Start building your network system, which you will continue to build on throughout your professional career. Talk to people, ask for help and advice, and give help and advice when you can. Networking includes both give and take. Be sure to keep records of all contacts, including phone numbers, email addresses, etc.

Whether the job market is up or down, you need a plan for your job search, and you should start now. As you get closer to your graduation date, your plan will become more focused, and you will spend more time on it. Don't become discouraged or frustrated due to rejection. It's all part of the process.

Do as many internships, co-ops, etc. prior to graduation as possible - a good way to check out career options and make sure you're headed in the right direction. Also remember, recruiters look for experience when hiring, and internships often lead to full-time job offers.

Once you start circulating your resumé and making contacts, you should have access to voicemail or an answering machine, as potential contacts, recruiters, employers may want to contact you. Be sure your answering message isn't too “cutesy”. You don't want to “turn off” any potential recruiters or employers that might call. Relocating?

You'll have to conduct your job search long-distance. Subscribe to a local Sunday newspaper for the classifieds (or see the on-line version). Contact the local area Chamber of Commerce for a listing of area companies. Plan a trip to area companies (call ahead to schedule informational interviews).

Continuous learning and upgrading of your skills is essential in today's job market, even after you get a job. You must remain competitive. Take additional courses or training if necessary. Anticipate the future. Will you be ready for it? Will you be marketable? As early as your Freshman year, start developing into the job candidate companies will want to hire. Starting early gives you plenty of time to develop into the “perfect candidate” and beat out the competition when you interview for jobs, whether internships, co-ops, or full-time.

Take responsibility for, and control of, your job search - never rely on others to do it for you. The more knowledge you have of yourself, of what you have to offer, and the opportunities available to you, the more confidence and focus you will have once you start interviewing for jobs. Continue to develop your network of contacts. Everyone you meet is a potential contact or lead for information, further contacts, and possible job leads in the future. Get your name out there. Join clubs, organizations, talk to everyone. Continuously expand your network. Subscribe (or have access to) at least one publication to keep current with your career field. Best choices - The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, trade journals specific to your area of interest. Tap the “hidden job market”.

Find out where the jobs are. What companies are looking for your skills? Many jobs never get posted or advertised, but are filled through referrals. It very often is “who you know”. Again, let people know you are looking.

Re-evaluate - are you on the right track? Even after you get a job, continue to re-evaluate. Are you happy? Are you meeting your short-term goals, and preparing for your long-term ones? Start thinking “professional”; start thinking about what interviewers and recruiters will be looking for in the “perfect job candidate”. What will you need to do to get that “perfect job”? Keep records of what you do - research, phone calls, contacts, leads, interviews, correspondence, work experience, job functions, people you worked with, promotions/recognitions, etc. Develop and perfect your job-search, interviewing, and presentations skills. Check with your college Career Center for help with your job search, from developing a resumé to perfecting your interviewing skills. Purchase (or have access to) a PC and a laser printer. Your most effective job search tool - NETWORKING. Get the word out. Talk to people. “NETWORK FOR LIFE.” Always keep in mind: don't rely on anyone to get you a job. Participate in all on-campus opportunities, but also conduct your own independent job search. The ultimate responsibility for getting a job is yours.

 

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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