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The job hunt is challenging for everyone, no matter the area or interest or field of study. So how can you be most effective?

Imagine the job hunt as a puzzle. The picture on the box is you sitting in a big comfy chair in a corner office or wearing muddy boots in the rainforest. Whatever the dream, keep your goals near you and refer back to that picture. It serves as your guide. Then set it off to the side while you find space — and make time — for the process.

• If you’ve ever started a puzzle, you know the natural first step is separating your pieces, coordinating by edges, colors, or shapes. This is your preparation stage. In your job outlook, you should explore your options, consider roles, and research companies. It’s tedious, but it lays the foundation for the rest of your work. You cannot begin your puzzle without first seeing all of your pieces.
• Your next step is in tackling the edges. These are the tactical and therefore immediately gratifying items on the to-do list. You find and apply for jobs. Online applications. Newspaper ads. Website referrals. Staffing agencies. This step creates your framework and gives your puzzle its shape. It grounds you and offers a sense of accomplishment. But it does not complete your puzzle.
• Filling the middle and completing that picture is the biggest step. These middle pieces are your connections. In some cases, when you’re lucky, you find pieces already connected in the box or images that inherently go together. Consider these your closest contacts, your circle of friends and family who likely already know of your job search. They are your advocates. The rest of the pieces could go anywhere and sometimes require several attempts before finding the right fit. That’s how it works in networking; you talk to everyone, not just for the connection, but for the conversation. It is in this kind of communication, often referred to as “open networking,” that you can begin to expose possible matches in your puzzle. Be prepared to try several times in different ways, like rotating a piece against another like it. Eventually, that middle fills and you see your progress take shape. The more time you spend puzzling, the faster it gets done. Likewise, if you only work on one piece a day or less, it will lay unfinished indefinitely.

51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú has primed you for this puzzle from day one. Your liberal arts education has prepared you for the multiple hats you will undoubtedly wear; it has equipped you with the skills you need to succeed in the working world: communication, work ethic, teamwork, initiative, and analytical skills. Now go forth and finish that puzzle!

Learn more about resources available through Career Planning & Resources at 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú.