Recruit Like a BA: Tips to Secure Your Dream Job

Whether you are searching for a full time job or internship, recruitment is intimidating! Especially when it begins so early in the academic year. I've been spending the last couple of weeks trying to navigate the recruitment season, and I've picked up on some tips and tricks along the way. Let's tackle this together!

(Disclaimer: My advice is in no way perfect, but even if it helps a couple people, that's all that matter to me.)

Start with your resume

No matter what position you are applying to, they are going to request a copy of your resume. This is arguably the most staple part of your application, and the scary part is that it will be reviewed for only a handful of seconds. This is why you have to make it stand out!

Don't be discouraged by your experience (or lack of it)

It is easy to feel unqualified for these amazing opportunities on the market; however with this mindset, it won't be your experience that hurts you. You must be confident in your ability to fulfill the position roles and learn what you may not know now. After all, your imagination is your only limitation!

Use the Action - Context - Result method

This resume technique was not something I was aware of until I attended Michigan Advertising and Marketing club's professional development workshop. Basically, this method forces you to (a) lead with an action verb (b) describe your action and (c) conclude with the action's result. Example provided below.

"Secured over 300 new leases between three lease terms through providing important information via in-person/phone tours and off-site promotions to future residents, resulting in $4,939,450 worth of revenue"

Reduce any white space

This is a small detail; although, it can make a big difference in the appearance of your resume as a whole. You want to fill out your bullet points to complete the entire line of paper. With the white space, your experience may seem more skim even if that was not your intention.

For creative roles, jazz up the design

I have been applying to both business and creative roles recently, so I have created two different resumes to fit both position's aesthetic. This is something advanced you can do if you want your resume to stand out. Make sure that you do not overdo the design while ensuring the information is clearly stated.

Add hyperlinks

This was one of the best suggestions that I've gotten from a mentor. I added a link to my LinkedIn, portfolio, and a video that I created. Incorporating hyperlinks allows recruiters to easily select your content and see more about who you are.

Next Step, LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become an integrated platform for recruiters, and you should use it your advantage! It has many underutilized features that recruiters love to see.

Always fill out your position descriptions

Not only does it fill out your LinkedIn profile, but it also can save you a step in an application process. Many positions allow you to directly add your LinkedIn profile, so it can automatically input the work experience fields. This makes applying much easier and cohesive.

Customize your profile banner photo

Some people opt to leave the standard LinkedIn banner, but it is in your best interest to change it! The banner image does not have to be anything extraordinary. I would suggest using a photo that describes your interest or experience. It is also nice to see a photo of your current city location.

Use the featured section

The featured section is new to LinkedIn, and it lets you pin posts, links, articles, or images to the top area of your profile. This is a great opportunity to showcase any awards or accomplishments that may have been lost in your previous activity section.

Change your headline

LinkedIn will default one of your position titles as your headline; however, recruiters highly suggest that you change this. The LinkedIn search will automatically consider your titles when recruiters search for new hires. Instead, you should detail this section with how you brand yourself, what you're passionate about, and where you see yourself going.

Request recommendations

Do you have a esteemed previous employer that would write you a nice review? Ask them via LinkedIn. Doing this will verify the skills that you brag about in your profile and increases the likelihood that recruiters will believe you. Now, you can even send a request directly from the LinkedIn profile.

Refine your cover letter

Cover letters can be often overlooked by applicants, but it is highly suggested that you always submit one. Outside of your resume, this is the one other document that a recruiter will see to get a good sense of who you are and what your passionate about. Overall, USE THIS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!

Make it your own

This is your time to shine! You get to brag about what makes you a great candidate for the position and how you can validate that. I always like to show a bit of my personality to catch the reader's attention.

Use the job description

Recruiters love to see specific traits in your cover letter that are taken from the job description. They want to see that you meet the criteria for the type of person they are looking for. Obviously, do not take it word for word, but show them that your skills align with those required of the position.

Make it easy to customize

More times than not, you are going to be submitting a handful of cover letters, and it can be difficult to constantly change the wording. This is why I suggest that you make a cover letter that speaks to the specific job, but can easily be changed to align with your other options.

Now for your search

The recruiters aren't the only ones in control. This is your time to figure out what fits you best and where you see yourself working. Be in control of your search and here's a couple ways how you can do that.

Narrow your list

Sometimes it can be extremely tempting to apply, apply, apply without second thought of who you actually applied to work for. I suggest that you focus in on 4-5 top positions you really want. This gives you more time to invest in researching the company's guidelines and be better prepared for an interview.

Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you have to too

Here at the University of Michigan there is a big push towards the CPG industry. It seems like everyone has applied to Kraft-Heinz or P&G. I discovered early that this type of marketing was not best suited for me - and that's okay! Be real with yourself or you will easily get discouraged.

Network, network, network

As daunting as it is, networking is an essential part of securing an internship/full time role. Not only do you get a better feel for the company's work culture, but it also gets your name out there. Employees will remember you and are more likely to boost your name up the totem pole.

Decide on your title and dream companies

There are two easy ways to find a position that best suits you: through searching opportunities with specific companies or specific job titles. It is important to consider what is important to you with a job search. For me, I tend to search for companies that I enjoy using and could easily endorse - typically their websites have a career page that will tell me if my ideal role is available.

Now, go out there and crush it like a BA! Be confident in yourself, and I know you will land your dream job.

With love, BA♡