Job Hunting during Semester Break for College Students

Job Hunting during Semester Break for College Students Job Hunting during Semester Break for College Students It can be very challenging for college students to find the time to job search during the semester. After all, they are busy with academics, athletics, co-curricular activities, volunteer work, internships,  and a busy campus social life. In addition, for students who want to work  summer  or  post-graduate jobs  in locations far  from their campuses, it is hard to travel to these places to network and/or interview during a busy semester. Therefore, the semester break can be an ideal time to ramp up the job search. Students are not busy taking classes during this time, so they have a chance to take the steps needed to land a good summer or post-grad job. So, what can students (often with the help of families) do to capitalize on this window of opportunity? Here are ten tips for how best to job search during the semester break. How to Use the Semester Break for Job Hunting 1. Target Locations Where You Would Like to WorkIt can be fun to think about where youd like to spend your summer or start your career. Once you have a location of interest,  search for job openings  in that location and apply to as many opportunities as possible. If the location is far from your school, let employers know that you are available during break for an interview or even an informal meeting (if they are not yet conducting formal interviews). This strategy will be particularly important if you will be abroad during the semester and not available to meet with employers during that time. 2. Find Companies Youd Like to Work ForSince many jobs will not yet be advertised, it is  equally important to identify employers in fields of interest even if you havent seen any job advertisements from them. You can use  local chambers of commerce  and employer directories as well as a variety of  other resources  to research companies in your field. 3. Connect With EmployersOnce you find companies you are interested in, send a  letter of interest  and  resume  or even visit some local organizations and inquire about summer or entry-level opportunities. Traveling to check out new locations can be exciting. Think about family and friends in those areas who might allow you to stay with them for a couple of days while you conduct your meetings. 4. Build a Career NetworkSemester break is an ideal time to reach out to contacts in locations, fields, and organizations of interest. Use  informational interviews  to ask them for advice about your search, information about their field, and suggestions about jobs and internships. These meetings can often lead to job referrals and are a critical piece of any summer or entry-level job search. 5. Tap Your ConnectionsAsk your  college career  and/or  alumni office  for a list of contacts in fields and geographic areas of interest. Parents can help by pulling together a list of family contacts to approach for informational interviews. Send a  letter  via email or old-fashioned snail mail to these people telling them a little about what you are up to in your life and include a request for an informational consult or referrals to any of their contacts in areas of interest. If the letter is to a family contact, include a current photo â€" old folks love to see how youve grown! 6. Attend Holiday GatheringsTake advantage of any  holiday gatherings  to talk about your situation and ask for advice and referrals. You will be amazed at how helpful these family friendlies can be with  your job search! 7. Set Up a Job ShadowIf you identify any people eager to help, consider asking them if you could  shadow  them or a colleague over break. A shadow experience will give you great insight into the field and the opportunity to meet and make a favorable impression with lots of people on the inside of that organization. 8. Attend Job FairsCheck to see if there are any  job fairs  in your area over break and attend if possible. Ask your college career office as well as local chambers of commerce for suggestions for local or popular fairs. 9. Use Social MediaUse the break to create or update a  LinkedIn profile, search for a  networking group for your college, and/or ask your career or alumni office for suggestions. Identify industry groups for fields of interest and join them if they are open to students. Reach out to people in these groups and ask if you might meet with them for an informational consultation to learn more about their field. 10. Target Spring Campus RecruitersIdentify employers who will be visiting  your campus to recruit  this upcoming spring, then compose drafts of  cover letters  and revise your  resume  in anticipation of their visit. Professionals in your colleges career services office will often be available during break to critique your letters from a distance. If you spend a couple of hours each day over break carrying out these types of activities, you will still have time to decompress. Youll also relieve some of the pressure of the upcoming spring job search.