10 essential steps when applying for jobs or internships

Landing a job as a college student can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can set yourself up for success. Whether you’re looking for an internship or your first post-grad position, you can follow these steps to make the process smoother.

Polish your resume

Your resume is your first impression for potential employers. Keep it concise, highlight relevant experiences and use strong action verbs. The Miami University Career Center, located in Armstrong Student Center, can be an excellent source for resume review. You can schedule an appointment or send it in for review.

Build a strong LinkedIn profile

Many recruiters check LinkedIn before reading a resume. To make a good impression, make sure your profile is complete with a professional photo. The Career Center has a professional headshot photo booth that is free of use for students with no appointment needed.

Also, be sure to include a compelling summary about yourself and update your experience sections. You can optimize your profile to showcase previous work that you have done to set you up for success.

Network! Network! Network!

Yes, network! This is an integral and simple way to meet people and gain connections that may come in handy down the road. Make sure to attend Miami’s Career Fair, which occurs once every semester.

You can also use LinkedIn and alumni connections to build your network or talk with friends and family to make close connections that may be useful down the line.

Make yourself stand out

Whether through something small or large, look through all that you have to offer to each company you are applying for and ask yourself what makes you stand out as a candidate.

Exploit the ‘extras’

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Make sure to exploit the special “extras” you have done, such as a J-Term or summer program or teaching assistant or undergraduate assistant experiences. Be sure to include these “extras” in your resume or LinkedIn profile when applying to jobs or internships. Include what the “extra” experience taught you and what it adds to your overall skill set.

Apply to multiple jobs

Apply to several positions that align with your skills and interests to increase your chances of landing a job. Take advantage of Miami’s Handshake platform to research employment opportunities and apply for as many jobs as possible.

Research

One of the worst things you can do when hunting for a job is to apply blindly. Remember to research the company’s culture, job responsibilities and career growth opportunities. Use Handshake, LinkedIn and company websites to find positions that are tailored to you and your interests.

Prepare

Practice answering common interview questions and developing strong stories about yourself and your experiences. Mock interviews with career advisors or OCI (on-campus interviewing) can help boost your confidence when entering a new professional environment.

Follow-up

Send a thank-you email within 48 hours of your interview. When interviewing, express gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. The Career Center can provide thank-you email templates to help you draft a strong follow-up.

Stay organized and persistent

Keep track of applications, deadlines and follow-ups. If you don’t get an offer right away, don’t get discouraged — persistence pays off! The Career Center also offers one-on-one coaching to help students stay on track.

Career Center resources

Visit the Miami University Career Center at 45 Armstrong Student Center or check out their online resources. You can also call (513) 529-3831 or email careercenter@miamioh.edu.

By following these 10 steps and utilizing Miami’s career resources, you'll be well on your way to securing a job that aligns with your career goals. Happy job hunting!

wenholje@miamioh.edu