When employers read your resume, they need to immediately understand what type of job you're interested in—recruiters are too busy to figure out what job you're applying for. Make it easy for them to figure out what you want.

By targeting your audience, you will effectively pitch why you should be hired and not the hundreds of other people vying for the job. How do you target your audience? Research.

Take inventory of your needs, interests, and job objectives.

Explore "Where Can I Work with My Major?" for links to sites with industry information.

Review our Employer Links to access the websites of organizations who have shown interest in SJSU students in the past.

 

If you're curious about what career options match or are related to your major, our "What Can I Do with My Major?" series contains sections on skills and career choices for your major that may give you some ideas.

Become knowledgeable about the field you're interested in and know the major and minor players. For starters, all public companies publish annual reports that you can find on corporate Web sites. Many companies have an "About Us" section that describes the corporate culture.

Check out job postings themselves—find out what skills and qualifications are specified in position descriptions.

Before you begin to talk to people to explore and research your career interests, it's helpful if you develop a one-minute commercial. This is a brief explanation of your background and strengths that you may use to market yourself to people you meet.

Informational interviews with people who work in the field you're curious about are good ways to get the lowdown about what it's really like to have that kind of job. The Professional Network is a database of alumni and other professionals willing to speak with you about their careers. You're a college student—most people are willing to take a few minutes to chat with you. Just remember this simple rule: you're not allowed to ask the people you have informational interviews with for a job. That will spoil the positive vibe you just created.

You can also do active Networking which will help you cultivate valuable relationships with others in your field. Networking is the best way to find a job.

You never know when you might meet someone who can help you professionally. Networking involves talking to people you may not know well or at all. You can network while you're at a coffeehouse, the gym, your religious organization or when you're at home during holiday vacations. Ask your circle of friends and family if they know anyone who can help you in your job search. This is a good way to get referrals for informational interviews.

Remember, networking and informational interviewing aren't the same thing.

Employers value good communication skills in employees. Every opportunity you have to communicate with an employer should convey that you're the person they must hire. How do you do this? With cover letters and resumes that are clearly written and free of mistakes.

Every resume you send should be customized to a specific position. Make that recruiter feel special—write a meaningful cover letter that shows you did your homework.

Always send a cover letter along with your resume. Review our quick cover letter tips for more information.

Resumes are your single most important job search tool. You should use a different resume objective for the positions you apply for—if you want to find an entry-level sales position, state that in your objective. Help the employer figure out the position which you're interested in so he or she can help you.

Job leads can come from a variety of sources, including Web sites, job fairs and your networking contacts.

Jobs are posted daily on SpartaJOBS, the job and internship bank exclusively for SJSU students.

Job Fairs are held each semester—don't miss out!

Employers look for a good fit during interviews. You need to be ready to answer their questions and ask questions about the company and position in return. Treat each interview like it's the most important meeting you'll have.

Interviewing can make anyone nervous. Get over your jitters and let your personality shine by reviewing our tips and techniques.

Dress for success to make a stellar first impression.

Business etiquette basics will help you become comfortable in professional situations.

You may not feel comfortable negotiating with an employer because you haven't had to before, but if you think about it, you negotiate for things all the time.

Job Offers should be considered carefully.