It’s never too early to start looking for a job or an internship. I don’t know how I managed to do it, but I’m graduating a semester early from the University of Illinois. Even though I have been actively involved on campus and have four internships under my belt, I can assure you the job search isn’t easy for me. The job search isn’t easy for anyone! I’ve had countless coffee dates with classmates, colleagues, industry professionals, and family members about the job hunt. Here are five tips I have gathered that will make your job-hunt a lot less stressful.
1. Organize your search
You can never apply to too many jobs, but how would you keep track of everything? An organized table is the answer. There are variety of ways to create a spreadsheet that supports your job hunt. What matters most is that you understand it. Each time you find a position or company that interests you, add it to your list. Be sure to add the name of the company, the contact, the date you applied, a notes column, and your application status. An organized table makes your already busy life a lot easier! The following is an example of what your spreadsheet could look like.
2. Network
I found each of my internships because I had a connection. LinkedIn has proven to be a great tool to connect with professionals. Learn how to use the “advance” search feature in LinkedIn and try to connect with professionals that share the same interests. When you find a potential connection, send them a personalized message saying why you want to connect with them. Whether it’s because you work for the same company, live in the same city, graduated from the same school, or work in the same industry, networking is a critical component to the job hunt.
Don’t be afraid to share your career goal with classmates, teammates, parents, coworkers, friends, and family members. They might have the ability to introduce you to a contact that can get you an internship or even a job.
3. Take risks
It doesn’t hurt to connect with someone you may not know or have a close connection with on LinkedIn. Shoot them an email, ask about their company, or even ask for an informational interview. The most successful people in life have taken risks and their journey to success wasn’t necessarily easy. They had to deal with failures and rejection and often will be receptive to a short discussion with you.
4. Don’t compare yourself to others
Even though this is easier said than done, you have to understand that not everyone is on the same track. Your friends may be getting jobs before you, but they don’t have the same exact goal as you. Every industry, city, and person is different. Every person has his or her own brand and a story to offer. You know who you are, where you want to go, and what you want to be. All that matters is that you are working hard to get there. Instead of comparing yourself to others, learn from others.
5. Be Positive
The job hunt can be discouraging at some points, but you have to keep your head up. You aren’t the only one that is dealing with a stressful career search. Know that everything will work out. Don’t take rejections personally. You might not have the skills or experience that a company is looking for, but there is a job out there that is looking for your qualifications. Take that rejection or a “no” as a way to motivate you to work harder. Try to find out how you can improve. Hard work and persistence will be rewarded once you land that job!
Take these five tips into consideration and make your life easier. The job hunt may be a stressful roller coaster, but try to have fun with it! It is an amazing opportunity to learn about companies, improve your interview skills, and talk about one of the best brands–You!
Photos Courtesy of UW-Madison Archives
