Job Searching

Searching for a full-time job can coincidentally be a full-time job! It takes time, effort, and energy to research and apply to employment positions that you desire or are interested in. By developing an effective job search strategy, the process can become less stressful and more manageable.

 

Creating Your Strategy

Define Preferences and Desired Market: Determine and assess what you are looking for in a position and consider the commitment, geographic location, and personal expectations (skillset, functions, job growth, and salary).

Identify Companies & Contacts: Create a list of target companies to which you want to apply and review the job descriptions posted on their websites. It is ideal to take a look at who is in your professional network and inquire about their particular field and potential job openings.

Explore Job Sites: Get comfortable using websites to conduct your job search. A great resource to start with is Curry College's online job database, Handshake.

Meet With A Career Counselor: For additional assistance in developing your strategy, you can make an appointment on Handshake with one of our career counselors.

 

Develop Self-Marketing Tools

Showcase Your Work: Create and update any social media profiles/portfolios to demonstrate your skills, accomplishments, and vision. (LinkedIn, E-Portfolio, etc.) Utilize the outlets that make the most sense to you and your desired industry.

Resumes & Cover Letters: Depending on your desired jobs, you should have multiple copies of your resume that show the skills that make you a proper fit for that particular position. Cover letters should also be customized for each position to which you apply.

Establish Selling Points: What key points can you highlight about yourself? These selling points should be reiterated in your resume, cover letter, and interview.

 

Implementing Your Strategy

Track Your Progress: Set some measurable job searching goals for yourself and keep track of your submitted applications. Don't hold out long for a position if too much time has passed by.

Attend An Event: Career & Experiential Learning hosts an annual spring career fair which presents a great opportunity for job seekers to network with employers and inquire about positions. You may also attend other job fairs and industry related events. Click here to see a list of upcoming events on Handshake!

Network: Let people know who you are, what you are looking for, and what you have to offer! Expanding your personal and professional network is important and can lead to valuable industry advice and recommendations.

Follow Up: It's always in your best interest to follow up with an employer after submitting your application for a position. Don't be aggressive! One or two points of contact is enough and if you do not receive a reply, move on.

 

JOB SCAM ALERT!

False recruiters are everywhere! Here are a few tips to remember when applying for jobs:

- CONDUCT YOUR OWN RESEARCH ONLINE! Be cautious of spelling and grammar mistakes. They are often a sign of a scam.

- You should NEVER have to pay a fee, cash a check, or feel pressured to take a job.

- Pay attention to recruiter email addresses to be sure they actually work for the company.

- Do a Google search on the company name and see what information you can find. Compare it to the information that you have been sent.

- Be cautious of job offers without interviews, and "remote location" jobs with a high salary.

- Check scam lists from organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to see if the company has been reported as a scammer.

Questions? Not sure if a job is safe? Remember, CXL is here to help! We can look at the job and let you know if it's a scam. Also be aware of individuals posing as CXL team members - Tamara, Joanne, Jenna and Corynne make up your CXL team. Anyone else is lying!