Students generally first approach the job search with on-line sites such as Career Builder and Monster.com. While these tools prove valuable, national research reveals that 80% of people finding jobs today find them through some form of personal contact. With
this in mind you can increase the likelihood of a successful job search by shifting 80% of the time that you invest in the search to making direct contact with employers, potential employers, and alumni through networking. Imagine your expanding network as a field of assistant job hunters working on your behalf much like the communications network depicted in the popular Verizon commercials; “Can you hear me now?” Your network can help you connect with employers, obtain suggestions and advice, and identify job opportunities that you may not be aware of.
So how do you start networking? Here are three quick and easy suggestions:
1. Take part in on-campus recruiting. Attend employer information sessions and ask questions of the visiting recruiters. Asking well developed questions is one way to obtain valuable advice while making a positive impression.
2. Attend the WestPACS Job Fair on April 3rd. Here you’ll have an opportunity to meet with over 200 employers in an inviting, non-
threatening environment. Your Career Services is providing bus transportation (register in Career Services NOW!) and Jim Fitch will be on site to serve as a resource.
3. Participate in Gator Locator training and create a Gator Locator account. Over 1,300 Allegheny alumni have volunteered to mentor current students, offering assistance with everything from providing relocation advice to talking about careers. Next training takes place on April 15th at 12:30 pm in 301/302 CC.
You’ll also want to remember to visit Career Services where a friendly, helpful staff is eager to assist you with your job search. To get started, drop by for Quick Questions, Tuesday through Thursday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm or schedule an appointment by calling 332-2381.
Posted: March 18, 2008
