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Job & Internship Search

Introduction

Searching for a (new) job or an internship may be exhausting. It takes time and organization, it requires attention and effort.
Here are a few tips for a successful job search:

  • Get help with your job search: find resources, take assessments, prepare your resume, network, attend job search training sessions, contact us.
  • Explore your career options: set up informational interviews, talk with someone every day about your job search, research potential employers, read professional journals.
  • Search for jobs: use electronic tools available, attend job fairs, browse job banks.

Step 1: Assess your Career Goals

Before you start your job search, assess what you are looking for, reflect on your strengths/skills and weaknesses, what you like doing and what would be a good fit.
You should also reflect on what is most important for you, be it the position title, the money and benefits offered, the company culture, the location, the work itself, etc.
The better you know your goals, the better prepared you will be and the more targeted your search will be.

Step 2: Plan your Job Search and Get Organized

Your job search will take time and will probably take longer than you expected. A successful job search means you need to plan ahead:

  • Make a weekly or daily schedule of job search activities to keep on track.

  • Keep track of your activities (use a spreadsheet or specific apps to save time).

Step 3: Update your Resume and Cover Letter

Make sure all the information in your resume is relevant to the job you are applying for and makes you an obvious fit for that job: use keywords, link your qualifications to hiring criteria. Make sure your e-mail address looks professional. Mention achievements rather than responsibilities. Have a list of references ready.
Create or update your online career brand (on LinkedIn and other networking sites): showcase your expertise and passion, position yourself to be found by employers.

Step 4: Research Jobs and Companies

Organize your search and use all available resources to find the best job listings:

  • Online resources: Career Coach, Indeed, Department of Labor, etc.
  • Networking: via LinkedIn, in person, attending professional fairs.
  • Consider working with a recruiter.

Research Employers:

  • Identify companies that may be hiring in your field, check what the trend is, what jobs are in demand;
  • Prepare for a job interview;
  • Learn about potential growth;
  • Understand how you can apply skills in a new field;
  • Focus on employers that share your values.

Where to search for potential employers and companies?

  • Company website;
  • Regional or State publications like the Chamber of Commerce;
  • Newspapers, business magazines, trade journals;
  • Contact current and/or past employees to learn more about what it is really like to work there.

Online Job Search:

  • Keep your search focused and use keywords and advanced search options;
  • Check the company website first: this is usually where all the jobs are posted;
  • Go to social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter are the most common places to go to;
  • Consult Job Boards and Job Banks even though the chance to find a job here is slim…
  • Read online periodicals and specialized journals to learn more about specific industries and/or jobs;
  • Consult specific Associations websites (some may require a paid membership).

Networking:

Start a conversation and people will get to know more about yourself and what you are looking for.

  • Become a member of professional associations, attend conferences and industry hang-outs.
  • Think outside the box: invite professionals for coffee, volunteer in local associations, speak with other parents at your kids’ games and other activities.

Research salaries:

Learn what different careers pay at different levels of experience,compare the salary in different cities and/or States, and ask yourself if that will meet your needs.
Learn what typical the entry-level to the experienced salary scale is, what an appropriate job offer would be for your skills and your level of experience.
When you negotiate, don't forget to think about the benefits offered.
Start your research on Career Coach and My Next Move. You will also find salary information on Indeed, Salary.com, Glassdoor.

Things to remember when job hunting

  1. Double-check your social media privacy settings to make sure potential employers don't have access to what you don't want them to see. Don't forget about old social media profiles that may still be visible: find them by googling your name.

  2. Check other profiles and make sure they are professional.

  3. If you have a video interview, check your background before you start: it should be clean and distraction free.

  4. Keep your e-mail account up to date with a professional headshot and signature.

  5. Review any personal website and portfolio, make sure they are accessible and up to date and they reflect your most recent accomplishments.

  6. Match your resume to your LinkedIn account: information presented should be consistent.

  7. Ensure your references know they may be contacted. You should also give them some information about the positions you have applied for. Don't forget to follow up with them after your interviews.

  8. Be responsive: don't let too much time lag, especially with messages that require you to take action.

  9. Contact Career Services if you need assistance with your job or internship search.

Additional Resources

Work Opportunities (find jobs posted by OPE电子竞技官网 partners)
Steps to Find a New Job (The Balance Careers)
Important Things not to Forget When Job Hunting (The Balance Careers)
Job Hunting Tips (Indeed)
5 Ways to Kickstart Your Job Search (The Muse)
How to Start Your Job Search (The Ladders)
14 Job Hunting Tips (Live Career)