Step-by-Step Job Search Process
1. Identify
your Skills and Abilities Self-evaluation is vital to understanding your unique
occupational needs and desires. How can you seek a position if you don't know
what you want from a job and what you have to offer prospective employers? In
order to determine your needs and desires, take an inventory of your skills,
interests, and values, and evaluate your temperament, passions, experiences and
accomplishments. You can learn more about yourself by talking with a career
counselor and/or using various assessment tools (FOCUS, Strong Interest
Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) available in the Career Education
office.
2. Specify a
Job/Career Objective Once you have a better understanding of yourself, you can
now begin to explore the "matches" between your identified skills,
interests, and values and the demands of career fields and organizations. Are
you satisfied with your current occupation? Would you like to continue your job
in another industry? Would you like to try another job in the same industry?
Or, do you need a complete career change?
3. Create (or
update) your Resume and Cover Letter Once your job goals have been targeted,
resumes and application letters can be tailored to reflect your qualifications
as they relate to the interests of prospective employers. Because employers
will review your resume for an average of 30 seconds, use professional and
powerful action words making the connection between the skills an employer will
be looking for and the skills and experience you have had. Employers are more
interested in your results and achievements than a list of your previous job
responsibilities. Pick up a copy of the “Writing an Effective Resume” and
“Making your Cover Letter count” handouts available in the Career Education
office. We will also critique your cover letter and resume so that it is the
best reflection of you. It must be perfect!!
4. Apply for
Jobs The best approach in searching for job openings is to commit to a variety
of traditional and non-traditional methods. The most commonly used job search
technique is to respond to advertised vacancies, both in print and
electronically. Sources of vacancies include: • ECconnect, ISCPA online career
center job listings • Newspaper classified ads • Internet job boards (Careerbuilder,
USAJobs,) • Campus interviews through ISCPA’s Interview Network • Publications
from trade or professional associations • Jobfairs • Employment services
(Placement and temporary agencies)
