Finding a Job

Students & Alumni

You've got the skills

Career preparation, readiness, and work-based learning opportunities should be of great interest to you because they are to the employers. We constantly hear about the skills gap that exists for college students as they transition from college to the workplace. Employers expressed that they just haven't been overly satisfied with the pool of candidates or graduates.

Where do you begin?

It may be a bit trite but it is nonetheless true that you should "begin with the end in mind". Many things pertinent to this process seem elementary but are essential to a comprehensive job search strategy. Understand that you are not alone in this process. Use your Handshake account to request an appointment to talk about how to get started.

  1. Click on "Career Center" at the top of the homepage.
  2. Select "Appointments".
  3. Click “Schedule a New Appointment” and select "Career Coaching Consultation".
  4. Select the date and time that works best for your schedule!

Get Organized

First, use our Plan of Action worksheet. Writing a résumé or a cover letter, preparing for interviews and follow-up interviews, and negotiating salaries and benefits are priorities that need close attention to detail. The more organized your job search process, the more prepared you will feel when walking into an interview. 

Seven Steps to Job Search Success

Seek out employers, do not sit back and wait. Chances are they will not come seek you out. Employers want to see initiative from their candidates. So, show some initiative and SEEK!

  1. Use the CCPD services early and often!
  2. Create a wish list of companies for which you would like to work.
  3. Utilize social media to find and reach out to hiring managers at your target companies.
  4. Start talking to people; don't just submit your applications online, follow up via conversation with a real person.
  5. Keep a written record of all the companies where you applied, when you applied, and with whom you communicated.
  6. Leverage technology (effective online research tools) in conjunction with your professional documents.
  7. Be informed and realistic; have a solid understanding of your brand (skills, qualities, etc.) and sell it well.

Find more information about job searching through your Handshake account:

  1. Log on to Handshake using your mySFA credentials.
  2. Click on "Jobs".

View step-by-step instruction on our How to Apply for Jobs Handshake user guide.