Job Search Strategy and Research
So, you’re ready to make your move, ready for action. Whether you’re looking for an internship or a full-time job after college, the process of looking for the position (and employer!) that’s right for you is pretty much the same and both involve developing a search strategy. A search strategy is a plan or series of steps to help you obtain your goal: getting an offer for a position that fits your interests, skills, values, and personality.
Job Search Facts
According to information from the U.S. Department of Labor, up to 80% of all positions are filled without employer advertising. Think about it. It saves time, energy, and money for the employer to hire people they know, who have been referred by a trusted source, or who have made contact directly. And not only is this more efficient, it also often means the employer is getting a candidate who is not just looking for a job, but looking for this job.
98% of U.S. employers have fewer than 100 employees. That means these organizations often do not recruit from college campuses. To find these “hidden” employers, you need to have a strategy.
Using multiple job search methods will help you find a position faster than people who use only one or two, as data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests. Read on for more about those methods and how you can decide which might work best for you.
The average American with a bachelor’s degree has about 10 different jobs between the ages of 18 and 34. Again, this is data from research done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To survive—and advance— you’ll have to become skilled at job hunting. Your first job out of college is just the beginning of a lifelong process.
The Bottom Line
The Internet should not be your only means of searching for jobs.
Talking to people, asking questions, and being able to quickly and easily describe who you are (your interests, skills, experience) and what you’re looking for may be your best job search method. Conduct informational interviews and don’t be afraid to network!
Take advantage of MSU resources like Handshake, career events, the Career Exposure Series, company events, and other opportunities to meet and discover potential employers.
Developing Your Strategy
As you develop your search strategy, you should:
Create a list of 5–10 organizations with whom you are most interested in working. These organizations should get most of your attention. Actively work to meet people in the organizations and learn more about their goals.
Create a second list of organizations you have some interest in. When you have time, do some basic research to refine the level of your interest and find possible networking or career openings.
Keep a log of research and activities, so you know whom you’ve called, when, and next steps. It’s embarrassing to call someone twice because you forgot that you already called, or not to call at all when someone asked.