Where Do I Start?
The most difficult aspect of any large task or undertaking is simply getting started. The job search is no different. You have to be motivated and dedicated to the process if you are to succeed. There may be several roadblocks along the way. However, with a well-developed plan and a strong sense of commitment, you will persevere.
When you are exploring potential careers, it is important to first learn more about yourself by identifying your work values, interests, and skills. The following chart will help you with your self-assessment.
After completing these exercises, are you able to identify careers that seem to be congruent with your personal traits and skills? If not, or if you had trouble completing the charts, make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your personal assessment. A counselor may recommend career testing, such as SIGI Plus, or specific readings to help you in this process.
INTERESTS, SKILLS, VALUES
Use this chart to help identify your interest, skills, and values. By listing these below, you will get an idea of what is important for you to look for in a career.
What are your interests?
To begin, think about your hobbies and extracurricular activities. Do you enjoy volunteer work with the elderly? Do you like to read science magazines? Do you enjoy keeping up with the stock market? Write your interests in the space below: |
Consider your skills. What do you have to offer?
You must be able to articulate relevant skills and be able to provide specific examples of each. Research? Teaching? Organizational? Communication? Management? List your skills and briefly describe examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your past: |
What else is important to you in your career?
Do you have a geographical preference? Do you prefer a regular schedule or is flexibility more important? Do you enjoy working alone or would you rather work in a team? What is important to you? List below the values that are important to you: |
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Informational Interviewing
The first step in the job search process is identifying career options that closely match your values, interests, and skills. Reading about various career fields will give you a broad overview of the work, requirements, and general benefits of selected careers. However, making a career decision based on this information alone can be somewhat limiting. To expand your knowledge of your career options, you are encouraged to talk to people who are in positions that you are considering. This is called informational interviewing.
Many students overlook informational interviewing as a research tool because they feel that they do not have the time. Most successful job seekers would agree that networking and informational interviewing are essential components of your job search strategy. Informational interviews should be completed in the junior year and early in the senior year.
To conduct informational interviews:
- Develop a list of professionals with whom you would like to meet. Include family and friends; alumni contacts from the Alumni Career Network in the Career Center; and referrals from faculty.
- Request an informational interview by calling the employer directly or by sending a letter of introduction and following up with a phone call. If you do not know the individual personally, you should send a letter to an employer before calling; a phone call to a friend or family member is generally sufficient in arranging a meeting. Be sure to explain that you are simply gathering career information and are not, at this time, seeking employment.
- Informational interviews are relatively short, generally 30 minutes. Respect the time offered by the employer and be prepared with your questions.
- Prepare for the informational interview as you would for any professional meeting: dress appropriately; arrive approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment; and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Don't underestimate the importance of making a good impression - you may want to work for this employer in the near future.
Informational Interview Questions
The following list may help you generate questions for your informational interviews:
- How did you get started in the field? What are typical entry-level positions?
- What skills do you think are essential for success in this field?
- What trends do you see affecting this industry/field?
- What is the job market like for people in this field?
- What are the predominant responsibilities of this position?
- Is the work accomplished in a team-approach or on an individual basis?
- What is the career progression for someone who is successful in this field?
- What do you consider the most interesting/exciting aspects of your job?
- What do you see as the frustrations of this type of work?
- How is one typically evaluated?
- What is the average starting salary for an entry-level position in this field?
- How would a new professional learn about job openings?
- Why did you choose this organization for your career?
- I think this career is compatible to my interests and abilities, what advice do you have for seeking employment in this field?
Begin the interview by thanking the employer for taking time to meet with you. Explain that the purpose of your visit is to develop a better understanding of the field so that you can make an informed career decision. Ask about skills and qualifications needed to enter the field. You may also inquire about the job market and trends affecting the profession. Be sure to ask the employer about strategies for becoming a marketable candidate and methods for identifying job leads. If appropriate, you may provide the employer with a copy of your resume and ask for a critique.
End the interview by thanking the employer for his/her advice. You may also ask for names of others in the field who may be willing to meet with you.
Within 24 hours of your informational interview, you should send a letter thanking the employer for taking time to meet with you. If the employer was a friend or family member, a hand written note is acceptable. All other correspondence should be typed.
Now, take some time to make a few notes concerning advice that was given; seriously consider the information and recommendations provided by your contact. Cautiously evaluate your interest in the profession; remember, just because an employer was satisfied with a career doesn't mean that it is the right career for you. Each of us has different interests and abilities. Be sure to weigh all factors against your criteria for a rewarding, gratifying career.
Time Commitment
The job search process, similar to a class, requires a commitment of time. During your senior year, you should plan to spend 5-7 hours per week working on your job search plans. The time you invest early on will be rewarded by a satisfying career opportunity. Many seniors spend more time planning for Spring Break than they do planning for their future.
By April, many employers have already hired their new employees. Don't put yourself at a disadvantage by starting the job search late; maximize your options by starting the process early in your senior year! See the Senior Timeline on pages 3-4.
Taking Time Off
In order to reduce anxiety and postpone the difficult decisions regarding their careers, many seniors decide to "take a year off and be a waiter, waitress, bartender, pizza delivery person, etc." This tactic often leads to greater anxiety and frustration when, after taking a year off, the graduate still does not have a clear picture of his/her career interests. Taking several "years off to decide" may jeopardize future career options.
If you would like to "take a year off" to determine your interests, do so with caution. Meet with a career counselor to discuss your plan for establishing career goals during your "year off." If you have made a conscious decision to take a year off to travel or participate in volunteer work, you are certainly encouraged to pursue your interests. If, however, you are taking the year off because you don't know what you want to do professionally, make an appointment with a career counselor.