Job Search Strategies:
Finding a job is a job! Start off on the right foot by devising a plan using the Job Search Plan.
It's important to keep track of where you've applied and where you're in the application process. A helpful tool can sometimes be a job search log.
Job postings, employer interview days, career events--start with us!
Use our Handshake database to find a job. Log in as: STUDENT | ALUMNUS
Networking
Family, friends, classmates, faculty, staff, former bosses--all are part of your network!
Tell people you're looking; ask them for leads about jobs. Networking is the #1 way people get hired. There is no other method more effective than networking!
Professional Organizations/Licensing Agencies:
This is similar to networking but with a professional focus. People who belong to these organizations are very active within their profession. In addition, many of these groups host their own job posting boards.
Employment Agencies:
You might also consider applying to work through an employment company, which then tries to place you with their client companies. You mayexperience a lot of temporarywork, but its a good way to broaden your network, sharpen your skills,learn new ones, and add to your resume!
You can find a recruiting company in your area by simply conducting an online search.
Online Job Search Databases:
Here are some other job search sites:
- Handshake
- Indeed
- Zip Recruiter
- Liquid Compass - employment listings for nursing and health science graduates
- Commonwealth of PA State Employment - employment within PA state government
- PA Job Gateway - employment within PA and some surrounding states
- USA Jobs - employment with the Federal Government
Questionable Hiring Practices of Some Companies:
Please be aware that companies may have questionable interviewing and hiring practices (e.g., asking you to pay fees before you are hired or not clearly stating what you will be doing in the job).
The best way to avoid questionable companies is doing your research!
The following are some websites where you can see if there have been negative reports about a company, and websites with tips on how to conduct company research:
- Rip Off Report
- Better Business Bureau
- College Grad - Employer Research Strategies
- Federal Trade Commission - report a questionable company
- Glassdoor.com - reviews of companies by actual employees, salary averages, interview experiences, and job listings
- Career Bliss - large database of company reviews, employee salaries, and job listings
- Zip Recruiter - search jobs, salaries, and job seeker reviews
Internships:
For information on internships visit our Internship Page.
Disclaimer: Alumni & Professional Engagement does not endorse specific employers. Commonwealth University disclaims any liability in connection with any potential or actual employer which results from any applicant's response to a posted opportunity. Students and alumni should personally research openings and agencies prior to entering into any contractual arrangements or exchange of monies in any form. Alumni & Professional Engagement staff are available for consultation on how to research prospective employers.