Houghton College

Career Services

CONDUCTING YOUR JOB SEARCH

A copy of PLANNING: JOB CHOICES is provided by Career Services to every Houghton College senior (underclassmen may visit Career Services to use office copies of this resource).   This employment guide, published annually by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), is one of the best tools you can use to help you think through and plan strategies for finding your first job. Here’s what you can expect to find in the magazine:

            Successful Job Search Strategies                   How To Research Companies

                Starting Salary Expectations                            Job Searching in the Electronic Age

                Networking Strategies                                      Finding Employment in Small Companies

                Writing Job Search Letters                             Resume Writing: Traditional and Electronic

Interviewing Strategies                                     Handling Illegal Interview Questions

Etiquette                                                                Employee Benefits

Because this resource appears to be geared toward the business major, liberal arts majors often make the mistake of thinking there is nothing relevant in it for them.  If you are thinking this, YOU ARE MAKING A BIG MISTAKE.  Some information must be modified to fit a particular situation or employer, but generally, the advice given in this magazine is applicable for all majors for their job search.

All student teachers receive the JOB SEARCH HANDBOOK FOR EDUCATORS, courtesy of Career Services, published by the American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE).  Like Planning: Job Choices, this resource provides specific help to educators for the job search.

Additional Helps

Be sure to pick up the following related information handouts at Career Services.  Resume critiques & mock interviews are conducted to help you perfect your skills in these areas.

                Resume Writing Guidelines

                Interviewing Guidelines

                Cover Letter Writing Guidelines

Career Services also maintains files and books containing direct leads and specific employment openings, in addition to directories pointing the way to numerous employers in various fields.

Opening A Credential File

A Credential File houses letters of recommendation that have been written on your behalf by faculty and current or previous employers. This central file of information is often used by potential employers as part a candidate’s interview and application.  Contact Career Services for procedures and information in establishing this file.