Job & Internship Search
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Searching for a job or internship involves proactive steps such as identifying career goals, researching industries, and creating resumes and cover letters. Career Services is here to help you along the way! Utilizing online job application boards, networking, and leveraging professional networking connections are essential strategies. To get you started Liberty University has a job board, Handshake, which has more than 30,000 internships and jobs posted by employers looking for LU students! Additionally, tailoring applications to each opportunity and preparing for interviews with thorough research and practice enhances chances of success as well.
Job Sites
Knowing how to navigate a job board like Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, USA Jobs, or any other requires a bit of background knowledge and understanding of what you’re searching for. Job boards serve as centralized platforms where employers post job openings, making it easier for job seekers to discover and apply to a wide range of opportunities. They allow users to filter search results based on various search criteria such as location, industry, and job title, streamlining the job search process.
Handshake is a great place to get started with the over 30,000 jobs and internships posted! It also shows you fellow students who have worked or interned at specific employers so you can network with those students. You can also utilize Handshake to begin networking with employers. Check out our video tutorial on how to begin to search for jobs on Handshake. Additionally, job boards often provide features like resume uploading, email alerts for new postings, and company reviews, offering valuable resources to help job seekers navigate the job market more effectively. Before you apply make sure your resume is in an ATS (applicant tracking system) friendly format and follows the industry specific guidance our Career Coaches have embedded into their resume samples.
Career Fairs
Networking at a career fair can significantly boost your job search efforts and expand your professional connections. We offer many career fairs each semester for students to attend and practice their networking skills. We also offer opportunities for you to meet with a coach or utilize our resources to prepare a concise elevator pitch that highlights your skills, experiences, and career objectives.
At the career fair, you’ll want to approach each booth with confidence and introduce yourself with a firm handshake and your elevator pitch. Ask thoughtful questions about the company’s culture, opportunities for growth, and current openings to demonstrate your interest and engagement. You can learn about these openings and the companies by looking at the Handshake Career Fair page prior to the event. Collect business cards or contact information from representatives you interact with for future follow-up.
Networking isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening. Take the time to listen attentively to recruiters’ responses and ask for advice or insights into breaking into the industry. Remember to express gratitude for their time and insights before moving on to the next opportunity.
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for opportunities to meet with employers at their events to gain valuable industry knowledge and expand your network further. You should be able to find these Employer Events before the event. Finally, after the event, follow up with the contacts you made, expressing appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in potential opportunities. Effective networking at career fairs requires preparation, active engagement, and genuine interest in building professional relationships.
Meet with Your Industry Career Coach
Our industry specific Career Coaches are trained in coaching and have a depth of industry experience to help you navigate your job and internship search. You can meet 1:1 with your career coach to receive individualized job/internship searching strategies. They first will work with you to identify your God given gifts and capabilities and then combine that with your career goals to help develop those strategies. Whether you’re looking into applying for a summer position, internship, or advanced position, our coaches are here to assist you in the process.
There are several coaching appointment topics to choose from. You can meet with your coach to discuss job and internship searching, career planning, resume tailoring, interview preparation, how to network, and more! You can set up an appointment through Handshake. We also recommend watching Resume 101 and having a resume prepared for the meeting prior to its occurrence.
Tailoring Application Documents
Tailoring job applications demonstrates your genuine interest in the specific position and company, increasing the likelihood of standing out to recruiters. Customizing resumes and cover letters allows you to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements and company culture.
A large part of this customization requires thorough research into the company. Career Services offers workshops and coaching appointments designed to help you master this process. To get started check out our industry specific resume guides that give you an insider look of what a recruiter is looking for in your industry. Then attend our Resume workshops to get started on tailoring your own resume. Your career coach can then take your draft and help you learn the art of tailoring it to the position you are seeking! This personalized approach is important because it showcases your attention to detail, understanding of the role, and suitability for the position, ultimately enhancing your chances of securing an interview and landing the job.