The job search process requires strong research, communication and organizational skills.  Your liberal arts education has prepared you well for this experience.  Think about a research project you’ve conducted in class.    The steps involved are the same for your job search:  first, you have to conduct your research, using books, the Internet and by talking to people;  next, you present the outcome in writing (i.e. a resume) and orally (i.e. interviewing, networking).  Finally, you have to be aware of all the components of the project so you can create a manageable timeline and stick to it. 

Target career field
It’s awfully hard to search for any job anywhere.  A more manageable job search is targeted, by industry and/or by geographic region.  If you haven’t yet targeted an occupation you want to pursue (not necessarily forever, but at least for this move), visit our page on Career Exploration.

Create targeted, polished self-marketing materials
These materials include your resume, cover letter and any other correspondence you exchange with a potential employer (including via email). 

• Review our Resume Writing Guide
• Draft a resume
• Get a resume critique at Career Services (see information on Career Advising)
• Register with PirateLink and load a resume into the system to be eligible for on-campus recruiting

For more information, visit our page on Resumes.

Prepare for the search
Even when you have targeted your job search goal and created a resume of relevant experiences, there are still several tasks to complete before you’re ready to seek positions:

• Obtain “Job Choices” magazine from Career Services and read - published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, this annual publication offers a comprehensive overview of the job search
• Develop a “30-second commercial” for short encounters with potential employers
• Analyze your education and develop your “liberal arts story” for employers
• Indentify at least three individuals to serve as references
• Develop interview skills (participate in a practice interview) and obtain interview suit
• Create professional-sounding voicemail messages and email address
• Create system for tracking contacts, applications sent, interviews and other job-search activities
• Attend Career Services programs to build skills and make connections (e.g. Professional Practice Interview Day, Etiquette Dinner, Career Connections BBQ, etc.)

Conduct search
Now you’re ready to search for positions.  Remember that most jobs are never advertised because employers can fill them more easily through word-of-mouth/referrals.  Consequently, you should look for advertisements, but you should devote the majority of your time to networking or getting to know people in your field(s) of interest:

• Search online
• Third-party posting sites (e.g. www.monster.com , www.hotjobs.com, www.careerbuilder.com , etc.) - These sites require the employer to pay to post their jobs, so not all types of employers use them.
• Employers’ own websites - Employers can post free to their own website, so you’ll find a wider variety of types of employers and positions on these sites than on the third-party sites.  Look for links entitled “Jobs,” “Careers,” “Employment,” etc.
• Attend job fairs - Job fairs are a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with an employer’s representative.  In this day of electronic communication, getting face time can set you apart from the competition.  Don’t forget to be prepared for the fair: 
• Visit the fair’s website (if available) beforehand to see what employers will attend. 
• Research employers that interest you by visiting their websites. 
• Create targeted resumes for each employer/position that interests you. 
• Wear professional attire to the fair and carry a briefcase or portfolio only with your resumes. 
• Practice your “30-second commercial” and handshake.
• Network
• Conduct informational interviews with alumni, employers and other contacts
• Tell everyone you meet you’re job searching
• Attend networking events, like Homecoming and Career Connections BBQ
• Follow up each networking activity with a thank-you note/email
• Utilize temporary or staffing agencies

Using all of these search methods, you should follow-up on every job lead immediately.  Contact employers via phone within two weeks of submitting your resume/cover letter to check on your status in their selection process.  Keep a copy of your resume next to the phone in case an employer calls.  And - one of the most important job search tips - send thank-you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviews you.

© 2005 Southwestern University