Job Search Tips
This blog was written by Peer Career Ambassador, Yuwei Zheng ’22
The job search process can be both exciting and stressful. A successful job search requires taking initiative and finding ways to stand out. It is more than seamlessly clicking the apply button and uploading your resume. Rather, it is an active process that involves meeting with career advisors and connecting with industry professionals.
Explore and discover your interest and passion
Before searching for a job, it is important to develop an understanding of yourself. Begin with a self-assessment of your personality, professional skills, interests, and values.
You can start by asking yourself some questions like:
- What do I value the most when it comes to selecting a work environment? Do I like ‘open skeptic’, individual-focused, no-walls, mutual-feedback, or unified environment?
- Which type of company or corporation attracts me the most?
- What skills or qualifications do I offer?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What can I contribute to the job environment?
Knowing yourself is the first step to a successful job search. By doing so, you can narrow down your job search and effectively manage your time. After a self-assessment, take some time to explore and identify companies that fit your interests and skills. You can access job listings on Handshake, a platform that offers a range of employment and networking opportunities targeted to Babson students.
Research: “Do your homework”
When searching for a job, it is important to know the company and what is required of the position. Knowing the company means understanding its mission statement, culture, latest news, history, and the management team. It also means performing extensive research on the industries and employers that interest you.
You can research the company by:
- Visiting Employer websites
- Following the Employer/Company that interest you on Linkedin and Twitter. Linkedin and Twitter allow you to see who in your professional network can help you to learn more about the company and industry.
“Do your homework” will help you tailor your resume and build your professional brand that will make you stand out from other applicants.
Connect: Build a professional network and understand the industry
Building connections is about communicating with people who have similar interests with you and can assist you in your job search. Having a strong professional network allows you to obtain up-to-date information about the industry, and make informed career decisions. This means a strong professional network is the most valuable asset as you try to search for jobs. You can build a professional network by:
- Using LinkedIn and taking advantage of the resources that CCD offers.
- Attending professional networking events such as Information Sessions, Industry Spotlights, Career Expo, Career Fair, Industry Panel, and other career-related events (check out Handshake for upcoming events).
- Using Babson Connector to reach out to Babson Alumni and learn more about their experience.
Achieve: Make it happen
Lastly, get your resume in prime shape through utilizing the platforms that CCD offers (such as CareerBean, VMock, Handshake, and Babson Connector) to your advantage.
- Platforms that professionalize your resume and cover letter, and assist you with job search:
- Handshake: an online platform with a range of networking opportunities specifically targeted to Babson Students
- Vmock (NEW!): Uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to give instant resume reviews.
- Career Beam: Prepares you for each phase of career development (self-assessment, career skills & tools, and industry research)
Get advice from CCD and explore CCD resources:
- Connect with CCD to get personalized advice regarding job/internship research
- Drop-In Hours: Monday through Friday from 1:30 – 4:30 pm for resume, cover letters, and quick questions.
- Make an appointment with CCD Staff and Advisors on Handshake for Internship/Job Search Strategy