You go to college to get your degree and learn what it’s like to live on your own. Often, we get so focused on grades and social activities that we forget about the most important aspect: getting a job! Take a quick look at these tips that should make you stand out in a job interview.
Show up in search engines
Let’s face it . . . whether it’s ethical or not, your future employers will google you.
There are three ways to respond:
1. You could worry to death about what they will find when they look you up.
2. You can simply ignore this truth and not worry about what’s out there.
3. You can take advantage of it and create a web presence that shows that you are a serious and capable candidate for their job.
Having a solid GPA or club involvement are great things but won’t stand out on a resume. Consider the impact of having a URL on your resume that would allow your future employer to find out about you and your abilities in a unique way.
Be sure to include a nice bio, showcase your hobbies and experiences, and demonstrate success in projects outside of your normal coursework.
You’ll get bonus points if you’re able to demonstrate that you are tech savvy, resourceful, responsible and able to produce meaningful results.
Though it’s more of a tactic than a strategy, LinkedIn is a great place to start this process.
When using LinkedIn to build a network, be sure to have a quality photograph that represents you in a somewhat professional way. Be sure to include personalized greetings when inviting someone to connect with you, and don’t be afraid to ask people in your network if you can meet with them to learn more about what they do.
As a current college student, you’ll find that people are much more willing to talk with you about their professions and businesses than they are after graduation.
Don’t be afraid to go small
As you build your network, don’t be afraid to talk with small business owners. Most small business owners don’t have the time or know-how to go to career fairs, formulate job descriptions or hire an intern. Consider offering to help a small business owner utilize social media or build their internet presence.
There are literally thousands of self-employed people out there who are “operating their own shops,” so to speak, who have no idea what to do with their business when they decide to stop working.
If you’re able to provide value for them while you’re in school, you may have the opportunity to partner with them and eventually take over the business. At the very least, you’ll acquire valuable skills you can put to work anywhere.
Build Your Network, NOW
You’re busy while you’re in college, but don’t lose sight of why you’re spending the time, money and effort to get your degree. In addition to building your reputation with your professors, establish a network outside of school. Having a strategy for building a mature network while you’re in school will help you get a leg up on your peers.
First steps
Set up your LinkedIn page and start looking for individuals in fields you’re interested in pursuing. Give a few of them a call or send a message to ask them about their jobs, the one piece of advice they would most like to give you and the biggest challenges they face. As you listen to their answers, you’ll begin to craft your responses to the tough interview questions you’re sure to face down the road.
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