GENERATING JOB LEADS

Only a small percentage of jobs are filled through classified ads. Many jobs are never advertised at all. A thorough job search will utilize many employment sources. A little research will help you determine the approaches that are most appropriate to your profession. Check available EPCS career resources for information on your profession. A great source on the internet is the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This publication from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is updated bi-annually and provides valuable job information, including expected salary ranges, work conditions, educational requirements and related fields. Check out the EPCS job links containing many more internet job information sources.

The following source list provides some ideas for generating job leads:

• Informational Interviewing
• Newspapers
• The Internet
• Direct Contact
• Links

Informational Interviewing
The goal in informational interviewing is to gain and create professional information and networking contacts. Making initial contacts may feel like sales "cold" calling, however, the information gleaned from these encounters can be priceless. Being well prepared will ease this process. Your first step is to determine what you hope to achieve by conducting informational interviews. You may be interested in finding out how to enter the profession, or want to know what type of skills are in demand, or simply to find out what a typical work day is like. Whatever your interests, make a list of questions you have about the work in that field. Be sure to inform your contacts that you are seeking information and not a job. It is also important that you keep meetings short, say 20-30 minutes.

Although people are busy, they often enjoy discussing their job with students or others who are in the process of exploring career possibilities. Share the information you have already obtained about their field from your research and ask if it is accurate from their perspective. You may also want to ask your interviewee for names of other people in similar positions so you may extend your informational interviewing network. Be very appreciative of their time and always follow-up with a thank-you letter or thank-you email message. Informational interviewing is not the same as interviewing for a "real" job, but the practice and contacts you make can be critical factors in your job search later.

A great source for generating job leads is to attend on-campus career fairs. These events are open forums to acquire industry information and network with employers. Check out the list of employers that will be attending and try to do some research on the companies that are of interest. Be sure to have some questions in mind and bring several copies of your resume. Don't be afraid to ask employers for job-search advice.

Other sources for your listing of contacts may come from referrals from friends, family, professors, or EPCS. The yellow pages may also provide you with a listing of companies in the specific geographic area you are searching.

Newspapers
Although not all jobs are advertised, a regular study of the want ads keeps you aware of what is happening in your geographic market. Starting a file of want ads early on in the job search could provide sources for future job leads and a sense of the job market.

The Internet
There has been an explosion of information on the Internet. Many companies are now posting jobs on the Internet and job seekers are posting their resumes as well. Check out the Job Links section for valuable links to job information.

The Internet can also be a very useful source in locating information on companies you are interested in. Most companies have their own web pages now. Showing the company that you know something about them could be the difference between you and other academically-qualified candidates.

Direct Contact
Targeting specific employers may be the most productive approach. It requires maintaining records of all contacts and setting up a tickler system for follow-ups. All correspondence should be addressed to an individual. Sending a "blind" resume rarely gets much attention. Follow up your mailing with a phone call to the individual.

Few employers have the luxury of hiring the "good" people they encounter. They are usually limited to hire only in order to fill current openings. Contacting these employers for an informational interview will get you in the door. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the company’s culture and your realistic employment possibilities. At best, the employer will remember you when an appropriate opening occurs. Therefore, during your job search, be sure to occasionally check back with your contact.

Another form of direct contact would be to apply for internship or volunteer opportunities with these employers. These situations allow you and the employer to become acquainted. They also provide invaluable work experience for you!

OTHER LINKS:

The Riley Guide - great resource for job search information

Web page maintained by Ann Halbach
Send comments or questions to ah@education.wisc.edu

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