Job Search Strategies

Girl sitting at table on computer

Before you begin your search, it is essential to reflect upon your skills, background and goals for your position. It is easier to begin a search when you have a target in mind (example: Marketing position in Charlotte, NC). This helps to put parameters around your search and helps your support system help you in your search. It is very difficult to help someone find “any job” due to the volume of jobs that are out there, so it is essential to reflect on what you want and what you have to offer so you can articulate this to employers and your networks.

Consider engaging in the following job search methods to help you focus your search:

  1. On-Campus Recruiting: employers who come to campus for career fairs, information sessions or other events are clearly indicating an interest in hiring Emory students. Take advantage of these opportunities and come prepared with a well-written resume and do a little research on what the organization does so you can have a richer conversation.
  1. Industry: perhaps you are unsure of the specific role you would like to find, but perhaps you know you want to work in a larger area like healthcare, consulting, sustainability, nonprofit, etc. Utilize Vault industry guides to help you learn more about the field and to get advice on how to break in. It’s accessible through Handshake -> Career Center -> Resources. Talk with your career coach to identify common keywords and job titles in your industry to help you better search.
  1. Geographic: in addition to filtering job boards based on locations, you can identify employers by trying to:
    • Visit the Chamber of Commerce website. Many times they list local employers.
    • Connect with a professional association. You may be able to identify potential employers by looking over their membership list. You could also learn of job openings before they are posted if you network effectively.
    • Visit local news sites. Many times they will put out lists such as “Best Places to Work”.
    • Utilize AtoZdatabases to identify employers in a geographic area.
    • Use CareerShift: It pulls jobs posted within the last 30 days, includes company contact information and it’s a great way to organize the jobs to which you are applying.
  1. Networking: networking is one of the number one ways students find positions after graduation. You can network with Emory Alumni and other professionals using LinkedIn, social media, professional associations, MeetUps and reaching out for informational interviews. Many job postings are not posted or someone is being strongly being considered for the position due to networking. Read through our networking section for tips.
  1. Values-Based: perhaps you care a lot about sustainability, philanthropy or diversity and inclusion. There are several sites who will list the top employers leading in the field and you can Google to find more than the ones listed below to generate your own list of potential employers.
    • Diversity
      1. Forbes
      2. DiversityInc.
    • Philanthropy
      1. Fortune
      2. Tip: search for a “giving back”, “philanthropy” or “community” section on employer websites to see how they engage their local communities to see if your values align.
    • Green & Sustainability
      1. Rubicon