Pursuing your career plans is a process, which requires your full commitment. You have invested thousands of hours to get your degree. Taking short cuts and using a hit or miss approach to the job search process will only diminish your chances of getting the job you really want! Organizing an effective job search will assist you in achieving your career goals.

GETTING STARTED: TOOLS FOR THE JOB SEARCH

This Career Guide is divided into the following sections designed to help you with the job search process. Click on each heading for more information about the topic.

Self-Evaluation

Before you try to market yourself to potential employers, you need to know something about what you are looking for and what you have to offer. The more you know about your interests, skills, abilities, values, goals and personal qualities, the greater your opportunities are for finding the most suitable position. Conducting informational interviews is a great way to learn about occupations.

Researching an Employer

Your task in the job search is to find the most suitable position for yourself. You will need to use your research and investigative skills to uncover job openings, contacts, directories, and other resources.

Your Resume

A resume is a critical tool in your job search. It is, essentially, a summary of your qualifications and experience that communicates enough information to an employer to elicit further interest.

Letter Writing

Letter-writing skills are essential to your job search. A good cover letter communicates your interests and qualifications to a potential employer, demonstrates your written communications skills and typically requests some action to be taken.

Successful Interviewing Skills

For most fields, without an interview you will not get a job. Good skills in interviewing are critical. It is this stage of your job search that you convince an employer to hire you.

Evaluating Job Offers

This section outlines the factors you will want to consider when determining whether or not you will accept a position.