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Job Search Strategies

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! Use these strategies as a place to start then schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor to talk more about your job search.

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Before Your Begin

  1. Remember an effective job search takes time
  2. Be proactive - make your own 'good luck'
  3. Use a variety of job search methods
  4. Create a game plan taking one thing at a time - there are lots of places to look and it can be overwhelming
  5. Stay positive

Tools You Will Need

  • Resume: Tailor your resume to the job using the Resume, Cover Letter, References Templates
  • Job Search Organizer: Use our Job Search Organizer to help you keep track of your activities – to who have you sent resumes, follow-up, etc.
  • Interview Skills: Review the Interview Guide for interview tips
  • Attention to Detail: Be sure to read all instructions on job postings. Companies easily eliminate the candidates who do not follow all instructions

Job Search Checklist

Start Talking: This method has been proven to be the most effective way to find a job.  Let people know you are looking for a job, including your family, friends, professors, current job/internship employers, etc. This is known as your "network".

Plan your Personal Pitch: Prepare a response to the question "So, what would you like to do?".

Your response can be something you are interested in, whether it is the skills you would like to use or enjoy using, an industry, job title, or the tasks of the job. By saying  you are open to "anything", you offer them little guidance and 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.

Not sure what your interested in? Some jobs are directly related to an undergraduate major, most are not. Knowing the names of entry level job titles may help with your personal pitch.

Need Assistance? If you are not sure how to narrow your choices, Career Counselors are available to help you sort this out.

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 and set goals and time limits for your internet search.

Apply to a Job Posting: When you apply for a job, you must follow the instructions on the job posting. Here are a few more tips for this process.

  • 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.

Related Resources

Resume, Cover Letter, List of References

Networking Strategies

Interviewing Strategies

Seaver College Career Center, Tyler Campus Center, Suite 210
Phone (310) 506-4184 • FAX (310) 506-4428