With these ever-changing times, you may find yourself wondering what to do next when it comes to your career or securing a graduate or professional school option.
Carve out time to dedicate to your job/internship search. Make sure your resume, cover letter and social media profiles are updated. Find out what industries have the most need.
Handshake – a comprehensive system providing both students access to employment opportunities, scheduling on-campus interviews and company profiles. To Log into Handshake (my.drake.edu, then click on Handshake logo, use Single Sign On login). Complete your student profile in order to maximize employers finding you in their search. Click on Jobs then narrow search by entering keywords, companies or even “remote” or click on Employers to learn more and to follow to be notified about openings.
Check out the Handshake blog for more tips: https://learn.joinhandshake.com/students/
500 Companies Hiring on Handshake Right Now: https://learn.joinhandshake.com/students/hiring-on-handshake-500/
DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity: https://www.diversityinc.com/the-2020-top-50-diversityinc/
LinkedIn list of organizations hiring to meet coronavirus demands:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/news/heres-whos-hiring-right-now-4525187/
Candor (https://candor.co/hiring-freezes/) – Status of companies hiring or that have hiring freezes
The Muse (https://www.themuse.com/advice/companies-hiring-during-coronavirus-covid-19)
LinkedIn article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heres-whos-hiring-right-now-andrew-seaman/
www.careerbuilder.com - This is for all majors and includes tools, resources and local listings
www.glassdoor.com - This is for all majors and has reviews, ratings and some sample interviews questions
www.indeed.com - This is one of the top sites and you can upload your resume, get job alerts
www.ziprecruiter.com - This one incorporates technology based on your job preferences
LinkedIn – You can search for jobs or go to the companies you are interested in to see open position. Use hashtags to help search like #NowHiring or #GetHired.
www.collegerecruiter.com - These are aimed for current students and recent graduates in a variety of fields.
Chegg – Internships and career advice https://www.internships.com/
www.simplyhired.com - Variety of job openings listed
www.slack.com - Variety of job openings listed
https://www.healthcarejobsite.com/
https://jobs.prsa.org/ - For Public Relations positions.
https://www.usajobs.gov/ - Students seeking positions with the federal government
www.schoolspring.com - Students seeking teaching positions K – 12.
https://gigs.indeed.com/ - Search for remote and project based positions
Major Specific
www.dice.com - These are typically positions that are more tech – related.
www.ihirepharmacy.com - These are for roles in Pharmacy
www.coolworks.com - These positions are focused in natural parks, ranches and have internships/jobs.
Search professional association websites’ job boards
Search company websites.
1. Update your LinkedIn account, research companies and groups that are of interest to you. Click here for tips for creating a stellar profile.
a. Join LinkedIn groups
b. Send customized messages to companies/people that you would like to connect with
2. Connect with alumni groups on Facebook/instagram, especially if you’re a senior. There are often alumni groups for specific geographical areas such as Chicago, Minneapolis, Texas, etc.
a. Reach out to your Career Coordinator if you are searching in specific areas and we will do our best to assist you.
3. Volunteer. If you’re able at companies you’re interested in and/or companies that you could value to and/or gain skills.
4. Attend virtual events, fairs, webinars that are available to you with employers. Ask questions, be actively engaged when you’re able to with those events.
5. Explore Reddit. Reddit offers topics and advice on everything including job searches, networking, working remotely, side hustles and any other topic you are interested in. Keep in mind Reddit is used by all.
The following job boards specialize in remote jobs and internships.
The following resources will help you develop the skills you need to work remotely.
Research the company. Go beyond the company's mission and vision on their website. Check online resources for articles about the industry or the specific organization in publications. Talk with people who work for the organization and people in your network including Drake alumni.
Research the position. Know and understand the position for which you are applying. The more you know about the position and all it entails, the better prepared you will be. Be ready to provide relevant, detailed examples of your work, education, and community engagement matching your skills with those necessary to succeed in the position.
Select your location carefully. A quiet, distraction-free, room with a neutral background is best. Notify others around you that you will be interviewing and should not be interrupted. Ensure your face is well lit. Avoid bright lighting behind you. The best location for your webcam is at eye-level. Try setting your laptop on a stack of books.
Present yourself professionally. Dress professionally, just as you would for an in-person interview. Be mindful of your body language. Make eye contact with the camera instead of focusing only on your computer.
Test your network connection. Confirm your audio and video are clear and your WiFi connection is strong. If possible connect through a router with a network cable. You can test this with Career Services staff or friends.
Minimize interruptions. Close out of other computer programs prior to the interview. Turn off your cell phone.
Send a thank you note. Be sure to get your interviewer's contact information and send a note within 48 hours.
Drake’s Career Services office is pleased to offer students a free training system that features a new and innovative way to help prepare more effectively for a job interview.
Big Interview is an online system that combines training AND practice to help improve interview techniques and build confidence.
Big Interview offers a variety of tools including:
• Challenging, virtual mock interviews for all experience levels and hundreds of industries
• A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them
• The ability to rate and share your interview answers for feedback
• A comprehensive video training curriculum covering all aspects of landing a job
• A step-by-step interview Answer Builder for crafting answers to behavioral questions
• A Resume builder and Resume Curriculum
HOW TO REGISTER
STEP 1: Go to https://drake.biginterview.com/ and click "Register".
