Dos and Don'ts

Summary Tips: Dos and Don’ts of the Job Search

DO these things:

Spend time building a professional network. A significant portion of your job-hunting time should be spent networking. It’s one of the best ways to find a job.
Go on informational interviews to learn about a company or a job field.
Keep a job search log or journal. This will help you keep track of application deadlines, what materials you’ve submitted where and when, and any commitments you made to follow up with employers or networking contacts.
Create one or more resumes tailored to specific positions, fields, or organizations that interest you. Do this even if you aren’t sure what you want to do. Resumes that are relevant to a particular opening are much more likely to result in a job interview. Tailor your resume to a specific position description when you have one.
After you submit your resume and cover letter (or application form), call a week or so later to ask if it was received, and how the interview process will be set up. (This will help you know what to expect and when.) Take that moment to say you’re very interested in the position and that you hope to meet the employer in person at an interview. Do NOT do this if the job listing says “No phone calls.”
Take advantage of on-campus recruiting opportunities.
Attend job fairs. This gives you a chance to meet job recruiters in person, give them your resume, and make a good impression. Various job fairs are offered throughout the year in the Twin Cities, including some just for U of M students. Check our events page or ask any career office for suggestions.
Search for jobs on GoldPASS, among other job-search sites. GoldPASS was created specifically for U of M students and recent alumni. It provides listings for jobs, career-related events, and on-campus recruiting.
Spend time researching details about potential employers or their specific openings. Learn about the companies or organizations you might want to work for.
At every stage of the job-search process (informational interviews, resumes and cover letters, thank-you notes, etc), be sure you have the correct spelling of all contacts. A misspelled name could be enough to make someone not hire you.
Be aware that there are many dos and don’ts you should follow when you get to the interview stage of your job search. For in-depth guidance about interviews, see our Guide to Effective Interviewing or take our Effective Interviewing workshop.

DON’T DO these things:

Don’t mass mail your resume. (This applies to e-mail and postal mail.) Tailor your resume to the positions/employers you’re interested in, and send each resume and cover letter individually.
Don’t just rely on the internet or newspapers to find job openings. Be sure to network and go on informational interviews.
Don’t just call somewhere to ask if there are job openings. If you’re interested enough in an organization to want to know about openings there, request an informational interview. This will allow you to develop a professional contact at the organization, which can help you get your foot in the door.
Don’t address cover letters or inquiries with “Dear Sir/Madame” or “To Whom It May Concern.” You’ll stand out from the pack if you take the time to find out who to address the letter to. And by calling to ask, you might end up making a personal connection, which would allow you to start your cover letter with “It was a pleasure to speak with you today.” That will make you stand out.
Don’t discuss salary, benefits or other negotiable items during the initial job search process, or even at an interview. Wait until after an offer is made.

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