Getting Started – what does it take?
Understanding yourself is the first step in our search process. You must be prepared to promote your knowledge, skills and abilities. It is critical that you are confident and comfortable talking about yourself.

What are your career objectives? How do you know the job is right for you? How do you know the employer is right for your career objectives? Are you willing to re-locate? What are entry level wages?

How do you begin your search? First understand yourself, then research the market and the employment opportunities for someone with your academic major and/or internship. The following links will help to fill in the blanks: You are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Career Services to help you with the process.

• ODJFS Online | Helping Ohioans
• National Compensation Survey - general information on wages and compensation
• Occupational Outlook Handbook

Make an appointment with your Career Services professional to discuss:

• Developing Your Marketing Plan
• The Open Market and the Hidden Market

Résumés
A résumé is a factual, verifiable and professional document. The document contains relevant information and accomplishments in an organized and error free format. Because the resume will be skimmed in approximately 25 to 35 seconds, it should be clear, concise, direct and easy to read. The following information can help you understand the nuances associated with resume development.

• Résumé Worksheet (PDF)
• Using Action Verbs (PDF)

The following links may provide resources as you begin to create your resume document:

• Basic Templates from Microsoft Office Online - please recreate the templates if you find a style that appeals to you rather than typing within the document, because the template often prevents any personal contributions like other topics, fonts, etc.
• JobStar Resume Guide - resume and cover letter samples and templates
• Resume Writing - how to write a masterpiece of a résumé

Schedule an appointment with your Career Service professional for résumé editing and coaching. You may also email your resume draft to jdickson@lourdes.edu or lczech@lourdes.edu.

Interviews
The interview is your opportunity to sell yourself. It is a business discussion; a give and take dialogue. The company is interested in your knowledge, skills, experience and achievements – can you do the job? They are looking for energy, your interest in the position, the company and the industry – will you do the job? Do you fit the job? To assess your fitness for the position, potential employers will use behavior and attitude-driven questions.

• Interview tips and practice questions (PDF)

The following links are provided as additional information as you prepare for the interviews.

Interviewing Techniques:

• Interviewing -The Riley Guide
• Interviewing - Monster Career Advice 

Dressing for the Interview:

• Dressing for Success - what to wear on an interview
• When Job-Hunting - dress for success