Tips for Getting a Job Anywhere (2/4)

This post is part two of a four-part series on getting the job you want.

6. Start using LinkedIn.

Most recruiters are on LinkedIn now and they use it to supplement (or verify) the information from your resume. Once you have cleaned up your resume, make sure it is also cleaned up on LinkedIn. Make sure you have a professional looking picture also.

7. Research the people who will be interviewing you.

If you can get the names of the people before your interview, use LinkedIn and Twitter to get a feel for their job history, personality, and interests. You can use this information to help connect during the interview.

8. “I choose Business Ethics…”

OK, so maybe Billy Madison did not understand business, but you’re probably going to work for a business or institution that relies on funding when joining the aerospace/space science field. Being good at your job is key, but you’ll get bonus marks if you understand how businesses or research institutions actually function from a monetary perspective. This could be a good topic to discuss during your informational interviews (from part one).

9. Start your summer internship search early.

This is probably one of the last things you are thinking about as classes start in the fall, but a lot of companies start their intern recruiting efforts around September-October for the following summer. There are lots of reasons for this, but start your application process early to have the best chance of getting the one you want.

10. Be a task rabbit

Really think about the specific types of tasks you like to do in school to understand what type of job you want. Like creating CAD models? Apply for design jobs. Don’t want to be put in a specific area? Maybe a systems engineering or safety engineering role could be a better fit for you. Love uncovering new information and writing papers? Look for roles in research institutions.