Job Hunting Tips 6 Network! Think of the people you know-…

    Job Hunting Tips


6   Network! Think of the people you know--relatives, friends, professors, classmates, co-workers at summer
    jobs, and others. Make more of an effort to meet with people, and use these conversations to ask their
    advice, to make them aware of your job search, to learn more about their jobs or their organizations, and to
    get the names of others who might be useful in your job search.

    Target your resume. Make sure your resume is targeted to the employers who receive it. Make sure your
    resume is easy to read and the most important details stand out. Make more than one resume if you are
    applying to more than one industry.

    Be prepared. You should have a copy of your resume with you at all times. It is also a good idea to have
    fresh copies of your resume prepared in case you are called to an interview at the last minute.

    Create a contact database. Write down all the employers you contact, the date you sent your resume, any
    contact made, people you talk to, and notes about those contacts. Keep a notepad with you at all times--take
    notes as soon as you hear about an opportunity or when you leave an interview. Get into the habit of
    updating your database daily.

    Make a "to do" list every day. This will help you organize your list of priorities and keep you focused on
    finding that perfect job.

    Try the buddy system. Link up with a friend who is also job hunting. Arrange to speak weekly and report
    on accomplishments, best practices, and future plans.

    Learn how to talk about yourself. Throughout your job search, you will speak with many people at
    different levels. You must be comfortable having conversations about yourself with other people. Keep in
    mind that you never know who may end up being useful to your job hunt.

    Prepare an elevator speech. You never know who you'll meet in an elevator, in line at the coffee shop, or
    on the street. Know what your skills are and how to communicate them. You should be able to tell
    prospective employers and others you meet what you can offer. You should also be able to talk about how
    your skills relate to the industries that interest you.

    Find out all there is about employers in your field. Remain current on any issues or developments in
    the field, read trade journals or professional publications, and read the newspaper. It is extremely impressive
    during an interview if you know about the latest merger or coup in the industry.

    Practice for each interview. Preparation is key to interviewing well. Friends, relatives, and career services
    counselors can help you formulate strong answers to questions you
    might not anticipate. Look at the list of possible questions on the
    interviewing section and prepare yourself.
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    Follow up with leads immediately. If you find out about a position late in the day, call right then. Don't
    wait until the next day.

    Stay confident. Job hunting takes time and energy. Remain confident, but prepare yourself for challenges


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    ahead. Don't get disgruntled if you are still looking for a job and it seems like everyone you know has an
    offer. Most students find their jobs after graduation.




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