Job Search Strategies Workshop

Editor's Notes

• #3: The CWS has many resources to help you in your job search. Above all, make sure that you follow our social media outlets – Facebook, Twitter, and our blog. In particular, our blog often has alumnae write posts with key information on specific industries and life after Wellesley.
• #4: There are four steps in the Career Development Cycle, all of which are important as you go about deciding where you want to go professionally. Understanding your interests and values will help you move forward and the CWS has helpful tools that can help you map out your interests. CWS staff can help you in your search and this presentation will focus on planning and conducing a job search.
• #5: Figure out the fields of interest and types of positions you will pursue in your search. What internships or jobs have you always dreamed of doing? Where do you want to live?It’s impossible to do an organized job search if your plan is “I’ll do anything, anywhere.” If you’re having trouble narrowing the list down, schedule a meeting with a CWS counselor or talk to alums in fields that interest you.Role – Is there a particular function you want to fill?  Do you want to be doing particular tasks or using particular skills, regardless of industry? (i.e., marketing, accounting, etc.)Industry – Is there a particular field that you want to join, no matter what you might be doing?  (i.e., education, corporate finance, museums, etc.)Type of organization – Do you want to work in a small or large organization?  What about for a for-profit, non-profit, or government organization? Mission/issue area – Are you passionate about a particular issue?  Do you want to work for an organization that addresses that mission?Other considerations – Compensation, geography, and public transportation can influence your priorities, as well. 
• #6: Create a list of websitesto check regularlyfor openings. Update your network, ensure that everyone you know knows you are searching. Again, the social media outlets at the CWS and our MyCWS database are great places to begin your search.
• #7: Materialsshould be written directly to your audience, emphasizing your most relevant skills and experiences, and speaking your potential employers’ language.  Once you have a job lead or job posting, you may customize your cover letter and/orfurther.  If there is an organization that interests you, feel free to proactively send them a cover letter and resume expressing that you would like to work with them and how you might contribute to their organization. Please use the CWS’ cover letter and resume tools located on our website as you craft your job search materials.
• #8: Get your elevator speech down – in 5-7 sentences, state your interests, your background, and what you’re looking for.Use the W Network. If you’re not sure how to use it, stop by the CWS library and a CWS intern can get you started.Let your network know about your areas of interest and that you are job searching.  Also, take advantage of networking opportunities to expand your network here at Wellesley- alum panels and networking nights.Let your network/references know when you land a job! Thank them for their help.
• #9: Make sure you use LinkedIn for professional networking. Make sure that your Facebook privacy settings are set in a way so that potential employers cannot peek into your personal life. Be aware of your Internet trail -- if you Tweet or have a blog, make sure you’re comfortable sharing the material with potential employers that may Google your name. If you’re not comfortable with the content, lock them down. If you want a potential employer to see your blog or Tweets, make sure you publish content that is relevant to your fields of interest– this strategic social media presence can serve to show your knowledge of content and may serve as an informal writing sample. You can also follow major thought leaders in your fields of interest, which can increase your network strength as you embark on the job search.If you haven’t attended already, make sure you check-out one of the CWS’ workshops on using social media in the job search.
• #10: Learn as much as you can about what an organization does and how. Consult various sources, including the company's website and news articles related to the industry.You may not hear back from an organization immediately.  Consider a follow up email or phone call no sooner than a week after your initial contact.  This will confirm your interest in the organization, as well as demonstrate your persistence and initiative.  If the organization has requested “no calls” or “no emails,” follow their instructions.  The most difficult part of the job search process is waiting.  Be patient.  For most employers, jobs take months to fill; what may feel like a very long time to wait for you, may be lightning speed for an organization.
• #11: At your interview, you want to appear to fit in with the company that is interviewing you: you dress the part, you communicate effectively within that particular culture, and you know a lot about the company--so much that you create the impression that you would integrate seamlessly into the daily work life of that company.Make sure you schedule a mock interview with a CWS counselor and sign-up for a mock-a-thon event. Mock-A-Thon events, organized by the CWS, are a great opportunity to have an interview with an alumna, an expert in her field, and receive great feedback. Please remember that your first job does not have to be your dream job – it’s a step to get you where you want to be.