APPENDIXYour Career
Search

You may be in the process of searching for a new job. Or, you may be anticipating how you’ll enter the job market once you finish your academic program. No matter what your situation, we’ve designed this appendix to walk you through the steps of writing a résumé, locating a job, and presenting yourself in a cover letter and interview. Although this information comes at the end of the book, its importance shouldn’t be minimized. The job market is competitive. You may be applying for jobs alongside 10, 100, or even 1,000 other people. Thus, we don’t just want to help you prepare for the job search, we want to help you stand out and successfully sell employers on your skills and abilities.

Before digging into the details, let’s begin with a few general suggestions, several of which you’ll recognize as messages emphasized throughout this book. First, adopt a positive mindset. Recognize that you may not get offered the first, the second, or even the tenth job you apply for. The job search is a process, meaning it takes time and effort. Second, if you begin to feel frustrated or anxious, use your resources. Reach out to friends, family members, or those in your professional network to gain support, feedback, or advice. Third, take personal responsibility. The job search is an exciting opportunity for you to change the course of your future! Spend time reflecting on what type of job you’re looking for based on your interests, skills, and values. Fourth, be proactive. Find job openings through multiple sources, including your professional networks. And fifth, remember that you’re selling yourself in the résumé, cover letter, and interview. What do you bring to the company? Be sure to highlight the skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the job.

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