Why go to a career college? To get your dream job, of course. Whether you focus on health care, creative arts, criminal justice, or any other career area, when you complete your program you’ll be looking forward to putting your skills to use in a rewarding new career.

 

To get that dream job, you have to know the secrets of job hunting. Being qualified is only half the battle. You need to know how to find job opportunities, how to apply, and what to do when you land that all-important interview.

 

Fortunately, most career colleges and technical schools—the ones you find on Education-for-Careers—know that getting the training you need is only the first step. Many schools have dedicated Career Services offices that help graduates find jobs. These offices may be called by many different names, such as Job Placement or Career Planning, but the goal is to help you find that perfect job.

 

Here are some valuable tips:

 

• When you attend a career school, check out the Career Services office. Get to know the staff. Start planning your new career before graduation. The staff is there to help you, and their services are generally offered at no additional charge. Remember, however, that no career college or technical school can provide employment. They cannot guarantee you a job. Whether or not you get hired depends upon you!

 

• Many Career Services offices offer seminars or classes where they provide information about how to conduct a job search. Take advantage of their experience! Topics covered may include writing an effective résumé, professional attire, interview techniques, and how to identify job opportunities.

 

• Your résumé is important. It’s a one-page description of your work and education experience. A typical résumé will include the dates and places of previous employers, the dates and places of your high school and career college graduation, and personal information that will help an employer to understand that you are the perfect person for the job. Make certain your résumé is clear and accurate. Don’t load it down with fancy decoration or needless commentary about how terrific you are. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves.  

 

• The Career Services office may also have access to local job listings. The key is to be realistic! Most job listings will include a clear description of the qualifications necessary to be considered for the job. Make sure that your qualifications match what the employer is looking for. If you have earned a certificate in medical assisting, then you’ll want to target local health care offices that are looking for entry-level medical assistants.

 

• Professional appearance is important. When you go for an interview, remember that the employer is hiring someone who will be working as a member of the team, and who will be representing the business or office. Dress appropriately. Be well-groomed, and be a good listener. Employers are turned off by applicants who talk a lot but don’t answer the interviewer’s questions.

 

• Do your research. If you apply to an administrative assistant position at a local business, take the time to find out more about what the company does. If the company sells plumbing supplies, then find out more about their product line. Go on their website and read about the company and what they offer. Your prospective employer will be impressed that you made an effort to learn about the business.   

 

If at first you don’t succeed, keep trying! Sometimes hiring decisions are made because of personality, or for reasons that may seem hard to figure out. Don’t worry. A positive attitude is the most important thing you can bring to a job interview, aside from your new career training. Get the training you need and then keep trying until you get the job you want. Good luck!