Tips to Job Search Success

Many of us have attended the career fair in hopes of getting a full time job. With Job interviews in full swing, I thought it would be appropriate to give some tips to job search success. These tips, however, are far from a comprehensive list of everything that can be (and needs to be) done during a job search.

I am under the impression that most of the people that read this post are going to be Senior MIS majors, however, one of the first tips toward success requires some skills from a different department within the College of Business Administration; Marketing. When you are on the hunt for a full-time job, many students forget that they are, essentially, marketing themselves to potential employers. Finalize your resumes and cover letters so they highlight your strengths.

The next tip to job search success is the interview. During an interview, you are going to want communicate clearly and effectively. Eliminate the sayings "Like" and "I don't know" from your answers. Employers are not going to want to hire an employee that is unsure of themselves or the work that complete. Speak with confidence and convey that you are the right person for the job. When the opportunity presents itself, ask questions. This will show the interviewer that you are engaged and want to know more about the position.

The last tip that I am going to cover is the follow up. After an interview, be sure to send out a thank you letter within 2 business days. In this stage of the job search, you want to show the interviewer that you are still interested. Call a week or two after the interview and ask about the status of their decision. Remember, don't be a pest, just follow up enough to show them that you are motivated to get the job.

I hope you leave this article with some new insight on ways to obtain a job from your job search. Most of this seems like common sense, but you would be surprised how many times it isn't done correctly.

-Curt R