Job/Internship Search Survival Kit from a Current Senior
I’m sure we have all heard the sentence “The job market is so bad right now.”
And while it seems like the post-pandemic job boom from a few years ago is decidedly behind us, the situation is far from hopeless. Amid the AI-assisted hiring process and constant networking, it’s time to focus and make a plan. As a fellow job seeker (graduating in May!), here is some advice that I have actually tested and found to be effective.
1. Stop Applying to Everything. Start Applying With a Purpose
When hiring season hits, it is tempting to apply to anything with the word “intern” in it. But recruiters can tell when an application has no direction.
Try pattern applying instead:
- Choose two or three role types you genuinely want
- Look for repeated skills and keywords across postings
- Create one strong resume per role type
This will save you the mental burden of customizing your resume for each and every job. It will also give you more clarity and results!
2. Apply Early, But Do Not Rush
You do not need to apply five minutes after a job drops. In fact, many recruiters do not seriously review applications until several days in.
A smarter approach would be:
- Save the posting
- Research the organization and role
- Adjust your resume intentionally
- Apply within the first week
- Reach out to team members later to learn more about their experience and your application status
- IF you already know someone who is working for this organization, reach out to them first and ask if they can refer you!
Thoughtful applications stand out more than rushed ones.
3. Networking Matters, But LinkedIn Is Not the Only Option
This part gets misunderstood A LOT. Yes, networking on LinkedIn is important. It helps you understand roles from real people, get your name recognized, and learn how others got where you want to be.
But LinkedIn is not the only place networking happens.
Some of the most underrated networking spaces for college students include:
- Professors and teaching assistants
- Campus jobs and supervisors
- Student organization advisors
- Career fairs and information sessions
- Alumni panels and guest speakers
Networking is not asking for a job. It is building familiarity over time. A quick conversation after class or a follow-up email can matter just as much as a LinkedIn message.
4. Use LinkedIn Strategically, Not Performatively
You do not need to become a content creator, which is a trap to fall easily into.
LinkedIn works best when you use it quietly:
- Look up people in roles you want
- Study their paths, majors, and internships
- Notice how they describe their work
- Reflect that language in your resume and applications
If you message someone, keep it human: “Hi! I am a Miami University senior exploring [name the position or field]. I saw that you are a Miami alum and working for [company in the field]. I would love to hear how you got started. Would you be open to a quick 15 minute call so I could ask you some questions?”
5. Your Resume Should Show Where You Are Going, Not Just Where You Have Been
Recruiters know you are in college. They are not expecting perfection, but potential.
Focus your resume on:
- Skills you are developing
- Impact you have had, even in small roles
- How your experiences connect to this role
Yes, your campus job counts. Yes, your student organization counts. It is all about framing.
6. Outdated Advice. “Wait Until You Are Fully Qualified”
If you wait until you meet every requirement, you will miss roles designed for students to grow into. Therefore, apply when you meet 60-70 percent of the job description.
Remember: Job descriptions are wish lists. Internships are learning opportunities. Growth happens on the job, not before it.
Final Pep Talk
Be intentional. Use LinkedIn wisely, but do not forget the people already around you.
And most importantly, do not let this season make you question your worth. You are enough!
Chi Truong | Class of 2026