The Job Search Process

1. The Job Search Process Presented by: The Career Center @ Towson University 7800 York Road, Suite 206 p. 410-704-2233 f. 410-704-3459 www.towson.edu/careercenter

2. Career Center Services • Initial Intake • Resume/Cover Letter Review • Graduate Essay Review • Internship Intake • Career Counseling • On Campus Recruiting • Mock Interviews • Alumni Services

3. Let’s talk about time… • The average person should spend 30-35 hours per week in job hunting activities • Full time employees or students should expect to spend about 15 hours per week • It takes the average person 6 months to find a job

4. Job Search – A Full-Time Activity • Keep records of daily job search activities • Set aside a space at a desk or table for all supplies you might need • File copies of all correspondence sent and received, application forms, letters and resumes, and employer and organization info

5. Getting to Know Yourself • Identify your skills, abilities, and interests with a career assessment • The Career Center offers DISCOVER, MBTI and SII • Schedule a career counseling appointment

6. Explore the Job Market • Research occupations and employers using: • The Career Center’s Resource Library • Internet • wetfeet.com • vault.com • Occupational Outlook Handbook • Know conditions of employment such as salary, hours, and working environment

7. Design Your Job Search Tools • Develop your resume, cover letter, and references • Schedule a resume review and cover letter review appointment • Review books in The Career Center’s Resource Library • View online resume tutorial

8. Identify Job Opportunities • Hire@TU • Job Search Websites • Career Fairs • On-Campus Recruiting Program • Networking • Professional Organizations

9. Most Successful Ways of Job Searching • Network • Visit employers • Search Employers • Yellow Pages • The Book of Lists • Internet • Chamber of Commerce directory

10. Use Your Networks • Two Types of Networking: • Informal • Formal

11. The Formal Networking Process • Make a list of people you know • Contact the people you want to meet • Call to set up an appointment • Prepare for the meeting • Conduct an informational interview • Follow-up with a thank-you note

12. Informational Interviewing • Another great way to network! • Be prepared with questions, you are the interviewer • Gather as much information as possible about the interviewee’s job and career path • Conduct company research prior to the interview • Ask for another name of someone at the organization that you can meet with

13. Preparing for an Interview • Participate in the mock interview program at The Career Center • Dress in professional attire • Bring cover letter, resume, and references • Arrive early • Be aware of nonverbal communication during the interview • Ask questions

14. Follow-Up After an Interview • Send a thank-you note • If you were interviewed by more than one person, send each interviewer a thank-you note • Follow-up with the employer • Be persistent, but always remain professional

15. Analyze Your Job Search Progress • Remember: • Stay positive! • The job search process takes time • Be persistent! Get something done each day

16. Closing the Deal • Complete salary research – salary.com is a great place to start! • Interview the company • Get the job of your dreams!

17. Upcoming Events Maryland Career Consortium Career Fair • Friday, February 27, 2009 • 10a.m. – 3:30p.m. • Towson Center, Towson University

18. Come Visit Us! The Career Center 7800 York Road, Suite 206 Towson, MD 21252 (410)704-2233 www.towson.edu/careercenter (Call to schedule an appointment)