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| Apply directly to an employer. |
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Select employers that interest you and obtain their addresses and phone numbers. Consider visiting the company with resume in hand or directly calling the company. In either case, if you don't have a contact name, ask to speak to a hiring manager or Human Resources representative. |
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| Check the newspaper. |
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The newspaper is often the first place job seekers look. While this can help you find out the types of jobs that are out there and some of the companies that may be hiring, it is not the most effective place to find a job. Since everyone can find out about these jobs, competition tends to be high. |
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| Search the Internet. |
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The Internet has an incredible number of job listings and job-related information. In addition to searching for jobs on the Internet, you can also post your resume and job application and wait for employers to contact you. However, just like the newspaper, there can be a lot of competition for these positions. |
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| Consider smaller companies. |
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Many new jobs will come from smaller, growing companies, usually with fewer than 500 employees. Although larger employers are often more visible, well-known and aggressive in looking for employees, smaller companies may have the same positions. Focus on small companies that are expanding and projecting high growth; they can be easier to approach and contact than a large corporation. |
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| Try temporary work. |
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Working as a temporary can provide you with valuable experience, contacts and references. Many times temporary jobs can turn into permanent opportunities. Also, many staffing companies offer free training to increase your skills. |
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| Consider state and local government sources. |
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The state government has a huge amount of potential job search information available to you at little or no cost. Visit or call your local employment office and take advantage of the services they offer. |
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| Network. |
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Ask every friend, relative, teacher, former co-worker and casual acquaintance you have about job vacancies they may know about. Tell everyone you know or meet that you are job hunting. The more people you have trying to find you a job opportunity, the better your chances for success. |
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| Basic information |
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Place your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of each page. |
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Make sure you provide a telephone number where you can be reached or a message can be left. |
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Left-justify the identifying information in a scannable resume. |
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| Objective |
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An objective focuses the resume and communicates the position you are seeking. |
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Be specific enough to show employers a focused goal. |
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Identify the type, size and scope of the organization you want to work for.
Define your functional area of interest.
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Describe the level of position you seek. |
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| Education |
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List education and degrees in reverse chronological order. |
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Provide the name and location of institutions as well as academic major. |
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Note honorary societies, academic honors and graduation with distinction.
Relevant coursework may be included for recent graduates. |
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Attending a job fair is an opportunity to gain information about a variety of jobs and companies. It's a great time to make contacts for careers, internships or seasonal work. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of this great networking opportunity. |
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| Locating job fairs |
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check newspapers, college placement offices, community centers and the Internet for information about upcoming job fairs. Select job fairs that cover the geographic area, companies and positions of interest to you. |
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| Prepare for the fair |
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begin by identifying a few of the key strengths on your resume. Be prepared to discuss each key area, as appropriate, with potential employers. Practice introducing yourself and describing your skills to friends or family before the fair. |
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| Dress exactly as you would for an interview |
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If you have "business cards" containing your personal information, bring them to hand out. (You can have these made inexpensively at a local copy shop). You will also want to bring plenty of resumes (more than you think you will need), a notepad and pen. Consider including a very general cover letter with your resume that identifies your objective and key qualifications. This will make a positive impression because very few candidates make the effort. Carry a small portfolio instead of a briefcase so you can easily shake hands with recruiters. |
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| Prepare for the job |
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if you know which companies will be represented, do some research before the job fair so you can discuss their businesses and ask intelligent questions. You will also want to prioritize which companies you want to meet with in case you run out of time.
Think of your interaction with employers at the job fair as a job interview. Don't be surprised if you are interviewed on the spot. Pay attention to the non-verbal cues of the people working the booths. If the interviewer looks over your shoulder or at his/her watch, it's time to move on.
This is also an opportunity to gather information. A job fair is an ideal way to find out what positions are open and the qualifications of the people being hired.
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The day after the fair, send a cover letter to each contact with whom there might be ongoing mutual interest. Remind him or her of your meeting and qualifications. Enclose a fresh copy of your resume. If you said you would call the employer, do so, but leave only one or two messages. Be prepared to wait for a response. |
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