Finding a job is more than submitting applications and hoping for a good outcome. It can take 3-6 months to get a job that aligns with your career goals. Your odds are better when you target the right employers by using a tailored resume, writing a cover letter that speaks directly to the job and having the necessary education. Your SNU experience equips you to find a job after college. However, we recommend taking additional steps to obtain the right role for your unique talents and career goals.
The following websites will help you target your search, track your applications and learn more about life at each company to which you apply. Find an ideal job after college by making these sites part of your job search.
Glassdoor
When you’re a job seeker, the application process can seem decidedly one-sided, with employers gaining significant insight into applicants as applicants are left guessing about what to expect if they accept the job. Glassdoor levels the playing field, allowing current, past and prospective employees to anonymously give feedback about what it’s like to work for a company.
You can also learn about typical salaries and expectations for roles similar to your own and gain insights into the company’s interview process. This can give you a major advantage as you tailor your cover letter and prepare for interviews.
Glassdoor also offers more traditional job search support, including the ability to search for employers in your area and apply directly online.
The Mom Project
Working mothers are more productive than their childless peers. And yet, in many roles, there’s a clear mommy tax, with working mothers earning less, filling less desirable roles and ascending the corporate ladder more slowly. If you take time off of work to raise children, you may find that you’re unfairly penalized when you return to the working world.
The Mom Project is on a mission to change this and harness the immense power of working mothers in the service of corporations that value them.
It’s part job search engine, part career education and so much more. You can get support to return to the working world, learn about grants, connect with companies that value mothers and access mentorship as you make the transition from mother to student to working parent.
Professional Organization Websites
The larger job search engines can be great, but smaller, more targeted searches are sometimes even more helpful. Consider visiting websites associated with professional organizations in your field. The Institute of Management Accountants, the Professional Managers Association and similar bodies offer education and job search support to members. These organizations sometimes sponsor in-person or online meetups that can help you cultivate a deeper professional network.
Identity-based affiliation groups can also be helpful and may post jobs from employers looking for more diverse applicants. The National Association of Black Accountants and American Management Association Women’s Leadership Center, for example, both regularly offer educational seminars and job postings to their members.
Social Media Groups
Social media sites like Facebook allow employers to post jobs with an easy, seamless application process. Don’t stop there, though. Many closed groups post jobs to members—sometimes before they go live to the public. These groups present an opportunity to get to know potential colleagues and employers because many also provide job discussions or networking events. Try searching for groups in your area or asking a colleague if there are any social media job search groups in your field.
Upwork
Freelancing is a flexible option for people at all career levels—from novices hoping to get their foot in the door to experts building a large consulting company. Freelancing is an excellent choice for earning some cash while you look for a full-time job. And, if you’re good at it, freelancing could even become your full-time career. Upwork allows you to build a profile in your specific niche, then apply to freelance jobs that range from one-off projects to roles that last for months or even longer. Companies can also contact you directly with job offers if they think you might be a good fit.
Every job seeker needs a LinkedIn profile because it is the first social media site potential employers will search to learn more about you. Many employers also post jobs directly to LinkedIn. Making frequent use of this site can help you network in your field, get to know the corporate culture at places where you might work and access thought leadership from people who know your industry.
FlexJobs
The COVID-19 pandemic gave more people than ever the chance to work from home, and many loved it. Fifty-one percent report they are more productive working from home. Working from home can eliminate a miserable commute, reduce distractions and save you time and money. So how can you find the right work-from-home role? FlexJobs is here to help by connecting you with employers who value remote work, so you never again have to beg your boss for the option.
Monster
Monster is one of the oldest, most well-known job search sites. Most employers will list their jobs on Monster, even if they’re also using other sites. Monster is more than just job listings, though. It also publishes job-related research to empower a more intelligent job search and offers an exceptionally good application tracking platform.
Indeed
Like Monster, Indeed is an established and respected job search engine that most employers know and use. It features application support, informational articles, application tracking and job recommendations based on your stated interests and application history.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter promises to help employers find the right candidate for the job based on a complex artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. Employees also benefit from this algorithm, with customized recommendations and an intelligent job search platform. You can also track your application and automate portions of the job search process to save time and stress.
Google Careers
Google is the most popular search engine for a reason. It does what it promises to do, making it easy to find whatever you’re looking for. The same is true of the Google Careers platform. Easily locate jobs in your field, geographic region or at a specific company, then apply directly. You can also read company reviews and gain quick insights into the company, all on a single platform. Save multiple tailored copies of your resume, then upload them to each job listing.
SNU continues to support you beyond graduation with job search support and professional networking opportunities. However, the quest to find a job after college should begin well before graduation. It’s never too early to start working on your application materials. Check out our helpful infographic, “How to Create the Perfect Resume.”
