According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers are looking for candidates with ● Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization ● Ability to work as part of a team ● Ability to make decisions and problem solve ● Ability to obtain and process information Bottom line – Your resume should reflect activities (jobs and involvement) that reflect a variety of skills and abilities)

 No specific search strategy will work for every applicant!  Be flexible  Be persistent  Allow extra time to conduct your job search  3 key steps – Self-Assessment, Research and Implementation

 Keep records of daily job search activities  Set aside a space at a desk or table for all supplies you might need  Be sure to keep track of all correspondence sent and received including: application forms, cover letters and resumes, and employer and organization information

 Identify your skills, abilities, and interests with a career assessment  Schedule a career counseling appointment ◦ What do you want to do? – what do you find enjoyable? Helps to narrow audience ◦ Informational interviews – talk to friends, family, faculty members. Identify likes/dislikes ◦ Ask yourself questions - ex. What was your favorite class? To gain insight

 Employers expect it  Displays your seriousness, thoroughness and attention to detail  Helps to personalize cover letters and resumes, and answer questions appropriately  Helps determine your “fit” with the organization

 Description of job responsibilities  Personnel information (NAME, policies, relevant information of executives)  Organizational culture, goals, and strategies.  Size, age, location, history, ownership  Products or services, major competitors, recent development, expected growth

 Develop your resume and cover letter ● Walk-in Resume Review ● –  Gather a list of professional/educational references  Schedule a resume review and cover letter review appointment  Practice your interviewing skills  Be sure to maintain a careful record of all job announcements, interviews, thank-you notes sent and follow up correspondence

 Network  Visit employers  Search Employers ◦ Internet ◦ LinkedIn LinkedIn ◦ Brave Opportunities Brave Opportunities ◦ Career Shift Career Shift ◦ Attend Career Expo- Wed. February 25, 2015

 Schedule a Mock Interview  Dress in professional attire  Bring cover letter, resume, and references  Arrive early  Be aware of nonverbal communication during the interview  Ask questions- Be sure to know basic company information

 Send a thank-you note/  If you were interviewed by more than one person, send each interviewer a thank-you note/  Follow-up with the employer  Be persistent, but always remain professional

 If you’ve searched for 6 months, you may need to redirect your search or gain experience  Clarify goals and redefine options – broaden or narrow them  Have your resume reviewed  Evaluate your online/social media presence  Consider geographic restrictions  Do your skills match with the needs of the company?

1. Relying on one strategy 2. Lack of focus/career objective 3. Failure to identify and use your network 4. Targeting only large employers 5. Failure to follow–up 6. Unprofessional materials/appearance 7. Impersonal approach 8. Underestimate time needed to search

 Don’t take rejection personally…  Maintain a balance between internship search and everyday routine  Remind yourself of your skills and accomplishments  Use your resources  Be persistent - you will find an internship!

 You can use InterviewStream to practice interviewing and conduct a mock interview from your own computer. After submission it will be reviewed by a Career Counselor InterviewStream