The keys to success in your job search are your own creativity, flexibility and hard work. Develop a multi-faceted job search strategy, utilizing these resources:

Begin your job campaign by visiting Career Services either in person or online. Ask for an action plan for your year in school. Participate in the Rutgers on-campus interviewing program, known as InterviewTRAK. (See Section VIII.) Also utilize MonsterTRAK, the nation's largest entry-level job listing service. Career Services collaborates with MonsterTRAK on three key employment services: InterviewTRAK, online job listings, and online resumes.

Check out upcoming "Events," including career days, seminars, career panels and employer information sessions. Visit our career libraries at the Busch Campus Center and 46 College Avenue for career reference books, employer directories and specialized job listing bulletins.

Your network consists of anyone you know who can provide you with job leads, referrals or information on specific careers or employers. Start by making a list of friends, family members, former employers, faculty members, neighbors, internship supervisors, a family lawyer or accountant, local merchants, and so on. You can also generate contacts through the Rutgers Alumni Career Network, available through our website, and through internships, externships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, career panels or job fairs. In each case, your contacts can help open doors. For more suggestions, see our article, "Network Your Way to a Job."

Job fairs are an excellent way to network, learn about job openings, and gather information about employers. Each year, Career Services offers 10 or more career days, covering a wide range of fields. Visit the "Events" section of our website for upcoming career days. Be sure to dress professionally and bring multiple copies of your resume. To make a strong impression, develop a 60- second personal "commercial" that summarizes your career interests and several key highlights of your background. For more suggestions, see our article, "Career Day Tips."

The Internet is a valuable resource for conducting a successful job search. Among the most popular sites are:

• Riley Guide at www.rileyguide.com
• Wet Feet at www.wetfeet.com
• Career Builder at www.careerbuilder.com
• MonsterTRAK at www.monstertrak.com (lists jobs specifically directed to Rutgers students)
  

In addition, see our "Hot Internet Sites" in this guide and our extensive "Career-Related Links" section of our website. If you are interested in a specific employer, visit the employer website for job and internship listings.

Review special employment sections of the newspaper in addition to the general listings. The Sunday Star Ledger is an excellent source.

Apply even if you don't meet every qualification. Write your cover letter so that it addresses as many of the requirements in the ad as possible. Check the business section of the newspapers or NJ Biz to learn about firms moving into the area or company expansions. Look for job announcements in professional and trade journals and professional association newsletters. Finally, specialized job listing newsletters are available at all Career Services offices.

The key to a successful mailing campaign is to mail or email your resume and cover letter to targeted employers. If you are especially interested in an employer, follow up your mailing with a phone call, expressing your strong interest and requesting an interview. Develop a list of employer prospects through employer directories, the Online Career Library section of our website (over 2500 employer profiles), and lists of employers that have attended recent Rutgers career days.

Make every effort to address your cover letter to a specific person, preferably a department or human resources manager. Many employers now prefer emailed resumes or resumes submitted through their websites. Follow up with a phone call or email message within two weeks of sending your letter. Not many job seekers do this, so it's a way to stand out.

Employment agencies provide placement services for a fee that is paid either by the employer or the candidate. Be sure to work with an agency where the employer pays the placement fee, not you. When working with an agency, clearly articulate the type of work you want-don't settle for less. Read any contracts carefully.