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Resources to help you find a job

Finding a job after graduation can be a struggle. Here is a collection of resources from the Career Services office to help you start the process.

Struggling to find opportunities?

STEPS IN A JOB OR INTERNSHIP SEARCH

  1. Clarify your career goals. Where are you going? It will be difficult to find a job when you are not sure what you are looking for.
  2. Organize your job search. You should allocate a portion of each week for doing research on companies that interest you and for pursuing other means of contacting employers. Keeping accurate records, good addresses and the dates you contacted employers as well as copies of follow-up messages will be vital to your job search.
  3. Research the job market. Find information about companies and industries using their website, social media accounts, job board reviews and more. Knowledgeable faculty may be an additional resource.
  4. Network. People hire individuals they know, so the more potential employers you meet, the better your odds of landing a job. Develop your social and professional networks. Make a list of the people you know that might be helpful and contact them. Who on your list might refer you to someone else?
  5. Prepare your resume and apply. Tailor your resume to the potential job or internship to have the best chance to secure an interview. Make sure you follow all instructions when you apply for a position.
  6. Persistence and follow-up. Persistence is one of the key strategies in the job search. Whether you are researching job leads, sending out resumes, scheduling interviews, or contacting a hiring authority, you need to be persistent and pro-active. Follow all promising contacts with phone calls and letters and remember professional etiquette at all times.
  7. Prepare for the interview. Participate in mock interview days. Review research material, watch videos on interviewing. Plan to send a thank you letter immediately after an interview. Follow-up after an appropriate period of time. Script out what you want to say to the question - "Tell me a little about yourself".
  8. Make sure that this is the job for you. Before you accept or decline an offer, consider the offer carefully. Make sure the details of the offer are clear; preferably get them in writing. Details may include starting date, starting salary and benefits, locations, job description, and responsibilities as well as the date by which you must respond to the offer.

It is important to keep track of the jobs and internships you research and apply for. Use this Excel template Excel logo to organize your search.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Online job listing sites International Opportunities

REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

Iowa

Kansas

Missouri

Nebraska

Interested in working remotely?

REMOTE WORK RESOURCES

Remote Work Job Boards

Struggling with employment transition?

transition RESOURCES

Not getting interviews?

The interview is one of the most important parts of your job/internship search. It will usually be the employer’s first chance to have a conversation with you. Likewise, it is your opportunity to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job/internship. The employer wants to learn about you, your experience and qualifications.

INTERVIEW TIPS

The following links will provide you with some basic information on interviewing and tips for success.

INTERVIEW ATTIRE

Dress for success infographic

Tips to Ensure a Positive Impression:

  • Be polished and professional: clean and wrinkle-free.
  • Wear properly fitting clothing that is not too large or too tight.
  • Wear a matching two-piece suit in black, navy or dark grey.
  • Wear dark polished close-toed shoes.
  • Make sure your hair is clean, well-groomed and out of our eyes.
  • Limit exposure of tattoos and piercings.
  • Bring a portfolio or briefcase for your documents.
  • Avoid large amounts of cologne/perfume.
  • Avoid wearing too many accessories and jewelry.
  • Avoid complex and wild patterns.
  • Avoid plunging necklines and bare shoulders.
  • Be sure to take care of your personal hygiene.
  • Clean and trim your nails, look for chipped paint.

When in doubt opt for the more conservative and formal side. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Links for additional information:

Northwest has created a Career Closet to help students have access to professional dress at no cost. Learn more at https://www.nwmissouri.edu/career/career-closet.htm.

PHONE INTERVIEWS

Why do employers conduct telephone interviews?

Many employers will conduct first-round interviews by telephone in order to determine which applicants they wish to see face-to-face.   Phone interviews may last anywhere from 15-60 minutes and are generally less expensive and time consuming for both candidates and employers.

When does a telephone interview occur?

A telephone interview may result from several different situations:

  • You are networking and the employer begins a screening process immediately because you seem interesting.
  • You are called because you applied for a position or internship.

What are the guidelines to follow during a phone interview?

  • Should an unexpected call occur when you are in a situation that would make it difficult to converse, let the call go to voicemail.  You can then return the call when you are in a quiet and private place for conversation.
  • Take a moment to compose yourself if the call comes unexpectedly. Ask the caller for a moment while you go to a quiet room, or turn off background music, for example. Take a deep breath and return to the phone with a smile. Remember, this is a REAL interview.

 How do you prepare for a telephone interview?

The unexpected interview:

  • While you are conducting your job or internship search, be prepared for the “unexpected” telephone interview. A call could come at any time.
  • Check the outgoing message on your voicemail. Is it professional? Is it the type of greeting that you would want an employer to hear? Remember, first impressions are important.
  • When you receive a call, it is appropriate to ask the interviewer what type and length of interview (behavioral, technical or both) they expect to conduct.  It is acceptable to ask about setting up an appointment for another time and date.
  • Important - Maintain easy access to your resume and your calendar whenever possible. Have a notepad and a pen to take notes during the conversation. If accessible, you may want to have copies of correspondence you have sent or received from the employer.

