Career Services
Job Search Strategy
College students have a tendency to put off and wait until the last minute to begin their job hunt. There isn't any one method to simplify this process but there are many steps to make it easier.
- Strategic Analysis
The first step of any job hunt should consist of a self analysis of your skills and interests. Armed with this information you can now match your skills with career possibilities and decide which fields you want to pursue. -
Develop a Strategic Plan
The second step consists of setting up a timetable and deciding how much money you need to invest. Also included in this step is resume building and reference gathering. These are significant parts to any job search. - Strategic Implementation
The final step is having a support person for encouragement during your job search. An effective search takes preparation, planning, multiple job search approaches, and good follow-through.
Strategic Analysis
Begin by getting to know yourself-your strengths and weaknesses.
What do you have to offer an employer? Who will need those skills?
Examples of strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths:
Related experiences (internship)
Good communication skills
Computer skills
Significant course projects
Weaknesses:
Limited experience
Lack of motivation
Indecisiveness
Limited organizational skills
Now list your strengths and weaknesses. You will use this list in step 2.
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Strengths |
Weaknesses |
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The following is a list of 58 skills as verbs which you may find useful:
- analyzing, arranging, building, classifying
- communicating, completing, computing, constructing
- counseling, deciding, defining, detailing
- determining, editing, enforcing, establishing
- explaining, filing, following, generating
- guiding, helping, imagining, implementing
- initiating, instituting, integrating, inventorying
- leading, managing, motivating, negotiating
- operating, organizing, perceiving, planning
- preparing, processing, promoting, reasoning
- relating, remembering, researching, responding
- scheduling, summarizing, taking instructions
- team-building, trouble shooting, word processing, understanding
- undertaking, upgrading, verbalizing, working
Step 2
Using your list of strengths and weaknesses you can now begin matching these skills with career possibilities. One option you may choose to help you with this process is SIGI Plus, located in Career Services.
Succeed With Sigi
Sign up for SIGI Plus to Learn and Explore; Identify your interests, Asses Career Goals and Make Decisions.
SIGI Plus is the most advanced computerized career guidance and information system available. It combines the unique capabilities of computer with thoroughly researched information about occupations, values, interests, skills, educational programs and more.
Self-Directed Search - immediate administration and scoring of the most popular vocational interest inventory. (Must schedule an appointment with Career Services Director).
