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JOB HUNTING QUANDARY I am rather like a mosquito in a nudist camp. I know what I ought to do, but I don’t know where to begin. Stephen Bayne

Perform a Self-Assessment What do you want to do? What are your skills, abilities, experiences? Consider paid, unpaid, volunteer, and academic history. What can you offer an employer?

Define Your Employment Options  Who has the jobs I seek?  Do I want full-time/part-time?  Can I relocate or commute?  Can I free-lance at home?  Can I work as a temp?  Can I live on this salary?

“Right” your Résumé  Create a top-notch résumé on quality stationery.  Include a “killer” cover letter, tailored to each vacancy.  Ask a professional to critique your work; all documents must be error-free.  Mail all documents in a matching envelope.

Use Career Services  On-campus interviews & info sessions  Job Fairs  Resources on cover letters, résumés, and interviewing  CareerLink jobs database  Internships  Career Counseling & Advising

Target Your Network

Be strategic: Create your personal “yellow pages” network  A way to compile information systematically  A means of gaining exposure in the job market  An opportunity to expand contacts  NOT random  NOT unstructured  NOT unplanned  NOT brief

Network…Everyone does it!  Join professional organizations  Enhance contacts  Ask for referrals—Use faculty & family connections  Tell everyone you know that you are seeking a job

**Networking Works!  Mass mailings produce 1-3% results  Networking produces 70% results  Referrals produce 85% results **Using a combination of all strategies is most effective.

Use All Resources

Check these Websites  Career Services at MSU Billings  Newspapers in every state  CareerOneStop  MT Job Service

Respect Employers’ Expectations Demonstrate these employment skills: Be on time ALL THE TIME Complete work in a responsible manner Dress appropriately at the workplace Avoid personal use of phone & Follow company practices & policies Be professional ALL THE TIME

You’re on Your Way!  Be patient  Be persistent  Be professional  Good Luck!

Career Services University Campus: Lib City College: Jacket Student Central