Transcript Keys to a Successful Job Search

Keys to a Successful Job Search
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Don’t put off your job search until graduation.
• Now that graduation is in sight, it is
now time to put the Job Search in
overdrive!
• The longer you wait to start your job
search, the more difficult it will
become. The latest you should start is
3 to 6 months before you are to
graduate.
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A self assessment will help you identify what you are
looking for in a job.
You should be able to:
• Describe what you want to do
• Match your skills, values, and interests to career fields and job titles
– Values are the qualities that are important and desirable. Some common
values include: Job Security, Professional status, Challenging, Financial
Rewards, etc.
– Interests arouse your attention and enthusiasm and should be a good
indicator at where your skills lie.
– Skills – Identify your transferable skills such as communication, computer
skills, and language abilities, etc. and your job specific skills.
• Research your career fields
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Researching Employers can help you learn more about
the organization and determine your place in it.
1. Make a list of preferred employers to target
2. Learn more about the employers by researching
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Employer Websites
Networking Opportunities
Job Related Search Engines
Annual Reports
Trade Associations
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Newspapers
Fellow Professionals
Competitors
Internet
TechConnect
3. Consider conducting informational interviews
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Prepare Job Search Materials
• Prepare an effective resume and cover letter
– 1 page accomplishments based resume
– Proof-read!
• Practice interviewing
– Review practice questions before going to an interview
• Purchase appropriate interview apparel
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Top 10 Job Search Survival Tips
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Consider Volunteering
Consider Temping
Eat Right, Sleep and Exercise
Join a Professional Association
Timing
Emotional Support
Use the Career Center
Network Intelligently
Turn off your computer
Give yourself a Break
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#10 - Consider Volunteering
• Volunteering with help build your network of local professionals
• It also may provide experience in your field. For example: A marketing
student may help plan and advertise for a fundraising event
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#9 - Consider Temping
• Working for a Temporary Agency has many benefits:
– Get your foot in the door of a good organization
– “Try before you buy” – You are able to try out an organization without
much of a commitment
– Get valuable professional work experience
– Meet professionals working in your field
– Earn a few dollars during your job search
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#8 - Eat Right, Sleep and Exercise
• You will be more alert mentally, if you take care of your physical health
• Take advantage of the campus activities around you, participate in the
Campus Recreation program
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#7 - Join a Professional Association
Professional Associations provide:
• Journals
– Provide up to date information about your field (great for interviews)
– Highlight the ‘movers and shakers’ in your field
– Provide connections to professional development and conferences
• Access to member information – great for networking!
• Job Listing services
• Great resume builders
• Local Chapters
• Reduced fees for students
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#6 - Timing
• Good jobs don’t stay open long- act
immediately if you are interested in a position
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#5 - Emotional Support
• Looking for a job can be a stressful endeavor
• Rely on your family and friends for support
• NWTC Counseling Services are available if you need support
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#4 – Use Career Services
• Use the Career Center in person or online
• Individual appointments to assist with your job search strategies are
available
• Check out our office for the latest job search news, job listings, workshops,
networking opportunities and links to area employers
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#3 - Network Intelligently
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Networking is not just about asking someone for a job
Develop contacts and build long term relationships
Most jobs come through people who know you and your skills
Tell everyone you know that you are looking and what you are looking for
NWTC Clubs and Organizations provide a wide range of potential
networking opportunities
• NWTC Alumni Association offers programs to keep the NWTC community
connected
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#2 - Turn off your computer
• The internet provides a massive amount of information, however it does
not replace valuable personal interaction
• Use your computer as one of many tools necessary for a successful job
search, not the only tool for your job search
• Most people find jobs through other people, not via the internet
• For each hour you spend online, try to match it with one hour of phone
calls and personal interaction
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#1 - Give yourself a break
• Don’t be too hard on yourself. A job search can be a difficult task.
• Don’t try to compare yourself to others, the job you decide to take has to
be right for you.
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