The job search process can feel overwhelming and intimidating for some students, but with the right tools, strategies and support you can navigate your way into a career aligned with your design. We’re here to help anytime you need us, but the job search process begins with you. What jobs are you qualified and prepared for with the knowledge and skills you’ve develop through your degree? What jobs are you designed for based on your talents and strengths? Check out the resources we’ve compiled here to help you begin this process effectively.
Many of our students find their first career opportunities through a relationship or connection with someone who is aware of a job that matches their qualifications and interest. More than 70% of today’s job openings are in the “hidden job market” and are never publicly posted. People find out about them through networking, the process of building strategic mutually beneficial professional relationships to effectively further your career goals.
You already know lots of people in careers and fields that you find attractive. How did they get there? Do they know of opportunities you may be interested in? Start sharing your interests with the people you know. These may be people in your hometown, church community, social groups or people your parents know. Your network should also include your professors, peers, alumni and professionals you’re meeting and interacting with during college.
Networking online through sites like LinkedIn is a must. LinkedIn is the largest professional social network with more than 414 million users. LinkedIn allows you to search for positions as well as connect with professionals in every field and industry imaginable. Employers use LinkedIn to search for you. If you’ve not attended one of our LinkedIn workshops and need help setting up your account let us know. You can access the LinkedIn links further down this page to begin. Other social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram can also be useful for networking, so make sure you leverage these effectively with appropriate content.
Next to opportunities uncovered through networking, the online environment has become the most common place to search for open positions. Knowing where to look for jobs that match your qualifications and goals is key to narrowing your search effectively. We’ve included a list of the most common reputable job sites further down the page. As you begin to explore these, consider these tips:
Handshake is the number one online resource for college students searching for jobs and internships. Handshake work’s like a typical job search site allowing students to use search filters to find opportunities that match their preferences. It allows students to post resumes and create searchable profiles to assist employers in their search for qualified candidates from within our current student body and alumni. Current students can access Handshake through their Webb Connect portal by clicking on the Handshake icon on the left menu and creating their profile. Alumni, should email [email protected] to request alumni access.
Looking for career opportunities outside the US? Check out GoinGlobal! You can access GoinGlobal through your Handshake portal in Webb Connect. Click the link below to learn about all the resources it offers.
Leverage the world’s largest professional network to build relationships and connect with professional opportunities. Use LinkedIn Jobs to navigate this virtual professional network, learn about your connections within a company or industry, and you gain an edge in your job search. Click here to access LinkedIn’s job network and be sure to add Gardner-Webb University Career as a connection!
Discover your earning potential with LinkedIn Salary. Explore salaries by job title and location. See how years of experience, industry, location and more can impact your salary. Click here to learn more.
Want to learn more? Use the resources on the Students and Alumni pages to be career-ready.
