Start School Off On The Right Foot & Get A Jump Start On Your Job Search
If you’re a student – undergrad or grad, looking to secure that perfect startup/tech internship or job – this column is for you. Going into this next school year, you don’t have to make any job search mistakes, because, guess what – I’ve made them all for you and even better, I’ve learned from them. Below you’ll find my, along with my peer’s, best practices on how to keep organized and prepare for impending job search doom. In listicle format, of course.
1. Focus
Figure out exactly what you want to do, and relentlessly go after it. Some folks might be disciplined and hardworking enough to recruit for more than one industry, but I believe you're a lot more likely to land your target job if you focus. Last year, I tried recruiting for completely different industries. Separate resumes, separate elevator pitches, separate preparation strategies – it was simply unsustainable for me. After I narrowed down the options, my job search became noticeably less stressful and I was more invested because I was actually pursuing my interests.
How:
- Guides like Wetfeet, Vault (requires login), and 80,000 hours are easy places to start. Also, speaking to people and reading will help you focus (more below).
2. Read
Warren Buffet has been quoted saying “I just sit in my office and read all day.” This thirst to learn more is important not only in life but also in the job search. Books and articles on current events in your target industry are great conversation topics during interviews and deep industry knowledge is often a huge differentiator. In many cases, it’s downright required.
How:
- Assuming you’re recruiting in tech/startups, you probably know the usual suspects (TechCrunch, Re/Code, etc.). I’d also recommend reading VC blogs (such as Fred Wilson’s, Brad Felds’) and getting newsletters like Morning Reader, CB Insights or First Round Review.
3. Network
Find the person or people who already have the job you want and get connected to them. Figure out what he/she does at both a high and day-to-day level, so that you have an accurate assessment of your current skill gaps (and so you can start to fill them in). Learn about the culture of the company, and how you might fit in. Form a relationship with the person; the more personal a connection you have to that company, the easier it will be to sell your story to the person hiring you.
How:
Start with LinkedIn and see if you have any mutual connections. Expand the search to alumni networks or common groups. Don’t forget to be humble when reaching out.
4. Extracurriculars
What are you doing outside of school this year that will make you a more attractive candidate when you walk into the interview room? Volunteer work that aligns with a company’s CSR mission? TA any classes? Teach kids programming on the weekends? Lead any student groups? In other words: what else on your resume (besides classes or work experience) signals to potential employers that you’re a good fit?
How: Find things that you like to do, that add value to your story, then do them well (but don’t overload yourself – refer to point 8)
5. Hone your Pitch
Ask yourself if your pitch matches your focus. For example, if you're an English major applying to a role at a startup, how are you translating your skills into something that a tech person might understand? If you’re an MBA trying to get in the door at Amazon, how does your experience and education align with the role in question? Shave your pitch down to around 30-60 seconds, and ensure your audience has a clear idea of why you’re there. Your elevator pitch will come in handy in many different situations (informational interviews, career fairs, etc.)
How: See below.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice
There’s no amount of luck and natural charm that will help you through the toughest interview questions. Utilize your school’s career department and get help from your friends. In tech, most firms don’t give case interviews, but that doesn’t mean you won’t ever see one (I’ve certainly encountered them in the past and failed miserably). For tech companies large and small, it’s most important to understand how the company works and be able to carry out the specific requirements of the role (whether that’s a specific programming language or industry-specific knowledge, like AdTech).
How:
- Start here.
7. Start Today
What are you waiting for? The early bird gets the job worm. After focusing, networking your butt off, perfecting your pitch, lining up one or two solid extracurriculars, and practicing, you’ll be ready to go.
How:
- Stop reading this article, and go actually do it
8. [Bonus] Relax
You’re capable and you will find something you love. I know this process can be incredibly stressful. Between classwork, extracurriculars, and recruiting, you might find yourself with barely enough time to breathe. Don’t burn yourself out. Breathe. Relax.
‘Til next time.