Your success in landing a job or internship is closely tied to how well you do your research and your persistence. Not sure where to start? Peruse the information here to help you pull together a job search game plan.

We recommend using a variety of strategies when searching for your next opportunity. These strategies include thorough organizational research, online job search, networking with existing contacts, attending events like career fairs and organization information sessions, and using LinkedIn. 

Organization Research

There are multiple ways to learn about organizations, including informational interviewing and online research. Read our full guide on researching organizations to gain knowledge about employers of interest. 

Career Fairs and Information Sessions

Whether or not you are looking for a job immediately, attending career fairs and organization information sessions are great ways to find out about opportunities and meet organization representatives. At career fairs, you have direct access to employers with the ability to make contacts, ask questions, and widen your professional network. 

Online Job Searching

While searching and applying for jobs online is convenient, it is estimated that only about 1 in 5 jobs that exist are actually posted on the internet1.   This means that if this is the only strategy you are employing, you are likely missing out on many opportunities. With that said, the online search is a valuable, and sometimes required, method of searching and applying for jobs. Below are some tips to optimize your online job search. 

Search Multiple Websites

If you know the organization you want to work for, search that website directly. In addition, below are some useful websites for searching online. We recommend you meet with a Career Education Coach to customize your strategy and learn about websites specific to your field. 

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Meet with a Career Education Coach to optimize your documents for applicant tracking systems. 

Make a Connection

Whenever possible, find a way to introduce yourself to a recruiter and/or network with individuals from the organization to which you are applying. If you have a contact at the company, let them know you submitted an application for the position. 

Networking

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a position. To learn how to identify your existing network and use it effectively to uncover opportunities and possibilities you did not know about, read our full guide on networking.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn can be an indispensable tool not only at the beginning of your career, but throughout your working life. Read our full LinkedIn page to see how this tool can benefit you in your job search. 

 

1 Burnett, B., & Evans, D. (2016). Designing your life: How to build a well-lived, joyful life. Knopf: New York

 

Meet with a Career Education Coach