To be successful in your job search, you have to be persistent
and use a creative campaign. First and foremost, you need to
understand what your strengths, interests and attributes are. That's
very important because it helps you to organize your resume around
your strong points, which is what prospective employers like to see
when they read your resume. Furthermore, this also becomes very
helpful in your interview presentations.
Next you need to
learn to utilize different resources and contacts effectively.
Finally, you need to be good at presenting your strengths in a
face-to-face meeting. To help you in this important presentation
process, prepare a “two minute pitch” to present your experience,
strengths, and career goal which you can use any time, especially on
the phone.
The following is intended to provide you with some
resources and directions in this regard:
Do a good self assessment; get a realistic sense of what you
want.
Choose an area or a field that interests you and that is
compatible with your educational background and experience.
Research that area/organization, etc.
Make sure your resume and cover letter are well written
without any errors.
Make contacts by using some of the resources and methods
indicated here or through any other resources you may have
developed.
Polish and perfect your interviewing and presentation skills.
Resume
Your resume is your promotional tool. Therefore, make
sure that it stands out, and that it shows skills and
accomplishments which are very relevant and transferable to the
situation of a prospective employer. Remember to highlight and put
emphases on the following:
Skills, knowledge, talents.
Leadership and teamwork background on or off-campus.
Problem-solving experience and communication skills.
Computer, writing, language, statistical and quantitative
skills, etc.
Cover Letter
The cover letter accompanies your
resume. It is generally the first piece of written work the
prospective employer will see, therefore, make sure that it shows
good writing skills. The cover letter should complement the
experience you have listed in your resume and very briefly highlight
the relevant ones. It must be addressed to a specific person. If
there is absolutely no way for you to identify the name of a
specific person, you can address it as: Dear Sir /
Madam.
After you research a company or an agency you are
interested in, a cover letter can also be used effectively to
explore job opportunities. Whatever the purpose is, make absolutely
sure that your cover letter is well written. Again, the letter
should briefly highlight your skills, accomplishments and strengths
without repeating what you have outlined in your resume. State what
you are looking for and, if possible, what contributions you could
make. Briefly highlight a strength or a skills area that looks
especially pertinent to the job or the organization you are applying
to.
Where and How to Look for a Job.
The Office of Career
Development and Internships has job/vacancy listings online in eRecruiting, and hard copy listings at the Office
which are updated regularly. Some of this information can also be
used for networking purposes and to inquire about anticipated
openings.
If you have an account in eRecruiting,
our online system, you can use this resource to post your resume and
conduct your job search. If you don’t have an account, please
contact the Office to get one.
Directories such as: Chamber
of Commerce, Small Business Directory, Dun and Bradstreet, Dun’s
Regional Business Directory, Cares Directory - Directory of Health
and Social Services in the New York area, and others are available
at the Office. They can be very useful in your career decision
making and job search. These resources and many others can also be
found at the following libraries:
Mid-Manhattan Library, (212) 340-0835
Queens Borough Public Library in Jamaica, (718) 990-0746
Brooklyn Public Library, (718)780-7722
Bronx Public Library , (212)579-4244
Please call the
libraries for location and hours.
Online Resources
To explore and learn more about occupations
and skills, check http://online.onetcenter.org/. This is a good place to start.
In
addition to the above, please check our web site for more links. You
can search under: “Students” “Internships and Jobs”
“Job Search Links” for more information on a wide range of
career opportunities.
“The Hidden Job Market”
The hidden job market refers to jobs that are seldom
publicized. It is often a rich source of job opportunities. To
make the best it, use friends, acquaintances, family, current or
former instructors, supervisors, etc,. It is very important to get
the word out and to explore potential leads and contacts
step-by-step. Contact hiring authorities and where possible,
attend society meetings or social functions. Use all the
opportunities you can, and always network. Let people know
you’re looking for a job. Give them a copy of your resume. Follow
through on all leads, and broaden your contacts as you go.
Networking is the most widely used and perhaps the most effective
method of finding employment.
Job Search Materials
Books, magazines and other resources
are available at the Office of Career Development & Internships,
Queens College. Other Outside Resources
(Available at Queens College Rosenthal Library)
Standard and Poor’s Reports
Dun’s Career Directory
Available at Mid-Manhattan
Library and Queens Libraries:
Standard Industrial Classification Manual
Dun & Bradstreet Million $$ Directory
Dun & Bradstreet Directory of Service Companies
Standard & Poors Register
New York State Industrial Directory
Standard Directory of Advertising Agencies/Advertisers
O’Dwyer Directory of Public Relations Firms (ask at desk)
Directory of Executive Recruiters (ask at desk)
Books on Business Research
Moody’s International
Standard & Poor’s Industry Surveys
Standard Directory of Advertisers – “The Advertiser Redbook”
Resources for International Careers:
Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries
Directory of Foreign Firms Operating In the United States
Guide to Careers in International Affairs
International Careers
The Almanac of International Jobs and Careers
The Complete Guide to International Jobs
The Job Interview
Remember, resumes alone don’t get you
a job; they get you an interview. The interview is, therefore,
another critical stage in the job-search process you need to be very
well prepared for. You should be sufficiently prepared to convince
the prospective employer that you’re the right person for the job.
You need to assertively show that you have the necessary confidence,
knowledge and skills. This requires serious practice and
preparation. Our Office has a lot of resources to help you present
yourself effectively.
Keep the Following in Mind in Your Job Search
Sometimes it helps to be flexible and accept an entry-level
position for which you might be overqualified just to gain entry
into the organization.
Consider working for the summer to develop appropriate
experience and develop good network.
Show less concern for money and show drive and motivation.
Also be flexible in negotiating entry-level positions, which
may seem unattractive at first, but could have good potential for
growth in the immediate future.
Finally, remember that as you go through your search, you
might be getting rejection letters. This is common and comes with
the territory. Don’t let that discourage you. On the contrary,
make sure that you take the time to learn from each experience so
that you can make improvements in subsequent interviews. Try to
assess what might have gone wrong. Conversely, of course try to
draw lessons from the positive experience as well.
If you
need assistance, we are here to help. Do come and talk to us, as
most of you have done, already. We’re here fall, winter, spring
& summer. Information on resume writing, cover letters, and
information on interviewing is available at the Office and on our
web site.
P.S
Targeted Job Search Workshops are conducted to
acquaint students with specific techniques and resources. These
sessions will help you to refine your job search and presentations
skills. They help you to get specific answers to your particular
situation. In an interactive setting, you’ll also get a chance to
meet with your peers and discuss strategies and resources. With the
guidance of a professional, additional ideas, resources and
suggestions will also be provided to help you with you job search.
We strongly urge you to sign-up and participate in these focused
workshops; they are very useful.
Good
luck.
Http://www.AfterCollege.com