2017 is almost over!
As 2017 draws to a close, you are tired from coursework deadlines, job hunting and a very strenuous Michaelmas term. It’s enough to make you want to forget all about placement hunting over Christ-mas and down mulled wine while watching endless reruns of Home Alone in front of your parents’ fire instead.
So, how can you spend the last few days of 2017 making sure that you can find your placement in 2018? By following this 12 days of Christmas action plan.
Day 1: Update your CV
Make sure you rewrite and tailor your CV to each job application. Always think about what the recruiter wants to find out – and give it to them early. Most recruiters scan CVs, spending less than 15 seconds on the first page, so get to the good stuff early. You can find the CV Writing guide on the Lancaster University Careers Website, and loads of great templates on www.targetjobs.com. Once you have updated your CV you can then ask Lucy Hutchinson to review it for you, email fassplacements@lancaster.ac.uk
Day 2: Plan your approach
Rather than simply firing off application after application, compare what you want to do with what you are qualified to do, and what you will really enjoy doing.
Day 3: Use the internet
If you haven’t begun looking for placements on Rate my Placement, LinkedIn™ and TARGETjobs, you are missing out. There are hundreds of placement opportunities being advertised across these platforms, so take advantage of these websites and read the organisations profile before submitting your applications.
Day 4: Make contacts
Chatting to recruiters informally at Careers Fairs and Workshops, and keeping up to date with their companies is a great way to find out about jobs before anyone else. Get on Twitter or LinkedIn™ and connect with them. Be useful, link to interesting news and ask questions.
Day 5: Clean up your act
Increasingly recruiters are looking at your online presence and will Google your name, so make sure you keep those dodgy Facebook pictures private. Look through your online history – you’ll be surprised how much you want to hide.
Day 6: Relax and reward yourself.
It is still your Christmas break! Enjoy a day off from the placement search and have some me-time; watch a film, fill up on festive food, see you friends or even just sleep!
Day 7: Research a lead
You have found a job you like, make sure you do your research thoroughly. Look through the company’s media centre and see what it has been up to in the press. Read articles about the sector it operates in. Be critical. Think about what you would do to improve the business.
Day 8: Be resilient
It’s easy to be downhearted over Christmas if your job search isn’t going well. Don’t take rejection personally and remember that a recruiter’s needs change, so that no could become a yes.
Day 9: Update your wardrobe
Sometimes you need a treat and Christmas is the perfect time to do this. Make sure you’re ready for a potential interview by dressing smart and feeling good.
Day 10: Broaden your horizons
You are probably already looking for jobs in the specific sector you are interested in but have you considered looking for the same roles in a different sector? Looking for communications roles in film production companies is all well and good but remember that large organisations also have media and communications departments which will offer widely transferrable experiences and training opportunities!
Day 11: Set your 2018 goals
Make your New Year placement resolutions early. Don’t forget to make social, personal and money goals too, and review them monthly.
Day 12: Relax
You are now prepared for the January job hunt. Grab a mince pie, it’s Christmas!
Happy Christmas from the FASS Placements and Internships Team
🎁🎄 🎁