Job Search Guide

A job search can include many different aspects, like deciding what type of position you are seeking, preparing your professional documents and applying to opportunities. This guide will walk you through the job search process so you can be informed and prepared.

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Job Search Process

  1. Find relevant job roles and employers
  2. Network
  3. Apply for jobs
  4. Interview for jobs
  5. Negotiate (if desired)
  6. Accept job offer
  7. Onboard

Preparation 

Clarify Your Professional Goals

  • Before applying, outline what you are looking for in a job.
  • Think in terms of skills you enjoy using, not just job titles.
  • Consider location, in-person, and hybrid/remote preferences.
  • Use AI tools to brainstorm career paths, but verify with reputable sources like O*Net and BLS.

Questions to Clarify Your Direction

  • What tasks energize you?
  • What work environments help you thrive?
  • What locations or remote options fit your lifestyle?
  • What salary range aligns with your needs and market data?

AI Tricks and Tips

  • Use AI to brainstorm job titles based on your interests, coursework, values and skills.
  • Ask AI to compare two fields (e.g., marketing vs. communications) to help you clarify direction.
  • Use AI to summarize career information from sites like O*Net or BLS.
  • Generate a skills inventory by pasting in your resume or describing past experiences.

Helpful Career Information Sites

Build a Realistic Job Search Timeline

  • Competitive industries and larger companies tend to recruit early, sometimes 6-10 months before start dates.
  • Nonprofits, government, education, and smaller companies often hire closer to the start date.
  • START EARLY! It is helpful to be aware of opportunities as early as possible.
  • Network early and often.
  • Ask AI to help you build a personalized job search timeline based on your graduation date and industry.
  • Need help creating a tangible timeline? Visit a Career Counselor.

Prepare Your Professional Documents

  • Many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so keep formatting clean and simple.
  • Have a ‘master’ resume and create tailored versions for each application.
  • Paste a job description into AI and ask for keywords to include in your resume.
  • Build a digital portfolio if your field values project-based work.
  • Keep a running document of accomplishments so updating your resume is easier.
  • Need help? Visit a Career Counselor and check out our Resume Guide.

Build a Career Wardrobe

  • Visit the Career Closet in Holthusen Hall to start or add to your wardrobe for free.
  • Dress codes are dependent on your field and workplace.
  • Overall, dress professionally.
  • Look for items that can be mixed and matched (neutrals, for example) and then accessorize.
  • Thrifting is a budget-friendly way to build your wardrobe.

Search Strategies

Reactive

  • Reactive searches include responding to existing positions, such as job boards and company career pages.
  • Search job sites regularly.
  • Set up job alerts on sites such as Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job boards. Follow employers on LinkedIn to potentially see new postings early.
  • Use filters strategically to avoid being overwhelmed.
  • Use AI to compare job postings to see how they align with your goals.

Proactive

  • A proactive job search involves creating your own opportunities to gather information that is not readily available to other job seekers.
  • Attend virtual and in-person employer events. Join organizations connected to your field.
  • Use AI to help you prepare questions for conferences, webinars, or employer events.
  • Use LinkedIn to follow companies and connections; comment on posts to increase visibility. Reach out to alumni (Handshake, LinkedIn, Marquette Career Network).
Proactive: Networking
  • Keep your LinkedIn updated. It is often your first impression.
  • Use a short “intro message” when connecting with alumni or professionals.
  • Practice a 20–30 second introduction.
  • Networking can happen anywhere: classes, clubs, internships, campus events, etc.
  • Check out our Networking Guide or visit a Career Counselor for more information and help.
Proactive: Informational Interviews
  • Keep requests short and respectful.
  • Offer up a few specific days and times to meet for 15 minutes to chat about their role or industry.
  • Ask about skills the field values now (AI literacy, communication, project management, etc.).
  • Always send a thank-you message afterward.

Handshake Account

Handshake sponosred by ULINE

What is Handshake?

A career platform free for you to access as a student and alumnus.

With Handshake you can:

  • Schedule career counseling appointments
  • View job and internship opportunities relevant to your career goals
  • Receive updates from the Career Center
  • Sign up for on-campus interviews
  • Register for Marquette career fairs and other career events on campus
  • Follow and connect with your favorite employers
  • Find resources specifically matching your career interests

Getting Started

Every Marquette student has an account with Handshake. It’s easy to access your profile; just follow these steps:

  1. Access Marquette on Handshake at marquette.joinhandshake.com
  2. When prompted, continue the log in process using your Marquette username — not emaill address — and Marquette password
  3. Follow the prompts to complete personalization of your profile
  4. Once you build your profile, you will be able to make an appointment to meet with a career counselor, search for employers/jobs/internships and explore careers that interest you

Alumni

Email career.center@marquette.edu after you have set up your profile, and we will activate your account. Please be sure to use a non-Marquette University email address.

Applying for Positions

Evaluate Job Descriptions

  • Can take on many different forms. Always read these carefully.
  • Watch for keywords that signal company culture (collaborative, fast-paced, mission-driven).
  • Be cautious of postings that seem vague, overly broad, or too good to be true.
  • Use AI to highlight the most important qualifications so you know what to emphasize.

“Am I Qualified?”

  • “Required Qualifications:” If the position requires a graduate degree and you have only completed an undergraduate degree, it would be ineffective to apply when you do not meet the expectations of a successful candidate.
  • “Desired/Preferred Qualifications:” treat these like the employer is writing a wish list. If you satisfy some or most of these requirements, it may still be worth applying. The employer may be willing to provide training if they find a candidate who is otherwise a good fit.

Apply Online

  • ATS systems usually require you to enter the same information in different forms. This is tedious but complete all forms carefully.
  • Upload any documents (resume, cover letter, etc.) in PDF form. Put your name in the file name.
  • Keep a spreadsheet to track applications, deadlines, and follow-ups. Use AI to organize this for you.
  • Many systems now allow you to apply with your LinkedIn profile; still upload a resume.

Following Up

  • After about 2 weeks, you may reach out if you have not heard back.
  • A brief, polite email is enough.
  • If the posting says “no calls or emails,” honor that.

Next Steps

Interviewing

  • Practice.
  • Prepare for virtual interviews.
  • Prepare examples using the STAR method.
  • Research the company’s recent news, values, and mission.
  • Use AI to generate practice interview questions.
  • Read our extensive interview guides.
  • Practice with a Career Counselor.

Job Offer

  • Ask about remote/hybrid options, professional development, and early-career support.
  • It’s normal and expected to negotiate salary or benefits.
  • Compare the offer to your original goals.
  • Use AI to compare two offers and highlight pros/cons.
  • Need help negotiating? Meet with a Career Counselor.

Maintaining Wellness

It is easy to become overwhelmed during a job search. Take time to make sure you are living a balanced life and set boundaries for job search time vs. rest time. If you feel whole and healthy, you will put your best foot forward with potential employers. Also, celebrate small wins, not just offers!

Some resources that might help you maintain wellness are:

  • Counseling Center (Wellness + Helfaer Recreation, 4th floor)
  • Medical Clinic (Wellness + Helfaer Recreation, 2nd floor)
  • Campus Recreation (Wellness + Helfaer Recreation, 1st and 2nd floor)
  • Religious and spiritual communities
  • Identity-based centers
  • Social groups centered around shared hobbies or interests
  • Volunteer organizations
  • Campus student organizations