Searching for a Job
Tips for Success
Prior to starting your search





Know what you want (or at least a basic idea)
Know geographically where you are looking –
be aware of any geographic trends that
impact your options
Prepare a top notch resume and cover letter,
know key words used to help you stand out
in a company ATS (applicant tracking system)
Modify your resume/letter as needed
Know how your industry fills positions
Develop a brief networking/elevator speech
Methods of Searching We Will
Discuss

Networking/Social Media

Advertisements – online resources

Direct employer contact

Agencies
Prepare your networking list (anyone you
know), context of relationship determines
conversation
 Elevator/Networking pitch
3 components
Who you are
What you can do
What are your career interests

Personal Networking
Types of Networking
- Face to Face






Professional associations/Alumni
events/Conferences
If meeting in person – make your pitch
sound natural and tailor it for the event,
bring business cards but only give out if
asked
Your focus is on your contact, be a good
listener
Ask questions appropriate to
situation/relationship
Ask if you can contact them at a later
date – makes notes about meeting and
follow up
You invite, you pay
Networking
Advertisements/online resources







Know what tools are best for your
industry
Use a variety of resources
Large national sites are not always better
– look for quality and types of postings
Apply to positions appropriate for your
level of experience
Create job search agents and stay
organized
Use care when listing private info
If it sounds too good to be true – it is
Direct Employer Contact






Research employers and apply directly on
their sites
Job Fairs
What skills/responsibilities are required?
Follow application directions carefully – do
they want a Word document? PDF? Letter?
Length of resume?
If you have a personal contact, update
them but follow company procedures
Can you follow up?
For some employers, they contract out
Human Resource functions
 Ask questions, what is the relationship of
the employer/agency
 If you decide to contact a recruiter – let
the buyer beware – some are great but
don’t sign exclusive agreements or pay
any money
 Look for temp to perm or agencies
specializing in FT positions in your career
field

Recruiters/Agencies