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Finding a Job
- Strategies
Strategies
Networking: 75% of people find jobs through networking. Since only 10-15% of jobs are actually published or advertised, networking is the only way to get to unadvertised positions. Networking is NOT calling everyone you know and asking for a job. Networking is learning about the job market and increasing the number of contacts you have.
Responding to Advertisements: Check the local newspaper, professional journals, trade magazines, society newsletters, state and federal employment bulletins, weekly publication such as the National Business Employment Weekly, special careers news letters such as Opportunity NOCs for Non profit jobs, and internet job search listings.
Combined Strategies – Always the best approach
This means that you should use many strategies concurrently.
- Ask for job leads from family, friends, community members, CC&C staff.
- Approach employers who may not be advertising and send them your resume and cover letter.
- Use the phone book to identify employers and ask if they will be hiring for the position you desire.
- Participate in a group with other job hunters so that you can share resources and information.
- Do a lot of internet research to find posted jobs and job information.
- Network, Network, Network!
Remember: Most employers evaluate job hunters based on their job-hunting strategy, especially if they demonstrate initiative or lack of initiative, persistence or lack of persistence.
- Company research
Company research
Company research, sometimes called “targeting the market” means doing your homework about the companies in which you are interested. The most basic elements of company research are brochures/literature about the company and the company’s annual report. Many companies list this kind of inforrmation on their website. For some, calling and requesting that they mail you this information may be necessary.
There are some helpful company research websites you can review:
- Thomas’ Register of American Manufacturers: www.thomasregister.com
- D&B Business Information: www.dnb.com/us/
- Chamber of Commerce directories (use a search engine like Google to locate the Chamber of Commerce for the geographical area in which you are interested)
- Professional Associations for the field/career you are pursuing; these are listed at the end of each Occupational Outlook Handbook career article. See http://www.bls.gov/oco/
- Resume, cover letter and references
Resume, cover letter and references
A resume’s purpose is NOT to get you a job – it is to get you an INTERVIEW. In 20 seconds, your resume should convey that you are obviously a person worth interviewing.
There are some general guidelines you should know about writing a resume.
- Your resume provides employers with information about your abilities, your experiences and your potential for a successful job match.
- Resume means “summary” not “autobiography” – you have a limited amount of space. Use it wisely!
- First impressions are critical:
- neat resume=neat person
- well-organized resume=well-organized person
- Error-free resume=careful person
- Nice resume appearance=careful and competent person
- Do NOT use a template program to create your resume. Templates are cumbersome, difficult to personalize and common. You will want a resume that sets you apart rather than one that looks like everyone else’s!
The staff at the CC&C can help you develop an excellent resume. Begin by picking up our Resume, Cover Letter and Reference Page packet OR by downloading this document from this website. After you have written a draft of your resume, call for an appointment at the CC&C to review and develop your resume.
A cover letter should ALWAYS accompany your resume. Cover letters are specific to the employer to whom you are sending your resume. After you have written a draft of your cover letter, call for an appointment at the CC&C to review the letter and have it proofread. Cover letters are easy to write, but you will want to pick up our Resume, Cover Letter and Reference Page packet or download it from this site.
- Interviewing
Interviewing
The interview is a two-way communication process where you are gathering information and the company is gathering information for the purpose of making a good match. The interview allows you to determine if an opportunity matches your vocational goals.
As you are seeking to fulfill your calling, be authentic and genuine. This should be your approach.
Mock Interviews
The Center for Calling & Career offers mock interviews to those who would like to practice their interviewing skills. Call the CC&C (8220) to set up a mock interview time. You will need to provide a copy of your resume at least two days in advance. The questions will be general, but will ensure that you are able to articulate your skills, achievements and career goals. Immediately after the interview, you can discuss strengths and weaknesses of the experience.
Common Interview questions
Download and print this list of common interview questions (Acrobat Reader PDF file). Other than questions specific to the job or job qualifications, there are generally five or six kinds of questions that interviewers will ask. Adapted from John D. Singleton’s list in Job Interviewing for College Students, this is by no means a complete list, but covers all areas quite well.
- Part-time jobs
Part-time jobs
The CC&C receives job announcements from a variety of off-campus employers looking for part time workers. The CC&C does not handle on-campus work study employment.
- Employer recruiting
Employer recruiting
Each year we hope to grow the number of employers recruiting and interviewing on campus. If an employer will be interviewing on campus, you will receive an email announcement. If an employer will be recruiting on campus, they will either have a display in the Atrium of Bartlett Hall or they will be meeting with students in a designated room on campus.