Securing the Bag: 4 tips from USD’s Career Development Center for landing a new job
Securing the Bag: 4 tips from USD’s Career Development Center for landing a new job
Olivia Hunt / Asst. A&C Editor / The USD Vista
With the end of the school year (and some students’ entire undergraduate careers) quickly approaching, many USD students are jumping at the chance to land their dream internship or job. Of course, applying for jobs is easier said than done. From carefully crafting resumes and cover letters to scouring through LinkedIn and Handshake, job-hunting may begin to feel like a full-time job in itself. But all of that hard work becomes worth it when interview requests and job offer emails start rolling in. For some insight into the job application process, Robin Darmon, senior director of the Career Development Center shared her expertise. Below are five important tactics and techniques to help USD students secure their next role.
1). Choose job search websites wisely
With countless recruiting websites to choose from, it can be difficult deciding where to even start. The big three job search sites (LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake) are all helpful in the application process — but which is best for students and recent graduates?
Darmon clarified the helpful aspects of the main recruiting websites, as well as their differences.
“I absolutely recommend Handshake,” Darmon said. “That’s where employers post jobs and internships when seeking students from USD, unlike Indeed which is open to anyone, everyone. Of course, LinkedIn is the spot for networking and connections. But students absolutely want to use TEAM too.”
For students who aren’t familiar with the site, ‘TEAM’ (Torero Employer and Alumni Mentors), Darmon explained how and why USD students should take full advantage of its benefits.
“TEAM is like LinkedIn for the Torero Community,” Darmon said. “Students can apply for jobs that Toreros have posted for Toreros. And students and alumni can connect, offer career advice and guidance on TEAM. TEAM is like having 4000+ career coaches in one place — the value of connecting with another Torero for career information is priceless.”
2). Research your target companies beforehand
One of the best ways for a student to land a new job is by creating an accomplishment-based resume — one that showcases exactly why they’re a great fit for the company and its specific position. But how can a job applicant most effectively demonstrate their enthusiasm and career readiness?
Darmon argues that the best way is by conducting research on one’s target company.
“Although doing research on every single job application can be super time-consuming, I would strongly recommend, at the very least, looking up the company on LinkedIn to learn something about it and see if people within your network work there,” Darmon said. “Glassdoor can offer insight as well. And of course, TEAM will show you potentially if a Torero works there as well. In that case, you’d have the additional insights from a USD graduate as you consider applying for the role or not.”
3). Write a compelling cover letter
Rather than repeating the information in one’s resume, cover letters highlight a student’s specific skills and experiences pertaining to their desired role. Essentially, a cover letter functions as a ‘sales pitch’ as to why a student would be the best fit for a certain position.
In order to better understand the significance of a cover letter, Darmon outlined their importance from the perspective of an employer.
“An employer views a strong, succinct cover letter in two ways,” Darmon said. “First, it offers them a ‘why.’ Why are you applying for this role? What skills are you bringing to the position? Are you excited about this role and the company? Those questions are hugely important to a company when considering who they’ll bring in for an interview. Second, a thoughtful, concise cover letter shows that you care about this role. You took the time to tailor this cover letter to this particular job. It shows that you want this position.”
4). Keep an open mind
While the job application process and the possibility of rejection can be daunting, it’s important for students to stay confident in their abilities and achievements. Even if a student only meets a portion of a job’s listed requirements, they can (and should) still apply for it.
Darmon expressed the importance of a cover letter if a student finds themselves in such a situation.
“How well can you tell a story that assures the recruiter that you can make up for those areas in which you might not have the exact skills they are seeking? That’s where the cover letter is invaluable,” Darmon said. “Connect the dots for the recruiter. Show them where you have transferable skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate and a quick learner. And then find someone on TEAM or LinkedIn in your network who works in that company who might be able to help you move your application into the right hands. That way, you can gain more insights into the company and role.”
Though many students may feel nervous about the prospect of entering the job market, those jitters also constitute feelings of excitement. The prospect of landing a new internship or job, after all, is hugely exciting. USD students should feel proud of their well-rounded education and confident in their preparedness for a successful career and future.