Job Searching Tips

Craft a well-written resume that will catch an employer's attention.

• With employers viewing a large amount of resumes, try to make yours stand out from the crowd.

• Take chances and try different types of resumes!  Employers are often swimming in a variety of plain gray resumes.  Try to look at creative examples in various publications to get new ideas.

Make sure your cover letters are equally well-written and personalized.

• Have the contact name within each organization and direct your letter to that individual.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the organization acquired from advance research.

• Effectively convey what you can do for that company

• For cover letter assistance, look in the Steps to Success guide or drop by the Hart Career Center!

Do the necessary follow-up after mailing your resume.

• Make a telephone call several days later to verify that your materials were received.  Take this opportunity to express your continued interest in the position.

• You can also follow up by fowarding your credentials to a prospective employer or sending a follow-up letter.

Do advance research on every organization you interview with.

• Know that company inside and out -- If you have a contact within the company, pump them for information!  Or use online resources to investigate recent articles or other information on the company.

Network!

• It may sound like an over-used term today, but it works.  Most jobs today are secured through network contacts.

• Communicate with every professional you know and become active in clubs and organizations geared towards your profession of choice.

Attend Job Fairs.

• Job fairs provide a great avenue to make initial contacts with a large number of company representatives.

• Secure the business card of each individual you talk with.

• Follow these contacts up immediately with a thank you letter requesting an interview.

Practice Interviewing.

• Polish your interviewing skills through workshops and mock interviews.

• Visit the Hart Career Center to research interview questions, etiquette, and other interviewing strategies.

Stay Sharp.

• Devour news, major newspapers, and any business-oriented publications which may carry relevant information.

• Read every item with the mindset: "What does this mean in terms of a job opportunity?"

For more job searching tips, and other career assistance, come to the Hart Career Center and talk to our staff.