, and be confident!
For more help, here are some of the most common questions I have received over the phone interviews I have had:
-What are you currently looking for in a job/internship?
-What made you want to major in Public Relations (insert your major)?
-Walk me through your resume.
-I see here that in the fall you held an internship title for this organization. Could you tell me a little more about that?
-Did you experience any challenges in that position?
-Tell me a little bit about yourself.
-Where do you see yourself in five years?
-What are some of your biggest weaknesses?
Besides that, make sure you come up with a list of questions for the interviewer at the end.
5. Clean Up Your Social Media
-Last week, I went on my Instagram account and deleted all of the pictures that had alcohol in it. Yes, sounds like a bummer. One of the pictures was a cute one of Anthony and I but I wanted to have my entire profile cleaned out and looking sharp. I wanted my profile to appear professional and polished. Anything that appears to be a little questionable, I would recommend deleting. Same goes for Facebook (and watch out for Twitter too!).
6. Get a LinkedIn
-And update it frequently. About a year ago, I didn't even know what a LinkedIn was. Now, I use it as a vital tool to get my name out there and keep in touch with the various contacts I have made through my networking. LinkedIn can also help you find jobs. I would recommend trying it!
7. Patience Is Key
-The whole job process is a huge waiting game. I am still looking after first beginning my search in January. As frustrating as it can be, good things take time. Tell yourself that what is meant to be will find you, and what passes you by was not meant for you. The more you practice and the more confident you feel, there will be peace in waiting. I promise.
8. It Is Okay...
-To have a breakdown. To cry. To want to give up.
Just don't stay there.
9. Always Send Thank You Letters
-Vital skill and employers look out for this!
10. Network
-Stay in contact with previous interviewers and companies, it could pay off in the long run.
11. Create a Portfolio
-Print out and keep a bunch of writing and work samples that you are proud of, as well as a reference list and some copies of your resume. This will be useful during an in-person interview, when recruiters need specific examples. I also like to have a sheet on hand of my social media handles and follower count. This all adds polish and will make you stand out from the crowd.Well guys, there are my tips of what I have learned in the job search so far! Please let me know in the comments if you have found any of my advice useful :) We can all learn through this together. Now go out there and do great things!
XOXO,
Grace
