A student at the Tri-College Career Fair next to a sign that says "Now Hiring." Photo taken by Holden Blanco '17.

Job Search Tips

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Searching for a job takes time, organization and hard work. Keep these tips in mind as you launch your search.

  1. Create an effective resume that reflects your search, an important tool in the process.
  2. Organize your time and materials. Keep track of applications, dates, materials, deadlines, networking contacts, using a spreadsheet. Create a To Do list for your search. Searching for a job is similar to class, organize your time similarly.
  3. Extend yourself: searching is NOT passive. Be proactive and creative. The more active you are, extending yourself to making the right contacts, the more you will be putting yourself in “the right place, at the right time.”
  4. Look for employers and opportunities in a variety of places. These include: Handshake, our Campus Recruiting Program for employer connections (interviews, info sessions, resume referrals), Tri-Co Recruiting Day, STEM Recruiting Day, Off-Campus Recruiting Days, virtual Career Fairs, job listing websites, and networking contacts.
  5. Browse through CCPA’s newly revamped and streamlined website, including the page on Launching.
  6. To research employers, use our Job Research Resources as a starting point; we subscribe to numerous intern/job listings (i.e. Environmental Career Opportunities, Traverse Jobs for government  relations, policy, Vault). Then, use a variety other websites (i.e. idealist.org, LinkedIn entry-level jobs, indeed.com).
  7. Consider gap year opportunities for a one to two year experience before graduate school or full-time employment.
  8. Network, network, network. Making connections can help to give you focused advice, can provide you with suggestions of others to contact for more info to assist you in the search, and will give you insights into professions and careers. Use Haverford Connect to tap into the alumni network for advice.
  9. Pace yourself, take breaks and reward yourself throughout the process. This will help you to stay focused and energized.

How do you detect a recruiting fraud or scam?

  • Read our blog for advice: Frauds, Scams, and Schemers … Oh My! 
  • Although the vast majority of opportunities are presented with professional recruiting standards, it is unfortunate that fraudulent and unethical “recruiters” exist and some have identified college students as targets for their scams. CCPA is alert to some of these fraudulent recruiters and we do our best to keep these bad players out of our recruiting sphere. However, identifying fraudulent recruiting practices is a partnership with our students who sometimes are the first to detect that a recruiter is not acting in good faith.