"Get your résumé!" is the number one thing students hear when the topic of careers comes up. That's because the résumé is one of a student's greatest assets in the job search. A personal brand is important, and what's on a résumé should reflect that. It's the "foot-in-the-door." Without a résumé, it's difficult to begin a job search.
"I would recommend that [students] be prepared," Courtney Cook, assistant director of employer relations & internships, said. "Preparation would cover different things. Making sure they have done their homework regarding companies and opportunities. Also, by having résumés critiqued by Career Services."
Employers make decisions based on a résumé within 60 seconds, according to University Career Services.
They offer résumé-writing resources online along with résumé critiquing. Students can upload their résumé to Career Services through Optimal Résumé (memphis.optimalrésumé.com) or schedule an appointment with a university career advisor. It is also helpful to have peers, professors and mentors review student résumés.
"In order to get that first interview, the résumé is reflective of what a student has to offer," Cook said. "If the résumé is not critiqued and custom to fit you, it'll be hard to get to the next stage."
Outside of résumé reviews, Optimal Résumé also offers a virtual interview prep that allows students to go on a virtual interview. There are a variety of interview types to choose from and students have the option of choosing which questions the program asks. Students may choose to record their answers via microphone or webcam or by writing down their responses.
The University's Office of Career Services also offers face-to-face practice interviews. Students can schedule an appointment to set up a mock interview by contacting Career Services at 678-2239.
"Take advantage of the mock interview program to work on your interviewing skills," Cook said. "Preparation is really critical. You can have a polished résumé to get the interview, but if you don't have the skills for the interview, it's hard to sell yourself."
Students who embrace the online world in their job search are expanding their reach. Outside of the traditional job posting boards such as Indeed.com, students have also reported success with social media.
Former U of M journalism student Kiersten Bagley was able to land her ideal internship in public relations after reaching out to an agency via Twitter, tweeting "Your website doesn't mention a search for summer interns, are you accepting any applications? I would love to apply!"
She received a response with information for where to send her résumé.
Even when companies don't announce openings, eager students can use social media to reach out to companies they are interested in.
Companies often use Twitter and Facebook to announce job openings. Twitter also has accounts that are run by job posting sites that exist solely for the purpose of continuously updating the newsfeed with job and internship openings around the country. A quick Twitter search with a specific major or career field could lead to the ideal internship.
When incorporating the online job scene into a search, it's important to have an established online presence by having a résumé readily available online. Sites such as Wordpress offer free webpages that are easy to set up and maintain.
When applying for jobs online or connecting with potential employers, directing them to a site will allow them to easily access information such as personal skills and experience.
Along with the opportunities that can be found online, classic face-to-face contact is highly effective.
Outside of Career Services, the different schools and departments are an excellent resource for career information and connections. Students should make the most of their time with professors and other classmates who form their peer group in the job search.
Most departments on campus have career information available to students through postings within the department building, online webpages, departmental email lists and, most significantly, student organizations.
By joining student and professional organizations, students will be connected to the events and people that offer the greatest networking opportunities.
Career Services also hosts "on-campus interviews" in both the fall and spring semester for graduating students. Employers from around the nation are invited to campus to interview students. Students can find the dates for employer on-campus interviews in their eRecruiting account under the "Jobs & Internships" section. It can also be accessed through the Career Services website.
Sponsored by the Office of Career Services, the spring and fall Career and Internship Expositions are optimal opportunities for students from all majors to connect directly with employers who are ready to hire students.
Career Services has a list of all the companies that will be present at Wednesday's expo available on their homepage.
"Students need to be aware of the companies that are going to be present," Cook said. "Go in and mark the ones [you] are interested in to have some type of idea."
Career Services is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist students with all aspects of the internship and job process. Students are encouraged to stop by their offices at 400 Wilder Tower.
Follow University Career Services on Twitter @UofMCareer and like them on Facebook at facebook.com/MemphisCareer.
