Where to Look for a Job

No one job search method should be relied upon to find employment. The successful job seeker uses a variety of techniques to expand their network of contacts and increase their chance of meeting someone who might have a job lead or position available. Here are a few you can easily access:

Flash Forward: Kent State Recruiting System
Networking/Informational Interviewing
On-Campus Interviews
Career Fairs
Faculty Contacts
Job Listing Sites & Employer Web Sites
Employment Agencies
Want Ads
More Helpful Ideas

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Flash Forward: Kent State Recruiting System

Check out job postings on Flash Forward, the Kent State Recruiting System. To review publications which list job openings in many career fields across the country, visit our Career Resource Library.

Networking/Informational Interviewing

It's important to be aware of your own personal network and start early to expand your connections. More positions than ever are obtained as a result of actively networking in your desired career field.  Many professional associations have student chapters or allow students to join at a discounted rate. Association meetings are an excellent way to network with professionals in the field. Another tool is informational interviewing, which involves actually meeting with people in your chosen field as well as prospective employers, and interviewing them to gather information about what they do. This is also a great opportunity to ask people already in the field about recommendations for the best way to prepare for and enter your desired career field. Additionally, the Kent State University Alumni Association can assist you in networking by providing alumni contacts by major, geographic area, type of position and type of organization. Use the "Building A Network:" worksheet to get started.

On-Campus Interviews

Over 500 different organizations schedule campus visits each year seeking students and alumni in most career fields. Register for free with Career Services and take advantage of interviews right here on campus.

Career Fairs

Career Services sponsors a variety of career fairs throughout the year that you should plan to attend. Take plenty of resumes and dress professionally. Talk to as many employers as possible to explore career opportunities you may not have thought about as options.

Faculty Contacts

Faculty often have many contacts in your specific field of interest. Be sure to use your professors as part of your network.

On-Line Job Listing & Employer Web Sites

There are excellent sites on the Web that can provide assistance with your job search. Check out our Career Links and remember that many organizations accept online applications.

Employment Agencies

Reputable agencies can certainly assist in generating interviews. Be sure to find out what is done to help you prepare for interviews, and especially who pays the fee!

Want Ads

Today's jobs are marketed highly on the Internet. It's generally estimated that only 15-20% of all jobs are listed in the want ads, and of those, most are also listed in the online version of the newspaper and elsewhere on the Internet. When using want ads as a job search method, make sure your cover letter and resume address all points listed in the advertisement.

More Helpful Ideas

• Talk to temporary personnel agencies about employment options.
• Consider volunteering to gain career-related experience.
• Take a related job, even at a lower level, which may lead to your goal.
• Consider continuing your education or obtaining specialized training.
• Talk to former employers about opportunities.
• Join networking organizations or job search support groups.
• Think about self-employment - like writing, consulting, or a small business.

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