HOW TO FIND A JOB

Part One of a Three Part Job Hunting Series

08/07

HOW TO FIND A JOB

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
What kind of a job do I want Why do I think I am qualified Which employers have the kinds of jobs I am seeking How do I make contact with these employers Resources and Programs offered by Career Services Placement Services in the Pitt System Trying to figure out what kind of job you want Looking for Career Options (UPJ Career Services Resource Books) Trying to figure out which employers have the kinds of jobs you are seeking (UPJ Career Service Library Job Hunting Resources) 1

2 3-5 6 7 8 9

10-12

How To Find A Job

Finding a job doesnt just happen. You have to make it happen! Job-hunting may be the hardest work you will ever do, mainly because nobody is forcing you. It takes a lot of self-discipline. Even though it can be hard work, successful job hunting is fairly simple. The secret is to answer several basic questions. They are: What kind of job do I want? Why do I think Im qualified? Which employers have the kinds of jobs I am seeking? How do I make contact with these employers?
After you are successful at coming up with the answers to these questions, you will probably need job-hunting skills such as resume writing and interviewing. These are covered in our two other How-to booklets.

FIRST WHAT KIND OF JOB DO I WANT?

What career fields interest me? This may be the most difficult part of the job search process. How can you look for a job if you dont know what kind of job you want? If you dont have well-defined career direction, take advantage of the different types of information found in the Career Services Library. By using such resources, you may get a better idea of the different kinds of jobs and the types of work environments that are out there. Some of the available resources are listed on page 6. Job Fairs, where you have an opportunity to speak with numerous employers in one location, have been shown to be a very effective method of gathering career information about jobs that are available. You may also want to think about seeing the career counselor to get help in establishing career goals.

SECOND WHY DO I THINK I AM QUALIFIED?

What do I have to offer? This is often the most forgotten step. The degree you have earned or are about to earn is your most basic qualification. Dont underestimate its value. However, before looking for a job, you should do an assessment of your abilities, talents, skills, interests, values, needs, and goals. Many seniors underestimate themselves. Take a personal inventory of your education, academic achievements, and abilities. Evaluate your organizational, interpersonal, artistic, and creative skills. Also evaluate your work experience, likes and dislikes, duties and level of responsibilities, variety of experiences, accomplishments, interests and hobbies, community involvement, recreational activities, awards and goals. After a little soul searching and brainstorming, you may quite likely find that you really have a lot of qualifications. Career Services resources, which suggest career options, appear on page 9.

THIRD WHICH EMPLOYERS HAVE THE KINDS OF JOBS I AM SEEKING?

Where can I get job leads?
Once you have identified the kind of job you want, your next step is to start pinpointing the specific employers and people to whom you are going to direct your job-hunting efforts. Utilize your Career Services office for career planning and placement assistance. Some of our resources are listed starting on pages 10 and 11.

Some Different Ways To Get Job Leads

Pitt Placement: UPJ students and alumni have full access to the Career Services Office at Pitt (Oakland). UPJ students are eligible to register for on campus interviews with Pitt Placement. They can provide you with opportunities to on-campus interviews through the online registration and job-search system, FutureLinks. Resumes can be posted in electronic resume books that are accessed by many employers. Job candidates can also view job postings through the FutureLinks system. The Pitt Career Services website address is www.career.pitt.edu. The Big E: Register through the UPJ Office of Career Services to get on this job hot line. Its free and you will receive notices of jobs that are available in your field. Job Fairs: Attend to make initial contact with employers. This gives you the chance to meet with many employers in a short period of time. On-campus Recruiting: Besides opportunities at Pitt (Oakland), each year a variety of organizations interview at UPJ. Networking: Through professional and personal contacts, you may find information about specific jobs. Career Services Resources: A large number of resources are available in Career Services. Some may be checked out, others are for reference and must be used in the office. Individual Career and Employment Counseling: Again, an appointment to talk with the career counselor may help you establish your individual career goals and identify your job seeking needs. The Internet: The amount of information available on the internet for job seekers is enormous. It is a vehicle to research industries, individual employers, geographic locations, salaries and benefits, and traits and qualifications sought by employers. Handouts on internet job searching are available in the Career Services office. Want Ads: Located in newspapers, professional publications, etc. Employment Agencies: Can be found in newspapers or phone books. A useful source of job leads but on occasion they may charge a fee. State Employment Services: College graduates frequently forget to use them as a resource. However, some professional jobs are filled this way. Federal, State, and other Governmental Jobs: There is normally a very specific process for finding these kinds of jobs. The Career Services office can provide some information. Federal and State web sites are listed on Page 6 of this booklet.

