College can be a blast. There are so many exciting new experiences, people to meet, and things to learn around every corner. With so much happening so quickly, it can be easy to overlook one of the main reasons you’re there – finding a job!
Often, having a diploma in hand isn’t enough. You’ll a little something extra to stand out. Luckily, there are plenty of easy, effective things you can do to set yourself up for success post-college. To help you out, Collegeboxes has listed seven tips for optimizing your path to employment as a college student.
1. Craft a Standout Handshake Profile
Boost your job prospects by creating a compelling Handshake account, especially useful for on-campus opportunities. Customize your profile with a resume, transcript, availability, and personal interests. This serves as your initial impression on potential employers, so make it impactful.
2. Enhance Your Resume Beyond Work Experience
Build a comprehensive resume by highlighting not just past jobs but also personal attributes, relevant skills, key accomplishments, and educational achievements. Include extracurricular activities, such as club memberships, sports involvement, or achievements in high school competitions, to strengthen your resume.
3. Follow-Up After Applying
After submitting job applications, exercise patience, as employers may take time to respond. Stand out by making a follow-up call after a week or so, expressing your continued interest. Strike a balance between enthusiasm and neediness to leave a positive impression.
4. Schedule Interviews Efficiently
To score an interview be prepared to submit a lot of applications. When you get a response from the employer, prioritize, and aim to secure an interview within the week, even if it’s not that convenient for you. This proactive approach increases your chances of landing the job before another candidate steps in.
Stand out by making a follow-up call after a week or so, expressing your continued interest.
Strike a balance between enthusiasm and neediness to leave a positive impression.
5. Dress for Success
Regardless of the job type, make an impression by dressing professionally for the interview. Affordable, yet classy attire can be found at thrift shops. Business casual attire is a safe play. This includes items such as a button-up shirt with well-fitted pants or a suit for men, and a pantsuit or a blouse with a skirt or pants for women.
6. Prepare for Interview Questions
Anticipate and rehearse responses to questions about your values, past experiences, and future work performance. Balancing authenticity with professionalism is key. Your answers play a pivotal role in determining whether you secure the job, so be prepared, and highlight your alignment with the company’s values.
7. Embrace Flexibility in Your Schedule
While prioritizing your education, demonstrate flexibility in your schedule to accommodate work responsibilities. Be willing to adjust your waking and sleeping hours or sacrifice weekends when necessary. Flexibility not only pertains to time but also to tasks, especially at the start of your job, where you may need to handle various responsibilities before moving on to more specialized roles.
Landing a job as a college student involves strategic planning, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt. By optimizing your online presence, refining your resume, and spotlighting flexibility, you will increase your chances of landing that coveted position.
Moving After Graduation
When you’re ready to leave campus and start your professional career, let Collegeboxes help you move out of your apartment or dorm. All you need to do is pack. Our college moving experts will pick up your boxes and either store them nearby, ship them home or wherever you’re headed.