Office of Career Development and Internships

To be successful in your job search, you have to be persistent and use a creative campaign. First and foremost, you need to understand what your strengths, interests and attributes are. That's very important because, it helps you to organize your resume around your strong points, which is what prospective employers like to see when they read your resume. Furthermore, this also becomes very helpful in your interview presentations.

Next you need to learn to utilize different resources and contacts effectively. Finally, you need to be good at presenting your strengths in a face-to-face meeting. To help you in this important presentation process, prepare a “two minute pitch” to present your experience, strengths, and career goal which you can use any time, especially on the phone.

• Do a good self assessment; get a realistic sense of what you want.
• Choose an area or a field that interests you and that is compatible with your educational background and experience.
• Research that area/organization, etc.
• Make sure your resume and cover letter are well written without any errors.
• Make contacts by using some of the resources and methods indicated here or through any other resources you may have developed.
• Polish and perfect your interviewing and presentation skills.

Resume

• Skills, knowledge, talents.
• Leadership and teamwork background on or off-campus.
• Problem-solving experience and communication skills.
• Computer, writing, language, statistical and quantitative skills, etc.

Cover Letter

Where and How to Look for a Job.

• Mid-Manhattan Library, (212) 340-0835
• Queens Borough Public Library in Jamaica, (718) 990-0746
• Brooklyn Public Library, (718)780-7722
• Bronx Public Library , (212)579-4244

Online Resources

“The Hidden Job Market”

• The hidden job market refers to jobs that are seldom publicized. It is often a rich source of job opportunities. To make the best it, use friends, acquaintances, family, current or former instructors, supervisors, etc,. It is very important to get the word out and to explore potential leads and contacts step-by-step. Contact hiring authorities and where possible, attend society meetings or social functions. Use all the opportunities you can, and always network. Let people know you’re looking for a job. Give them a copy of your resume. Follow through on all leads, and broaden your contacts as you go. Networking is the most widely used and perhaps the most effective method of finding employment.

Job Search Materials

Other Outside Resources

• (Available at Queens College Rosenthal Library)
• Standard and Poor’s Reports
• Dun’s Career Directory

• Standard Industrial Classification Manual
• Dun & Bradstreet Million $$ Directory
• Dun & Bradstreet Directory of Service Companies
• Standard & Poors Register
• New York State Industrial Directory
• Standard Directory of Advertising Agencies/Advertisers
• O’Dwyer Directory of Public Relations Firms (ask at desk)
• Directory of Executive Recruiters (ask at desk)
• Books on Business Research
• Moody’s International
• Standard & Poor’s Industry Surveys
• Standard Directory of Advertisers – “The Advertiser Redbook”

• Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries
• Directory of Foreign Firms Operating In the United States
• Guide to Careers in International Affairs
• International Careers
• The Almanac of International Jobs and Careers
• The Complete Guide to International Jobs

• Sometimes it helps to be flexible and accept an entry-level position for which you might be overqualified just to gain entry into the organization.
• Consider working for the summer to develop appropriate experience and develop good network.
• Show less concern for money and show drive and motivation.
• Also be flexible in negotiating entry-level positions, which may seem unattractive at first, but could have good potential for growth in the immediate future.
• Finally, remember that as you go through your search, you might be getting rejection letters. This is common and comes with the territory. Don’t let that discourage you. On the contrary, make sure that you take the time to learn from each experience so that you can make improvements in subsequent interviews. Try to assess what might have gone wrong. Conversely, of course try to draw lessons from the positive experience as well.