PREPARING FOR THE JOB SEARCH

Individual Career Counseling - Merely considering a job search can produce anxiety, confusion and feelings of helplessness. You can help overcome this anxiety through preparation and planning.  The big question is "Where do I start?"  Simply make an appointment with one of our counselors for an individual meeting.  CLICK HERE to learn how to set up a meeting.    We can help you with the following:

Finding Direction in Career Searching.  It is not abnormal to be in a place of indecision about your career.  Many students claim to "have no clue" what they want to do after graduation.  Speak with a career counselor, and through career assessments, receive an analysis of your interests, preferences, likes, and dislikes.   Results of the assessments show occupational fields and careers that align with your personality, interests, and skills. 

 Developing your Individual Job Search Plan.  The counselors in the Career Services Office can help you to do this in your initial meeting.   Together, you and a counselor can create a targeted approach to perusing published job listings, as well as utilizing the most successful job search strategy, networking (see below).  

 Create your Personal Networking Program.  Start by creating a list of faculty and staff members, family, friends, friends of family, and family of friends to whom you can speak with about your career goals and aspirations.  Ask these people to refer you to other people or organizations they know who may be able to assist you.   The Office of Career Services also has a list of professional societies and organizations in the area that meet on a regular basis.  Many of these organizations welcome visitors and would be a great way to meet those working in the area of your professional interests.

Campus Interviewing.  This Seminar will introduce seniors to the mechanics of the on-campus interviewing program.  This seminar is required of all students who choose to participate in the on-campus interviewng program!  You only need to attend on the sessions.

Resume Writing. This seminar offers an overview of the most commonly used resume formats and provides tips on developing a resume that markets you very effectively.

Interviewing Tips.  This seminar will present information on preparing for and participating in an employment interview.  You will learn job-winning tips and the "dos and don'ts" of successful interviewing.

Job Search Strategies.  This seminar covers the fundamentals of the job search:  researching employers, networking, online resources, and much more.

Networking for Jobs.  Learn how to maximize your job search success through networking.  Topics such as learning how to locate contacts and how to approach them, as well as developing your own "business card" will be discussed.

No Job, Now What?  Panic Alert!!!!  Designed for seniors who have not found employment or have not taken advantage of the services and opportunities put in place by the Office of Career Services.  It's not too late to get involved in the job search process.  Attend this workshop to find out how.   Only offered during Spring Term.

Breaking Out of the Bubble Workshop.  SENIORS ONLY... If you haven't decided on your post-graduation plans, this workshop will help you set up a strategy to clarify your goals and develop a plan of action.  Topics will include graduate school vs. work, "What can I do with my major?", job searching, networking, and how to make use of Career Services programs.   

Breaking Out of the Bubble Senior Guide.   Pick up a guide from our office if you do not receive one during senior week.   Included are timelines for graduate school and your job search, sample resumes, cover letters, and thank you notes, and tips on interviewing, networking, and improving your resume. 

Studies show that networking is the most effective way to locate opportunities of all types.  In fact, 75% of jobs are in the hidden market.  That is, they are not posted to the major job search sites.  For this reason, networking becomes a crucial part  of marketing yourself effectively.  The resources listed below will assist you in marketing yourself and subtly discovering information about employment and opportunities in a particular career field.   

South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Interview Day - The South Carlina Independent Colleges and Universities. (SCICU) consortium sponsors Interview Dau each Winter Term.   The even is held in Columbia and invites major employers from the region.   To participate, you must register during Fall Term.   Contact the Assistant Director of Career Services for more information and application deadlines. 

In your research, try to discover:

• Services or products provided by the employer
• Growth patterns
• Reputations
• Divisions and subsidiaries
• Number of employees (both locally and worldwide)
• Number of locations
• Foreign Operations
• Competitors

Visit the Career Library within the Career Services Office. There you will find books such as Hoover's Handbook of American Companies and The Almanac of American Employers and several others that will provide a majority of the information above. 

Research on the Internet and Employer Website.   Internet offers an almost infinite source of information. Use Yahoo, Google, etc., to search for company information and/or current news about the firm.   The employer's Website will offer information as to the background and future direction of the company. 

Career Search is a database of millions of employers.  Furman's Career Services Office provides students and alumni with access to this database.  You must establish an account in order to use this service.  If you do not already have one, you may request an account by contacting the Career Services Office.

Vault.com, CareerJournal.com, and Wetfeet.com provides information on numerous employers. This is a great resource to use in preparing for interviews with specific organizations

Salary Information - These links will direct you to websites that can assist in finding salary information for particular jobs. 

Researching information will put you ahead of the game. Employers are looking for potential employees who have thoroughly researched their company and are able to talk knowledgeably about it in an interview. People who have done their research are better able to discuss how their experiences and qualifications match up with the company's needs. Prepared candidates who know the company can also talk about how they can make an immediate contribution to the organization. The candidate who can do that is typically the candidate who gets the job offer.