FOURTH HOW DO I MAKE CONTACT WITH THESE EMPLOYERS?

How do I approach them?
The research has been done; Youve made your list of potential employers. Now is the time to contact employers. You certainly want to use the University Placement Services described on page 7, but, there are a variety of other methods that can be used to contact prospective employers. These include: THE MAIL CAMPAIGN: The mail campaign is still the traditional way to get in touch with employers. Basically, the mail campaign consists of a cover letter declaring your candidacy and a resume presenting your qualifications. Dont be surprised, however, if some employers dont respond. A hundred letters and resumes may yield only ten or fifteen responses positive or negative. And yet, this is still a preferred way for college seniors and graduates to contact employers. Hard copy sent via the postal service is still a common method used to contact employers. Resumes by email is becoming more common, particularly if this is what the employer prefers. Some employers will no longer accept hard copy resumes but rather require that all applicants send resumes electronically. THE INTERNET: Cyber-technology has added another dimension to how we can look for employment. General employer information and profiles can be found on the Internet. Navigating on the web, using search engines such as yahoo, google, or alta vista is a good place to start on the search for employers. Simply go to the basic search engine, such as google and type the name of the company in quotes. Another method of finding company websites is to type the name of the company between www.and.com, such as www.procter&gamble.com, in the address line of the web browser. If you are researching a particular company, find out the geographic location of its headquarters. You might consider searching online newspapers and magazines from that area to uncover the latest news relevant to the community. Job-hunting will include submitting electronic resumes on-line. Job seekers may enter the Internet job search in several ways: - Posting the resume on a job bank or resume bank site. - Sending the resume directly to employers via email. - Preparing the resume in a form that is most likely to be accepted by a scanner. The UPJ Career Services office recommends the comprehensive website developed by Margaret Riley Dickel, www.rileyguide.com. This website offers a wealth of information on internet networking, interviewing, negotiating, researching employers, job listing, recruiting sites, and posting your resume online. RELATIVE & FRIENDS: Almost all of your friends, relatives, teachers, and former bosses have friends, relatives, and business contacts who work for a living. You will probably find it surprising how frequently these kinds of people can provide you with contacts for potential employers. Dont be reluctant to tap this valuable resource. You are not asking anybody to get a job for you, you are just asking for information about job possibilities and for permission to reference their name when making initial contact. Remember, about 80% of all job opportunities are never advertised. People who get these jobs typically do so because of personal contacts. Give your resume to anyone who may be in a position to help you. In essence, create your own personal contacts. THE WALK-IN INTERVIEW: Here the candidate visits an employer for the purpose of obtaining an interview. Organizations who have large personnel staff may interview you on the spot, or they may ask you to come back for an appointment. Sometimes, sending a resume ahead of time indicating you will be stopping by on a specific date, or calling prior to your visit, will increase your chances of obtaining the interview. Although this method requires a lot of physical energy, it can be productive.

FORMER EMPLOYERS: Where did you work during the summers? Part-time? Could your former supervisor act as a resource person? Did you have an internship? Have you participated in volunteer work? 4

CLASSIFIED ADS: Even though this method of seeking jobs guarantees a lot of competition, a lot of employers still prefer to advertise their openings. Dont forget to check newspapers and professional publications for job notices. PRIVATE EMPLOYEE AGENCIES: The reputable ones are used by large as well as small firms. Many small companies whose size does not warrant a human resources or personnel department may use them for all hiring. You must be careful when dealing with such agencies. Dont be mislead or deceived. You will sign a contract with which you must comply. Employment Agencies will take legal action if you dont abide by the terms of the contract. You also must remember that they charge a fee for their services. Before they set up an interview for you, make sure you know who is responsible for paying the fee you, or the employer. It is becoming much more common for the employer to pay the fee. But even if there is a fee, dont let it scare you off, simply be aware of your rights and responsibilities. THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW: This is a valuable tool. We strongly recommend that you use it. Pick out various organizations which appear to have the type of employment in which you are interested. Then, arrange to speak to a person currently employed in the area of your interest. Emphasize to him/her that you are not looking for a job at this point, but are instead researching this type of work to determine if this is the type of career you want. He/She may be flattered to talk about his/her work, what the pros and cons are, how best to get into the field, etc. You might also ask who else would be a good resource person. Be sure to be courteous, enthusiastic and sound intelligent. You may be returning at a later date to inquire about job openings. First impressions are most lasting and you will be remembered. When interviewing a career professional in the career field in which you have an interest, we suggest that you obtain the following information and ask the kinds of questions listed below: GET HIS OR HER: NAME POSITION or JOB TITLE EMPLOYER or PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT ADDRESS

ASK THESE QUESTIONS TO GET FACTUAL INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND IF YOU WANT A JOB LIKE HIS OR HERS.

