Career Services

Job Search Checklist

Starting the job search can be overwhelming. Check out our job search checklist as the first step to finding a job and hopefully making the process more clear.

Resume

The resume is the first introduction to the employer and therefore is your first impression! Find out tips on how to make a stellar resume including what to include and not include, different types of formatting, making descriptive bullets, how to condense your resume if you have a lot of experience, how to write a resume if you have little experience, and information about references.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) are often used when applying for scientific and academic positions. CVs tend to provide great detail about academic and research experiences with the intent to market one's skills, experiences, education and personal qualities. Find out more about how to write a CV effectively.

References

Typically when applying for a job you need to include references. Find out how many, who to ask, and how to format this section.

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a formal way to announce that you are applying to a position. It should be targeted to employers and specific jobs. Find out more about how to write an effective cover letter so that you are chosen to move on to the interview!

Interviewing

Interviewing can make people nervous and in order to interview well, there are some ways to prepare and practice beforehand.

Thank You Letter

Interviews should be followed with a thank you letter within 48 hours. Find out the purpose of the thank you letter and what to include.

Networking

The majority of jobs are not posted but instead found through networking. But how do you network? Learn the different ways to connect with people and network yourself into your next job!

Negotiations & Salaries

Negotiating salary and benefits is something many people are not aware is oftentimes part of the job search process. Gain tips about how to do it succesfully!

Resources to Help Your Job Search:

• Drop-In Resume/Cover Letter Feedback - Monday-Thursday, 1pm-4pm
  

• Career Guide - use our handy Career Guide for job search and career information. It will show you how to write resumes and cover letter and provides several samples:   

• Beaver JobNet has more than job and internship listings; it has extensive tutorials and information on job searching, including resume writing and networking.

• Seminars on the Job Search - in person and online

Useful links for guidance on the overall job search:

• JobWeb - offers career and job-search advice for new college graduates.
  

• Riley Guide - a directory of employment and career information sources and services on the Internet. It is primarily intended to provide instruction for job seekers on how to use the Internet to their best advantage.
  

• Job Search 101 - smart tips and real-world training workbook.

• Wet Feet - mission is to equip job seekers like you with the advice, research, and inspiration you need to plan and achieve a successful career.

• Job Choices - Resume help, interview tips, and more!

• Cost of Living Comparison

• 100 of the World's Most Reputable Companies - use this list to get you started on your research into companies to possibly work/intern for in the future. This of course is only a start, there are plenty of other companies to research as well!

Websites/Resources about current industry and company information:

• Oregon Labor Market Information System
• Oregon Jobs
• Top Entry-Level Employers for 2011 (Intern, Entry Level, Masters)
• 100 Best Companies in Oregon
• Glassdoor.com - a look inside over 23,000 companies
• Glassdoor.com - 50 Best Places to Work 2011
• Future Jobs and Careers Forecast
• Future of Work video - great information!
  

Articles about the Job Search

• Sizing Up Employers: Job Security - No matter where you are in your career, determining whether a potential job will offer security can be tricky. Use these tips to evaluate a position's lifespan.
• How to Avoid the Resume Black Hole - This is fantastic advice about applying for jobs...it takes more than just submitting your resume and hoping for an interview these days!!! Find out what else you need to do to get to the next step.
• Back to Basics: 7 Essentials for a Successful Job Search
• What's 10 Weeks, 13 Interviews, 0 Applications, and 1 New Job? Priceless - great article about how one guy found a job through networking. It goes through his process step-by-step.
• How To Protect Your Private Life on Facebook During Your Job Search
  
• How to Convince a Hiring Authority to Choose You

NOTE:The Career Services website contains links to websites not under the control of Oregon State University Career Services and we are not responsible for their contents. We'd like to hear your comments about these sites; feel free to contact us.

On the recommendation of our counseling staff, Career Services lists job and career information sites that generally meet the following criteria: are of interest to OSU students, easily navigated, and require no fee or registration prior to viewing. New sites may be submitted for consideration and are typically reviewed on an annual basis. Please indicate the page on our site where you think your link would be appropriate.