1. Ready your résumé.
If you don’t have a résumé...wait, what? You don’t have a résumé? Stop what you’re doing, write your résumé (we covered some tips for doing so a few weeks back) and then come back. We’ll wait.
Hi! Glad that’s taken care of. Having a basic résumé at the ready is important so you can quickly tailor it for a specific position and pounce like a squirrel into garbage when you find a job you want to apply for.
2. Consult a coach.
Want some extra help with that résumé or advice on writing the dreaded cover letter? The Career Center has coaches who can guide you through the entire getting-a-J-O-B process, including helping you choose a career path, identifying jobs to apply for and reviewing your LinkedIn profile. They won’t actually show up for the interview with you, because that’s your mom’s job. Hahaha. (Seriously, don’t bring your mom to a job interview. Or use her as reference.) You can schedule half-hour appointments through OwlNetwork or stop by the center during drop-in hours Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. Use OwlNetwork.
Speaking of which...OwlNetwork is also a great place to find job and internship opportunities. There are currently more than 1,000 vetted postings on the network available for Temple students. That’s, like, a lot of jobs. In some cases you can actually apply for a specific job and register for an on-campus recruitment event that brings the employer to you for a first-round interview. You can also sign up via the network for weekly email newsletters that contain information specific to your job interests.
4. Be a wise owl when using online resources.
There are so many online resources for job seekers, including professional groups and industry organizations that are a great source for job postings (think American Marketing Association, National Society of Professional Engineers, etc.). But make sure the source is reliable and the posting legitimate. For example, if you stumble upon a writing gig posted by cooljobz@hotmail.com that says you’ll be paid a six-figure salary, have access to a nap room and receive a lifetime supply of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream...contact this writer immediately. (Just kidding. It’s probably too good to be true. And you can always stop by the Career Center during drop-in hours and run a listing by the pros.)
5. Meet people.
Networking is key to finding and getting a job, whether it’s through a recommendation, job tip or actual hiring. Among the places to start swapping business cards is the Student Alumni Networking Night tomorrow night, March 29 (you don’t need a business card to attend, though it’s not a bad idea to have your elevator pitch ready). More than 150 alumni Owls will be on campus to network, give career advice and make professional connections—with YOU. There’s also the Career Center’s Career Talks, and many schools and colleges have industry-specific job fairs in the coming weeks.
6. Be the interviewer.
Conducting an informational interview with someone working in the field you want to go into is another great way to network. What’s an informational interview? Exactly what it sounds like: an (informal) interview where you can get information and advice about a career field, and a chance for you to ask the questions. What is it not? A job interview—don’t expect to land a position through an informational interview. The point is to learn about a career path and make a new connection.
7. Get social.
You’re already on social media; it’s time to use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for more than keeping up with high school friends (or showing off your vacation photos to said friends). Leverage what you’re already doing online to find jobs, market yourself, engage employers and keep up with industry news.
Some ideas: Follow or like pages belonging to industry leaders and companies you want to work for to demonstrate your interest. You can use Facebook privacy settings to hide personal photos and your timeline from the world but keep public job information that you’re comfortable sharing. Showcase your best professional content. Share relevant news and things you’re working on. You can also join the Career Center’s LinkedIn group, where student, alumni, faculty and staff Owls share career advice and other job-related information.
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