Job Search Strategies

Candidates searching for jobs and employers looking for candidates find each other in various ways. Conduct a comprehensive job search using many strategies/resources, including those geared toward your career interests. 

How To Get the Job You Want

  • Know what you want
  • Research the industry and employers of interest
  • Be focused, committed and active
  • Identify and market your skills (soft and technical skills, including language abilities) effectively

Do You Know What You Want?

  • What type of work are you seeking?
  • In what type of work environment would you be most comfortable (industry, company culture)?
  • What are your interests, values, skills, and talents?
  • What are your passions, and what motivates you most to succeed?

Do You Know What Employers Want?

Top Personal Qualities/Skills Employers Seek:
(According to National Association of Colleges & Employers [NACE] “Job Outlook 2021” survey) 

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Anayltical/quantitative skills 
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Communication skills (written)
  • Initiative
  • Strong work ethic
  • Technical skills
  • Flexibility/adaptability
  • Detail-oriented
  • Leadership
  • Communication skills (verbal)
  • Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)

Can You Identify Why You Are A Strong Candidate For The Job?

  • Can you effectively identify all your skills and talents?
  • Can you give examples of how you have demonstrated these?
  • Have you prepared a one-minute pitch about your career objective and relevant qualifications?

Develop a skill inventory with specific examples of each skill. Examples can be drawn from internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, class projects, and extracurricular activities. Determine which skills are relevant for each position to which you are applying.

Strategies For Finding Opportunities 

Search for both advertised and for unadvertised openings (the hidden job market). Approximately 80% of jobs are unadvertised! Be proactive and take initiative to uncover opportunities. You will want to explore the following:

  • Networking – Identify professors, former supervisors/colleagues, family, and friends who can help you gather information and expand your network of contacts
  • Career and Professional Development events 
  • Handshake – LMU’s job and internship database
  • Internships and Micro-Internships
  • Industry Publications 
  • LinkedIn
  • Professional Associations or Organizations
  • Off-Campus Networking Events, Job Fairs or Workshops
  • Employment/Temp Agencies, Executive Recruiters
  • Conducting Informational Interviews with Professors, Alumni, Family Friends, Supervisors, and Mentors