COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

Finding and applying for jobs

Job searching can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to simplify the process and provide valuable resources to support you. This page is designed to guide you through each step, offering tips on discovering open positions, working with staffing agencies and recruiters, and managing your well-being during the search. Explore strategies for finding the right job, and access additional tools to help you succeed.

You will have several jobs in your lifetime. Some jobs might be just for the paycheck. Other jobs are an important part of your career journey. Landing a great internship is also important to your career journey. Either way, the search process starts before you click that first “apply” button. 

The first step to finding the right position for you is to know yourself and your motivations.

  • Notice your strengths, personal characteristics, values, transferable skills, and other attributes that you might bring to your new job. Take a career assessment to get to know yourself better.
  • Know what type of job or internship you want and why you want that position. What do you want to learn, contribute to or influence through your work?
  • Think about how this job search fits into your career development. Spend time getting to know yourself. Explore your possibilities to help you make decisions and set goals.
  • Share ideas about your job search with people close to you, mentors, advisors or a career coach. You never know who may have insights or resources to connect you to your next job.

After reviewing all these tips and resources, are you still seeking one-on-one support? Don’t worry, CEHD Career Services is here for you! Attend a 15-minute drop-in appointment (just show up!), or schedule a 60-minute appointment with a Career Services team member anytime you need to talk about your career ideas.

    5 Tips to Find Open Positions

    5 Tips to find open positions

    1. Check out our resource pages for finding an internship and/or job search sites.
    2. Update your Handshake profile so employers know what opportunities you are looking for. Use Handshake to find on-campus career events or schedule an on-campus interview.
    3. Consider your current networking plan. A strong network of connections is critical in any stage of your career. Networking doesn’t have to be scary! To learn about making connections and setting up informational interviews with employers and/or alumni, check out our networking video and resources page.
    4. Sign up for the Maroon and Gold Network to connect with alumni from CEHD and other UMN programs. Ask alumni how they started their careers or find out about the culture in a specific company or organization. 
    5. Looking for a short-term opportunity to gain more experience? Consider applying for a micro-internship or career project through the Maroon & Gold Network or Parker-Dewey.
    Staffing agencies and recruiters

    Staffing agencies and recruiters

    These professionals serve as valuable intermediaries, connecting talented individuals like you with a myriad of employment opportunities across various sectors, including education, counseling, social work, and more.

    What is a staffing agency?

    A staffing agency, also known as a recruitment agency or employment agency, is a company that helps match job seekers with employers seeking to fill temporary, contract, or permanent positions. These agencies typically have a pool of candidates with various skills and experiences, and they work closely with employers to understand their staffing needs and find suitable candidates to fill their job openings. The goal of a staffing agency is to make the job search process more efficient and effective for both job seekers and employers. 

    Staffing agencies can specialize in various industries or job types, including education, health care, technology, finance, and more. They serve as intermediaries between job seekers and employers, facilitating the hiring process by sourcing, screening, and presenting qualified candidates to their clients.

    Why Partner with Staffing Agencies and Recruiters?

    1. Access to Hidden Opportunities: Staffing agencies and recruiters often have exclusive access to job openings that may not be advertised through conventional channels. By leveraging their networks and industry connections, you can gain insight into hidden opportunities that align with your career aspirations.
    2. Tailored Job Matches: Recruiters take the time to understand your unique skills, qualifications, and career goals. This personalized approach allows them to match you with positions that not only meet your criteria but also offer opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
    3. Streamlined Job Search Process: Instead of navigating the job market alone, partnering with staffing agencies and recruiters streamlines the job search process. From resume refinement to interview preparation, they provide guidance and support at every stage, empowering you to present your best self to potential employers.

    How to Get Started:

    1. Research and Select Reputable Agencies: Begin by researching reputable staffing agencies and recruiters specializing in your desired industry or job type. Look for agencies with a track record of success and positive reviews from both candidates and employers.
    2. Polish Your Resume and Portfolio: Highlight any relevant certifications, internships, or volunteer work that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
    3. Schedule Consultations: Reach out to selected staffing agencies to schedule initial conversations. Be prepared to discuss your career goals, preferences, and any specific requirements you have for your ideal job (salary, location, permanent/contract, etc.).
    4. Stay Engaged and Responsive: Once you're actively working with a staffing agency or recruiter, maintain open communication and be responsive to their outreach. Keep them updated on your availability, preferences, and any changes to your job search criteria.
    Self-care while job searching

    Self-care while job searching

    Job searching can often be accompanied by stress, self-doubt, and uncertainty. Amidst the flurry of applications, interviews, and networking events, it's essential to prioritize your well-being. Neglecting your well-being during this time can lead to burnout and hinder your ability to present yourself effectively to potential employers. 

