Looking for a job can be stressful, especially while finishing your last semester of school, working on capstone projects, attending every frat party, etc. Regardless, many of you reading this article are probably finding yourself at that point in your life. With all the stressors you have already, we would like to share with you a few tips to help make the job hunt process a little less stressful.
- Use your network. If you’ve met corporate contacts throughout your time in school, reach out to them. Hopefully you kept business cards, connected with them on LinkedIn, or somehow kept in touch. Send personalized emails letting these individuals know that your approaching graduation, the type of job you’re looking for, what your recent experiences and key skills are, and attach a copy of your updated resume.
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Look in several places…..not just your school website or to faculty. Check online job boards like AgCareers.com, corporate websites, all-in-one sites like indeed.com or simiplyhired.com, (which search the entire web and pull job postings to one place), social media sites, association websites and industry publications.
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ADVICE FROM THE COMPANY:
Don’t wait until the semester before you graduate to start looking for a job. Start talking to companies about career opportunities as early as your sophomore year. Work experience is important. An internship or part-time job is valuable in building your resume and experience. With companies operating leaner than ever, they are looking for employees that can hit the ground running. Work and internship experience can give you a competitive advantage and can better prepare you for your first professional job.
Holly Smith – AGCO
Look at the job description and identify the most important skill being sought. Very succinctly, in a cover letter, make reference to actual experience you have had that shows an employer you have this skill. Be prepared in an interview to talk about this experience in more depth. This will get the attention of a potential employer quicker than anything by showing that you clearly understood what critical skills they need and how you have practical know-how.
Anne E. Cleary - Wilbur-Ellis
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