How do I stand out in a job search?
Whether you’re aiming for a summer internship or your first full-time role, here are some tips to help you stand out while navigating the job market.
1. Update your resume constantly
Treat your resume as a living document. As you take on new experiences and learn new skills, putting them on your resume enhances it further, making it more probable that your qualifications will match the employer’s requirements.
2. Network, network, network!
I’m sure you’ve heard this many times by now but networking is extremely important. Whether it’s through the ACES + LAS Career Fair, reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn, or meeting a recruiter through a connection, ask individuals on a coffee chat and get to know their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask for a referral, and keep in touch with them on a regular basis—you never know when and how they can help you, now or in the future.
3. Enroll in unique courses and certification programs
Learning new skills and concepts outside the classroom, especially those related to AI (such as the Ethics of AI) and new technologies, is something that recruiters are looking for in today’s world. You need to show how you are keeping up with new trends and how you can contribute your knowledge to the company.
4. Apply to related industries
If your dream role isn’t available, don’t hesitate to apply to similar or adjacent roles within the same company. For example, some companies may be hiring more in sales than marketing. It may not be exactly what you want to do but entering into the company through sales and then pivoting to marketing isn’t the worst thing—and you never know, you might end up loving it!
5. Check different job recruiting sites everyday
Checking LinkedIn and Handshake isn’t enough. Lots of organizations use their own company websites or other websites like ZipRecruiter or Glassdoor, so make sure to check different websites extensively. Also, don’t forget to check every day—sometimes a position may only be open for a limited period of time or may be rolling (first come, first served).
Take a deep breath and have confidence in yourself and your applications. Don’t stop applying—you’ve got this! At the end of the day, all you need is 1 out of a million.
Aashna Vora is a senior pursuing a double major in marketing and information systems. On campus, she works as a marketing intern for the College of LAS and is involved in Delta Sigma Pi (a business fraternity) and the Illini Union.
In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, exploring new places, and trying different foods.