Job Search: Strategies I wish I knew before starting my MBA

My job search began in April/May and is still going on. Here are a few things that worked for me and a few things that didn't. Hopefully they can help you with your internship/job search as well.

What worked:

1. A different resume format. Most top schools have a resume format they want you to use, and you should use it for all on campus search. However, I did not really like that format and always thought that if a recruiter gets sooo many resumes with the same format you are just losing your chance of standing out. I decided to go with a different format for all my off campus search. I got much better response after I switched the format to a one that was more aesthetic.

2. LinkedIn. I cannot emphasize enough the important of this website. It is THE MOST IMPORTANT resource you have available. I would say even more important that your school's career website. The first thing you need to do is to make a profile that is professional and get some recommendations. I got so many profile views after I updated my profile and got recommendations. Upload a professional (but not geeky) picture of yours and add as many people as possible. Your linkedin profile should tell a consistent story. For example, if you are interested in product management, join prod mgt related groups on linkedin, your previous job titles and job desc should be prod mgt like. You will miss out on a few opportunities that are not prod mgt, but trust me this way you will get better leads.

3. Cold Calling. I looked up people on LinkedIn and started emailing them. I used a simple 3 line email - Hey I am a recent grad interested in XX position at XX company. I wanted to speak with your regarding this opportunity... thank you appreciate your time kinda ending. Thats it!! It worked wonders. I got so many calls I had to increase my cell phone plan.

4. Do something different. If you are are looking for jobs in the tech industry, don't be afraid to do something that's different and unconventional. I started a blog hireanshul.com. Most people are like no thats nor professional or whatever. The truth is I get so many views because of this blog, I have also received emails from HR people saying they liked my blog. Its a good way to be different. A blog might not be the answer to your problems, but try to find something that is different and creative. I am not sure if this would work for ibanking or consulting. You might want to talk to those people before doing something like this.

5. Location. If you are a tech person - SFO is the place to be. Most people won't even look at a resume if it has an out of area address. For finance its NYC, for oil and gas Houston. Find your location and look for schools there. The reason they don't look outside is cuz there cities are very big and have plenty of talent. Why would they hire someone and pay them for relocation when they have someone local available?

I will post later about the problems I am facing. Hope this helps. Keep these things in mind when choosing your school as well.