{"id":31,"date":"2025-05-13T12:15:14","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T16:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/job-search-strategies\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T20:33:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T00:33:03","slug":"job-search-strategies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/careers\/job-search-strategies\/","title":{"rendered":"Job Search Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"container-fluid page-wrapper site-font\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"lc-block\">\n<div editable=\"rich\">\n<h1 class=\"page-header\">Job Search Strategies<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n<p>\t\t\tJob search&nbsp;involves drawing on skills you\u2019ve developed over time including reflection, research, planning, writing, speaking, problem solving and self-advocacy. You can be successful in the job search, but it will take a reasonable investment of time and energy. Below are activities which could serve useful on your job search.<\/p>\n<h2>Job Search Process<\/h2>\n<p>\n\t\t\t<strong>Step #1: Resume and application letter<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>The first step is to ensure that your resume is up to an adequate professional standard. The content and design vary by person as well as position.<\/div>\n<div>After completing your resume the letter of application can be prepared. This is your introduction to your potential recruiter.<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div>Ensure that the letter is concise and have it reviewed by other persons for grammatical errors before submission.<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/105\/Careers\/Resources\/Resource-Documents\/CV-Writing-Tips.pdf\">Some tips for writing your resume<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n\t\t\tRemember when emailing your application save it as [firstnamelastname]. For example, \u201cjasonjohn\u201d. <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/105\/Careers\/Resources\/Resource-Documents\/Cover-Letter-Tips.pdf\">Some tips for writing your cover letter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tFor assistance in preparing your letter or resume you may check some examples and templates provided on our resource page.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tFor additional assistance please do not hesitate to contact the <a href=\"mailto:osscareers@cavehill.uwi.edu?subject=Assistance%20in%20Resume%20Writing\">Career Counsellor<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<p><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n<p>\t<strong>Step #2: Networking and searching<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\t<u><strong>Self-promotion<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<p>\tDepending on the field you are in it may be easier to promote yourself than it would be for others. Wherever possible, start to build a&nbsp;brand <span class=\"tooltiptext\">The practice of marketing yourself and your careers as brands. The personal-branding concept suggests that success comes from how we package our self.<\/p>\n<p>\t\tand&nbsp;ills, capabilities, knowledge, qualities and it represents your potential. Physically, it is a collection of things;A visual representation of your abilities, sk<\/span>portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>\ttangible materials that represent work-related events in your life..<\/p>\n<p>\tFor example; if you are into <strong>marketing<\/strong>, <em>start working on independent demo marketing campaigns<\/em>, an <strong>application developer<\/strong>; <em>start building demo applications<\/em>. If you are a <strong>sociology major<\/strong>, <em>what kind of shape are your research skills in?<\/em> Whatever your field, create something that showcases your current skillset.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t<u><strong>Networking<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<div>Networking is a critical aspect of the job search process. In today\u2019s world, landing a job is increasingly influenced by social connections who vouch or provide added evidence in support of the information shared on your application. Use social media to your advantage as a first step with a LinkedIn profile then tidy your Facebook page of any material you do not believe would be beneficial to your career while searching for a job.<br \/>\n\t\tThe next step is to get to know persons. Do volunteer work, attend workshops and attend panel discussions, if there is the opportunity to interact with a potential client or employer then take the chance to introduce yourself beforehand. Not forgetting those persons you already know. How can they connect you to people who are doing what you would like to do, people who could be potential clients or are persons who possess the skills and experiences you desire?<\/div>\n<p>\t<u><strong>Internships<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<div>Internships, whether paid or unpaid, provide you with an introduction to the work environment as well as an opportunity to showcase your skills in a professional setting. Depending on the internship, there is always the possibility of retaining your position as a permanent member of staff. Pay attention to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/news\/\">news and notices page<\/a> to learn about positions recruited through our office.\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\">\n<div editable=\"rich\">\n\t\t\tCheck the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/about\/calendar\/\">student calendar<\/a> to learn about on-campus recruitment activities and career development workshops.\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\">\n<div editable=\"rich\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"404Error\">Sign up here<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n<p><strong>Step #3: Interview preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n\tAlways, remember to answer your phone professionally as it may be a future client or employer on the line. When an interview is confirmed make sure to, obtain as much information as possible regarding the interview, the interview location and the key contact person\u2019s details. <\/p>\n<p>\t<u>Here are some tips for how to:<\/u><\/p>\n<p>\t<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/105\/Careers\/Resources\/Resource-Documents\/Interview-Dress-Code.pdf\">Dress for success<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 How to dress for the interview<\/p>\n<p>\t<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/105\/Careers\/Resources\/Resource-Documents\/Interview-Tips.pdf\">Interview tips<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Suggestions on how to successfully prepare for and complete an interview<\/p>\n<p>\tPlease see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/careers\/resources\/\">resources page<\/a> for additional preparation tips.\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Step #4: Following up<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n\tAlthough noted as step 4 this can be considered step 2.5 as it also applies to sending letters and post interview.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n\tUnless otherwise stated, be sure to follow up your application or interview. Visit the resources page and student calendar to learn more about job searching.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n<p>\n\t\t<strong>Step #5: Prepare for work<\/strong>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lc-block\" editable=\"rich\">\n<p>\tAfter you have received the job, the last step is to get yourself ready for entering the workplace. <\/p>\n<p>\t<u>Here are some tips on:<\/u><br \/>\n\t<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/105\/Careers\/Resources\/Resource-Documents\/Etiquette-at-work.pdf\">Professional etiquette<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 How to behave in the work place and what is expected of you.<\/p>\n<p>\t<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toastmasters.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters<\/a><\/strong> is a great international organisation where one can improve their oral and written communication skills. Learn more about toastmasters and other clubs and professional associations <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/careers\/resources\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\tFor additional assistance please do not hesitate to contact the <a href=\"mailto:osscareers@cavehill.uwi.edu?subject=Preparing%20for%20the%20world%20of%20work\">Career Counsellor<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Job Search Strategies Job search&nbsp;involves drawing on skills you\u2019ve developed over time including reflection, research, planning, writing, speaking, problem solving and self-advocacy. You can be successful in the job search, but it will take a reasonable investment of time and energy. Below are activities which could serve useful on your job search. Job Search Process [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":363,"featured_media":0,"parent":21,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/ossd-side-menu.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"Job Search Strategies - Office of Student Services and Development - The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill","description":"Job Search Strategies Job search&nbsp;involves drawing on skills you\u2019ve developed over time including reflection, research, planning, writing, speaking, problem"},"iawp_total_views":2,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-31","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/363"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1051,"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31\/revisions\/1051"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cavehill.uwi.edu\/ossd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}