Job boards may be an obvious starting point, but they aren’t the only way to find a placement. Many organisations never advertise placement opportunities, instead responding to students who take the initiative to network and reach out pro-actively. This is known as the hidden job market and tapping into it can help you uncover opportunities that aren’t publicly visible.
Most organisations aren’t actively recruiting… until they are.
Australia’s economy is made up largely of small and medium-sized businesses, local councils, community organisations, private practices and not-for-profits. A clinic, a marketing agency, a local manufacturer – they might all benefit from passionate employees. But many of them don’t recruit students through formal campaigns.
An email that starts a conversation
Sometimes a proactive mail is about starting a conversation. Because professional relationships often begin with curiosity. Talk about your goals, your life and why you are interested in that organisation. It’s less about asking for a job and more about presenting yourself. And sometimes, both sides can see the value and proceed towards a firm offer.
Here is the biggest mistake students make
Cold or speculative applications aren’t just about carpet bombing every recruiter in sight. A few but thoughtfully researched emails will almost always have more impact than a generic message. People can always tell when you’ve chosen them.
Smaller logos, bigger opportunities
It’s easy to be drawn towards the biggest names in your industry. Everyone wants to work there. But some of the richest placement experiences happen in smaller businesses. Here, you get access to senior managers, get noticed and learn more. These experiences then go on to become the stories you tell in interviews years later.
Confidence comes before opportunity
Hate approaching someone who doesn’t know you? Remember, every professional you’ve ever admired has had to introduce themselves to someone at some point. Learning to put yourself forward is a career skill in itself, and one you’ll use long after your placement has finished.
Finally, you aren’t alone!
La Trobe’s Career Ready team can help you identify opportunities, review your resume, provided access to resources to help you make making professional contact and prepare for placement. We have your back as you put your best foot. To learn more about how to create your own opportunities, join an upcoming webinar on 8th September.