We get it. Job searching can be stressful! Knowing where to look to find opportunities, getting all of your documents organized, preparing for both rejections and acceptances, there’s so much to think about.
Wherever you are in the job search process, this page has tips for you. Some of it might sound pretty familiar, like getting your resume and cover letter ready. But there might be some things you haven’t thought about, like managing your mindset and gauging the company culture in your interview.
Here are five steps to creating a focused and flexible job search plan:
Understand what’s happening in the industry you would like to pursue. Review the information on our industry pages, or use the tools within Steppingblocks. To get a customized newsletter with advice, events, and helpful information, click here for instructions on how to set up your profile.
Review the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies. Think about your experiences, and write down situations in which you’ve demonstrated those skills. Ensure your resume exemplifies your skills and is ready to pass initial screening stages. Uploading your resume to Quinncia only takes a few minutes, and you’ll get fast feedback on what to improve.
Your job search plan will likely need to be expanded beyond searching for positions that are directly tied to your ideal career goal. Consider pursuing other experiential opportunities or jobs and internships that can help you boost your skills. LinkedIn Learning is available for free to you, using your netID and password, and has a wide range of courses that will help you get career ready.
Staying connected with peers, finding potential mentors, and meeting others within your industry will help you in your career path. Rutgers-Newark Handshake can be a place to search for peers who have similar interests. If you’d like to find alumni, you can use Rutgers Student Alumni Career Connect or the connect with Rutgers-Newark alums on LinkedIn.
Rutgers-Newark Handshake is a good place to start looking for job postings, as employers post there to seek entry-level talent, as well as candidates with a few years of experience. Review our tips on resumes and cover letters. Make sure that the skills you mention in your application documents align with the skills in job postings, always tailor your resume for each position, and always get your resume reviewed before submitting.
Scroll down for resources and articles to help you navigate the job search!
