CMU Career Guide Central Michigan University Career Guide | Page 27

PROACTIVE JOB SEARCH
It is important for you to be proactive in your job search, both online and in person. The networks you
create are vitally important to you, so follow these steps to boost your career search and get you in front of
people who can help you.
Building an Online Network:
It is important to keep track of the different types of online resources that will best support your job and
internship search for discovering openings and increasing networking opportunities. Weigh your resource
options to see what works best for you. The ultimate goal is to find and explore employer websites and
connect as directly as possible. Below are some resource categories to get you started:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can help you find positions and employers and connect
you with professionals in your desired field (see page 26)
Large Job Search Engines: Simply Hired, Monster, and Indeed “scrape” the internet to find opportunities
based on search criteria, which are valuable but not your only option
Industry-Specific: Look for job boards that are specific to your area of interest in order to more
strategically pinpoint opportunities in your field
Location Specific: No matter where you want to live, job boards often exist for states, major cities, and
countries
Employer Databases: Resources such as “Buzzfile” can help you find employers by various search criteria
like location and area of study/industry
“Handshake” Career Management System: Stay in the loop with all of the opportunities that are sent
directly to our staff (see page 5)

•
Set up email alerts, when applicable, to have postings of interest sent directly to you!

In a recent national survey, 70% of respondents reported they got their
present position because of a personal contact. The earlier you start
building relationships with people in your field of interest, the
stronger they will be when you actually begin your job hunt.
Building an In-Person Network:
As the old adage goes, “It’s not only what you know, it’s who you know.” Finding the right people to job
shadow or communicate with may seem difficult, but start by building a professional network with your
family, friends, co-workers, and professors. Next, go to career fairs (see page 28) to expand your network.
When you’re ready, take it a step further and schedule an informational interview.
The goal of informational interviews is to learn as much as possible from professionals in your field of
interest. These people will slowly become your best advocates in your job search. After asking to set up an
informational interview, create a list of 5-6 questions to bring with you. Sample questions may include:
• What do you enjoy the most about your
• Are there resources or professional organizations
position?
you find most helpful in your industry?
• What are the challenges facing your industry?
• Are there other people in the industry you
• What are some professional development
would suggest I talk to who would also provide
opportunities currently in place?
excellent insights into the profession?
27