HIRE ME! 5 tips for landing a job after Texas State

1.  Get your resume and cover letter polished

On average, employers spend about 6 seconds looking at a resume.  Does your resume currently display your top skills clearly and effectively?  If not, you are probably not giving yourself enough credit.  This makes you start to second guess your abilities, but stop, because it is NOT YOU!  Learning how to effectively translate your skills to a one page document can be tough, but doable.


If you have a copy of your resume and a general cover letter saved to your desktop that you send to every job posting you find interesting, then it is time for an update.  Most individuals do not realize that employers look for specific skills and traits.  Those particular skills and traits are not a secret, employers typically state what they are looking for in the job description and qualifications.  It is up to you to adjust your resume and cover letter to appeal to the qualifications an employer is looking for.

 STAND OUT among the hundreds of applicants!

2.  Establish an online presence 

What comes up when you Google your name?  If nothing pops up, that is not always a good thing.  In an era where technology is utilized in almost every industry, employers seek individuals that are proficient in navigating various social media tools, with the ability to sustain a positive online presence.  Navigating various social media tools does not mean you check Facebook 10 times a day and post a tweet for every move you make, it means that you are creating a brand for yourself and your abilities.

Some ways to build a positive online presence include:

• Creating a LinkedIn account and updating it regularly 
• Clearing out all inappropriate pictures from all social media sites
• Regularly post articles or blogs regarding your industry of interest and current trends 
• Build your professional network by reaching out to alumni from your field 

3.  Be willing to start at the bottom

Started from the bottom now we're here.

Sometimes it can be difficult throwing out the idea that you will land your dream job upon graduation.  You worked hard throughout college and joined all the right organizations, why shouldn't you be able to reach your goals right off the bat?  However, this is not always the case, and it does not mean you are doing something wrong.  The job market is tough, and will only grow tougher the more individuals pursue higher education.  But there is no shame in taking an internship at the company you aspire to work for or becoming the Administrative Assistant of the organization you would like to direct one day.  Networking and trust are two important concepts to keep in mind while working your way to where you would like to be.  Now remember, you do not have to stay at the bottom, but be open to start there and make your way to the top. 

This is all part of the journey, so try to enjoy it!

 

4.  Join a professional group or Alumni Association 

 

Joining professional organizations within your field allows you to connect with some of the top recruiters and employers within the industry.  I know it has been crammed into your head that is is all about who you know, but this is not 100% true.  In fact, it is not good enough to know people unless they know who you are.  So making an impression is an added pressure to networking.  Professional organizations make networking opportunities more easily accessible.

Alumni also like to network with fellow Bobcats to recruit for their organizations and companies.  So getting tapped into the Alumni Association is another great way to get connected.  To find out more, click here. 

 

5.  Use Texas State Career Services 

 

Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!  Career Services is here to help you no matter what stage of the job search you are in!  We are located on the 5th floor of the LBJ Student Center, so stop by or call our office at 512-245-2645!

For more tips, check out the CAREEREALISM blog post that inspired these tips.