A job search for any type of employment, whether for a co-op job or a professional full-time position after graduation, is demanding and takes time. A typical job search may take three to six months on average. Career Services can assist you with the many steps involved in a job search.
To help you along with your job search a "Job Search and Career Resource Guide" is provided. The following information is covered in this guide to help with your job search:
- Searching “Want-Ads” &
Professional Journals Page 2
- Internet Resources Page 3
- Utilizing a Government or Employment/Temp. Agency Page 4
- Career Services Page 4
- Library Resources Page 5
Select this link to view the "Job Search and Career Resource Guide" (PDF 535 KB.)
Create a professional resume and cover letter. . .
Your resume is your personal marketing document – it’s needed to convince employers that you have the skills and abilities that they are looking so that they call you for a job interview. Employers typically take only a minute to read you resume, therefore it must be succinct and easy to read. Above all, your resume should be a positive and accurate reflection of YOU.
A resume can be formatted in various ways, but typically includes these essential categories of information:
- Contact information (who you are and how you can be reached)
- An objective (what you want to do)
- Education (list degree, school, GPA, related coursework,etc.)
- Work Experience (list what you have done in reverse chronological order)
- Honors and Activities (what you do outside of class)
- Skills (computer, language skills, etc.)
A cover letter should accompany your resume to demonstrate your interest in an organization and to request an interview. It should highlight your skills and abilities as it relates to a position.
To help you get started, pick up a Resume and Cover Letter Guide in Career Services or click on the link below. This guide also includes several sample resumes and cover letters. We have lots of resume books in the Career Resource Library too for ideas. If you want a critique, contact the Director of Career Services at 216-373-5290 or klane@ndc.edu.
Resume and Cover Letter Guide (PDF file 184KB)
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Discover where the jobs are . . .
Once your cover letter and resume are prepared, your next step is to contact employers for an interview. Conducting a successful job search means contacting many potential employers using a variety of strategies:
- Advertised jobs in newspapers, online job boards, and professional journals
- Company websites
- Direct mailing to companies
- Employment agencies
- Career fairs
- FalconNET, Notre Dame College’s online job board for students and alumni
- Friends, family and community (let everyone you know that you are looking and ask for additional contacts)
- Professional associations
Bottom line: Never rely on one source to find employment.
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Check out these online job board websites:
- www.bioohio.com/working-learning/Career-Events.aspx
Learn about Ohio bioscience-related job openings.
- www.blackcollegian.com
Launched in 1970, THE BLACK COLLEGIAN is a career and self development magazine targeted to African-American students and other students of color seeking information on careers, job opportunities, graduate/professional school, internships/co-ops, study abroad programs, etc.
- www.Careerboard.com
Another large online job posting site; select an area or city
and search for specific positions of interest.
- careerbuilder.com
Combine the power of NEW search technology
with top-notch customer service to give you full control over
the job search process.
- careerbuzz.com
Thousands of current job postings from great companies throughout
America as well as daily "career" articles & links
to other related sites.
- www.cleveland.com
Job listings in the greater Cleveland area.
- www.collegegrad.com
A site dedicated to the college student
and recent grad; lists over 4500 jobs.
- www.collegerecruiter.com
Access this database to of active jobs to find the perfect
match for you. Take advantage of tools like distance matching
and Boolean searching. If you can't find the job with a search,
companies will find you when you post your resume.
- www.hotjobs.com
Submit a resume or scan for jobs on the job board. Includes career
tips and job profiles.
www.jobfind.com
Site allows users to view available jobs, post resume online,
and read corporate profiles of many major corporations.
- www.jobmagnet.org/
- www.jobpostings.net
- www.monster.com
Resource for employers, job seekers and those who desire career
advancement.
- www.neotechjobs.com
neotechjobs.com
- www.OhioJobs.com
OhioJobs.com
- www.SnagAJob.com
SnagAJob provides students with a resource for part-time and seasonal
employment. SnagAJob's core purpose is to provide students with
the most effective and enjoyable method possible to apply for
and obtain a part-time or hourly job that best suits their interests
and abilities - for FREE.
- www.teachers-teachers.com
Teachers-Teachers.com
- teamworkonline.com/default.cfm
- www.usainternship.com
San Diego-based internship search placement and consulting service,
for students seeking internships in small to large companies in
all industries.
- www.vault.com
Vault.com is the "Insider Career
Network". Job seekers can find jobs and internships, post
resumes, and access the student center for resume review and career
coaching.
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Research Organizations...
The Internet and the reference section in the Clara Frizsche Library are excellent sources for company information. Some sources include:
- Annual Reports
- Crain’s Cleveland Business
- Dun & Bradstreet Directory
- Harris Ohio Industrial Directory
- Hoover’s Handbook of American Business
- Hoover’s Handbook of World Business
- Hoover’s Handbook of Private Companies
- Hoover’s Handbook of Emerging Companies
- Standard & Poor’s Register of Corporations
- The Encyclopedia of Associations
- World Chamber of Commerce Directory
- Community Service & Mental Health Agency Contact List (PDF, 115 KB)
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Got called for a job interview? Learn how to interview and dress like a pro...
Your cover letter and resume got you into the door, but strong interviewing skills will help you get the job. Job interviewing is a skill and can be learned with advance preparation and practice.
A job interview should be a two-way conversation in which you and the employer ask questions and determine if there is a good fit. The employer wants to determine:
- Can this candidate do the job?
- Do I like this person?
- Can we hire this person?
There are many possible questions interviewers may ask, but here are a few typical questions:
- Tell me about yourself
- What do you know about this organization?
- Why did you choose your major? Why did you choose Notre Dame College?
- What classes do you like and dislike and why?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Give me an example of a problem you recently solved at work or school.
Don’t forget to have a list of questions that you want answered too.
After the interview, you may be asked for a list of references – supervisors, faculty, or customers who have worked with you. Make sure to get their permission before listing them and their contact information on a separate document. Finally, follow up with a thank you letter.
For more information, pick up an Interviewing Guide in Career Services or click on the link below. If you want to schedule a mock or practice interview in a non-stressful setting to get instant feedback, contact the Director of Career Services at 216-373-5290 or klane@ndc.edu.
Interviewing Guide (PDF file 136KB)
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Negotiate a job offer...
“You’re hired” are the words you want to hear after interviewing, but evaluate whether the job matches your interest and work values.
Consider your basic monthly expenses to determine if the starting salary will cover them. Determine average starting salaries by job category and geographic location prior to interviewing to have an idea if the offer is fair.
Check out these links for negotiation tips and starting salary information:
Information for Teacher Candidates
Information for Nursing Candidates
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