Job Search Tactics

An effective job search begin only after you have made the decision about what career field you are going to pursue. If you have doubts about your choice of career, if you're not sure of what type of work you would like to do...visit The Career Center. Discuss your career concerns with a specialized Career Counselor or participate in the Career Planning workshop. Schedule appointments and request information about these services at the reception desk.

Steps in the Job Search

Once you have explored and chosen a career path, you are ready to organize your job search.

  1. Research Positions. Make a list of the various occupational titles of positions for which you qualify within your career field.

  2. Prepare a Targeted Resume. Learn how to target and develop your resume by attending a Resume Workshop. Then have a counselor critique your typed first draft.

  3. Develop Effective Interview Skills to convince the employer of your qualifications for the job. Learn these techniques by attending an Interview Practice session.

  4. Initate Contacts with Potential Employers to arrange for job interviews by using a variety of employment resources and methods.

  5. Send a Follow-Up Letter after each interview. Thank the interviewer for the time and consideration and once again communicate your interest in the position and in the employer.

  6. Origanize Yourself and stay on schedule. It is vitally important to set a weekly and daily schedule of all job search activities and to adhere to it. Operating whithout a plan allows time -- to slip away.

  7. Develop a Good Record-Keeping System of your job search progress. Use a notebook or small card file and list all employment contacts, dates of application letters, interviews, follow-up letters sent, etc. A "tickler" file is especially helpful in which you code the cards to indicate future action you will take.

  8. Strengthen Your Network System. Develop referrals and introductions to potential employers through your personal and professional contacts.

  9. Offer Yourself a Reward for achieving daily and weekly goals. You may want to have dinner at a favorite restaurant, take a bicycle ride, see a movie or go to the beach.

  10. Join one of the variety of Job Search Workshops if you require additional assistance in the job search process. Groups are formed regularly in The Career Center. Learn additional job-seeking strategies and techniques.

REMEMBER, FINDING A JOB DOES NOT JUST HAPPEN. YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Where to Look for Jobs

The Career Center
Job and Career Fairs
Campus Interview Schedule
Directories
Company Notebooks
Company Videos
Videos on Career Fields
Canceled Job Listings
Job Choices
Career Library
Job Listing Service

Publications

Chamber of Commerce Directories
Business Directories
Yellow Pages
Newspaper Ads
Trade Associations
Radio, TV, Newspaper & Magazine Stories on New or Expanding Companies/Organizations

People and Places

Professional/Business Associations
Private Employment Agencies
Unions
Previous Employers
Manufacturers or Distributors of Goods and Services Used At Work
Suppliers, Customers, Competitors or Previous Employers
Civil Service Office
Job and Career Fairs

Federal

Office of Personnel Management
Fereral Job Information Center
9650 Flair Drive, Suite 100A
El Monte, CA 91731-3008