Career Development…to assist
you on the road to success!
• You have your
resume in perfect condition.
• You’re able to write a dynamic cover letter.
• You’ve practiced mock interviews.
• You think you’re ready to tackle a job search.
Did you know
you need to devote a minimum of 15 hours per week looking for
jobs? Did you know on average it takes 3-6 months to find a job?
This is why finding a job is such a challenge!
Step one: self-evaluate. Know yourself and the
type of work you want and need. This helps you decide what you
really want to do. Ask yourself: “What short term goals
would I like to accomplish? What do I like to do most? What am
I most interested in? What am I best at? What are my long term
goals? Where would I like to live? Am I willing to relocate? What
are my work environment preferences?
Step two: Research. Learn about specific companies
in your field of interest, talk to people in the field, research
on the internet, read newspaper articles from cities where you
want to live, get a copy of the Chamber of Commerce Employment
Directory, go to career fairs, and visit the Mount Mercy Career
Development Office. Find businesses or companies where you want
to work, go to their Web site and read everything you can. Most
companies use their web site to post current job openings.
Step three: Find available jobs. Don’t
rely on only looking at newspaper help wanted listings, or only
posting your resume on an internet job site and waiting for employers
to call. It’s not that easy! Here is the short list of ways
to find job leads. (Also, read the accompanying articles in this
brochure for tips from job-hunting professionals )
Make a list
of employers or companies you’d like to work with and contact
them. Make contact in person, by phone, by letter or by email.
It is also helpful to ask someone you know who is employed at
the company to introduce you to good contacts within the company.
Attend local job fairs and trade shows. Introduce yourself to
the employers using your best manners, wear professional attire—and
remember to smile and use a solid handshake.
Join professional organizations and associations. Web searches
give listings of professional organizations all around the country,
or contact the local Chamber of Commerce to find groups to your
interest. Most towns have a Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and other
civic groups that can help you make good professional contacts.
Network. Let people know you are in the job market. These contacts
can let you know more about the company or the career field and
may be able to tell you about jobs in the ‘hidden’
market. Your networking list should start with your most trusted
friends and family members, then look for people you know from
social circles, church, sports leagues and volunteer activities.
Look for a role model who can give you good advice and share their
experiences with you. Your goal is to let people know you’re
in the job market and see what help they may be able to provide
you in your search.
Internet searching: The best use of the internet is to assist
you in your research of companies and job openings. It is best
to look at local web sites developed in the town or state where
you want to live. The internet is also a way to go into a company’s
personal web site, post your resume and cover letter.. Most newspapers
in the country are on-line so you can scan their help-wanted sections
on the internet.
The Mount Mercy Career Development Office and the Career Development
web site can provide lists of links to many good Internet job
search sites.
A small sample of links to research job openings in Iowa:
www.iowaworkforce.org
www.smartcareermove.com
www.corridorcareers.com
Need assistance preparing
your resume or making a job search plan? Contact Barb Mussman
in Career Services. Call or stop by the Lundy Desk or call 368-6463
to set up an appointment.
Barb can also
review your resume if you email it to bmussman@mtmercy.edu.
