5. The Job Search. Now you are ready for the most important step of all: the job search. It will require focus, determination, and hard work. The best approach in this “new economy” is a multi-faceted job search, embracing traditional, online and personal avenues. Here are sample job search vehicles that you should utilize:

•  College Career Fairs. Contact your career center to see what events are coming up on campus. Meet employers face-to-face and get our resume into the hands of hiring managers.

· On-Campus Interviewing . Current students can participate in campus interviewing programs that bring employers to campus. Alumni should check with their career center to see if they are eligible.

· Online Job Listings. Over 1,300 schools around the country post jobs online through http://www.MonsterTRAK.com . Other schools use other vendors. Regardless of the vendor, these jobs (mostly geared toward recent graduates seeking full-time jobs or current students seeking internships) have the benefit of largely being in the geographical area surrounding your school. In addition to college-specific job posting sites, explore the many others that are now available on the Internet. Some good sources are http://www.Monster.com , http://www.CareerMosaic.com , http://www.CollegeCentral.com and http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com .

· Advertised Openings. Review special employment sections, usually in Sunday newspapers. Apply even if you don't meet all of the stated qualifications. For best results, include a cover letter (or cover e-mail message) with your resume. Follow up in one or two weeks, expressing your interest in the position. Most job seekers take a more passive approach. Demonstrate your eagerness and assertiveness.

· Research. Gain a competitive edge by researching employers through their websites, especially those organizations that set up an interview with you. Always be prepared to ask some good questions that demonstrate your interest and investigative skills.

Put this five-step action plan into practice, and the chances are good that you will find the right job for you. Good luck!

Richard L. White, Ph.D., is Director of Career Services at Rutgers University-New Brunswick . He has served in this capacity since 1990. Previously, he held positions as a Staffing and College Relations Manager at Brown Brother Harriman & Co., Nabisco, and International Paper. He has a B.A. from Dartmouth , M.A. from the University of Kent ( England ), and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania . He is a former President of the New Jersey Association of Colleges and Employers

 

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