Feeling a bit stressed about job searching? You’re not alone. Recruiting can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right prep, you’ll feel ready to dive in. Here are eight essential tips to help you get career-ready and make a strong impression as you start your job search.
Before diving into applications, take some time to reflect on what you want in your first role. Consider:
Having clear goals helps you target roles that match what you’re looking for and guides your job search with intention.
Your resume and LinkedIn profile are often your first chance to make an impression. Use them to showcase real-world skills that make you unique. Tailor each resume for the role you’re applying for by including keywords from the job description, and keep LinkedIn updated to showcase externships, internships, or class projects that had an impact.
Extern Tip: Ask friends who have successfully navigated the job search to review your resume for insights. Getting a perspective from someone who’s already achieved what you’re aiming for can be invaluable.
Connecting with people who are in the roles, companies, or industries you’re interested in is one of the best ways to learn about opportunities and potentially secure referrals. Don’t be afraid to reach out through your school’s alumni network, ask friends for introductions, or connect via LinkedIn. These conversations will be key to getting you insight into roles and career paths that interest you.
Extern Tip: Start small—reconnect with former classmates, colleagues, or join on-campus networking events. Networking can be one of the most impactful steps in your job search, so dive in and see what you can learn.
Hands-on experience—whether from Externships, internships, or project-based work—gives you an edge in the job market. Certifications and online courses are helpful, but it’s practical, real-world experience that shows employers you’re ready for the challenges of a full-time role. Any project-based work experience can show you’ve had a real world application that gives recruiters more confidence in your career readiness.
Extern Tip: If you haven’t had an internship, consider part-time roles, research assistantships, or Extern’s project-based experiences. These are great ways to gain real-world skills to highlight in interviews.
The job search can become overwhelming quickly without a clear plan. Set a schedule that includes dedicated time for researching roles, applying, and following up. For example, block off an hour every other day to reach out via LinkedIn if you’re prioritizing networking and an hour every day to research roles and companies. Prioritize roles that genuinely interest you over casting too wide a net. Quality applications tailored to roles you care about are far more impactful than sending generic applications.
Interviews are your chance to showcase who you are, so practice makes perfect. Prepare answers for common questions and have examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. Mock interviews with friends and mentors can provide valuable feedback.
Extern Tip: Ask friends or mentors to share the toughest questions they’ve faced in interviews and how they would approach them differently. These insights can give you extra preparation for unexpected questions that get thrown your way!
Go beyond the “About Us” page to understand a company’s values, recent projects, and industry challenges. Follow companies on LinkedIn, their social media, read news articles, or attend webinars and events they host to get a deeper insight. Tailoring your application with specific knowledge of the company can make you stand out.
Extern Tip: Once you know who’s interviewing you, research your interviewers as well. This is where connections you made during networking can come in handy. Those individuals can often share deeper insight and give you better guidance on what you should be prepared for.
It may seem obvious, but staying organized with a central place to track applications, interview dates, and follow-up tasks is essential. Use a spreadsheet, set calendar reminders, or try an app to manage your progress. Keeping track of these details helps you stay on top of your job search without missing deadlines.
Extern Tip: Follow up with people and say thank you to anyone you connect with through this process. A brief and even short thank you note goes a long way, it can make a really positive lasting impression and show your enthusiasm and thoughtfulness.
Preparing for full-time recruiting as a senior may seem overwhelming, but remember that this is just one step in your career journey. If you put in the time to prepare, you’ll walk in feeling confident. Take it one step at a time, stay focused, and remember: each application is a new opportunity to move closer to your career goals.
Good luck and reach out if Extern can ever be additionally helpful in your job search!
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