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There's no one way to find employment. You'll need to use several approaches at the same time - ads, Internet, cold calling, and networking. The job search takes a lot of time, effort, and energy. You'll want to keep careful records and... follow-up! follow up! follow up!

First - "Know Thy Self," Clarify your area(s) of interest and career goals.
Second - Develop a professional-looking resume that stands out in the crowd, a cover letter, and list of references to fit your goals.
Third - Determine what resources are available to help you find employment?
 

Register with the Career Services Center. Besides qualifying you for on-campus recruiting, you can request to have your resume referred to interested employers

Attend Career Days and other special events

Participate in On-Campus Interviews You must register with CSC to be eligible to interview on campus. After you have registered with our office you may check Interview Schedules on the SpartanCareers student main menu or obtain a copy of the On-Campus Recruiting Calendar.

When we hear the word "networking," many people think of "doing lunch," selling ourselves, and handing out business cards. If we changed the word to Connecting, we might feel better about it.

Most people really enjoy being nice and helping one another when they can. So, if you ask someone for help or information, most people will gladly provide it.

Your job search begins with the people you know! Never underestimate their knowledge and influence.

Don't forget -- you're not asking for a job! You're seeking information, a lead, a contact, or a referral. You're doing a research project.

1. Begin by developing a list of contacts: relatives, neighbors, friends, work buddies, professors, friends of parents and parents of friends, doctors, veterinarians, hairdressers, UNCG alumni.
2. Prepare a sample script and call each contact. Tell them in 30 seconds what kind of job or information you're looking for. Ask if they can help you or refer you to someone who can. Develop several scripts for different situations.
3. Be sure to THANK the person for their help and end by saying "I'd like to keep you posted on the progress of my job search." And then do it!
4. Check back with your contacts every 3-4 weeks. Follow-up is one of the most critical, but often forgotten, steps in networking. The second and third time you contact someone is when you'll usually get the best nuggets of information!

Its purpose is to gain information about a career field and/or to put you in touch with people in your area of interest.

The great thing about informational interviewing is that it is a non-pressured situation where you can gain first-hand information about the field, position, or company you are researching. It's also a wonderful way to build a network for future contacts and leads.

Here are some tips that will be helpful in setting up an informational interview:

• Write out scripts or notes for yourself for the initial phone call. Mention your source of referral.
• Practice by yourself, with a friend, or with your counselor.
• Learn something about your contact's company (Internet); be sure you have the correct spelling and pronunciation of his or her name.
• Make the call to set up the meeting. Ask the person for 20-30 minutes in person or over the phone. In-person meetings, at their place of employment, are ideal since you get a chance to make a more lasting impression, and to see the work environment.
• Be sure to allow your contact to set the time and place that is most convenient. If the work schedule is too busy, suggest meeting over lunch, during a coffee break, or after working hours.
• To prepare for the interview itself, be sure that you are ready to give a brief synopsis of your background and why you are interviewing them - your expanded "30-second commercial."
• Remember to relax; be professional, but friendly. Since you are seeking information and not a job, the meeting is yours to control.
• You may bring a copy of your resume with you, but do not ask for a job. This interview is for information gathering.

Dress for Success and bring a portfolio with note pad, a list of questions you would like to ask, pen, and for an outstanding impression, a personal business card--make your own or have them made. All you need is name, phone, email. Keep it professional. Some folks put a line or two to indicate their specialty.

  Information Meeting Questions

What is job shadowing?
Job Shadowing is designed to increase career awareness, help model behavior through examples, and reinforce the link between classroom learning and work requirements. Its purpose is also to gather information about specific careers by observing professionals in their places of business. Job shadowing allows students to view actual work/tasks being performed on a regular basis to assist students in the career decision making process. This experience allows you to see whether or not you would enjoy the job or one very similar. You may discover that the field is perfect for you or not suited for you at all.

How can I find someone to shadow?
Talk to professors, parents, and friends about your interests and ask them if they know someone who you can shadow. Your job shadowing experience(s) may result from one or more of your informational interviews or from other sources. Job shadowing can give you a sense of the choices open to you and what you need to do if you want to pursue a particularcareer. You can get a first-hand understanding of the relevance of academics to the world-of-work. 

How hould you prepare for job shadowing?
Observe the following guidelines to ensure this is a positive experience for everyone involved:

• Make sure all the arrangements are made well in advance.
• Show up on time, and dresses appropriately.
• Be prepared. Do research on the company and the career field.
• Be observant and take notes. Ask questions. You are there to learn.
• Try not to interfere with the daily routine of the organization.

Targeted mailings can assist in uncovering unpublished openings (the "hidden job market").

1. Identify potential employers through directories and other resources available in the CSC.
2. Send your resume to the organization along with a customized cover letter. Make each letter specific to that employer; research the company so you know what the organization is all about and can identify their needs. Show in your letter how your qualifications relate to that employer's specific needs.
3. Indicate in your letter that you will be following up and be sure to do so.

Be persistent in your job search. Finding a job does not happen overnight - "getting a job is a job." Please contact Career Services to help you in developing/revising your strategy.