Determine if you need to establish a credential file in order to apply for the kinds of jobs that interest you.
Remember to be Proactive! Follow up every application with a phone call and every interview with a thank you letter. This is not the kind of job market where you can wait for employers to find you.
When you accept a position report directly to your Career Services counselor or fill out our online graduation survey.
JOB SEARCHING
Resources are available
in the Career Library
on this topic
Three Important Job Search Steps
1. Conduct Self-Assessment: what does the perfect job would look like?
- what appeals and motivates you personally?
- write your own "Top 10 List" of elements in that perfect job
- what is your geographic preference?
- what kind of organization you want to work for (government, higher education, non-profit, etc.)?
- list industries in general or specific companies that you want to work for
- benefits offered
- amount of travel
- any other elements important to you...
*See our Choosing Your Career section of this website. It includes very useful information and resources for self-assessment.
2. Research Potential Employers, Careers, Fields and Job Titles
- Make a list of potential employers who are doing the business you want to do. We recommend setting up a spreadsheet with effective headers. A sample spreadsheet is provided for you in excel and .pdf formats.
- Talk to professionals. Set up information interviews with professionals in the field you are considering.
- See our Job Information by Major page.
- Find a Mentor
3. Build your Job Search Skills
- Networking - when you are in the job market, networking strategies need to become more intense.
- Resume development - a high-quality, effective resume is key.
- Cover letter writing - learn how to write effective cover letters for you resume.
- Interviewing - a great deal depends on good interviewing skills.
- Thank-you letter writing - thank-you letters should be written after every interview.
- Job offer evaluation - learn where to find salary/relocation information.