As you begin your final year of college, preparation for the job search is vital. On the following page is a checklist that may assist you in obtaining a position of personal interest for which you are qualified. Pursuing the items on the checklist will prepare you to meet employers of interest and will allow you to put your best foot forward in satisfying your employment goals.

• Find your passion! Review your college, work and personal life experiences to identify the areas that inspire your passion. Research career choices or job titles that relate to that area.

• Reflect on those occasions when you have demonstrated leadership ability, sound oral and written communication skills, and projected a positive and confident image. Examine experiences that show your skills and talents relative to your career choice.

• Assess your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, priorities, financial situation, and personality for a realistic reference point to determine you job search strategy.

• Identify specific industries of interest, job functions, and companies/organizations that meet your search criteria.

• Produce a tight resume and cover letter! Make sure your resume is easy to read and follow, clear, and concise, as well as visually appealing. A solid 1 or 2 page resume will provide
  for employers an overview of the skills, abilities, talents, and practical experiences that
  you have developed over the course of your college career. Communication skills are critical to employers. Your resume and cover letter will give an employer a first impression of your communication skills and qualifications.

• Make a list of personal, academic, and work-related references who are willing to provide for employers positive insights into your abilities, character, work habits, and potential. Select individuals who know you well enough to serve as strong references and be sure to ask for their permission for them to be listed as references.

• Give a copy of your resume to your references before you begin your job search to insure their knowledge of your background, education, and career goals.

• Networking is the most effective way to advance your career. Networking is all about making connections and lasting impressions. The more people who are aware of your goals
  and characteristics, the more likely you are to meet the right people who may be in a position to hire you. Remember, "It's not what you know, it's who you know," or more accurately, "It's not who you know, but who knows you are looking for a job." Referrals are widely regarded as the most effective and successful means of obtaining a job, so you should network with as many people as possible.

• Conduct an online job search to develop a list of employers that meet your career interests and are actively seeking candidates to diversify their companies. Many organizations openly advertise in culturally diverse publications and state their desire to attract and hire the best and brightest diverse talent available. Make a prioritized list of companies, organizations, and professional associations that have a track record of hiring for diversity, ideally with proven commitment to training and development to help you reach your career goals.

• Attend a variety of career-related events presented by your career center on campus
  or your academic department. Participating in workshops and seminars on writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and salary negotiations will assist you in being optimally prepared to conduct your job search effectively. Attending campus career fairs and employer informational sessions will provide excellent opportunities to meet with recruiters and representatives in your field of interest. Participation in on-campus interviewing is another way to make contact with employers with job openings matched to your interests and qualifications.

In closing, keep in mind that your career development is a work in progress and the process is one over which you have control. Once on the job it is critical that you pay attention to the following tips:

• There is no substitute for hard work.
• Make the work important, no matter how trivial.
• Find and maintain appropriate professional relationships with mentors.
• Develop networks and professional linkages.
• Develop analytical and critical decision-making skills.
• Remember to be flexible and go where the jobs are.

Best wishes in your journey!

Jake Kirkland Jr., Ed.D. is assistant director of Career Services at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Gregory D. Hayes, M.S. is executive director of Career Services at the University of Dayton-Ohio.