Internship & Job Search
Tools, tips, and resources for where to look, how to apply, and finding your next great opportunity.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Take time to examine some of your values, priorities, and parameters for a new job. Below are a couple of questions to consider. Even if these are flexible, taking time to identify and define your goals helps to focus your job search.
What are my top priorities/values in a job?
- directly helping people
- working behind the scenes
- flexibility
- work/life balance
- financial stability
- opportunities for travel, promotion, etc.
What parameters will narrow my search?
- desired city/state/region
- family considerations
- desired job classification (hourly/salary, day/night)
- pay and benefits needs
Step 2: Examine Your Online Presence
- Review your social media presence, both public and private profiles, as you never know how an employer might be connected to your network. Consider what your photos and posts might communicate to a potential employer.
- Search your name on search engines to ensure that no compromising photos or articles appear
Step 3: Organize Your Job Search
Use job search engines to identify specific job postings you wish to pursue. Use a simple chart to record deadlines, take note of required application materials, job post links, etc.
Step 4: Tailor Your Résumé and Cover Letter
Tailor your résumé and cover letter to each specific opportunity, making sure that your résumé reflects the skills and strengths in that particular job posting. It might mean tweaking the structure or using specific language that's relevant to this particular opportunity. Review the Résumé and Cover Letter guides, and visit the Vocatio Center for assistance.
Step 5: Utilize Your Network
Talk to friends, family, coworkers, professors, classmates, etc., and share your job search goals. Don't assume that every opportunity will be posted online. You never know, someone in your network might have connections to the opportunity of your dreams.
Step 6: Cast a Wide Net
When applying to jobs, especially online, don't put all of your eggs in one basket. As you organize your job search, set small, reasonable goals to help you stay motivated and moving forward. Plan to apply to x number of jobs each day or week,and stay active in your search even if you have an interview lined up.
Navigating Job Offers
Once you have the job offer in writing, it's time to evaluate, decide whether or not to negotiate, and choose to accept or decline the offer. Knowing the proper etiquette is key to maintaining professional and friendly relationships with prospective employers, especially those you choose to turn down.
Evaluate the Offer
- Thank the employer for the offer.
- Ask for time to consider the offer and find out how long they will wait for your answer.
- Review the entire package, more than the base salary (benefits, perks, travel, etc.)
How to Accept
- Provide a formal, polite letter/email/phone call accepting the offer.
- Confirm any outstanding details, and take careful note of start dates, training requirements, and other expectations.
How to Decline
- Provide a formal, polite letter/email/phone call declining the offer.
- Be direct, polite, and professional, but there is no need to go into detail about why you are declining the offer.
Negotiate the Offer
- Research salaries for similar jobs in that region.
- What combination of salary and benefits do you need?
- Is this a position and/or company with room for negotiation? Do you have work experience or credentials which allow you to reasonably negotiate?
What If Something Changes?
Did you accept an offer that you now need to decline? Are you in the middle of the interview process, but you've changed your mind about this opportunity?
- Let the employer know as soon as possible.
- Be direct, polite, and professional as you let them know that you respectfully need to withdraw your acceptance/name for consideration