Job & Internship Search Strategies

First, assess where you are in the process:

Don’t know what you want?

I know what I want!

Here are methods to address the search issues with confidence and less confusion.

Self Assessment: know the skills, interest and values you want to utilize. If unsure, the Career Center offers:
- Career Assessments with Career Center advisers providing feedback to help in this process.
  will link to the page
- Career Development Workbook need to add to the website assessment page
- free or low cost online assessments
Research Careers

Occupational Information
CAN, Career Advise Network: CC alumni database can offer advise, suggestions
Alumni Association Mentor Network
Career Library Resources
Professional organizations don’t know how we’ll link to:
specific fields.galenet.com

Research Employers
- Researching Companies handout
- Job & Internship Fair attendees
- Employer informational meeting
- Government handout
- Non-profit handout
- individual companies’ websites
- Informational Interviews
- What employers are seeking need to add the handout
Tools Needed
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Portfolio handout
- Marketing yourself
- Networking
- Interviewing technique
Marketing Yourself
Finding job/internship

Methods to finding work handout

I know What I want to Do!

Job Search Websites

MonsterTrak.com
NACElink.com
Geographic location

Career Fields
Majors

Basics of Effective Networking Steve Piazzale Career Newsletter Feb. ‘05

The statistics vary but most experts claim approximately 75% of the jobs people receive are through contacts. To excel in yourjob hunt, this is where to put a fair amount of energy. There is a subtle difference between "networking" and "informational interviewing." Networking involves building connections between people and can be accomplished in several ways. Informational interviewing is similar, but involves more formally asking folks for input.

Here are 10 basic suggestions that will help you be more effective in your connection building.

Do advance preparation about your contact and his/her organization.
- The more you demonstrate knowledge and avoid asking obvious questions, the better the connection you’ll make.
- Think in advance, what can I hope to learn and share with this person?
- Be sensitive to the schedule and time constraints of your contact. If you ask for 20 minutes, keep to that time frame unless the other person extends the time
Communicate your purpose in making the contact. Tell them about your background and what you hope to learn or get guidance with.
Even though you may be asking questions, remember to communicate your strengths and enthusiasm. You want the contact to think of you as opportunities arise.
Remember to ask two key questions. What would you do if you were in my situation? Who else would you suggest I contact?
The first question can elicit great career guidance tailored to your specific situation and the second question is how you expand your network.
Listen, listen, listen. Absorb everything they‚re saying before you jump in with your next question. Remain open to their input
No bait and switch. DO NOT ask your contact to give you a job.
Look for opportunities to add value to your networking exchange.
- Send an article that follows up on something you discussed or forward the name of someone your contact might like to meet. As much as possible, use individual communication rather than spamming large groups.
- Pace your contact frequency so as not to wear out your welcome.
Always, follow-up with a thank you note.
Stay in touch
- Periodically let your network know the latest--you want to remain in their consciousness.
- Create a tracking system: EX: a Word table listing the name of your contacts, how you know them, their contact info, what you’ve done so far, and what’s next.