Student Job Link's Resources

When you start looking for a full time job, there are a few things that you need to have.  First and foremost is a good resume, but there are a lot of other things you need to be aware of to make sure that you have the best possible chance at getting a job.

 

 

While you’re getting your resume together, it’s a good idea to get to know the industry that you’ll be applying to.  You already have knowledge about the work that would be required from the job, but you need to know about the actual logistics that will go into performing that job.

 
First of all, think about your local area.  Are there enough companies in your line of work that you’ll be able to find the type of job that you’re looking for?  If not, then try looking at other areas.  Yes, you may need to relocate, and for some that is a big plus and for some a bad thing, but if you want a good career, it may be required.

After you’ve done your homework about places in a certain area, do research on specific companies.  Check out the company’s website to see what scale this place does business on.  Are they a big corporation that will afford you lots of room for advancement, or are they a small company? 

Small companies are by no means bad and they can get you some initial experience that will pay off when its time for you to move onto bigger and better things.  Also, try to find somebody you can talk to who works at that company. 

If the company is big enough, then odds are you can find someone who works there through your network of friends and family, or someone who works in the field and knows about the company.  A conversation with that person may help you determine exactly what you can expect when you enter this industry. 

Also, if you are still a student, there are probably a lot of companies that will want to talk to you.  Call the company and ask if you can have an informal meeting with the owner, if it’s a small company, or an information officer or recruitment staff, so that you can learn about the industry. 

Most people love to talk about themselves and their accomplishments, so with a little persistence, you can probably set this up.  And who knows - if you impress that person enough, you may even get a job offer!

More resources:

Check the Career Services department of your college or the guidance councilor of your high school.

“The College Grad Job Hunter By Brian D. Krueger .” You can find the entire book for free online!

200 Best Jobs for College Graduates by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin (Paperback - Jan 2009)