This document provides a seven-step guide to conducting an effective career search. The steps include self-assessment, developing skills, obtaining the proper tools such as resumes and cover letters, exploring opportunities through networking and informational interviews, developing a search plan, utilizing online and social media resources, and maintaining efforts through continuous learning and networking. Common mistakes made during job searches are identified, such as relying on only one strategy or failing to utilize networks. A variety of career resources and tools are also listed to assist users in their search process.

1. Stepping UP Your Career Search!
Cheretta Robson
Assistant Director of Career Development

2. There is huge
difference between a
“job” and a “career”!
-Chris Rock

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

20. Optimal Resume
https://sfc.optimalresume.com/

21. General Career Resources
www.bls.gov/oco/ (for research)
www.monster.com
www.collegegrad.com
www.wetfeet.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.craigslist.org
www.vault.com
www.4work.com
www.careerjournal.com
www.collegejournal.com
www.directemployers.com
www.collegerecruiter.com
www.flipdog.com
www.aftercollege.com
www.hoovers.com
www.campuscareercenter.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.fpa.org
www.jobbankusa.com
www.snagajob.com
www.jobfinderadvisory.com
www.simplyhired.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.indeed.com
www.jobbankusa.com
www.jobfinderadvisory.com

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

23. "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."
- Milton Berle -

24. Q&A
Career Development Center
2nd Floor, Room 2311
718-489-5260
careercenter@sfc.edu

25. Stepping UP Your Career Search!
Cheretta Robson
Assistant Director of Career Development