Before you can begin looking for a job, you have to know what kind of job you want and are qualified for. It would be difficult to find something that was "just right," meaning it would give you career satisfaction, meet your financial and physical needs, and provide you with an opportunity to make valuable contributions and gain important experience. An analogy would be that you are trying to make a special dish for a dinner party. If you went to the grocery store without the recipe, you would probably have a very long and frustrating shopping trip. You would wander up and down the aisles hoping to stumble across exactly what you needed, even though you didn’t know exactly what you were looking for. Think of your job search as this recipe: you will need to identify all the ingredients or factors that, when combined, create the right job for you. Save yourself time and aggravation when looking for a job!

Consider the following questions in identifying those factors most important to you:

• What are your career goals?
• In what geographic area do you want to work? Are you willing to relocate?
• Would you prefer to work for a small company or large corporation? Public or private?
• Do you like to work closely with others or to work independently?
• Do you want to work in the same office, with the same people everyday or do you want more day-to-day variety?
• What skills do you enjoy using most? Least?
• How would you describe your work style? Do you like to have a structured schedule or a flexible, "anything could happen" day?
• What type of work environment do you see yourself working successfully in?
• What kind of "client" or "customer" do you see yourself working with or for? Children? The general public? People of a special population (educators or engineers, etc.)?
• What kind of salary do you (reasonably) expect to earn? What types of benefits are important to you?

As soon as you know specifically what kind of job you are seeking, you will be more effective and successful in finding a job that will bring you career satisfaction.
 

Once you have determined what you want to do, there are a variety of vehicles you can utilize to help you obtain that job. The most successful job seekers try several avenues simultaneously, giving them a broad exposure to the job market. You should cover all your bases!

JOB LISTINGS: Advertisements of current or anticipated openings are often a good starting point. You can find job listings in the Career Services Office, newspaper classifieds and various Internet sites. Additionally, the Human Resources or Personnel offices at most medium- to large-sized companies list all position openings in a central location. Some offer a "jobs hotline" and/or website bulletin boards indicating current openings. When applying for a job through any of these listings, it is necessary to send a cover letter, your résumé and, if requested, a list of professional references.

CAREER FAIRS: This is a popular choice for employers and job seekers. You can find out about upcoming job fairs through the Career Services Office, newspaper advertisements, and career-related Internet sites.

ON CAMPUS INTERVIEWS: The Career Services Office works closely with employers and professional associations to arrange on-campus interviews for students and alumni. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to have face-to-face contact with a hiring authority. In order to sign up, you will need to submit several copies of your résumé, laser printed on high-quality paper.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS: This is an increasingly popular method employers use to hire qualified staff and personnel. Some agencies specialize in a particular field or industry; others are "generalist" firms. Before signing up with a recruiter, be sure you do some research about the general practices of the agency, any fees you may be expected to pay and how they operate. It is recommended that you sign up with several different recruiters/agencies to give you more exposure. You will probably be asked to complete an application and submit a copy of your résumé when you meet with the recruiter.

NETWORKING: You may find out about job openings by word of mouth or through personal contacts. This can be a very successful way to find a job! Be sure your friends, co-workers, professors and previous supervisors know that you are looking for a job. Give out copies of your résumé to anyone you know who may be able to give it to a hiring authority!

PERSONAL INITIATIVE: If there is a company or organization that you have researched and would like to work for, take the initiative! Send a cover letter and your résumé, even if you aren’t aware of any current openings. More and more companies realize the intelligence of hiring good people when they find them, not just when there is an opening. If you are able to talk to an employer who cannot hire staff at this time, ask for a referral. Perhaps s/he knows a colleague who is interviewing candidates for a similar position. Persistence pays off!

There are additional resources available to you in the Career Services library. Be sure to browse the "Job Search," "Job Opportunities" and "Career Development" sections or ask one of the career counselors for a specific recommendation. The Internet section of this manual also suggests particular sites that may be helpful.
 
 

Career Fairs are held annually in the Chicago area for the purpose of bringing together local, regional and national employers with students/job-seekers. The emphasis is on networking: making good impressions and developing contacts that will hopefully lead to formal job interviews. Employers may simply collect résumés or they may actually conduct interviews at the fair. Students must, therefore, be prepared for anything!

You can expect hustle and bustle! Most career fairs host large numbers of employers (in booths or at tables) and attract hundreds of students. The atmosphere is "energized" by all the activity and conversations. You will register upon your arrival (receive a name tag and "map" of the room) and then you are on your own.

Target several opportunities and present yourself to them. Listen attentively and gather information. Learn as much as you can about the various openings available. Collect business cards for future reference; this will also help you with follow-up after the fair. Your "mini-interview" should be a dialogue, not a monologue. Because you have limited time to make an impression and gain valuable information about the company, you should have several questions ready. These questions help you figure out if the company is a good match for you. THEN use that information to sell yourself! Answer questions directly, politely and concisely.

You will initiate contact with the employers present: introduce yourself, smile, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. You can present your résumé and inquire about employment possibilities. Employers look for firm handshakes (but don’t break anyone’s hand either) and good communication skills from a prospective employee. A friendly manner and ease in conversation will take you a long way. This is your first impression (besides your appearance), even before the résumé or interview. Practice! Practice! Practice! Shake hands and introduce yourself to your friends, to family, to yourself in the mirror. Attend as many mock interviews and job-related seminars beforehand as you can. Preparation workshops are offered on campus throughout the year; you can contact Career Services for more specific information.

