Ah, the constant job hunt. Most people dread filling out job applications and working on their resumé, but you have to learn to love this process. Here are some personal tips on how to stay stress-free when you are searching for an internship or job.
First off, always stay confident and be yourself. If you go into an interview putting on an act, the employer will be able to see right through your nerves. The best way to impress an employer is to do your homework on the company. This boosts your credibility and gives you the opportunity to ask engaging questions about the work you would be doing. Job interviews should not be stressful — just treat it as a normal conversation with an added incentive if all goes well — a job! Believe in yourself and do everything in your power to impress the employer.
The former athlete in me likes to treat this process like a competition. It makes it much more fun. There could be an applicant whose qualifications are quite similar to your own, so, how will you win? Visit your school's career services office. They will perform mock interviews, edit your resume and do pretty much anything to make sure you stand out against other applicants. It's like practicing for the big game — you want to make sure everything goes perfectly so you have the best chance to win.
In today's society, you have to make sure that your social media is clean. Do not post anything that could cause you to lose a job opportunity. Social media is a way to market yourself in the best way possible to employers. You may not think companies look at Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, but they do. For me, I think social media is a great way to show that you are well-rounded and it can even be used professionally through sites such as LinkedIn.
It is important that you apply for jobs related to your field of study or experience. Read job descriptions and if you may fit the mold, apply. It also never hurts to reach out through cover letters and say why you are interested, what makes you special and giving thanks for the opportunity. Cover letters are another way of making yourself stand out because you can go into a little more detail than you can in a resume.
Overall, the process of finding a job is fun; it's a competition. Practice makes perfect. Conduct mock interviews, critique your resume constantly and, most importantly, be yourself.
