Job Search 101

 

Step 1: Your Job Search Plan

 

1. Determine the job you want
   The very first thing you need to do is determine the exact thing you want to do in your job. If you really have no idea, first make a list of the things you like to do and the things that you feel are a strength for you.

   If you already have an idea -- you are a marketing major, but just aren’t sure what in marketing you would like to do -- then your next step is investigating various job titles in your area of interest.

   You should consider spending some time visiting Quintessential Careers: Guide to Internet Job-Hunting, which has numerous tools to help you find that ideal job/career.

    

2. Determine where you want to live
   Are you open to relocating, or do you have a very specific geographic location in mind? If you have a specific location in mind, then your next step is identifying the companies that have offices/plants/locations in those areas. Probably the best way to identify these companies is through local chambers of commerce or other business directories.

   If you are opening to relocating, then you can move on to the next step.

    

3. Determine the best companies for you
   You need to make some decisions about the types of companies that fit your needs, style, and personality. Examine such issues as the size of the company, corporate culture, management style, employee empowerment, and other issues of importance to you.

    

4. Determine your search strategy:
    
   • On-campus recruiting (see step #4): no matter what size your college or university, there are a certain number of companies that recruit on your campus. You need to investigate what companies are coming and plan on interviewing with some of them -- even if only for the experience (see step #3).
   • Career Fairs (see step #6): many college and universities sponsor fairs, many local or regional communities sponsor fairs, and some industries have their own fairs. Go to as many as makes sense.
   • Networking (see step #8): one of the still-hidden gems of job-hunting and one of the keys to a successful job search.
   • Direct mail campaign: the traditional method still works, where you identify a number of companies and specific hiring managers and send them a dynamic cover letter and superior resume in hope of obtaining some interviews.
   • Internet job sites (see step #7): one of the most talked about areas of recruiting and one that can work for you…just don’t put all your efforts here and ignore other job-hunting methods.
   • Company Web sites (see step #7): many employers now post all sorts of employment and job listings on their Web sites, so if you have some specific companies in mind, you should definitely take advantage of it.
   • Job postings, classified ads: such a small percentage of jobs are ever advertised -- as few as 5% of all jobs -- that your chance of success in landing the job of your dreams from this method are only slightly better than your chances of winning the lottery.