Expect to pound the pavement, attend job fairs, build a network, and hone your resume if you want to get noticed and stand out in a good way.
It may have looked great on your business grad school applications to list all of your extracurricular and volunteer activities, but an employer wants to know specifically how you'll make a contribution to their team. That's not to say that you can't apply for jobs that aren't directly related to your major, but
something on your resume, or in your interview answers must indicate why you are a good fit for that particular position/company.
The fact is, many job openings are simply not posted on online job boards, but that doesn't mean that your dream company isn't hiring. Sending out letters of interest along with your resume is a good way to at least be brought in for a meeting, get on the radar of and connect with
someone at the company, or even be put at the top of the pile should a position open up.
When you're applying for a job, take the time to find out the name of the hiring manager (“to whom it may concern" is an instant turn off!). Then, be sure to read the listing and match your qualifications and experience to what the company is looking for in terms of their needs. It will show that you went the extra mile.
Don't be afraid to venture outside of the few companies that you've imagined yourself working for. Consider the possibilities across other industries, too. The key is to put yourself out there, but in an intelligent, well thought out way.
You might think a killer LinkedIn profile is all you need to look good to a potential employer, but think again. Many recruiters and HR professionals will Google you, check out your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts, and even dig up nasty comments you left on
someone's blog two years ago. Keep a clean digital footprint, or it will come back to haunt you.
There's no such thing as overdressing for an interview. When in doubt, go with the suit and tie, even if you suspect a more casual workplace environment. This applies to on-campus career fairs as well. Showing up in jeans and a college sweatshirt will not leave a favorable impression of you as a potential employee.