Know What Jobs Interest You
If you aren't sure what positions would be a good fit with your interests, consider an informational interview to talk with a professional in your field of interest. JagJobs offers ways to connect with professionals via the Alumni Mentor Database. The Alumni Mentor Database is your link to the professional working world. Hundreds of successful professionals in a variety of fields have volunteered to give you insight into how they transferred from the role of student to professional—and the best part is that all of these professionals were in your shoes at one time so they are familiar with the unique challenges that an IUPUI student could face.
Know Your Potential Employer
If you are getting ready to apply to an on-campus position, visit the office or departmental website on IUPUI.edu. Learn about programs or initiatives going on in that area. This will give you great talking points in an interview and show that you are very interested in the office or department. If you are applying to an off-campus employer, learn about the company. Know what their main focus is and talk with anyone who is familiar with that organization. It is important to understand the business of any organization you apply to. This will help you make a well-informed decision on whether or not a job is a good fit for you and your career interests.
The Application Process
The application process will vary for each employer, but most employers these days will use some sort of online or automated process. Since you may not have direct contact with a hiring manager or HR representative, it is important that the information you provide in an online application is complete and accurate. Most positions will ask you to submit a resume in addition to an application. Having a well-formatted and detailed resume will make you stand out from other applicants. Be sure your resume is in excellent shape by reviewing our tip sheets and checklists in the Resources link to the left. If you're not sure how to use a resume to showcase your qualifications for a position, we can help! Call us at 317-274-0857 to schedule an appointment.
Follow-Up
Once you have applied for a position, the communication you may receive from an organization can vary greatly. Some may have an immediate need to fill a position, so they may contact you quickly if you are a qualified applicant. Other companies may recruit on a rolling basis, meaning that they hire throughout the year and want to keep applicants in the pipeline. This could result in you not hearing back from a company for a long time, if at all. Don't be discouraged! Having a follow-up plan in place will keep you in the loop on a job status. To follow up with an employer, it is first important to get some contact information. Sometimes, when applying for a position, a job posting may have a contact name or e-mail. Be sure to keep track of this information. A week or two after your application was submitted is a good time to follow up. If you have a phone number, your call could go something like this:
"Hello. My name is <Your Name>. I am calling about the <job title> position that I applied for a week ago. I want to check on the status of my application for this position."
Some employers will be able to provide an update, such as where they are in the hiring process. Other times, you might not get much information at all, but at least you have expressed your continued interest in the position.
If you do not have a contact number, but an e-mail address, you can follow up via e-mail with a message similar to this:
"Hello.
My name is <Your Name>. I recently applied to the <job title> position that was posted on your website. I am very interested in this position and want to check on the status of my application.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
<Your Name>"
A great way to land an interview is to make sure you follow up after submitting an initial application. A quick e-mail or phone call to check on the status of the position is a great way to keep your name at the forefront and to express your continued interest in a position.
If neither an e-mail or phone number is provided, this means the recruiting process is most likely all online. In these cases, you should receive an automated message confirming that your application has been received.
The Interview
Preparing for an interview is just as important as the application process. This is your chance to make a first and lasting impression on a potential employer and an opportunity to show them why you would be a perfect fit for the job. Know the skills of the job and have examples to share of your experiences that are relevant to their needs. Check out the Resources link to review commonly asked interview questions. Practice your responses to these questions so the interview goes as smoothly as possible. If you have never interviewed before, this phase of the job search can be nerve-racking. Visit us for a mock interview. You can practice the interview process and get feedback to help you succeed in your actual interview. Our front desk can set you up with an appointment: 317-274-0857.