College Application Tips: Resumes, LinkedIn Profiles, and Interview Skills
Updated: 1d
Applying to college is a long process. You've heard the expression, "it's a marathon, not a sprint." That holds true here.
It's a lot more than filling out online forms and writing essays. There are some steps that will actually prepare you well for the rest of your life and career. So let's dive in.
First up, consider creating a resume and LinkedIn profile. Some colleges actually give you the opportunity to upload a resume into the Common Application. Once you've done that, it's time to learn how to do an interview. Preparing for an interview is a real skill. I've written about all three of these topics in this blog before. So take some time to read those posts which I link to below.
Clarity is the goal for college applications
College applications ask students to explain what they’ve done and what they hope to do next. That’s not easy, especially when you're still figuring things out. So think of this as preparing a simple snapshot in time. You will definitely shift and change direction over the course of your life. Nobody has it all figured out at age 18. Just ask your parents! Now keep reading below.
A high school resume is different from a job resume. A student isn't a full-grown professional. This one page document is just a way to show how you spend your time, what you care about, and where you've taken responsibility. Read more here.
LinkedIn may sound like something for adults with full-time jobs, but students can use it in a low-pressure way. A basic profile helps you learn how to professionally present yourself to the world. This is grown-up social media! LinkedIn also makes easier for admissions officers, mentors, and future employers to understand who you are. Read more here.
Not every college requires an interview, but many scholarships, internships, and honors opportunities do. Even when an interview is optional, practice helps you learn how to confidently talk about yourself.
Don't memorize perfect answers. That usually sounds awkard. Instead, practice answering common questions in a natural way. Finally, prepare some questions you want to ask an interviewer. Read more here.
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