To find organizations/agencies that do what you want to do, talk to everyone you know . Career Services, personal contacts in your inner circle, family of friends, friends of family, former teachers, alumnae, church members, and neighbors, employment related contacts, people already working in the field, services that have job leads, published sources, specialized sources, yellow pages, newspaper stories. Let your acquaintances know you are graduating and looking for work in the field of....... At this point when you talk with anyone you are gathering information about possibilities, not necessarily asking for a job.

Your conversation may sound like this, “I know you know a lot about this field. Could I pick your brain for a few minutes? (maybe over coffee) Here is what I would like to do…” At the end of your conversation ask if there is anyone else the person would suggest you talk to? (In our Career Center you can view videos on networking by JIST, Networking and Dialing for Jobs .

If every time you talk to someone you get one or two more names, you will end up with some valuable information about the geographic area, the field, and have a very useful network of people. Keep a record of names, addresses and phone numbers.

Remember to thank everyone who helps you along the way and to be available to help others.

When you have a list of companies or agencies of interest to you. Introduce yourself to that company/organization or agency. It is not necessary to wait until you see a written help wanted ad. The company may not need someone at the moment, but you have then started a conversation with a potential future employer.

The job hunt is an ongoing conversation. Once you have a job, you are already preparing for the next one by developing an outstanding work record so that you have good references to use, networking with other similar agencies, workers and professional organizations so that you are known in your field.

Richard Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute , points out that companies much prefer to hire someone whose work they are already familiar with, as from an internship, summer job, or collegial relationship, or if someone whose work they trust might recommend you, that would be the next best thing.

Here is the hard part, START NOW.

Research is the heart of the job search . When you are ready to contact the select places with a resume and cover letter, you should be able to find brochures, samples and personal assistance from your career services office.

P.S. Remember to change your college phone message to one that sounds professional.

Web sites you might find useful:

· http://www.jobweb.com/search/sitemap.htm - a wide range of job search information

· http://homesprintmail.com/~deblangagan - researching companies on line - a tutorial

· http://www.nextsteps.org/net/jsearch/intsrch.htm - a site created by Human Resource Development, Canada

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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