Resume Writing | Cover Letter Writing | Networking | Portfolio Guidelines
| Interviewing Success | Job Hunt Strategies | Job Search Checklist

A Job Search Checklist for Liberal Arts Students

The job search can feel overwhelming. It is helpful to break it into manageable steps. The good news is that you don’t have to do every step in order. For example, you can start working on your resume before you identify what you want to do. Just start checking off as many of these activities as you can, and you’ll find yourself on the way to a great opportunity.

You can receive assistance for every one of these steps through the Office of Career Services at the Student Development and Counseling Center at Assumption College. And you don’t have to do it all during business hours—start by checking our web site for lots of links and helpful information. Go to the Assumption College homepage. Click on campus life. Click on Student Development and Counseling Center. From there you may click on a variety of options including the Jobs/Internship page. You may also link to the d’Alzon Library for more career related information.

Step 1: Know yourself.

_____ I have identified my personal strengths, skills, interests, and values.

_____ I have made a list of possible job titles/fields of interest.

_____ I can name two or three careers/jobs which I plan to pursue.

Step 2: Know where you want to work.

_____ I have researched organizations or companies that might hire someone with my skills, interests, and background.

_____ I have researched potential career fields: typical entry-level jobs, typical salaries, best geographic location for jobs, etc.

_____ I have identified the top three geographic areas where I’d like to live and work.

_____ I have identified 10 potential employers for the type of work I am seeking.

Step 3: Get ready for the search.

_____ I have registered with the Office of Career Services.

_____ I have had my resume and cover letter(s) reviewed by a professional in the field and at the Office of Career Services.

_____ I have prepared a portfolio or work samples to highlight my experience, skills, and talent.

_____ I have developed my “30-second speech” for short encounters with employers.

_____ I have analyzed my education and developed my “liberal arts story” for employers.

_____ I have identified three individuals who will serve as references.

_____ I have developed my interview skills.

_____ I have prepared for interviews by practicing my responses to typical questions and/or doing a mock interview.

_____ I have an interview suit that is appropriate for the field in which I plan to work.

_____ I have a professional-sounding answering machine/voice mail message in case an employer calls.

_____ I have a neutral/professional email address to give to employers.

Step 4: Start searching.

_____ I have uploaded my resume(s) to the recruiting site on the Office of Career Services web site.

_____ I regularly check the Office of Career Services web site for career opportunities and read appropriate job search resources for my field(s) of interest.

_____ I have a system for keeping track of my contacts, interviews, and other job search networking activities.

_____ I follow up on every interesting job lead immediately.

_____ I have developed a list of potential networking contacts and keep in touch with them.

_____ I keep a copy of my resume next to my phone in case I receive a call from an employer.

_____ I follow up each cover letter with a phone call or email to the employer requesting a job interview.

_____ I send thank you letters or emails to every person who interviews me.

Adapted with permission from Liberal Arts Services/UT Austin
Courtesy of Office of Career Services/SDCC

Questions? Contact: Carol McGuiggan, Co-director at 508 767-7248 or cmcguigg@assumption.edu

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