How to get the job of your dreams!

Now nears the end of my study period. After nearly five years of political science, I hope to finish my thesis in May 2016. What shall I do after that? There are many jobs out there, but there are also many political scientists. How is one able to stand out from the crowd and have the little extra that gets you the dream job? It's not an easy question, and I don’t think there is one correct answer.

After being at the career day today, I've got lots of tips. Mainly it’s important to find jobs you’re qualified for. At least jobs that are relevant for what your have studied. Anyway it’s wise to think outside the box. The worst that can happen if you apply for a job that may not be entirely within your education direction is that your application doesn’t come through the first round. However, you can’t get a job if you don’t apply, so why don’t try!

It’s important to have good grades, but straight A’s isn’t required to get the top jobs. The way I understood it, it’s primarily students with a grade average of C or better that employers are looking for. If you have over C on average you’re still in the fight for your dream job after the second round.

In the third round, appropriate specialization and master courses are relevant. If you’re searching for a job in the communications industry it’s obviously good to convey that you have taken subjects about communications or that you have written a master thesis touching the subject.

The way I understood it, employers are more concerned with what methods you used in your master's thesis rather than the case studied. This dose not apply of course if your case study is directly relevant to the job you are applying for. To demonstrate the method characteristics you used is important.

So what about language? It’s good to know more that two languages, but some of the companies I talked to pointed out that there are more important to point out relevant work experience, for example from a country other than Norway.

In short, one should spend time presenting the best CV and application. You should not create a standard and use it for any job offers. The more specific your resume and your application are toward the job you are applying for the better. Yet it’s important not to leave out anything that is not clearly relevant. Even having worked at the cashier in a grocery store can be relevant when you’re applying for jobs for the first time.

Sell ​​yourself! Reveal the most relevant things you have to offer, and it’s good with some additional unique experience on the top, making sure that your application gets noticed.

It’s also important to learn as much as possible about the businesses and organization that offers the job. If you're specifically interested in one field the organization work with you should mention it in your application.

Before being called in for an interview, it’s wise to examine how the selection process takes place. Some job interviews are just a review of your application and a little extra talking, while others can present a case that the job applicant must propose a solution to. Sometimes there is also a section with personality tests and "IQ" tests. There are different examples on the Internet that can help you before you’re eventually called in for an interview.

It has been said that one should not dress up too much before going on an interview and it may well be some truth in it. At the same time I think it’s wise to still be careful with what you wear. First impressions are so important.

Finally, it’s important not to be sad and discouraged if you do not get the job you are applying for. One does not need to be afraid to submit multiple applications to the same employer. "It is only the third time you see a job applicant's name that you remember it," a company employee who stood on stand said to me.

One last thing! In her career day opening speech the following was said: "To you girls! Full-time is the key to economic independence and career-building ". It’s not certain that you get a 100% position on your first job, but it’s important not to settle for a 60% position for too long. It may be tempting not to work full-time if you do not have to, or have a partner who earns enough. But go a 100% into getting a 100% position!!

Good luck to you all! ☺