5 Helpful Places to Find a Job

It's officially crunch time, people.

For all you May graduates, the job search is coming in hot. I don't know about you, but I'm stressed out and anxious just thinking about it. Luckily, I've found a couple of places that make it easy to find jobs, apply to them and even network with current employees.

1. LinkedIn

This one is obvious. If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, this is your first problem. LinkedIn is basically a professional Facebook. You make an account that includes your previous experience, education information, and skills. You're able to connect with friends, family, and even employers at companies that you're interested in. You can even use it to apply to jobs. Personally, I find that applying to jobs through LinkedIn is kind of like submitting you're application into a blackhole. Each job that is listed already has at least 100 applicants. So instead, I use LinkedIn mostly to network and communicate with important people at companies that I am looking at.

2. RippleMatch

So my friend just told me about this website and I recently signed up. Similarly to LinkedIn, you make a profile that includes resume-like information. You are able to follow different companies using the "Discover" page. Companies will match with you and many times message you if they find that your skills and experience match with what they're looking for. I've only used this website for 2 days now and I have gotten 2 matches!

3. Indeed.com

I used Indeed to find many of my summer internships and I found it really helpful. You're able to put in your location and job title preferences and a long list of job applications will be available to you. Most times, you can apply right through the website. Indeed will even email you when job applications you may be interested in open up and become available, so you'll never miss one!

4. University Career Center

Universities want their graduates to have jobs after college, so they'll likely do whatever they can to help you with the search. Check your school website to see if your university has a career center. Often times, they can help you perfect your resume, practice for interviews, and even inform you about job openings that they know of. I know at my school, we have a University Career Center, but my school (the Journalism and Mass Communications School) also has their own career advisor. You can make an appointment with her and she can help you find jobs specific to your major!

5. Career Fairs

This is networking central. My university has a big career fair for all majors once a semester. The Journalism school has one career fair every spring semester. Make sure to check the dates and the list of employers that will be attending so you can find the ones you're interested in and research them beforehand. Then, get dressed up in your most professional clothing, print out several copies of your resume, and perfect your handshake. This is a great way to get to know employees at several companies and find out more about what positions they have available.