By: Flavio Diaz

In the world of career development, interviews can often feel like venturing into a haunted house, filled with eerie uncertainties and unexpected surprises. Just as a brave soul would prepare for a spooky adventure, students need to be well-equipped for the challenges that come with the traditional recruiting timeline. This blog post will shed light on the various ways you can navigate the ominous world of interviews and emerge victorious in your quest for a career.

1. Master the Art of Resume Resurrection

Before you even step into the haunted forest of interviews, you need to ensure that your resume is polished and ready to rise from the dead. Revamp your resume, highlighting your skills and experiences that are relevant to the positions you’re applying for. Make it so impressive that it could wake the dead (employers) from their slumber.

Check out: Resumes | Resumes & Interviews | Career Center | DePaul University, Chicago

2. Summon the Spirits of Networking

In the world of job hunting, networking is your magical spell to conjure opportunities. Attend career fairs, join LinkedIn groups, and reach out to professionals in your field. The spirits you summon might just lead you to your dream job. Remember, it’s not what you know, but who you know in this eerie world.

Read more about networking here: DePaulCC-14-Networking101.indd

3. Haunt Your Virtual Presence

With technology playing a significant role in recruitment, your online presence is critical. Cleanse your social media profiles and ensure they reflect your professional persona. Employers often search for you online, and you wouldn’t want any ghoulish content to come back to haunt you.

Check out: DePaulCC-43-DressForSuccess.indd

4. Poltergeist-Proof Your Interview Skills

Interviews are the ghosts that you must face, and they can be quite intimidating. Practice your interview skills by scheduling mock interviews or using BigInterview prep tools. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when the time comes to face the ghosts of the hiring committee.

Learn more about BigInterview here: Interviews | Resumes & Interviews | Career Center | DePaul University, Chicago

5. Beware the Ghosts of Procrastination

Time management is essential, as missing application deadlines can be scarier than any ghost. Create a timeline for each application, and stick to it diligently. Procrastination is a spirit that haunts even the best candidates, so exercise discipline.

Get organized with this template: DePaulCC-23-OrganizingJobInternship.indd

6. The Curse of the Ghosting Employers

After you’ve cast your spells in the form of job applications and interviews, be prepared for the possibility of employers ghosting you. Don’t be disheartened; it’s a common occurrence in the job market. Follow up politely and, if they’re still unresponsive, move on to the next opportunity.

7. The Elixir of Patience

In the haunting world of job hunting, patience is your magical elixir. It may take time, but eventually, the right opportunity will cross your path. Keep refining your skills and learning from each encounter with the supernatural job market.

As you embark on your quest for a career, remember that the path is filled with eerie encounters, but with the right strategies, you can conquer the challenges that lie ahead. With a polished resume, a strong network, and well-practiced interview skills, you’ll be better prepared to face the unknown. So, embrace the spooky journey of career development, and may your next job be the perfect treat, without any tricks.

In the world of interviews and job hunting, the right preparation can make all the difference. So, arm yourself with knowledge, and may your career development be as successful as a ghost hunter capturing spirits on Halloween night. Happy haunting – in the best possible way!

Best of Luck,

Flavio

Business & Entrepreneurship Career Coach

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Feeling lost and don’t know where to start? DePaul’s Career Center, your professors, and your budding professional network are your trusty sidekick in this adventure. We’ll show you how to find your guiding star, from sharpening your pitch to finding internships and building a killer network.

 Book an appointment with Flavio, or another member of the advising community through Handshake, or by calling the front desk at (773) 325-7431.