Job and Internship Search Strategies for Alumni

1. Job and Internship Search Strategies for Alumni Presented by Pomerantz Career Center

2. Pomerantz Career Center • Serves students and alumni on the UI campus • Is located just north of the Pappajohn Business Building • For more information visit our web site at www.careers.uiowa.edu • You can also get a copy of our career guide online or in our office to learn more

3. Presentation Overview • Self-Assessment • Research • Networking • The “hidden” job market • Implementing/managing your search • Mistakes to avoid

4. During Your Search Remember… • No specific job strategy will work for everyone • Be flexible • Be persistent • Allow extra time to conduct your search (especially when working full-time while looking) • 3 key steps - Assessment, Research and Implementation

5. Self Assessment • What do you want to do? What do you like about your current job? What do I want to be different? Helps narrow the audience and define your answer if an employer asks you “Why do you want to work here?” • Informational interviews Identify likes/dislikes

6. Self-Assessment • Ask yourself questions(Example= do you like working with clients or transactional documents?) This will help you to gain insight Identify what you find rewarding

7. Research: How do to find jobs? • Job listings (newspapers, magazines) • Low cost, high competition • Targeted mailings (letters of inquiry, application to specific industries, but can be time consuming, low response rate etc) • And…

8. Finding Jobs/ Internships • Internet resources: USAJOBS, Career Builder, websites of individual employers, professional associations, etc. (be sure to be as professional and diligent using these as paper methods) • Career Services at your alma mater: online recruiting systems (ex. UI Employment Expo) • Next, before you apply – you should learn something about them…

9. Research the Employers • Displays thoroughness and attention to detail. • Taking the time shows motivation, seriousness of purpose, respect, and commitment. • Helps to personalize cover letters and resumes. • Determine your “fit” with the organization • Identify a large number of employers • Focus resume to target needs of company • Respond knowledgably and informed • Prepare appropriate questions to ask during an interview.

10. What to Learn About a Company • Description of job responsibilities. • Personnel information (NAME, policies, relevant information of executives). • Organizational culture, goals, and strategies. • Size, age, location, history, ownership • Products or services, major competitors, recent development, expected growth. • Your knowledge will display your sincere interest and help you be more prepared to interview

11. Networking • Single most effective way of gathering career-related information, develop contacts, and uncover the “hidden job market” • Identify your resources!! • Colleagues • Friends and family • Professional associates • Use your resources!!! • Informational interviews • Job shadow – externship • May be leads for potential internships

12. Networking • TALK to develop your Network • Start with people you know first, then build on that • Enlist support, discuss you, gather information, listen! • Attend company information sessions • Contact human resource department • Get involved in professional/civic organizations

13. Network through Informational Interviews • Make initial contact – give them a copy of your resume • Ask for information….NOT a job • Face-to-face meeting if possible • Be politely persistent • Try to obtain referrals from each person • Follow up • Thank them

14. The “Hidden” Job Market • Approximately 80% of available positions are never advertised • You can make contact before an employer knows they need you

15. Most employers prefer informal and personal methods of identifying employees. • Networking does not eliminate the need to use other job-search methods • It will produce helpful referrals from approximately many of your contacts. • This process can be somewhat time-consuming – and you still need to use more traditional methods

16. Other Useful Resources • Mock Interviews may lead to real interviews! • Volunteering in your community • Create your own position as companies change and grow • Job Agencies • Internet want ads

17. Implementing/Managing Your Search • Organize yourself with a system (computer, binder, index cards) • Set aside time for your search weekly/daily • Keep records of initial contacts and follow-ups • Set reasonable daily/weekly goals • Continue to assess process • Update/review resume as needed

18. Evaluating an Unsuccessful Job Search • Rejection is part of the normal job search process, but… • If you’ve looked for 6 months without much success, may need to redirect or gain experience • Build your experience and gain skills • Take a temporary position or internship • Volunteer work

19. Redirect Your Search • Clarify goals and redefine options – talk with a Career Advisor • Have your resume reviewed several times • Geographic restrictions • Do your skills match with the needs of the company?

20. 8 Common Job Search Mistakes 1. Relying on one strategy 2. Lack of focus/career objective 3. Failure to identify and use networking 4. Targeting only large employers 5. Failure to follow–up 6. Unprofessional materials/appearance 7. Impersonal approach 8. Underestimate time needed to search

21. Keep It In Perspective • Don’t take everything personally… • Maintain a balance between job search and every-day routine • Remind yourself of your skills/abilities • Use your resources and you will find employment • Be persistent – a job search can take two to six months or more!

22. Thank you for visiting our web site For more information, please call 319-335-1023 or visit us at C310 Pomerantz Center