The document provides a seven-step guide for conducting an effective career search. It begins with self-assessment to understand one's values, interests, personality and skills. The second step is to develop skills like interviewing, organization and a professional brand. Third is acquiring the proper tools like resumes and references. Fourth is exploring opportunities through informational interviews, career fairs and research. Fifth is creating a search plan with goals and priorities. Sixth is utilizing job search resources. The seventh step is ongoing skills development and networking to maintain competitiveness. The document offers many tips, common mistakes to avoid, and resources to assist with the career search process.
3. What is a Career Search?
The immediate goal of a career
search is to obtain a job interview
with an employer which may lead to
getting hired.
4. First Step: Know Who You Are!
Self Assessment
Values: What is important to you?
Interest: What do you enjoy doing?
Personality: Are you a introvert or
extrovert?
Skills: What skills and abilities have you
developed that you enjoy doing?
5. Second Step: Develop Skills
Know multiple Job Search Strategies
Interviewing Skills
Record Keeping / Organization
Positive Attitude and Persistence
Certifications/ Advanced Education
Create a Professional Brand
6. Third Step: Get the Right Tools
Resumes
Cover Letters
Create a Portfolio
References and Recommendations
Social Media
Networks
Professional Image
Thank You Notes
7. Fourth Step: Explore Opportunities
Make a list of companies
Research employers
Explore positions
Informational Interviews
MINGLING
Attend career fairs
Join groups and associations
8. WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING
FOR FROM A COLLEGE GRADUATE
Communication Skills (verbal and written)
Strong Work Ethic
Team Work Skills
Initiative
Interpersonal Skills
Problem Solving Skills
Analytical Skills
Flexibility/Adaptability
Computer/Technical Skills
9. Fifth Step: Come UP With A Career
Search Plan
Map out your job search before you begin
Set weekly and daily objectives
Prioritize your obligations
Make Contacts
Follow up
Use your resources
Find people you know that can help!
10. Common Mistakes
DURING The Job Search
Relying on one strategy
Lack of focus and career objective
Failure to identify and using networks
Targeting only large employers
Unprofessional materials or appearances
Underestimated time need to search for a job
11. TOP REASON FOR JOB REJECTION
Lack of self knowledge
Lack of company knowledge
Lack of questions
Lack of enthusiasm
Lack of confidence
Poor communication skills
Unprofessional application or appearance
12. Sixth Step: Utilize The Right Tools
Online Job Banks (i.e., SFC Job Bank)
Optimal Resume
LinkedIn job postings
Newsletters and Journals from Trade or Professional
organizations
Recruiting agencies
Personnel department postings
Job posting on corporate websites
Newspaper classified ads
Job fairs
Networking nights
13. Job Resources for Entry Level Candidates
Top Entry Level Job Sites
CollegeGrad.com
CollegeRecruiter.com
CoolWorks
One Day, One Job
Simply Hired New Graduate Jobs
14. IS SOCIAL MEDIA IMPORTANT?
It’s become a fact of job-hunting life. With
more than 90 percent of recruiters now
using social media to find job candidates, if
you want to improve your job search, or
your career, you’ll have to engage on
social networking sites such as LinkedIn,
Twitter and Facebook.
Resource: Article: How to use LinkedIn, Facebook, etc., for your job
searchhttp://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/11/12684858-how-to-
use-linkedin-facebook-etc-for-your-job-search?lite
15. What type of social media should I
use to find a job?
16. "More and more people are finding jobs via Twitter,
Facebook, and other social media sites. These media
aren't changing how we look for jobs, they are simply
rebooting the traditional habits of successful job hunters
and making them easier.
Resource: Use social media in your job search, MNBC Business
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47551607/ns/business/t/use-social-media-your-job-
search/#.UAVteJFS7hc
17. Seventh Step: Continuous Stage
Keep up with Industry
Stay Competitive: Build Skills and
Knowledge
Expand and Maintain Network
Keep positive!!!
18. Career Development Center Services
Career Counseling Jobs postings
Career Library of Panel
Resources Discussions/Guest
Vocational Assessment Speakers
Testing Career Fairs
Resume & Cover Letter Graduate School
Guidance Advisement
Workshops/Career Events Graduate School Fair
Mock Interviews Optimal Resume
SFC Job Bank
19. SFC Job Bank
www.myinterfase.com/stfranciscollege/student
22. General Career Resources (cont.)
Linked-in www.linkedin.com
Meet-Up Groups www.meetup.com
National Career Fairs www.nationalcareerfairs.com
Networking for Professionals www.networkingforprofessionals.com
New York Public Business and Science Library – Free Career Workshops
http://www.nypl.org/locations/tid/65/node/40820
Glassdoor Company Information www.glassdoor.com
Occupational Outlook Handbook www.online.onetcenter.org
Employment Agencies/Recruiting Firms www.citidex.com/2520.htm
Professional Career Associations (varies by field but you can conduct a google search)
Chamber of Commerce Meetings
Faculty Advisors/Chairs
Informational Interviews/Company Research
Friend or Family Company Referrals
Hoover’s Online
Fortune, Business Week, NY Times, Forbes, Industry Week, Better Business Bureau
25. Stepping UP Your Career Search!
Cheretta Robson
Assistant Director of Career Development
Editor's Notes
Optimal 2.0, a career management platform brought to you by OptimalResume.com in partnership with your organization. Inside, you’ll find a variety of tools to help you CREATE, PRESENT, MANAGE and SHARE your professional credentials.You can use this website to: Create high-impact, interactive career materials based on your career goals Present your materials online — with our easy-to-use website builder — and in print, as you can download your materials in a number of formats Manage an unlimited number of career documents from one central location Share your credentials with your network on your own professional website and across social networking sites