Job Search Strategies
10 Helpful Ways for Students to Job Search
1. Define Preferences and Explore Options When looking for a job or internship, consider the following: Time commitment, location, and personal expectations (pay rate, job duties, growth opportunities, how it translates to a long-term career). Conduct employer research to answer questions and to aid with cover letter, resume and application. Ask the who, what, where, when, why, 2. Identify Current and Desired Skills Identify transferable skills learned through previous jobs, internships, classes, group memberships, volunteer work, and hobbies. Some examples of transferable skills include leadership, organization, and communication skills. Build desired skills by doing any of the above or taking a class or workshop. 3. Start Search with Available Tools and Resources Explore Path, Passion, Goal at Hawai`i Industry Sector, University of Hawai`i Community Colleges official site filled with information about jobs, current trends and more. 4. Use Job Search Links There are many internet sites that help with job search. Listed below are a few top sites. 5. Resume and Cover Have a resume and cover letter ready if actively applying for jobs, attending career fairs, or walking into businesses to inquire about job openings. 6. Network and Use Elevator Pitch Join professional associations, volunteer in community organizations, talk to professors, and approach professionals at career fairs. Take advantage of LinkedIn, a free professional network where one can display their resume and get connected to possible employers. 7. Attend Career Fairs Career Fairs provide excellent opportunities to discover job and internship information, speak directly with employers, submit resumes, and learn more about fields of interest. UHMC offers career fairs twice per year. 8. Contact Companies Directly In addition to researching employment information and opportunities on company websites, a prospective employee can contact them directly by inquiring via email, phone or in- person about job openings. A resume and a cover letter should be readily available in case applications are being accepted. 9. Consider Using an Employment Agency There is an increasing trend by employers to use employment agencies or staffing services to do their initial screening for jobs.- Used by organizations who lack its own in-house Human Resource or Personnel Department.
- In some cases, it’s nearly impossible to get an interview without going through an agency.
- In almost all cases, the cost for the service is charged to the employer and not the employee.
- There are pros and cons to utilizing this option. Research, research and research.