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Researching
Jobs
by ResumeEdge.com -
The Net's Premier Resume Writing and Editing Service
Now
that you've determined your interests and skills, it's time
to do some heavy-duty research. (Don't lose sight of the fact
that your ability to do efficient, productive research in your
quest for employment is the direct result of the skills you
gained in your liberal arts degree!) Figure out what job descriptions
match your skills and passions. Determine your long-term and
short-term career goals. The Occupational Outlook Handbook
and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, as well as many
other job search books can be quite helpful. Don't forget to
look into jobs in the non-profit sector.
To
get you started, here's a sampling of the broad scope of positions
liberal arts majors often occupy. Note that for some professions,
you'll need to get an advanced degree:
| Journalist |
Manager
(in retail, food service, hotels, etc.) |
| Research
Assistant |
Editor |
| Social
Worker |
Urban
Planner |
| Investment
Banker |
Translator |
| Entrepreneur |
Human
Resources Hiring Manager |
| Teacher |
Technical
Writer |
| Counselor/Therapist |
Copy
Editor |
| Paralegal |
Event
Planner |
| Press
Secretary |
Librarian |
| Actor |
Political
Campaign Manager |
| Lay-out
Designer |
Interior
Designer |
| Publisher |
Detective |
| Agent |
Management
Consultant |
The
next step is reconciling your self-assessment and research
with the job market. You may not find a perfect match, but
with some creativity you should at least be able to find a
job that will put you on the right track or help you gain the
skills you will need to achieve your long-term goal.
Since
you've targeted some potential employers, it's time to market
yourself. When you put together your cover letter and resume,
tailor them to the company's mission. Think about how the skills
you learned in that Shakespeare class apply to your chosen
line of work. For example, in journalism, the fact you crafted
an excellent academic research paper on animal imagery in Taming
of the Shrew translates to an ability to write and report a
story. In management consulting, your class presentation about
madness in Hamlet translates to upper-level presentation and
organization skills.
Also,
in marketing yourself to employers, use language appropriate
to the field in which the company works. It's important to
come across as someone with a vision for your future as well
as specific, immediate ambitions. Convey an understanding of
the broad goals of the company as well as specific ideas of
how you will contribute and better the company.
Remember
that while your first job probably won't match your long-term
career goal, it is a stepping stone, the first step on a path
toward your dreams.
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