Step-by-Step Job Search Guide

Career Services UHCL offers a number of resources to help you succeed while you’re a student and after you graduate. Our office collaborates with program faculty and key university departments and is connected to other valuable campus resources to support you on an academic and personal level.

Remember, your job search journey doesn’t have to wait until you receive your degree; it can begin now. Not sure what to do next? Consider the steps below:

Step 1: Write Your Résumé, Cover Letter and/or CV

Typically, the first step of any job search is writing your résumé, which is a brief summary of your relevant skills and work experience. You may also want to write a cover letter, which is more detailed than a résumé and written in paragraph form. The last document to consider is the Curriculum Vitae (CV). A CV is longer and even more inclusive of your experience, skills, achievements and background.

Consider the following tips for assistance with your documents:

• UHCL Writing Center
• Résumé Writing Tips and Template (PDF)
• CV Tips and Template (PDF)
• Cover Letter Template and Sample (PDF)
• Cover Letter Tips (PDF)
• Personal Statement Tips (PDF)

Step 2: Conduct a Job Search

In many cases, it might be beneficial to conduct your job search while writing your résumé, cover letter or CV. That way, you can tailor your documents to the job you’re applying for. Another thing to consider when searching for a job is the pay or salary.

The following resources can help you conduct an effective job or internship so you can find the position that’s right for you:

• Jobs4Hawks: Full- and part-time job postings on and off campus.
• Strategic Partnerships: Employer connections, internship opportunities, and professional development programs.
• Job & Career Resources:
  • Occupational research resources: Employment websites for job listings, company reviews, and more.
  • Career videos: List (right-hand column) of career-related videos on a range of topics, including mistakes people make in interviews and strategies to ace the job search.
  • Career Articles and eBooks: Full-text access (second half of page) to more than 3,160 scholarly business journals, Eastern edition of Wall Street Journal, and more than 2,400 APA journals, in addition to access to books related to the job search, career success, etc.
• Networking Tips (PDF): Tips on building professional relationships, preparing for a networking event, managing anxiety in social settings, and more.
• NACE Job Seekers Salary Calculator: Salary information for more than 1,000 occupations in 560+ regions nationwide.
• Navigate App: Career salaries and information directly related to your major
• Avoiding Job Scams: Tips on how to spot fraudulent job offers.
• Goodwill Temporary Services: Services for people with disabilities, veterans, and others with barriers to employment.
• UHCL Counseling and Mental Health Center: Free assistance for students struggling with career decision-making as a result of stress, anxiety, depression, and other concerns.

Step 3: Prepare for the Interview

If an employer contacts you for an interview, congratulations! You’re one step closer to landing the job.

These resources can help you to look your best, exude confidence and professionalism, and ask the right questions during the interview:

• Career Closet: Free resource for students to obtain new or gently used professional attire to wear for interviews, career fairs, employment site visits, presentations, banquets, etc.
• Graduate School Interviewing Tips (PDF)
• Sample Interview Questions (PDF)
• Interviewing Tips (PDF)
• Designing Thank You Letters (PDF)

Additional Resources

The following resources can help you learn how to connect with others and develop professional skills. You can also find information on the cost of living in various parts of the country.

• Get Involved: Find campus organizations and events that appeal to your interests and will help you develop professional skills. All events organized by Career Services are promoted on the Get Involved app.
• Cost of Living Comparison Tool: Compare housing, food, utilities, transportation, and other cost of living numbers across U.S. cities.