Heres How to Stand Out as a Campus Recruit -The Muse

Heres How to Stand Out as a Campus Recruit -The MuseHeres How to Stand Out as a Campus RecruitIt might feel like you have a lot of time before you graduate from college, but trust us, its going to go really fast. Before you know it, youll be walking across the stage and moving your tassel from one side of your cap to the other.But before you don your cap and gown and make your family proud, were willing to bet youre thinking about how to secure your first post-grad job. We wont sugar coat it, getting that first job takes work. But theres a silver lining- you may not have to travel too far to begin your search. Many colleges offer opportunities for companies to recruit new hires and interns right on campus.No matter what, though, one fact still remains Therell be thousands of other college seniors looking for their first real-world gig, too. So you want to make sure you get noticed (and hired). Heres how to stand out as an on-campus recruit.1. Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn ProfileFi rst things first- you need to get your materials in order. Recruiters expect you to have both a resume and LinkedIn profile so if you dont have both (or either), prioritize putting those together.Dont know where to start? Here are some great resume templates and some tips on building a stellar LinkedIn profile.Make sure they both adequately represent your education and experience- including parte-time jobs, internships, and volunteer work- and are uncluttered and easy to read. Also, remember to spell check each thoroughly and have a clear, professional-looking photo for LinkedIn.Once you feel like youre in a good spot, dont be afraid to seek out feedback at your career center (most offer this service for free), or to ask your peers and mentors for their thoughts. Gathering the opinions of others before you send your resume out into the world can save you from wondering, Why didnt I get a response?2. Leverage Your Career CenterIf you havent set foot in your colleges career center yet , what are you waiting for? Career centers are a great, often untapped, resource. The career counselors there can answer your questions, review your resume, and connect you with the right people.So schedule an appointment, but come prepared. Start brainstorming a list of questions, like How do I find out when companies will be recruiting on campus? How do I schedule an interview with one of those companies?Then have an idea of what industry youre interested in, and bring your updated resume and cover letter with you to the meeting. The career counselors will not only be able to provide feedback, but direction on how to begin a successful job search.And dont feel self conscious about question overload- thats what theyre there for.3. Start to PrepareOnce youve become a familiar face in the career center, and with their help maybe even scheduled an interview or two, its time to get the prep work started. Make sure you arrive promptly, look professional, and do your homework. This advic e applies to video and remote interviews, too. Youll still want to look professional and be prompt, which means you need to test the video conferencing tool (Google Hangout, Skype, Zoom, etc.) beforehand to make sure it works and you know how to use it. Research the interviewer and the company on the company website and LinkedIn. Being informed will go a long way in making a good impression. And make sure youve got your own elevator pitch prepared. Think about what two or three sentences summarize who you are, what kind of job youre looking for, and why youd be a great hire. Some career centers even offer mock interviews, so make sure you take advantage of that before the big day.And remember, not everything during the interview needs to be job-related. You could spend part of the conversation chatting about the latest binge-worthy Netflix show, for example. The point is, youre making a personal connection thats more likely to leave a lasting impression. Plus, these fun little detai ls are great content for when you follow up (see 5).4. Ask Thoughtful QuestionsWhether you have an interview or youre just chatting with a company representative, make sure you spend time asking questions thatll help you better understand the organization and the people who work there. These types of questions help both sides figure out whether its a good match. Some examples of thoughtful questions areCan you tell me more about the companys mission?What does the company do to achieve its mission?What types of characteristics make a successful employee here?Whats a challenge the company faces?Whats your favorite part about working here?You might not have enough time to ask all of these questions. Campus recruiting events can be crowded and you wont control the interview agenda. So plattl the two that matter most to you and try to work those into the conversation.5. Send a Follow-UpThis is where you can really shine. Even if you make a good impression, youre still one in a crowd of m any. But repeated exposure will increase the likelihood of someone remembering you. A week after you meet someone, reach out via email or LinkedIn (or if they gave you a card, whatever method is listed there). Not everyone will respond, so try to follow up with as many people as you can, saying something likeHi Luke,We met at the INSERT COLLEGE on INSERT DATE. I hope youre having a great day and have had a chance to catch up on the latest episode of insert previously discussed Netflix show.I really enjoyed talking to you about INSERT COMPANY NAME. Id love to chat more about the company and your experience. Would you be willing to grab coffee or chat with me on the phone for 10 to 15 minutes sometime in the next few weeks? Let me know when you get a chance.Thanks,INSERT NAMEAnd if you want to reach out to someone who interviewed you, you can also try one of these follow up tactics.Bottom line If you want to stand out, you need to put in the work. But if you take advantage of your car eer center, attend on-campus recruiting events, and make a lasting impression, youll be adulting in no time.