1.

How long has the individual been employed in the organization and for what length of time has he/she held his/her current position? What was the career path of the individual? (How did he/she get to this position?) What are the major responsibilities of the position? What are some of the specific duties that are performed? What are some of the different kinds of organizations that employ people in this occupation? Are there other fields in which the same types of skills are used? What might some related occupations be? What are the educational requirements for this career? (Baccalaureate degree, Graduate or Professional school, Professional Certificate, Tests, Licensing, etc.?) What schools locally, regionally, or nationally offer such training? (Which have better reputations than others?) Are no experience college graduates employed in this field? If so, what types of positions would they be likely to hold? What is the normal career progression of individuals in this field? (What are entry-level positions? What are normally considered the highest-level positions in the field? What are some of the intermediate steps along the way?)

2. 3.

4. 5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10. Approximately what would an entry-level salary range be? (Intermediate salary? What is the most one can expect to earn in this field, speaking in todays dollars?) 11. What are short-term and long-term prospects for employment in this field? (If you get the necessary training, how good will your chances of getting a job in this field be?) 12. What does it take to get ahead in this field? (On what criteria is performance evaluated?) 13. What is the typical chain of command in this field? (To who does the individual report and who reports to him/her?) 14. Is this a typical 9-5 job? If not, how much time does it take to do a good job? 15. What abilities and personal qualities are needed to succeed in this field? 16. Is it possible to assess the life-style of people who work in this field? 17. Can the individual suggest others who might be valuable as sources of information? Compile a list of specific employers of people in this career field in and around your hometown. Identify the geographic areas of the country which offer the greatest opportunities for employment in this career field. For further information, ask for Career Services pamphlet How to Conduct an InformationGathering Interview with a Professional.

RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED BY CAREER SERVICES

These services, which can assist you in finding a job, are available to UPJ students and alumni. JOB HUNTING RESOURCES: These are invaluable aids in your job search. These books may be signed out from the Career Services Library. (A listing is found on page 8.) CAREER INFORMATION HANDOUTS: Pamphlets relating to various majors are available in the Career Services office. In addition to the booklet you are now reading, two other How To booklets are available: How To Write a Resume, and How To Interview. EMPLOYER DIRECTORIES: They help seniors identify prospective employers in their chosen field. Directories that cover a variety of career fields and industries are available. FEDERAL & STATE EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: Applications and other information are available. STATE WEBSITES PA Civil Service Commission: www.scsc.state.pa.us Non-Civil Service, Office of Administration: PA Come Invent The Future: www.oa.state.pa.us Team PA Career Link: www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us Best Places to Work in PA: www.bestplacestoworkinpa.com FEDERAL WEBSITES Federal jobs: www.usajobs.com U. S. Office of Personnel Management: www.opm.gov MOCK VIDEOTAPE INTERVIEWS: All seniors have the opportunity to practice their interviewing skills by participating in a mock interview. By simulating an actual interview situation and recording it on videotape, the student has the chance to observe his/her performance. Interested seniors can schedule a mock interview session at Career Services. INDIVIDUAL CAREER & EMPLOYMENT COUNSELING: The Director of Career Services will assist seniors with any particular concern they may have regarding career goals and job seeking. RESUME WRITING AND JOB INTERVIEWING WORKSHOPS: Watch for the schedule of dates, times, and places. RESUME REVIEW: After you have attended a job-hunting workshop and have typed a rough draft of a resume, you may want to schedule an appointment to have your resume reviewed. BIG E: All seniors are encouraged to sign up for UPJs computerized referral system called The Big E. (Details are found on the sign-up form.) ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS: Seniors are eligible to sign up for on-campus interviews at UPJ. Opportunities are publicized through bulletin board postings and the Big E. JOB POSTINGS: Although most job notices are processed through the Big E, look for additional listings on the bulletin board and in the Career Services office. COORDINATION OF SERVICES WITH PITT (OAKLAND): Pitts placement services are now available to UPJ seniors and alumni. (See Page 7.)

