Get Organized

Conducting an effective job search requires careful planning, follow-through, perseverance, and a positive attitude. Trying to find a job without a plan can lead to frustration and disappointment. "Failing to Plan = Planning to Fail." For an effective job search, develop an organized system and a schedule to follow, and map out the steps you will take. Make a list of the job search tasks you will perform each day and follow through. You should consider the job search process a job itself!

A successful job search requires not only time and energy but also organization. It is important to develop a system to keep organized and focused. The following tips will assist you in establishing a system:

  • Schedule a block of time each day to devote to your job search and identify what you want to accomplish that day.

  • Create a "To Do" list and check your progress at the end of each day.

  • Keep accurate records of your employer contact information, method of contact, and follow-up activities - utilize Career Services' Job Search Contacts & Follow Up Record to assist you with organizing this info.

  • Make copies of all correspondence sent to employers and maintain a file for each employer to organize your search.

    Include in this file:

    1. Copy of resume sent

    2. Copy of cover letter sent

    3. Copy of job posting or advertisement and/or detailed job description if available

    4. Copy of Career Services' Employer Quick Info Guide

    5. Copies of info you gathered in conducting research on position and employer

 

 

Determine a Salary

Part of the job search process involves determining your salary requirements and earning potential. Developing a personal budget for the standard of living you can reasonably maintain, as well as researching salaries for the positions you're considering, will ensure realistic salary expectations. This knowledge will be useful for the interview and job offer processes as well. Every position has a general salary range, based on what professionals in that position are currently earning. However, many factors affect salaries, such as: type of position/field/industry, state of the economy (national, regional, and local), and geographic location.

It is also important to understand that employers count benefits as part of the compensation package. These benefits may include medical insurance, 401(k) plans and stock options. Other perks can include vacation time, company car or vehicle allowance, flexible work schedules and tuition reimbursement.

 

Use the following resources to begin your salary research:

Speak to individuals in the profession: Ask what salary someone in an entry-level position should expect.

Career Services' online resources such as OOH and O*NET contain salary information, including starting salaries, average salaries, and top earning possibilities for various careers. O*NET also allows you to compare Louisiana salaries to national averages.

Job Web - Provides information on salary ranges and additional links.

Monster.com Salary Center - Allows you to create a basic salary report based on position and geographic location.

Salary.com - Calculates salary, bonuses and benefits based on job title and location.

ZipRecruiter - Provides Information on Salaries for Various Positions

Also, be realistic about your salary expectations. Do not expect to graduate and find your first job making $50,000 per year in Hammond, Louisiana!

 

Decide on a Location

Consider your willingness to relocate. Remember, the more open you are to relocation, the more likely you are to find the job you are seeking, and the more you can increase your opportunities for career advancement. If you are open to relocation, take some time to research jobs by geographic location. Some resources to assist you include:

https://www.moving.com/ - Provides information on domestic and international relocation, storage, finding a mover, etc.

Handshake - Southeastern's one-stop career shop where you can search and apply for jobs and internships, build a resume, apply for On-Campus Interviews, and more!

maptitan.com - Decide on where to move based on your personal preferences and compare cost of living, salary, and more.