Job Search Strategies
- Know what you want. If you don't have a clear idea of the career field and type of work that you're interested in, then you're putting yourself at a big disadvantage. Be sure to check out our Choosing A Career pages.
- Use a variety of job search strategies. Use the Job Search Strategies listed below.
- Have as much personal contact with real people as possible. If all you're doing is applying to jobs listed online, then you're just another piece of paper in a big stack of resumes on someone's desk.
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- Create a network of support for yourself, starting with a Career Advisor, BC Career Network and on LinkedIn, such as the Boston College Career Center LinkedIn Group.
- Make personal contact with hiring managers wherever possible. This may mean following up your application with a phone call, or trying to find a BC alumnus/alumna within the organization who can serve as your contact point.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Need help with your job search OR not sure what you are looking for? You can see a Career Advisor, either by making an appointment (617-552-3430) or by coming by during our Drop-In Question hours.
We also offer career self-assessment tests that will give you some insight into which careers match your interests, skills and values.
STRATEGY 1: Identify promising organizations in your career field or industry, then visit their Web sites.
WHY? "Most successful job-search contacts made online happened directly at corporate Web sites, not through job boards." - CareerXRoads
Organizations only pay to advertise their hard-to-fill jobs. The rest of their job openings may be posted to their Web site.
This process, along with networking, is the best and most overlooked job-hunting strategy.
STRATEGY 2: Use networking contacts.
WHY? Employers in many industries never list their jobs anywhere. This includes nonprofits, the various communications fields, consulting, investment banking, and others.
Networking opens the door to a lot of job openings you would never otherwise know about. In addition, by networking you can learn a lot about breaking into your chosen career field, identify top employers, and meet some great people.
STRATEGY 3: Temp work leading to full-time employment
WHY? Many people find excellent, full-time, long-term positions through their temp jobs. Temping allows you to make a livable salary while you size up the company prior to making a commitment.
STRATEGY 4: Career and job fairs
WHY? Career and job fairs offer the opportunity to meet many employers in one fell swoop.
STRATEGY 5: Internships and professional fellowships
WHY? To break into some career fields, you almost have to have done an internship in that field (advertising, public relations, book publishing and others). In addition, employers love to hire their good interns into full-time jobs after graduation.
Graduating students and recent alumni take note - not only are more organizations hiring their interns into full-time, entry-level positions, but many of these same organizations welcome graduates as interns.
More information on internships...
More information on post-graduate professional work fellowships... Particularly strong in arts & communications, public policy, and service opportunities.
STRATEGY 6: Campus recruiting
WHY? As a graduating senior, you'll never again have the opportunity to meet so many employers coming to your doorstep to interview you.
Alumni take note - while alumni cannot participate in the campus recruiting program, you can connect with the contact person associated with each job listing. Remember, each organization in the database has targeted Boston College as a place to find good employees.
For alumni password, contact the BC Career Center at 617-552-3430. Be prepared to tell us your name, class year and school.
STRATEGY 7: Executive recruiters and placement agencies
WHY? There are recruiters who not only place people in virtually every industry and every career field, but also at every level. Most, however, work ONLY with job seekers who have at least several years of experience in their chosen field.
STRATEGY 8: Posting your resume to resume banks on the Internet
WHY? In certain industries, particularly the high tech ones, your resume may be viewed by employers who would not otherwise know you exist.
STRATEGY 9: Long-Distance Job Search
Not really a separate strategy of its own, but still a useful compilation of ideas and links.
STRATEGY 10: Full-Time Post-Graduate Volunteer Opportunities
Many of these offer room, board and a stipend. Opportunities range from a couple of months to two years, in the U.S. and abroad.
Dealing with Unemployment
Books and articles to help you cope with the emotional and financial stress, job hunting, etc..