Being a college students can have many benefits. them is that employers want to have students in the pipeline for future full-time employment. College students also want to gain experience so this can be mutually beneficial for both.
1. Network – This is an important and effective way to find a job. Ask your friends on campus. Maybe they know of someone who had a job before and it is now open. Go through any campus groups that you are involved in. Sometimes a Fraternity or Sorority can help students or have access to jobs because you are a member of their community.
2. Attend on Campus Events – Each Fall and Spring there are career fairs as well as information nights/sessions. Go to them! You never know who you might meet or what you might be able to learn more about the company.
3. Ask for professional career advice - Most students will visit their career center. Ask them to review your resume, and see what insights they might be able to offer. Some on campus career advisors are better than others so you might want to ask around or see who is usually the most booked to work with first.
4. Use technology – Look on the internet for internships and on some of the popular job career sites. Schools also have their own career center pages as well. Departments also have Listservs available that might list current openings.
5. Sign up for contract work – You would be surprised how often contract work can lead to a full-time job or more permanent employment. Find a temp agency that specializes in your field. Be careful when selecting which agency you might want to work with because some have a much better selection (or contracts with the large employers) than others.
6. Work on your personal image – Is that suit of your too baggy? Is that dress too revealing? Wear clothing that isn’t too distracting. Some things to avoid – big jewelry, visible tattoos, loud colors, and dressing too casual. It is always better to overdress than not.
7. Show up on time – When you get called for an interview or even a phone interview, don’t be late. Enough said.
8. Have a positive attitude – People want to work with others who they see themselves spending at least 8 hours a day. Be positive and don’t be negative.
9. Volunteer – Sometimes when you are starting out, doing volunteer work gives you some work experience in a particular field. Sure, it doesn’t pay but it helps get over the lack of experience in an industry.
10. Hire a job coach - There are many people that offer these types of services. However, having someone who pays attention to you and can offer feedback and advice each step of the way is something that is very valuable. They also might like working with college students at a reduced rate because they know that you will probably need them again at another career stage or refer others to us their particular job skills and search services.