Step 1
Self-evaluation: What types of jobs interest you? What does your ideal work environment look like? Where do you want to work, geographically? What criteria are important in selecting your "dream" job? What skills do you prefer to use.

Step 2
Identify resources and research organizations doing work in your field of interest. Resources include the Internet, industry-specific directories, informational interviews, professional journals, and networking with alumni, faculty, family, and friends. The Office of Career Services offers a number of resources to help you.

Step 3
Compile a "hit" list of those organizations who are doing work in the field of interest. Initially, your list may include 30 to 40 companies; upon further research you may decide to eliminate some of these.  The staff in the Office of Career Service can assist you in identifying organizations.

Step 4
Identify contacts at each of the companies you have listed. The HMC Alumni LinkedIn Group can be a useful resource who may be employed by some of the organization on your list.  The Office of Career Services can search the alumni directory.  Other resources include the Internet and the telephone. You may find it necessary to call the organization for a relevant name of an individual.

Step 5
Prepare your resume and cover letter.  Through your research, you will be able to write a more targeted resume and cover letter.

Step 6
Make telephone follow-up calls - this is one of the most important steps and yet is the one most commonly overlooked. Call the person to whom you sent your resume and inquire as to the status of your application, e.g. was your resume received? Are there questions you may answer in regard to your qualifications for the position? Always be polite, confident and gracious. The initial call should be made approximately a week after sending your résumé, and you should continue calling on a regular basis (bi-weekly) until you are told that there are no positions available. It lets them know that you are really interested in the position and it maintains your visibility.

Step 7
Evaluate your strategy. Is it working? If not, why not? What can you do differently such as expand your "hit" list or revise your resume or write a better letter.  Maintain a record of where and to whom you applied and what action you need to take.  There are numerous other factors that may impact your job search, for example, some industries are more competitive, some geographic areas offer fewer opportunities, and the economy affects the job market.