Internship / Job Search Techniques

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Internship / Job Search Techniques

• Career Services
• Oregon State University
• 8 Kerr Administration Building
• (541) 737 - 4085
• http//oregonstate.edu/career

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The Job Search Process

• Overwhelming
• Break it down
• Not necessarily straight forward
• Treat as a job
• Do something every day

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Preparation

• Four-step process
• Know yourself
• Know where you want to work
• Get ready for the search
• Start searching

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Step One Know Yourself

• Where are you in the process?
• Review skills, interests, values, personality,
  goals
• Group into 4 major qualifications/strengths be
  very clear on what you have to offer and how you
  fit
• Consider experience and involvement while in
  college and beyond
• Consider preferences environment, location,
  peers, working relationships

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Step Two Know where you want to work/intern

• Research programs, organizations, industries
• Coursework specializations
• Books, journals, guides, directories, newspapers
• Volunteering, internships, activities
• Conferences, alumni, career/grad fairs
• Informational Interviewing

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Step 2 Cont.

• Know your field labor market information OLMIS
• Entry level, salaries, locations
• Top three geographic areas
• Focus search - 10 Potential Employers

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Step Three Get ready for the search

• Develop your network
• Get organized
• Contacts, activities, application materials
• Tools
• Resumes, letters, applications, personal
  statements, interviews, portfolio
• Suit up
• Professional e-mail / voice mail

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NACE Top Ten Skills/Qualities

• Communication skills (verbal written)
• Honesty/integrity
• Interpersonal skills (relate well to others)
• Strong work ethic
• Teamwork skills (work well with others)

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Top Ten Skills/Qualities (cont.)

• Analytical skills
• Motivation / initiative
• Flexibility / adaptability
• Computer skills
• Detail-oriented

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Advice from Employers

• Research, research, research
• Be prepared for your interview
• Gain relevant work experience
• Stand out - demonstrate
• Communication skills
• Maturity/business etiquette
• Work ethic

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Step Four Start searching

• Use of multiple search strategies
• Maintain your network
• Tailor your message
• Targeting organizations and employers
• Schedule your search activities

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Job Search Techniques

• Networking
• Professional Associations
• Campus Recruiting
• Career/Job Fairs
• Internet Resources
• Search Engines
• Company Web Pages

• Job Bulletins
• Employment Agencies or Professional Recruiters
• Targeted Letter Campaigns
• Newspapers

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Networking

• Learn about field(s)
• Develop mentoring relationships
• Tap the hidden job market

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Professional Associations

• Current issues trends
• Journals/publications
• Professional interactions
• Conferences and seminars

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Beaver Recruiting

• Online, available 24/7
• On-campus interviewing and presentations
• Numerous employers
• Local and national
• Variety
• Definite job/internship opportunities

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Career / Job Fairs

• One-stop shopping
• Interactive
• Many OSU alumni
• Exploration/research
• Available jobs internships
• Local and national opportunities
• Upcoming Career Fair April 25th

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Targeted Letter Campaign

• Send to organizations of interest
• Shows employers your initiative
• Personalized letters receive more attention
• Follow up

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Walk-in/Cold-call

• Small businesses and organizations
• Take initiative/proactive
• Little competition
• Risk

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Tips for Success

• Be focused, yet flexible
• Revise, update, and tailor your resume, cover
  letter, and applications
• Perfect your interviewing skills
• Set short-term and long-term goals
• Be realistic about investment in time
• Be persistent and patient
• Maintain a positive attitude

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Additional Resources

• Books in the Career Services Library
• Drop-in advising
• Individual appointments with Career Counselor
• Your friends, family, and faculty

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Good Luck!

• Let us know how else we can help you!
• Career Services
• 8 Kerr Administration Building
• 737-4085
• http//oregonstate.edu/career