Get organized!
A series of career planning steps shall help you assess skills, competences and interests, and clearly define your professional goals. Once planning and preparation is completed, you can start your job search. The following model outlines the process you can follow to search for a job effectively.
Conducting workplace research
- Talk to professionals in your field of interest.
- Create a list of employers you would like to work for (you could use employer directories or the Career Services Office list of employers).
- Identify where the jobs of interest to you are usually listed or posted.
Job search tools & skills
- Learn how to write a CV and a cover letter and adapt them to the needs of employers and the job openings you are targeting.
- Create a comprehensive LinkedIn profile and showcase your knowledge and expertise through this platform.
- Prepare and practice for job interviews.
Contacts, networking
- Consult the list of employers you have created and apply for the job openings in your field of interest.
- Organize your network of contacts. Inform the people around you that you are looking for a job and ask them to recommend you or introduce you to potential employers.
- Contact your academic advisors, and they shall provide tailored information with regard to career prospects, and ask to be put in touch with potential employers. Names, phone numbers and office hours of academic advisors can be found on the Career Services Office website.
- Register your CV in databases in any relevant service you know of and have access to.
- Attend career days, conferences and any other event where you can meet future employers. Talk to them and send your CV.
- Target employers in different ways – contact them by phone, post or e-mail and ask about their recruitment procedure.
- Do not forget to check the Internet and the websites of different employers for more information.
Interviews
- Gather information about the employers with whom you have scheduled interviews.
- Practice interview presentation skills. Attend a workshop at the Career Services Office and take part in a mock interview with a career advisor.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask the employer during the interview.
- Perfect your interview skills.
- Write and send a commendation letter after each interview.
Offer or rejection?
- Carefully consider a job offer before accepting or rejecting it.
- Negotiate your salary (gross or net pay) in a proper manner, as well as your start date, and any terms or working conditions where necessary.
- In case you are rejected or you decide not to accept a job offer, start over again, in search of different employers.
Decision-making
- Consider your options and choose the right job for you.
- Inform your network of contacts about your success and your new job.
- Keep in touch with your network of contacts in case you need to look for a new job.