career assistance
Once you have completed your graduate education, it is time to put a career plan in place to make all of your hard work pay off. Whether you’re looking to secure a promotion from your current employer, move to a different position at another company, or transition into a new area of your profession, the information found here will be helpful.
The job search process begins with an identification of your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. How can you seek a position if you don't know what you want from a job? What do you have to offer prospective employers? Self-assessment, though a time-consuming process, provides invaluable information to facilitate career decisions and to prepare you to market yourself in the best way possible.
Determine What You Want
Before job searching, ask yourself what it is you really value in a position. Are you looking for more money? More job security? The ability to work more independently? By doing a self-inventory to determine what really motivates you, as well as what you need to achieve satisfaction in a new job, you are better able to search for positions that fill those needs. This will make you a happier and more productive employee.
Assess Your Strengths
The key to a successful job search is selling prospective employers on your strengths. To do so, you must first figure out what those strengths are. Are you good at multi-tasking? Good at setting priorities? Are you very detail-oriented? Work well under pressure? Once you know what key strengths you possess, start focusing on communicating the usefulness of them to prospective employers.
Remember that the most marketable skills are those known as transferable skills. These are strengths that work well in almost any work environment and include skills like effective writing, strong verbal communication skills and knowledge of word processing and database software programs.
Target and Research Specific Positions and Employers
Once you know the kind of position you want, and the specific skills you have to offer, begin to focus on what jobs you should pursue. Don’t be discouraged that the perfect job meeting all of your specific needs doesn’t seem to be out there. Be realistic and prioritize what you need to be happy in a position. Then consider all possibilities that meet at least one of your top needs.
Take the time to research employers of interest. This research will help you determine if a specific position, as well as a specific company is a good fit for you. It can also give you the competitive edge in an interview.
Start the Search
Many job seekers fail to realize the time you must invest to market yourself effectively. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you don’t have the spare time to dedicate to your job search. Make it a priority! Regardless of your current job demands and other personal responsibilities, you shouldn’t procrastinate. Doing so can cost you job opportunities. Set your priorities and plan a certain amount of time each week to work on your job search.
Pursue Vacancies
The most commonly used job search approach is to respond to advertised vacancies found in classified ads or job board postings. Unfortunately, this isn’t the most effective way to locate a new job. According to an article in the Harvard Business Review, approximately 80 percent of the jobs available at any one time are never advertised. This is why networking through professional and social organizations is so important. The more people you interact with, the more likely you are to hear about potential job openings. Certainly don’t stop responding to employment ads, but focus much of your job search on establishing networks and identifying the hidden job market.
Some other key tips for networking include:
- Consider your friends and relatives, past and present neighbors, former classmates, past and present colleagues, previous employers, members of professional associations, and social acquaintances as possible individuals with which to network.
- Make a point to meet human resource directors, public relations officials or public information specialists.
- Volunteer at a community service agency or join the area chamber of commerce to expand your network.
- Make a list of at least 50 people you know who might be helpful to you in your job search
Developing Your Resume
The purpose of a resume is to secure you an interview. That is why resume information should be targeted to a specific position and address the needs of an individual employer. Your resume should showcase your applicable skills, knowledge, and accomplishments as related to the position you are pursuing.
A one-page resume is preferred for most entry-level positions. A two-page resume is acceptable if the information included demonstrates relevant experience for that specific position.
Your resume should be visually appealing and without any spelling, typographical, punctuation, or grammatical errors. The information should be concise and in an organized manner with the most important information provided first.
Most employers spend minimal time (20-30 seconds) looking at individual resumes. Therefore, it is critical that you be as concise and impactful as you can.
Resumes are typically presented in one of three formats: chronological format, a functional format, or a combination of the two.
A chronological resume lists job history in chronological order with the most recent job listed first. This format emphasizes job titles, employers, along with duties and accomplishments. The benefits of a chronological resume are its easy to read flow and its ability to show career growth.
A functional resume highlights skills and accomplishments developed through professional, academic, and volunteer experiences. The purpose of this format is to stress that skills and work potential can make up for any lack of real professional experience. This format also limits attention to possible gaps in work history.
The combination format combines elements of the chronological and functional resume formats. Patterns of accomplishments and skills are showcased in categorical sections, along with a brief work history and an education summary. This format works well in highlighting your most marketable skills.
Make sure your resume includes the following information:
- Who you are and how to contact you
- What you want to do
- What are already know how to do
- What education you have
- What you have already accomplished
The Job Interview
Now that you’ve landed the interview, this is your opportunity to convince the potential employer why you are the best choice to fill their job vacancy.
Being prepared is key, so once again, take the time to research the company and the specific role you are interviewing to fill. Practice standard interview questions with a friend or family member so you will be at ease when the real interview takes place.
On the day of the interview, dress professionally and arrive at least five minutes ahead of time. Don’t chew gum, smoke and make sure your cell phone is turned off or on vibrate.
Try to relax and stay calm regardless of any unexpected questions. Demonstrate good manners throughout the entire process and with everyone to whom you are introduced. Speak clearly and avoid the use of slang. Watch your posture, as well as your body language. You want to appear approachable, yet confident.
Be prepared with some questions of your own, but make certain that don’t cover obvious information that is easily found on the company’s website. Remember, you want them you recognize you have already done your homework.
When the interview is complete, thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the position. Follow-up with a thank you note mailed the next day.
