Networking is key. Many job opportunities are not listed online, and personal connections can be crucial. Reach out to alumni, professors, classmates, and professionals in the field on LinkedIn. Informational interviews can help you get a feel for industries you’re interested in, and you might even uncover hidden opportunities.

Attend networking events, both virtual and in-person, or join professional organizations related to your field. Build relationships with industry professionals—this is often how many connections leading to job offers are made.

Avoid a one-size-fits-all resume. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each specific role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences (even class projects or volunteer work) that are aligned with the job description.

Use keywords from the job listing to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and get noticed by hiring managers.

Use your resources to support you with building and tailoring your materials:

• Resumes and Cover Letters – Career Center
• The Mines Strategy

If full-time roles aren’t available yet, consider internships, freelance projects, or contract/temp work. Short-term positions allow you to gain experience, build your portfolio, and expand your network, which might lead to permanent roles. Some sources include:

• Upwork | The World’s Work Marketplace
• Fiverr | Freelance services marketplace | Find top global talent
• Toptal – Hire Freelance Talent from the Top 3%
• GigSmart | Hire Gig Workers | On Demand Hiring Platform

Even unpaid internships or volunteer positions can help you build skills and make you more marketable for future jobs. Some sources include:

• https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Work-With-Us/Volunteer-Opportunities
•  https://www.idealist.org/en

If you’re finding that you’re not meeting the qualifications for certain roles, consider learning new skills or earning relevant certifications. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses in areas like coding, digital marketing, data analysis, etc.

Consider learning tools or software that are commonly used in your industry—such as Excel, Adobe Suite, programming languages, or specific design tools. Sample sources include:

• • https://www.coursera.org/
  • https://grow.google/certificates/
  • https://aws.amazon.com/certification/
  • https://www.edx.org/
  • https://www.udemy.com/
  • https://www.comptia.org/

If you’re finding that you’re not landing your ideal role right away, be open to entry-level or even roles outside your major. These positions can still offer relevant experience and help you gain industry exposure.

Many employers are willing to train new hires, especially in fields like marketing, IT, and business, so don’t feel like you need to land your “dream job” immediately.

If you’re getting interviews but not offers, it might be helpful to practice. Mock interviews with friends, family, faculty, and Career and Professional Development Advisors in the Career Center can help you feel more confident and comfortable when it’s time to talk about your qualifications.

Be sure to research the company thoroughly before the interview and prepare thoughtful questions to ask. Focus on showcasing not only your qualifications but your enthusiasm for the role and company.

Job hunting can be mentally and emotionally draining, so it’s important to take care of your mental health. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, whether that’s exercising, socializing, reading, or meditating.

Celebrate small wins, like securing an interview or getting positive feedback. This will help maintain your motivation and energy levels.

Seek out support during your job search through the Career Center. Career advisors are available year round, and offer occasional job search groups.

If you’re only searching for jobs in one specific geographic area, you might want to expand your search. Be open to moving to different cities or even considering remote work, especially with the rise of virtual job opportunities.

Relocating or accepting remote positions can open up many more doors, especially in industries with higher job demands.

Rejection is tough, but don’t take it personally. Use it as an opportunity to learn. If you can, ask for feedback after an interview. This will help you understand areas for improvement and refine your approach for future opportunities.

If you’re struggling to find paid opportunities, consider volunteering or working on independent projects. These experiences can help you gain practical skills and give you tangible examples to talk about in future interviews. Sample sources include:

• • https://opensource.google/projects
  • https://opensource.microsoft.com/projects/

Consider building a portfolio, especially if you’re in a creative or tech-based field, by taking on personal projects that showcase your skills and initiative.

Understand that the job search process is rarely quick, and expect some challenges. Set realistic expectations about how long it might take and how many applications you’ll need to submit before finding the right fit.

Reach out to your mentors, professors, or the Career Center for advice and support. They might have valuable insight into the industry, job leads, or even specific connections that can help.