Career Center

Career Center
USF St. Petersburg
140 7th Avenue South TER200
St. Petersburg Florida 33701
Phone: 727-873-4129
Fax: 727-873-4828

Monday-Thursday: 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-5pm

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the free reader - obtain it here.This web page is maintained by:Katie Ramsberger
The page was last updated:
02/06/2009 .

 

Excel in the search process for internships and jobs
Overview

Following are the four phases of a self-directed job search, and the steps involved in each one. By clicking on the steps, you will find a list of things to do to complete that phase, and the Career Center resourses available to carry them out.

CLICK HERE Adobe Reader to see a comprehensive view of the process from start to finish.

 

Phase 1: Job Search Preparation

Tasks to be Performed:

  • Describe in one paragraph what you want to do.
  • Research your career fields.
  • Match your skills, values and interests to career fields and job titles.
  • Develop and write a targeted career objective.

Tasks to be Performed:

Write an effective resume to support what you want to do. Be sure to list:

  • A clearly-stated career goal
  • Education/certification
  • Relevant experience
  • Awards, honors
  • Leadership abilities

Click for Resume Writing Guide Adobe Reader

Tasks to be Performed:

  • Conduct employer research using:
    • Yellow pages
    • Employer web sites
    • Networking Fairs
    • Employer directories
    • Job-related search engines
  • Make a list of 25-50 preferred employers to target.
  • Consider informational interviewing.

Tasks to be Performed:

  • Select multiple strategies for contacting preferred employers:
  • Career Fairs
  • Telephone
  • On-site visits
  • Job listings
  • Mail
  • Networking
  • On-campus interviews

Tasks to be Performed:

  • Practice answering interview questions.
  • Practice positive non-verbal behavior.
  • Practice with telephone scripts.
  • Develop questions to ask interviewer.
 
Phases 2-4: Contacting Employers, Interviewing & Offers

Tasks to be Performed:

  • Write personalized cover letters.
  • Implement job search strategies from Step 4.
  • Send cover letters and resumes to all company locations/offices.
  • Follow up with each contact person.

Tasks to be Performed:

  • Schedule at least one interview per week (approx. 6 per week is ideal)
  • Set a goal of three or four 2nd interviews.
  • Secure two to three final interviews or on-site visits.
  • Send a thank you letter for every interview.
  • Continue to follow up on every interview until position is filled.

Tasks to be Performed:

  • Evaluate offer(s) based on:
    • Type of work
    • Location
    • Salary
    • Benefits
  • Negotiate salary & benefits.
  • Send letter accepting or declining offer.


Career & Job Search Websites

 

 


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