Job Tips

Step 1. Self-Assessment

• Evaluate interest, opinions, strengths, weaknesses and goals
• Define career objectives
• Unique qualities and characteristics and skills
• Consult with Career Services (Make an appointment for counseling, testing and placement assistance)
  

Step 2. Examine Job Descriptions

• Look at job descriptions to identify best match with interests, desires, goals, and abilities

Step 3. Develop Job Search Objectives

• Initially be broad and flexible on how to achieve objectives

Step 4. Examine Job Market and Assess Opportunities

• Look to see what jobs are available
• College Placement Annual at Career Services
• Consult with faculty, local businesses, annual reports, business magazines
• Weekly Wall Street Journal Employment issue and Thursday edition
  

Step 5. Develop Search Strategies / Contact of Companies

• Job Fair
• On campus interviews
• Personal contact
• Networking with faculty, friends, employers, alumni, and referrals
  

Step 6. Develop Resume and Cover Letter

• Market abilities, education, background, training, work experience and benefits, personal qualifications and unique experience (travel, languages) in a one-page document resume
• Cover letter should be: individually addressed; personal, professional, and interesting (it should sound original, honest, and eye-catching)
• Follow-up with telephone call; write out an outline of points to cover in the call--make a list to use as a guide
  

Step 7. Obtain Interviews (valuable learning experience!)

• Before Interview:
  • Be ready for any style and flexible
  • Dry run with other students, with critiques
  • Prepare five questions not answered from company literature
  • Anticipate questions and prepare answers
  • Avoid back-to-back interviews (it can be exhausting)
  • Arrive 10 minutes early to collect thinking, reduce stress and review major points
• During Interview
  • Firm hand shake, introduce self--following interviewer form - dress well, smile, be positive and flexible, look the person in the eye
  • Remember first impressions are the KEY to the next step
  • Have extra copies of resume and portfolio of accomplishments
  • Present yourself with key selling points - concise, brief description
  • Take the initiative with questions - find out what you want
  • CLOSE
    • interested in position, enjoyed interview and can I contact you later with additional questions?
    • Obtain business card
    • When will a decision be made?
• After Interview
  • Record key point of interview e.g., decision date
  • Objectively analyze interviewers' questions, comments, and responses
  • Send thank you letter with additional comments and willingness to meet again; see the company and keep the process going
  • Write, call to determine status 2-3 weeks after thank you letter