How to get a job
3 Principles of a Successful Job Search
(three takeaways from Dr. Zafar Iqbal)
When we talk about a successful job search, a good resume and compelling cover letter are necessary for a successful job search. That is the reason why most universities provide a career center that can help you build your resume and cover letter. In this post, I am going to discuss three essentials for a successful job search.
1. Start Now
Now. Yes, I mean it. Start your job hunting right now. It does not matter whether today is your first or last semester as a student, or you are a fresh graduate, or you need professional development. Start now is a simple step, yet, crucial. People often procrastinate their start. Start building your network from 2 to 3 degrees. And if you are a student, “don’t just be a student.” Be a proactive student. If you are seeking career development, “don’t wait for the perfect job.” Just like what Steve Jobs said in Stanford 2015 commencement,
"If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." - Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
2. Introspection and Extroversion
Eliminate and include through internal thought
Build your own story from your resume. Connect the dots of your pattern. Rational your path by sitting with your resume and experience.
For example, Dr. Zafar Iqbal was a mechanical engineer 30 years ago. Now, he is a Marketing Professor. With his mechanical engineering degree, he can communicate the complexity. Speaking about Marketing and Complexity, “solving marketing complexity is not about just about getting the next campaign right. It's about a new philosophy of marketing strategy – a new type of understanding, where micro-changes in individual behavior yield large changes in macro results (Icosystem).” There are patterns everywhere in your life. Again, try to sit with your resume and ask yourself, “What is my story?” As you figure out your pattern, draw your line, believe your story, tailor your story to 2-3 minutes, talk.
Talk! Talk! Talk!
Now that you have a 2-3 minute story. Try to ask feedbacks from your peers, set up an appointment with your professor, or set a one-on-one meeting with your colleague. Try to see if you have a fruitful conversation.
Don’t be afraid to start a conversation, especially if you are an International Student. Talk, even though you know that the company does not hire International Students. Why? Because you never know if they'd employ International Students in the future.
3. Apply the 50-30-20 Rules
Similar to the 50/30/20 Budgeting Rules, this rule requires networking, utilize the job finding platforms, and your application.
The most asked question prior to networking is
How do you network?
Develop networks through friends, family, professors, alumni, and people in your LinkedIn network. You can start with a chat:
"Dear NAME,
[Introduce yourself and your association]. I found your contact information through [your association office/an alumni/an event/a friend]. I want to respect your time. [Connect your education, experience, expertise]. I’d love to chat with you for 30 minutes of your time and hear more about what you do at [his/her company].
Sincerely,
YOURNAME”
Other ways to network:
Early Coffee Session
Happy Hour Event
From here, continue building the relationship with your network. While you make your network, use your 30% to find job opportunities through Handshake (largest career community for students and recent grads), research, job fairs, and on-campus events.
When you already sat with your resume, have your 2-3 minutes story, list of networks, applying for jobs should take only 20% of your job findings time. Now, it's time to start!
If you have any questions or thoughts, please leave a comment below.
P.S.: Shoutout to Kellstadt Marketing Group for hosting the event!
Sources:
“How to Get a Job with Dr. Zafar Iqbal” – an Event by Kellstadt Marketing Group, DePaul University