6 key steps for college students looking for jobs

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Since most recent graduates lack job-seeking experience, they may be overwhelmed by the numerous tips and strategies available online and not know where to start their job search. The author has written this article to provide a brief overview of the job-search process. Generally speaking, there are the following steps in seeking a job: Step 1: Career selection and positioning. What is career positioning? It is related to career planning; that is, one selects industries and positions based on factors such as their academic background, work experience, interests, and personality and ability traits. What information do you need to know? About yourself: What do I want to do? What am I suited for? What are my strengths? About the career: What are the main tasks involved in this profession? Which majors are typically sought after by employers? Do I possess the necessary skills? How to obtain this information: Think for yourself; consult older people or those who are more experienced, and listen to their advice, especially to find out what kind of jobs people with the same major end up doing; search the internet for career assessment tools, and use simple assessments to understand your personality and skill tendencies; turn to professional career planning services, where a career counselor can help you determine your career path. Step 2: Understand job-seeking methods and search for job listings. Once you have determined your career direction, you can gather job information through various channels. Where can one find job listings? Job search websites, the recruitment sections on companies’ own websites, career fairs held by well-known companies, local job fairs, the employment counseling center at one’s own university, asking relatives and friends, asking current employees of the company (many companies have an internal referral system), and job listings in newspapers and magazines. There are a few things to keep in mind: it is necessary to screen the information carefully, as the content available on the Internet and at job fairs varies in quality, with many false listings and recruitment traps; therefore, one must be careful in selecting the information. It is also important to choose authoritative and professional job search websites. Posting one’s resume online carries certain risks, as personal information could be exposed, so it is advisable to use authoritative and professional job search websites when looking for jobs. Step 3: Prepare a resume and cover letter based on the job requirements. Many articles have already been written on how to craft a resume, so no further explanation is needed here. A complete resume should include: a Chinese-language resume, a cover letter, copies of certificates showing proficiency levels, copies of awards, and evaluation reports. An English-language resume may be included depending on the situation. As for where to submit the resume, job websites or company websites usually provide email addresses, so it is possible to send the resume by mail. At job fairs, the resume can be handed over in person. If sending it through someone else, make sure it is a trustworthy person to ensure the resume reaches its destination. You can also contact them by phone or arrange a meeting directly with the HR department. Tips: Write your resume according to the requirements; first browse the company’s job postings and then tailor your resume accordingly, emphasizing that your experience and skills meet the job requirements. This will increase your chances of getting an interview. Regarding resume submissions: when sending a resume by email, try not to use attachments. Due to the widespread spread of virus-infected emails online, many HR professionals refrain from opening attachments; therefore, resume details should be included in the main body of the email, with the subject line indicating the position for which the application is being submitted. Step 4: Interview. A few days after submitting your resume, you may receive a call from the company informing you of an interview. Before the interview, it is advisable to gather as much information as possible about the company’s cultural background, product operations, recruitment process, and salary levels for similar positions. If it is a well-known company, one can also find online experiences of other people who have gone through interviews, as well as tips on interview skills, etiquette, and appropriate attire, in order to overcome feelings of nervousness and shyness. 　　Some suggestions: This perspective might help you overcome anxiety – an interview is a two-way selection process; your task is to find out more thoroughly whether the position is suitable for you and whether you like the atmosphere at the company. Even if you fail, you can use it to gain experience, identify your shortcomings, and prepare for the next interview. As you interview with more and more companies, your ability to handle interviews will improve. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait until you have gone through a few interviews before submitting your resume to the companies you are truly interested in for an interview. During the interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions; it is advisable to inquire about the career development and promotion paths for this position, as well as opportunities for further education. This not only helps you get to know the company better but also leaves a good impression on the HR staff. Step 5: Signing the contract – After passing multiple interview rounds, the usual next step is to sign an employment contract. It is recommended that you learn some basic legal knowledge regarding labor contracts before signing, such as the probation period and leave policies. The new Employment Promotion Act was enacted in early September, introducing many provisions beneficial to job seekers, which can be roughly understood. Here, graduates are reminded that it is illegal not to sign a contract during the probation period. The duration of the probation period varies depending on the length of the contract. Graduates who work in small companies should be especially vigilant against probation period traps, such as using cheap labor under the guise of a probation period or having indefinite probation periods. Final step: Entering the workplace. The most difficult period has finally passed; signing a contract marks the end of the job search process, but it is merely the beginning of another journey. Starting from the probation period, you truly say goodbye to campus and step into society, beginning your career journey. At the beginning of your work, it is recommended that you learn work methods and interpersonal skills, accumulate experience to improve your capabilities, and review the first step in order to plan your career. The job search is over.