An effective job search requires strategy and effort. Some students and alumni put in the effort but don’t consider the best way to approach the process. Others don't put in much time or effort, and then they're surprised when they don't find a job. To increase your chances at success, you must first figure out an effective job search strategy. Then you make it your job to find a job. An effective job search is approached from many angles, including:
- Résumé and cover letter
- Interview
- Job targeting
- Social Media
- Networking
Job Search Resources
Big Interview
Use Big Interview to learn and practice your interview skills, whether you’re interviewing for a job or graduate school.
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network with over 80 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. Employers and recruiters are using LinkedIn too! This tool can be an important aspect of the job search process. Best of all ..... It's free!
See the Getting Started with LinkedIn guide for resources on getting started and using LinkedIn effectively.
CareerShift
CareerShift was created to help job seekers successfully navigate the published and hidden job market to find career opportunities. With CareerShift's easy-to-use job search function, as well as its robust company and contact database, users can find current job connections and make meaningful new connections.
To log in to CareerShift:
- Visit http://www.careershift.com/
- Click “Member Login”
- Enter the following in the email blank: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Enter the following in the password blank: usca
- Click "Jobs" then click "Search"
- Enter job titles of interest to you in the keywords section
- Choose your geographic location by city name or zip code
Reference USA
Reference USA is a software system that allows users to search particular industries by geographic location. This allows jobseekers to target the types of companies they might want to work for anywhere in the United States.
Reference USA is not a site that can be accessed on the internet at home. It is only loaded on the computers in the Office of Career Services in Penland 108. Stop by today to utilize this resource!
Resumes and Cover Letters
View Cover Letter Guidelines and Samples
View Sample Resume for Education Majors
View Sample Resume for Nursing Majors
Job Search Videos
Job seekers rarely get feedback during the search process. Thus, it is very important to have knowledge ahead of time about effective practices for resume writing, interviewing, job searching and creating a LinkedIn profile. The following videos will provide strategies to use in each of these areas. Set up an individual appointment to go over any of these topics by emailing good days and times to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 803-641-3440.
Interviewing Strategies
Resume Writing
5 Important Job Resources
Creating a LinkedIn Profile