Successful Job-Search Strategies

Black Collegian, Oct 2004 by Bruce, Calvin

* College alumni, such as former sportsteammates

* Fraternity brothers or sorority sisters

* Professors and administrators who have befriended you

* Religious acquaintances familiar with your career plans

* Family or friends working at desirable companies

* Professionals (doctors, dentists, bankers) who know of employers hiring.

As another key networking strategy, make contact with companies where you gained internship or cooperative work experience. They may, in fact, have openings that match your academic preparation and interests. Or at least they may be able to point you to other organizations that would have an interest in your background and qualifications. Being recommended by someone who is familiar with your job performance-i.e., previous supervisors-would certainly go a long way in opening doors of employment opportunity.

Effective networking not only can aid in your immediate job-search efforts, but also open doors of opportunity as you progress in your career. So make the most of this job-hunting strategy.

Launch an online job search.

Using the Internet creatively can be a highly beneficial search strategy. This topic was covered thoroughly in an article written by this author that appeared in a previous issue of THE BLACK COLLEGIAN: "The Internet: the Indispensable Tool for Job Hunting" (second semester, 2004). A few salient points deserve to be underscored.

On-line job hunting makes it easy and convenient for job seekers to explore opportunities that they might not be aware of otherwise. With point-and-click simplicity, job seekers can access hundreds of websites that post updated employment information. In addition, viewers who are drawn to the job postings can submit their credentials electronically, communicate with company representatives through secure e-mail, and follow up with telephone and onsite interviewing. Being a "Cyberspace candidate" can be an exciting way of gaining entry into the halls of corporate America.

Of even greater relevance, some corporations use their on-line recruitment efforts to specifically target minority college students. They tout their recruitment programs promoting workplace diversity and inclusion. By registering online with such companies, you can be apprised of corporate recruiters' campus visitation programs, participate in "virtual job fairs," and establish rapport with corporate officials responsible for Affirmative Action and Corporate Diversity.

Another approach to on-line job hunting (not discussed in the article mentioned above) is to create your own promotional website. A number of Internet Service Providers (ISP's) offer as part of their subscriber package technical assistance in creating a personal website. The content need not be elaborate or voluminous. Even a couple of well-designed pages that include your polished resume, current photo, brief biography and succinct narrative describing your professional goals can give you an important competitive edge in job hunting. Imagine talking to a corporate recruiter and asking her to check out your website for more information about you!