    Job Search Wellness Tips

    1. Establish a Routine: Maintain a structured daily routine that includes dedicated time for job searching, networking, and self-care activities. Setting aside specific hours for job-related tasks can help prevent overworking and ensure you have time for other aspects of your life.
    2. Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries around your job search activities to prevent them from overwhelming other areas of your life. Designate specific times and spaces for job-related tasks and avoid checking emails or browsing job boards outside of these boundaries.
    3. Take Breaks: It's important to take regular breaks during your job search to avoid burnout. Schedule short breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus your energy. Use this time to engage in activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time outdoors.
    4. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your routine, whether it's going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym. Exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but also helps reduce stress and improve mood.
    5. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, can help reduce stress and increase your ability to stay present and focused. Consider integrating mindfulness practices into your job search routine to cultivate a sense of calm, clarity, and centeredness.
    6. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or a mentor for support during your job search. Sharing your experiences and concerns with others can provide valuable perspective and emotional encouragement.

    Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's essential for your overall well-being and long-term success. By prioritizing self-care during your job search, you'll not only enhance your resilience and well-being but also position yourself for success in your career search.

    For additional support and resources related to career development and self-care, please don't hesitate to make an appointment with a career coach. 

    Mental Health Resources

    • If you are experiencing a crisis, you can call the U of M Crisis Line at 612-301-4673 (available 24/7), U of M Textline 24/7 by texting “UMN” to 61222.
    • Let’s Talk is a program that provides informal virtual and in person drop-in consultations for U of M students throughout the academic year. A more in depth description of Let’s Talk’s web page lists its hours, additional locations, and counselor bios. Note: Let’s Talk is not a substitute for formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment, but counselors can listen to specific problems, provide support, help explore solutions and give information about other resources.
    • MentalHealth@UMN: By answering a few anonymous questions, MentalHealth@UMN will connect you to the most relevant services available.
    • Student Counseling Services: Reach out for trusted counselor support, self-help materials, and specialized content for marginalized identities. 
    • BeWELL: Emotional, physical, social, societal, and workplace wellbeing all go hand in hand. BeWELL provides the health sciences student community with the tools and experiences to be resilient and overcome hardships to develop and maintain wellbeing.
    • Learn to Live: Complete self-guided, online therapy for stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Access for free with code UMN.
    • Effective U: Learn ways to manage all aspects of college life through self-paced resources and tutorials.
    • Care Program: Get connected to resources specific to your academic and wellbeing success.
    Additional job resources

    Additional job search resources

    Job search plans

    1. Make a folder in a virtual storage space (i.e. Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to store your resumes, cover letters, saved position descriptions, and other job search materials. This way, you have all your materials organized in one centralized location. You can make a subfolder for each position you apply for.
      1. Current students can use the Google Drive associated with their “umn.edu” email for as long as they are a UMN student.
      2. Graduating seniors and alumni can choose a virtual storage space that you will have access to for as long as you need it.
    2. Design a job search log, database or document to track which positions you have applied for, when you connect with your networking contacts, and when you plan to follow up. Include the name of the organization, contact person, method of application, date and status. Update this document every time you act on a job lead and communicate with your network.

    Job search websites

    Multiple career areas & employer types

    • Handshake – University of Minnesota’s job and internship platform. Employers and job postings are vetted
    • Employment at the University of Minnesota system – Current U of M employment opportunities at all campuses and locations, including student employment
    • List of inclusive job boards - CEHD Staff curated list of job boards focusing on being BIPOC friendly, Neurodivergent Friendly, LGBTQ+ Friendly, Remote Work, etc.
    • CareerOneStop – Search various jobs in public, private and nonprofit organizations in the United States
    • Care.com – Apply to social service, personal care, and child care hourly and contract positions

    Public/government jobs

    • Government Jobs – Various types of state, county and city postings from all over the United States
    • Govt Jobs – Various types of government jobs in US states and local public sectors
    • Go Government – career exploration resources for federal jobs
    • USAJobs – Various job types and locations for federal jobs
    • Jobs with the State of Minnesota – Various types of positions located across the state

    Health & wellness jobs

    International jobs

    Sports & recreation positions