Determine Your Goals

• Decide on the type of job you want to pursue. Determine how your interests, abilities, values, and education relate to job opportunities. You may want to conduct a career assessment beforehand to determine your career area.
• Understand the job market for your desired field (i.e. salary, job availability, required skills, required level of education etc.) You can locate this information on a number of job sites.We recommend the following:
  • KentuckianWorks
  • Salary Information
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook

Network

• Brainstorm a list of people who can serve as a network for you (including friends and family). Join professional organizations in your related field. Collect business cards when possible.
• Conduct informational interviews to learn more about a company or career. Come prepared to your meeting and ask for names of 2-3 people they would recommend you talk with that could help you advance your career goals.
• Set up job shadow experiences.
• Follow up with a thank you letter after each networking meeting.
• Develop your reference list. Use this opportunity to network.
• Make a list of organizations you would like to work for. Visit the website for each organization to determine if job opportunities are posted on-line.

Be Prepared

• Create one or more focused resumes.
  • Read through current job descriptions that you are interested in. Circle the “buzz words” and find ways to incorporate these words in your resume.
  • Research jobs that are currently available to determine what skills are required for your desired career. If you have these skills, make sure they are included on your resume.
• Own your job search!
  • You are responsible for keeping track of your login user ids and passwords to job search sites. CREW will not look up this information for you. We recommend you write this information down and keep it in a folder or notebook specific to job searching.
  • Follow up with employers when appropriate.
  • Check your email frequently for employer responses.
  • Keep clear records documenting who you talked to, jobs you applied for, etc.
• Improve your interviewing skills.
• Follow up after submitting your resume on-line with a cover letter and hard copy of your resume (see a CREW staff member for assistance writing a cover letter).
• Bring updated copies of your resume to every interview.
• Follow up with a thank you letter after each interview.
• When applying for a position, take the time to find out the name and title of a particular person to address your cover letter or email.