Summer is around the corner and for many students this means finding an internship or starting a new job. To help you approaching your future career in the best way, EM teamed up with expert career coach Marion Meizenbeek to provide you with five tips that will take you a step closer to your dream job.
1. Be aware of your strength and weaknesses
“Firstly one needs to be aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses. Moreover it is good to have a clear idea of what your values and your drive are“, explains career coach Marion Meizenbeek, “Start asking yourself which tasks you like, what you do well and what gives you fun and energy? Once you’ve answered these questions in your mind you can start to put a pitch together.” Marion advises to look up ‘elevator pitch’ on google, furthermore you can visit this website for more information about improving your strengths.
2. Compile an ideal job profile
“If you know who you are and what your skills and talents are, then you are ready to create your ideal job profile.” States Marion, “Try to answer the following questions: what would you like to do? What matches your talents, your values and your drives? Furthermore, try to find keywords and job profiles that trigger you or inspire you. Talk to people that already work in your preferred field, role or job.” Marion recommends to be ambitious but to keep it realistic.
3. Make an action plan
“If you know what you stand for and what you are going for, the next step is to make a plan. Start gathering information such as: where can I find such job? What or who do I need to find for it? Look for job posts or vacancies on jobsites and such, but most importantly start to actively network. Help yourself with social media, such as LinkedIn.”
4. Work on your CV
When it comes to job hunting, your CV is your ID. Marion suggests “Pimp your CV and use the keywords you found during step two to make it more complete. Remember to use a professional email. Another good tips is to only include relevant working experiences. Also, check out online job sites that provide you with career advices. Finally, write a motivation letter or a cover letter depending on the job you are applying for.”
5. Extra help
“Once you have completed all the above steps and still feel like you need an extra something, Marion suggests to ask for help to a career coach.
Next week, starting from Tuesday 31st the Career Week will take place on Woudestein Campus. Activities range from workshops on how to improve your CV to pitching workshops to seminars on the use of LinkedIn. Learn more about it here.
