Ika Janiszewski, First Year Advisor

After four years of university, many students aspire to start full time work in amazing companies all over Canada and the World. And while this is 100% possible, navigating the path to landing that dream job is not without its challenges. My main hope is to help you prepare yourself for recruitment season efficiently and effectively, with some helpful tips no matter what industry you are planning to pursue.

1. Keep an Open Mind

It’s easy to fall into the trap of finding one job posting and pinning all your hopes and dreams on that job. While that may be a great position, it may not work out for you in the end. Keeping your options open, and always looking for new positions, is a great way to make sure you don’t miss something even better, and to have a backup plan just in case.

two businesswomen shaking hands2. Network, Network, Network … and then Network

While shaking hands in networking circles and handing out business cards is a great place to start, networking goes so far beyond that. Chatting with your professors, classmates, upper years, TA’s, bus drivers, Starbucks Baristas; that’s all networking. You never know when someone you have made a positive impression on will come across that job you have been looking for. Make sure those connections are strong enough that you will be the first person they think of when that opportunity passes across their desk.

3. Have a Resume Ready (and a Cover Letter Drafted)

Having a resume is great, but unless it’s Fortune 500 ready at the drop of a hat, is it really ready to go? Make real-time updates to your resume based on your most recent experiences, thoroughly proof read it after every edit, and get some expert advice on it (see point 5). That way, if you only have a few days to apply for a job that catches your eye, you will have something ready to go that you will be proud to submit.

4. LinkedIn is Your New Best Friend

Whether recruiters are looking at your LinkedIn or you are using the platform to connect with industry professionals, making your profile as polished as possible is key. Upload things like presentation materials, past projects, and photos to make yourself unique. Keep it up to date, and please spell check everything you write. This page does the talking for you when someone takes a look at it; make sure it’s saying the best thing possible.

5. Use Your Resources: Visit the CDC

The Career Development Centre (CDC) is an amazing place for everything you could possibly need to assist with your career search. From checking over resumes and cover letters, to mock interviews, sample questions, and industry specific advice, the experts in their fields are there to help you out in any way they can. Even if it’s a simple question, or you are just starting out on your journey, booking an appointment with them is always a great idea.

6. Prioritize Personal and Professional Development

Whether this is through getting involved (see Guide 4), attending conferences or personal development sessions, or learning new things on your own, never stop challenging yourself. You never know what you may learn or what experiences you may have that will give you an edge over your competition in the interview room, or make you a well-rounded colleague in the office.

7. Breathe

I know this may be hard to do sometimes, especially when it seems like all of your peers are landing full time jobs or internships, but it’s actually really important! Everything that is meant to be will fall into place, and the position you get will bring you benefits and challenges that you may not have even considered. Everyone’s journey is different, but it is the little steps in the right direction that will eventually add up to get you where you need to go.