Three years ago, I was convinced that the only recipes for career success were to be talented and have my name with some jobs, bullet points, and Times New Roman font on a sheet of paper.
Oh was I wrong.
Leading into my final semester of college, it is apparent now more than ever that getting a job is reliant on so many things. I dare say that talents matter less than knowing how to share them with others. Networking, as we all know it. Meeting other professionals, building lasting relationships, showing them your contributions to a particular field while also learning from theirs. So whether you’re just entering college, or in the midst of a career change, here are some of my best tips for landing your dream job:
Create a LinkedIn account and make meaningful connections. Use this invaluable platform to look for jobs in your area, share industry relevant news, and promote your content/accomplishments.
Have a #flawless resume and cover letter. Your resume shares experience, and your cover letter acts as a personal statement of why you want a specific job. If you’re unsure of how to start either, visit UCF Career Services for 1:1 assistance.
Print business cards and have them on you at all times. You never know when the opportunity to network will arise, and so it’s key to be ready to sell yourself when the time comes. For instance, let’s say you meet someone in line at Starbucks. Giving them your business card is a tangible way to be remembered.
Always send a thank-you note after an interview. Gratitude is the best way to show a good attitude. Technology makes this even easier to accomplish by allowing you to send one via your phone minutes after leaving the interview location. However, handwritten thank you notes are even better. They show that you cared enough to write and mail a tangible note of thanks, which comes as a welcome shock to people stuck in the digital realm.
Create and practice your elevator speech. This is a short (1 minute or less) speech that describes you, what you’re looking for, and the benefit you have to a company. Think of what you would say to a potential employer if you had the length of an elevator ride. These are especially valuable at career fairs, where you are one of hundreds that a company may talk to. What makes you different?
Practice common interview questions. “Tell me about yourself.” “What are your weaknesses?” “Why do you want to work for us?” “What is your long term career goal?” “Do you have any questions for us?” These are just a few of the questions I am asked in every job interview. Knowing that I’ll probably be asked these, I use free time to write them down and practice answers. It is impossible to predict everything that will be asked, but practicing what might be ensures that you won’t gape awkwardly and fumble in responses. You should also prepare questions to ask them. This shows interest in learning more about the position. You can even ask what their ideal candidate is and respond by connecting the response to who you already are.
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I am all for living in leggings and t-shirts. This is my natural state about 90% of the time, actually. But in that other 10%—the one where I am going to work and interviews—my wardrobe looks very different. Dressing nice also doesn’t mean dressing expensive. Some of my favorite places to get cheap professional clothing are Target, Ross, TJ Maxx, and Style Encore. I also look on Pinterest for outfit ideas (since my fashion skills are severeeeeeely lacking).
Practice professional personal social media. This can mean a lot of things, but in the most basic sense refers to watching what you post. It probably shouldn’t be posted if you have even the slightest inclination that it may come back to bite you later. Past mere caution, you can also utilize personal social media to create a brand. This is something that identifies you and what you stand for, and can be shown through content decisions, colors, fonts, and more.
Take advantage of professional growth opportunities within your major. At UCF, many of the major departments have student professional societies, mentoring programs, career fairs, internship/job boards, and more to prepare you for a career. Find these opportunities by making an appointment with your major advisor, UCF Career Services, searching online, or asking a classmate.
Be genuine. In an environment where everyone is trying to be the best, it is so quickly forgotten that the best kind of success is found through being YOU—not them. As you grow in college, make every effort to share your story and your passion. Embrace what makes you special in an interview, even if you feel under-qualified for that position. Sometimes it’s your weaknesses that make you the best fit.
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