Career Services: Applying For Jobs
1 - 2 - 3
- 4 - 5
You have identified job openings and/or targeted particular companies
through informational interviewing and research. Now you need to
take a step forward and make contact with the organizations to which
you will be applying.
To find a job you will need to consider advertised vacancies as
well as unadvertised vacancies through direct company contact.
Advertised Vacancies
An advertised job vacancy will most likely be found in print or
on-line. On-line advertisements will have specific directions to
submit your resume and other pertinent information. It would be
to your advantage to become familiar with resume procedures when
distributing your resume on-line.
Responding to job vacancies printed in newspapers, professional
journals or job postings in the career office will most likely require
the following steps:
- Your resume, if necessary, should be customized to reflect any
special skillls or experience that may be specific to the position
for which you are applying.
- If the advertisement does not mention a specific person to send
the resume, call the company and inquire so that you can address
your cover letter appropriately.
- Be sure to briefly address each of the requirements stated in
the ad in your cover letter. Stress your experience and interest
in the position, but do not restate what is on your resume. (See
the Cover Letter handout at Career Services.)
- If a phone number for the company is available you can follow-up
your letter with a phone call to express your continued interest
in the position. If no phone number is available, you will have
to wait for a response.
- Some large companies may take several weeks to reply. For this
reason, you need to keep specific notes, along with the original
advertisements, for every company to which you have applied. By
doing so, you will always be ready for that unexpected phone call
and can quickly refer to your notes during the conversation.
Direct Company Contact (unadvertised vacancies)
While researching companies and networking with friends, you may
have found a company that sounds like a great place to work. You
know they employ people in your field and you would like to explore
the possibility of a position in the company, but have seen no advertisements.
- Start with a phone call to the company. Ask for the name of
the manager, director, supervisor, etc. of the department in which
you would like to work. You may want to explain that you wish
to send him/her some material. Be certain to ask for the correct
spelling of their name, job title and address.
- Now you need to write a letter of introduction expressing your
interest in the company. Include a copy of your resume. At the
end of the letter be sure to state that you will follow-up with
a phone call.
- Phone the person to whom you directed your letter, be prepared
to discuss your interest in the company and in arranging to meet
him. Record on a note card what you want to say so that you don't
forget any important information.
- Before closing the conversation remember to thank him/her for
their time whether or not you gain an appointment or interview.
Ready to Interview The above information should help you become
familiar with different ways to find job openings. The more time
you put into the job search the more interviews you will obtain.
The Career Library has a summary of interviewing skills in "Effective
Interviewing", pick up your copy today. Another way to prepare
for interviewing is to schedule a Videotaped Mock Interview with
an FSC Career Counselor.
Best Wishes in your job search and don't forget the staff at the
Career Services Center is here to help you every step of the way
whether you're seeking your first "real" job or changing
careers.
1 - 2 - 3
- 4 - 5
|
