Hello, college students (or even some high schoolers?)! Today, we’re here to teach you about the right time to start your virtual job search this year and what to do to get it initiated. If you fit the profile of any student candidate seeking a full-time position or internship for the upcoming winter/spring/summer and/or fall, then this article is for you! Keep reading to find out when you should be starting your online job search… 

Starting the Job Search…

• As Early as Possible! Yes, that’s correct! If you have not yet started sending out applications, go ahead and do so today. Getting your name in the door or starting to reach out and utilize your network is essential to getting through the application process. Especially for our business-focused majors, job deadlines approach as quickly as mid-September, so make sure to stay in line with timelines so as to avoid being swept away by lost time.
• Do Your Research: You absolutely must conduct research about all job opportunities! Many campuses offer a variety of resources to students where they can access specifically curated jobs for your campus. For example, Handshake is a common website where companies are given the opportunity to post their job opportunities to an online platform for college students. Applications may be as easy as clicking a button and submitting a resume – so make sure to exhaust all options here!
• Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Even if you feel that you will be able to produce an elevator pitch on the spot, we encourage you not to do so. With phone calls and interviews naturally come nerves, and nerves may lead to filler words, stuttering, stammering, and unprofessionalism when not practiced in advance. Keep your elevator pitch short and sweet, but definitely to the point! Include your year in school, major, potential interests, and if there is time, a short reason as to why you were drawn to the company you are speaking with.
• Plan an Interview Outfit: Although over a screen, we hope that your physical appearance will still treat virtual interviews as if they were regular, in-person events. Showcase your dedication and care for presentation by dressing in business casual or professional clothing. Even if we’re all communicating solely through the online format, you’re guaranteed to help yourself stand out by treating all interactions as if they were the exact same as in-person. You’ll be surprised by the extent of commonalities between the two formats, so the more you prepare, the better.
• Be Ready Early: To anticipate inevitable technical challenges, like wavering Wi-Fi, poor connection, etc., make sure to log on much earlier than the anticipated interview so as to be able to mitigate as many barriers as possible.