2021 Career Services Guide

Finding a Job
Starting the job search can feel overwhelming, but once you clarify your goals, break the process into
smaller pieces, and track your progress, it can become more manageable.
1. Identify Your Goals
It’s difficult to hit a target if you don’t know where you’re aiming, so it’s important to take some time to
clarify what you’re shooting for.
Action Items:
3 Make a list of target industries/companies of interest.
3 Clarify the type of work you’re looking for: Part-Time? Full-Time?
3 Completely unsure of what you want? Schedule an appointment with CP&R.
2. Do Your Research
Once you know your target, position yourself as a competitive candidate. Find out what employers are
looking for and learn to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet their needs.
Action Items:
3 Research Companies: Review their website, evaluations on glassdoor.com, news articles,
periodicals and databases. (See Researching Employers page 20.)
3 Conduct Informational Interviews or set up a job shadow with alumnae/contacts in the field.
(See Networking page 10.)
3 Search LinkedIn for people in the positions you want and learn about the skill sets they possess.
(See Your Scripps Network page 9.)
3 Use the resources available in the CP&R library.
3. Prepare Your Materials
Action Items:
3 Update your resume and cover letter, highlighting skills related to your job and industry targets.
(See Resumes and Cover Letters pages 30-42.)
3 Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect the job/industry you want to be in, including keywords
and skills desired by the employer and industries of interest to ensure you come up in their
search.
(See LinkedIn tips on pages 9 and 12.)
3 Clean up your social media! Search yourself online and make sure your accounts are
professional and/or adjust your privacy settings.
4. Discover (and Continue Building) Your Network
80% of people find jobs through networking so a crucial piece of the job search is to let your contacts
know what you’re looking for.
Action Items:
3 Review “Networking” on pages 10-11.
3 Share your goals and job search objectives in a short message to your contacts.
3 Reach out to Scripps alumnae and families to set up informational interviews. (See your Scripps
network page 9.)
3 Join professional associations for industries of interest and attend networking events.
(Ask about student membership rates, scholarships, or volunteer opportunities.)
3 Join Scripps groups on Facebook; regional groups often produce job leads.
18 / INTERNSHIPS AND JOBS