PLACEMENT SERVICES IN THE PITT SYSTEM

Both Pitt and UPJ Placement services are sources of job referrals for UPJ seniors and alumni. If you wish to use both systems, you must register with each separately. Pitt charges a small fee for registration. Registering with Pitt (Oakland) Career Services entitles you to utilize FutureLinks, an on-line registration and job search system. University students are able to manage their own on-line portfolio of documents and job searches from any personal computer. Eligibility requirements are reviewed on the website, www.careers.pitt.edu. Becoming eligible allows you to participate in the on-campus recruiting program for full-time employment opportunities, view job listings, and be included in the on-line resume book system. Students can apply for jobs by having their resume placed in electronic resume books, which are listed by academic majors. Publishing your resume in a resume book means that the employer can view the resume books and contact candidates even if a job notice has not been posted on the site. Another tool for the job search process!!

Information on how to access FutureLinks is available in Career Services.

***************************************

Registering with UPJs Career Services office means completing the BIG E Registration form. The BIG E Referral System will then be used to notify you about: ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING (Each year a variety of companies and organizations come to UPJ to interview seniors for jobs after graduation.) JOB OPENINGS (These may occur during your senior year or after your graduation. If you receive a mailing about a position in which you have an interest, you can respond by following the instructions on the job announcement sent to you by the UPJ Career Services office. Or if you are not interested in the position, simply ignore the announcement.) JOB FAIRS (The UPJ Career Services Office is an active member in groups of colleges that sponsor Job Fairs at which hundreds of employing organizations recruit students and alumni.)

**************************

Please stop in Career Services and make use of the many JOB-HUNTING and GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL resources which are available. We are located in the Student Union, G52.

TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT KIND OF JOB YOU WANT?

These resources may help: CAREERS FOR: Animal Lovers & Other Zoological Types Bookworms & Other Library Types Born Leaders & Other Decisive Types Car Buffs & Other Freewheeling Types Caring People & Other Sensitive Types Class Clowns & Other Engaging Types Color Connoisseurs & Other Visual Types Competitive Spirits & Other Peak Performers Computer Buffs & Other Technological Types Courageous People & Other Adventurous Types Crafty People & Other Dexterous Types Culture Lovers & Other Artsy Types Cybersurfers & Other Online Types Environ. Types & Others Who Respect Earth Fashion Plates & Other Trend Setters Film Buffs & Other Hollywood Types Financial Mavens & Other Money Movers Foreign Language Aficionados Good Samaritans & Other Humanitarian Types Gourmets & Others Who Relish Food Others include: DO WHAT YOU ARE LIFE LONG CAREER PLANNING CAREER PLANNING WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE? WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE WITH MY LIFE? 250 BEST PAYING JOBS BEST JOBS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY 50 BEST JOBS FOR YOUR PERSONALITY

Health Nuts & Others Who Like to Stay Fit High-Energy People & Other Go-Getters History Buffs & Others Who Learn from the Past Introverts & Other Solitary Types Kids at Heart & Others Who Adore Children Legal Eagles & Other Law-and-Order Types Music Lovers & Other Tuneful Types Mystery Buffs & Other Snoops & Sleuths Nature Lovers & Other Outdoor Types Night Owls & Other Insomniacs Number Crunchers & Other Quantitative Types Perfectionists & Other Meticulous Types Plant Lovers & Other Green Thumb Types Self-Starters & Other Entrepreneurial Types Shutterbugs & Other Candid Types Sports Nuts & Other Athletic Types The Stage-struck & Other Dramatic Types Talkative Types & Others with the Gift to Gab Travel Buffs & Other Restless Types Writers & Others Who Have a Way with Words

LOOKING FOR CAREER OPTIONS?

Several series of books are available in Career Services. These include: GREAT JOBS FOR: Accounting Majors Art Majors Biology Majors Business Majors Chemistry Majors Communications Majors Computer Science Majors Engineering Majors English Majors Foreign Language Majors History Majors Liberal Arts Majors Music Majors Psychology Majors Sociology Majors Theater Majors OPPORTUNITIES IN: Advertising Broadcasting Commercial Art & Graphic Design Journalism Performing Arts Publishing Tech. Writing & Communication Writing Banking Business Management Financial Human Resource Management Insurance International Business Paralegal Animal & Pet Care Child Care Counseling & Development Gerontology & Aging Services Public Relations Social Science Social Work Fitness Hospital Administration Mental Health Nutrition Public Health Sports Medicine Federal Government Hotel & Motel Law Law Enforce. & Criminal Justice State & Local Government Travel Civil Engineering Computer Systems Engineering Environmental Marketing Retailing Sales Library & Information Science Teaching Recreation & Leisure Sports & Athletics

