Alumni Gazette

Get a Job (It’s Possible!)

Today’s job market isn’t the easiest to crack, but Janet Garber ’72 (MA), author of Getting a Job (previously published with the title I Need a Job, Now What?) and director of human resources for the Practicing Law Institute in New York City, has some advice.

So . . . how do you get a job?

No matter what the job climate, the advice remains the same: Have a good resumé and cover letter, and get feedback on it from at least five people. Talk to a career counselor. Stage mock interviews to practice. Before you go into an interview, do some research on the company; talk to someone who works there, if you can. And be sure to follow up after an interview.

What’s a job seeker’s biggest challenge?

The challenge is to get noticed. Sometimes only the top 20 on a foot-high stack get looked at. Avoid using gimmicks, like odd fonts and brightly colored paper. Say something attention getting in your cover letter.

What advice do you have for those looking for work?

Show you have the credentials, the potential, and the personality. The ability to get along with people goes a long way. Recent graduates should show that they have the ability and desire to learn. People who have been downsized should keep their spirits up; joining a job club is helpful. Establish a routine for the day and volunteer—both get you out of the house. Retirees should keep up their computer skills.

Dare people quit a job they don’t like in such a tight job market?

Most of the time it’s foolish to quit a job without having a plan, but sometimes you just have to—for instance, if it’s such a bad situation that it’s affecting your health. If that’s the case, look for another job in your spare time—even use some of your vacation time. There are a lot of people “holding tight” right now, so when the market improves, I predict there will be a lot of people switching jobs.