Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Alexandra Markin
When it comes to job hunting, there are key essentials every student must know before starting their job hunt to avoid feeling overwhelmed, especially when you’re balancing work, studies, and other responsibilities. And speaking from personal experience, diving in without preparation will leave you frustrated and stuck in an endless cycle of applications.
As a student myself who’s working full-time and studying remotely part-time, I know how limited our time really is. No matter if you’re searching for your first role or a better one, understanding these key insights will help you save time and achieve success applying in the online job market while reducing the stress of the hunt!
Essentials Every Student Must Know Before Starting Their Job Hunt
1. Keep a Positive Mindset
Job hunting in today’s market can be challenging and often feels discouraging, especially when you’re faced with rejection after rejection, and even worse – no response at all.
However, it’s essential to remember that this process is a journey, and every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.”
Know before starting down the job road that it could take quite a bit of time to get hired on. Many factors influencing hiring decisions are beyond your control, such as company budgets or market trends, so try not to take setbacks personally.
So whether you’re searching for a new job in your career field, being productive during your summer break or looking for a position to support you throughout university, focus on what you can control and stay positive!
2. Be Aware of ATS Systems
Since employers and recruiters can have hundreds of applicants apply for a single position, they use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS): a software that pulls specific data and keywords from resumes and compares them to the job description, automatically filtering out anyone who doesn’t closely match what they’re looking for.
This software scans your resume from left to right (just like reading a book), searching for the key details that identify top candidates who will pass onto the next round.
A 2019 Jobscan survey found that 99.8% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS.
To be successful in your online job search in 2024, you’ll need to know what an ATS is and how to beat it, – which means tailoring your resume for every single job you apply for. Time consuming I know, but a non-negotiable in the current job market.
For a full but concise video explanation of an ATS, I recommend watching this quick 6 minute video by Indeed.
Common ATS software includes:
TIP: How do you know if your application is going through an ATS? When you’re redirected to an online application form, check the URL to see if it contains the address of an ATS system you recognize.
3. Use a PLAIN Format
I cannot emphasize this enough. I made the mistake of using what I though was the “modern” resume: a 2-column, multi-colour design.
To me, using a plain format sounded boring and dated, but in today’s world of passing computer screening to get to a real human we need to embrace the basic.
When creating your resume in MS Word, avoid using any heavy formatting which includes:
- Columns
- Tables
- Emojis or icons
- Images
- Colour
Using any of this formatting puts you at risk for causing readability issues with ATS systems. This means even if you do have the skills and experience for the job, you resume may not be read correctly, therefore passing you over completely.
You’ll see hundreds of beautiful resume templates on Canva and Etsy but don’t be fooled – plain is the name of the game in the online job search world of 2024, so save your money (for things like new study stationary)!
4. Include a Resume Summary or Objective Statement
Placed at the top of your resume beneath your name and contact information, both a resume summary and an objective statement present your professional highlights.
A summary (also called a professional summary) highlights important skills and experiences you’ve acquired in 2-3 sentences.
An object statement is a simple statement of your career goals and is only 1 sentence long.
Always use a resume summary, unless you’re a an entry-level candidate highlighting how your education, skills and ambition can benefit the company you’re applying to.
Job Hunt Essentials – Next Steps
Job hunting is a competitive market these days, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to find a position.
If you found this post helpful, sign up for my email list below and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest to join our online student community – you don’t have to go through your study journey alone!
If you have any essential tips I’ve missed that every student must know before starting their job hunt, please share them in the comments below!
