It’s that time of year again. Summer is a time of year full of road trips, holidays and festivals. Unfortunately, these things require money and the students who want to embark on these adventures are infamous for being in a perpetual state poverty. The end of the university term sees many feeling like lost sheep now that those dreaded early starts are over. The food cupboards are looking bare and those coveted festival tickets are looking out of reach. It’s time to start job hunting.
Job-hunting can feel like an impossible and tedious feat at the best of times and in the current economic climate, they are not easy to find. Getting a job during the summer can be beneficial in a number ways. Primarily, your bank account will thank you- I can promise you that! Gaining experience will be valuable for both your sanity and your CV, as you will keep busy whilst earning yourself a bit of extra experience and money.
There’s no way to sugar coat the fact that job-hunting isn’t the most thrilling of activities. Every application is different and this can be incredibly frustrating. Many are online applications, which can take you through what seems like thousands of steps before you even upload your covering letter. Try to persevere. Although it may be incredibly laborious, it may enable you to go to that festival or go on that holiday that you were dreaming about when you were supposed to be revising.
Here are some tips to keep you sane whilst you’re applying for jobs:
- Update your CV: Ensure that your CV is up to date and that you’ve listed each of your previous jobs and work experience placements. Employers aren’t likely to take you seriously if it hasn’t been updated since you first wrote it
- Make a list: Every application is different but most of them will want to know what skills you have. Have a list beside you as you apply which lists you skills, talents and strengths and this will make the application process quicker. You’ll be able to simply scan your list for things to put on your form rather than having to wrack your brains for hours upon end.
- Keep a record: Make sure that you keep a record of all the position that you apply for, with the contact telephone number written next to them. There’s nothing worse than receiving a call from a company who want to interview you and then panicking because you can’t remember where you applied.
- Proofread: Grammatical mistakes in either your CV, covering letter or email to the employer will reflect badly on you. The employer’s first impression of you will be made based on these items and any mistakes will be noticed and scrutinised.
- Patience and perseverance: Waiting for replies to job applications can be both frustrating and nerve-wracking but try to be patient. Be aware that many places may to take a while to reply or you make not get a response at all.
- Stay positive: Rejection is never a nice thing but try to remind yourself that this was a learning experience. Although it is disheartening when your application is rejected, you need to remind that this was an experience, which allowed you to practice your application skills.
- Be realistic: Apply for jobs that are realistic to your current circumstances. There is no point applying for a job if there is no possible way for you to work and back home again safely. You may also need to consider whether the hours are suitable for you. Overworking yourself may earn you enough money for that holiday, but what use is that if you’ve run yourself down by working too many hours? Be realistic.
Overall, the main thing to remember is to keep trying. Although with every application there is a chance that you may be rejected, if you don’t apply then there is no chance that you’ll be accepted. Have your end goal in mind whenever you’re applying for jobs and this will serve to motivate you through the application process. Good luck!
Written by Chloe Heyde | Grads Blog
