Finding a Job or Internships
Finding a job or internship can sometimes be a daunting and frustrating task. Job and internship search engines can be overwhelming. It can be challenging to find the right position that you are both qualified for and interested in. Consider this:
- 80% of jobs/internships are never posted, they are filled through networking (NACE, 2009)
- 57% of internships are expected to be converted into jobs in 2009 (Internships.com)
- 60% of students finish college with one internship, 30% finish with two (NACE, 2008)
Your challenge is to uncover the ‘Hidden’ job market. To be successful, you must be proactive as opposed to reactive. This requires several things:
- You know what you have to offer (skills, ability, knowledge)
- You know what you are looking for (job functions, industry, salary/cost of living, future plans)
- You can communicate these things on paper (resume & cover letters) and in person (networking & interviews)
Assessment
Starting with self-assessment is critical in order to differentiate yourself from other job seekers and to be successful in your search. If your message to a potential employer is “I need a job,” good luck. Your message must to be “I want this job, and here is why…”
This involves two things, first self-awareness and second, awareness of the employer’s needs.
- Self-awareness could involve instruments such as the MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory or Skills Scan Card Sort. Writing a really good resume and cover letter also requires reflection and self-awareness. It is also critical to understand your needs, whether they be financial or personal. The more criteria you have to narrow your focus, the greater your chances for success.
- Awareness of an employer’s needs involves a bit of research. Finding a well written job posting or description is a great starter and we encourage you to use that information to craft your application materials. Unfortunately job postings are not always well written or descriptive enough to be useful. This is where networking comes in. Knowing someone internal to your desired employer gives you a big advantage. They can give you key insights into the organization’s culture and needs.
Create an Action Plan
Make a plan including:
- Actionable/measurable steps
- Timelines for completion
- A way to track and record your actions
One of the most effective job search strategies is networking. Networking is essentially utilizing and building relationships to expand upon career and social opportunities.
WHERE CAN I FIND NETWORKS?
Consider:
- Friends, relatives, neighbors
- Professors, major department staff, school administrators
- Co-workers, customers, supervisors (past & present)
- Religious, alumni, professional, or student organizations
- Community and political groups, volunteer organizations
- Personal business connections (doctors, dentist, coach, banker, broker, CPA, etc.)
- Redhawk Network Mentor Program
Once you’ve outlined your network (people you already know), you can make contact with them via phone, letter, or email. Before you contact them, be prepared with the following information:
- Introduction about yourself and your intentions—why are you contacting them?
- Information about your skills, career interests and career goals
- Specific strategies or suggestions on how the network individual might be able to assist you (i.e. questions they can answer, potential contacts with whom they may be able to connect you, general career development advice)
Important Tips for Successful Networking
*Remember they were students too!
Keep in mind that at the beginning, you already know most of your network contacts and if you have a good relationship with them, they should be willing to help you.
*Follow up
Show your appreciation to your network contact by sending them a personal thank you note after your conversation. Be persistent with your contacts, but try not to be annoying. Do what you say you’re going to do.
*New Contacts
To build your network, ask your contact if they know of anyone else you should speak to in relation to what you’re trying to accomplish. Make sure it is okay to use their name when contacting people they recommend to you.
*Business Cards
Bring business cards with your contact information. You can get Seattle University business cards at Career Services.
What is “Informational Interviewing?”
Informational Interviewing involves speaking with people who are currently working in your field of interest to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry as well as to build a network of contacts in the field.
Five steps for Informational Interviewing:
1. Identify people to interview - Review and use your network contacts from the information on the back of this paper. Also, speak with Career Services or your faculty about contacts to which they may be able to connect you.
2. Initiating Contact - Using the above people, make contact with them via phone, or email. Before you contact them, be prepared with the following information:
- Tell them about yourself and why you are contacting them.
- Explain you want to learn more about their position and would appreciate the chance to meet with them or interview over the phone for about 20-30 minutes.
-Clarify that you are just seeking information — not a job.
*Remember that people love to tell others about who they are and what they do. Most individuals will be flattered to speak with you about your career interests.
3. Prepare for the Informational Interview - Do some preliminary research. Read about the occupation of the individual you are interviewing and the organization of which they are a part.
Dress: depends on the occupation, but normally you will not dress up the same as a formal interview. Business casual is usually appropriate.
Prepare questions to ask:
- How did the person get into the field? Have the person describe his/her career path.
- What does the person like most/least about the work?
- What does a typical day look like in the job?
- What education/training/experience would the person recommend to get into the position or field?
- Does the individual have any additional contacts in the field?
4. Conducting the Informational Interview - Be prepared and genuinely interested. Arrive 10 minutes early and bring a pen, portfolio, or notepad to take notes. Be mindful of the interviewee’s schedule and plan to stay only 20-30 minutes unless the interviewee suggests otherwise. Be a good listener and don’t be strict about making sure that each of your questions is asked. Go with the flow of the conversation. At the end of the interview, ask if you can follow-up with them in the future if you have any questions.
5. Following-Up - After the interview, send a thank you note to the interviewee and the contact who connected you. Respect the contacts that you make through this process because they are helping you build your professional network. If you get a job, internship, or volunteer experience in their area, follow up with your contacts and thank them for their advice.
Most of what is described here are long-term approaches and not quick fixes. There may be times that your immediate needs outweigh your long-term goals. When this is the case, it’s good to know your options.
Temporary & Placement Agencies
Most of what is described here are long-term approaches and not quick fixes. There may be times that your immediate needs outweigh your long-term goals. When this is the case, it’s good to know your options.
Temporary & Placement Agencies
There are a wide variety of temporary staffing & placement agencies, spanning a range of different industries and levels of service. Some key things to keep in mind when working with one of these agencies:
- Try to establish the reputation and credibility of the agencies you work with. Can they refer to current or past clients as references? What companies/organizations do they work with?
- Be very cautious if asked to pay any fees up front. While providing personal information is standard for the agency to run any necessary background checks on you, it would be highly unusual to require clients to pay for these.
- Know what you are committing to and carefully read any contracts that you agree to. Agencies often expect payment from a company should they decide they want to hire you permanently, so make sure this wouldn’t be a barrier to your future goals.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines third-party recruiters as "agencies, organizations, or individuals recruiting candidates for temporary, part-time, or full-time employment opportunities other than for their own needs." Categories of third-party recruiters include:
- Employment Agencies: Employment agencies list positions for a number of organizations and receive payment when a referred candidate is hired. The fee for listing a position is paid either by the firm listing the opening or by the candidate who is hired. If the job listing does not include the phrase "fee paid," be sure to ask who pays the fee before signing any papers.
- Search Firms: A search firm contracts with employers to find and screen qualified persons to fill specific positions. The fee is paid by the employer. Search firm representatives will identify the employer they represent.
- Contract Recruiters: Employers hire contract recruiters to represent them in the recruiting and employment function.
- Resume Referral Firms: A resume referral firm collects information on job seekers and forwards it to prospective employers. Data can be contained in resumes or on data forms (either paper or electronic). The employer, job seeker, or both may pay fees. You must give the firm written permission to pass your resume to employers. Your permission should include a statement that expressly states to whom and for what purpose the information can be used.
National Association of Colleges and Employers – Student Guide to Interviewing with 3rd party recruiters