Whether you are looking for an internship, part-time job, your first job post-graduation, or a career change, a calculated job search makes all the difference. The School of Public Health-Bloomington Career Services team is here to support you at every step of your career journey. Follow along to make yourself the most competitive candidate.
Strategic steps to job success
Step 1: Define Your Career Goals: Like many decisions we make, it is important to reflect on your needs and interests.
Step 2: Research Effectively: Finding the right opportunity requires a little homework to make sure an organization and/or position is a good fit for your needs and background.
Step 3: Build Your Application Materials: Make a strong first impression with a tailored resume and a strong cover letter.
Step 4: Leverage Tools: Use multiple platforms to find opportunities and to find and diversify opportunities.
Step 5: Network Efficiently: Networking is one of the most powerful tools for career exploration and job search. Building genuine connections with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals can help you grow as an early professional.
Step 6: Interviewing Effectively: An interview is your chance to bring your application materials to life.
Step 7: Track Your Progress: Tracking your progress can help you stay organized, manage your time effectively, and follow through with confidence.
Apply each step
Before you submit your applications, take time to reflect on:
- What industries interest you?
- What roles match your skills and values?
- Where do you want to live and work?
See where other alumni have found work and career development with Outcomes Data.
Evaluate your values, interests, personality, and skills (VIPS). You can learn more about career exploration here.
Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach for support in navigating self-evaluation and finding tools for decision-making with confidence.
Research can bring a plan into focus. Here are a few ideas on where to start your research:
Company Websites
Most organizations have an official website where you can find mission statements, statistics, current initiatives, and other useful information. Many companies will have a job board on their company website that includes additional details not included on more general job boards.
Search Engines
See if there are news stories about the organization. Have they done anything newsworthy lately? It's important to be aware of both positive and negative news stories related to the organizations you are considering.
Salary Websites
It's good to know average salaries in your industry, and, if possible, at your organization of interest. Look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook for nationwide salary statistics and sites such as Glassdoor for specific company statistics.
Informational Interviews
If you already have a connection within the company, an informational interview can help you learn about the inner workings from someone who has been there, done that—and has the inside scoop. Learn more here.
- Research current job postings and identify key skills, words, and competencies. Then align and incorporate them into your resume and cover letter. Use our Resume, CV, Cover Letter, & References for support and tools in building your application materials
- Schedule an Application Material Review Session on Handshake with a trained career coach
- Find and attend an upcoming workshop on the Career Services Events Calendar [link to page] on building application materials for your sector of study
While job boards are one of the many tools you can use to find career opportunities, they are not the only ones. Many opportunities are found through company websites, networking, and referrals.
It is also important to stay aware and alert to scams. Legitimate employers will never ask you for personal information or for payment, and always research the company and job posting before applying to protect your personal information.
Use multiple platforms to explore opportunities. Below is not an exhaustive list, and there are many more out there.
- Handshake - Handshake is IU Bloomington’s one-stop career management system, where students can search for and apply to jobs and internships.
- Interstride - Discover jobs and internships in the US and around the world. Connect with your international community. Find resources to help you level up your global career.
- LinkedIn - Network with industry professionals and apply to opportunities with companies from all over the world.
- Ascend Indiana - Find a job or internship in Indiana with personalized support.
- Glassdoor - Find employee reviews of companies, salary and benefits information, interview questions, and job postings.
- GoGovernment - Learn about the federal hiring process with tips for applying for federal jobs and career guides.
- Guidestar - Compare thousands of non-profit organizations and employers.
- Indeed - Find job postings across the web by using keywords and locations.
- TeamWork Online - Search for sports and events jobs.
- Idealist - Find volunteer work, non-profit jobs, and internships with organizations that seek to change the world.
- APHA Jobseekers - Job board for students and alumni seeking careers in public health disciplines.
- U.S.A. Jobs - Search for government jobs, get application tips, and receive veteran-specific information.
- MyVisa Jobs - Explore U.S. work visa opportunities and find your dream job in America.
Building genuine connections with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals can help you grow as an early professional. Learn more about networking on our Networking & Professionalism page.
- Why networking matters
Many jobs and internships are never advertised. Networking can help you uncover underpromoted or “hidden” opportunities. - How to start
Start with who you know. Talk with classmates, friends, family, and professors. Branch out and connect with alumni through the Indiana University Alumni Network. Joining industry-specific groups on social media and connecting with mentors can also build your network with those who are already in the field. - Tools to network
Career fairs, employer informational sessions, guest lectures, and alumni panels are great places to meet people and build connections. Learn how to ask for and conduct an informational interview to learn about the career paths taken by those in positions you want to pursue or learn more about. LinkedIn is a social networking platform that is designed for creating and maintaining professional relationships and can be a great place to start reaching out to classmates and alumni. - Need help getting started?
The SPH-B Career Services team can help you craft outreach messages, prepare for career fairs, and build your LinkedIn profile. Make an appointment or come in during drop-in hours to learn more.
Interviewing is not just about answering the interviewer’s questions, but about telling your story and learning if an opportunity is a good fit for you. Learn more below about how to prepare for and engage in a job interview on our Interviews & Offers page.
- Visit the Networking & Professionalism to learn more about professional attire, timeliness, and crafting your elevator pitch.
- Need a quiet and professional-looking place for a virtual interview? Schedule an interview room for privacy and preparation.
- During the interview, see if the company culture and goals are aligned with your own and determine if this is a place you would like to work.
- Note the names of everyone involved in the interview and write a thank-you letter to everyone within 24 hours.
Applying for jobs and/or internships can involve a lot of moving pieces, such as multiple deadlines, follow-up messages, and customized resumes. Tracking your progress can help you stay organized, manage your time effectively, and follow through with confidence.
Access the tracking template here.
If you wish to pursue designing your own template for tracking your progress, make sure to include dates and details that will help you see patterns in your interview process. For example: Are you getting interviews for jobs you want, but you don’t hear anything after the phone interview? This can indicate that your application materials are strong, but you may need to spend some time practicing your interview skills.