Working in Your Major: How to Find a Job When You Graduate

by Mary E. Ghilani

Overview

This guidebook contains what every college graduate needs to know to find a good job in their major, and it provides sound advice on establishing a professional identity, surviving the critical first year on the job, and ensuring marketability in the future.

Working in Your Major: How to Find a Job When You Graduate tackles a daunting problem faced by many new grads—successfully finding a job in their area of study after graduation. The book begins by exploring the options available to college graduates and then details effective methods for finding the right job openings; promoting themselves in the job market; acing interviews, both in person and over the phone; and succeeding on the job in their career field.

The author highlights the critical factors in every step of the job-hunting process, including searching for openings in your major, using social media, communicating college experience on a resume, understanding what employers are seeking, preparing for employment testing, choosing the right job offer, and thriving in your profession. It provides specific information for job seekers with specific areas of study, enabling new grads to successfully navigate the hiring culture unique to their college major, be it in a technical field or the fine arts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440803116
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/26/2012
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 6.40(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Mary E. Ghilani, MS, NCC, is director of career services at Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, PA. She is a National Certified Counselor and has been working with college students for over 18 years.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction ix

1 Job Search 101 1

2 Tell Me about Yourself 15

3 Create a Results-Based, Value-Added Resume 23

4 Where to Look for Job Openings 35

5 The Importance of Social Networking 51

6 What Employers Are Looking for in Your Major 63

7 A Word about Professionalism 87

8 Be Prepared for the Interview 97

9 Interview Like a Pro 109

10 Choosing the Right Job Offer 119

11 What to Do When You Can't Find a Job 129

12 Surviving Your First Year on the Job 141

13 Ensuring Marketability in the Future 149

Appendix A Sample Resumes, Cover Letters, and LinkedIn Summaries 161

Appendix B Sample Job Titles and Potential Employers 167

Appendix C Sample Interview Questions (by Major) 203

Appendix D Job Search-Related Websites 213

Notes 219

Index 229

What People are Saying About This

Danielle Piacine Richards

"An excellent, comprehensive, well-written resource for college graduates. Great strategies, extensive career information, and an easy read are hallmarks of this book."

Editorial Reviews

Ghilani's tone is cordial and optimistic, and she utilizes personal pronouns and uncomplicated language as if conversing with the reader. . . . The book's usefulness extends beyond college students to job seekers regardless of age and employment situation. Summing Up: Highly recommended.” —Choice

From the Publisher