Career Tip of the Week...

Job Search Tips...

With “Career Day season” coming to a close, many students missed the boat on awesome employment opportunities right here in their own back yard.  To a job seeker, Career Days are like shooting fish in a barrel…tons of possibilities all in one place…yet many of our students don’t take advantage of these events.  To those of you I say, shame on you.  If you did miss the Career Events don’t get in line for unemployment just yet.  In this week’s newsletter, we will discuss some tips on how to do the job search on your own. 

1.  Fill your “Job Search Toolbox” – You have heard me say before that looking for a job is a job in itself.  If my Dad taught me anything it was that to do a job right, you have to have the right tools.  Filling your job search toolbox with the tools that you need to get a great job is the first step in the job hunting process.  Your toolbox should include:

A.  Career goals (Click HERE for tips on how to set career goals)
B.  A strong resume (for good examples, click HERE)
C.  Interviewing skills (resources and sample questions can be found HERE)
D.  Professional image tips (click HERE for suggestions)
E.  Business etiquette skills (HERE is a good introduction to the basics)

Don’t get the cart before the horse…only after your toolbox is full are you ready to start the process.  Spend some time with the above check list to make sure that things are ready to go so that you aren’t caught off guard in the process. 

2.  Where the jobs are… – When I talk to frustrated students about the job search process, what I hear most often is: “Well, I have looked on Monster and Career Builder and can’t find anything!!”  These websites are great resources, but according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers about 70% of jobs are never posted on large job-search websites or in newspapers.  That means you have to do a little digging.  I always tell students not to keep your job search a secret…TELL EVERYONE!!  You never know when someone you have told about your job search may run into a hiring authority.  Additionally, you might identify companies that you are interested in working for and visit their websites.  Look for a link to “Careers, Jobs, or Human Resources.” Most companies are required to post positions on their company websites and will not worry with job search engines.  Your faculty members are great resources as well.  Many DSU faculty have been around for a while and are highly regarded in their fields. Finally, most simple…look below!!  The Career Services Newsletter is a GREAT resource for the inside scoop on jobs for DSU students.  Companies contact us to get the word out about their positions…so take advantage of us!!

3.  Hurry up and wait!!!… Once you have submitted your application/resume/cover letter, it becomes a waiting game.  Some employers will give you a timeline as to when decisions will be made.  In that case, no matter how tempting, don’t contact them until the date has elapsed.  Showing interest is a good thing, but the last thing you want to be is the annoying candidate who calls every 2 hours.  In the event that you feel that you should contact them again to check on your application status, a good rule of thumb is to wait one week since your last communication.  Understand that while this is a very important matter for you, it is probably one of 50 items on the employers to do list for the week.  Be patient!!!

4.  Just do it!!! – Borrowing from Nike’s slogan, just do it!  The perfect job is not going to land in your lap.  You have to put forth some effort to make it happen for yourself.   I know it is a scary thing and you might feel stupid, but put on your big boy/girl pants and get things done!  Mom and Dad are great resources to bounce ideas off of, but it is YOUR job search…not theirs!! I have had numerous employers tell me that they are getting calls from parents these days inquiring about what Little Johnny needs to do to get a job with their company…seriously!!  As you might imagine, this isn’t going over too well with employers!  Get out there!!

Looking for a job is hard work and it is never too early to start. 

Source: Jason Umfress, 2006