The Job Search

Searching for a job takes time. It’s wise to start searching at least a semester before you graduate. If you begin your job search any earlier than that and land a job, your future employer may not hold the position until you graduate.

Needless to say, if you have a solid plan in order, it will help you when it’s time to start searching for employment.

  • Spruce up your cover letter and résumé. These forms of communication are the first way a company will meet you. They must be perfected before you start your job search. If you don’t know where to start, ask your college career counselor. They’re there to help you!
  • Arrange informational interviews. Informational interviews are good opportunities to get to know a company and to introduce them to who you are and what you can offer.
  • Follow the application instructions. You’d be surprised how many candidates—in their hurry to get out job applications—don’t follow all the instructions and are eliminated from consideration. Read the job ad very carefully.
  • Follow-up. Do not neglect this step – it can set you apart from the next candidate. Click here for Following up can make a world of difference in this economy. Click here for great advice about when and how to properly follow-up.
  • Volunteer if you don’t get hired immediately. Although they are unpaid, volunteer positions look great on your resume and give you relevant experience. If you need a paying position, you may need to volunteer part-time and get a second paying job to help cover your bills in the meantime.

RESOURCES

The Job Center | Offers job placement assistance, information sessions for job search skills and a job search center for seekers whether you’re looking for your first job, you’ve lost your job because of downsizing or company closure, or you are exploring new opportunities.

Resume Writing Guide | Do you have a resume that needs editing? Or is your resume in the correct format for a computer to scan or a HR manager to read? Your resume is the first “meeting” you’ll have with your prospective employer and may be the only chance you have to impress them. Make it count.

Quintessential Careers | So, you’ve been called in for an interview but have no idea how to prepare… The job interview is where as a job seeker, you can convince a prospective employer that you are the perfect candidate for the position. This Interview Question Database provides you with tools to practice for the interview, including 150 job interview questions.

LOCAL ONLINE RESOURCES

Akron Jobs | In addition to Akron jobs, you can look for jobs throughout Ohio and specific cities. Industry specific and key word searches are available.

Akron Works | A local job board where you can post your resume, research companies, and find local job search events

Canton Repository | This is where you can find the classified jobs postings in the Canton Repository

Careerboard | Focusing on the greater Cleveland and Akron area; site has expanded to include the Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Detroit, Indianapolis and Louisville areas.

City of Akron | links to all city services, departments and jobs for the city and Akron Public Schools

County of Summit | links to all county information, departments and county job

Ohio Apprenticeships | This site provides information on the over 900 registered apprenticeship programs in Ohio.