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The college recruiting season is like a football game. It's divided into two halves.
The first half of the recruiting season is the fall semester. Firms and students try to be as successful as possible before halftime (Thanksgiving Break).
During halftime, which is from about Thanksgiving to the beginning of January, firms evaluate their performance, look at their stats, and refine their strategy for the second half.
The second half is the spring recruiting season.
As you enter halftime of the college recruiting season, you may be discouraged at your fall semester performance. You may still be looking for that internship or full-time job.
Here are 5 possible reasons why your perfomance has sufffered and some suggestions to kickoff the new year.
How many companies did you talk to at job fairs, company days, student group meetings, classroom presentations, and responded to online job opportunities in the form of newsletters or job boards? When I ask job seekers this question, inevitably it is really small compared to how many firms come on campus. In the second half, you must cast a wider net. You cannot be picky. Open up your offense.
From the above question, how many companies did you apply to during the fall semester? Again, the number is woefully low. It's like dating. The more people you ask out on a date the better your chances. Are you afraid of the potential rejection? Don't be. It's part of the job search process. Do not take it personally. Follow up with all those recruiters you are meeting by applying for the job.
If you are applying to companies and you are not getting a first-round interview, then it's usually a sign there is something wrong with your resume. It could be any of the following - low GPA, not enough experience, lack of leadership activities, grammatical mistakes, poor design and format, etc. Get others to review your resume. Volunteer for a student organization. Study.
If you are receiving first-round interviews and are not getting second round or on-site interviews, then it's usually a sign that you are performing poorly in the interview. Perhaps you are not prepared, have not researched the company, nervousness consumes you. Practice. Role play with your friends. Conduct a mock interview. Have stories and questions ready to share.
If you are getting second round interviews and not offers, then it's usually a sign that someone else is simply better. Do not be discouraged. It's like you are an Olympian, but you did not get the Gold Medal. Perhaps you just were not a fit or someone else was slightly better. Keep doing what got you there in the first place. Don't give up.
During your academic breaks, prepare for the second half of the college recruiting season by incorporating these suggestions into your career game plan. The game is not over. There is plenty of time remaining to get an offer.
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