Job Search Tools Career & Advising Services Lewis-Clark State College

A Successful Job Search Includes… A professional resume as a minimum Knowledge of how to write a cover letter A list of references who will support your job search Two arranged interviewing outfits: Cleaned, pressed and ready to go Confidence in your interviewing skills Familiarity with interview meal etiquette Thank you cards and stamps ready for post-interview follow-up Knowledge of where to look for jobs Understanding the networking process How to use the Internet for company research

The Job Search Process Manage your time for the best results … The want ads are not the best place to find the job you really want Most jobs occur through the networking process Don’t discount the smaller employer as a good place to begin your career You need a professional resume as a minimum to begin the process Have a list of references (at least 3 to 5) Make sure you have asked your references permission to use them Become knowledgeable on how to write a cover letter, sometimes called an application letter or letter of intent Learn the process of researching employers Use information interviewing as a research tool Become knowledgeable on how to network

Knowledge of where to look for jobs… Pursue advertised vacancies in print and electronically Sources such as: Monster.com; Career Center Listings; Campus Interviews; Newsletters from trade or professional associations; Newspaper classified ads; Employer services and agencies; Personnel department postings and job lines. Develop a Contact Network Acquaint yourself with professionals in that field or organization; Can also consist of family members, friends, classmates, professors, and electronic discussion groups. Contact Employers Directly Letter of application and resume to the Human Resources Department or to specific Managers; Conduct an Information Interview. Follow-Up and Record Keeping Be Persistent

The Networking Process… Find the Hidden Job Market Four Stages of a Job Opening How People Find Jobs Networking Basics Three Magic Questions Be careful with My Space, FaceBook, Blogging

Career Fairs … What to learn: Employment/hiring needs Skills necessary for different careers within company/agency Current/future openings Salary, benefits, training, and other information about the organization Who to contact for follow-up discussions

Internships… Same process as looking for a job Can be paid or unpaid Can be for college credit Will often lead to a job offer at completion of internship

Job Search Tools Your chance to make a positive impression…Make it count ! ■Career & Advising Services has additional job search, resume, cover letter and interviewing resources in the office at Reid Centennial Hall, 110 ■Trained staff can assist you with your career questions ■ CAS has computers available for your resume processing and career research ■With resume workshop completion, you are eligible for resume critique services ■With interviewing workshop completion, you can participate in Mock Interview Day ■Laser printing and resume paper available for small fee Visit LCSC Career & Advising Services ~ Reid Hall 110 Debra Lybyer, Director Debi Mundell, Associate Director Susan Lawson, Career Counselor Andrea Masom, Career Advisor Denise Harris, Administrative Assistant I Green Baggett, Staff Volunteer Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. school year 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. summer hours