STEP 2: Enter your Drake email address, name, and password, and click “Create my Account”
STEP 3: Log in and start using Big Interview.
Here is a short video if you need help with registration.
Find a student guide to Big Interview here.
Drake’s Career Services office is pleased to offer students a free training system that features a new and innovative way to help prepare more effectively for a job interview.
Big Interview is an online system that combines training AND practice to help improve interview techniques and build confidence.
Big Interview offers a variety of tools including:
HOW TO REGISTER
STEP 1: Go to https://drake.biginterview.com/ and click "Register".
STEP 2: Enter your Drake email address, name, and password, and click “Create my Account”
STEP 3: Log in and start using Big Interview.
Here is a short video if you need help with registration.
From building skills to gaining new experiences this (not-comprehensive) list provides ideas that could make you more marketable to employers by emphasizing the competencies and True Blue Skills you are gaining.
Learn new skills
Building a new skill (or two) over the summer will show an employer your ingenuity, adaptability and innovation (depending upon the skill!) Where to start:
Take a class
In addition to the opportunity to take classes at Drake, which could add some needed credit hours, there are many free classes available on basic topics such as how to be a more creative thinker, to the more complex such as artificial intelligence.
Skill building resources:
Comprehensive list of accreditation programs in marketing and social media are here
LinkedIn Learning (https://www.linkedin.com/learning/me)
MS Excel (Microsoft is offering discounted Excel training program for a limited time)
Free courses through Coursera, Codecademy
Here are 10 Things to do this Summer to get ready for the Workforce
Summer is the best time to evaluate your toolkit and reflect on how you want employers and others to recognize your personal brand.
1. Clean up your social media profiles
According to a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey, 84% of companies use social media to find candidates. Make sure you don’t have anything publicly available that could damage your chances at securing a job.
2. Create a personal website or blog
Sharing a consistent output of professionally relevant work on social media channels will help show employers you’re a serious candidate. It also helps you project your personal brand online.
3. Learn what motivates you—and be able to articulate it
Motivation is listed as an attribute that employers see most lacking in new hires. Practice articulating what drives you!
4. Network as much as possible
Networking is a time-tested way to get hired. Don’t shy away from meeting online—ask for a 15 minute online “coffee” to get started!
5. Work with your mentor
Don’t have a mentor? Find one this summer! Who has impressed you with their work in your field of study? When you find a mentor ask them for regular check-ins and over the summer.
6. Line up your professional references and consult with them
Check in with the people who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Make sure they know what you have been working on and the skills you are developing and mastering!
7. Develop and practice your elevator pitch
8. Tailor Resume and Cover Letter to the places you want to work
9. Line up an internship or job for fall --or even next summer!
10. Consult with Career Services
This is unfortunate and disappointing news. Please know, it is not a direct reflection on you, so try not to take it personally. Handle your response in a professional manner. You will want to send the employer a note extending your thanks for being selected for a position and that you are available to work on projects remotely if that is an option. Also include how you would like to remain in contact should any future opportunities arise.
Sample email (Customize this to make it your own.):
Thank you for notifying me of this change in status. I know this is a challenging time for everyone, employers included. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy.
I am grateful I was selected as a potential member of your team at _________ (organization). I am still very interested in joining your team. Currently, I am completing my semester at Drake University remotely and have enhanced my ability to work and communicate effectively virtually as well as my _____________ (list skills such as time management, problem solving, etc.) skills.
I would welcome the opportunity to complete projects remotely and would like to stay in touch during the coming weeks and months.
Again, thank you for communicating with me regarding the __________ (position).
Sincerely,
Best Practice Tips
Staffing/Placement Agencies
Aerotek/Aston Carter (West Des Moines) www.aerotek.com, www.astoncarter.com
Ellen Carlson – ecarlson@aerotek.com
Anna O’Gorman - anogorman@astoncarter.com
Manpower – www.manpowerdm.com
Kathy Joblinske – kathy.joblinske@manpowerdm.com or text “Manpower” to 44844 to apply.
Midwest Professional Staffing (Des Moines) www.midwestprofessionalstaffing.com
Recent openings (some are remote) Mortgage Processor, Data Entry, Customer Service, Front Desk Admin, Payroll Admin
Emily Dearchs - Emily@mwpstaffing.com
Palmer Group (Des Moines) www.thepalmergroup.com
Sophia O'Brien - sobrien@thepalmergroup.com - Office Administration and Mortgage and Banking teams or anyone open to "business-related" roles
Willow Bauer - wbauer@thepalmergroup.com – May graduates in Accounting and Finance
Deidra Meyer dmeyer@thepalmergroup.com – May graduates in IT or Data Analytics
Robert Half (various locations) www.roberthalf.com
Learning Resources
LinkedIn Learning (https://www.linkedin.com/learning/me) –Free courses
Equity and Inclusion:
Personal Branding/Development:
College to Career:
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Collaboration
Personal Responsibility
Communication
Digital Proficiency
Leadership
Global/Intercultural Understanding
Innovation
Growth Mindset
Values Driven
For a full listing of our events, both upcoming and previously recorded, please visit our Events page.
Please let us know if we have broken links, suggest additional resources, or share ideas for future webinars by e-mailing career.services@drake.edu.