8 Job Search Tips

  1. Have polished application materials ready to present to potential employers.
  2. Reach out and contact all your connections letting them know that you are looking for a job.  Your connections could include your family, friends, and former classmates. You never know who could be helpful to you in your job search.  I knew a student who got a great job by talking to the person next to her on a plane.  Who knows, your grandma might know the right person to get you closer to your dream job.
  3. Over 80% of today’s jobs are not advertised, according to Howard Poplinger, owner of human-resource company Epic Development and Evaluation.  You must meet people related to your field of interest and use direct mailer campaigns.  There are many ways to network and meet people in your field of interest.  For example, you can attend professional group meetings or engage in informational interviews.
  4. Once you meet people, follow up in a genuine way and show gratitude for people’s time, effort, and advice.  There are many ways to do this, but one of the simplest ways is to send a thank-you email.
  5. Reach out to your undergrad or graduate school’s career service office to identify alumni events and request that they make alumni connections on your behalf.
  6. Volunteer – you will likely gain skills and make valuable connections.
  7. Use LinkedIn (a professional social media tool).  You can actually do searches for people working for businesses/companies that you want to work for, and you can make a connection through the site or via a common acquaintance.
  8. Use Twitter. Jobs are posted via Twitter and you can also stay informed about hot topics in your field.

One thought on “8 Job Search Tips

  • Dsadas

    Yes, good idea Dinah and the other thing is when you get a business card don’t throw it away bauecse it is not useful at that time. Keep it as you may need it or be able to pass it on to someone who does months down the line.

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