1. How to navigate the job-search process
Find a Job!
How to navigate the job-search process

2. When should you start?
Applying for vacancies should be done three months prior to your availability
Your job search foundation should begin much earlier
Start networking as a freshman
Get experience
Find out what you want to do

3. Get More Information Complete self-assessments
Conduct informational interviews
Research occupations (
Use the CALS Career Services website
Meet with a career counselor

4. Stay Organized Job searching can be a messy process
Try to keep all your materials in one place
Keep a job search notebook
Use a spreadsheet for your contacts

5. Be Prepared Update your resume Know how to write a cover letter
Have a nice suit
Have a list of at least 3 references and let them know they may be contacted
Have thank you cards and postage ready

6. Where are the jobs? 80% of jobs are filled through networking
Despite the internet being a powerful job search tool, the vast majority of people do not find employment through online applications
For more information, check out the networking PowerPoint in the Take 5 Section of our website

7. Using the Internet You can still use the internet to your advantage
Looking through posted job openings can let you know what is available
You may need to expand your network to include people connected with your preferred organizations

8. Some Job Search Websites
ePACK
Agcareers.com – Agriculture Jobs
Hotjobs.com – Yahoo!’s Job Listings
Monster.com
Idealist.org – Non-profit organizations
Sciencecareers.org

9. Contact Your Contacts
Get in touch with your contacts and let them know that you are actively searching for a job in a specific field
Even if they don’t know of current positions, one may open up later

10. Develop an Action Plan
The average job search takes 400 hours, that’s 10 weeks at 8 hrs/day
Create daily action plans (ex. Make 4 appointments per day, contact 4 leads per day)
Try a part-time job to
increase your contacts

11. Consider Temping
Temp work allows you to hone the skills you have and learn new ones
Temp work pays
Test a career before
committing to it
Many temp jobs lead
to permanent positions

12. Use Career Services
Remember that Career Services is here to help you with your job search while you are in school and after you graduate