How do I apply to big companies off-campus?

This answer focuses on how you can use your networking skills to find a good job.

Major off-campus recruits at top-notch companies are primarily done through referrals.

You'l really need to reach out to people for this to work.

1. Find out where your college batch-mates are working. Can they refer you for any opening? Ask them if they have heard of any opening. Drop them a line, just a reminder, every 2-3 weeks, just so that they don't forget.

2. Reach out to your friends who you left behind in school or previous institutes. Ask them where they work. Can they refer you for a possible opening?

3. Ask your parents for help. Do they have any family, friends, old acquaintances who can help out in the referral process in any way they can? Generally if they cannot, there will be some connection to someone, working where you'd like to work. Dig deeper. Ask your parents' friends if they know anyone. Also, ask your neighbours, people who you know live around your locality. Your mother's friend's son or daughter could be working where you'd like to.

4. If you are familiar with your college seniors, keep in constant touch with them and follow a similar technique as point 1 above.

5. Ask your juniors. Yes, juniors. They might have a relative/ room-mate/ sibling/ cousin who works somewhere. This will definitely be a humbling experience, but hey! You want a job. Why not show you're willing to do whatever it takes?

6. Are there any events happening in your city, which directly relates to your profile? A seminar, workshop, anything? Attend them. Initiate conversation with people. Don't immediately ask for a job position they know of. Don't sound desperate. Don't fret. The moment you fret they'l want to avoid you. There goes a possible opportunity!

Ask them what they do. Where? Look up their websites. Does the company have any opening? Apply directly in their Careers section.

If you hit up a good rapport with the person, ask them how they applied to their job. If they ask why, state clearly and confidently that you are looking for one and would want their advice on how to approach it. Repeat the same process with more number of people. You'l definitely meet someone who can refer you somewhere, or guide you, at the very least.

7. You can also ask your professors if they know of anyone who could refer you.

Apart from all this, definitely keep all your online social networks up to date. This means your entire professional life till date, all your academics, a profile photo for sure (not a selfie!), a link to your blog (if possible). LinkedIn being the highest priority, followed by job portals like Monster, Glassdoor, and the like. Also make sure that you point out in the headings that you are looking for work.

Example: Graduate student looking for internships/full-time positions in your preferred working field>.

The biggest challenge during off-campus placements is networking.

Whatever I've mentioned above are my personal experiences of getting a job off-campus. Most of them didn't work. But I learnt so much from each and every call, each and every application, that when I got an interview call from a desirable organization, I knew how to communicate to them that I'm one of the best people for the job. And really, I did get a profile related to my choices.

Résumé-polishing, writing good cover letters, making my application stand-out, they all played a part in getting the top prize. The best part is if I'm ever forced to look for another job on my own, I know how to go about it. That's one of the biggest advantages an off-campus placement can give you. You won't be afraid of losing your job any longer. Because you know the subsequent solutions that can get you back on track quickly!

The very best wishes to you!