The Job Search

Shoutout to my coworker + her camera <3

To all my friends starting (or in the grit of) pre-graduation, fresh out of college job search…

First and most important of all: REMEMBER THAT IT’S GOING TO BE OK!

Alright, now to the nitty-gritty.

Graduating early was a hard, yet easy decision. Hard because I would be leaving my friends, missing out on my last senior semester, and leaving a second home. Easy because I’d simply save my money, start “real life,” and just get a fresh start. It was important to me to get going, as you could say. A lot of people didn't and still don’t understand, and were confused at the decision to want to leave as soon as possible. It’s hard to explain, so I’ll keep it to saying I just wanted to move on.

Now, I have people asking me about life after college, the hiring process, the steps I took, etc. So I thought I would lay it out for you. Hopefully this helps or is a good reminder.

My job search started pretty early. Early as in six months before graduation. I was scared that being a new hire, fresh out of college, it was going to be tough to get a job. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. Benedictine did a wonderful job preparing me for the real world, but there was still so much to learn. I experienced different types of interview systems. I took the time to understand the job benefits. I learned to ask the right questions. And so much more.

One of my biggest takeaways is that you’ll prepare as much as you can, but you never know what’s going to happen. There will be random lines of communication, people reaching out to you in weird ways, random email blasts. I had unexpectancy to the point where I literally got stood up at an interview. As in they just didn’t show up. And not once, but twice. Didn’t even get an email explaining or apologizing. Lots of people asked if I was upset about it. My answer? I laughed and said no. I was just mad that they wasted my time, but I was happy that it happened early in the process so one, they wouldn’t waste more time and two, it showed me how that company runs. Not exactly my cup of tea.

Anyway, that’s just a quick backstory and a tidbit of my experience. There’s more to it, but that’s not why we’re here. When it comes to applying, interviewing, and accepting jobs, there are just a few steps :) I’m going to try to go in order of the process throughout this blog. Hopefully it makes sense.

PSA: Obviously I don’t know everything there is to applying and interviewing, and everyone has a different experience. I am just sharing my opinion - I’m not an interviewing genius.

First step, resume and cover letter.

Not everyone will ask for a cover letter, but you better have one prepared. I had three different cover letters focusing on different things. One was more communications, one was more creative, then one was a mix. Since my interests were all related in a way, I would not recommend or do that again. Just make the one cover letter and include everything on it. Go ahead and and brag about yourself. You don’t have to make it so focused on one “type” of job. That is unless you have two VERY separate interests. For example, if part of you wanted to be a home builder and the other part wanted to go into sales. Then yeah, I would consider making two cover letters so you can specify exactly why you’re interested and why you’re the right person for the job.

Consider posting an “I’m on a job search” post on LinkedIn. Any professor will more than likely share it - and I will too. *I wish I did this*

The LinkedIn algorithm is a funny thing. The hashtags work, the suggested for you works, the shares work, the likes and comments work. TONS of people will see your post, even if it’s not totally interacted with. When ready to put it out to the LinkedIn universe, give a quick update about how your semester is going and end it with, “I’m starting the job hunt.”

This only applies to Benedictine people, but network on the Raven Walk. ESPECIALLY if you’re staying in the KC area.

Ravens are EVERYWHERE. If they didn’t go to BC, they had a cousin who went to BC. If not a cousin, it was a friend. We may be a small school, but our community is huge. Find me on the Raven Walk and let's chat :)

When you’re looking at the job descriptions, keep in mind or write down things you like and don’t like about the job. That way when you do get an offer or interview with another company, you can talk about your interests, your responsibilities, and your contract.

Once you’re in the interview process, it’s all a comparison game. You may have a job that is paying you a little more, but your responsibilities aren’t what you’re looking for. You’ll have to consider taking the lesser paying one for your own happiness (and sanity).

Stay realistic about your abilities, time, salary, etc.

The last thing you want is to show up to your job and realize you are in over your head. Then, imagine having to go to your boss and say… “Uhhh yeah I don’t know how to do this.” You don’t want to waste anyone’s time, including your own. Or maybe you can’t do the 9-5 thing. Be upfront when looking for a part-time job. Lots of companies need workers, show that you’re capable of getting a lot done in a short amount of time.

You may need to be a little more “broad” in your job search. Employers tend to put EVERYTHING they can think of that you MIGHT do in the job description.

Example, if you see two big, overwhelming responsibilities on the list, don’t be afraid to apply for the job. Everything can be talked through during the interview, taught after you’re hired, and systems changed once you’re in the office. Everything is situational. You have to trust your gut and be honest when you make it to the interview process.

A similar situation like this happened to me only two weeks into the job. My responsibilities grew in a snap of the fingers. On paper, it was totally overwhelming. But after a quick reset, a talk with my manager, and planning session, I was ready to conquer this change head on. So just remember - everything is going to be OK.

Even if you don’t think you qualify, still apply.

Obviously there are some limitations to that, but don’t automatically set it aside. This is literally how I got my job. I found BY Design and Staging Studio through Indeed, but it was for the Creative Director position. There is NO WAY I was ready for a position like that, but I still applied to get my foot in the door. And look at where that got me.

If you do have a specific company that you’ve heard good things about like (their story, brand, location, benefits, etc.) make sure you look for jobs actually on their website and not just a job board site.

Some companies don’t utilize job boards. Or some companies specify more about the job description on their actual website. No matter what, you should be going to their website to get a feel for their brand and voice. I bet it’ll get you brownie points in the interview.

Interview 101: You’re going to get no’s, but you just gotta shake it off and tell yourself it wasn’t meant to be.

This is the suckiest part, but also the part where you will find growth. There is more to getting a no from a company than you being “unqualified.” You’re going to get no’s that aren’t even personalized to you. That will hurt and only cause frustration… trust me. Lots of tears have been cried. But again, you just have to keep going. Make sure you are being proactive. You have to WANT the job to GET the job. Make sure you’re networking. Find and connect with people part of the company on LinkedIn. Make it known you researched the company. Prepare to ask questions during or at the end of the interview. Those are only a few things that could turn a hiring manager off if not done.

So APPLY APPLY APPLY. There is no such thing as applying to too many jobs. I applied to 48 jobs total… and that was just on Indeed. Out of the 48-ish applications, I got six interviews. Which leads me to my last point, it’s ok to be excited about an interview! Talk about it, research the company as much as you can, interview like you already have the job, show that you’re excited for this position. This is a big deal and a huge step, be proud of yourself!

Lastly, I believe in you. So believe in yourself. Chin up and attack this head on. Be proactive. I’m here for you. You can do this!

Stay golden,

M