Job Search Strategies

Job Search Basics

Finding the right job takes planning, preparation, patience and time. Organizing yourself, keeping a positive attitude and being flexible, are all qualities that will make your search all that much easier. You are selling a very valuable product – YOU! When you approach your search in that way, you focus your attention on the qualifications, skills, and interests you bring to a job. For more information on a job search, attend a workshop on Job Search Strategies or contact the Career Resource Center for an appointment with a career counselor.

Steps to a great job

• Identify your interests and values – take a career assessment
• Know your skills
• Set a career objective
• Interview people doing work that interests you
• Prepare a resume
• Use a variety of methods to look for job openings
• If possible, dedicate several hours a week to your search
• Prepare for your interviews
• Send thank you notes or letters to interviewers

Some strategies for a successful job search

• Research careers and companies – utilize the Occupational Outlook Handbook for career related information
• Perform Informational Interview
• Network with everyone
• Check out resources on the Internet
• Look in Newspapers
• Visit the Department of Employment Security and other agencies for opportunities

Jump start your job search

• Rewrite your resumé and cover letter
• Work as a temporary
• Check your references and credit rating – it might be effecting your ability to get hired
• Widen the scope of your search – look outside of your area for opportunities
• Make job hunting part of your everyday routine
• Check your person (hygiene, dress)
• Preparation is the mother of a job hunt
• Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up
• Your effort directly affects your results and ultimate success!

Job Search Websites

Search sites for local, state and national jobs

• CollegeGrad.com - CollegeGrad.com is the #1 entry level job site, with extensive information on careers, resumes, cover letters, interviewing, salary information, employer research and entry level job postings.
• Internet Job Source - Find jobs by states.
• My Job Search - Good link to a variety of information.
• First Government - Excellent site for unusual jobs: government, overseas, and internships. Look under learning and jobs.
• Yavapai County - Browse around Yavapai County and explore different job listings in your city.
• Local Job Hunting - Post your resume, search jobs and research great local companies.
• WetFeet - Career advice, company research, job descriptions, and information on careers, salaries, resumes, recruitment, and employment trends.
• Monster - Find a job that will make you happy.
• JobCentral - Search jobs in the U.S. For individuals who are prior or current military find out information about job opportunities that meet your military skills.
• Health Careers - Careers in the healthcare field.
• CSI - Interested in Crime Scene Investigation? This website provides in depth information about the exciting field of Crime Scene Investigation.
• CityTownInfo - Find statistics and indexes on thousands of cities, towns and villages across the United States.
• America's Job Bank - Visit our site and see how we can help you find the job that's right for you. Thousands of new jobs are posted daily by employers searching for someone like you.
• Arizona Jobs - Post. Click. Hire.
• Arizona Virtual One Stop - Jobs posted with Department of Economic Security.
• Student Jobs - We offer valuable job experience, training opportunities, and excellent benefits, with plenty of opportunity for advancement.
• USA Jobs - USAJOBS is the official job site of the United States Federal Government. It's your one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.
• Job-Hunt - Best of the Web for Careers, Job Hunting, and Finding Work.
• Care.com - Care.com is a free resource for students to help them find child care, tutoring, senior care jobs and more.