Job Hunting Advice & Tips

Job Search Smarts
By Chaz Kyser

It would be terrific if every degree came along with a job we loved, but then we wouldn’t be living in the “real world.” In the real world a great job is a prized possession, and what’s more, it’s something that the average college graduate has to work hard to get. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 1.5 million bachelor’s degrees are conferred every year in America. Roughly all college graduates look for some type of employment upon graduation, which means you have some pretty tough competition.

You should take calculated steps to secure a job and jumpstart your career. Once you’ve decided on the career you want, your goal should be to seek out those companies or organizations that offer jobs relative to your career aspirations.

JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

While many people rely on the more formal methods of job searching, such as through newspapers and employment agencies, the best way to secure a job is by using both formal and informal strategies. Informal strategies, which include job searching through networking and contacting employers directly, will take more time on your behalf but are worth the effort. Studies have shown that approximately two-thirds of jobs are found and secured by using informal search strategies, while only around one-third of jobs are obtained through formal methods.

Formal Job Search Strategies

Newspaper Ads: Studies show that as few as five percent of jobs are ever advertised in a newspaper, so don’t rely solely on newspapers to find a job. When you do find a listing that interests you, apply for the position immediately.
Employment/Staffing Agencies: Many employment agencies get paid by companies to find employees, so they can be extremely helpful in finding you a position that interests you, or to at least get you working somewhere while you’re still job searching. Some employment agencies are very industry-specific, only dealing with techies or business professionals, for example. Look for an agency that specializes in placing people within your field before you go with one that works on a broader scale.

Internet Ads: You can search sites like Monster.com that have listings for nearly every field in every city, city-specific sites like those for city government jobs, and field-specific sites like ones for counselors. If you find a great listing that doesn’t show the date it was posted, call the company to see if they are still hiring for the position and if they have any other positions open that fit your interests.

Job Fairs: Job fairs offer a convenient way for you to market yourself and learn more about companies hiring for positions you might be interested in. Always dress like you are going to an interview, and bring plenty of resumes and business cards.

Informal Job Search Strategies

Direct Mail Campaigns: This is a “wait and see” strategy. After identifying companies that offer (but may not be hiring for) positions in your field, you mail the hiring manager a customized cover letter and resume and hope you get a response. To make the most of this approach you’ll need to be quick about following up on all the mail you send out.
Alumni Associations: Check with your alma mater to see if they offer placement services for their graduates. If the alumni association provides a list of alumni and the fields they work in, take the initiative to call those working in your field for job leads.

Your Personal Network: Tell all your friends and relatives about the type of jobs you are searching for so they can also be on the lookout for you. If you have certain relatives or friends that have a knack for networking, give them a couple of copies of your resume—you never know who they’ll meet.

Cold Calling: If you learn of a company that seems interesting, but don’t know if they are hiring, there’s nothing wrong with calling the hiring manager to find out. Just make sure you talk to the manager. Never listen to anyone who doesn’t have the ability to hire you when they tell you there are no current job openings.

Unannounced Visits: You’re harder for managers to brush off if you’re in their face trying to get a job. The downside is you could also be annoying. Before making an unannounced visit, do a little investigating to find out when the person you’ll need to see will be in. Dress like you’re expecting an interview and bring more than one resume.

Professional Organizations: Joining an organization relative to your career is a great way to network with people who can give you leads on job openings within your field. Many organizations provide members with lists on who’s hiring or have companies constantly recruiting people specifically within their organization.

Volunteerism: Volunteering is an excellent way to network with people working in different fields. The people you meet may open you up to job opportunities you never considered.

Chaz Kyser is the author of “Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life After College” ($14.99). Purchase the book online at www.embracingtherealworld.com. Send comments about this article to column@embracingtherealworld.com.