Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

I just finished reading the third edition of your book and found it to be extremely helpful. The main concern I have is that the book seems to be geared towards business/corporate types, which is fine, but I'm a PoliSci major and am looking for a job in public service. Small companies or interest groups don't really interview on campus, recruit much, etc. My question is: Do you have any specific advice on how to tailor my job search to a public service position?

Thank you very much.

From: Matt Skolnik, Senior, University of Michigan


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Matt -

Although some of the references in the book may appear to be geared to business-related jobs, I think you will find that many (if not all) of the sections related to direct contact will work in almost any profession.

The main point of the book is that your job search needs to be proactive. You need to take the initiative to research companies, locate the hiring manager, make direct contact, and take personal control of your job search.

Two of the best books for your area are "Government Job Finder" and "Non-Profits Job Finder" by Daniel Lauber. You can find them in bookstores or most libraries. These books will give you a start in making contact. But you need to use your networking skills to move any contact beyond square one.

The other opportunity would be to order a highly targeted mailing list (sorted both by geography and by company/organization type), which can usually be had for 10 cents per contact. Although the price may seem high, $20 for 200 names can be a goldmine for you. Check in the yellow pages under mailing list brokers. And remember that the yellow pages itself can be an excellent starting point for your job search.

You're right--not many of these companies are on-campus. You'll have to do the legwork to find them and get them interested in you and your background. Good for you for being willing to put in the extra effort!

Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.

All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.