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Job searching can be a full-time job itself, requiring dedication to find a position that aligns with your work values and career goals. Keep in mind that the average interview rate is 5%, meaning you’ll typically secure an interview for about 1 out of every 20 applications you complete.

When to Start Your Search

• Internships: Begin looking 1-2 semesters in advance (Business students are typically recruited in the spring for fall positions).
  
  
• Jobs: The hiring process can take 3-6 months, so start your job search accordingly.
  
  

Explore Handshake

Watch this video to learn How to Search for Jobs on Handshake:

Using Handshake

• Explore Employers: Don’t narrow by location, as some companies may have local offices listed under a different city.
  
  
• Follow Employers: Follow employers on Handshake to receive notifications about their activities. Also, check their websites.
  
  
• Avoid Overusing Filters: Too many filters can limit your options. If filtering is necessary, consider:
  • City or cities where you’re willing to work.
  • Internship, part-time, or full-time positions.
  • Major or position.
    
    
• Use Broad Terms: Keywords only if needed – keep searches broad. For example, search for “kids” instead of “special needs” for broader results.
  
  
• Save Jobs: Save jobs you’re interested in to easily return to them later. This will also help Handshake's algorithm recommend similar jobs and companies.
  
  

Tips for Job and Internship Searching

• Keep Your Resume Updated: Make an appointment with Career Services for a review.
  
  
• Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume, cover letter, and application for each job you apply for.
  
  
• Track Your Applications: Keep a list of the jobs you applied to and their dates for follow-up emails.
  
  
• Clean Up Your Social Media: 71% of hiring managers screen applicants via social media. Ensure your profile picture is appropriate, even if your profile is private.
  
  
• Network: Leverage your connections and attend networking events and career fairs.
  
  
• Practice Interview Skills: Schedule an appointment with Career Services.
  
  
• Gain Experience: Volunteer and secure internships in your field. Join professional organizations to build your resume.
  
  
• Schedule Weekly Time for Job Review: Regularly check for new job postings and review positions you’ve applied for.
  
  
• Create Job Alerts: Set up saved searches and job alerts for continuous updates.

Below are tips on how to organize the important information on your resume.

Relevant Coursework

List 2-6 classes relating to career goals/that help you stand out from other applicants

Relevant Experience (Internships, Research, Volunteer Work… Keyword “Relevant”)

• Position Title Month Year – Month Year
  
  
• Name of Company | City, State
  
  
  • Write three to five bullet points for each experience
  • Begin each bullet with a present tense action verb for current positions, and past tense verbs for previous roles
  • Use formula ACTION VERB + TASK + RESULT
  • Answer the questions, “What did I accomplish?”, “How did I do this?”, “Why is this important?”
•  

Skills

• Computer Skills, certifications, databases, technical skills beyond MS Office
• Language Skills (fluent, bilingual, conversational)
• Research Skills

*Focus on hard skills rather than soft skills

Awards/Honors

Scholarships/Honor Rolls/Etc. Month Year

Other Section Options

Volunteer/Community Service, Military Service, Shadowing, Study Abroad, Related Course Projects

Opening Section: Who You Are & Why You Are Applying

• Name the job for which you are applying and how you learned about it
  
  
• Briefly highlight your education, skills, and experience
  
  
• If appropriate, mention the name of the person who referred you to the organization
  
  

Second Section: Your Skills & Qualifications

• Discuss the skills and strengths you bring to the job, and explicitly connect them to the tasks of the position
  
  
• Provide brief examples of a few related achievements or experiences, discussing how it can transfer to the position
  
  
• Even if you haven't done the exact things the job entails, you can show your preparedness through transferable skills
  
  

Third Section: You & the Company

• Demonstrate that you've researched the company by incorporating information such as their mission statement, motto, services, or products and relating it to your previous experience, goals, and why you are interested in working for them
  
  
• State why you would be a good fit for the organization, emphasizing how you can help the organization reach its goals
  
  
• Some organizations may have a focus on helping employees grow, but overall focus on what you offer, not what you want
  
  

Closing Section: Wrapping Up

• Very briefly restate any important themes, creatively tying them together into a cohesive conclusion
  
  
• State that you are available for a personal interview at your reader's convenience
  
  
• Make it easy for the person to contact you: list your email address, as well as your phone number. Even if this information is on the resume, list it here again, as you do not want to make the employer search for a way to contact you

In-Person Interview Tips 

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Too early and they may not be ready for you. If you arrive earlier, wait somewhere else before checking in.
• Look up the location and parking procedures before the day of your interview. Avoid being late or having to call someone the day of.
• It is appropriate to shake your interviewers’ hand(s) before and after the interview.
  
  

Virtual Interviewing Tips

• Ensure your environment is appropriate. No noisy, distracting, or messy backgrounds.
• Make sure your audio works. Do a test run with a friend.
• Stay professionally dressed. Pretend a fire drill could occur during your interview. You don’t want to be caught in sweatpants.
• Pets should be put in another room if they might jump into frame during the interview.
  
