Organizing your job search
The time to begin is early in your final year, and you can use the following as a guide in planning and organizing your job search.
- Learn about the laws and regulations related to obtaining employment authorization in the U.S.
- Use a planner or calendar to identify two to three hours a week where you will work on job search related activities (yes, you have to fit this in between school, work, activities, and fun time). Schedule out time to create a resume, research jobs/companies, practice interviewing, network with contacts, and attend job fairs or interviews. See pages 16 and 17 for a sample schedule and blank planner.
- Set Goals. It is important to think about both short and long term objectives. The job you obtain upon graduation is only the first step in a lifelong career path. Yes, the immediate objective may well be a “good paying job in the U.S.,” but give thought to how that job fits into an overall career plan.
- Answering some, or all, of these questions will help define your goals.
- What would be my ideal career or job? What has my degree prepared me to do?
- What are my key interests, skills, and abilities?
- What have my work experiences taught me about what I like to do the most? The least?
- What kind of work environment would be best for me (large/small, specific industries)?
- Would I take a low-paying job just to get a foot in the door at a company?
- What are my geographical preferences? Close to home? How far away?
- Where do I want to be in one year? Three years? Five years?
- What is my salary expectation? Is it realistic for my field?
- What skills do I hope to learn/build upon at my first job?
- If I am unable to find a job in my ideal career path, what is my backup plan?
- What other factors do I need to consider in my career search: Significant other? Family responsibilities? Financial needs? Special needs? Other?
- What would a Google search of my name reveal about me? How does my Facebook or MySpace account reflect my character? What would an employer think of me?
- Conduct Informational Interviews. Talk with faculty, family members, or friends at other schools who are doing the work you would like to do. Set up a time to talk in-person, by phone, or perhaps by email. Ask that person about their typical day, why they chose this field, how their career path developed, and advice they would give to someone like you just starting out. Follow up with a thank you note. See page 15 for more on Informational Interviewing.
- Prepare your credentials and job search correspondence.
- Prepare your resume/cover letter and have it reviewed by a CDES staff member. U.S. resumes are set up differently than international resumes and it is important that you have a professional style resume when competing for jobs in the U.S. The counselors at the Career Development and Employment Services office can assist you in preparing a professional resume.
- Ask three to five people to be your references (professors, employers, mentors/advisors) and get their contact information (title, professional address, phone number, and email address). Give each a copy of your resume. Provide them with a copy of your resume and keep them informed of your job search progress. Remember that faculty serve as a reference for many students each year; keeping them informed keeps you on their mind.
- Complete some job applications for practice. Many companies will require you to complete an application as part of the hiring process. Completing several applications ahead of time will give you a good idea of what information you will need to provide.