Job Search

Higher Education Employment Websites

• HigheredJobs – www.higheredjobs.com
• StudentAffairs.com – www.studentaffairs.com
• The Chronicle of Higher Education – http://chronicle.com

These are opportunities for candidates to connect with a large number of potential employers in one location.

• The Placement Exchange (also known as TPE) – www.theplacementexchange.org
• The Oshkosh Placement Exchange (also known as OPE) – www.theope.org
• ACPA Placement Exchange – convention.myacpa.org
• Southern Placement Exchange (also known as SPE) – www.southernplacement.com

• Have a container of water for your interview.
• Bring a bag to carry all of your goodies and materials.
• Find a place to store your collected items.
  • Many candidates use the interview location of their current institution
• Know the timing and distance of your hotel from the interview location.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Avoid scheduling back-to-back interviews.
• Avoid using an employer as a practice interview.
  • I also would not schedule my favorite employer first
• Know the available resources at the exchange.
  • Some exchanges have coaches, resource rooms, and relaxation areas for candidates.
• Avoid public area conversations about interviews and schools.
• Leave time in your schedule to complete second interviews.

• Chronological – This type of resume starts with employment history listed first.  This type of resume is good for individuals with a strong work history.
• Functional – This type of resume focuses on knowledge, skills, experience, and/or accomplishments.  This type of resume is often designed to show how your current skill set fits with the position in which you are applying.  This is often used by individuals changing careers, those that have chronological gaps, or those with limited employment history.
• Combination – This type of resume lists specials skills first, followed by your employment history.  This is often used by individuals that want to highlight specific skills for a specific position.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – This document resembles a resume but focuses on teaching and research experiences.  This is often used when individuals are seeking teaching positions.

• Make sure your name is clear and “pops” off the page.
• It needs to be easy to read and easy on the eyes.
• Consider having two-a functional and a chronological version.
• References:
  • Identify references and inform them of your search intentions.
  • Make sure the references will be positive.
• Provide most accessible contact information; email, phone, and physical address.

• Do not summarize your resume.
• The purpose of your cover letter is to introduce yourself.
• Speak to your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the position and institution.
• Make concise statements about who you are and what your intentions are.
• Find out who your audience will be; you will want to address the letter directly to them.

• Not getting any interviews, job offers, or second looks?  “Google” yourself.  This is what potential employers see.
• Sit with a mentor or advisor and create a job search plan.
• Make sure you and your partner/spouse are on the same page.
• Find the center of your geographic universe then go from there.
• Consider you and/or your family’s long-term plans.
• Know the schools and the departments in which you are interviewing.
• Many schools human resources sites may have all of their benefit information posted.
• Know the laws of the state; especially as it relates to taxes and benefits.