Job Search Strategies

Assess

Assess your abilities, skills knowledge, interest, preferences, values and motivations.

• What would you say are your greatest strengths?
• What tasks/responsibilities do you most enjoy?
• What do you do well and enjoy doing?
• What are your greatest accomplishments?

Try this exercise to help you focus

List ten things you have done in the last several years that have given you the greatest sense of accomplishment. Then look for a pattern in those activities in terms of skills, issues, etc. Write out three fictitious want ads describing jobs you would like to have. Include tasks and responsibilities, general working atmosphere, your co-workers, benefits, pay, etc.

Research

Research and evaluate occupations, jobs and employers.

• Call some people that are working in jobs you think you would enjoy, and set up informational meetings with them.
• Read through books, newspapers, directories, and business publications to identify organizations that have the types of positions that interest you.
• Participate in one or more internships while you are still in school to explore possible career paths. You can gain valuable experience to include on your resume after you graduate.

More on company research.

Online Career Library

Vault is an online career database that provides information for over 3,000 companies, 40 industries, and over 50 career paths--including over 90 career guide books, as well as employer profiles, articles, and advice on careers, resumes, cover letters, and more...

To access Vault on campus, go to the UWT library homepage and type in Vault Online Career Library in the search bar.

If you are off campus, go to the UW library system homepage and use the off-campus log-in function. Enter your UW Net ID and password then access Vault the same as above.

Define

Define your work objectives and career goals.

• Then get some experience in your chosen field.
• Participate in an internship, do some volunteer work, join an organization that deals with your area of interest, or get a part-time job.

Develop

Develop the necessary materials.

• Resume and cover letter - tailored to your chosen field.
• References - three is the traditional number.
• Thank-you notes - learn how to write them and when to send them.
• Interviewing skills - attend a Career Development Center workshop or talk with a career counselor.

Plan

Plan and implement your job search campaign.

• Identify the organizations you might like to work for and contact their human resources or personnel offices to find out how you can get current information about job openings.
• Get information about available jobs by networking. Talk to professors, family, friends, and co-workers about your goals and abilities, and ask if they know of any opportunities.
• Join/participate in student and professional organizations to develop contacts.
• View UWT job listings at HuskyJobs.
• Make an appointment with the UWT Career Counselor.

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