JOB TIPS FOR NAU SENIORS

You are approaching the time when you will graduate and be ready to move on and apply what you've learned to the World of Work.

Here are some possible steps to assist you in the job search process:

1) Create a resume that will highlight your skills and experience. Good resumes take time to write, and in a tough market it may set you aside from all the other candidates applying for a position. Make an appointment now with an NAU Career Services staff member: 928.523-3811.

2) Schedule a mock interview with NAU Career Services. The art of interviewing takes practice, not just reading about it but actually doing it. Call 928.523-3811 for an appointment.

3) Register with NAU's eRecruiting. This will allow you to publish your resume to a web resume book that will be viewed by potential employers, schedule interviews with employers coming to campus, AND view and apply for positions for those (many) employers who wish to hire NAU graduates but are not coming to campus.

4) View many of our resources available for student perusal in our resource center in the Gateway Student Success Center (bldg 43). We are open from 8a-6p Monday - Friday.

5) Attend Career Day even if you know your preferred employer is not attending. In a tough market it is important to make as many contacts in various industries as possible and to have a "Plan B." Don't go on the assumption that you know what positions are available. Remember, behind every corporation/business there are various employment opportunities that you may not think exist because you are basing it off of a preconceived notion. For example, Target is more than "just a retail store." They have computers and need CIS majors, they have advertising that goes out so they must use advertising and marketing majors, they need lawyers and even medical personnel.

6) Network, network, network. What does this really mean? According to Andrea Nierenberg it means, "...the nonstop process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that are mutually beneficial." Every person you talk to has the potential of knowing someone that maybe know someone else, etc. that may end up hiring you. It is believed that there are six degrees of separation between us, meaning that everyone in the world is connected by six people or less.

What if you are reading this and thinking, "This is nice but I don't know what I even WANT to do with my degree and I'm about to graduate." That's o.k. Many students are in your position so you are not alone. The key is to get some assistance with this process and get it early. Again, make an appointment with Career Services (see number above), and we will assist you in narrowing it down so you can get on with step one.

Good luck!