The scheduled interview:

  • If your telephone interview is scheduled in advance, be at your phone early, turn off call waiting, if possible, and be prepared to be available for a longer period of time than originally scheduled (e.g., call may be scheduled from 5:00-5:30, but might actually take place 5:10-5:40)
  • Whenever possible use a landline instead of your cell phone in order to ensure a good connection and eliminate dropped calls during an interview! 
  • Access your resume and any notes or questions that you have for the interviewer.
  • Those involved in technical interviews should consider a headset.  Some technical employers will ask you to check your email for a link to complete a coding challenge during the interviews as the screen is shared with the interviewer. 

What to expect in the telephone interview? 

Conducting a Successful Phone Interview PDF

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS

Video interviewing is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the traditional in-person interview for potential employers. However, there are format-specific elements that students and new graduates need to understand and consider when preparing for a video interview.

Here are some recommendations for preparing for video interviews:

  • Understand the technology and be comfortable with it—Don’t sign up for a video interview until you’re comfortable with the process. Learn what you can and can’t do with the audio and video controls. Find out what your image looks like—and how to look your best—and where to look once the interview begins. Being adept with technology gives you credibility as an “online professional.”
  • Consider the image and the interview environment—Dress professionally as a video interview is an interview. Ensure the background of the interview area is consistent with the image you want to portray to recruiters. Remove or silence all distractions, such as cell phone ringers, e-mail alerts on the computer, music, pets, roommates, and more.
  • Test all settings and connections beforehand—Make sure the settings are optimized and all connections are working prior to the interview to avoid any issues during the interview.
  • Be prepared for a system hiccup—And even though you’re thoroughly prepared, have a Plan B ready in case the technology fails during a video interview. For example, have your cell phone ready to use in case the connection is unacceptable or drops. Being prepared in such a manner and making a smooth transition to another method in light of unexpected problems can impress an employer.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

International student job search?

MAKING A PLAN

United States law provides several ways for employers to hire international college graduates. It is each candidate’s responsibility to understand/comply with the parameters of visa status. Not only is this essential information to have as you determine goals for employment, but you will have to clearly and accurately explain your status to most employers during the search or interview process. For more information contact the Office of International Programs.

Explore your career interests and clarify your goals:

  •  What job titles or keywords describe the type of work you seek?
  •  Where do you wish to live? Be specific to a few top choice cities, regions or areas.
  •  Who is of interest to you? Think of industry/company types and specific companies.

Career Services provide students with a platform to develop career-related decision-making processes through events, web resources, videos, and services. It is important to create and organize your individual job/internship search. Additionally, you should create a “back up” plan to be used if necessary as a contingency plan.

WHAT ARE CPT AND OPT?

CPT = curricular practical training which is integral to your major and the experience must be part of your program of study.

OPT = optional practical training and must relate to your major or course of study.

You can find much more information on CPT and OPT and what your options are on the U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) website.

AVOIDING SCAMS

Career Services makes every effort to check the validity and accuracy of employers and job/internship postings on Hire A Bearcat, however, we cannot guarantee that every employer or posting is legitimate. Candidates are urged to thoroughly review postings and use caution and common sense when applying.

Several scams target international students, so you need to be extra cautious. Here are some tips to avoid being scammed.

Scam Signs

Scammers advertise jobs in the same places legitimate employers do, here’s how to tell whether a job lead may be a scam:

You need to pay to get the job

Employers and employment firms shouldn’t ask you to pay for the promise of a job.

You need to supply your credit card or bank account information

Don't give out your credit card or bank account information over the phone to a company unless you're familiar with them and have agreed to pay for something. Anyone who has your account information can use it.

The job sounds "too good to be true"

If a job sounds too perfect, it is likely a scam. It is always best to delete/avoid unsolicited job emails. 

Report a Job Scam

If you’ve been the victim a job scam, file a complaint with the FTC.

RESOURCES

Job Listings & Employer Contact Information

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OUTCOMES REPORT

See where other graduates of your academic program have gone to complete internships and full-time employment on our Post-Graduation Data page.

LEGAL, EMPLOYMENT, AND JOB SEARCH RESOURCES

International students should contact the Office of International Programs before seeking any form of employment (paid or unpaid) whether as a student or in preparation for graduation so that you are aware and knowledgeable of all applicable visa restrictions, requirements, and deadlines.  Remember it is your responsibility to connect with International Programs to obtain the most current information as the rules are constantly changing.

Not enough experience?

RESOURCES