Job Search Strategies

Job Search Timeline

August/September (12 months prior to employment)
  • Attend any applicable orientations/workshops offered by the CDC
  • Register with the CDC and inquire about career services
  • Begin to define career goals by determining the types, sizes and geographic locations of companies/agencies/schools within your interest area

    October
  • Begin to identify references and ask them to prepare letters of recommendation for credential or placement files
  • See a counselor at the CDC to discuss your job-search plans
  • Continue to attend any applicable workshops offered by the CDC

    November
  • Check to see that you are properly registered at the CDC
  • Begin developing a resume and basic cover letter
  • Begin networking by contacting friends, faculty members, etc. to inform them of your plans. If possible, give them a copy of your resume

    December/January
  • Finalize your resume and make arrangements for it to be reproduced. You may want some tips on resume reproduction from the CDC
  • Attend any appropriate career planning and placement workshops
  • Use the directories available at the CDC to develop a list of companies/agencies/schools in which you have an interest
  • Contact potential employers to request application materials

    February
  • Check the status of your credential or placement file at the CDC
  • Send completed applications to potential employers, with resume and cover letter
  • Inquire about companies which will be recruiting at the college, and about the procedures for interviewing with them

    March/April
  • Research companies/agencies/schools with which you will be interviewing
  • Interview on campus and follow up with thank you letters
  • Continue to follow up by phone with companies/agencies/ schools of interest
  • Begin monitoring the job vacancy listings available at the CDC

    May/June
  • Just before graduation, check to be sure you are completely registered with the CDC and that your credential or placement file is in good order
  • Maintain communication with your network of contacts
  • Continue to monitor the CDC job vacancy bulletin board and other vacancy listings
  • Revise your resume and cover letters as necessary
  • Interview off campus and follow up with thank you letters
  • Begin considering job offers. Ask for more time to consider offers, if necessary
  • Accept the best job offer. Inform those assoicated with your search of your acceptance

    Adapted from material originally prepared at Miami University of Ohio