How To Apply For Jobs While Still Maintaining A Social Life
Senior year of college is pretty scary. Everyone tells you applying for jobs is hard and you think to yourself, "It's all online, how hard can it be?" Then you start the applications... How many times can you type in your work history? Why are they asking for this crap if I uploaded my resume? Seriously, it's 2013, you can't just pull information from my resume?
And once all those thoughts arrive, you think, "I don't have time to do this."
You find yourself applying during class, at work, and worst of all...in your free time. Remember when you used to arrive at happy hour early or go shopping just because you had the time? You're probably too busy checking off that you haven't committed a felony on an application now instead. Here are five simple tips to make your job search a lot more stress free:
1. Utilize Your Campus Career Services
Most universities provide career services for students, depending on where you go. I know my school does a great job of helping us with resumes, cover letters and also holding on-campus recruiting, job fairs and information sessions about different companies.
If you're a senior and haven't taken part in these things, you're stupid, plain and simple. These resources are amazing to have and make the job search process so much easier. What's better than being able to learn more about a company before you apply, or interview for a job right on your campus?
2. Get Organized
Plan where you want to apply. Have a list of companies and positions that you want to apply for, so you know on what websites to look on. Knowing a few target companies will help you focus on what you want to do and how to get to that spot. Do research on the companies, find out the main HR contacts and educate yourself.
3. Sign Up For Job Sites
Websites like Monster and Indeed make finding and applying for jobs so easy. You can sign up and upload your resume to easily apply. The sites also send suggestions about what jobs to apply to. Basically, it’s like having a Google for open jobs, and it will save you endless amounts of time compared to going to each individual company website. Also most of the websites have apps, so say hello to searching for jobs on your way out for the night!
4. Get LinkedIn
If you don't have a LinkedIn already, then get one...now. LinkedIn is a great resource to have to display your jobs and accomplishments and also to connect with different professionals. You're able to look up alumni from your college and break them down by location, field and specific company, making it easy for you to reach out to someone with questions or to possibly do an informational interview. Also, recruiters used LinkedIn a lot, so you might have an opportunity fall on your lap by someone reaching out to you.
5. Block Off Time
Set aside a few hours each week to sit down and apply to jobs. If you have time planned out, you will feel less stressed about completing the applications. By planning ahead, you'll be able to enjoy more free time later. Being on top of your job search and getting started early will make your life a lot easier. Remember to be open-minded about every opportunity you come across and to always put yourself out there.
And then remember, there's still time to have fun and be a senior!
Top Photo Courtesy: Tumblr
