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Gaining
an Edge
Job Search Tips for the Class
of 2003
Today's
job market is turbulent and worrisome. There's instability in all economic
sectors, not just high-tech, where layoffs abound. So what can members
of the Class of 2003 do to position themselves for a successful job
search? Professor of Counseling Robert Chope, author of "Dancing
Naked: Breaking Through the Emotional Limits That Keep You From the
Job You Want," offers these tips:
1
Maintain
a strong network.
Jobs obtained over the Internet account for 2 percent of all hires while
personal and professional contacts account for over 50 percent -- so
stay connected. Keep an e-mail address book of your campus acquaintances
-- friends, faculty, administrators, and counselors. Let them know what
kind of work you're looking for. If you're not sure, look to your contacts
to help generate ideas. Attend Alumni Association special events and
campus activities. Check in at the Career Center and ask a counselor
to direct you to alums for informational interviews.
2
Know
your talents.
You've not only earned a degree, you've accrued both specific and transferable
skills. Know what these skills are, keep track of them, and practice
selling them to friends and family. Craft your résumé
and cover letter so that these attributes sparkle.
3
Be
willing to relocate.
Pursue all positions of interest -- even those that may be out of the
area. If a company is hiring in Los Angeles, it may have a similar position
in the Bay Area.
4
Consider
juggling more than one job.
Instead of seeking full-time employment, try several part-time positions
for a while. This enables you to explore multiple career paths and add
to your growing network of contacts.
5
Volunteer
your services.
If you believe that you have talent to add to the intellectual capital
of an organization, ask for a try-out. Offer to take on a short-term
project that you'll complete, without cost, to demonstrate your abilities.
6
Use
the Web
to research positions, companies and competitive salaries. Go ahead
and post a résumé at a site if you wish -- but don't expect
miracles. Job searching is hard work.
7
Keep
it together.
This can be a long and arduous process. Maintain your vision and flexibility,
along with realistic expectations. Seek support in your search -- don't
go it alone.
 
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