How Do I Get a Job?

Would you like to have less stress and know you’re ready to transition to a full-time career position upon graduation? As you can see from the steps discussed below, it takes time to prepare to be a strong job candidate. That means not waiting until graduation or your senior year to begin to think about preparing for your job search. It will be less stressful to begin early and not have to do everything at the last minute. There are many ways to go about getting a job. The information outlined here provides an effective process you can follow to fulfill your future career goals.

Employers expect you, the job candidate, to be able to tell them how your skills and experience match the qualifications for any position for which you apply. In order to market yourself effectively, you need to be able to articulate your strengths and weaknesses and qualifications to prospective employers. You need to know what values and needs have to be satisfied so you can target your job search appropriately.

These are questions answered in Step 1 (Who Am I?) of the career planning process.

If you are asking the question, “What can I do with my major?” research your options using the resource links in Step 2 (What Are My Career and Major Choices?) to identify possible job titles and careers associated with your major/degree, as well as types of organizations that have related job opportunities.

One of the best ways to get a full-time career position is to participate in at least one internship (See Step 3 – How Do I Get an Internship?). Over 60% of employers offer full-time positions to students who intern with their organization. Remember, even at this stage you need a well-written resume and knowledge of how to interview effectively.

How do I get help with my job search and making career/job decisions?

• Make an appointment with a career counselor (970-351-2127)
• Use drop-in counseling
• Conduct research in the Career Resource Center
• Talk with family and friends
• Do informational interviews
• Research potential employers’ web sites
• Talk to your faculty

So, if you are prepared with experience, a critiqued resume, a professional interview outfit, and knowledge of how to answer interview questions, you’re ready for the answers to the next question.

How Do I Go About Getting the Job I Want?

• Use multiple approaches to look for opportunities
• Network with friends, family, and acquaintances (75-80% of jobs are not advertised anywhere)
• Initiate contact with employers of interest, regardless of whether or not they have positions advertised (career counselors can help prepare you for this effective approach)
• Use Career Services Online to participate in on-campus interviews and to view job postings sent to Career Services
• Attend internship and job fairs held on campus
• Conduct informational interviews
• Research and apply for positions posted in the online newspaper classified ads
• Look for opportunities posted on the web sites of employers in which you are interested
• Use the related links in Career Services web pages

Additional knowledge that will help to prepare you for your job search:

What Do I Need to Know About Employers?

• Are you able to name five types of employers who might hire a person with your background?
• Are you able to list at least five position titles that might fit for you?
• Are you able to name at least five employers that you have applied to in the last month?
• Are you able to name at least three people with whom you have talked for the purpose of learning more about potential positions, as well as gaining future professional contacts?

How Do I Identify Potential Employers?

• Use the Internet to research employers of interest
• Come to the Career Resource Center to learn about employer directories and other resources
• Network (talk to people you know who might know someone you can talk with in a specific field)
• Attend one or more of the six Career Fairs offered each year by Career Services
  
  
  JOB LINKS