Whether searching for an internship, co-op, or full-time position, the job search is not an entirely linear experience. However, it does involve a process of stages you can expect in order to prepare and carry out a successful search. 

Once you are familiar with the preparation guidelines and stages of the search process, check out tools and resources to support your search criteria and parameters. 

 

 

Guidelines

Set clear expectations and goals. Design and revisit your career plan often as you embark on your search. It is essential to identify outcomes and process through the steps to achieve a desired end result.

Organization is key to your search. Stay organized and be methodical by documenting each position you apply to: 

  • the role
  • the company
  • the timeframe of each interaction in the application process

TIP | Keep all information organized in one place, such as Excel or Google docs and update regularly. 

> Online Resource | The Muse - My Job Search Tracker Google sheet

The search process takes time. You can typically expect a 3 - 6 month search process if you are proactively progressing in the steps of the process outlined below. 

Carve out time in your daily schedule solely for the search so you can search for opportunities, document next steps, follow-up with company contacts, and further tailor application material. 

Quality applications and materials will set you apart from other applicants. Tailor your resume for your applications, prepare a customized cover letter, and find contacts to connect with at the organizations you are most curious about. 

Investment of the time and energy to customize your materials for specific companies and roles as well as making direct connections at those organizations will be much more effective and efficient than quick applying to a high volume of positions.

Actively communicate at each stage of the search process. Whether preparing your elevator pitch for an upcoming employer information session or engaging with alumni on LinkedIn, professional and active communication plays a vital role in the search process.

While it is important to be mindful of your communication tone and frequency, consistent communication will help you to demonstrate self-initiative and stand out among other candidates. 

Refer to sample messages and communication guidelines throughout this site for guidance. 

Search Process

In order to conduct a strong search for professional experience, it's helpful to know what you're searching for. Understanding personal interests, skills, values, and identities, along with requirements and qualifications for the role and industry of choice takes time to navigate and will be essential to direct your search. 

Begin by self-assessing these areas to inform your search for an internship, co-op, or full-time position:

> Values

> Career Readiness Competencies

> Experiences

> Identities

> Skills

For additional support, schedule a Career Coaching Appointment on the topic of Major + Career Exploration or Career Decisions. 

Prepare application materials for the roles you're interested in. 

While digital profiles are not typically required when applying to internship, co-op, and full time positions, it is helpful to establish a digital presence. 

  • LinkedIn 
  • e-Portfolio, GitHub, or other digital spaces that provide a sample or summary or your work

> Online Resources | Application Materials + Interview Prep

> Drop-In Career Coaching

  • Resume Assistance
  • Cover Letter Assistance
  • LinkedIn + Personal Branding Assistance

While it is fine to conduct a broad search, it is helpful to identify some parameters or criteria by which to focus your search. 

Consider focusing on a particular industry, role type, or location. This will help you

  • Concisely articulate your interests to others who may hope to help with your search
  • Market yourself to the employers you are interested in
  • Stay organized
  • Identify the most effective tools and resources for your search

TIP | Focus on more more than 10 - 15 organizations at one time.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Position descriptions only reveal a snapshot of information about the company or organization to which you may apply. Do your research in order to identify industries, organizations, and locations you want to target! 

Seek information such as

Industries

  • Industry outlook
  • Sample hiring organizations
  • Sample job titles
  • Location hubs
  • Routes to entry (e.g. security clearance, degree types)

Companies

  • Mission and values
  • Products and services
  • Organizational culture
  • Awards and achievements
  • Locations
  • Job titles
  • Parent companies and subsidiaries
  • Hiring practices for CPT, OPT work authorizations  

> International Students

> Identity-Based Resources 

> CDCR Career Events | Speak with company representatives at Employer Events, Career Fairs, 
    and Industry Days 

> Online Resources | Internship, Co-op, Job Search

 

Networking, more casually known as "building connections" or "relationship-ing" is essential in a job search. It is the active process of learning about and getting to know others with career interests in mind. 

Talk with people you know, attend CDCR recruiting events, and reach out to possible connections to learn about trends, perspectives, and opportunities in your desired field. 

Building connections is something that occurs continuously during your career as an Auburn Engineering student and throughout your life. Thus, it is not a linear step in the job search process but a tool to proactively and strategically engage as you explore and learn about possibilities, as well as to target your search and apply. 

> Networking Guidelines and Opportunities
> Career Conversations

> International Students
> Identity-Based Resources 

> Online Resources | Networking
> Drop-In Career Coaching

Once you've engaged in the preceding stages of the job search process, you're ready to apply and interview! 

CUSTOMIZE
As you identify job roles for which you plan to apply, you will use the job descriptions to customize your resume and cover letter materials uniquely to each position. This helps the artificial intelligence within Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) move your materials forward for review by human eyes. Next, it helps a reader to quickly and easily see how you are uniquely qualified for the job. 

APPLY 

Once your materials are customized and you have gathered any additional requested materials, submit your application! 

WAIT

Wait, what?

This is the stage you may not think about much until you arrive here. There are so many pieces involved in the preparation stage that are within your control and then once you submit the application, you rely on someone else to respond. 

What can you do while you wait? 

INTERVIEW

Congratulations! The wait is over after submitting your application and you've been invited to an interview. 

WAIT

Again? 

You will have done your part to prepare for and positively represent your candidacy at the interview. Now, it's time to wait for a response. 

What can you do while you wait? 

    • Don't forget to send your thank you note(s)! This is your chance to follow up immediately. 
    • Based on information shared during the interview, you will hopefully have an idea of when you can expect to hear back from the company. If that date comes and goes, it is appropriate to send a professional follow-up inquiry. 

      The Muse | Advice on when to follow up at each point in the search >> 

After navigating each stage of the job search process, you will be hopeful to receive a job offer! 

Once you receive an offer, there are a variety of factors to consider in the decision to confidently accept or decline. 

> Guidelines to Navigate Offers 

> International Students

> Online Resources | Salary Negotiation and Finances

> CDCR Career Coaching Appointments

  • Career Decisions
  • Full-Time Job Offer + Salary Negotiation
  • Navigating Engineering Co-op + Internship Offers