Employers at career fairs look for prospective employees who know what they want in a career. If you are confused about your future you will need to work out those issues ahead of time with a career counselor. When you are in front of the employer, it is important to show your self-confidence and about your skills and career direction. They have too many candidates to see and can’t afford to waste any time to help you determine your career goals.

Business attire is expected at career fairs. There are a wide variety of professional suits for men and women available today: many styles, colors, fabrics, etc. It is recommended that you dress conservatively without compromising your identity. While you wouldn’t want to turn off an employer with a bright orange and green striped suit, it is important that you are comfortable with how you are representing yourself. Keep in mind you will be on your feet and walking for most of the day, so plan accordingly.

Bring at least 20 copies of your résumé, printed clearly on high-quality paper. If you do not have a résumé, use this manual and work with a career counselor to develop one. You can also bring your reference page (printed clearly on the same high-quality paper) to distribute to any interested employers. Bring a portfolio or briefcase in which you can carry résumés and also place any business cards or company information you may receive. Finally, bring a positive attitude and an eagerness to meet new people. They will serve you well!

Many career fairs have tables set up with career counselors to answer any questions you may have or provide guidance as needed. There also may be copy machines or computers available should you need to produce extra copies of your résumé or make changes. Do not rely on these services, however; come prepared!

So you made it through a career fair! Now what? Résumés left behind act as a reminder and reinforce the impression you made with the recruiter/employer. However, do not rely on the recruiter to contact you after the fair. Identify positions you would like to learn more about and contact the employer within two weeks of the career fair. It is appropriate to send a follow-up letter/thank you note to any employers you met at the fair. This is your chance to thank them for their time, explain why you are a good fit with the company/organization, and express your continued interest in the position.
 

You have been called for an interview! Preparing for an interview means more than making sure your business suit is clean and that you show up on time (although these are two very important points).

It is important to remember that the purpose of the interview is two-fold: 1) the employer needs to find out if you are the best candidate for the job and 2) you need to find out if this is a good opportunity for you.

The employer will have several considerations:

• Can you do the job? Do you have the appropriate background (education, skills, experience)? Are you able to learn and adapt?
• Will you do the job? Do you want to work for this company or is this merely a stepping stone for you? Are you motivated and eager to do a good job?
• Will you fit in? Do you work well with others? How do you respond to supervision? Do you have the skills to balance where their team is currently weak? Do they like you?

• What do you want your typical day to look like?
• What are your career goals for the next five years?
• What kind of work schedule do you want? Do you want to travel frequently?
• What kind of work setting do you want? Will you relocate?

Bring several copies of your résumé and reference list to the interview. Be on time and wear appropriate professional attire. Be friendly and "on your best behavior" the moment you set foot in the building/office; treat everyone you see with courtesy and respect. Use a firm handshake and good eye contact when greeting the interviewer. Wait until you are asked to be seated before doing so. Express yourself clearly: use complete sentences and proper English. Be aware of body language. Your tone of voice, gestures and posture all give clues about your feelings and attitudes. Face the interviewer in an open, relaxed manner. Nod at appropriate times to show that you are listening.

Be prepared to answer questions about how you fit into this industry, company and position. What can you contribute? What makes you unique and more qualified than the other candidates? Many books (available in the Career Services library) and Internet sites offer sample questions that an employer may ask. Practice answering interview questions in a direct, polite and clear manner.

Offer examples of how you have used a particular skill or how you responded to a dilemma. Think about what experiences you have had in and out of the classroom that make you a good fit for this position and company. When you are answering questions, let others build you up by saying things such as, "My boss felt some of my most valuable attributes were that I could always be counted on to get a project done on schedule and that the details had all been taken care of."

During the interview, show what you can do for them. The employer wants to know what you will bring to the company and how you are going to improve their situation. During the interview, the emphasis must not be on what you want, but on how you can benefit the organization.

Focus on the positives! When asked to recall past problematic situations or weaknesses, stress how you overcame these obstacles. Do not criticize former employers. If you really cannot answer a question, offer how you might go about finding the answer.

Be prepared to ask intelligent and insightful questions. This is a VERY important area! Do not overlook this. This is your chance to show the interviewer that you "did your homework" on the company and that you have given this interview careful consideration. You will want to find out exactly what the job is (title, responsibilities, department, supervisor) and what type of training you would be given. Find out how job performance is measured and what skills are necessary to be successful in this role. Ask what the predecessors in the job have moved on to. Be certain that you ask what the next steps are in the interview process. Find out what stages they are in currently and when you could expect some kind of a response.

NEVER bring up the issue of salary. Wait for the interviewer to introduce the topic; it may not come up until a job offer is made. If you are asked about your salary requirements, answer in terms of a range, not a specific dollar amount.

After your interview it is critical that you send a thank you letter to your interviewer(s) within 48 hours.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS

If you have been asked to conduct a telephone interview, consult a career counselor or career guide to help you prepare. Telephone interviews require special considerations and preparation.