Student Employment

Reflect on "Who Are You?" to self-assess the right career choice for you. Your values, interests, strengths and weaknesses, personality, skills, and the type of work you like accomplishing will help tailor the job search for you.

The OC Career Center offers Career Exploration Workshops to assist students with identifying their interests and goals as they align with their major and career pathway.

Click on our Workshops link to schedule your appointment, and visit our Career Resources link to view the various self-assessment tools and websites available.

As the common phrase goes -- looking for a job is a job in itself. Job searching takes time, effort, patience, and follow-through. To be effective, it is important to get organized and make a plan.

• Develop a system that works for you -- if you are attending classes while searching for a job, perhaps set aside a certain amount of time each day to looking for a job. If you are currently unemployed or laid off, be sure to utilize the available resources and support while you continue looking for employment.
• Set up a daily or weekly plan -- maintaining a schedule, even while searching for a job, will help keep you organized. Make a plan for the day, set S.M.A.R.T. goals, and write down a to-do list for the next day or week to keep you focused and motivated.
• Track your progress -- use a system, such as an online app or a notebook to write down where you have applied, which positions, the date you submitted the application, and any next steps you may need to follow. Organizing your list of applications will help when you hear back or receive a phone call from HR to schedule a test or interview. 
• Do not get burned out -- each position you apply for will require researching the company, understanding how the position aligns with your experience/skills set, and tailoring your resume. That is correct -- you will need to modify your resume for every application. 
• Mind | Body | Social Media -- Click on our webpage to see tips for how to stay focused throughout the job search process. Learn the body language signals and Power Pose techniques to help prepare you for the interview. Check your social media to ensure your online platform fairly represents who you are and how you would like others, including employers, to perceive you. Did you activate the voicemail feature on your phone to accept messages and sound professional? Is your email address professional, including your name? Does your social media pass the "Grandma Rule"? 
• Find your support team -- people are applying for jobs everyday, so you are certainly not alone. Find friends and family who will positively support you and hold you accountable. Remember, OC Career is also part of your support team -- simply email occareer@vcccd.edu for assistance, appointments, and workshops.