Get The Job
Job Search Strategies
The job search process involves many strategies. Consider using a combination of strategies to maximize results.
Take advantage of SDSU Career Services' free resources to support a successful job search.
To help you select a productive approach, review the following strategies:
Strategies
- Follow stated application deadlines
- Customize your application materials
- Submit quality materials
- Use listings as reference material to apply for future/ related openings
Advantages
- Direct access to job listings and requirements
- Targeting an open position
- An opportunity to individualize resumé and cover letter to specific requirements
Challenges
- Highly competitive due to large number of applicants
- May require substantial number of applications to get responses
- Small percentage of jobs are advertised
- Low placement rate
Strategies
- Ensure that postings are current
- Review websites constantly
- Adhere to submission guidelines
- Customize your resumé
- Use links to research related jobs and organizations
- Verify website reputation before sharing information
Advantages
- Economical and time efficient
- Easy access to many jobs/ organizations
- An opportunity to research related jobs and customize approach to meet criteria
- Ability to search in distant locations
Challenges
- Millions of applicants have "easy" access
- Some postings are not updated frequently
- Many companies don't post online
- May be difficult to check status
- Concerns about information confidentiality
Strategies
- Attend employer information sessions
- Have your resumé reviewed by a career counselor
- Upload your resumé(s) to Aztec Career Connection
- Log in frequently to learn about new listings and schedule on-campus interviews
- Research the employer database to prepare for potential interviews
Advantages
- No-cost, efficient way to contact employers
- Many companies hire exclusively college graduates for specific jobs
- Less competition/ higher success rate than traditional methods
- Ability to research employers in depth through SDSU Career Services' free resources
Challenges
- Not all industries recruit on campus
- Recruiting is active during academic calendar and slows down in summer
- Jobs may be available after graduation
Strategies
- Research employers in advance and create a list to target your top choices at the fair
- View recent fair additions to calendar of events
Attend "Networking a Career Fair" workshop and pick a flier in Career Services office - Dress professionally and bring resumés
- Ask questions to learn more about your field
- Obtain business cards and stay in contact
Advantages
- Access to many employers in a brief period of time and a single location
- Very personal approach to learn about companies, careers, and requirements
- Opportunity to network with recruiters
- Many positions target students and recent graduates and may not require experience
Challenges
- Many disciplines may not be represented
- Small companies and non-profit sector representation may be limited
- Hiring may not be immediate
Strategies
- Research agencies to find out about the services offered and their reputation
- Locate agencies that specialize in your field
- Be cautious if you are required to pay a fee
- Highlight relevant experience and transferable skills
Advantages
- Service is normally free to job seekers
- Agencies conduct pre-screening before referral
- A temporary assignment may be the only way to obtain a permanent job with some firms
- An opportunity to survey employers and acquire experience through job assignments
Challenges
- Assignments can be short term
- The variety of jobs can be limited
- It can be difficult to obtain positions for recent graduates with limited experience
- May start at a lower salary than comparable permanent positions
- Agencies' primary commitment is with the paying recruiting firm, not the job seeker
Strategies
- Research companies to learn about specific needs
- Customize your prospecting letter to address each company uniquely
- Obtain the name of the hiring manager and address this person
- Follow up by phone whenever possible
Advantages
- Ability to target employers in a specific field
- May access unadvertised positions
- Employer may be impressed with a well-tailored mailing
Challenges
- Time consuming
- Requires significant research and high degree of individualization
- Response rates are low
Strategies
- Use business phone directories to locate employers
- Learn about company before calling/ visiting
- Develop meaningful questions to ask
- Have a resumé/ cover letter ready
- Schedule an informational interview
Advantages
- Personal contact with hiring authority
- Resumé/ Application can be submitted directly to hiring manager
- May become aware of unadvertised current and future vacancies
- Access to jobs that are never posted
- An opportunity to obtain new contacts
Challenges
- Takes time to research companies and contact information
- It is difficult to access hiring managers
- Requires being assertive and willing to take risks
- Success rate is low (1 in 20 average)
Strategies
- Inform people that you are searching for a job
- Provide details about the desired job
- Ask contacts if they know someone who can help
- Update and distribute your resumé
- Contact new leads and expand network
- Stay in touch with all contacts
- Join professional organizations/ clubs
- Attend events/ conferences and network
- Volunteer for boards and organizations
Advantages
- Effective way to find jobs
- May learn tips about company and hiring trends from "inside" sources
- Ability to access the "hidden" job market and find jobs that will not be advertised
- Less competition than traditional search
- May be referred to a company that only hires through employee/ contact referrals
- An opportunity to expand network
Challenges
- Requires significant time and effort
- Willingness to talk to any potential contact
- May require talking to numerous contacts before obtaining results
- Requires tenacity to follow up
- Contacts need to be maintained over time
Get Connected
For general inquiries, visit our office, call our front desk, or email us:
Student Career Services
5500 Campanile Drive, MC 8255
San Diego, CA 92182-8255
619-594-6851
[email protected]