10.2: Resumes and Networking to Get a Job

You must have an effective resume. There’s a lot of advice on resume writing on the web; here’s one that seems particularly effective for college students. (Doyle, 2022) Some of the samples on the web are so fancy they seem to have required a professional creative designer and artists. That’s probably a bad idea because it’s relevance that catches an employer’s gaze, not emojis. Highlight your specific skills that fit the employer’s needs. (Taylor, 2020).

PRACTICAL EXERCISE

• Identify a company or organization for which you would like to work. Following the instructions and example here and prepare a resume to submit to get an interview.

Networking and Other Ways to Get a Job

Without a doubt, the single most important thing you can do to get a job is to network. Many of the best jobs are never advertised. They are filled by candidates who learn of them from friends, colleagues, ex-bosses, and, yes, through informational interviews.

Most networking takes place at events where you most likely don’t know most of the people there. So, how do you do that? Watch this video:

Best Networking Tips: How to Make a Connection

And from the Self-Made Millennial:

6 Tips on How to Network at an Event - Got My JOB This Way!

Here are some other ways to find a job:

Referrals are another kind of networking. In a referral, you tell your friends you’re open to a new job. Sometimes, if they know of one, they’ll let you know. And sometimes, they will get a call from a recruiter. Skilled recruiters never ask, “would you like to change jobs?” Instead, their question is, “Do you know of anyone who might be looking for a job as a ….” So if you friend gets that call, and thinks it might be right for you, he would be likely to pass your name along.

Job Boards and Career Websites have their place. The problem is a job posting may result in hundreds of responses so a qualified applicant may not even be noticed. If you’re going to use a job board, it is best to use one specifically targeted to a particular industry.

Job Fairs are often organized for specific industries or companies. Bring a batch of resumes and business cards and be ready to sell yourself. Consider any conversation with a recruiter as a mini-interview. Some organizations even offer on-site interviews to candidates that seem to match their needs.

Company Websites. If you have your dream employer in mind, go directly to the career section of the company’s website. If you track openings on its site, there’s a chance you’ll find just the opportunity you’re looking for. It may take some time, but this could be the best way to find your dream job.

Cold Calling. This one is particularly appropriate for a college student. Send a letter or email to a company in which you are interested and express interest in the company. Ask about internship programs. If you don’t know anyone at the company, ask if it would be possible to do an informational interview with someone in the sort of job you’d like to have.

Temping and internships. Temporary employment and internships often lead to long-term career employment. They offer benefits to both employer and temp or intern because it is understood it is a short-term commitment without a promise of employment. But a temp or intern who makes a good impression is highly likely to be given “first dibs” on a job when it does arise. After all, that former temporary employee or intern is a known quantity to the employer.

References

Doyle, A. (2022, March 31). College student resume example and writing tips. The balance careers. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/college-student-resume-example-2063202

Taylor, C. (2020, January 22). Selfies, emojis, and rainbows of color: recruitment experts give their verdict on creative resumes. CNBC.com Make It. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/20/recruitment-experts-give-their-verdict-on-creative-resumes.html