Resume, Cover Letter and Interview Tips to Help You Land a Student Job [4 min read]

Working a part-time job while attending university is a common practice, but with a competitive market, it can be difficult to stand out from other applicants and land the job. We’ve put together this blog to help you set yourself up for success throughout each stage of the application process. How you approach an application shows a potential employer how you might approach their job, so you want to ensure you are putting your best foot forward even in these early stages.

Top 5 Things to Consider When Applying for a Job

1. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your resume and cover letter to match the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting relevant experience and skills. If you accidentally send an employer an old cover letter referencing a different job, it will show them you lack attention to detail.
2. Understand the Company: Research the company’s culture, values and mission to ensure it aligns with your career goals and to prepare for interview questions.
3. Network and Referrals: Utilize your professional network to find connections within the company who can provide insights or refer you, increasing your chances of getting noticed.
4. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and prepare questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest and knowledge about the role and company.
5. Follow Up: After applying and interviewing, send a thank you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position.

Resume Tips

1. Tailor your Resume to the Job: Customize your resume for each application by highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. If you have old work experience that is no longer relevant to the jobs you are applying for, you can remove it from your resume.
2. Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like “developed,” “managed,” “designed,” and “implemented” to convey your accomplishments effectively.
3. Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use numbers to quantify your accomplishments. For example, “Increased sales by 20%.”
4. Keep it Concise: Aim for one to two pages for your resume. Be clear and concise in your descriptions to make a strong impact quickly.
5. Include Relevant Experience: Focus on relevant work experience, internships, volunteer work and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.
6. Highlight Education and Skills: Clearly list your educational background and any relevant skills or certifications. Include any coursework, projects or honors that are pertinent to the job.
7. Use a Clean Layout: Ensure your resume is easy to read with a clean, professional layout. Use bullet points, consistent formatting, and plenty of white space.
8. Proofread Carefully: Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes by proofreading your resume multiple times. Consider having someone else review it as well.
9. Include a Summary: A brief summary statement at the top of your resume can provide a snapshot of your qualifications.
10. Update Regularly: Keep your resume up-to-date by adding new experiences and skills as you acquire them. Regular updates ensure you’re always ready to apply for new opportunities.

Cover Letter Tips

Including a cover letter provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers, highlight your most relevant qualifications and explain why you are passionate about the role and the company. It allows you to add a personal touch to your application. Including a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates by showing your enthusiasm and attention to detail.

1. Customize Each Letter: Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific requirements of the job and explain how your skills and experience align with the role. Do not use the same cover letter for every job you apply to.
2. Address the Hiring Manager: If possible, find out the name of the hiring manager and address your cover letter to them. This personal touch can make a difference.
3. Start with a Strong Opening: Grad the reader’s attention with a compelling opening that highlights our enthusiasm for the position and company.
4. Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on your most relevant experiences and skills. Provide specific examples that demonstrate how you’ve successfully used these skills in the past.
5. Show Your Enthusiasm: Convey your genuine interest in the position and the company. Explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals.
6. Keep It Concise: Aim for a cover letter that is no longer than one page. Be clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details.
7. Use Professional Language: Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid slang or overly casual language.
8. End with a Call to Action: Close your letter by expressing your desire for an interview and indicating your willingness to provide further information. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
9. Proofread Carefully: Ensure your cover letter is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Proofread it multiple times and consider asking someone else to view it.
10. Align with the Resume: Ensure the information in your cover letter complements what is in your resume. Consistency is key.

Ace the Interview

1. Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, values and recent developments. This shows genuine interest and helps tailor your answers.
2. Practice Common Questions: Prepare and practice answers for common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you think you’re the best fit for this job?”
3. Dress Professionally: Choose appropriate attire that matches the company culture. When in doubt, opt for business formal. Do not wear jeans to an interview.
4. Be punctual: Arrive on time, ideally 10-15 minutes early, to demonstrate reliability and respect for the interviewer’s time.
5. Bring A Copy of Your Resume: Have a copy of your resume and any other required documents handy.
6. Show Confidence: Maintain good posture, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake to convey confidence and professionalism.
7. Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company to show your interest and engagement.
8. Be Honest: Answer questions truthfully and authentically. If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to admit it and discuss how you would approach finding a solution.
9. Follow Up: Send a thank you email after the interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position.
10. Reflect and Learn: After the interview, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Use this to prepare better for future interviews.