As an online student, you can’t just sign up to interview all of the employers around at the time of graduation. Or simply find out about internships within the student union or in classrooms. Still, there are plenty of tools that can help you find a great first job and improve your career.
Here are 7 steps on the road to success in your job search:
1. Know exactly where you want to work
Many companies use online application systems and receive a large number of applicants. Don’t just play the numbers game and apply anywhere. You will get lost. Instead, know who you want to work for and, more importantly, tell them why you would be a good fit for them.
Make a list of target companies and do your research first. Are you hiring for your position? Even if they don’t, it’s a good idea to introduce the employer: find out who to contact, go online to LinkedIn and text or send them a letter explaining why you’re doing this. Love businesses and the value they can bring to you.
Focus your energy and you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed, having a successful interview process, and getting a job. The company has an employee who likes to work especially for them. Get a job with a company you really enjoy working for. It’s a win-win situation.
2. Respect the local job fair
If you can’t make it to your school’s career fair, sign up to have one near you. Do a search on the “.gov” page for your country. Most have information on local job fairs. Once registered, here are some tips:
To prepare –
- Find companies you like in the field you want and do your research
- Personalize your career goal for each employer
- Make a list of questions
- Bring copies of your CV, a pen and a notebook.
- Practice your elevator clearance
- Think about typical interview questions and your answer.
Let’s go –
- Dress professionally (take it seriously)
- Talk to recruiters, but don’t talk too much, and get business cards.
- Take notes on who you remember when following up
- Be positive (don’t feel insecure, everyone is watching too)
- Talk to other job seekers to gain perspective and network
After that –
- Send emails to thank contacts
- Remind them of your conversation details
- Find out about the next steps
3. Network
Do any of your online classmates have a job? Do you know of other openings? Do you have good relations with your teachers? If so, ask if you can use work networks.
4. Internet networks
If a specific contact is listed on a job board, check with the recruiter for common connections. LinkedIn is a great place to start. Did you go to the same school Do you belong to one of the same groups or organizations? If they’ve been in the news or posted any blogs or articles, you can read them and reference them when you contact them.
5. Navigate the construction sites
You can browse many vacancies such as B. CareerBuilder, Monster, and Glassdoor. Sign up for job notifications and list keywords to make sure you get information on exactly the jobs you want.
6. Stay upright
Read magazines online (or offline) in the desired area and see which businesses are growing. They are the most likely to hire. You can also refer to any good information you can get about the company if you choose to be proactive in contacting them. It is also useful in communications and interviews to learn about the latest trends.
7. Ask the experts (and connect with them)
Use websites like Quora.com to ask questions and connect with potential employers. Quora.com is a social networking website where you can ask and answer questions. The site is not as established as LinkedIn, but it has received a lot of attention, especially from the tech community.