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 field.
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 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, organizational 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 5 Personal Qualities/Skills Employers Seek:
(According to National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) “Job Outlook 2009” survey)
- Communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong work ethic
- Teamwork skills (work well with others)
- Initiative
- Analytical skills
Can You Identify Why You Are A Good 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 commercial 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 Job Openings
Search 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 and programs
- LionJobs – LMU’s online job and internship database
- Internships
- Ads in Newspapers or Newsletters
- The Internet
- Professional Associations or Societies
- Off-Campus Job Fairs
- Employment/Temp Agencies, Executive Recruiters
Books
Secrets of the Young and Successful: How to get everything you want without waiting a lifetime
Jennifer Kushell with Scott M. Kaufman
Do What You Are. Discover the Perfect Career for you Through the Secrets of Personality Type
Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger
Delaying the Real World/Twenty something’s Guide to Seeking Adventure
Colleen Kinder
The Student's Federal Career Guide: 10 Steps to Find and Win Top Government Jobs and Internships
Kathryn Troutman & Emily K. Troutman
What Color Is Your Parachute
Richard Bolles