Finding meaningful, career-related employment can seem like an overwhelming task. With the effects of recessions, downsizing, reorganizing, and technology taking over many administrative tasks, there is a scarcity of true entry-level positions. More than ever, transitioning from school to the workforce requires long term planning and a clear understanding of what you want to do and the environment in which you want to work. The notion of career planning has been around for years, but it is now considered a basic life skill needed to navigate self-sufficiently through the many changes typical of the average career. The job search process is something that everyone will pass through and revisit throughout their career.
Consider the methods below and apply them to your life to develop your own job search strategy to find work you really want in order to have the kind of life you want to live.

Job search methods include:

• Self exploration- by developing a clear understanding of your interests, values, skills and workplace preferences, you will have criteria with which to select or reject career opportunities when they arise.
• Resume and Cover Letter Development
• Networking
• Professional Organizations
• Focus on Transferable Skills
• Electronic Job Search Methods
• Classified ads and interviews
• Volunteering
• Part-Time Employment
• Position Targeting based upon economic concepts (For example: Based upon health care reform proposals, businesses that deal with home health care could be viable to explore in your job search.)

For career seekers, these approaches are requirements that can make a significant difference between a successful or unsuccessful job search.

Consider this: Employers report that a majority of their full-time hires are from individuals who are currently in part-time, full-time, temporary, internship, or volunteer positions with their organization. All of these types of opportunities are available through Cleveland State University’s Career Services Center. Be sure to check out the following:

• The Cooperative Education Program
• The Job Location and Development Program
• CSUcareerline, the Career Services Center’s online database of potential sites for internship, volunteer, and community service opportunities.

In addition, internships and independent study projects can be negotiated through many of CSU’s academic departments. Your career advisor will be able to give you additional information on any of the programs discussed in this section.