3. How do you approach a job search?
Do you apply for every opening you can whether or not you are qualified or think you would enjoy the job?
Or, do you apply for positions that you are qualified for and think you would enjoy?
Which approach do you think works better?
Having a general idea of the type of work you’d like to do makes for a more productive job search.
The Terrible Job Search Advice You Are Getting by Accident

4. Where to Look for Job Openings?
Most employers use the internet and websites to post the majority of their openings. There are some listed in newspapers, but many more online.
Job Boards
Company Websites
If you are interested in a specific company, visit the Careers section of their website at least once a week.
Even when you find an opening through a job board, go to the company’s website to apply for the opening.

5. When looking for a job, sometimes you think about relocating to another location. This could be to another city in your current state or across the country.
Note: long distance job searches are more complicated as you are long distance. Flying you in to interview is more expensive than interviewing local candidates.
Technology (phone/video interviews) is one way around this hurdle.
You should be in control of where you go. Don’t move to a community you’re not excited about just for a job.
Start researching where you might like to go, then target the new community.
How to Figure Out if You'll Be Happy Moving to a New City for a Job
Long Distance Job Search Do's and Dont's
How to Conduct a Long Distance Job Search

6. How do I Identify Companies of Interest?
This can be very challenging especially if you are moving to a new community or changing fields.
Do online searches for the largest employers in the community.
Visit the website for the Chamber of Commerce as the majority of employers will belong to this organization. It’s a good way to identify smaller companies you may not have heard of.
If you are looking for a non-profit organization, there are umbrella organizations similar to the Chamber of Commerce. The Non-Profit Association of the Midlands is a good example.
Conduct online searches for specific industries in your location. For example, insurance companies in Omaha, NE.

7. Career Fairs or Job Fairs are a great way to get in front of employers and talk with recruiters.
Colleges and universities typically host at least one a year. Check to see if they are open to the public.
NE Works and Careerlink have pages for locating career fairs.
Try to find out before the fair what companies will be in attendance. Visit company websites to see what positions they have open. Learn about companies to see which ones you are interested in talking to.
Companies sometimes host hiring fairs for their own positions.
Best Questions to Ask at Job Fairs
Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Job Fair

8. Information Gathering
Before you can fill out applications or create your resume, you
must gather some information first.
Create a list of your work history. Title, name of company, address, and dates of employment.
Call HR if you don’t have the exact dates. You must provide accurate dates when completing applications.
How to Find Your Employment History
Many employers will also conduct background checks.
They will need previous addresses. Create a list of
previous addresses for at least 10 years.
US EEOC: Background Checks: What Applicants and Employees Should Know
6 Common Misconceptions About Employment Background Checks
What’s Included in an Employee Background Check

9. Many applications will ask for references.
Talk with people you’ve worked with who can talk about the quality of your work and your professionalism.
Ask them if they are willing to be a reference for you before listing them on applications.
Co-workers, supervisors, coaches, and professors make good references.
Be sure to give these individuals your resume and keep them informed about your job search.
A 5-Step Job Reference Checklist for New Grads (and Everyone Else)
What To Do if Your Manager Won’t Give You a Reference

10. Research companies of interest
Research companies of interest. Research companies after you identify positions of interest.
Review the company website and find out as much as you can about the company and department you’ll be working in.
You are trying to determine whether or not this company is going to be the right fit for you.
Do you know anyone who works there? Do you have any networking connections to the company?
Look for company reviews on
The Ultimate Guide to Researching a Company Preinterview

11. Evaluating Job Descriptions
Do you have the qualifications for the position?
This is not a yes or no question.
If you don’t meet all of the qualifications, do you meet most of them? Can you make an argument as to why you are qualified?
If yes, then apply for the position and write a cover letter stating your case.
You may not get the interview, but at least you gave it a shot.
While it’s ok to reach for positions, be realistic as well.
If the position requires 10 years experience and you have 4, it’s probably too much of a reach.
Actually, You Should Apply for Jobs You Aren't 100% Qualified For

12. Completing Job Applications
Many companies require you to complete online applications.
Online applications are not as easy or fast as you think.
Complete the applications on the company’s website rather than through the job board site. This gets all the information into their system.
Follow the directions carefully.
Providing accurate information on the application is critically important.
Complete all of the relevant boxes, putting see resume is not acceptable.
Some applications will require you to enter N/A when sections are not applicable.
Be sure all your information matches on the resume, application, and online profiles (LinkedIn).
How to Fill Out a Job Application
#1 Mistake People Make on
Online Job Applications

13. Manage Your Online Reputation
Google yourself to see what comes up
Most employers will do this and look you up on social media platforms
What they find can influence your standing in the applicant pool.
Check your privacy settings and be aware when posting online
Don’t post anything negative about your job or company
How Social Networks Impact Your Job Search

14. Importance of Using Social Media in Your Job Search
After reading the previous slide, you may decide to avoid social media completely. This isn’t exactly the right approach either.
Companies will look for you on social media including LinkedIn and Facebook. If they don’t find you, it’s like you don’t exist.
Plus, companies share a lot of information every day via their social media channels, so this is another way to research them.
5 Minutes to a Faster Job Search
These Social Media Mistakes Can Actually Disqualify You From a Job
Social Media Success: A Guide for Job Seekers

15. Job searches tend to take longer than you want them to
Staying positive during your job search is critically important
You will land in a new position, it’s just a matter of how long it takes and where you land
8 Habits of Happy Job Seekers
5 Ways to Stay Positive When Job Searching Makes You Want to Cry and Give Up
Tips for Staying Positive While Job Searching
Facing and Overcoming Rejection in Your Job Search