Job Search Tips for Students

Many students come to the Career Center in the last months of their senior year frantic!!!!!! They finally realize that in several months they will be graduating and must now think about plans after graduation.

Finding a job, in this economy, is not always an easy task. You must start your search before your senior year of college. The practice of submitting applications to employers, immediately obtaining interviews and subsequently receiving a job offer has changed. Human Resource professionals get thousands of applications for very few vacancies. A degree alone will not land you a job in your field, getting a job requires work and a strategic approach to your efforts. On average it may take from 6 to 9 months to obtain employment. Outlined below are some strategies which will assist students in their job search.

1. Locate the Career Center on campus. Visit the center and become familiar with their services then develop a career plan. Think about what type work you would like to pursue. Where would you like to work; nonprofit, federal, state, local government, or the profit sector? If you are not sure of your career path, speak with a Career Advisor. There are numerous tools in the Career Center that can help you develop your career path therefore, consider doing a co-op or an internship (paid or unpaid) in your major field of study. Employers indicate that candidates with relevant work experience are assets to the organizations and often hire candidates who have made good impressions while working as interns and/coops.
2. Attend school sponsored Career Fairs. Most Career Fairs are in the fall and spring and the fair is an excellent opportunity to talk to recruiters face to face and learn about their organizations and work environments. Attend the fairs every year. If you locate a position of interest, get to know the recruiter express your interest in the organization and each time the company is on campus visit the booth. Additionally, go on line and conduct further research about the company.
3. Develop a list of contacts. Use networking contacts to determine openings and potential openings. The best place to start networking is with family and friends, let your contacts know that you are in the market for employment. Networking opens the doors to many openings that are never advertised publically.
4. Create a resume. A resume is a snapshot of your educational background, experience, accomplishments, abilities as well as your goals. The purpose of the resume is to obtain an interview. (Start practicing resume writing in your first year of college.) Visit the Career Center to obtain examples of a resumes. Resumes in the private sector are short however; federal resumes are not limited to one or two pages. Most resumes today are reviewed electronically and applicants never get an opportunity to speak with a person until the interview. Customize your resume, one resume cannot be all purpose, be specific and target each position by highlighting and matching your qualifications to the employer’s needs. Before submitting your resume, get it critiqued by the Career Center.
5. Prepare for the interview. The interview is the time to convince an employer why you are the best candidate for the position. Preparation is the key to a successful interview. First research information about your prospective employer. Employer information may be found on the Internet, in the library and in the Career Center. Second conduct a self analysis to easily identify your strengths and weakness, be prepared to clearly articulate your strengths and weakness to an interviewer, practice interviewing. The Career Center can help you to develop your interviewing skills. Don’t forget to dress professionally for the interview, conservative suits for females and males. Finally, get a good night’s sleep, before the interview, read the paper or scan the headlines on the internet. You should be able to engage in small talk during the interview.
6. Follow-up with your interviewer. Within one week of the interview send a thank you letter. Express your appreciation for the interview and reemphasize your qualities and interest in the position.