Career Discovery and Planning
Alumni: Job Search Tips

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Job Search Tips Especially for Alumni

• Job-hunting is an emotional roller coaster.  Remain confident but be prepared for disappointments.  The best time to develop new leads is after a positive interview.  Always have things in the pipeline, so if you receive bad news, you have other potential opportunities.  Keep up your momentum until you actually have an offer in hand.

• Try the buddy system.  Link up with a friend who is also job-hunting.  Arrange to report weekly to him/her on your goals and progress.  You can also find local job seeker support groups listed in National Employment Business Weekly  (online version at www.Careerjournal.com/) and in your local newspapers.  You may also want to investigate local career counseling organizations that may offer job-hunting support groups or workshops for a modest fee.

• Don’t be embarrassed if you are out of work, or have been laid off.  The prevalence of downsizing over the past decade has reduced the stigma previously attached to being laid off.

• Develop a portfolio of skills.  The more versatile you are, the more marketable you are in today’s workforce.  First, know what your skills are and how to communicate them.  You must be able to tell prospective employers who you are, what you can do and be able to articulate why you would be a good fit for the position. Career Discovery Skills Page

• Don’t be afraid to consider a lateral move that will allow you to develop cross-functional expertise as well as job satisfaction.

• Make sure your computer skills are up to speed.  Know what computer skills would be necessary for the work that you want to do.  As a rule, you should be relatively proficient in word processing, using email, conducting Internet searches, and familiarity with Microsoft applications.  Lack of computer skills is a handicap for many job searchers, especially for those of the baby boom generation.  Many community colleges and computer learning centers offer basic computer courses at very reasonable prices.  (Skills and Certifications page)

• Make use of email in your job search.  For some industries or organizations, thank you notes sent via email are becoming the norm.  Take your cue on use of email from the interviewer.

• Even if you’re not a natural extrovert, you must develop the skill of conversation.  Be comfortable talking about you, but also be interested in and listen attentively to others.  You never know who may be able to assist you in a job hunt.

• Network, network, and network.  Contact people in your industry, neighborhood, volunteer organizations, family, Penn alumni club.

• Know how to find information about employers.  Use a good research or public library, and of course, the Internet.  It is an important venue for job listings, and career information.  There are many search engines and websites available that can be invaluable in your search.  (Internet Resources)

• Cultivate headhunters, particularly if you have several years of experience and are looking for a position at mid-level or above.  If you have received calls from executive recruiters over the years, develop a relationship with them.  If not, ask colleagues who the reputable headhunters are.

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