Transcript Job Search Techniques

Internship / Job Search
Techniques
Career Services
Oregon State University
8 Kerr Administration Building
(541) 737 - 4085
http://oregonstate.edu/career
The Job Search Process
•
•
•
•
•
Overwhelming
Break it down
Not necessarily straight forward
Treat as a job
Do something every day
Preparation
Four-step process:
• Know yourself
• Know where you want to work
• Get ready for the search
• Start searching
Step One: Know Yourself
• Where are you in the process?
• Review skills, interests, values, personality,
goals
– Group into 4 major qualifications/strengths – be very clear on
what you have to offer and how you fit
• Consider experience and involvement while
in college and beyond
• Consider preferences: environment, location,
peers, working relationships
Step Two: Know where you
want to work/intern
• Research programs, organizations, industries
• Coursework – specializations
• Books, journals, guides, directories,
newspapers
• Volunteering, internships, activities
• Conferences, alumni, career/grad fairs
• Informational Interviewing
Step 2 Cont.
• Know your field labor market information –
OLMIS
• Entry level, salaries, locations
• Top three geographic areas
• Focus search - 10 Potential Employers
Step Three: Get ready for the
search
• Develop your “network”
• Get organized
– Contacts, activities, application materials
• Tools
– Resumes, letters, applications, personal statements,
interviews, portfolio
• Suit up
• Professional e-mail / voice mail
NACE Top Ten Skills/Qualities
•
•
•
•
•
Communication skills (verbal & written)
Honesty/integrity
Interpersonal skills (relate well to others)
Strong work ethic
Teamwork skills (work well with others)
Top Ten Skills/Qualities
(cont.)
•
•
•
•
•
Analytical skills
Motivation / initiative
Flexibility / adaptability
Computer skills
Detail-oriented
Advice from Employers
•
•
•
•
Research, research, research
Be prepared for your interview
Gain relevant work experience
Stand out - demonstrate
– Communication skills
– Maturity/business etiquette
– Work ethic
Step Four: Start searching
•
•
•
•
•
Use of multiple search strategies
Maintain your network
Tailor your message
Targeting organizations and employers
Schedule your search activities
Networking
• Learn about field(s)
• Develop mentoring relationships
• Tap the hidden job market
Professional Associations
•
•
•
•
Current issues & trends
Journals/publications
Professional interactions
Conferences and seminars
Beaver Recruiting
• Online, available 24/7
• On-campus interviewing and presentations
• Numerous employers
– Local and national
• Variety
• Definite job/internship opportunities
Career / Job Fairs
• One-stop shopping
• Interactive
– Many OSU alumni
•
•
•
•
Exploration/research
Available jobs & internships
Local and national opportunities
Upcoming Career Fair April 25th
Targeted Letter Campaign
•
•
•
•
Send to organizations of interest
Shows employers your initiative
Personalized letters receive more attention
Follow up
Walk-in/Cold-call
•
•
•
•
Small businesses and organizations
Take initiative/proactive
Little competition
Risk
Tips for Success
• Be focused, yet flexible
• Revise, update, and tailor your resume, cover letter,
and applications
• Perfect your interviewing skills
• Set short-term and long-term goals
• Be realistic about investment in time
• Be persistent and patient
• Maintain a positive attitude
Additional Resources
• Books in the Career Services Library
• Drop-in advising
• Individual appointments with Career
Counselor
• Your friends, family, and faculty
Good Luck!
Let us know how else we can help you!
Career Services
8 Kerr Administration Building
737-4085
http://oregonstate.edu/career