Job Search Strategies

Use a combination of these search strategies for a successful job search.

Resources	Strategy/Tools	Benefits	Challenges	Tips
Nittany Lion Careers	Update your personal and academic information. Upload a résumé. Search for job postings and leads.	Access to a wide variety of jobs posted by employers who want to work with Penn State students.	Not all fields, areas of study, and locations are equally represented.	Save search preferences to receive emails with new positions. Pay attention to deadlines. Apply early with a résumé tailored to each position.
Career Fairs	Attend career fairs at: Behrend, University Park, or WestPACS.	Opportunity to meet with several recruiters in person and in one location. Build networking contacts.	Not all fields and areas of study are equally represented. Students with specific career goals may want to search by desired field or location.	Plan ahead and research companies attending. Follow up to learn about opportunities in your interest area.
On-Campus Interviewing	Occurs often after Career Fairs. Search Nittany Lion Careers for jobs from employers interviewing on campus throughout the semester.	Primary way in which companies recruit for business and technical positions. Employers are specifically seeking Penn State students to fill openings.	Not all industries use on-campus interviewing as a recruitment strategy.	Check your email for interview invitations. Respond to Career Services to reserve your interview day and time.
Networking	Talk to everyone you know to develop a list of contacts. Ask for information on jobs/companies and circulate your résumé.	One of the top job search strategies to learn more about a position, company, or industry, and to identify potential job opportunities.	Takes time and effort to build your network. Requires skill in organizing contacts and following through on recommendations.	Join online networking programs: LionLink, Penn State Career Connection, or LinkedIn groups in your field. Check with your college department for contacts.
Targeted Search	Identify the types of organizations you would like to work for, develop a targeted list, and research companies.	Allows you to be proactive and take charge of your search.	Takes investment of time to research and tailor your résumé and cover letter to the position and the organization.	Identify employers using Hoovers (Library database), Local Chamber of Commerce.
Job Search Engines	Scan job openings on job search and employer websites.	Identify types of positions available. Use filters to narrow search.	The number of sites and positions to sift through. May not receive responses to applications.	Be careful not to over-filter. Start with job type and slowly add more filters.
Professional Associations	Research professional associations related to your career interests, and look for a "career opportunities" section on their website.	A source of networking information and career opportunities. Build contacts with individuals who share your professional interests.	Entry-level positions may be limited. May need to be a member to access job postings (typically a nominal fee for students).	Ask faculty for organizations. Use "What Can I Do With This Major" to identify associations in your field.
Employment Agencies	Check to see if these agencies offer experiences in your career areas.	Helpful in identifying local businesses and employment opportunities. Use agencies that are free for the job-seeker (employers cover the associated fee)	Some agencies have more temporary positions than full-time positions.	Research agencies before signing contracts. Talk to others who have used employment agencies.