Job Search Basics
Throughout the job search process, continue to ask yourself what each employer is looking for. Your materials and interviews should showcase to employers how your skills and experience match their needs. Make it easy for them to visualize what your contributions will look like once hired.
Research
The first step to a successful job search is knowing what you're looking for. Taking time to do research upfront will help save time later.
Schedule an appointment with a career advisor to identify search strategies that fit your interests.
- Career paths - Spend time researching the path it will take for you to land in your ideal position. Where is the best place to start and what do you need to plan for?
- Trends - Curate a list of journals, blogs and professional organizations that can provide up-to-date trends in your field of interest.
- Job titles & skills - Shop around for job titles that interest you. Make notes about required qualifications, skills and responsibilities.
Create Your Career Toolkit
Having effective job search documents is crucial to standing out and marketing yourself to employers. Essential documents include:
Cover Letter
A cover letter provides context for the resume. It makes a claim about what experiences and skills qualify you for the job or opportunity. Each cover letter should be tailored to a specific application.
Resume
A resume is a conventional one-page document that presents evidence of the skills and knowledge you possess. While the formatting is important, the content has to align with the role or opportunity you are seeking.
Personal Statement
This may be called a statement of purpose, personal statement, or letter of intent. Some statements require specific information while others leave the applicant free to address a wide range of topics.
Portfolio
A portfolio is a presentation of your best work and demonstration of your skills. Portfolios can be used when applying for internships and jobs, gaining freelance clients and applying to graduate school.
Begin seeking opportunities to have conversations with emerging and mid-career professionals, cultivating a community of mentors and peers. There are plenty of ways to start connecting, including:
- Informational Interviews - An informational interview is a brief meeting with someone currently working in your field of interest that offers you an insider's perspective. The purpose is to better understand a particular position or industry and make connections.
- Alumni Outreach -
The Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Network connects DePaul students and graduates with alumni to explore college and professional transitions, life challenges, and university or career questions.
- Professional Organizations - The mission of
professional organizations is to further the advancement of a particular profession and the interests of the people in that profession.
- Career Fairs & Events - There are a variety of
job and internship fairs at DePaul each year. Connect with employers from Chicago and beyond who are seeking candidates from all educational and experience backgrounds.
- Conferences - A meeting of professionals in a given subject or profession. This is a great way to connect and stay up-to-date on industry and professional trends.
It's important to dedicate enough time to your search. New positions are posted daily and competitive opportunities can be filled quickly. Stay up-to-date on your search and have your materials ready for when an opportunity comes up.