The Job Hunt

By Amy Pelletier

While hiring practices differ among industries, some skills are important in almost any job hunt: writing a good resume and cover letter, interviewing effectively, and networking.

Many IHS programs offer hands-on career training and job seeking advice for students seeking to enter particular fields. We focus on "careers in ideas," or careers that offer the opportunity to communicate important ideas to broader audiences. Such careers include Academia, Public Policy, Non-Profit, Journalism, Filmmaking, and Fiction Writing. If you are interested in one of these fields, IHS may have a program designed to help you. Visit www.TheIHS.org for information about our programs.

The web offers a wealth information on how to get your career going. I list a few of the most helpful online career guides below:

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Networking

One of the best ways to find a job is through your personal network. But how do you build a valuable network, especially when most of your acquaintances are either in school or in fields that don't interest you? Monster.com's guide to networking explains the how's and why's of networking your way to a new job.

Resume Writing

A good resume makes all the difference. Since your resume is usually the first example of your work that an employer will see, it is crucial to get it right. Everything from the words you choose to the spaces between them can help your resume make an impact. The career center at Suffolk University has an excellent resume-writing guide.

Cover Letter

You only have a few paragraphs to introduce yourself to a potential employer and convince him or her to read your resume. These tips can help you to construct a winning cover letter.

Interviewing

Interviewing practices vary dramatically between industries, but some general advice that can be helpful. How can you make a good impression? Emerson University's Interviewing Guide has helpful hints and a list of commonly-asked interview questions that you should be able to answer.

Additional Resources

Most university career center websites link to good online resources for job-hunting. Some even include interesting articles and advice on how to find the right career for you. Surf for more resources on the listing of career center websites at Jobweb.com.

Help! I have no idea what I want to do!

A number of tools online can help you think about choosing a career path. Here are a few good ones:

Columbia University Career Center Step by step guide to career exploration: questions to ask yourself, worksheets and advice.

What Can I do with a Major in...? - from Boston University's Career Center.

Brown University Career Center Links to online career assessments.

Looking for a position in the free-market community? Check LibertyGuide's Job Bank for current openings.

For career specific resources, visit Libertyguide's main Career Resources page.

Good Luck!