The search for employment is an ongoing process. The following questions represent typical issues that one must deal with during this process.

Self-Assessment

• What skills do you have to offer an employer?
• Have you identified and prioritized your work values?
• Can you describe your personal qualities?
• What are your short range and long range career goals?

Employment Objective

• What do you want to do?
• In what environment do you want to work?
• Do you know what you want to avoid in your work?
• Is your employment objective realistic?

Networking

• Have you talked with people who can assist you in your search for employment?
• What professional organizations have you joined?
• Did you attend an Employer Fair?
• Is your faculty advisor aware of your employment objective?

Search Strategy

• Do you have a specific and appropriate plan of action?
• Have you explored the on-campus interviewing process?
• Have you contacted people in your professional network?

Resume

• Is a chronological or a functional resume best for your search strategy?
• Does your resume reflect your employment objective?
• Does your resume communicate the skills and abilities you could offer an employer?
• Is you cover letter targeted to the employment you seek and does it complement your resume?

Interview

• Are you prepared to communicate what you can contribute to the organization with which you are interviewing?
• Have you thoroughly researched the organization with which you are interviewing?
• What questions do you want to ask the interviewer?
• Have you practiced interviewing with a friend or scheduled a mock interview with a Career Consultant at the Career Center.

Job Offer

• Does the job offered match your prioritized work values?
• What kind of training is offered?
• Are there opportunities for advancement?
• Can you live on the starting salary?