Internship / Job Search Techniques

Career ServicesOregon State University8 Kerr Administration Building

(541) 737 - 4085http://oregonstate.edu/career

The Job Search Process

• Overwhelming• Break it down• Not necessarily straight forward• Treat as a job• Do something every day

Preparation

Four-step process:• Know yourself• Know where you want to work• Get ready for the search• Start searching

Step One: Know Yourself

• Where are you in the process?• Review skills, interests, values, personality,

goals – Group into 4 major qualifications/strengths – be very clear

on what you have to offer and how you fit

• Consider experience and involvement while in college and beyond

• Consider preferences: environment, location, peers, working relationships

Step Two: Know where you want to work/intern

• Research programs, organizations, industries• Coursework – specializations• Books, journals, guides, directories,

newspapers• Volunteering, internships, activities• Conferences, alumni, career/grad fairs• Informational Interviewing

Step 2 Cont.

• Know your field labor market information – OLMIS

• Entry level, salaries, locations• Top three geographic areas• Focus search - 10 Potential Employers

Step Three: Get ready for the search

• Develop your “network”• Get organized

– Contacts, activities, application materials

• Tools– Resumes, letters, applications, personal statements,

interviews, portfolio

• Suit up• Professional e-mail / voice mail

NACE Top Ten Skills/Qualities

• Communication skills (verbal & written)

• Honesty/integrity• Interpersonal skills (relate well to others)

• Strong work ethic• Teamwork skills (work well with others)

Top Ten Skills/Qualities (cont.)

• Analytical skills• Motivation / initiative• Flexibility / adaptability• Computer skills• Detail-oriented

Advice from Employers

• Research, research, research• Be prepared for your interview• Gain relevant work experience• Stand out - demonstrate

– Communication skills– Maturity/business etiquette– Work ethic

Step Four: Start searching

• Use of multiple search strategies• Maintain your network• Tailor your message• Targeting organizations and employers• Schedule your search activities

Networking

• Learn about field(s)• Develop mentoring relationships• Tap the hidden job market

Professional Associations

• Current issues & trends• Journals/publications• Professional interactions• Conferences and seminars

Beaver Recruiting

• Online, available 24/7• On-campus interviewing and presentations• Numerous employers

– Local and national

• Variety• Definite job/internship opportunities

Career / Job Fairs

• One-stop shopping• Interactive

– Many OSU alumni

• Exploration/research• Available jobs & internships• Local and national opportunities• Upcoming Career Fair April 25th

Targeted Letter Campaign

• Send to organizations of interest• Shows employers your initiative• Personalized letters receive more attention• Follow up

Walk-in/Cold-call

• Small businesses and organizations• Take initiative/proactive• Little competition• Risk

Tips for Success

• Be focused, yet flexible • Revise, update, and tailor your resume, cover letter,

and applications• Perfect your interviewing skills• Set short-term and long-term goals• Be realistic about investment in time• Be persistent and patient• Maintain a positive attitude

Additional Resources

• Books in the Career Services Library• Drop-in advising• Individual appointments with Career

Counselor• Your friends, family, and faculty

Good Luck!

Let us know how else we can help you!

Career Services8 Kerr Administration Building

737-4085

http://oregonstate.edu/career