  

General Interviewing Tips

• Business Professional Dress
• Overdressed is better than underdressed.
• Research the company before your interview and know their mission statement.
• Cell phone/smart watches should be out of sight at all times and on Airplane mode – not just silent.
• Be yourself.
• Ask questions! This is going to be your job or internship, too. Ensure the environment and job requirements fit your needs. Asking questions also shows your interest in the position.
• Make an appointment at Career Services to do an Interview Prep appointment to discuss any questions you may have as well as gain a general overview of interview etiquette and procedures.
• Make an appointment at Career Services to do a Mock Interview to review questions that may be asked and receive personalized feedback as well as additional tips and tricks.

Negotiating your salary can be intimidating, as money discussions are often considered taboo. However, it’s crucial to ensure your potential salary reflects the value of your skills and compensates you fairly for the work you’ll be doing. Remember, advocating for yourself is essential to prevent job dissatisfaction.

• Informed Decisions: Researching current salary ranges helps you avoid under-asking and ensures you know the market value of your position.
  
  
• Evaluate Offers: If an employer cannot meet your minimum salary expectations based on market research, consider if the position is a right fit for you.
  
  

Compile a List of Your Skills

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Ensure all relevant skills are listed on your resume. Skills such as foreign languages, software proficiency, and leadership experience can justify a higher salary.
  
  
• Sell Yourself: Use these skills as major selling points to demonstrate your value to potential employers.
  
  

Handle Job Offers Professionally

• Get It in Writing: Ensure the salary and benefits are documented in a written offer letter from the company.
  
  
• Avoid Direct Questions: Instead of asking, “How much money will I make?” consider these questions:
  • What is the current approved salary range for this position?
  • Could you share insights on the salary progression for someone starting in this position?
    
    
• Negotiate If Needed: If the offer does not meet your expectations, request a discussion with the hiring manager to negotiate a higher salary.
  
  
• Potential Questions:
  • Is there room for negotiation within the offered salary range?
  • Is the salary range negotiable based on certain qualifications or experiences?
  • Are there specific skills or experiences that would warrant a higher salary within this role?

Negotiate Benefits When Salary Cannot Be Increased

Discuss Benefits: If the salary cannot be increased, discuss potential adjustments to the benefits package. Benefits can be a significant perk and may compensate for a lower salary.

Potential Questions:

• Can you elaborate on the benefits package associated with the position?
• Can we discuss the possibility of flexible work arrangements or other non-monetary benefits (if not already mentioned in the job description)?
• Are there any additional perks or allowances typically offered to employees in this role?

What is a Digital Footprint?

Your digital footprint is a traceable trail of all your online activities, including reading articles, posting on social media, checking the weather, shopping, watching a show, etc. This footprint is PERMANENT.

Manage & Protect

• Do an online search of your name: Use multiple search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) and explore the first few pages of results. If you find something incorrect or inappropriate, contact the site administrator to request its removal.
  
  
• Set alerts: Enable notifications for when your name is mentioned online in the future.
  
  
• Update privacy settings: Especially on social media, set your account so only friends can see your posts but cannot share them.
  
  
• Limit accounts: Keep only the accounts you actively use.
  
  
• Be cautious about what you post: Avoid sharing personal information like your phone number, address, or political/social opinions. Resist the temptation to vent online.
  
  
• Control app permissions: Don’t allow all your mobile apps to access everything on your phone.
  
  
• Maintain a professional online presence: You can still be yourself and post appropriate pictures, but consider what a potential employer might think.
  
  
• Keep profiles up to date: Ensure your Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc., profiles have your most current information so employers can easily contact you.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

• Complete your profile: Include a profile picture and sprinkle relevant keywords throughout your profile to increase the likelihood of employers finding you in searches.
  
  
• Professional profile picture: Have a professional-looking photo – not selfie. Ensure you look confident, professional, and friendly.Tip: Profiles without a picture often don't seem legitimate.
  
  Customized background: Highlight your personal brand with a creative and interesting background to stand out.
  
  
• Catchy, relevant headline: Capture attention immediately with an engaging headline.
  
  
• Optimize your summary: Write about who you are and what you care about. Use this space to tell your story and describe your top selling points and key areas of expertise.
  
  
• Add extra information not on your resume: Include pictures of certifications, strengths assessment results, and pictures from work events. Tip: Treat this section like your portfolio.
  
  Build your professional network: Connect with people you know and explore their connections to expand your network further.
  
  
• Join groups: Find new connections through alumni, majors, and professional associations.
  
  
• Follow relevant employers: Stay updated and see job postings.
  
  
• Connect with ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ alumni: Search for ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ in the LinkedIn search bar and click on Alumni to see their career paths and workplaces.