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Whether looking for a job after graduation or an internship, your student can position themself to stand out from other candidates with a few simple strategies.

Career Services offers programs, training and other resources to help students find success in the job and internship search process.

Build a network

Research shows that 70% to 85% of jobs come through networking. Networking is a way to build professional relationships. Your student can find people to network with through family, friends, peers, professors, career fairs and employer events. They can connect with ²ÊÃñ±¦µä alumni using the Forever Buffs Network or .

When your student applies for a job or internship, they can ask people in their network who work for the organization or within the industry to recommend them or act as a reference. The connection may help move their application forward.

Schedule informational interviews

Your student can use their professional network to learn about an industry or organization. Career Services offers resources on informational interviewing. During informational interviews, students can meet with professionals to ask questions and deepen their understanding of a specific job function or organization.

They can ask detailed questions like, what skills does the organization value, or what is a key element of the company culture? Students benefit when they prepare to share information about themselves, including the value they can offer and the type of opportunities they want to pursue.

These meetings can enhance your student’s network and demonstrate initiative to potential employers.

Do research

Students can research the companies they are interested in by networking, exploring the company website, reviewing their LinkedIn, Handshake and social media profiles, and reading articles or other media about the company.Ìý

Students can review the company’s mission, vision and values to understand how they might fit in with that company and the value they would bring. Then they can customize their application materials to align with the company’s culture and mission.

Hiring managers value candidates who demonstrate they understand the organization and the specific job position.Ìý

Be prepared for interviews

Your student can do mock interviews using Interview Prep. The online tool allows students to practice with pre-made or customized mock interviews. During the practice interviews, students can offer specific answers based on their experience and skills. Interview Prep will record the mock interview so your student can review it and make improvements.

Students can also use the other interviewing resources offered by Career Services. They can make an appointment with a career advisor for a mock interview to help them be well-prepared. They can tie their responses to the position and company, reiterating the value they can bring that matches the company’s needs.Ìý

Interview practice builds confidence so students feel more comfortable during the interview. Then, their experience, value and personality can shine.

Set themself up for success

Putting in the extra effort will make your student stand out in the job and internship search process. Career Services connects students to the resources needed to build skills, prepare for interviews, develop a network and ultimately succeed in the job and internship search.