Employment Guide

Job Searching

Prospecting Job Search Method The “prospecting” method is a proven method of finding jobs. When you consider that many jobs are never advertised or are “hidden”, meaning you can’t find out about available opportunities unless you dig or “prospect” for them, this job hunting tool takes on great importance. This method is quite effective if you follow all the steps.

Step 1 Compile a list of all employers that you might be interested in working for. You can gather this list of employers by focusing on a specific geographic area, a specific industry, a list of top employers or similar related group. Check out our employer list and ReferenceUSA in Handshake to help you find employers. The point is to gather a list of employers that you are interested in. Step 2 Gather the names of the people who have the power to hire you. This is usually the head of the department or owner if it is a small company. This is accomplished by using your network or calling each employer’s main number and asking for the name of the department head or owner. Step 3 Write a targeted email to inquire if there is a position available. The email should show how your qualifications align with those an employer is seeking. Check out similar job advisements, the Occupational Outlook Handbook or O*NET Online. For information on how to write cover letters, attend a resume writing and cover letter workshop, review the cover letter materials in this Guide or on our website, and complete the Cover Letter Learning Path on LinkedIn Learning. Step 4 In 7 to 10 days, call the individuals you wrote to in the third step. For many people, this step is the hardest. The purpose for calling is to see if they received your materials and to see if they have any questions regarding your inquiry. Your goal should be to get as many interviews with potential employers as possible. Be persistent even if you are not getting as many interviews as you like or individuals are less than hospitable. Don’t give up, just move on to the next call.

If you follow all these steps, along with all the other rules of job hunting (phone manners, dressing for success and thank you letters) you’ll find prospecting to be a successful method in your overall job search strategy. If you have any questions or need assistance with your job search feel free to make an appointment with a Career Services counselor.

Important Make sure you are prepared for interviews. Review

interviewing materials in this guide or on our website, Review interviewing materials in this guide or on our website, do a virtual mock interview with InterviewStream on Handshake, or complete the Interviewing Learning Path on LinkedIn Learning. Attach a copy of your resume with each e-mail you send. If you need help with your resume, attend a resume writing workshop, review the resume writing materials in this guide or on our website and complete the Resume Learning Path on LinkedIn Learning.

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