Alumni Contacts

Most colleges have developed a network of alumni, parent and/or community contacts who have agreed to answer career-related questions for students and alumni. These contacts can also help you as you research potential employers. The Alumni Programs office at Webster University has developed the Alumni On-Line Community which may be accessed through their homepage.

Cold Calls

If you have targeted a specific industry where you would like to work, compile a listing of employers in that industry and start calling them. Ask how frequently they have vacancies and how they advertise those positions.

College Career Center

Almost every college has a Career Center. Make sure you know and utilize all of the services available to you through the center.Common services include vacancy listings, on-campus interviews, resume referral services and job fairs.

Creativity

Most employers agree that if you don’t meet the minimum qualifications, you won’t be considered for the vacancy. But, if you’ve got the qualifications, try to do something (such as preparing a “Top 10 Reasons to Hire Me” list) that makes you stand out from the crowd without appearing obnoxious.

Direct Mail

If you have targeted a specific industry where you would like to work, compile a list of employers in that industry and mail them a resume and cover letter. Explain why you want to work for the employer and highlight your qualifications.

Electronic Resumes

As the internet grows in popularity, so do resume bulletin boards. There are many internet sites that allow you to "post" your resume to their "electronic" bulletin board. Post your resume on as many as you wish.

Employer Visits/Tours

Learn more about a potential employer by participating in a tour of the organization and/or facility. This may help you understand the organization's employees, management style and culture.

Employment Agencies

Sometimes referred to as "headhunters" or "third-party recruiters," employment agencies can provide a wealth of job information. Consider registering with several agencies but be aware of expensive placement fees and contracts. Contact the Better Business Bureau to inquire about agencies that you wish to utilize.

Follow-Up

Some employers make hiring decisions based upon a candidate's ability to follow-up after an interview. Be sure to follow-up with a thank you to everyone who interviews you for a position.

Government

Job seekers often overlook opportunities to work in federal, state, county or local (city) government. To find opportunities within federal government, you may utilize these websites, http://www.federaljobsearch.com or http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/. To find other government opportunities, do an internet search specific to your area; for example, utilize Google and search for State, Jobs, Missouri to access the State of Missouri Division of Personnel site, http://www.oa.mo.gov/pers/empservices.htm.

Informational Interviews

This is one of the best ways to gather career information and to get your name, resume and face in front of a potential candidate. Schedule appointments to meet with professionals and ask them about their careers.

Internet

The savvy job searcher uses the internet to gather a wealth of information including job postings (the numbers are staggering), employer information, job search assistance and on-line resume referral services.

Job Clubs

Some communities or organizations sponsor job clubs such as Businesspersons Between Jobs. These clubs can often serve as a source of job leads and can provide emotional and accountability support in your search.

Job Fairs

As a job seeker, job fairs can be an effective and efficient use of your time. Job fairs typically give you an opportunity to meet face-to-face with organizations that are hiring. Take resumes, plan to stand in a few lines and prepare an introduction of your skills and interest in the organization.

Job Service

Often called the "Unemployment Office," there's actually more to this facility. Job Service offices typically post a variety of job vacancies and allow job seekers to electronically register to be referred automatically to vacancies that match their skills.

Mentor

As you begin your job search it is a good idea to develop a mentor - - a professional who is recognized and respected as a leader in your field - - who may provide you with job search advice and alert you of vacancies.

Network

Friends, family, alumni, professors, neighbors, church/synagogue members, classmates, co-workers, etc. may all serve as networking resources. Be sure to tell each person what your qualifications are and what type of work you are seeking. Always follow-up with networking contacts.

Newspaper Classified Advertisements

This is one of the most commonly used job search methods. However, the smart job seeker will see the classifieds as more than job openings. They can be an indicator of growing organizations and local economy.

On-Campus Interviews

Most colleges invite employers to interview on campus. Routinely check the campus interview schedule, identify employers you would like to work for and follow the procedures for submitting your resume.

Preferred Employers

Select 10-20 employers you'd like to work for. Research the employers, visit their facilities, identify and talk to employees of that organization, write your letter of inquiry and know where you might fit into the organization.

Professional Organizations/Associations

Your profession may have a city, regional, state, national or international organization. These organizations typically meet on a routine basis, host conferences or networking events, and publish vacancies in the field. Consider joining one or more of these; if you do not join, utilize their websites for information.

Self-Assessment

Identify your skills and be able to discuss them with potential employers. Employers like individuals who know themselves, are focused and confident.