Strategies for a
Successful Job or
Internship Search
Elements of a Career Plan
Know Yourself--understand skills,
interests, values, and abilities
Know Industry/Field of Interest--
explore fields, industries, organizations
Develop Outreach Campaign--create
a plan; obtain skills, knowledge, and
education; market yourself; and
manage your time
Career Planning Steps
1.
Assess Yourself
YOURSELF
JOB MARKET
Interests
Values
Skills
Accomplishments
Personal preferences and needs
= Ideal Work
Career Planning Steps
2.
Assess the Job Market
YOURSELF
●
●
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JOB MARKET
Research careers and occupations matching your personal
profile
Understand the job market
- Occupations
- Industries
- Employment outlook
- Local economy and employers
Networking
= External Opportunities
Research
Field/Industry/Organization
How to target companies/organizations that
fit your goals:
Tools for researching careers and
occupations:
Occupational Outlook Handbook; books on
various careers or fields
Internet sites – e.g., O’Net, America’s Job
Bank, Rileyguide.com
Economic and labor market information
publications
Research
Field/Industry/Organization
Tools for researching employers:
Business magazines/newspapers
Career sites (e.g. Vault, Hoovers,
Idealist)
Professional trade journals
Annual reports
Organization web sites/linked sites
Hiatt and Heller career web pages
Research
Field/Industry/Organization
Research the following before contacting an
organization:
Mission and goals
Services/programs/products
Competitors
Business volume, profitability, stability and
history
Salary ranges and rates for various positions
Recent employment activity (# employees,
layoffs, turnover, hiring trends)
Titles of positions for which you qualify
Research
Field/Industry/Organization
Networking and Informational Interviewing:
Process of contacting people who may be able to
help you learn more about careers, organizations,
or find an opportunity:
Start with who you know: e.g, faculty, friends, family, peers, past
employers, alums
Join a professional networking group
When meeting personally or on phone:
Be prepared; do some research beforehand
Know what you want to learn; have questions ready
ASK for additional contacts
Maintain your network
Career Planning Steps
3. Targeted Outreach Campaign
Ideal Work + External Opportunities =
Ideal Job or Internship
Create a Plan to Achieve It!
-
Organize yourself
Manage your time
Market yourself
Motivate yourself
Organize Your Job Search
Create a job search space
-Files
-Computer/printer
-Stationery
Minimize distractions
Employ time management strategies
Job Search Productivity
Effective time management is essential
to your job search.
Techniques to keep on track:
Set goals and objectives
Partner with fellow students
Utilize a file system/personal organizer
Spend more time on activities that yield
more results (e.g., networking)
Dedicate a specific time to your search
and stick with it; develop a daily or weekly
search plan
Market Yourself
Effective resumes and cover letters that
convey your accomplishments (use
qualifications summary and
accomplishment statements)
Networking
Broadcasting
Responding to advertised positions
It is estimated that 75% of available jobs
are never advertised!
Stay Motivated
Maintain a positive self-image--try not to
take it personally or dwell on negative
past experiences.
Stay organized.
Exercise daily. Keeps you healthy and
helps you maintain a positive mental
outlook. Motivates you to keep an active
search going.
Be aware of how you are handling your
emotions.
Summary
Know your skills
Have a clear objective
Know where and how to look for
leads
Spend at least some time every
week on your search
Utilize networking and informational
interviewing
Follow up on all contacts