Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Quick tips to jump-start your job search

For many people, looking for a new job is at the top of their to-do list.  Jennifer Pickerell, director of career services at United Methodist-related McKendree University, offers the following steps to ensure success.

Network
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, up to 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. You can learn about positions that are not posted on job sites, or you might find that a position is created for you because of your unique experiences and skills.

So how do you build your network? Attend professional networking events, join a group in your field of interest, volunteer and get involved at church. Look for events on your local Chamber of Commerce website or through groups on LinkedIn. Remember, networking is not using people to get a job. This should be a mutually beneficial relationship that’s developed over time. That’s why it’s important to start early. Be warm, engaging and positive. Consider creating a business card to distribute when appropriate. Don’t forget to take notes after you meet with someone so you can follow up with a thank you.

Go online
Social media can also be a useful tool in job searches. Take advantage of free online resources like LinkedIn. Create online networks and join groups in your area of interest. Many employers post positions on LinkedIn, so be sure to check the jobs area and look through your personal contacts to see who is hiring.

Don’t forget about Facebook and Twitter. Make sure you represent yourself well through posts and photos. Employers often check pages before making hiring decisions. Post and tweet to let friends and family know you’re looking for opportunities. They might be aware of something relevant.

Check with your school’s career services office to find out if it has an online database of jobs. For example, McKendree University has the College Central Network. Employers can post positions and search the resume database once the office approves the post.

Also, many employers post job openings on their own websites, so it is important to create a targeted list of organizations or companies to follow.

Be creative
Before starting the search, create a cover letter and resume. These should be developed with different companies and industries in mind. Never send out a general cover letter; it suggests you didn’t take the time to go the extra step. Research a potential employer if you’re applying for a specific position so you can highlight that knowledge in your letter.

When creating your resume, highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Request permission to list people as references. These can include previous or current supervisors, faculty members, volunteer service coordinators, coaches or another professional who can speak about your skills, work ethic and personality. Provide them with a copy of your resume. Check with your school’s career services office for more information about creating cover letters and resumes.

Practice makes perfect
It’s important to feel confident before you walk into an interview, so practice is essential. Most career services offices conduct mock interviews and can offer suggestions about what to wear and what questions you should ask your interviewer. You can also practice with family and friends, but make sure the person who conducts the mock interview can offer you solid feedback.

Be aware that many interviewers ask situational questions, meaning the questions begin with “Tell me about a time when…” so they can see how your past behavior might affect your future. Remember the STAR technique:

Situation – Explain the situation.
Task – Tell about the task at hand.
Action – State what you did to accomplish the task.
Result – Tell about your results.

Follow up
Send a thank-you letter after the interview, and follow up with interviewers afterward as appropriate. Do the same for individuals in your networks so that you can continue to develop the relationship and thank them when applicable. Keep your references updated on what is going on with your job search and give them a heads up if they might be receiving a call in the near future from a potential employer.

If enhancing your education and building leadership skills is also a part of your career goals, please visit www.gbhem.org/education for a complete list of the 119 outstanding United Methodist-related schools, colleges and universities in the United States.  

Media contact: Natalie Bannon, at 615-742-5413.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Central Conferences
Tafadzwa Chingosho works in his fields in Hanwa, Zimbabwe, to keep the crops free from weeds. Chingosho, who left school to pursue his dream of being a farmer, gained skills through United Methodist programs including Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission and the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Church programs help young farmer pursue dream

Despite struggling academically, 18-year-old Tafadzwa Chingosho is finding success in pepper farming after being trained by The United Methodist Church.
Theology and Education
A lawsuit over United Methodist control of Southern Methodist University in Dallas has reached the Texas Supreme Court. The South Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church filed the lawsuit in 2019 after the university’s board of trustees voted to change the university’s articles of incorporation without the jurisdictional conference’s approval. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons.

High court: Church can sue for SMU control

A Texas Supreme Court ruling deals a setback to Southern Methodist University’s move to gain independence from The United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdictional Conference.
Mission and Ministry
Members of the Harare (Zimbabwe) Inner-City United Methodist Church’s junior Sunday school class pose with some of their gifts for the local hospital’s pediatric unit. The children and teachers donated medical supplies, stoves and gifts for children. Appliance salesperson Roper Chakava stands second from right. Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UM News.

Children team up to help sick kids in Zimbabwe

Youth ages 4-12 at Harare Inner-City United Methodist Church raised $2,500 to provide gifts for children in the local hospital’s pediatric ward.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved