Job Services : Levett Career Center : Hanover College

Job Services

1. What are you searching for? First, ask yourself what you are passionate about? What types of activities energize you? Look for clues from past work experience. If you need assistance in clarifying or confirming your goal, contact the Levett Career Center for assistance.

2. Next, do a little digging. To explore fields you think are interesting, go to O*Net > Find Occupations. If you are unsure of your career interests, ask us for help.

3. Identify your network. Experts estimate that as many as 80% of jobs are never posted to the public. Your job search will be more successful if you mobilize your contacts on your behalf. To get started, use our Networking Tips.

Do some background work:

- - Make sure your résumé is up-to-date and ready to share (come to the Career Center for a Résumé Guide and a critique).
  - Begin to develop a cover letter for the field you are seeking that you will tailor for each specific job. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on writing an effective cover letter, and for sample letters, download the Career Center's Cover Letter Guide.
  - Practice a short (1-2 minute) summary, or "elevator pitch," describing the job you hope to find.
  - Make a priority list of the people above with phone numbers or email addresses. Start by calling people with whom you're comfortable. Do some research before you call so you can call to mind things that are important to them.

When you call:

- - - - Be ready to chat for a minute to build rapport, then tell your contact that you're seeking their advice as you look for a job, giving your elevator pitch.
        
        Ask them if they'd be willing to share their expertise as you look for a position;
        
        Ask them to suggest people whom you might contact about openings;
        
        Request their permission to use their names when contacting those whom they had suggested.

Be polite:

- - - - Follow-up on their advice.
        
        Send them a thank you note.
        
        Ask for a specific length of time (15 - 20 minutes, typically). Stay in that time limit.
        
        Keep a careful log of contacts.

4. Come to the Levett Career Center for networking leads, job openings, and interviews:

- Ask for alumni leads in your field and for assistance in contacting them.
- Request a list of activities students in your major have pursued within 7 months of graduation.
- Log onto HanoverConnect using your Hanover email address and password.
- Sign up for on-campus interviewing.
- Brush up your interview skills (download or pick up our guide, The Art of Interviewing) and schedule a mock interview.
- Many organizations ask for a résumé and cover letter as their application form. Ask for a critique with the Career Peer Mentors or Levett Career Center staff so that you are ready to apply.

5. Attend our career fairs:

- Career Expo and Graduate School Fair on campus
- Collegiate Career Expo - Indianapolis, IN