Starting Your Job Search

Now that it is 2013, it’s time for you to start your job search. Starting your job search can be a daunting task, but with these tips you should be on your way in no time.

     

 1. Edit Your Resume

 Your resume is the best way to show off your experience and showcase what makes you the best candidate for the job. Check out the links below for resume tips.

• Utilize a list of ‘action verbs’ when writing your resume
• Emphasize transferrable skills (such as communication or customer service), especially if you don’t have much experience or are in the middle of a career change.
• Make the resume attractive and eye-catching; be sure to line up the margins and consider using bullets and bolding to separate sections and duties on your resume.  Leave yourself enough margin space so that the resume does not look crowded.
• Emphasize specific accomplishments at previous positions; quantify these achievements whenever possible.
• Write in the proper tense.  If you are presently at a job that is listed, use the present tense for the job descriptions; if you are no longer at that job, use the past tense for the job descriptions.  Be consistent with the tense throughout. 
• Decide if you should use a chronological or functional resume.
• Consider adding a “Professional Profile” or “Summary of Skills” section to the top of your resume. 

There are more resume tips available on GSPIA Connections under the Documents Library!
   
  2. Schedule Your Second Year Appointment with Career Services
Now that you have updated your resume with your experience, it is time meet with your Career counselor. We’re here to help you! Schedule an appointment on GSPIA Connections today. Make sure to upload your resume on Connections so we can take a look at it before we meet with you. During this meeting, we will discuss your resume and how to start your job search.
   
  3. Start Your Job Search
With so many job boards available online, it can be a little overwhelming on where to start. Below are some useful websites to help you get started.

• USAJobs: US Federal Government jobs
• Foreign Policy Association: Internationally focused jobs
• Devex: International development jobs 
• Idealist: Jobs throughout the country
• Nonprofit Talent: For Pittsburgh nonprofits
• Come to the Job Search Series, Part I workshop!

Now that you have a place to start searching, it is important to create a list of potential organizations and agencies in your field. Search these organizations and see if they have any openings. Even if they do not have an opening now, it is important to check their websites periodically to see if there are openings in the future.

We will be providing more tips and useful information on job searching in our Job Search Series. Career Services is hosting a number of events with our staff and outside employers, alumni, and guest speakers about job searching. Our first event is Wednesday, January 23 at 1:00pm in 3610 Posvar Hall. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP on Connections.
     
4. Network!
Besides job searching online, you should be networking! Not sure what networking is? Networking is professional relationship building. When job searching, you should be connecting with your fellow students, GSPIA faculty and staff, employers, and people in your field. An excellent way to start networking is by actively using your LinkedIn Account. If you do not have one, create one today! Here are some tips on using LinkedIn.

This semester Career Services is holding a Networking Series. Our next networking event is called Networking Series Part II: Juggling Plates & Small Talk (How to work a networking event) hosted by Karen Litzinger, owner of Litzinger Career Consulting. It will be held on Wednesday, February 6 at 1:00pm in Kurtzman Room in the William Pitt Union. Please RSVP on Connections if you plan on attending.

These are just a few tips on starting your job search. Finding a job is all about the work you put into it. Make sure to continually search for jobs and apply. If you need any help throughout your job search process schedule an appointment with us on Connections.

Good luck!