Spring break is upon us. For the fortunate few, that means flocking to warmer climates to enjoy afternoons sunbathing and nights boozing.
But for the rest of us, it’s mostly a week filled with idle tasks and binge-watching Netflix. While students may be celebrating this week of relaxation, it’s important to remember that employers aren’t taking a break from hiring.
Spring break is the perfect time to lock in that summer job or internship while your competition is out partying. So, how can students utilize this week to secure summer employment?
Build up your network
“Networking is really the ground zero when it comes to job searches,” said Robert Maxson, Coordinator of Job Location Development at Georgia State’s Career Services.
“Whether it’s talking to your classmate or utilizing the resources we have available on campus, you don’t know what you don’t know, so the more people you connect with, the more you’ll learn.”
Take some time to reach out to former professors, mentors and friends to catch up and inquire about possible job/internship opportunities.
“There’s an old saying that 70-80 percent of jobs aren’t advertised, so it’s very helpful to go to the source,” Maxson said.
Whether it be an email, a phone call or a coffee date, investing in a relationship with your contacts can really pay off. Networking can help to solidify your references and put you ahead of the competition.
Customize
“Think about that person who is possibly interviewing—they are so overwhelmed with resumes and people looking for jobs that anything that they can do to throw you out of the running they will do,” explained Debbie George-Jones, a visiting professor in the communication department.
As a marketing consultant and former coordinator of internships at companies like the Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts, Jones has first-hand experience of what employers are looking for.
Jones stressed the importance of a unique and well-designed resume and cover letter in establishing your personality and guaranteeing your application will not be easily tossed aside.
“Remember that you are a brand and you are selling yourself. Having a well-designed resume that looks different and a cover letter that reflects the language of the job description can really help you stand out.”
Resumes and cover letters are an organization’s introduction to you, and using pre-made templates puts you at risk of getting lost in the pool of similar candidates. Using design programs such as Indesign, Photoshop or Illustrator ensure your resumé and cover letters are aligned and have that personal touch that will set you apart.
When it comes to customizing your resume and cover letter, it’s important to keep your industry and employer in mind. If you’re moving toward a corporate job, focus on a subtle design that draws attention to the content. Conversely, if you are looking into creative fields, work on fitting your information in with a creative design aesthetic.
Do your Research
Take some time to figure out what you want to gain from your internship/job and search the Internet for job postings that will help you further those goals.
Start at the organization level when looking for employment opportunities. A company’s website is the best place to start, especially if you’re looking to start at a small company.
Check out their company structure, mission and internship programs. This measure won’t take up much time, but can prove to be extremely helpful down the line in the interview process.
Also, check out their internal job boards. Most organizations post opportunities there first before they advertise them or outsource to job search engines.
Once you’ve looked at specific organizations, then go through job sites like InternMatch, Indeed, Craigslist and Georgia State’s PantherCareer Net to compile a list of jobs or internships that interest you.
Apply early and often
“Organizations have to plan ahead and have that staff ready when the gates open. If you wait until May to find a summer job, there’s going to be jobs, but just like anything else, there’s a limited quantity of quality,” Maxson said. “It’s never too early to apply.”
Many companies and organizations have set deadlines for internships, so it’s important to get your application in early. Applying prior to deadline will give you more time to prepare for the interview and help to avoid the stress and possible mistakes made when completing things in a rush.
In addition to applying early, make sure you apply to a variety of opportunities. There is no set rule of how many internships you should apply for so keep researching and applying until you find the right fit.
“Trust your gut and remember that you don’t have to accept the first position that is offered,” Jones said. “If you have any doubt about the internship, job or company being the right fit, trust your instincts and know that the one that is right for you is out there.”
