1. make a company list. make a comprehensive company list. look through all directories (government sites, sector sites, job listing sites, dmoz and alike...) and newspapers -look for companies that plan to invest more-, and write down all companies that you see worth giving a try. then segment them: a)companies you would die for b)companies you could do with c)companies that you could work not to starve
2. see if you have any contacts within these companies. spread the word to find one. ask all your virtual and real friends for opportunities.
3. make a job list. make a comprehensive job list. segment them: a)jobs you would die for b)jobs you could do with c)jobs you would take not to starve. create a matrix table with the companies on the y axis and the jobs on the x axis.
4. see if your top wanted companies have open positions that you want. if they are not listed, ask your contacts. if you don't have any contact names, directly call the company -in the order that you want them- to see if your kind of positions are available. for this, look for contact names on the internet so that phone operators take you seriously. any news with the name and surname would do. if someone takes your call, ask politely if it is a good time to call them. be an enthusiast but don't be an aggressive intruder. state your name, current position or graduation degree before indicating your interest. checking to see if your CV has safely arrived at the human resources' mailbox is a good enough excuse to call. make sure your voice sounds colorful, make rehearsals if you need to. if no one takes your call, simply call again.
5. record all steps you took and all steps that you will take on your matrix.
6. when you are called for an interview date setting, make sure you take the name of the person who'll interview you and the position that you are called for. this is vital. storm the internet and look for any details you can find about the person, the company, the sector and the position. memorize the mission statement, the products and the business methodology. know exactly who and what you are dealing with.
7. search for "interview questions" on the internet. %80 of them are standard. collect 20-30 questions and write down long essay answers to each of them by giving it at least a few day's of thought. recall all your life and write down any single bit of activity you have put your hands on and see if they are worth mentioning. searching through your email archive would help. and it's not only your internships that count. if you somehow sold thousands of beer only at one night as I have, put it in, anything that has a story would do. show your essay questions to people you trust and preferably employed, ask for their opinions.
8. search for "interview questions" of that specific company that has scheduled an interview with you. take rumors seriously. especially for brainteasers, there aren't many around.
9. rehearse your answers in front of a mirror, several times. don't try to memorize but make sure you know what type of answers you'll give so that you don't get stuck. be ready for questions that you didn't prepare for. you can shape your essay-answers to fit them when asked. all questions are asked to see what you have to offer, and what you have to offer should be clear in your head.
10. wear simple, quality and most importantly comfortable clothes for your interview. meditate to relieve stress if necessary. taking deep breaths will do. remember, your value is what you believe it to be, it's not how the interviewer makes you believe it to be. it's never your last change so feel free to get rejected. but when you do, always ask why you did get rejected. there might have been a misunderstanding, or the least you learn where to build upon in your next interview. go to as many interviews as you can without questioning if the company is in your most wanted list or the least. any experience is gold for you. keep the business cards you're given safe. you might need it years later. don't forget to send thank you notes after the interview.
