1. SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate these days. It is easy to find a person on any social media channel by simply searching their name. People sometimes change their names on social media to prevent their employer from searching for them. With that being said, you should filter your social media channels. Make sure there aren’t any photos that are inappropriate or anything you wouldn’t want your potential future employer to see. Once that’s complete, create or update your LinkedIn account and get a professional photo taken of you to use as your profile picture. LinkedIn is a great social media channel to potentially land you a job. Employers will often reach out to you if they see that your LinkedIn profile caters to what they are looking for. Make sure you have a good summary. That is the first thing employers will read so make sure you have an engaging bio about yourself.
“Network with your classmates and leave a good impression – this could potentially help you find a job in the future.”
2. NETWORK!
Networking starts on your first day of school. If it isn’t too late, try to make a good impression on your classmates and instructors. There’s a possibility your classmate can be your future employer one day. Networking with your classmates and leaving a good impression can potentially help you find a job in the future. If you have group projects, take initiative. If there are people struggling to pull their weight, empower and lead them. Your actions will speak volumes and it will build your self-image. People will see that and will want to work with you in the future. Alternatively, if you are struggling with projects, be humble and ask for help or guidance. Work hard and be open to new learning opportunities. Exceed expectations and be empathetic to people. Showing genuine empathy reflects your character and people will enjoy being around you. However, don’t fake it. People can tell. Lastly, whenever there is a problem with someone, talk to them directly. The worst thing you can do is talk poorly about someone. Chances are, the person you’re talking to is talking about you behind your back.
3. APPLY! APPLY! APPLY!
Begin with your network. Write down people that you are close with and see if they have connections in the industry that you are applying for. If that doesn’t work, Craigslist, Monster, Indeed, Workopolis, Kijiji, bcjobs, charity village are all good places to start to apply for a position. Before you apply, have your resume and cover letter checked by an instructor or an industry professional. Once that is taken care of, start applying to as many places as you can. You should aim to send out 20 to 30 job applications each week. This may vary depending on the kinds of jobs you’re applying to. At the same time, don’t be too picky. Beggars can’t be choosers. Applying in person is also a good technique. It shows initiative and traits that they may not see from a resume. Ask your friends and people in your network for help with job referrals. Remember, getting referred by a friend or acquaintance increases your chance for an interview by 60%, and actually getting hired by 40%.
“Showcase your experience and highlight what is relevant to the job that you want.”
4. STAND OUT
When separating yourself from the crowd, it’s important to determine your strengths and weaknesses because your strengths are what make you stand out and help you find a job more suitable for you. Most jobs will require previous work experience, but this is difficult if you are just starting out after graduation. Showcase your experience and understanding of the work through internships and volunteering experience and highlight what is relevant to the job that you want. Being involved with non-profit organizations related to your chosen field, and having volunteer experience will increase your chances on getting hired. Plus, it reflects your character.
5. FIRST JOB.
Your first job isn’t going to make or break your career. It isn’t as crucial as it may seem and it is just temporary. Instead, it is an opportunity to build a network and develop new skills that will springboard you on to your next job. It will reveal areas that you may or may not want in your future jobs. After working at your first job, it will be easier to get the next and so on because of the experience that you have. Having that in mind should keep you focused on where you want your career to go. In case you come across two opportunities at once, weigh out the pros and cons of each job and ask yourself, “will this job help me to where I want to go?” When you base your decisions with your end goal in mind, the decisions aren’t tough to make. Those decisions you make should lead you towards your goal.
Eton College offers a career preparation seminar and coaching on how to be better prepared for the workforce after graduation. This seminar includes self-analysis of your strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, interests, along with company research and job search strategies. You will be guided on resume (CV) writing, interview strategies and follow-up strategies.
Remember that Eton College also offers life-time post-graduation career support to all Eton College graduates, who have met graduation requirements. You can always contact Sue, our Student Services Coordinator, at inquiry@etoncollege.ca
