You’ve been collecting knowledge, experiential learning, work experiences, and career readiness skills—it's time to spread your wings and fly!
Applying for your first full-time job after college can be both exciting and frustrating. The process takes a lot of self-reflection, determination, and resilience as you put your network into action and apply for the next step in your career journey. When you're ready to start your search for a full-time position, the University Career Center is here to help with reviewing your documents, job search strategies, practice interviews, employer connections and more.
Check out some of our favorite job search resources or schedule an appointment with one of our career coaches.
Check out our LinkedIn Learning Paths for help with everything from building your network to negotiating your salary
Best Places to Work Lists
Don’t know where to start looking? See who other people say are the best workplaces and why.
- Handshake curated lists — See the employers who love to hire Ducks on Handshake...
- Best Places to Work
- Disability Equality Index
- America’s Best Employers For Diversity
- Corporate Equality Index
- 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon
Preparing for the Full-Time Job Search
Reflection work:
- Goals, interests, transferrable skills, and know your “why”
- VitaNavis — Tool that uses the SuperStrong assessment to match your personality and interests with educational and career pathways
Research companies, industries, and job roles of interest:
- Learn about duties, outlook, trends, workplace culture, company’s mission
- How to Spot an Entry-Level opportunity after Graduation
- Reach out to alumni and soft leads for Informational Interviews
- Attend Career & Internship Expos and alumni networking events like Casual Career Chats
Tailored résumé and cover letter:
- Tailoring helps you align your skills, experiences, and interests with specific opportunities
- Highlight transferrable skills throughout your résumé so that employers can see your capabilities and work ethic
- Create a cover letter that tells a story about your experiences, skills, or work ethic
- 3 Ways to Become a Better Candidate… Before Even Applying
- Learn more about résumés and cover letters
Network:
- Create a LinkedIn profile
- Find people you know who can support you and share their connections: friends, family, professors, co-workers, supervisors
- Reach out to alumni
- Get to know other students and campus leaders through clubs and organizations
- Meet other industry professionals through alumni groups, local young professional networks, chamber of commerce, industry related professional organizations (many have student discounts and membership databases great for informational interviewing)