The Job Search Process

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

2. Career Center Services Initial Intake Resume/Cover Letter Review Graduate Essay Review Internship Intake Career Counseling & Assessment On Campus Recruiting Mock Interviews Alumni Services Hire@TU Career Fairs

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 Save/File copies of all correspondence sent and received, application forms, letters and resumes, and employer and organization information

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 • Career Insider (vault.com) • wetfeet.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 • Identify Target Employers • Yellow Pages • The Book of Lists • Internet • Chamber of Commerce directory

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

11. Informational Interviewing Access the Career Mentor Database in Hire@TU 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

12. Informational Interviewing Access the Career Mentor Database in Hire@TU 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 Schedule a mock interview 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. Come Visit Us! The Career Center 7800 York Road, Suite 206 Towson, MD 21252 (410)704-2233 www.towson.edu/careercenter careercenter@towson.edu (Call to schedule an appointment)