Conducting Your Job Search

Conducting Your Job Search
It has been said many times that conducting a successful job search is like having a full-time job. To determine if you're ready, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I have a full understanding of my interests, values, and abilities?

  • Have I thoroughly investigated my career area?

  • Do I have a plan to market myself to potential employers?

  • Have I conducted employer and industry research?

  • Do I have a plan for developing job leads and finding out about job openings, including those that never get advertised?

  • Do I have a résumé that will get me an interview?

  • Do I know what to expect in an interview and how to present my qualifications in the best way possible?

  • Have I identified all of my marketable and transferable skills?

The components of a successful job search include the following:

Résumé Writing
Your résumé is usually the first impression you will make on a potential employer, and as such is often the key factor in determining whether you get an interview. Your résumé should present your education, skills, experiences, and background information in the best possible light.

Interviewing
The job interview gives both parties the opportunity to learn more about each other. Perhaps more importantly, it may be your only chance to convince an employer that you're the best person for the job. And, with about one minute to create a favorable impression, it's critical that you're prepared and know what to expect.

Letters
You will have to write several different kinds of letters when job hunting, including cover, thank you, job acceptance and rejection, and resignation letters.

Networking
Learning how to establish and maintain a network is vital in today's job market. Networking can enable you to make contacts that lead to opportunities you otherwise wouldn't have known about. Remember, approximately 70% of all jobs are in the hidden job market (i.e., they're not advertised).

Employer Research
The more information you have about a potential employer, the greater your advantage over other job seekers. In addition, employer information helps you to evaluate whether a job offer is right for you.

Things You Can Do at Suffolk

  • Visit the career services office for help in developing a résumé, writing cover letters, preparing for an interview, and with other job seeking skills.

  • Talk to a career counselor about the best educational preparation for your career areas, and, if appropriate, possible transfer colleges.

  • Use SCCC's Job Connection to learn about possible entry-level positions.

  • Talk to employers on campus for career days and on-campus interviews about job opportunities with their companies.

Things You Can Do on the Internet
Check out our conducting your job search links which include information on general job search strategies, résumé writing, interviewing, networking, employer research, cover letters, and much more.

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