JOB SEARCH TIPS

BUILDING YOUR JOB SEARCH CAMPAIGN

Today the average job search takes between 4 – 9 months. If you are ready to graduate from TWU, you should start sending out your resumes 3 months before you are finished.

Aim high and take risks to get there. Taking a risk can mean calling a company that you really want to work for. The worst thing that can happen is that you are told “no”.

  1. First things first

    Before you start your job search, know what you’re looking for. A career goal will help you:

    • Decide what you want to achieve in your work.
    • Separate what is important from what is irrelevant.
    • Stay motivated when the going gets tough.
    • Build your self-confidence as you make positive steps toward your goal.

  2. Prepare a Professional Resume

    Develop a professional looking resume that accurately reflects your strengths to potential employers. Write your resume and make an appointment at the Career Development Office; have it professionally critiqued.

  3. Organize Your Job Search

    Organizing your time and information is a crucial skill that will determine the success or failure of your job search.

  4. Your Job is to Find a Job

    • Treat your job search as if it were a real job. Spend 40 hours a week in your job search.
    • Devote time to your search every day.
    • Keep a checklist of “To Do” Tasks.
    • Organize information in one place by using the cover letter. Mail the original and use the back of the copy to keep a log of what has transpired. Write the date as well as any relevant contact information.

  5. Locating Job Prospects

    • TWU’s Career Development: check out the employment website: Career Connect. This site is available only for TWU students and alumni.
    • Career Ads: While the majority of jobs are not advertised in the newspaper, there are a number of major employment publications that you can read each week. Drop by the Career Development Office to find out more about these resources. You can also check out some of the commonly used job search engines out there. To see a few of these links click here.
    • Networking: Eighty percent of all positions are filled through networking and connections. Networking is the most effective way to meet potential employers and learn about possible jobs. Think about everyone you know – family members and their friends/co-workers, professors, past employers, neighbors, etc. INFORM them of your career interests and let them know you are looking for work.
    • LinkedIn – LinkedIn is designed for you to build an online business network website. Once you join LinkedIn and post your profile, you are also able to access jobs that are posted online. Find “groups” for you to join that would benefit your job search. One of the groups you should consider joining is “TWU Students and Alumni". linkedin.com
    • Informational Interviewing: Learn more about your field by setting up interviews with professionals. The purpose of these interviews is to meet professionals, gather career information and investigate career options, get advice on job search techniques and get referrals to other professionals. Make it clear to the employer that you have no job expectations and are seeking information only. Interviewing also familiarizes you to employers, and you may be remembered when a company has a vacant position. jobsearch.about.com/od/infointerviews/a/infointervquest.htm

  6. Temporary Work:

    You can explore various jobs and get an inside look at different companies without the commitment of a permanent job. If a company decides to make a position permanent, these “temps” already have made good impressions and often are given first consideration.

  7. Computerized Job Search:

    Various computerized resume services let you input your resume into a database, which then can be accessed by companies searching for applicants who meet their criteria.

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  8. HAVE YOUR ONE-MINUTE INTRODUCTION PREPARED!

Effective Networking is Someone Who…

  • Enjoys talking with and learning about people.
  • Asks good questions.
  • Knows the importance of active listening.
  • Reciprocates fellow networkers with leads.
  • Practices daily networking.
  • Completes follow-up calls.
  • Maintains a positive upbeat attitude.

Networking Tips

Know exactly what it is you want from others. Prepare questions in advance of a meeting or telephone conversation. Be succinct, courteous and appreciative.

Have a positive attitude when you network.

Talk to strangers and mingle with new people. Take the initiative to introduce yourself.

Share information, ideas, resources, and contacts with others. Networking is a two-way process.

Don’t ask for too much at one time. Limit the amount of assistance of information you seek from one person.

Don’t neglect to follow up on leads you have been given. You don’t want to embarrass those you who made connections for you.

Don’t betray other people’s confidentiality. Trust is a vital part of networking.

Don’t monopolize other people’s time when networking. Keep your conversation brief and make arrangements to call or meet at another time if you discover areas of mutual interest.

Continue networking even after you’ve found a job. There will always be ways in an active network can help. Everyone needs a personal and professional support system. Keep yours in place throughout your career.

Incorporate networking into your everyday life. It is a powerful tool for marketing yourself, but also a powerful tool for enriching your life and the lives of those in your network.

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A JOB SEARCH TIME LINE

Deadline Goal

Week 1

  • Develop a professional resume
  • Identify 50 contacts you will either phone or write for suggestions and/or referrals.
  • Generate a list of 10-20 positive statements that communicate your strengths.

Week 2-3

  • Using referrals or direct contacts get the names and titles of at least 50 hiring managers to contact.

Week 2-7

  • Set up a minimum of 8 referrals/interviews per week. Avoid Monday AM and Friday PM.
  • Identify two other strategies for generating job leads.
  • Write thank-you notes the same day of your interview/meeting.
  • Develop another list of 50 contacts for advice and job leads.
  • Re-contact past referrals and let them know you are still looking for work and referrals.

Week 7 – ongoing

  • If necessary, consider alternative temporary or part-time employment options.

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