Job Hunting in a Difficult Economy

A job search in a difficult economy can last serveral months. In any economy, a job search strategy based exclusively on searching web sites is ill-conceived, but in a difficult environment it is even less likely to be productive. What you need is a diversified approach.

• Are you finding the hidden job market?
• Are your resume and cover letters up to speed?
• Are you fully prepared to ace your interviews?

Finding the hidden job market
Consider this: at least half the jobs out there never get advertised; of those that do, only a small percentage appear on web sites the exact moment you happen to be viewing them. Great job opportunities are out there, but you're going to have to work harder to uncover them in this environment. Move beyond “click here to apply” postings and tap into the hidden job market via networking.

• Networking 101: Learn about building a network.
• Connect with Yale Alumni: Use the Yale Career Network to ask Yale alumni for advice and guidance, to develop contacts, and to investigate where alumni began their careers.
• Join a professional organization: Subscribe through Gateway to Associations Directory. Many organizations have local meetings and discounted rates for students.
• Join LinkedIn: Build a public resume and discover new contacts in your field of interest.

Effective resumes and cover letters
Resumes and cover letters play integral roles in the job search process. Learn the fundamental components involved in developing an effective resume, and how to "connect the dots" between your resume and that big opportunity.

Ace Your Interviews
There is no shortage of qualified job and internship candidates. How will you stand out from the rest? Click here to learn key strategies to utilize before, during, and after your interviews for maximum impact.