Internship and Job Search Strategies Guide
What is a job or internship search?
A job or internship search is a circular process that requires continuous engagement in research, networking, and reflection. A search requires a two-part approach. There’s a proactive component which utilizes networking to reveal information related to unposted jobs, and a passive component which utilizes online job search tools and resources.
Questions To Ask Yourself to Guide Your Search
- What are you looking for in this opportunity?
- What are your “must haves.” These vary from person to person, however examples include: position type, individual values, workload, day-to-day, interests, required skills, location, salary, benefits, individual needs, and industry.
- What opportunities and position types you are looking for?
- Are you comfortable with evaluating job descriptions to customize your application materials?
- Are your application materials up-to-date?
Understanding the Search Process
The search process requires a lot of patience and perseverance. You may find yourself at different phases of the process
in each opportunity you apply for.
Identify opportunities via network connections, online job boards, professional associations, conferences, university resources, and industry events
Evaluate job postings, customizing application documents, attending career fairs
Communicate and assess your fit for the position and organization – also an opportunity for you to evaluate how the position and organization meets your needs and confirm timelines
Utilize this time to reflect and recalibrate your search techniques, reconnect with your network and continue to make connections, develop professionally, work on your weaknesses, practice your interviewing techniques, and continue searching
How to Initiate Your Search
- Identify yourself as a candidate to your connections
- Utilize the resources available to you to research, network, apply to opportunities, and prepare for interviews
- Organize your search in a system that works for you (see an example on back): save the job posting, use a consistent and professional naming convention for documents (Last_resume_organization)
- Evaluate and incorporate stress management techniques to maintain motivation
Example Internship or Job Search Template
Use this template to help you organize your search
| To-Do | Job 1 | Job 2 | Job 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Dates & Status | |||
| Job Title, Organization | |||
| What Must Haves Are Met? | |||
| Application Requirements | |||
| Posting Link | |||
| Network Contacts | |||
| Important Dates & Timeline | |||
| Follow-Up Completed, Date |