PREPARING FOR THE JOB SEARCH
Even 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?"
Begin by developing your own Job Search Plan. The counselors in the Career Services Office can help you to do this. Your plan should include perusing published job listings, as well as utilizing the most successful job search strategy, networking (see below).
When developing your networking program, talk to family, friends, professors, etc., and ask for referrals to others who might be able to offer assistance. Remember, when networking, your intent is not merely to have someone direct you to a specific job, but to other resources--either other individuals or organizations. Tell those with whom you network the type of positions you are interested in and ask them if they have any recommendations for either other people to talk to or employers to contact.
Check out Career Link, an online database of hundreds of Furman alumni who have volunteered to be a contact for students and other alumni seeking career assistance. Call or e-mail these contacts and learn about their experiences, how they got started in their careers, and how they got to where they are today.
Be sure to check out the job placement programs offered by the Career Services Office. The Campus Recruiting program, Career Fair, Shadow Program, Online Job Postings, and the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Interview Day (in Columbia) are all services designed to help you find that perfect job. Let the counselors in Career Services help you develop your personalized Job Search Plan.
RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS
If you are considering a particular company as a potential employer, the first step is to research it. Do this prior to contacting the organization. Find out what they do and what they are looking for in new employees. This will allow you to more effectively discuss how you can meet their needs. Also, it can save you time since you won't be focusing on organizations that do not interest you.
In your research try to discover:
Services or products provided
Competitors within the industry
Growth patterns
Reputation
Divisions and subsidiaries
Number of employees
New products or projects
Number of locations
Foreign operations
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 of course the Internet offers an almost infinite source of information. The employer's Website, as well as sites such as Vault.com and Wetfeet.com can provide information that will prove useful. Check out CareerSearch, a database of over 2 million employers (contact Career Services to set up an account to use this database). Also, use Yahoo, Google, etc., to search for company information and/or current news about the firm.
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.
NETWORKING FOR JOB LEADS
An important statistic to remember when planning your job search is that only about 25% of job openings are ever published in a generalized publication. That means that three-quarters of job openings fall into the "hidden job market" category. How can you tap into this hidden wealth of information? Most experts agree that the most effective job search strategy is networking. Never underestimate the importance of the people you know and meet. They can open doors and provide information that you would never find on your own. Here are some tips on establishing your own Job Search Network:
Make a list of all the people you know that may be able to offer assistance. Include family, friends, friends of family, and family of friends. Also, don't forget professors, co-workers, former bosses and supervisors.
Contact these people and ask them for a few minutes of their time. Tell them that you are seeking their guidance and assistance with your career planning. When networking, remember that you are seeking information, and not attempting to have them direct you to a specific job. Many times, the most helpful information comes in the form of referrals to other individuals or oganizations. Be specific with your questions and let them know you are not applying for a job. (See Questions to Ask During a Networking Interview below).
When your conversation ends ask the person for the name(s) of others in their field or company that they think could give you additional information.
Always send them a thank you note for taking their time to meet with you and for providing information.
QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING A NETWORKING INTERVIEW
What types of skills are needed to perform this kind of work?
What do you like/dislike about your work?
What are the advancement opportunities in this field of work?
What are the usual salary ranges for entry into this type of work?
What is the best way to approach prospective employers in this type of work?
Could you describe a typical work day for me?
How would I acquire the skills needed to perform this type of work?
What suggestions do you have for me as I pursue a job in this field?
Are there other individuals or organizations that you recommend I contact?