1. Identify your skills, abilities and interests.

2. Research occupations and career fields related to your interests.

3. Draft your résumé (or refine and update your current one).

4. Identify employers who hire people with your skills.

5. Network with faculty, alumni, family, friends, and colleagues.

6. Use your research to write customized cover letters.

7. Develop a professional employment portfolio.

8. Prepare for interviews.

9. Get reference letters and put them in your professional employment portfolio.

10. Follow up your initial contacts with employers by telephone.

11. Make new contacts each week and follow up on them.

12. Analyze your activities for possible improvement.

13. Stay positive and be persistent.