STARTING A SUCCESSFUL JOB HUNT

The process can be long drawn at times, but the euphoria of securing your first job makes it all worthwhile. So when you first start out, be sure to make every action count.

There is more to job hunting than just sending out countless applications and hoping for a response. The truth is that there are plenty of other applicants out there doing the exact same thing, so you need to stand out if you want to be noticed by recruiters.

Build your own personal brand

First, establish what you want to show employers about yourself. This is where personal branding comes in – by showcasing your accomplishments, what you stand for and your potential. For example, if you have a knack for product design, and want a career related to it, you can frame your personal branding to be about creativity, aesthetics and how technology plays a part in it. For greater impact, you should showcase this by publishing your design portfolio online, and linking to it when applying for jobs.

By keeping a portfolio, it not only serves as a record of what you have done, but recruiters and employers can also refer to it as proof of your skills and development.

This is only the beginning, so take the time to understand what you want to be known for, and how you want to make your mark in the world.

Start early

Have a head start when it comes to job-hunting. But that does not mean you have to get right on it and start sending applications – you can save that for your penultimate year. Instead, focus on preparing for what is to come.

First, aside from setting up your portfolio and resume (as well as updating them), keep an eye out for the current job market. This can help you get a better idea of not just the type of opportunities out there, but the skills and work experiences employers are after.

By starting out early, it will keep you vigilant and focused when looking out for job listings. It is usually understated, yet a vital part of job-hunting. After all, if you want to hunt down the best opportunities, being in the right state of mind can go a long way.

Being in tuned with the job market will be especially helpful when applying to companies with rigorous, multi-staged hiring processes. Considering that these can take up to several months or a year prior to graduation (especially for graduate programmes), it may be best to get in line as soon as you can so that you have ample time to prepare.

Make the most of your time

You might find yourself with some downtime between job applications, and it can be tempting to take it easy during those moments. After all, it can feel like an extended vacation of sorts, from getting to sleep in to idly scrolling through listings while still in your pyjamas. But indulge for too long and your motivation to job hunt can take a hit, making it harder for you to get back to it again.

Of course, taking breaks is still important, especially if you want to avoid burnout. But like all things, balance is key. Look at maximising that free time in other ways, too. For example, you can consider upskilling yourself by attending courses or webinars. Additionally, if graduation is still a few semesters away, you can start planning for electives relevant to your field of choice. These are great ways to show employers that you have the initiative to invest in yourself.

Get active on LinkedIn

If you want to research on prospective employers, checking their LinkedIn page is a good place to start. The reverse is the same for them too, since they usually conduct background checks on applicants. With that in mind, ensure that your LinkedIn profile is presentable, complete and up-to-date!

But that does not equate to just exporting your resume’s contents onto your profile and calling it a day. More than just being a digital resume and a job-search platform, LinkedIn is also the best place to network with other professionals, who can not only provide recommendations via the platform, but also endorse any skills you list down on your profile. You can even consider joining relevant LinkedIn Groups to expand your connections, gain industry insights and receive guidance from others.

In addition, you can also connect with employees and in turn, learn more about their companies. Follow the company which you are keen to work for on LinkedIn. You will be kept abreast of the current issues and developments in the company.

Refine your resume

For most employers, their first impressions of you come from your application and resume. As such, make sure that it is free from any typos or grammatical errors! If your resume still has some free space, you can use it to talk about your passions and interests if they are relevant to the job or industry.

Your skills and experience should still make up the bulk of your resume, so put more emphasis there. Use positivesounding verbs, such as ‘achieved’, ‘collaborated’ and ‘won’, when describing your successes.

Your Career Coaches are here to offer one-on-one sessions for resume critiques and mock interviews, so do take advantage of the resources available to you.

Do your research

It may be tempting to just spam applications at every single job position that catches your eye. In reality, it may not be the best idea. If you want to work in a company that aligns with your personality and values, it will take more than just skimming through the job title.

Firstly, when you find a listing that catches your interest, be sure to do your research. Not just on the responsibilities, but also on the company offering it. You can start by looking through their websites and social media platforms (which you can follow if you want to keep tabs on it), before moving on to any related articles about them.

For work culture, try checking out company review websites, such as Glassdoor, to see if there are any reviews left behind by past and current employees. However, keep in mind that they can be influenced by personal biasness or the passage of time, so take what you read with a pinch of salt.

In addition, attending recruitment workshops hosted by the Career Development Centre provides you better insights into the company. Doing so, along with good research and groundwork, will not only help you be more prepared, but also shows employers that you have initiative, enthusiasm and sincere interest in their company. Feel free to ask the hiring managers any questions related to the job.

Utilise your relationships

Who you know can play a big part in your job search, so taking care of your network is not something you should neglect. Whether they include ex-colleagues, classmates or even faculty members, be sure to maintain a good relationship with them, and add them to your LinkedIn network.

Any new connections you make, be it from career events, at the university or otherwise, can potentially pave the way for new opportunities, so do develop your network and stay in touch. These connections might lead you to your dream job!