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AIU Career Services: Thinking Ahead

July 22, 2011 •Career Services • 0 Comments

Thinking Ahead
by American InterContinental University Career Services

Maybe you just recently started school, and won’t be ready to start a new job for another year or so.  Or maybe you are happy in your current position, and don’t foresee having to job search anytime in the near future.  However, companies eliminate positions, families relocate unexpectedly, and you just never know what can happen - so don’t be caught off guard!  Even if you are not currently on the hunt for new employment, there are still steps you can take now to help your next job search go as smoothly as possible.

• Keep your resume updated.  Save a copy on your computer, and be sure to add new positions, education, and awards as necessary.  Don’t stress about it looking “perfect” – just get the information down in one document so you can edit it as needed in the future.
• Keep in contact with potential references.  If you had to look for a new job now, who you want to include as your references?  Be sure to keep in touch with them every now and then – you don’t want to ask someone to be a reference for you when you haven’t talked to them in five years!
• Don’t lose sight of your professional network.  Continue to build your network through your job, school, professional organizations, and LinkedIn.  You never know who may be able to help you find a new position in the future.
• Be realistic.  The job market is competitive and it can take quite some time for even the most qualified candidates to find a new position.  If you anticipate having to find a new job within the next year or so, don’t procrastinate!  A change in jobs, and especially a change in careers, will not happen overnight.

For additional job search assistance, please contact AIU Career Services at 877-221-5800 ext. 15060 or careerservices@aiuonline.edu.

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