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HOW TO FIND A JOB

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MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Job seeking requires you to "sell yourself" to potential employers by marketing your skills and abilities. As any effective salesperson will tell you, a positive attitude is essential to be successful in marketing your skills and abilities to employers.

When it comes to meeting key people who can help you with your job search and/or hire you, a positive attitude will open doors. Plus, a positive attitude will help you build confidence. Soon, you'll discover that job seeking really is an exciting challenge.

Someone once said,"The shortest distance between two people is a smile. Go ahead, put on a smile and get ready to find the job you've always wanted!"

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MANAGE YOUR TIME

Now is the best time to begin the job-seeking process. You have many skills that are needed in today's workplace, but you'll have to take the initiative. You've already made a good start by reading this material.

One of the most important things to know about your job search is that finding work is a full-time job!

    To find a full-time job, you must:

  • Set your own responsibilities (things to do each day).
    On the job you will have responsibilities (duties and procedures).

  • Look hard for a job, 40 hours a week (if possible).
    On the job you will have to work hard all day, 40 hours a week.

  • Wake up early at a set time to start looking for work.
    On the job you will have to "Punch a clock" or be at "Work on time."

  • Be your own boss (or get a friend to help you stay on track).
    On the job you will have to report to a boss, who supervises your work.

An anonymous writer once wrote,"To be successful, you have to keep moving. No one ever stumbles onto anything while sitting."

If you're willing to spend up to 40 hours a week in your job search, you'll eventually stumble onto something--the job you want and need.

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TIPS FOR PLANNING AN EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH

    Here are some tips that will help you be an effective job seeker.

  • Make a "To Do List" every day. Outline daily activities to help you look for a job.

  • Call employers to find out the best times to apply. Some companies take applications only on certain days and at certain times during the week.

  • Apply for jobs early in the day. This will make a good impression and give you time to complete applications, have interviews, take tests, etc.

  • Keep a record of the employers you contact, dates, names of key people, and special notes.

  • Apply at several companies in the same area when possible. This saves time and money.

  • Be prepared. Have a "master application," resumes, pens, maps, and job information with you all the time. You never know when a "hot lead" will come your way.

  • Follow up job leads immediately. If you find out about a job, call right then! Don't wait until the next day.

  • Network. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Stay in touch with friends and contacts.

  • Read pamphlets and books on how to get a job. (Use the resources in Career Services (Miller Hall, Room 140) and the links on this site.) The time you spend reading these materials will save you a great deal of time in your job search. Also, the more you know about job seeking, the more competitive you'll be.

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IDENTIFY SOURCES OF JOB LEADS

Many job seekers mistakenly think that good job opportunities just come along. But usually, a good job will not come to you; you must go to it. The more assertive you are about your job search, the more opportunities you'll find.

Here are some tips that will help you find job leads.

  • Check the job listings in Career Services (Miller Hall,Room 140).

  • Try to locate job listings on bulletin boards (maybe in post offices, libraries, hospitals, etc.)

  • Ask your instructors, relatives, friends, and neighbors for openings, leads, and contacts.

  • Find out if the company you're interested in has a job hotline.

  • Read the employment ads in newspapers and trade journals. But don't rely completely on these ads--only about 20% of available jobs are advertised.   Greenville News · Anderson Independent

  • Go to the S.C. Employment Security Commission (Job Service) in your county.

  • Search the internet (world wide web) and/or the yellow pages. Contact private employment agencies. But be sure to ask about their fees before using their services.

  • Join a professional organization in your field. The professional organization can provide you with employment contacts. Plus, student membership fees are usually minimal.

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