A few times during the term we will highlight OSU alum who have been successful in the job search process and share their experience with you! They offer great tips and strategies that maybe you could implement as well.
A year after graduation I left Corvallis and moved back to my home town in Southern Oregon. I graduated with a degree in Public Health Management and Policy with a minor in Business Entrepreneurship. It was my goal to obtain a position where I felt I was helping others while using the knowledge I had acquired in my undergraduate studies.
How did you find out about the position? What does your job entail?
Having heard a statistic stating 80% of jobs are found through networking, I thought it would be best to get the word out that I was looking for employment. I started talking to family and friends about my skills and experience. It was not long before a friend of the family let me know about an opening at the organization she worked for. The opening was for a Health Screener at Early Head Start in Medford. The position involves setting up health screenings at Early Head Starts throughout two counties, conducting the health screenings, completing data entry, contacting head teachers and parents with results, and referring families to various resources in the area.
How did you approach applying for the job?
I was excited to hear about this position and tailored my resume to the position description, wrote a cover letter highlighting my skills and interest, and completed the application. Next I got ready for the interview by researching the organization and preparing success stories from previous experiences that related to the job responsibilities in this position. After completing the interview I also wrote thank you notes to each of my interviewers. Fortunately, I was offered the position within hours of completing the second portion of a two part interview. I happily accepted.
What advice do you have for others about the job search process?
My advice to those in the job search process is to use all available resources at your disposal. While the internet is a great place to search for open positions, be sure to let your family and friends know what experiences and skills you have to offer an employer. Also, use Career Services for help tailoring your resume, creating your cover letter, and helping to prepare for your interview. My last piece of advice is to stay positive. Job searching can be a slow, tedious process but in the end it is worth all the hard work.
Posted by Rachel Erickson, 2010 OSU Alum
