Getting an On-Campus Job: Five Tips for Your Job Hunt
If you will be starting college this fall, you may be wondering what you are going to do for money while you are in school. While many students these days take out loans not only to pay for the cost of school and living expenses, the fact remains that getting a part- or full-time job during school can help you to avoid excessive student loan debt in the long run while providing you with work experience that can be helpful later. If you are considering the option of getting a job while in school, you may want to begin by looking at getting an on-campus job. Here are some tips for your job hunt.
Keep an Open Mind
While you may be set on working in a specific department or building on campus, it is important to realize that you will have a much better chance at being hired if you apply to any and all jobs that are available. This means applying for jobs beyond what you are the most interested in; after all, a job is a job, and you may very well end up getting hired and discovering a new passion or interest you did not know you had.
Follow Up with Potential Employers
Every time you submit a job application on campus, be sure to give them a couple of weeks to respond or call you for an interview. If you do not hear from them within those couple of weeks, follow up with them personally through a phone call or letter. Some employers actually wait to see who has the dedication to follow up before they schedule interviews.
Get Resume Help
Putting together a resume can be a real challenge, but it is something that almost all employers will expect if you want them to take your application seriously. Consider consulting with your school’s writing center or career assistance office to get help putting together a professional resume and cover letter for job applications and ensure that your resume is versatile enough to apply for various jobs.
Be Professional
If scheduled for an interview, show the employer that you take it seriously by dressing professionally and arriving on time. Consider buying some great interview clothing like those from reemclothing.com. This will automatically get you and the employer off to a good start and increase your chances of being hired.
Provide References
Even if you do not have directly related work experience, being able to provide your potential employer with a list of references is a great way to show them what a great worker or student you are. Consider referring the employer to past managers and supervisors in addition to teachers, but exclude family members and close friends.
By following these steps, you can find an on-campus job in no time. Good luck!