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The Job Application Process

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Entering the Workforce

So, you’re ready to enter the ranks of the working world for the first time. Congratulations! Ease your transition into the workforce with this Web guide, which will tell you where to find internships and summer jobs, pick up tips for the job application process, find advice for that first job and even get help on finding a job without a college degree. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.

Transitioning from School to Work

The transition from school to the working world can be difficult. You have to wake up early, ... read more »

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

Many entry-level jobs require not only a degree, but also a year or two of work experience. If your ... read more »

The Job Application Process

Self-promotion may seem narcissistic and pretentious, but it’s vital in the working world. Once you’ve targeted potential employers, you’ll have to encapsulate your life in a one-page resume, spotlight your strengths during interviews and shamelessly network to get a job. Use the sites below to research organizations and figure out where you might want to work, and learn how to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • A common mistake of those looking for their first jobs is to rely completely on job search engines like Monster and Craigslist. Although these are good places to start, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Your first job may very well be found through a person you know, not a Web site you visit.

Dulcinea's Picks

For help with resumes, cover letters and interviews …
CollegeGrad.com has a wide variety of resources for the college grad looking for work. Use the “Preparation” section on the left sidebar to find links on how to create an entry-level resume, write cover letters and prepare for an interview. Each topic comes with lots of concrete examples and checklists.
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JobWeb has interview and resume tips for new college graduates. Browse the linked articles to find specific topics of interest.
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Wise Bread , a community of bloggers, has a valuable entry entitled “How to answer 23 of the most common interview questions,” written by an advertising copywriter. Look for such gems as “What motivates you to do a good job?” and “What’s your biggest weakness?” Some of the tips primarily apply to people who have already held a job, but you should be able to glean some useful information.
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For job networking …
Get Out Today provides “8 Networking Tips” that help you access those jobs that aren’t advertised. Though there may be some grammatical errors scattered throughout the article, the information is valuable.
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LinkedIn is a popular site that allows you to connect with old classmates, potential colleagues and other professionals and get advice. That senior you took notes for as a freshman might want to return the favor and get you an interview. Set up a profile for free and start searching.
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Jobster is a search engine and networking site in one. Create a profile, add "tags" (keywords) to your profile and network with other users.
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Starting Your First Job

Even though your first job probably won’t be your last, you still want to be happy, enjoy ... read more »

Getting a Job Without a College Degree

There’s no question that, on average, those with college degrees make more money in the long ... read more »

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