Campus jobs can be the hardest jobs to land, but not only do they pay off in money and experience, but can lead to the greatest experiences during your college life. Here are some tips to help you land those jobs.
1. Keep that funky hair style.
When I was going in for job interviews on campus, I had bright rainbow hair and what wasn't rainbow was platinum blonde. The first concern and question I had was, "Would I have to dye my hair to a natural color in order to get/keep this job?" The answer that I got was no. Basically, if you are a student worker for a university, they want you to keep that funky hair style so that the campus seems diverse and open. Having you as an employee would look good for their image. So dye that hair!
(Note: this may not apply to schools that are based in faith. They tend to have stricter rules on what employees are allowed to do.)
2. Sign up for work-study.
Sign. Up. For. Work. Study.
I cannot stress how important work study is in getting a job on campus. It's almost always the first thing most employers on campus will ask you. If you say no (and have not signed up for work study), your chances of getting the job have dropped significantly. Work study is fairly simple to sign up for, you simply check yes on the FAFSA form. There, you did it! It's that easy to sign up up for work study. Now campus employers are more likely to hire you.
Note: Not everyone is eligible for work study.
3. Check out the bulletins around school.
You know those bulletin boards that are all over the school? Yeah, you may want to stop by and look at one of them, you never know what you're going to find. I've found odd jobs, cool things for sale, and sometimes students are looking for other students for research purposes (I once got about $40 from doing one of those research surveys). Like I said, you never know what you'll find.
4. Take a shower before the interview.
You wouldn't believe how many times I have sat waiting with other applicants and be able to smell them across the room, so I have to say it: take a shower before going to the interview! And spraying perfume all over your body does not count as a shower!
5. Dress professionally.
It does not matter if your future possible job requires you to wear sweats and your hair in the messy bun. You should always arrive to your interviews dressed to the nines.
6. Have a conversation starter.
There is always a time in the interview when the inevitable comes. An awkward silence. The best solution? Have an easy conversation starter on hand. Anything will do: a cool bracelet, a shock of color in your hair, anything. Heck, it can be something in the office where you having your interview, which can be anything from a sports mug, a diploma, anything. It shows you can think on your feet and might earn you some brownie points.
7. Be yourself.
Be you. Nothing is better than you being yourself. Any employer, University or not, does not want a generic employee. They want you and your uniqueness. No matter what.
Overall, it's going to be tough, you're going to be up against other students and working with future professors. But no matter what, it will be an interesting ride and worth it in the end.
