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Option |
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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. The
Alumni Programs office at Webster University has developed
the Alumni On-Line Community which may be accessed
through their homepage, http://www.webster.edu/alumni/alumni.html. You
may also opt to join your Alumni Association and become
active in a chapter near you. |
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Cold Calls
If you have targeted a specific industry you would like
to work in, compile a listing of employers in that
industry. If you do not have any connections with individuals
in those companies, identify a person in the department
or area of interest to you by cold calling. By
doing this, you can establish a contact person in the
company and learn more about specific opportunities
and hiring practices |
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College Career
Center
Almost every college has a Career Center. Make
sure you utilize the services available to you through
the center. Services may include vacancy listings,
on-campus interviews, resume referral services and job
fairs |
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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. When
using creative job seeking tactics, make sure that you
know the norms of the employment environment; creative
tactics may not work as well in very structured, more
conservative settings. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Employer
Visits/Tours
If an employer has a space that is open to
the public, you may learn a great deal about
the environment and culture of that employer
by visiting them. |
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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. |
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Follow-Up
Some employers make hiring decisions based upon a candidate's
ability to follow-up after an interview or after an
extensive networking meeting. Be sure to follow-up
with a thank you to everyone who interviews you for
a position. |
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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. |
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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.
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Informational Interviews
This is one of the best ways to gather career information
and obtain advice from professionals in fields of interest
to you. Schedule appointments to meet with professionals
and ask them about their careers. |
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Internet
The savvy job seeker uses the internet to gather a wealth
of information including job postings, employer information,
job search assistance and on-line resume referral services. |
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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. |
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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 personally 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. |
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Job Service
Often called the "Unemployment Office," there's
actually more to this service than most think. 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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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Newspaper Classified Advertisements
This is a commonly used job search method. Classifieds
list job openings and can also provide information about
growing organizations and trends in the local economy. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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Self-Assessment
Identify your skills and be able to discuss them with
potential employers. Employers like individuals who
know themselves, are focused and confident.
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