LYNX LIFE LIBRARY

Are you graduating this spring or summer? You’re probably already thinking about the upcoming job search with some combination of excitement and nervousness. The Career Center at LynxConnect is here to help.

One question you may have is, “When should I start my search?” It’s not too early to start now! There are many elements to a thorough and successful job search: 

• Developing a search strategy
• Updating your materials: resume, cover letter, portfolio
• Learning more about employers in your field and identifying ones you want to work for
• Attending employer events and career fairs
• Talking with people working in your industry
• Practicing interview skills

By starting now, you give yourself time to work on each of these areas. Imagine trying to do all of this in May!

Where Are You Starting From?

Do you already know the types of jobs you’re looking for, and the companies you would like to work for? If not, take some time to research your field. What are the titles of entry level jobs? There may be different titles for similar work. Read job descriptions to learn about the duties and requirements for those entry level jobs. You can also learn which companies hire for these positions and then look up those companies to find out more about what they do and their company culture. Focus on the entities which seem like a good fit for your goals and values. This will allow you to target companies you want to work for rather than just waiting for whatever is posted online.

Update Your Application Materials

Your resume and cover letter should be revised to better fit each job you apply for. Do you have a resume that demonstrates your ability to do the work which interests you? Compare the requirements of your desired jobs to what is in your resume. Include relevant work, internships and projects that demonstrate your experience, skills and education.

A good cover letter should do more than recap your resume. It’s an opportunity to show how you get results or approach a project. It can illustrate how you solve problems and why you want to work for a particular company. 

Are you going into a field in which employers require you to share work samples, such as design, architecture, and others? Learn the portfolio format for your industry. Gather and organize your best work samples. Get feedback from professors and professionals. Do this soon so you have time to improve your portfolio before sending it as part of an application.

Get Organized

It helps to get organized. With a job in mind, look at Indeed.com, LinkedIn jobs, and industry-specific job board to look for openings. Set up alerts so these platforms email you with new postings. Download the Handshake mobile app. Many of the jobs there are listed specifically to attract CU Denver students. You can use tools, such as O*Net, to learn more about different jobs and titles within your industry. You may want to create spreadsheets for companies you like, people you network with, and/or the jobs you apply for. This will allow you to track your networking efforts and applications. Schedule time in your calendar each week (or even more often) that you dedicate to all of these activities. Protect it. If you consistently give time to your job search, you’ll quickly build knowledge and your network.

Put Yourself Out There!

We bring some employers to you, so open those emails from Handshake! We share a lot of information through Handshake about upcoming opportunities and events and we try our best to tailor those messages to your major. Look for career fairs and other types of employer visits. If you see one which interests you, take copies of your updated resume and learn more about them.

Reach out to people doing the work you want to do to learn more about their jobs and employers. Learn what they like or don’t like about their career. Ask for advice on your application materials. We call these meetings informational interviews and they are a great, low-pressure way to learn and to get your name out there so people think of you when they find out about a new job opportunity. LinkedIn is a great tool for finding people working in your desired area. They also have an alumni filter to help you find other Lynx. Try searching for people doing the job you want, in the city you want to work in, and then filter for CU Denver grads. You’ll have a list of people you can reach out to for information and advice.

Don’t Give Up

Perseverance will likely be needed. Keep applying. Keep networking. And don’t forget to do a little troubleshooting. If you aren’t getting interviews, take another looking at your application materials. Are you customizing them for each job, or sending the same materials everywhere?  Are you getting interviews, but not jobs?  You may want to practice your interview answers with someone.

You Have Help!

The Career Center team in LynxConnect is here for you.  We can assist you with any of the actions mentioned above.  You can make appointments for resume and cover letter writing, job search assistance, interview prep, and more. Make an appointment through the Handshake portal or by calling our front desk at 303-315-4000.  

Now, let’s get started.