From the Archives: How to Get the Job You Want
Originally published 1/20/14 by Sagar Patel; emphasis added by Katie Lin
Looking for a job seems like a job in itself. Finding suitable employment for most is a task that requires endless interviews and applications. Remember, all of us are on the same boat, but don’t be the last one to get off!
The first and most critical step when looking for a job is creating an effective resume and cover letter. The more experience you have, the better your chances for getting the position. I know, it doesn’t sound like much but it speaks volumes when an applicant has a complete resume addressing an assortment of skills and activities. Tailor those documents to address the needs of the employer. We sometimes underestimate the relevance of our coursework as it applies to different disciplines. For example, I am a Biomedical Engineer with a concentration in Biomechanics and with that, I can apply the same principles I learn from my classes to mechanical design or even the instrumentation of circuits. Don’t sell yourself short!
Generally speaking, employers hire individuals they know or people they know they can work with. Why is that? A personal connection or relationship to someone will allow them to know the you better than reading about the accomplishments and skills of a stranger on a piece of paper. The better the job, the better the chance it will be offered through a personal contact. What does that mean? Network! Get out there and talk to professors and recruiters right now! Don’t just talk about exams and lecture material during office hours, bring up discussions about your career objectives. Those same professionals have many contacts of their own that can help you secure positions. If all else fails, put yourself out there and go out and talk to more people. Work on your social skills and never be afraid to interact.
My last piece of advice is to stay modest. It’s always easy to thrive in your academics and then boast about your accomplishments. Before you do that, ask yourself what you’ve really done. I can sit here and brag about my participation in student organizations or make it a rule to state my GPA to every professor during meetings, but that won’t always get the job done. You need to reflect on all those great things you’ve experienced and relate them to the job you want. When reaching out to people or even during interviews, talk about how each word on your resume applies to the position you want. The employer will be amazed at how much interest you have gauged in working for them. Stay humble SASErs!
I hope you all keep these things in mind as you search for the job you want. In short, you want to market yourself, continue to network, and remember to stay modest along the way. Remember, if it doesn’t go well the first time around, go at it again! Trust what you have done so far and apply it in an unforgettable way. Make every opportunity count! Cheers and best of luck to you all in your endeavors.
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Originally published at saseconnect.org.
