A. Visit Cardinal Career Link on the Career Center Web site to find full-time job vacancies.  Cardinal Career Link is updated daily as we receive vacancies from employers.  You can search for positions based upon a number of variables.

B. Surf the Internet and seek national job-vacancy sites.

C. Approach employers directly on the Internet.  Many employers have employment information and application materials as featured elements of their Web sites.

D. Network with contacts and career mentors.

E. Get information from chambers of commerce and regional business associations.  These are great sources of news about up-and-coming businesses, economic trends, and "insider" information.

F. Attend regional job fairs, which are often advertised in the local media.  Many are free to job seekers.

G. Participate in local business activities and receptions.  Many of these are advertised through the local media and are open to the public.  They're a great way to network with people.

H. If you decide to use the resources of a third-party recruiter or search firm, be sure you fully understand your commitments related to fees and contract time lines.  Third-party recruiters include employment agencies, executive search firms, staffing agencies, and others who identify candidates for employers.

I. More people are now finding employment through temporary agencies or contract firms.  Many temporary agencies offer their business clients "temp to hire" clauses, which allow workers to start as temporaries and then later be offered full-time employment.  Contract firms typically offer a service to organizations seeking to outsource some aspect of their business (most commonly data processing), so you may work onsite with business ABC, but you actually work for contract firm XYZ.

J. If pursuing additional education is required or highly desirable, research additional educational opportunities on the Internet.  Links exist on the Career Center Web site where you can compare various colleges and universities and learn about completion of applications and required admission tests for graduate school.  The Career Center also has helpful information in the Career and Experiential Learning Lab, Lucina Hall 235, about preparing for graduate school admissions interviews.

K. Explore opportunities to update skills through formal classes (especially technology skills).  Opportunities for training may exist in your local school system, technical college, or state employment office.

L. Take advantage of training offered by your present employer.  Many employers offer training in hard skills (technology, computer, etc.) or soft skills (management, supervision, communications, etc.).