The internet has become a fundamental part of the job search process. As a result finding a job has become easier and more difficult at the same time! The Career Center has developed the following strategies to help you in your job search process. Use these strategies as a place to start then schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor to talk more about your job search.

QUICK LINKS

Resume, Cover Letter, List of References are required (target the job!)
Job Search Resources
Job search websites
Management Leadership Development Programs – entry-level programs
Networking
Interviewing

THE JOB SEARCH

Things to keep in mind

1. Job search takes time.
2. Be proactive – Make your own ‘good luck’.
3. Use a variety of methods.
4. Take one thing at a time – there are lots of places to look; it can be overwhelming
5. Stay positive.

Tools you will need:

1. Resume, Cover Letter, References – TARGET YOUR RESUME TO THE JOB
2. Use our Job Search Organizer to help you keep track of your activities – to who have you sent resumes, follow-up, etc.
3. Review the Interview Guide for interview tips.

Your Career Counselor says… Be sure to read all the directions, companies can easily eliminate candidates who have not followed the necessary directions to apply to their posting!

GENERAL JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

1. Let people know you are looking for a job: • Family, friends, professors, current job/internship employers, etc. This is known as your “network”.

Networking is the most effective way to find a job.

2. Plan your Personal Pitch.

“What would you like to do?” • Help others to help you by indicating something you are interested in, whether it is the skills you would like to use, an industry, job title, or the tasks of the job If you say you are open to “anything”, this does not help them, or you. Imagine telling the waiter you’ll take anything on the menu…..you may not really like what you get.

Some jobs are directly related to an undergraduate major, most are not. • Knowing the names of entry level job titles may help with your search.

Find entry level job titles related to majors: http://content.monstertrak.monster.com/tools/careerconverter/

3. Begin the job search process:

• Job openings are found in many places.
• This fact alone makes the search seem overwhelming.
• Take one resource at a time, and focus on that.
• Keep track of your search using our Job Search Organizer
• Set goals and time limits for your internet search.

Use our JOB SEARCH RESOURCE  page for helpful materials including:

• Pepperdine Resources
• Advertised Job Sources
• Hidden Job Market Sources
• Resources for compiling a list of potential employers.

4. Apply to a job posting

• Follow the directions when applying. (on-line application tips)

• Make sure your resume is targeted to the job. Confirm that the skills and qualifications the company seeks, and you have, is incorporated into the resume.
• Use the job posting as a guide to writing your cover letter. Consider what the employer is looking for. Write the letter to an individual whenever possible.
• When submitting an online resume be sure the document has your name. For example “RogerEagerResume.doc” or “REagerResume.doc” This way the employer can easily access your resume

• Employers may not be able to open PDFs so we recommend sending your resume as a word document, RTF, or secured word document

• Are you a Windows Vista user? Make sure your sending your file in a universal DOC format.

• When sending a hard copy of your resume, use resume paper.