Job search
preparation
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What We Do
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Share tools and tips that will aide in obtaining and securing employment.
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Resume/cover-letter workshops and review
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Provide access to professional networks
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Help connect academic field to career field.
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Provide individualized support
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Connect dreamers to relevant services outside of IHAF
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Searching for a job can be tough, but there are many resources that can help!
The Job Hunt
Searching for employment takes time and preparation, meaning studying and practicing could be involved. Before starting your search it's important to understand what YOU want from an employer:
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What are their values? Do they matter to you?
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What kind of work culture do you like?
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Are benefits important to you? Which kind?
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Is Work/Life balance a priority for you?
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Once you've answered these questions, narrowing down the search will be much easier!
Where to look
The job market is dense and overflowing with open positions. Where can you start to look? Below are just a few places to start:
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This job seeking site is ideal for those who want to work in the non-profit/social services sector. There are tons of relevant positions posted to site every day!
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This is a popular tool. The site functions as a networking space where users can connect with other users to build their professional circle. You may have fellow classmates or peers who have connections that could benefit you! Note: Users are expected to create an account to fully benefit from the site.
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Career fairs are happening all the time, especially in a city like NYC. These fairs are events where the same goal-oriented people go to make connections and promote themselves. Even if you aren't guaranteed a job, passing out your resume and adding to your network is never a waste!
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This site provides both information on job openings and details about the company. On it, you can find ratings, previous employee reviews and other important information.
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5. Reaching out to your network
Your network is probably much larger than you think. Your network can include your friends, mentors, professors and even your IHADF connections! You never know who your connections know or what opportunities they may be able to offer you!
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nailing the interview
Whether its a group, phone or in-person interview- the process can be nerve wracking. Here are some quick tips:
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Practice!
Utilizing websites like Glassdoor allow you to get a sense of the kind of questions you might be asked. Come up with some potential questions and answer them. You can practice them in the mirror, to your friends of even record yourself.
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Research!
This step is essential. Making sure you understand the company/organization will make the application easier. Some methods/destinations include:
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Company website
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Google
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LinkedIn
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YouTube
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News Articles
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Note: If applying to a large company, it's also important to research their competitors!
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When researching, you should be looking to answer:
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Who is the CEO?
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When and where were they founded?
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What is the mission statement?
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This may all seem like a lot of work, but research will not only make you a better candidate. It could further help you determine if this is somewhere you want to be employed.
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Review your Resume!
So they liked you enough to invite you to an interview- that means they liked what they saw!
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When you go in for your interview, don't just repeat what is on your resume- They've already seen it! Think about specific facts, figures or stories that will exhibit your skills and capabilities. Remember to expand on your resume, not repeat it.
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Review the Job Description!
Before an interview, read the job description and figure what is likely most important to the recruiter. Are there any patterns? Any emphasis on certain qualifications? Think about how to relate to most of the description.
This could mean directly relating to a qualification or explaining how your skills can be transferred to that qualification.
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Be presentable and prompt!
Make sure you look well put together and are on time! Your outfit should be professional, clean and wrinkle-free!
Organizations like Dress for Success and Career Gear are great ways to find outfits at little to no-cost to you.
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When it comes to being prompt, mapping out your trip will lower your chances of being late. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make it on time.
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Source: Career Sidekick Blog
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