Job & Internship Search Guide

1. Where to Search for Jobs & Internships

Handshake (Best for Students & Recent Grads)

• Explore jobs and internships specifically for students.
• Connect with employers actively recruiting from your university.
• Sign up for career fairs and employer events.

CougsFirst! (Networking & Alumni Connections)

• Engage with WSU alumni and Cougar-friendly employers.
• Browse job postings from companies that value WSU students.
• Attend CougsFirst! networking events to meet potential employers.

LinkedIn (Professional Networking & Job Searching)

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters.
• Use the “Jobs” tab to find openings in your field.
• Connect with alumni and industry professionals for networking.

Indeed & Other Job Boards (Broad Search Options)

• Search for entry-level jobs and internships across industries.
• Set up job alerts to get notified of new postings.
• Filter by location, job type, and salary range.

2. Building a Strong Application

Resume & Cover Letter

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
• Write a customized cover letter that aligns with the job description.
• Proofread for errors and format consistency.

LinkedIn & Online Presence

• Keep your LinkedIn profile updated with relevant experiences.
• Engage with industry content to build your professional presence.
• Remove unprofessional content from social media.

3. Networking & Making Connections

Attend Career Events & Job Fairs

• Register for career fairs and employer meetups on Handshake.
• Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself professionally.
• Follow up with employers via email or LinkedIn.

Informational Interviews

• Reach out to alumni or industry professionals for career advice.
• Ask insightful questions about career paths and job expectations.
• Express appreciation and stay in touch.

Get Involved on Campus

• Join student organizations and professional groups.
• Gain leadership experience to boost your resume.
• Leverage campus resources like career coaching and mock interviews.

4. Preparing for the Interview

Practice & Research

• Research the company, mission, and recent news.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions.
• Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for responses.

Dress & Professionalism

• Dress appropriately for virtual or in-person interviews.
• Test video and audio settings before virtual interviews.
• Send a thank-you email after the interview.

5. Follow Up & Next Steps

Post-Application Etiquette

• Follow up 1-2 weeks after applying if you haven’t heard back.
• Express continued interest in the role.
• Be polite and professional in all communication.

Keep Applying & Stay Persistent

• Apply to multiple jobs to increase your chances.
• Stay positive and use rejections as learning experiences.
• Keep refining your resume, LinkedIn, and interview skills.

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