Seven Steps to your Job Search

Seven Steps to your Job Search Southwest Minnesota State University Career Services, BA 156 www.southwestMSU.edu/CampusLife/CareerServices SMSU Career Services Job Searching have on average 5-7 careers  People changed jobs every 3.7 years (Source: Bureau of Labor Stats. Of the U.S. Dept. of Labor)  People  At several points in a person’s life they will need to conduct a job search. It’s important to know the process Objectives  Learn the steps to completing a successful job search  Review the “must have” marketing tools  Introduce job hunting resources  Prepare to start search Step #1: Get Organized  Identify  What career and life values, goals and objectives sort of job am I looking for?  Where do I want to work?  What do I value in my work?  Realistically assess your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and abilities  Ready your marketing tools Marketing Tools  Resume  TIP: Make sure to have a scannable resume  Cover Letter  Reference Page & Recommendations  Mustangjobs.com  Portfolio Career Services can help you develop these tools Step #2: Research the Market  Identify and rank information on companies:  Largest growing  Most profitable  Research  Fastest annual reports  Use the web or local libraries  Review company information at Career Services Job Search Resources  Mustangjobs.com   Full Time and Internship Positions On Campus Recruiting  Newspapers & Professional Journals  Telephone Directories  Minnesota Workforce Center  Chamber of Commerce  Internet Job Searches  Governmental Agencies  Job Fairs    MN State Job and Internship Fair in February SMSU Job and Internship Fair in April MN Education Fair in April Step#3:Network & Info Interviews  Develop a systematic list of people who could provide company information and referrals      Family & Friends Past Employers Professional Organizations Alumni Directories Faculty and staff  Conduct Informational Interviews Step #4: Pace Yourself & Stay with it  Keep  a written log of contacts, callbacks, and interviews—increases efficiency TIP: Use Job Search Log Worksheet  Develop short & long term action plans  Seek feedback from others  Review and adjust your objectives as needed Step #5: Prepare for the Interview Interviewing for Success  Professional Dress  Practice interview questions questions  Behavioral questions  TIP: Schedule a mock interview with Career Services  Know  Canned what to bring to the interview Step #6: Make sure to follow through up with the employer within a week of sending your resume  Always send Thank You Letters after an interview  Follow directions—send the information the employer requests  Follow Step #7: Be Persistent  Job searching takes time—the average search is 4.5 months  Remember…Follow up is key Recapping the 7 Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Get organized Research the market Network and conduct info interviews Pace yourself & stay with it Prepare for the interview Make sure to follow through Be persistent Need Help?  Schedule an appointment at Career Services  Stop by BA 156 or call 5007-537-6221