On the job search

Step 1: Investigate Your Options and Set Goals

Long-term or short-term:

Are you seeking for an employment that will last one to two years before you pursue a graduate degree? Do you want a job that will help you get started on a certain career path or acquire a footing in a specific industry?

Interests include:

Are you particularly interested in any industries? What sorts of roles within them appeal to you the most?

Skills:

Are there any talents you'd want to use or develop? Is there anything you like doing that you would want to include into your work? Check out the Skills, Values, and Interests Worksheet and Picture Your Career from Vanderbilt University.

Geography:

Where would you want to live? Which parts of the nation or the world? Are there any particular cities?

Size of the organization:

Do you want to target major corporations, small businesses, or anything in between?

Mission and significance: Are there any causes you'd want to support?

Possibilities for advancement:

Do you like a defined schedule or are you willing to work with an erratic one? To travel or not to travel? Are you seeking for chances that can help you enhance your leadership skills?

Step 2: Conduct Research and Prepare

Following the establishment of your search objectives, you should study about the employers in that profession as well as the most recent industry news. Develop a list of target employers by immersing yourself in field publications and resources.

Refresh your resume:

Don't put off updating your resume until you locate a job you want to apply for or until a networking acquaintance asks for one. Prepare an updated version of your resume so you can respond swiftly when chances emerge.

Cover letters and other communications should be prepared as follows:

The greatest cover letters are individualized to each job, but begin by examining this basic advice on how to write a successful cover letter and brainstorming what talents, traits, and experiences you would want to emphasize in your cover letters.

Begin practicing interviewing:

Employers don't usually give you a lot of notice before arranging an interview, so don't wait until you've been given one to start preparing. Practice interviews will help you prepare for frequent inquiries and explain how your experience is relevant to the job.

Contact your references:

Employers may request references throughout the application or interview process. As you begin your search, it's critical to speak with individuals you'd want to utilize as references, asking if they'd be willing to serve as references and informing them of the jobs you're looking for.

Prepare your writing samples or portfolio as follows:

If you're searching for jobs that demand writing samples, published clips, or examples of your creative work, you should prepare these materials ahead of time and have them ready to go at a moment's notice.

Step 3: Identify and Apply for Opportunities

Your job search will entail applying for jobs offered on websites, but this should not be your main technique.

Limit this method to 20% of your search, and spend the other 80% actively networking with experts working in firms and organizations of interest. This is referred to as an informative interview.

It's a fallacy that all jobs are listed; in truth, the vast majority of postings never make it to any website, and those that do are often filled via referrals. Peer Lists in Yale Career Link, Cross Campus, and LinkedIn provide access to the Yale network.

Use Yale Career Link, CareerShift, GoingGlobal, Firsthand (formerly Vault Career Insider), LinkedIn, and other resources. (To access Goingglobal and Firsthand, use the Yale VPN.)

Step 4: Maintain Organization and Follow-Up

To organize your search, use an Excel spreadsheet or use Google Docs.

Consider the discussion. What suggestions did the contact make? Did they advise you to look into any resources? Did they provide you with the name of another contact? You may use this information to follow up.

Check in with them on a regular basis to let them know you've listened to their suggestions and are taking action. This communicates to the person that you are serious and that their time was not wasted.

Send it if you come across an article on a subject you discussed. Networking is a two-way street that benefits both parties. Contribute to the connection and, most importantly, express your gratitude for their advice.

No two relationships are alike. Some people want frequent communication, while others prefer just one discussion. Allow the connection to grow naturally, but keep in mind that the aim is to establish a long-term relationship; a job may result, but that is not the main purpose.