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Job Search Strategies


1 Review HireMe! Academy materials for all the key elements for job search success.

2 Network: The Number One Job Search Strategy
Job Seach Strategies Webshop Networking is the process of developing reciprocal relationships with others who can support you in your internship or job search. Networking involves establishing mutually beneficial relationships with people who, over time, can help you in your search and career development. Before you start, practice your professional correspondence, “elevator pitch” and identify how that person can “help” you.

More information available:
       Career Resource Manual for details on how to use networking in your job search
       Webshop
       LinkedIn - Join ICC's LinkedIn Group
  • Tips Sheet (PDF)
  • Join HR/Recruiting groups
  • Research people who work at the companies where you are applying
       Professional Network in Aggie Job Link
       Cal Aggie Alumni Association
       Informational Interviews
       Join Associations in your field
       Volunteer to meet new contacts in your field

3 Build Your Resume or Learn Career Change Tips
A. Volunteer
  • To build your resume
  • Gain experience in a new field
  • To build your professional network
  • Find formalized opportunities at Volunteer Match
  • Discover professional volunteer projects that you could offer to do within your already existing network

B. Engage in Professional Development Join the ICC on LinkedIn
  • Take classes at a JC or Community College in your field of interest
    • As a registered student, you might have access to internship opportunities
  • Do an internship: Internships are typically limited to currently registered students. If you have finished your degree, taking relevant courses at a JC/Community college might offer you access to internships as a “student”
  • Go to a conference, join a professional association, or a chamber of commerce in your area
  • These are experiences that will build your resume and help you uncover professional opportunities in your field of interest or help you clarify your career interests.

C. Use Temp Agencies
  • This is a great way to get your foot in the door with your desired employers.
  • Great idea for career changers to build their resume.
  • One tip is to identify companies that you’d like to work for, and call their HR department to find out what Temp agencies that they use. You can express your interest in the company and your willingness to work through a temp agency. Register with the temp agency and indicate company preferences.

4 Enhance your marketing tools:
Join our Listserv
  • Know how to promote yourself and to articulate what you have to offer to an employer.
  • Be able to offer an “elevator pitch” that highlights your skills, experiences, qualities and career goals in a natural way.
  • Make sure you tailor your resume and cover letter specifically to each job description, company and industry.
  • Optimize your Resume with Keywords
      • Regardless of how a resume is being submitted, it must be keyword rich to be effective. Keywords and phrases reflect skills and experience necessary for the type of position and industry you are targeting. While an effective resume will include action verbs (e.g., develop, negotiate, analyze) for a human reviewer, keywords and phrases will play a crucial role when technology is used to selecting candidates. Following are a few examples of keywords:

      Job Titles
        Software Engineer, Purchasing Agent, Marketing Manager, Controller, Administrative Assistant, Account Manager, Program Director
      Skills and Job Responsibilities
        Systems Analysis, Application Prototyping, Rapid Application Development (RAD), Market Research, Strategic Planning, New Product Launch, Cost Variance Reports (CVR), Data Entry, Accounts Payable and Receivable (AP/AR)
      Education or Certification
        Certified Network Administrator, CNA, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Certified Public Accountant, CPA, Six Sigma Black Belt
      Acronyms and Industry Terminology
        TCP/IP, C++, RAD; MRPII, Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Excel, Computer Assisted Audit Techniques, Computer Aided Audit Tools (CAATS), Computer Assisted Audit Tools and Techniques (CAATTs)

      After resumes are scanned into applicant tracking systems, they will be searched and ranked. A hiring manager decides which keywords best identify the skills needed in a candidate for a particular position; typically the reviewer will have several keywords that are mandatory, and others that are desirable. Based upon those keywords, the system performs a search.

    5 Utilize Career Resource Manual
           See sample resumes and cover letters
           Job search check list/strategies
           Research employers and jobs
           Learn how to prepare for the fair
           Gain networking tips
           Learn how to prepare for an interview
           Get sample interview question
           Manage your stress

    6 Use online job search sites when you are not networking
    Networking Webshop        Job Search Tools

    7 Attend Events: Internship and Career Fairs
           Program of Events Calendar
           Company list for fairs
           List serve to get announcements about upcoming events & entry-level jobs