Spring can be a stressful time for any student. From first years looking for summer work to seniors searching for long term jobs after graduation, the anxiety that comes with searching for opportunities and applying for positions is something everyone experiences. It can often feel like you have sent out dozens of applications and resumes without receiving any sort of validation from your efforts. Balancing Spring semester academic work with job hunting further complicates our lives.
Here are some tools you can use to both be a more competitive candidate and practice self-care during this hectic season:
1) Resume Building
UNC Career Services offers a great online tool for creating a professional resume. It is important to have a clean resume that gives employers the exact information needed to know what a great candidate you are. This website offers many resume examples, along with an interactive resume builder to help you stand out from the rest of the applicant pool.
2) Interview Prep
A great way to prepare for an interview is to get a group of friends together to ask each other questions. Forbes magazine has compiled a list of the fifty most common interview questions. Use this list to prepare for interviews so that you are not surprised by any questions interviewers may ask. In addition, the more you practice answering these questions, the more comfortable you will be answering them. For instance, try talking about your strengths and weaknesses in the shower. It is important to practice interview questions out loud and not just in your head so that your voice sounds confident and powerful.
3) UNC Career Services
In addition to the handy resume builder, UNC Career Services offers a wide variety of tools that students can use to maneuver the job/internship market. From part-time job listings to information sessions on applying to graduate schools, this office can really relieve some of the springtime stress you may be experiencing. They even have reservable Skype interview rooms to ensure a quiet space with strong internet connection. Check out their website for a list of events and other services.
4) Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers private and group counseling to all students. Located on the third floor of the Campus Health building, CAPS has walk in hours from 9am-noon and 1pm-4pm Monday-Friday. No problem is too small! Anxiety and stress surrounding academic life and the job search is no joke, and the counselors at CAPS can help students work through their concerns and create action plans so that students can feel in control of their responsibilities rather than dominated by them.
5) Friends and Support System
There is pressure as a UNC student to seem put together and on top of your game at all times. But guess what- you are not alone! Chances are, a lot of your peers are feeling the same springtime stress you are experiencing. Get together at your favorite frozen yogurt shop or at a campus event to help each other to stay calm and well during this time. Self-care is pivotal! Don’t forget to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally during this hectic season.
Check out campus events held by the Carolina Union
Or spend a night enjoying the performing art series at Memorial Hall
Get out that extra energy at a group fitness class on campus
UNC Healthy Heels 