After finishing university, there is a big step ahead all of us: finding a job. During our studies, we may have made some connections which we may find helpful for this time. Even if we did not manage, contacting our dream firms is not a bad idea. However, one ought not to do it recklessly. Being bold and contacting employers is great, but one should really prepare beforehand. Thus, here is a useful list of dos and don’ts:
Dos
- Do Your Research
- Understand the Employer: Know the company’s culture, values, recent achievements, and challenges. Tailor your approach accordingly.
- Know the Role: Have a clear understanding of the graduate program or job role you are interested in.
- Personalize Your Approach
- Customize Your Communication: Tailor your resume, cover letter, and any other communication specifically to the company and role.
- Address the Right Person: Find out who is in charge of hiring for the graduate program and address your application to them directly.
- Network Strategically
- Leverage Connections: Use LinkedIn or alumni networks to find connections within the company who can provide insights or referrals.
- Attend Events: Participate in career fairs, webinars, and networking events where company representatives might be present.
- Be Professional
- Formal Communication: Use professional language and formats in your emails and documents.
- Polite Follow-Up: Send a polite follow-up email if you don’t hear back within a reasonable time (usually one to two weeks).
- Prepare Thoroughly
- Know Your Value: Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for the role and how you can contribute to the company.
- Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions the employer might ask and prepare thoughtful responses.
Don’ts
- Don’t Be Generic
- Avoid Mass Applications: Don’t send the same resume and cover letter to multiple employers. Personalization is key.
- Don’t Use Generic Greetings: Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.” Use specific names whenever possible.
- Don’t Be Overbearing
- Avoid Excessive Follow-Up: Following up is important, but don’t be overly persistent. One or two follow-ups are usually sufficient.
- Don’t Demand Immediate Responses: Be patient and give the employer time to review your application.
- Don’t Be Unprofessional
- Avoid Casual Language: Even if communicating via email, maintain a formal tone.
- Don’t Use Unprofessional Email Addresses: Ensure your email address is professional, preferably just your name.
- Don’t Neglect Details
- Avoid Errors: Proofread all your documents to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes.
- Don’t Forget Attachments: Double-check that you’ve attached all necessary documents before sending an email.
- Don’t Misrepresent Yourself
- Be Honest: Don’t exaggerate your qualifications or experience. Be truthful about your skills and accomplishments.
- Don’t Omit Relevant Information: Ensure all relevant experiences and skills are included in your application.
