Career and Placement Services shares best practices when applying for your dream placement opportunity and beyond
It’s that time of year where students at the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) are applying for placement positions that will give them hands-on working experience in their field of interest and also satisfy their program requirements.
Though it might feel daunting for some, Karen Palomo, U of GH Field Placement Coordinator for students in the Business program, encourages all students to harness any anxiety they may feel to drive their efforts in finding an opportunity to pursue – one that inspires and excites them. In fact, Career & Placement Services, the department Palomo is part of, contains a wealth of knowledge and provides resources that students can rely on when applying to professional roles. This includes career counselling, mock interviews, resume and cover letter help, career fairs, the Career Support Peers, and U of GH’s own job board, GHWorks.
“I set students up for success. I make sure they know about the resources that the school offers,” she says.
To stand out from a sea of applicants vying for the same roles when applying for a placement, co-op, or internship position, Palomo wants students to know some best practices to help them shine bright.
Decide where you want to work
Knowing which area in your chosen industry you want to work in and identifying companies or organizations of interest should be your starting point. This will require self-reflection. For instance, a student might want to aim for a business role that’s then narrowed down to marketing. But what niche in that area is of most interest – digital marketing, social media marketing, traditional marketing? “That always helps because it narrows down your options, then from there, you can start refining your cover letter and resume,” Palomo suggests.
Always customize your cover letter and resume
Once you have an idea of your ideal role(s), ensure you write a customized cover letter and resume for the job description you are applying for. Avoid submitting an application that appears to be a generic template. Of course, proofread your cover letter and resume to correct any spelling or grammatical errors.
Furthermore, Palomo recommends showcasing a bit of your personality in the application, and stresses to not be shy when explaining what your skills are and why they make you a strong fit for your desired role. “Ask yourself how you can stand out to the employer,” she says.
Research the company you’re applying for
Another tip is to research the company you’re applying to when drafting a resume or cover letter. This will also allow you to be prepared for a job interview.
Palomo gives the example of popular global coffee chain, Starbucks. She says a Starbucks recruiter will ask a candidate what their favourite Starbucks drink is during a job interview. For a candidate who’s unfamiliar with the brand and its drink varieties, the recruiter might pass on that applicant for not being prepared.
Get networking
“Networking is huge,” Palomo says, “LinkedIn exists for a reason.” She suggests leveraging the professional social network to meet mentors or recruiters who you could connect with to learn about your chosen field. Reaching out to recruiters can be useful as “they really appreciate when you reach out because it shows you’re interested and willing to take that extra step.”
U of GH also has the Ten Thousand Coffees networking initiative, which connects students to alumni mentors for sage advice, industry-specific knowledge, or tips on navigating the current job market.
She also urges students to tap into the “hidden job market,” which is made up of their friends, family, or current employer. You never know who has a potential placement or job lead!
Check job postings often
Palomo says check job boards such as Indeed, LinkedIn, or GHWorks daily – not weekly – to stay in the loop with what opportunities currently exist. She encourages students to apply for as many roles as possible, while still submitting a customized application for each.
Remember: it’s never too early to start looking at roles and preparing to apply. Getting started at least four months ahead of time is a best practice, Palomo says. For instance, if a student is eyeing a summer placement, starting the search during the beginning of the Winter semester allows for more time to strategize.
Visit the Career Support Peers
Career & Placement Services oversees the Career Support Peers, a trained group of U of GH students who help others review cover letters and resumes for free. They also introduce fellow students to GHWorks if there are any questions about the platform. “The reason I think it works so well is the students work with their own peers. They’re at the same level, they can talk to them with the same language and the same style,” she believes.
Make the effort
A placement, internship, or co-op is training for the real world, so make the most out of it.
“This will get your feet wet and introduce you to the real world,” Palomo says. “Your managers are keeping a close eye on you because they might want to hire you. Act professional in the workplace, be kind to people, be polite, be professional, show up on time, dress properly, address people properly, basic things, but I think people tend to overlook that.”
To learn more about U of GH’s Career & Placement Services, click here.