The Multifaceted Job Search. Part 2
Employer Web Pages – These days, most employers post their jobs on their web page. Some employers relate that they don’t post them anywhere else! There is a lot less traffic, and therefore a lot less competition, on an individual employer’s website than there is on Monster.com. As a result, employer web pages tend to be more effective than national mega sites. Type the company name into your favorite search engine (Yahoo, Google, Metacrawler, Alta Vista, etc.) to locate the company’s web page.
Jobs Posted with Colleges and Departments – Many colleges and departments on campus have job opportunities available through formal programs, websites, or postings on bulletin boards. Check with the office administrator in your College and/or Department to learn how employment listings are handled.
Want-Ads – When using this method, make sure you target your resume and cover letter to the position, covering all points in the advertisement. Want ads are not the most effective job search technique; as a result, don’t use them as your only source for generating interviews.
Mass Mailing – One survey found that you would have to mail out more than 500 unsolicited resumes to get one interview! A much better approach is to contact the person who might hire you by phone to set up an interview directly, then send a resume.
Targeted Mailing – incorporates the strategy “Less is more!” Identify the top organizations for which you’d like to work. Conduct research and create a tailored cover letter for each organization. Try to identify the appropriate contact person and address your cover letter directly to that individual. Follow up with a phone call over the next week. Much more effective than mass mailing.
Employment Agencies (also referred to as “Headhunters”) – These are private (as opposed to state) employment agencies. Most college students lack the experience that private employment firms seek, but you shouldn’t count them out, especially if your major is in demand. At the least, rely on a private agency as only one of the techniques you use.
State Employment Service – Again, approximately 5% of job seekers nationally get their jobs through agencies, so it may be worth a weekly visit.
Temporary Agencies – A good way to get your foot in the door, network and develop work skills for a possible career-level position. In addition, many employers are using temporary agencies as a way to evaluate workers for permanent jobs. Consider using these agencies if it makes sense to do so, but continue and active search for a full-time job as you do
Networking – is the process of discovering and utilizing connections between people. Everyone knows other people, and therefore, has a network. Networks quickly grow when each of your first contacts refer you to two more contacts (second contacts), and they, in turn, refer you to two more contacts (third contacts). Thus, one person can assist you in making 6 additional contacts!
Remember, people like to hire people they know. Networking allows you to tap into the hidden job market and discover recent or unpublicized opportunities. Make sure to develop a plan and keep track of all interactions with your contacts, and follow up with a thank you note! See “The Complete Guide to Information Interviewing & Networking” for more information (available in the UCS lobby).
Information Interviewing – is the process of gathering career information from people who are already working in target occupations, organizations, or geographic locations. This information, as well as the process of gathering it, will help you to refine your goals and discover new ones. Use your network to locate individuals who are willing to talk with you. Find out the day-to-day experiences of someone working in your chosen career field; narrow the list of potential employers; get additional leads to jobs and referrals to additional information interviews; and build confidence in your ability to discuss your career interests and goals. See “The Complete Guide to Information Interviewing & Networking,” available in the UCS lobby, for more info.
Faculty and Staff Referrals – Many professors have consulted in their respective industries and have contacts of their own, so get to know a few faculty members and let them know you are looking for a job. Make sure you give them a copy of your resume.
Employee Referrals – Many employers value referrals made by their own employees. Find out where UH alumni are currently working. If you know of anyone who is working for a company that you would like to work for, consider asking them to circulate your resume. Find out the name of the hiring manager or human resource person, the title and role of the department, and anything else that may be of assistance to you in your job search.