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Methods
of the Job Search |
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Networking/Information
Interviewing/Directly Contacting Employers |
Richard Bolles,
author of What Color is Your Parachute?, says
that these are among the most commonly used
and most successful methods of job search.
Networking involves generating leads by talking
to friends, family, associates about organizations
and jobs. Information interviewing involves
actually meeting with people in your field
and prospective employers to interview them
about what they do and their recommendations
for how you can break into your desired career
field.
The final key, and most effective method,
is following up with direct contacts to the
person in the organization who has the power
to hire you. This is often not the Personnel
Manager, but instead the manager of the department
in which you would work. As described previously,
you should contact organizations by cover
letter and resume, followed by a telephone
request for an interview, followed by an interview.
Even if there are no opportunities now, ask
for other leads and follow up. Everyone you
meet is a potential contact and lead. |
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On-Campus Interviewing
Hundreds of employers interview at the University of Florida
each semester for graduating students (and students seeking
intern and co-op positions). There are traditionally lots
of on-campus interviewing opportunities for CLAS students
interested in management, sales, retail, banking, public
relations, and some marketing positions. There are fewer
interviewing opportunities for other fields, mainly because
those types of employers (e.g., nonprofit organizations,
many educational institutions) do not use this service;
in that case, you need to make contact with them directly.
Be sure to explore on-campus interviewing through the
Gator CareerLink system as an option - check who is interviewing
on campus each semester, as well as who is attending the
various career fairs. Do not restrict your job search
to on-campus interviewing, but do not ignore it - there
ARE multiple opportunities for CLAS students and many
other UF disciplines! Attend the CRC workshop "On-Campus
Interviewing."
On-Line Job Listing Sites
and Services
There are excellent sites on the Web for assistance with
your job search. Check out Direct
Employers and others through the Career Resource Center
home page. The CRC library has computers with links available
for your use. Job search on the Internet does have its
limitations, since many of the positions are oriented
toward job seekers with more experience and technical
positions. The types of job opportunities listed on the
Internet are growing every day - keep checking! Attend
the CRC workshop, Internet Search Strategies, to maximize
your advantage for using the Internet in your job search.
Third-Party Recruiters
These are private agencies that refer applicants to jobs
listed with their agency. They typically charge a fee
to either the employer or the applicant. Many specialize
in certain categories of employment, such as accounting
or computer jobs. You should check on the reputation of
the agency and be clear about their conditions and policies
for placement before choosing to sign with a third-party
recruiter.
Want Ads
It's generally estimated that only 15-20% of all jobs
are listed in the want ads. A typical advertisement can
generate 100-200 resumes. This means it is extremely competitive,
and over 80% of jobs are filled in other ways. When using
this method, make sure your cover letter and resume cover
all points in the advertisement. Applicants are initially
screened in or out based upon these criteria.
Resume Mail outs
Sending your resume addressed only to the organization
or the Personnel Manager is analogous to your receipt
of bulk mail addressed only to "occupant." According
to Richard Bolles, only one job offer is received for
every 1,470 resumes sent out. Those are not very good
odds.
Other Considerations
Economic Outlook
Labor market considerations can definitely impact your
job search. Read beyond the headlines and get the facts
on what the current conditions are and consider them in
choosing geographic location, employment sector, and the
size and type of organization. Sources include business
news sections of newspapers and magazines, government
reports, and books focusing on job trends.
Long
Distance Job Search
Conducting an out-of-town job search requires different
strategies. First, thoroughly research the target area.
Next, generate leads through networking. Consider subscribing
to local newspapers and business publications and contact
the local Chamber of Commerce to develop leads. Try to
schedule trips to the location to permit information and
employment interviewing. Be careful about relocating to
the new area without numerous solid job leads or a "short-term"
back-up plan.
If all else fails
...and you have no job on hand by your deadline, consider
these
possibilities:
· Talk to temporary personnel
agencies about employment options.
· Consider
volunteering to gain career-related experience.
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Take a related job, even at a lower level, that may lead
to your goal.
· Consider continuing your education
or obtaining specialized training.
· Talk to
former employers about opportunities.
· Join
networking organizations or job search support groups.
· Think about self-employment - like writing, consulting,
or a small business |
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