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Job hunting tips for students don't have to be complicated. If you're juggling classes, side gigs, or just trying to get enough sleep, you're not alone. Finding a job as a student—especially in a competitive city like Downtown Los Angeles—feels like a full-time job in itself. But the good news? It's totally doable. All it takes is the right mindset, a bit of strategy, and the ability not to panic when someone asks, "So, tell me about yourself?"
Let's talk about what really helps you land that job when you're a student: from knowing where to look to making a resume that doesn't scream "I just graduated." Whether you're aiming for internships, part-time jobs, or stepping into the professional world for the first time, these job hunting tips for students are here to save you time and stress—and maybe your sanity, too.
Before you hit “apply now” for the 50th time today, let's be real. Job hunting is like dating apps. You swipe, send out a few feelers, try not to sound desperate, and hope for a decent response. So instead of just applying to everything you find online, here's how to actually play the job-search game like a pro.
If you've never worked a "real" job, that doesn't mean you're not valuable. Have you led a group project? That's leadership. Helped a friend move and organized the whole thing? That's logistics. Babysat your neighbor's kids every summer since you were 14? Boom—responsibility. Employers love soft skills, so own what you've done and explain it like it matters—because it does.
You don't need a three-page resume full of buzzwords. Keep it tight. Focus on what matches the job. Tailor your resume for every application. Yes, it's annoying, but it works. No, your part-time job at the fro-yo place might not scream "marketing coordinator"—but the customer service skills? Very relevant.
Good tip: Use action verbs. "Managed," "organized," "coordinated"—they all sound stronger than "helped" or "did."
You know those cover letters that start with "Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest..."? Yeah, toss that. Be real. Show you've read the job posting. Say why you want that job at that company. Make it personal without being a weirdo. Nobody likes a copy-paste job hunter.
Every campus has some kind of career center. They're like cheat codes for job hunting. They'll help with your resume, interview prep, and even connect you with alumni. Plus, some companies go straight to colleges looking to hire. So take advantage of that. You already paid for it in your tuition.
Networking doesn't mean awkward small talk at stuffy events. It's just connecting with people. Talk to professors. Chat with classmates about their side gigs. Join clubs and organizations related to your field. LinkedIn is useful, too—just don't use a selfie as your profile pic.
And don't be shy to reach out to students. People love helping students—mostly because they remember how hard it was and want to pay it forward.
Your LinkedIn should show your face, your story, and your skills. Keep it clean and professional, but make it humane. After your projects. Comment on stuff in your field. Follow companies you admire. You'd be surprised how many jobs come from “I saw your post on LinkedIn…”
They might feel like speed dating for jobs, but career fairs are goldmines. Show up, dress like you care, bring resumes, and ask questions. Pro tip: research companies beforehand so you can skip the awkward “So, what do you guys do?” conversation
Sites like Indeed, Handshake, and LinkedIn let you set up alerts. Use them. Customize them. That way, you're not wasting time sifting through jobs that have nothing to do with your major—or worse, ones that require 10 years of experience for an entry-level role. (We've all seen those.)
Don't wing interviews. Practice. out loud In front of a mirror. With friends. Know the company. Know why you want the job. Have questions ready. And for the love of snacks, don't just say, "I'm a hard worker." Give examples.
You'll get ghosted. You'll get rejections. You might even bomb an interview. That's normal. Keep going. Apply again. Keep learning. Stay curious. You're not behind—you're in progress.