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Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
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How to Job Search

Get Organized. Identify career and life values, goals and objectives. Realistically access your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and abilities. Ready your marketing tools.

Marketing Tools
You’ll need to have the following tools ready before you begin your job search:

Research the Market

Identify and rank information on companies. Look at largest, fastest growing and most profitable companies. Research annual reports (found online) and look at current market conditions and job trends by following business news. One of the best information sources is the CEO’s letter, which outlines the organization’s direction.

Job Search Resources

There are several places that can be reviewed for job opportunities:

Internet Job Sites

The internet is extremely valuable in your job search. However, it is important to understand how to effectively and safely navigate the internet for the job search. There are three types of internet job sites:

  • Super Sites—Visibility to employers makes these sites popular (e.g. Career Builder, Monster)
  • Hub Sites—Still well know but smaller sites—target specific groups (e.g. The Ladders—for executives)
  • Niche Sites—Smaller sites often associated with a profession or industry

So how should a site be chosen? Here are some criteria for choosing job sites while keeping safe and avoiding scams:

  • Know the site and the organization behind it
  • A site included in a job site directory (like Job-Hunt.org or RileryGuide.com) should be okay
  • Check www.alexa.com to view site “ranking.” Numbered 1-100,000 in descending order (estimated traffic). For example, Yahoo is #1, MSN is #2 and Google is #3.

One Line Job Searching

While conducting an online job search make sure to do the following:

  • Use safe job sites
  • Refine your job search using keywords and advance search options
  • Apply to positions you are qualified for
  • Set up Email Job Alerts or Job Agents. Email Job Alerts email you when a position is posted that fits your search criteria. Not only does it save you time but they help ensure you don’t miss out on open jobs.
  • Upload and post your resume onto the site
  • Customize the cover letter and resume

Network and Target your Market

Develop a systematic list of people who could provide company information and referrals. 80% of positions are in the “Hidden Job Market”—Use your personal network and company websites to find the openings. Family and friends, past employers, professional organizations, alumni directories, faculty and staff are all resources that should be contacted for job leads. Create a list of employers you want to work for and then contact these companies for job and internship opportunities.

Pace Yourself and Stay With It

Keep a written log of contacts, callbacks and interviews. This help increase efficiency. Develop short and long term action plans. Seek feedback from others and review and adjust the job search objectives as needed.

Follow Up

Follow up with the employer within 1-2 weeks of sending a resume. This is one of the most common mistakes job seekers make. Following up with the employer sets you apart from all of the other candidates.

Always send a thank you letter after an interview, preferably within 24 hours.

Follow directions and send the information that the employer requests.

Last Modified: 7/15/22 4:02 PM | Website Feedback