2019-2020 Purdue University Career Success Handbook

10 Job Search Strategies

2

3

1

Develop a Network • Join professional associations, alumni clubs, and maintain regular contact with those you meet. • Read blogs or articles in key interest areas and comment intelligently. • Utilize social media to connect with other professionals in your area of interest.

KnowYourself • Identify your interests, skills and values. • Be prepared to communicate your skills and accomplishments to potential employers verbally and in writing.

Create an Action Plan • Create a list of target companies that match your interests, skills, and values. • Research each organization and the available career opportunities. • Set, track and make short-term goals, urgent deadlines, and small milestones.

4

5

Obtain Experience • Contact and conduct informational interviews with various companies. • Consider volunteering, part-time work, co-ops, or internships. • Investigate teaching, unpaid, research, and federal positions. • Think about Teach for America, City Year, AmeriCorps, or other projects.

Be Open-Minded • Be open to possibilities outside of your particular degree field, and focus on developing valuable skills even if it is not your “dream job.” • Broaden your search to a variety of geographic locations, part-time or contract work, and starting salary options.

6 Consider Less

7 Create a Powerful Presence

8 Maintain a Presence • Periodically keep contact with the employer and individuals in your network. • Contact employers 11/2-2 weeks

Popular Organizations • Non-Profit, federal government, and small-medium sized companies also have a variety of valuable opportunities and room for advancement.

• Clearly demonstrate relevant skills in a resume and cover letter. • Focus on accomplishments rather than duties or responsibilities performed. • Tailor requested documents to each job posting or organization.

after submitting your resume to see if they received your application materials, ask any questions about the position, and reiterate your interest. • Send thank-you notes within a day of working with your contacts.

9 Ask for Assistance

10 Be Patient and Positive

• Don’t be afraid to ask your network for leads and advice. • Talk to your advisor, professors, and peers about possible opportunities. • Check out the CCO website at www.cco.purdue. edu • Visit the CCO in Young Hall 132 during drop-in hours to speak with a CCO Representative.

• Expect 6 months or more to obtain a position. • Adopt 3-4 ways to conduct your job search and rotate them when you reach a roadblock. • Periodically focus your energy on other tasks/ hobbies.

10 Center for Career Opportunities