1. Job $earch $trategie$ www.msubillings.edu/careers

2. JOB HUNTING QUANDARY I am rather like a mosquito in a nudist camp. I know what I ought to do, but I don’t know where to begin. Stephen Bayne

3. Perform a Self-Assessment What do you want to do? What are your skills, abilities, experiences? Consider paid, unpaid, volunteer, and academic history. What can you offer an employer?

4. Define Your Employment Options  Who has the jobs I seek?  Do I want full-time/part-time?  Can I relocate or commute?  Can I free-lance at home?  Can I work as a temp?  Can I live on this salary?

5. “Right” your Résumé  Create a top-notch résumé on quality stationery.  Include a “killer” cover letter, tailored to each vacancy.  Ask a professional to critique your work; all documents must be error-free.  Mail all documents in a matching envelope.

6. Use Career Services  On-campus interviews & info sessions  Job Fairs  Resources on cover letters, résumés, and interviewing  CareerLink jobs database  Internships  Career Counseling & Advising

7. Target Your Network

8. Be strategic: Create your personal “yellow pages” network  A way to compile information systematically  A means of gaining exposure in the job market  An opportunity to expand contacts  NOT random  NOT unstructured  NOT unplanned  NOT brief

9. Network…Everyone does it!  Join professional organizations  Enhance contacts  Ask for referrals—Use faculty & family connections  Tell everyone you know that you are seeking a job

10. **Networking Works!  Mass mailings produce 1-3% results  Networking produces 70% results  Referrals produce 85% results **Using a combination of all strategies is most effective.

11. Use All Resources

12. Check these Websites  Career Services at MSU Billings www.msubillings.edu/careers www.msubillings.edu/careers  Newspapers in every state www.usnpl.com www.usnpl.com  CareerOneStop www.careeronestop.org/jobsearch/jobsearch.aspx www.careeronestop.org/jobsearch/jobsearch.aspx  MT Job Service http://jobs.mt.gov/jobs/login.seek http://jobs.mt.gov/jobs/login.seek

13. Respect Employers’ Expectations Demonstrate these employment skills: Be on time ALL THE TIME Complete work in a responsible manner Dress appropriately at the workplace Avoid personal use of phone & email Follow company practices & policies Be professional ALL THE TIME

14. You’re on Your Way!  Be patient  Be persistent  Be professional  Good Luck!

15. Career Services University Campus: Lib 100 657.2168 City College: Jacket Student Central 247.3006 www.msubillings.edu/careers