Landing your dream internship or job can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone tells you what to do but never explains how. This guide breaks down the essentials of putting yourself out there!
Resume Support: Building Your Professional Foundation
1
What Goes in Your Resume
Include your contact information, education, relevant experience, skills, and any awards or leadership roles. Focus on accomplishments that demonstrate your abilities and impact, not just job duties. Use action verbs to describe what you achieved.
2
Writing Tips That Matter
Keep bullet points concise and impactful and aim for one to two lines each. Always include start and end dates for positions. Quantify achievements when possible, "increased engagement by 30%" is more powerful than "improved engagement."
3
Tailor for Each Opportunity
Customize your resume for each position by highlighting relevant experience and using keywords from the job description. It's encouraged to maintain multiple versions of your resume for different types of roles.
4
Keep It One Page
Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning resumes. A concise, one-page document ensures they see your most impressive qualifications without getting lost in unnecessary details. Quality over quantity always wins.
Why Your Resume Matters
Your resume is often your first impression, and sometimes your only chance to showcase your qualifications. It's the document that gets you in the door for interviews. A well-crafted resume demonstrates professionalism, attention to detail, and your ability to communicate effectively. In a sense it is a marketing document that tells your professional story and shows why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Find Opportunities: Steps to Put Yourself Out There
Finding the right opportunity starts with visibility and strategic outreach. Many students wait for opportunities to come to them, but the most successful candidates actively create connections and leverage every platform available. Here's how to maximize your chances of landing that perfect position.
Create a LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is your digital professional presence. Include a professional headshot, a compelling headline that goes beyond just "student," and a detailed summary showcasing your interests and goals. List all relevant experiences, projects, skills, and coursework. Unlike a resume, LinkedIn lets you tell your full story, use the space to highlight everything you've accomplished.
Handshake is specifically designed for college students and recent grads. It connects you with employers actively seeking candidates from your school. Add your major, interests, and career preferences so the platform can tailor opportunities to you. Many companies recruit exclusively through Handshake, making it an essential tool you can't afford to skip.
Cold emailing means reaching out to professionals or companies you don't know to express interest, seek advice, or inquire about opportunities. It's about being proactive and showing genuine interest. When done right, cold emails open doors and create connections that can transform your career trajectory.
A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume, allowing you to elaborate on your skills and experience. It's a critical tool to demonstrate your genuine interest in a specific role and company, explaining why you are the best fit. Always customize it for each opportunity to highlight how your qualifications align with the job's requirements and clearly state why you want that particular job.
You now have the tools and knowledge to take control of your job search. The difference between getting your dream opportunity and missing out often comes down to taking action. Don't wait for the perfect moment, start building your professional presence and reaching out today.
This Week
Update or create your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo
Set up your Handshake account and add your preferences
Draft your resume using the tips and example provided
This Month
Send 3-5 cold emails to professionals in your field of interest
Apply to at least 5 opportunities through Handshake
Ask a mentor or career counselor to review your resume
Ongoing
Spend 30 minutes weekly browsing opportunities on LinkedIn and Handshake
Update your resume as you gain new experiences
Build your network by connecting with classmates and professionals
Remember: Everyone Starts Somewhere
Every successful professional was once in your shoes, wondering how to break into their industry. The key is persistence, authenticity, and continuous improvement. Don't be discouraged by rejection or silence, it's part of the process! Each application, each email, and each connection brings you one step closer to your goals. You've got this!