Job Search Tutorial
Resumes | Cover Letters
What is Job Search?
Job search is everything an individual may do to find a job that he/she desires, from speaking with faculty and family to setting up interviews. Finding the right job for you requires planning and effective decision making. Knowing how to manage your job search will have a positive impact on the success of your campaign.
Job search is a process that can be divided into 6 stages: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters, Preparing and Researching, Networking and the Information Interview, Proper Attitude, and Job Search Management. Each stage of the job search process must be done efficiently and effectively to attain your desired goal.
The following list is designed to help you become successful in your job search:
 Stage 1: Letters of Inquiry
- Always include a cover letter with every resume you mail out. When faxing a resume and cover letter, include a fax transmittal sheet.
- Proofread all cover and follow-up letters carefully. Check for grammatical errors and typos. There shouldn't be a single comma out of place in your correspondence.
Stage 2: Preparing and Researching
- Prepare carefully for your appointments. Know as much as you can ahead of time about the person with whom you'll be meeting, the department and the organization. Know how you want to introduce yourself to the person and what questions you want to ask. Have an agenda for the appointment.
- Anything you say to people while you're looking for a job is part of your job search. Always be enthusiastic and positive. Never say anything negative about your present situation or about your boss.
Stage 3: Networking: The Information Interview
- Set up exploratory meetings with people at different levels, not just with people who have the authority to hire. You can gain valuable information from people who are actually doing the job you want, not just with people who have the authority to hire.
- Treat the information interview as seriously as a job interview. Dress as though you're going on a job interview. Remember that, indirectly, you're trying to make a good impression so you will be kept in mind and referred on if the person hears of a suitable job opening for you.
- Ask for the names of other people to talk to. Keep expanding your network.
- Write a thank-you note after your appointment.
Stage 4: Attitude
- Be professional. Don't talk too much about your personal circumstances on information or job interviews. Keep your appointments work and job-related.
- Don't allow yourself to express impatience with the interviewer or allow your frustrations with the job search to show during your appointments.
Stage 5: Interviewing
- The first few minutes of an interview can determine whether or not you get the job.
- Be well dressed and well groomed for the interview.
- Listen to all questions and answer them specifically. Don't go off on tangents.
- Write a thank-you note afterwards confirming your interest in the job.
Stage 6: Job Search Management
- Keep a log/database of job search activity. Include contact name, organization, dates contacted, and a brief description of your conversation.
Helpful Tips and Resources
Job Search Tutorial
Resumes | Cover Letters
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