In today's competitive job market, finding a job requires a great deal of time, energy, and commitment. On average, you can expect a job search to take anywhere from six to nine months. While this may sound overwhelming, there are some things you can do before actually beginning your job search to make the time and energy you expend more productive:

• Be Attentive: Identify appropriate contacts and resources which can be of assistance to your particular job goal.
• Clarify your career goals: Develop a very clear job goal. Know what types of positions you are looking for.
• Know yourself: Be prepared to discuss your skills, abilities, interests, values, education, experience, and goals articulately and persuasively.
• Know the job market: What type of employer do you want to work for? In what geographic area?
• Be Prepared: Have your resume updated and ready to be sent out.

Job Search Strategies

There is no one right way to find a job. Successful job seekers use a variety of resources and techniques in their job search. Some of the more successful strategies include:

Networking: Person-to-Person - This refers to contacting people you know or with whom you have something in common and letting them know you are looking for a job. This is the most effective way of finding a job. Networks can provide information, uncover job leads, and facilitate interviews.

Networking: On-line - Many job seekers today use the Internet and World Wide Web as methods to find out about position openings, research employers, and even apply for jobs. Employers are using this method more and more to find good applicants because it is a fast and inexpensive method of recruiting candidates. Career Services provides access to the Internet and WWW for students and alumni through our resource room in 1209 James.

Help Wanted Ads - Only about fifteen percent of all jobs are advertised in the newspapers. Although this percentage is small, it is possible to get a job this way, especially if you have some related experience and a strong resume. Don't limit yourself to this approach. Use other techniques to uncover the hidden job market.

Professional Associations - Most have publications which list position openings for the particular field. In addition, many provide placement assistance and sponsor annual conventions which provide an opportunity to make valuable contacts.

Unsolicited Resume Campaign - You can expect to generate an average of between 3 to 5 interviews for every 100 resumes mailed out. This is not a very good return rate for the effort. To increase this method’s effectiveness, make sure you send your resume to a particular person in the department you want to work for and follow up on all letters sent out.

Employment Agencies - Agencies are most helpful to individuals with related experience and a strong work history.

Directories - List employers by career fields and are available by local area (i.e., The New York Job Bank) or for the entire country (i.e., The National Job Bank). Directories are useful for providing names, addresses, and phone numbers of potential employers.

Job Fairs - Many organizations sponsor job fairs to facilitate contact between employers and job seekers. Some involve only one company while others may involve numerous organizations.

How Career Services Can Help

There are a variety of programs to assist students with their job search. However, it is equally important to conduct your own job search and not limit yourself to our resources.

Senior Recruitment - Each year, approximately 100 companies visit Brooklyn College to interview students through our on campus recruiting program. The off campus program provides the opportunity to connect with over 200 additional companies.

Job Fair - Twice a year Career Services sponsors a Job Fair which brings approximately 100 companies on campus to discuss their hiring needs and opportunities with Brooklyn College students.

Employment Referral - Computerized and other listings of full- and part time jobs.

Resource Room - Here you can prepare your resume and cover letters, access the Internet, World Wide Web, New York State Department of Labor job postings, etc.

Career Counseling - Counselors can assist you with every aspect of your job search.

Helpful Hints

• Whenever possible, deal directly with the person who has the ability to hire. This usually refers to managers of departments; not to Personnel.
• Be persistent. Looking for a job is a job in and of itself.
• Follow up. Don't just sit at home waiting for the phone to ring. Show your interest and initiative by periodically making contact.
• Use more than one strategy for conducting your job hunt.
• Be prepared for rejection. Don't take rejection personally.

Don't wait until the last minute. Take advantage of the services available to assist you with your job search plans today at:

The Magner Center for Career Development and Internships
1305 James Hall
718 951-5696

Web site: http://career.brooklyn.cuny.edu