How-to make job hunting simpler
February 3, 2009
Kali Lingen
Editor’s note: In the following list, the College of General Studies Career Development Specialist Susan Fredrikson gives tips on how to get a job right now.
The tips can be applied to a job search for a part-time job during the academic year, while you’re looking for an internship or a job search post-graduation.
1. Contact the South Dakota Career Center located in the lower level of Medary Commons to start a job search. They can help you find a job on or off campus.
2. Make a plan and set achievable goals while searching for a job.
3. Present yourself professionally. Have a résumé ready to give to employers. Keep your application fully completed and neat.
4. Modify your résumé to the employer and job you’re applying for. If there is irrelevant information on your résumé, you are just wasting your possible employer’s time.
5. You should also have a combination of work experience and activity involvement on your résumé.
6. If you are required to have a cover letter with your résumé, make sure the cover letter has no grammatical errors. Also, don’t use a generic letter if you’re sending to many employers. You should individualize the cover letter to each employer as much as possible.
7. Before the interview, evaluate yourself and know what you have to offer an employer. Figure out what makes you stand out from the other applicants.
8. Dress professionally. Dress to impress the employer you are interviewing with.
9. When interviewing, have confidence in yourself. Don’t be cocky or obnoxious, but do be confident in your ability to perform the job you’re interviewing for.
10. Sell yourself in the interview. Show the employer what you have to offer.