Every year as school is ending (or has ended) there will always be graduates everywhere in panic mode. Job searching is hard, time consuming, and you need to get to get paid and get out of the parents house! Before my position here at Phi Kappa Theta, I spent a lot of time working in career development and still volunteer my time assisting students in finding jobs/careers. So I thought I would empower our members to get moving with (in my opinion) 5 things to step up your job search game. Hopefully even those not currently job searching will find some value!
1.
Give concrete examples and experiences. I can't say this enough!! For example. Don't tell an interviewer you are a good communicator. Instead tell them that you improved communication between your chapter and alumni board by appointing a liaison and organizing monthly meetings. On your resume don't write " I sold tires", instead try " Exceeded weekly tire sales goal by 10 percent." Employers don't want empty words. Also be aware that the trend in interviewing has moved to behavioral questions. Employers don't want to know what you would do in a situation, they want an example of how exactly have you dealt with a situation in the past.
2.
Research, Research, Research! You should be researching any company or position extensively. You shouldn't be applying for a job or going to an interview without knowing about who they are and what they do. Not only does it show employers your clear interest for position, but it allows you to tailor your resume and cover letter, as well as interview answers to allow the company to see how you would benefit their specific organization, rather than just any job or company out there.
3.
Speaking of tailoring your resume... Unless you are applying for the exact same job with the exact same types of companies, it could be helpful to have multiple versions of your resume. It is more work on the front end, but you are able to sell specific skills better this way, and could have a much better chance at hearing back. But more importantly, you should NOT be sending out the same generic cover letter to everyone. The cover letter is the chance for you to add things about why you are interested in the position and what makes you a good fit for the company. It a way to personalize and engage the employer in a way you can't with a resume. A generic cover letter will not highlight you to your best advantage.
4.
The little things do count! Checking timezones when setting up a phone interview, being courteous to administrative and wait staff, being on time, actually asking your references if they are willing to be called upon (rather than just slapping the name down of an old supervisor), writing coherent professional e-mails. All of these things matter! When job searching, you need to be projecting a professional image 100 percent of the time, you never know who will offer you a job! (seriously, I was offered a position with the hotel while waiting for Anita to pick me up for my interview here...you really do never know!) When hundreds of candidates are trying to get the same position, it doesn't take much to get you taken out of the running. And while we are at it, I know you've heard it, but please clean up your online presence.
5.
Being in a fraternity is an advantage, but only if you use it to your potential. Fraternities always sell the after college benefits of joining, I'd bet the majority of our chapters do the same. There are absolutely benefits to being a Phi Kappa Theta member after college, but being in a fraternity doesn't mean you will suddenly have access to great jobs and networks, it just means you have the opportunity to do so. So use fraternity to your advantage. Come to conferences and network with chapters, staff, and alumni volunteers, look up Phi Kap members in the city you are interested in moving to. Join your chapter alumni board or group (or start one!). And for those still in school, make a difference in your chapter so that Fraternity can be a selling point on your resume, not just a club you throw in at the bottom of the page!
I could type much more if given the opportunity, but hope this post gives you some things to think about and re-energizes those of you in the midst of it all! And I'll always answer questions if you have them.
