Career Resource Center

Unemployment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Local Job Boards

National Job Boards

General Tips for job hunting

  • Let friends and family know that you are looking for a job, and whether it’s in the same field you’ve been working in or if you’re looking to switch career paths to something new. If you’re employed, be careful with how much information you share with coworkers so you can be sure to avoid an uncomfortable situation with your current place of employment.
  • Update your resume and your LinkedIn profile if you have one. Make sure your most recent job is listed on your resume along with any major projects or new responsibilities. If you do have a LinkedIn profile, review your privacy settings to make sure potential employers can view your information.
  • Join a professional organization. Many fields have organizations that will help you gain experience, build your resume, network with people in the field and help you find job postings.
  • Create a professional email address specifically for job searching. The email address should include all or part of your name, i.e. jsmith or johnsmith. Set up alerts for new job postings to be sent to your email. Keep all alerts, applications and responses in this email account to help you stay organized.
  • Create a spreadsheet of jobs you apply for that includes the job title, company name, posting link, date you applied, apply-by-date, any contact information for the organization, type of responses received, interview dates, and follow up date.

Tips for recent graduates

  • Join alumni groups and attend networking events. Many job and career opportunities are found through networking and alumni groups and events are great for this. Sites like Meetup.com are helpful ways to find events hosted by or held for your target field or profession.
  • Reach out to your school’s career center. Many schools have job postings that are only shared with students and alumni. Some schools have career counselors who help with career advice, resume writing, and more.
  • Look at current job postings to see if your skills match up with the current market for your desired career. If you are missing key skills, explore internships, volunteer opportunities and/or coursework that will boost those skills.

Tips for Internships

  • Do your research about the organization and the industry.
  • Read professional trade journals and magazines to stay up to date on current trends and skills in the field.
  • Be prepared to do some grunt work. There are menial tasks in all jobs and pitching in to help with those will show your willingness to be part of the team and create goodwill among co-workers.
  • Ask questions. No one expects you to know everything. You are there to work and to learn.
  • Find a mentor. Most professionals enjoy sharing their experiences and want to assist new professionals in learning the ropes.
  • Be professional. Maintain a professional image and avoid office gossip.

Tips when switching careers

  • Take a continuing education course. This will allow you to learn new, pertinent skills and update your resume. It may also provide networking opportunities.
  • Identify transferrable skills such as sales, technical and customer services skills, which can often be applied across many fields.
  • Attend conferences, networking events and trade shows. Connect with the people you meet through LinkedIn or email to stay in touch.

Tips for writing your resume

These links offer tips and advice to help you write an effective resume.

CV vs. Resume

Tips for writing a cover letter

  • Tailor a cover letter for each position that you apply for.
  • Keep your cover letter brief, no more than one page.
  • Demonstrate that you have the skills to be successful in the position.
  • Read the job description carefully and use keywords from the description in your cover letter.
  • Explore the company’s web page or look for recent news about the company that you can relate to your experience and skills.
  • Follow the employer’s instructions for submission and file types.
  • Use a traditional and easy to read font.
  • Include your name in the file name, i.e. johnsmith_coverletter.docx.

Tips for interviewing

Book list