Career Resource Library

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Transitions: Classroom to Career

Funded by a Centennial Grant from the Alumnae Association
of Simmons College

Job Search Strategic Planning

Beginning one's job search
Creating a plan
Organizing the search
Job search tips
Motivational concerns

Beginning one's job search

I am a little overwhelmed at the idea of starting a job search. How should I begin?

Ask yourself three questions:

- What type of work do you want to do?
- Where do you want to work (organization and location)?
- How large or small a company do you want to work for?

The Career Education Center provides specialized counseling services to Simmons students and alumnae/i to help them with the process of selecting a career path. The well-known Myers Briggs Type Indicator is one of the self-assessment tools available.
http://my.simmons.edu/services/cec/services/counseling.shtml

The Career Resource Library has an entire page on its website devoted to the topic of self-assessment. Numerous links to online self-assessment resources are provided. A separate section on skills assessment in the context of job hunting is also included.
http://my.simmons.edu/library/collections/career/selfassess.shtml

This resource discusses conducting a SWOT Analysis as an integral part of an effective career search. By analyzing one's strengths and weaknesses in the context of the economic realities of their field of interest, a more accurate image of one's job prospects can be realized.
http://www.quintcareers.com/SWOT_Analysis.html

Creating a plan

Once you know what you are looking for, the first step to implementing a successful job search is to create an action plan. This resource lists information on setting up contact lists, employer lists, and other such tools to aid in organizing a successful job search. Includes information on creating an activity log.
http://www.keene.edu/aca/jsearch.cfm

If you're having trouble organizing your career plan, following these simple steps will surely benefit you. Among the issues addressed are mentoring and goal-setting.
http://www.executiveagent.com/career/archives/20020122_main.html

Organizing the search

This all-in-one resource is completely free of charge and requires all users to register an account. One of the very unique features is the Jobfiler desktop, an interface which allows the contents of one's job search file to be accessed from any computer at any time. Links to job banks, career searching advice, and related materials are also included.
http://www.jobfiler.com

This resource lists links to pages useful for organizing one's job search. A section entitled "The Job Advisor" is particularly comprehensive for those seeking to get a foothold on starting the process.
http://www.detma.org/WSJobSkills.htm

This site lists steps necessary for finding employment, differentiating between short-term and long-term career planning. The idea of a "strategic vision" is discussed. Numerous links to other career resources are provided.
http://www.quintcareers.com/career_plan.html

Getting the Job You Really Want: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Good Job in Less Time. 4th ed. Farr, Michael J. 2002.
This book is a helpful guide for anyone needing assistance with their job search. There are chapters devoted to topics such as job search methods, the hidden job market, and meeting an employer's expectations. In addition, there is an entire chapter on the topic of career planning. A beneficial resource.

Job search tips

Whether you're new to the practice of looking for work or a seasoned jobseeker, there are essential pitfalls to avoid. Being wary of these common errors will aid you very much in your search.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/careerbytes/CBArticle.aspx?articleID=455

This page contains information on developing a network, with detailed instructions presented on how to use one's network to find out about employment opportunities in the 'hidden job market.'
http://jobstar.org/hidden/network.php

Taking it one step further, this page contains information on using the Internet to find jobs more efficiently. Developing a list of employer contacts and utilizing your network to its fullest advantage are discussed.
http://jobstar.org/hidden/jobplan.php

Visit the Career Resource e-Library for more resources on networking and informational interviewing.
http://my.simmons.edu/library/collections/career/ntwkg.shtml

Motivational concerns

It's no secret that job searching can be a daunting experience, whether you are leaving a job or just starting out in the working world. Looking for a job truly is a full-time job, and treat it as such. Don't forget, however, to take some time out to assess your goals, objectives, and feelings during this process.
http://www.detma.org/pdf/1985_0504.pdf

Designed specifically for Massachusetts residents, this site provides numerous career resources. There is no need to set up an account to gain access to this site. Once you're arrived at the page indicated by the link below, fill in your town, zip code, and what type of borrower you are. Click sign in and you'll be brought to the website's homepage. There is a great deal of information on the homepage, covering many different aspects of the employment process. Click on 'Job Search' in the left-hand menu on the page to access information sections entitled "Organize Your Job Search" and "Stay Positive."
http://masscis.intocareers.org/loginmain.aspx


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Page updated: April 13, 2006

 

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