Ten Tips for Your Job or Internship Search in a Down Economy
- Start your job search early. Be proactive; don't wait until the spring to begin looking for a summer internship or post-graduation job. The competition is only going to become more intense as we head toward the end of the school year. Employers are hiring earlier to get jobs filled before budget cuts freeze expansion.
- Have a plan. Your self-marketing strategies should be well thought-out and methodical; don't waste time with the scatter-shot approach. Research the companies you intend to pursue and make the list twice as long as you would have last year at this time. Keep track of all your contacts and get business cards from everyone.
- Perfect marketing materials. Your résumé or curriculum vitae, cover letters and work samples should be presented in spotless style. Go the extra mile in everything you put together so you will stand out in a positive way. Never forget thank-you notes after an interview.
- Network tirelessly. Have your elevator pitch (who you are and what you want to do in 30 seconds) so ingrained that you can wake up from a dead sleep and tell your story without missing a beat. Contact Aunt Ida's friend who has a son who works at Dreamworks. Tell the dry cleaning clerk that you are looking for a job in advertising; maybe she has a friend of a friend who has a cousin who can actually help you!
- Tap the hidden job market. Don't forget that only about 20 percent of all jobs are ever advertised. Don't rely on simply surfing the Internet for job listings. Take initiative and contact companies directly, call job hotlines, do research in the Career Resource Library, check SCAD's JobMagnet, JobWire and mentoring network, contact professional organizations, attend professional club events, conferences and seminars. Attend the Career Fair Feb. 20 and other career-related events in your department.
- Be flexible - cast your net wide. That job in Seattle? If it doesn't come through, be prepared for alternatives you may not have considered before. A lot of creative work goes freelance in down times. Take advantage of that market if it fits your industry. Get your foot in the proverbial door wherever you can to learn, grow and be ready to jump on the opportunities presented when the market opens up again.
- Exude professionalism. Present yourself as a professional in your field even if you are still in school. Bottom line: Businesses want to hire interns and alumni who they can envision working in the company and presenting the company well before clients and the public.
- Stay positive. We are all in the same economic boat right now. Form a "job club" with your friends to meet, provide support and share networking news.
- Persevere. This is not the time for the tenuous job searcher. Be strong and tenacious and you will succeed. Remember, finding a job is a full-time job itself. If you are unemployed, you still must "go to work" every day seeking out opportunities.
- Meet with your career adviser. Take advantage of great coaching and encouragement available while you are at SCAD. Advisers have ideas, connections and experience that will help make your search optimally effective. E-mail them at careers@scad.edu. Now is the time to use every resource at your fingertips! Rest assured that the faculty and staff have prepared you well at SCAD so if you perform a great job search you can beat the economic slowdown.
Career Services
The SCAD career services office provides professional career development and job search assistance to students and alumni. Resources include:
- The Job Magnet offers fast résumé approval, the ability to post your portfolio, and a more effective alumni mentoring network. Employers have easier access to candidates, and you can track their interest in you.
- Career exploration opportunities
- Internship search
- Individual career counseling
- Various career-oriented workshops offered each quarter assist with career exploration and preparation for internships and job placement.
- Workshops and classes in résumé writing, cover letters, portfolio presentations, self-promotion, honing interviewing skills, and developing networking techniques