CAREERS IN: Accounting Advertising Business Child Care Communications Computers Education Engineering Environment Finance Government Health Care High Tech Horticulture & Botany International Business Law Marketing Medicine Nursing Science Social & Rehabilitation Services Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality

10

TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH EMPLOYERS HAVE THE KINDS OF JOBS YOU ARE SEEKING?
The following is a partial listing of the job-hunting resources available in the Career Services library. These books can assist you in your job search and may be signed out. THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET JOB SEARCH 101 HOW TO GET A JOB IN HARD TIMES READY FOR THE REAL WORLD I CAN BE ANYTHING INFORMATION INTERVIEWING THE COMPLETE JOB SEARCH HANDBOOK MAKING COLLEGE PAY OFF THE GUIDE TO INTERNET JOB SEARCHING OCCUPATIONAL THESAURUS VOL. 1 & 2

************************

NEED NAMES, ADDRESSES AND OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION OF POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS?

The following books contain listings of nationwide employers. These books are for in-house reference only. THE COMPLETE LIST OF JOB BANK BOOKS: Atlanta Northern New England Austin/San Antonio New Jersey Boston New Mexico Carolina New York and Upstate New York Chicago Ohio Connecticut Philadelphia Dallas-Fort Worth Phoenix Denver Pittsburgh Detroit Portland Florida Salt Lake City Houston San Francisco Bay Area Indiana Seattle Las Vegas Tennessee Los Angeles Virginia Minneapolis-St. Paul Washington D.C. Missouri Wisconsin Others include: JOBS ALMANAC PLACES RATED ALMANAC TOP 2500 EMPLOYERS PITTSBURGH BUSINESS DIRECTORY NATIONAL JOB HOTLINE DIRECTORY THE ALMANAC OF AMERICAN EMPLOYERS PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRIAL DIRECTORY HARRIS PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

11

THINKING ABOUT GOVERNMENT SERVICE?

FIND A FEDERAL JOB FAST: a basic, inside book on how to find a job with the government.

***************************

ARE YOU A SOCIAL SERVICE ORIENTED GRADUATE?

COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY: a service directory for Cambria County. 100 JOBS IN SOCIAL CHANGE: gives brief job descriptions, salary levels, prospects for finding work, and qualifications and characteristics you should possess for a certain kind of work.

***************************

ARE YOU ENVIRONMENTALLY ORIENTED?

OUTDOOR CAREERS: a description of jobs, salary information, and entry level requirements for several types of outdoor-related occupations. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY: the insiders guide to finding jobs in the environmental fields.

**************************

ARE YOU PLANNING A TEACHING CAREER?

PATTERSONS AMERICAN EDUCATION DIRECTORY: a listing of all school districts in the U.S. provides the information a teacher/education career-seeker needs to contact any school system. PATTERSONS ELEMENTARY EDUCATION DIRECTORY: a national directory of elementary schools. PENNSYLVANIA EDUCATION DIRECTORY: a complete listing of schools located throughout Pennsylvania. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION: a national directory of state requirements for elementary and secondary school professionals.

***************************

12

ARE YOU AN ENGINEER OR COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR?

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJORS: listing of opportunities related to major fields, and profiles of employers. THE JOB BANK GUIDE TO COMPUTER & HIGH-TECH COMPANIES: a how to look for a job guide and state-by-state employer listing. PITTSBURGH HIGH TECH COUNCIL DIRECTORY: a listing of companies in the high tech field.

***************************

DO YOU WANT TO ENTER THE BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL FIELD?

GREATER JOHNSTOWN BUSINESS DIRECTORY: a listing of addresses, phone numbers and contact persons of businesses in the Johnstown area. JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS MAJORS: a listing of job opportunities and profiles of employers. PITTSBURGH BUSINESS DIRECTORY: a listing of companies in and around the Pittsburgh area. PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRIAL DIRECTORY: Provides basic facts on over 20,000 manufacturing and industrial facilities in PA.

***************************

ALSO AVAILABLE IN CAREER SERVICES

JOB CHOICES (FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS): an alphabetical and geographical listing of companies who normally hire college graduates. These come in a three-volume set, consisting of: Volume 1: A Job-Hunting Manual Volume 2: Employment Directory for Administration, Business, and other nontechnical options Volume 3: Employment Directory for Engineering, Sciences, Computer fields, and other technical options

**************************

13