Job Search Tips

Career & Placement Services Coordinator Melissa Patrizi reviews effective job-search tactics in this video. Spend just over two minutes with Melissa and then review the bullet points below.

• Narrow your search. Know what field and position interests you and focus on that.
   
• Network and follow up. Use events to meet employers. Then follow up with the people you meet. For example, send a thank-you email attaching your resume.
   
• Keep an up-to-date resume, showing your latest skills, educational and employment information, for those unexpected meetings.
   
• Write targeted letters to acquaintances or former co-workers.
   
• Join a job-finding club, such as your local YM/YMCA. They provide leads and help with resumes, cover letters and interviews. For example.
   
• Attend job/career fairs, which are often open to the public. Introduce yourself to and network with representatives from various organizations in a single day.
   
• Make appointments with industry professionals, the people you know, or want to know. Ask them about their roles and responsibilities, recommendations and why they like the work. Find out the steps they took to get to this point in their career.
   
• Know your career options: graduate studies and professional schools, different sectors in your field, opportunities for advancement. Communicating this on your CV shows awareness, foresight and preparedness on your part.

Networking Tips

Be Prepared:

• Employers appreciate job-seekers who show interest and knowledge of their organization. Research an organization online, through traditional media (such as newspapers), publications, industry magazines and professional associations. Offering insight into an organization often sparks conversation.
   
• Have your business card and resume handy, even a customized cover letter, when attending meetings, informational interviews or career events.

Connect:

• Attend industry conferences and events, or, to save on costs but still attend, inquire about volunteer opportunities.
   
• When you attend an event, or visit an employer, go on your own. You're motivated to network and introduce yourself (try at least three people) more readily.
   
• Arrive early, well-dressed and prepared to speak with employers.
   
• Speak confidently. Employers want to talk to you. You're the reason they attend events or agree to meet.
   
• Ask for more and relevant information to further expand your knowledge of the organization.

Be Courteous:

• Treat everyone with respect. Listen and don't interrupt, especially when an employer is speaking with others.
   
• Thank employers, contacts and representatives for their time and effort in answering your questions.
   
• Let them know that their responses, their time and effort, have made a difference for you.

Be Professional:

• Use your interpersonal skills to build a rapport with any and all employer contacts.
   
• Maintain a professional appearance and sense of organization when you attend a career fair, meeting or informational interview. Refrain from jeans and running shoes. Choose dress pants, skirts, blouses, simple and thoughtful jewelry, dress shirts and dress shoes.
   
• Take off your coat. Ask if you're able to hang it up in a closet. Also, leave your backpack or bags there, or in your locker or vehicle.

Smile & Ask:

• Start with a smile and a firm handshake.
• Make eye contact.
• Introduce yourself with your program and name.
• Let people know about your accomplishments.
• Explain what and why you're seeking a specific position.

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• Ask prepared questions to show your interest and to get the information you need.
• Say a sincere thank you because they have taken the time and effort to see you.
• Keep in touch after the event, meeting or interview.