I need to find a job!
(internship, part-time, summer, full-time)

The Office of Career Services is here to assist you with all your job searching questions. 

Job Search Checklist

The job search can feel overwhelming, so it's helpful to break it into manageable steps.  The good news is you don't have to do every step in order.  For example, you can start working on your resume before you identify what you want to do.  Just start checking off as many of these activities as you can, and you'll find yourself on the way to a finding a great job opportunity.

You can receive assistance for every one of these steps through the Office of Career Services.  And you don't have to do it all during business hours--start by checking our website for lots of links and helpful information.

Step 1: Know Yourself.

_____ I have identified my personal strengths, skills, interests, and values.
_____ I have made a list of possible job titles/fields of interest.
_____ I can name two or three careers/jobs I plan to pursue.

Step 2: Know Where You Want To Work.

_____ I have researched organizations or companies that might hire someone with my skills, interests, and background.
_____ I have researched potential career fields: typical entry-level jobs, typical salaries, best geographic location for jobs, etc.
_____ I have identified the top three geographic areas where I'd like to work.
_____ I have identified 10 potential employers for the type of work I'm seeking.

Step 3: Get Ready For The Search.

_____ I have logged onto Spartan Jobs through the Office of Career Services
_____ I have had my résumé and cover letter(s) reviewed by a professional in the field or a staff member at the Office of Career Services.
_____ I have prepared a portfolio or work samples to highlight my experience, skills, and talent.
_____ I have developed my "30-second speech" for short encounters with employers.
_____ I have analyzed my education and developed my "liberal arts story" for employers.
_____ I have identified three individuals who will serve as references.
_____ I have developed my interview skills.
_____ I have prepared for interviews by practicing my responses to typical questions and/or doing a mock interview with the Office of Career Services.
_____ I have a professional-sounding answering machine/voice mail message in case an employer calls.
_____ I have a neutral/professional e-mail address to give to employers.

Step 4: Start Searching.

_____ I have uploaded my résumé(s) to the recruiting sites on the Office of Career Services.
_____ I regularly check the career center web site for career opportunities and I subscribe to the career center newsletter, Career Horizons. I read the appropriate job-search resources for my field(s) of interest.
_____ I have a system for keeping track of my contacts, interviews, and other job-search activities.
_____ I follow up on every interesting job lead immediately.
_____ I send thank you letters or e-mails to every person who interviews me.

Adapted with permission from Liberal Arts Services/UT Austin

Job Search Appointments

To schedule an appointment, simply call x.5242 or email mcocareers@manchester.edu.

q Initial Job Search Plan

Define your career goals, learn the various ways to search for a job and create an action plan!

q 3-Week Progress Check

Bring your completed Job Search Plan to report on your progress, learn ways to organize your search and ask questions about the process.

q Résumé & Cover Letter Review

Bring your résumé and cover letter drafts for review and suggestions.

q Company Research

Research is crucial for applications and interview preparation.  Explore ways to research organizations and consider your preferences for the ideal work environment.

q Networking

Learn how to use your network to learn more about your field and discover unadvertised job opportunities. 

q Mock Interview

Practice your interviewing skills by interviewing with a career services staff member.  You’ll answer typical interview questions and get feedback to help you improve.

q After the Interview

Learn how to balance multiple job offers, make decisions and negotiate salary & benefits.

Using Employment Agencies

1.  Look in any business directory (Yellow Pages) under Employment to find listings of employment services (also known as head hunters, employment agencies, temp firms, recruiting firms, etc.).  You can also search in any newspaper's weekend classifieds section under Employment or online with a search engine using key words such as "employment agencies, Fort Wayne."

2.  Research several employment services in order to pick the one best suited for you.  Learn the areas in which an employment services specializes (computer technology, health care, accounting, etc). Next, make sure they are reputable by contacting the local Better Business Bureau (you can also check these sites: Ripoffreport.com and Better Business Bureau).  The New York Times reports that many of the most reputable firms belong to the International Association of Career Consulting Firms (www.iaccf.com).  When contacting an employment service, tell them up front about the kind of job you're seeking in order to determine if they can provide the assistance you want.

3.  Find out who pays the employment service fee.  Does the employer who hires you pay the fee or are you expected to pay?  Be careful!  Some employment agencies will charge you anywhere from 25% to 30% of your first year's salary as their fee for services provided.

4.  Think carefully about the kind of assistance you want.  If you chose to work with a recruiter that charges you a fee make sure you know exactly what you will be paying for.  For example, you may know potential employers in your field already and need help only with a resume and cover letter.  Or you may want to consider new career fields to pursue and need assistance only in making that transition.  Some recruiting firms charge by the hour, so limiting what you want in their services will save money.