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Northwest Missouri State University

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The 10 Step Job Search

Prepare to succeed with your upcoming job or internship search! The steps below will form a framework to guide you.

1. Clarify Your Career Goals

Where are you going? It will be difficult to find a job when you are not sure what you are looking for. If you are having trouble with this first step, consider meeting with a career counselor or completing an online self assessment.

Services | Online-self Assessments | TypeFocus

2. Prepare Your Resume

Stop by your Career Services Office, watch a resume video, or look at the many resources available there or on this web site. Tailor your resume to the potential job as much as possible.

Resumes| General Career Information

3. Organize Your Job Search

Using your daily planner is a great way to organize your efforts for great efficiency. You should allocate a portion of each week for doing research on companies that interest you and for pursuing other means of contacting employers. Keep accurate records, good addresses and the dates you contacted employers as well as copies of follow-up letters.

Employer Research Sites | Job Listings | Regional Employment Resources

4. Research The Job Market.

Research literature in Career Services and check the Internet for information about companies and industries.

Salaries, Salary Negotiation & Relocation Resources | Minority Resources | Disabilities Resources | International Opportunities | International Students | Job Listing Sites | Regional Employment Resources

5. Network

People hire individuals they know, so the more potential employers you meet, the better the odds for landing a job. Develop your social and professional networks. Make a list of the people you know that might be helpful and contact them. Who on your list might refer you to someone else?

6. Use Career Resources

Such as career fairs, regional events, on-campus recruiting, and web registration.

Events | Hire A Bearcat User Guide

7. Make Appointments To Talk To A Potential Employer

If unable to schedule an appointment, send a resume and cover letter to the appropriate person. Be sure your cover letter is strong and reflects your research.

Resumes | Cover Letters

8. Persistence And Follow-Up.

Persistence is one of the key strategies in the job search. Whether you are researching job leads, sending out resumes, scheduling interviews, or contacting a hiring authority, you need to be persistent. The persistent job searcher is proactive. Follow all promising contacts with call and letters. Send thank you notes after interviews.

9. Prepare For The Interview

Participate in mock interview days. Review research material, watch videotapes on interviewing. Plan to send a thank you letter immediately after an interview. Follow-up after an appropriate period of time. Script out what you want to say to the question -- "Tell me a little about your self".

General Career Information | Interview

10. Make Sure This Is The Job For You

Before you accept or decline an offer, consider the offer carefully. Make sure the details of the offer are clear; preferably get them in writing. Details may include starting date, starting salary and benefits, locations, job description and responsibilities, and the date by which you must respond to the offer.

Salaries, Salary Negotiation & Relocation Resources

For additional information, check out our entire Career Resources site.