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Job Search:
Important Basics

1. Use a variety of methods to search for jobs. One common strategy used in the job search involves applying to advertised jobs. This could include responding to job postings in the newspaper, Internet websites, and professional publications. But remember the statistic: Only 20% of job openings are posted. To tap into the other 80%, you need to incorporate other job search strategies into your plan. Research target organizations using your well-honed research skills. Consult with the Pardee Library to identify company names and research resources. Use MiTRAC and other web resources to research your field and identify potential jobs; but don't stop with simply submitting your resumé online. Make additional contact with organizations through networking and by directly marketing your skills. Avoid only using large web-based Internet sites to fuel your search; success rates for this tactic are extremely low. Work in groups to brainstorm ideas; some knowledge may be irrelevant to your search but vital to others' searches.
   
2. Build your network. The big question here is often, "What if I don't know any professionals in my field or at my target company?" Our answer is to begin with who you do know or with personal referrals including alumni, faculty, family, and peers. Put the word out that you are looking for a job in a particular field and follow up promptly on any leads you receive. There are many opportunities to make networking contacts. Take part in campus and SMG events including student organization-sponsored panels, alumni events, career fairs, and employer information sessions. You can also use the Career Advisory Network as a way to explore career fields and expand your network. (See the section of this Guide on Networking and Informational Interviews.) Always be sure to follow up informational interviews with thank you notes, and keep these contacts updated on your progress.
3. Research your target industry, companies, and positions before you even send your resumé or prepare your cover letter, interview questions, and negotiation tactics. Use your research skills to learn about those companies so that you can ask informed questions, demonstrate your accomplishments effectively, and articulate your match to the company's culture and mission. Identify those that match your values and interests. Determine websites, trade or professional journals, and newspapers that will be useful to you in your job search, and check them regularly. Check out the websites of relevant organizations; many offer discounts on student memberships and trade conferences. It is a great way to meet people in the industry.
4. Be proactive. Ideally, you will contact the manager of the department or division where you want to work for each of your target companies. If you have been unable to establish a personal contact within the company, visit the company's website, check some of the electronic research resources, or simply phone the company to get the name of the appropriate manager. This requires preparation, research, practice, and persistence.
5. Develop excellent promotional and marketing tools. Hopefully, these terms sound familiar. The difference here is that you are the product, and your resumé and cover letter are the tools that you will use to reach your potential market, your target companies. Be specific about your interests, relevant skills, and experiences and how you will contribute to the organization. Tailor each cover letter and resumé to the position, hiring contact, and company where you seek employment. Use specific experiences from your team and work history to articulate your fit for the job.
6. Focus your search. Avoid both the restrictively narrow and the unreasonably broad search. Employers can immediately identify a resumé and cover letter that is generic and unfocused. It often reflects ill-prepared attempts to find ANY job. Also, identify companies that are not at the top of everyone's list; look at smaller firms, related industries, and competitors. Broaden your search to include traditional firms in addition to those on the cutting edge. Narrow your search to ensure that you can be effective and specific in your networking, contact, and follow-up. Develop a list of companies to target based on your industry and geographic preferences. Use the Pardee Library as a resource, as well as websites like Vault (available through the MiTRAC site). Use your contacts from trade organizations, student groups, and other networking contacts to build your list. Aim to develop a long list that you can edit down as you learn more about the industry as well as each individual employer. It is helpful to provide yourself with a brief description of each company on your list to keep by the phone so that you're not scrambling for folders or notes each time an employer calls.
7. Conduct informational interviews with individuals who work at companies that interest you by following up with contacts you may meet at career fairs, information sessions, or networking events. Also, utilize the Career Advisory Network to identify alumni interested in providing career advice. Obtain "market-based" advice about job opportunities and career paths in a specific field, industry, or organization and learn what it takes to do well. Remember, the purpose of an informational interview is to obtain information, not to ask for a job. (See the section of this Guide on Informational Interviewing.)
8. Participate in the campus recruiting program. Check MiTRAC regularly for recruiting schedules and deadlines, dates of employer information sessions, career fairs, and career-related events. It is crucial that you attend the information session of every employer for whom you plan on submitting a resumé. If you have another commitment during that time that you absolutely cannot miss, try to come in a few minutes before the session is due to begin and introduce yourself to the recruiter. It is important to let the recruiters know that you value their time, and that you are truly interested in what they have to say about the company. (See the section on MiTRAC for more information.)
9. Consider pursuing temporary work, interning or volunteering at a company where you want to work. This strategy can be particularly useful for an insider's advantage when it comes time for the company to fill a full-time opening. You can also develop skills that pertain directly to the department or position you seek. There is a growing trend toward offering "Temp to Perm" positions, so that the employer has an opportunity to assess a new employee before making a position permanent.
10. Plan strategically for your next opportunity. On average, an individual will change careers five times and change jobs anywhere between 15 and 18 times over the course of a lifetime. Each position you take should strategically prepare you for the next step in your career by developing skills. In addition, each networking contact you make should bring you closer to your ultimate goal of connecting with the hiring manager.
11. Get organized. Create a spreadsheet filing system to keep track of names, addresses, titles, contacts, emails, resumés sent, and responses received. Your job search should not be organized around post-it notes. To stay organized, it is essential that you create a system for keeping track of your contacts, correspondence, and follow-up actions. You can use a daily planner or create a simple database; just choose a system that works for you. You never know when you're going to get a call from an employer, and it is important not to be caught off-guard.
12. Follow-up. The most important part of this process is what you do with the names you have gathered and contacts you have developed. Timing and follow-through may be particularly important in securing your job. Follow up on all contacts you make, on all resumés and cover letters you send, and on all interviews you have.

How Do You Manage This Process?

To manage your job search, you need to set specific goals and set aside time in your schedule that is devoted to your job search. The goals you set need to be manageable. Making your goal for the week to get a great job is far too broad (not to mention ambitious). A more realistic goal for one week might be to make three new contacts in your target industry, spend an hour doing Web research on your target companies, attend two employer information sessions in the Career Center, and check MiTRAC three times. You can create a weekly to-do list, including not only what you will accomplish for the week, but also how much time you will devote to each action. Some of the things you should do on an ongoing basis, such as checking MiTRAC for resumé submission deadlines, job postings, and upcoming events. However, your specific weekly goals will vary. Some weeks you will be setting up and conducting informational interviews, while other weeks you may be attending events to work on generating new contacts.

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