Job or internship searches can sometimes be confusing, difficult and frustrating. The four steps in this resource will help you stay focused and productive in your search. You should plan to review each step as your knowledge and understanding of jobs and industries grows. Each of the steps outlined below is done without regard to a specific industry or position.
It is best to schedule an appointment with your Career Exploration Advisor (ACE) or a sector-specific Career Advisor to customise your process. The questions we have provided at each step are designed to help you reflect on your readiness and identify what you may need to do to move through the process. As you search for jobs and internships, keep reviewing steps 1-3, constantly refining your document, expanding your knowledge base and building more professional connections. It may seem repetitive, but going through these steps will greatly increase your chances of landing your next position.
Your search process should include looking for opportunities in. Networking is a crucial first step in the job search process. It will greatly increase your chances of finding that job vacancy. Current estimates indicate that more than three quarters of jobs are found through networking.
Summer is a good time to get out and meet people at neighbourhood barbecues, sporting events or concerts. Don't forget LinkedIn to connect with your network. Find the type of networking that works best for you and put it into practice. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.
Part of the job search process is to determine your salary requirements and earning potential. Students do not have the option to opt out of classes during their job search, so the job search activity comes on top of everything else, extending your typical day. Above all, keep a positive attitude towards yourself and work on your job search as if your career depends on it, because after all, it does. You will need a strong, focused resume that directs your work history, skills and areas of expertise towards your new job search objective, combined with appropriate cover letters to introduce personal attributes and highlight skills that need more emphasis than the resume can offer.
Another economic consideration is the opportunity cost of time spent on your search, as opposed to work. If you have only one of these two things, it is not enough to project sufficient confidence in your job search. In reality, it is a multi-step process that starts with a good understanding of yourself and the labour market around you. Do some research to find some aspects of your strategy that you value and highlight this in your application, perhaps mentioning an aspect of your work that you have found inspiring.
If you are enthusiastic about what you want to do, but don't think you will get a job doing it, it will appear that you are not good enough for potential employers. Finally, with job insecurity high following the recent recession, you are less likely to leave your job directly to devote time to your search. This requires job seekers to develop branding, marketing and sales skills normally associated with entrepreneurs. For example, if you are at the stage where you are meeting people (step , you are gathering information from these meetings.
The job search process can be a long and exhausting ordeal, especially if you do not optimise your time and efforts. This is one of the most important parts of your job search strategy, as the employer can put your name and face on your CV and online presence. You will also need communication skills at work, so the way you communicate in your search is a sign of the way you might communicate at work. Your financial situation affects the execution and timing of your job search, so you should decide on these aspects before the search.
