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Steps to an Effective Job Search
1. EXPLORE, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOP TARGETS
- Effective job seekers determine which career fields are of interest and can describe how their skills relate to a given career area.
- Conduct research on various career fields and occupations. You do not need life-long goals. The immediate goal is employment post-graduation, not what you want to do ten years from now.
2. WRITE JOB CORRESPONDANCE MATERIALS
- Develop
targeted résumés and cover letters
based upon the field(s) you are pursuing and accompanying documents. Proofread all documents. Errors are not acceptable in resumes or cover letters.
- Have a career counselor and everyone you know review all correspondence with you. Opinions from reviewers will vary based upon industry, expertise, and personal preferences. A variety of opinions will help you to write a better document.
3. DEVELOP A LIST OF PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS
- Use printed directories, industry lists, and online resources to create a list people and organizations to contact.
- The Business Career Services Library contains many resources outlining employers by function
4. RESPOND & APPLY TO OPPORTUNITIES
- Submit the desired application materials to organizations that list job opportunities online (i.e. JobShop), in printed resources, and at job fairs.
- Many applications will be submitted directly through a company website…..it will be reviewed!
- Send letters of inquiry and cover letters to companies of interest. Attend events sponsored by the department and college (i.e. speakers, panels, etc.).
5. NETWORK….NETWORK…NETWORK
- Identify alumni, friends, family, and faculty. The first contact provides information, not jobs.
- Conduct informational interviews to learn more about the field. Jobs don't come to you....you go to them.
- The College has resources and programs to help you meet alumni and other professionals. Contact the Business Career Services Office for more information.
6. QUALITY FOLLOW UP
- Never assume that your documents are in the correct place. Always call or e-mail, unless directed otherwise, to find out if your application was received and to reiterate your interest in their opportunity.
- Devise some questions prior to calling as a candidate with good inquiries is viewed as a quality applicant.
7. PRACTICE INTERVIEWS
- Resumes do not lead to jobs. They only lead to interviews.
- Effective interviewing is a skill, just like writing a resume. It can be taught. Arrange a mock interview.
- Interviews are conversations that rely on preparation. Know what you wish to convey about your attributes/ skills.
8. EVALUATE & ACCEPT
- Don't worry about "what if." Evaluate your offer once it has been made.
- Determine how it coincides with your goals. Ask for an offer in writing, convey enthusiasm, and accept.
Key Advice: When looking for a job, continue to build your skills. For instance, recent graduates should volunteer, do a post-graduate internship, take one graduate class, etc. Potential employers like to see candidates who advance their skills while job hunting!
Last Updated 5/4/11
