| Introduction Read this first |
|
7 | (2) |
|
What Every College Student Needs to Know Now About Job Hunting |
|
|
9 | (1) |
|
What to expect---Standing out from the pack |
|
|
|
What Are Employers Really Looking For? |
|
|
10 | (3) |
|
Commitment---Maturity and confidence---Professionalism---Adaptability and growth---But that's not all! |
|
|
|
|
|
13 | (3) |
|
Taking inventory of your interests and abilities---Considering the daily tasks---Making a good match---Other important considerations---Being realistic |
|
|
|
The Best and Worst Ways to Find Jobs |
|
|
16 | (5) |
|
On-campus recruiters---Internships---College career planning and placement offices---Job counseling services---Professional employment agencies---Community agencies---Public employment service---Newspaper ads---Direct contact---Networking |
|
|
|
|
|
21 | (3) |
|
Choose a career path---A job-hunting plan for your senior year---How many students land a job before they graduate?---A job-hunting plan for after graduation---How much effort and energy should a job search take? |
|
|
|
|
|
24 | (2) |
|
Following the pack---Relying on employment agencies---Using employment marketing services---Calling 900 numbers---Running low on energy |
|
|
|
Contacting Companies Directly |
|
|
26 | (6) |
|
Mass mailings and phone calls---What kinds of companies should you contact?---Sources of company information---The best way to contact small and large companies---Following up with a phone call---What should a follow-up phone call sound like? |
|
|
|
Networking Your Way to a Job |
|
|
32 | (5) |
|
Is networking an appropriate tool for college grads?---The key to networking---Tracking down leads---Name-dropping---What does a networking conversation sound like?---Overcoming uneasiness about talking to strangers over the telephone---The informational interview---Send a thank-you letter |
|
|
|
How to Get That Extra Edge Over the Competition |
|
|
37 | (4) |
|
Starting early---Reading the trade literature---Adhering to your plan when appropriate---and reevaluating it when appropriate---Getting tips from other job-hunters---Using old newspaper ads---More networking?---Contacting the same firms twice---When all else fails---What's next?---Sample letter for contacting the same firm twice |
|
|
|
|
|
41 | (5) |
|
Resume length---Paper size---Paper color---Paper quality---Typesetting---Computers, Word Processing, and Desktop Publishing---Typing---Printing---Proofreading is essential---Types of resumes---The chronological resume---The functional resume---Which type of resume is best for recent grads?---What comes first?---Show dates and locations---Avoid sentences and large blocks of type---Highlight relevant skills and responsibilities---Education---Should you include a job objective?---Personal data---References---Resume content |
|
|
|
|
|
46 | (13) |
|
Resume worksheet---Sample resume |
|
|
|
|
|
59 | (11) |
|
Five so-so resumes transformed into job-winning resumes! |
|
|
|
|
|
70 | (2) |
|
When to send a cover letter---Length of cover letter---Paper size---Paper color---Paper quality---Pre-printed stationery---Typing---Proofread your cover letter---Avoid messy corrections |
|
|
|
The Cover Letter Worksheet |
|
|
72 | (5) |
|
Cover letter worksheet---Sample cover letter |
|
|
|
Sample Resumes and Cover Letters |
|
|
77 | (93) |
|
Over forty sample resumes with their corresponding cover letters |
|
|
|
|
|
170 | (5) |
|
Job search focus---Company research---Dressing for success---Have the obvious answers ready---Be prepared to ask questions---Practice interviewing---Overcoming nervousness---Interview strategy---Talk with previous interviewees---Arrive on time |
|
|
|
|
|
175 | (5) |
|
The crucial first few moments---Greeting and small talk---Structured or unstructured?---Being so positive that it hurts---Handling impossible questions---Answering questions that require commitment---Asking your own questions |
|
|
|
Commonly Asked Interview Questions---and Their Answers |
|
|
180 | (8) |
|
The finishing touch for interview success! |
|
|
|
|
|
188 | (3) |
|
Writing your follow-up letter---When to call---What's next?---Handling rejection---Sample follow-up letter |
|
|
|
|
|
191 | (3) |
|
Important factors to consider---Money---Benefits---Career progression---Work environment---Do your homework---The art of negotiation---Making your final decision |
|
|
|
|
|
194 | (7) |
|
Loads of questions that college students commonly ask about job-hunting---and their answers |
|
|
| Conclusion |
|
201 | (1) |
| Appendices |
|
|
A. Great Jobs for College Grads |
|
|
202 | (30) |
|
Job options, descriptions, and requirements for grads of all majors |
|
|
|
B. Online Job-Hunting Resources |
|
|
232 | |
|
Using the World Wide Web to your advantage |
|
|
Other versions by this Author