Competition
for jobs is at an all-time high, so it's essential that
you distinguish yourself from other job applicants. Regardless
of the field that you're entering, individuality matters.
Everything you've experience until now-in the classroom,
during after-school jobs and internships, and through volunteer
experiences-sets you apart from your fellow students. These
unique experiences provide knowledge and abilities that
must be demonstrated to potential employers through the
resume, cover letter and interview. This is your chance
to prove that you're the best candidate for the job and
will make a great addition to their team. Here are some
ways to make sure your true potential shines.
|
| What
Makes You Special? |
Your
roommate may have the exact same major and GPA as you do,
but those factors are only superficial. More importantly:
everyone has his or her own set of life experiences that
influence personal growth and skill development. Maybe you've
traveled around the world, speak several languages, or were
born in another country. Or perhaps you've worked your way
through high school and college to help support your family.
Numbers only tell part of the story. When an employer is
evaluating you for a job, you have to make sure your unique
experiences come through on your resume and cover letter
so that you have the opportunity to elaborate on the details
during the interview.
|
| Go
Team! |
Employers
want hires who can hit the ground running and work well
with others in a team environment. Your academic experience
has been packed with teamwork even if you don't realize
it. Just think back to all those group projects and study
sessions. Many extracurricular activities from athletics
and fraternities and sororities to clubs, volunteer work
and student government require team participation as well.
By using the language of teamwork and cooperation on your
resume and cover letter, you've taken the first step toward
proving that you're a collaborator. During the interview
you can further express what you've learned about yourself
and others through teamwork.
|
| Leadership
101 |
Teamwork
is key, but employers also want candidates who can step
up to the plate and take charge when it's appropriate. If
you've never been class president, however, don't fear;
leadership can be demonstrated in many subtle ways. In addition
to traditional leadership roles, leaders also take on responsibility
by providing others with information and advice. If you've
ever helped a friend with a paper, volunteered to teach
a class or given a speech that motivated others, then you've
served as a leader. During your interview, speak confidently
about your accomplishments, but don't cross the line into
arrogance. Good leaders know when to show off, as well as
when to listen to others.
|
| Art
of the Resume |
Your
resume provides the opportunity to stand out, but don't
distinguish yourself by using bright-colored paper or an
unusual font. Those tactics are distracting and leave employers
remembering you negatively. Instead, it's the content of
your resume that will really get you noticed. Make sure
to describe each experience in clear detail; highlight not
only what you did, but also what results were gained from
your actions. Don't forget to include special skills, such
as foreign languages and international travel.
|
| Cover
Letter Zingers |
| While
your resume chronicles your experiences, the cover letter
lets your personality shine through. Here you can expand
upon your past experiences and briefly discuss what you
learned. Use concrete examples from your resume in order
to showcase specific skills and characteristics. Be sure
to tailor each letter to the specific organization and position,
and state specifically why you want to work for the organization.
Demonstrate that you've done your research; it will impress
employers and set your letter apart from the rest. |
| Interview
Expert |
| When
it comes to the interview, preparation is key. Be ready
to talk about everything you've done in a positive light,
and make sure you're well informed about the organization
and industry. Focus on what distinguishes the employer from
their competition and why you are a good fit. If possible,
speak to alumni or other current employees to learn more.
Remember, practice makes perfect; many career centers offer
mock interviews with a counselor. And don't be afraid to
ask for help from friends and professionals as you review
the answers to common interview questions. |
| |
| Dos
and Don'ts |
 |
DO dress the part. Even employers with casual dress
codes expect interviewees to be dressed in
professional business attire. |
|
DON'T
chew gum, wear too much cologne/perfume or smoke before
the interview. |
|
DO
look your interviewer in the eye and offer a firm handshake. |
|
DON'T
try too hard to please and appear loud or cocky. |
|
DO
emphasize your skills and accomplishments. |
|
DON'T
make excuses for failures or lack of experience. Instead,
take responsibility for your mistakes and change the subject
to something positive. |
Written
by Jennifer Bobrow Burns, a free-lance career consultant/writer
and former associate director of career development at Columbia
University in New York.
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