Fall Semester Recruiting
Let's get you a job.
It’s the start of a new semester and that means a schedule full of new classes and job recruiting prep. We wanted to share some of our recruiting tips for those of you that are looking to land internships next summer!
Tailor Resumes and Applications
You’ve probably heard this one countless times, but there’s a reason for it. Tailoring your application responses and resume to jobs you apply to helps you stand out from applicants that apply to everything. You want to highlight your best, most relevant qualities and showcase how you’ve impacted organizations you’ve worked with. Design your stories for impact: for example, write about how the company’s products or mission affect you or have impacted you in the past. If you can, have someone read your writing and give you feedback. You want to give recruiters and hiring managers a reason you choose you over another equally qualified student.
Referrals
While you definitely don’t need a referral to get a job or internship, it makes it a lot easier. However, getting a referral can take time if you don’t have existing networks at companies you’re applying to. Ideally, networking should be taking place all year, not just during recruiting season, but if you’re looking to meet people that would be willing to refer you, start on your campus. Find alumni or students that work or have worked at your target companies and make time to speak with them. During your talk, aim to build rapport by asking them good questions about their background and experiences. Before the end of the conversation, request a referral. It’ll feel awkward if you don’t know them that well, but people are more likely to support you if you ask for help.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are by far the best use of your time when prepping for job recruiting. There’s no point in landing interviews if you can’t ace them. Mock interviewing can help you become more comfortable with communicating your thoughts in a high-stress environment and help you detect gaps in your own performance. Find past interns to help you interview or reach out to a friend. Every industry has its own interview standards, so do some research to find common frameworks and get the basics down. After just a few mock interviews, you’ll definitely notice significant improvements in your interviewing style.
Recruiting won’t be easy, but you only need one offer to jumpstart your career. Apply often, network for referrals, and practice interviewing to make the most out of this recruiting season!
Resources of the Week
Jobscan - Resume scanner to help you optimize your resume for fall recruiting
Pramp - Mock interview site to get you ready for tech job interviews
Exponent - Interview guides and videos for students interested in product management and engineering roles
Interns.design - Looking for design internships? Check out this page for a list of design jobs
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