Many students don't realize that getting a job for the summer (or in the case of upcoming grads, their first "real job") means preparing months in advance.
Ideally, you should have already started your job hunt by now, but if you haven't, here are some tips to help you kick-start the process.
Start looking
You can't get a job if you don't start looking because most of us aren't lucky enough to have jobs fall into our laps. There are all kinds of ways you can search for a job, including through your school's career services centre andrecruitment events, and websites that focus on entry-level positions, likeTalentEgg.
Prep your résumé
No matter where you're applying, you will need to create a unique résumé and cover letter for each job.
The hiring manager will know what a generic résumé (or application email) looks like; they have undoubtedly received them in the past and other not-so-savvy applicants will use them in the future. This is one of the many pet peeves for recruiters.
In order to make your application stand out, ensure your résumé is catered specifically to the company you are applying to by using language found in the job description and on the company website to assist you.
It may also be worthwhile to try different résumé types, such as a Career Launching Résumé, or an achievement-based résumé. Once you've got a draft written, make sure it goes through a couple of edits by yourself, friends, family, and professionals, if you have the resources to do so.
Write a cover letter
All applications need a cover letter, whether they state it or not. If you do not submit a cover letter with your application, your résumé will likely end up in the trash. Just like your résumé, make sure you edit, edit, edit!
Check your digital footprint
Almost everyone leaves some kind of digital footprint due to all of the social networking sites available, and this can be detrimental to your job hunt if you aren't careful.
If you search my name on Google, it shows up 3.3 million times. Of course, I am not the only Danielle Lorenz in existence. Facebook tells me there are 22 people with the same name as me; however I am the only one who has attended McMaster (at least so far).
Nevertheless, I've taken strides to make sure my Facebook account won't impact my professional life and have done the same with other social networking sites that I use.
Consider utilizing social networking
Although some social networking sites can be detrimental to your job hunt, there are some that may be beneficial. Experts suggest that Twitter can be used to reach target groups.
Other people say that LinkedIn is a site that can help you find a job. LinkedIn functions like a mixture between an online résumé and Facebook, where your contact list contains people who know you and your work ethic.
Keep your family out of your search
In the end, your ability to find a job rests on how much effort YOU put into it. Parents of Gen Y kids have been deemed "helicopter parents" because of their tendency to be over-involved in our lives. Make sure that your parents aren't trying to help you get a job, because in the end it will only be detrimental to your search.
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