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Job Search

Starting Your Job Search

There are many steps to a job search, and it can be quite time consuming, but with the proper preparation and approach it will be a rewarding and successful experience. Statistics show that only 20 percent of jobs are actually published and 80 percent of jobs remain hidden in the job market. For this reason it is important to use a variety of resources during your job search.

Job Search Tips

  • Make an appointment with Career Services - Meeting with a professional from Career Services will help you get started on the right track.  They will provide an overview of all the services available to you during your job search and offer you support.
  • Start early - It will usually take 3-6 months to find a job.
  • Set goals for the week - Determine how many letters, emails, phone calls, and visits you are going to make each week.
  • Make a professional contact list - Keep a list of professional contacts and update it as you meet people or have interviews. It will save time to have all this information in one file or document.
  • Use several job search methods concurrently - To maximize your results use as many job search strategies as possible to ensure your success in a timely fashion.
  • Keep copies of resumes and cover letters - Although each resume and cover letter should be tailored to a particular position keeping copies of your correspondence will make future writing easier, and you will know exactly what you provided each employer.

Networking

Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances about job opportunities, and/or people they know in companies or occupations that interest you. Learn about successful job search networking.

Informational Interviews

Conduct informational interviews with individuals who work in the profession you’re interested in, and/or who work for a company for which you would like to work. Informational interviews are a great networking tool and will help you gain valuable information.

Practice Interview Skills

Take advantage of mock interviews. Contact the Career Services Office for dates and times available.

Professional Affiliations and Associations

Search for professional association directories in your career field online to identify possible employers. Joining professional associations as a student is another great networking opportunity and organizations often offer student memberships at a discounted rate.

Career Fairs

Each fall and spring, employers, graduate and professional school programs, and volunteer organizations recruit Wayne State College students for career, internship, and academic opportunities. You are encouraged to attend the Career Fair as early as your freshman year. Learn more about our annual Career Fair.