Job Search Methods
THERE ARE MANY METHODS LISTED BELOW. (For best results, combine and use ALL)
- EMPLOYERS <<< searching for YOU
- ADVANTAGE: All you have to do is respond/apply to what they offer, then follow-up.
- DISADVANTAGE: You are restricted only to what they offer. (which might not be what you want)
- METHODS: job websites (indeed, monster, etc.), WorkNet, Job Fairs, Googling
- YOU >>> searching for EMPLOYERS (more proactive approach)
- ADVANTAGE: More personalized to your liking, increasing your happiness/productivity.
- DISADVANTAGE: This method will not work if no effort is made.
- METHODS: Networking, direct contact, professional organizations, chambers of comm.
- Networking is communicating your job search with people you know and trust.
- friends, family, faculty, previous employers, neighbors, peers, etc.
- This method works well because of the human trust-factor, allowing for easier communication and introductions.
- Network in person, telephone, texts, email, facebook, LinkedIn, etc. (choose best method for that person)
- Increasing your communication increases your job prospects!
- This method also includes SOCIAL NETWORKING:
- A LARGE number of job opportunities are never advertised on job-search websites, etc. The only way to find them is to contact/research the company directly.
- Steps to this method is included in STEP-BYSTEP SEARCH PROCESS
- Sites to help you create company lists to contact:
- NASDAQ Company List
- Hoovers
- Fortune 500
- Company List by Industry (Yahoo)
- Global 200 (Forbes)
- Company Search (Career Builder)
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Kompass
- ThomasNet
Handshake is BGSU's own personal "monster.com", used to:
- Advertise positions you can apply for (permanent, intern, co-op)
- House your resume to have sent to employers (via the opt-in resume book system)
- Sign-up for select interviews held on-campus
- Much more...ACCESS YOUR HANDSHAKE ACCOUNT HERE
Ohio Means Jobs & Internships
Wall Street Journal Career Search Page
E Financial Careers (jobs and internships)
Your favorite not included? Send it to us and we will add it!
This is another NETWORKING method and is VERY advantageous to any job search. It connects you with professionals in your selected industry who lead you to industry resources, jobs, and much more...
BGSU hosts 2 Job & Internship EXPO events each year:
- FALL EXPO (Mid-October)
- SPRING EXPO (Mid-February)
BGSU's College of Business also hosts Accounting's "Meet the Firms" in mid-September.
A chamber of commerce is a formal, organized business network, whose goal is to further the interests of businesses within a city, region, or state (as examples). Business owners in towns and cities form these chambers to advocate on behalf of the business community. Local businesses are members, housed in an office within proximity to the city, town, region, or state.
So how can this help you? Usually on a Chamber of Commerce website, they have a “Member Directory” (or similar term) searchable by industry, providing a list of companies, contacts, phone # and emails. It’s an instant way to build your employer list!
Search for your ideal Chamber location now:
What you might say when calling an employer (from your self-generated employer list)...
- May I please speak with your hiring manager (or Human Resources)?
- (then when that person answers the phone)
"I’m calling to inquire if you are currently hiring for [insert position type here] [insert time period here]"
>> IMPORTANT >> When communicating with employers, don’t indicate that you are only searching for “internships” and/or “co-ops”. A "normal" or seasonal position can be used as an internship, etc. and does not have to be titled an “internship”, etc. Searching using only these titles severely limits your job search. You should be searching for a “position” (keep it simple, not too much at first). - Once on the phone with the “decision-maker”, ask for more details about positions, how to apply, etc...
You are building a rapport with the employer, letting them get to know you...
- Begin to speak with the employer more about your status as a student at BGSU, your major, etc...
These are various in-person methods that can be used. Many scenarios exist, if you need help, please contact us.
- SITE VISIT/TOUR: Go to an employer's location, as an inquisitive student, to learn about operations/business practices.
- JOB SHADOW: Same as #1, adding specific task observation/explanation. Can last 1 hour or several days. (see link below)
- INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW: Scheduled appointment with employer, asking questions about operations/business practices. (see link below)
Some tips:
- Before visiting, contact the company as a courtesy, email or phone first to schedule.
- As an introduction, you can state that you are a BGSU student exploring your career options and would like to learn more about their company and industry, asking if they would be willing to meet with you.
- During the visit, ask about business practices and processes, and even employment.
- Informational Interviews
You can find contacts through your search methods, BGSU alumni, internet searches, etc...
Build your company list using a simple search.
- Use the "what/where" search method to produce an instant list of companies.
- E.g. "Accountant, Denver, CO" to reveal a list of hundreds.
EXAMPLE 1: Yahoo! (filterable) search for "Finance, Denver, CO" >> CLICK HERE TO SEE RESULTS
EXAMPLE 2: Google Maps search for "Accounting, Seattle, WA" >> CLICK HERE TO SEE RESULTS
You never know what you might find using this method. You can select specific areas of the U.S. and world. Use actual newspapers, or thousands of online versions, found below:
If you are looking to stay in this great state, below are some resources to help you:
- Ohio Means Jobs
- Ohio Higher Ed.: Internships & Co-ops
- Ohio Hiring Management System
Looking to broaden your horizons? Great! Some helpful resources are below:
TIPS & STRATEGIES:
- Work for a U.S. company with international offices/locations first, then transfer. (More opportunities with larger companies)
- Network with friends of family members in desired locations.
- Be sure to plan at least 1 year in advance of your intended employment period.
RESOURCES:
- U.S. Department of State: Traveler's Checklist
- U.S. Department of State: Learn About Your Destination
- U.S. Embassy: Website Lists & Resources
- Transitions Abroad
- Federal Government Jobs: LIST HERE
You can utilize other methods as well, develop your own, CREATE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES!
Updated: 09/01/2022 11:40AM