The current job market is challenging, which means you need to cast a wide net and approach your job search with consistency and dedication.
Think about short term work options where you can gain experience before landing that FT entry level role.
Treat your job search like a part-time job, aiming to submit 5–10 resumes per week. Engage in networking, consider micro internships (projects) and register with temp agencies.
Organization & Follow-Up
- Track Your Applications
Keep a spreadsheet of where you’ve sent resumes, including the company name, position title, date applied, and follow-up actions. - Follow Up
If possible, follow up on each application one week after submission. Use this opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the position and the company.
Managing Rejections
- Don’t Take It Personally
It’s common not to hear back—even when you’re a perfect fit. Many companies don’t send rejection letters. This happens to everyone, so try not to get discouraged. - Stay Positive
You only need one successful match. Keep that in mind and stay motivated.
Resumes & Cover Letters
- Cover Letters
Always send a cover letter with your resume, unless the job posting explicitly states otherwise. - Professional Review
Have both your resume and cover letter reviewed by a professional. This ensures they’re polished and will pass through screening systems.- Resources: Check with Career Services of your academic institutions (undergrad and/or graduate) for support.
- Engage with a private career counselor.
Consider Higher Education Opportunities as a Starting Point
- Start in Academia
For example, if health care is your interest, many universities hire Staff Research Associates and similar roles in research or healthcare settings. - Job Board
An excellent resource is:
🔗 HigherEdJobs
You can filter by state and job type.
Exploring Short-Term Work Opportunities
If you’re looking to gain experience, build your resume, or earn income while exploring long-term options, there are flexible ways to jumpstart your career without committing to a traditional full-time role right away. Two great options are signing up with temporary staffing agencies and exploring micro-internships.
Signing Up with Temporary Agencies
Temporary staffing agencies—often called “temp agencies”—can be a great way to get your foot in the door, earn income quickly, and explore different industries. These agencies connect job seekers with short-term positions that range from administrative and customer service roles to light industrial or specialized work. Some temporary assignments even turn into full-time jobs if the employer is impressed with your work.
To get started, research reputable staffing agencies in your area or industry. Some well-known national firms include:
- Adecco – https://www.adeccousa.com
- Randstad – https://www.randstadusa.com
- Manpower – https://www.manpower.com
- Kelly Services – https://www.kellyservices.com
Most agencies will ask you to complete an application, attend an interview, and possibly take a few skills assessments. After you’re registered, they’ll reach out when matching opportunities become available based on your experience and availability.
Tip: Be professional and responsive, even for short-term roles—many employers use temp assignments as a way to “try out” potential long-term hires.
Note About Micro-Internships: Project Based Work
Micro-internships are short-term, paid, professional projects that typically last from a few days to a few weeks. They allow you to gain meaningful work experience and build your portfolio—without the need for a full-semester internship or long-term commitment. These opportunities are especially useful for students, career changers, or anyone exploring a new field.
One leading platform for micro-internships is Parker Dewey, which connects job seekers with real-world, paid projects in areas like:
- Marketing and social media
- Research and data analysis
- Business strategy
- Writing and editing
- Human resources
These projects are often remote and flexible, making them ideal for busy schedules or side experience.
Visit: https://www.parkerdewey.com
Tip: Always approach micro-internships professionally—clear communication, meeting deadlines, and quality work can leave a strong impression and lead to further opportunities.
Job Fairs & Events
- Attend Job Fairs
If you are a college/university student, make sure to attend all job fairs hosted by your institution and other local organizations. These are great networking opportunities and can lead to valuable connections. If you are out of college, check with your former institution to see if alumni can attend.
Networking Tips
Informational Interviews
- Set a Goal
Aim to schedule 2–3 informational interviews per month. - Use LinkedIn
Connect with professionals in your field. Don’t get discouraged if responses are delayed—many people check LinkedIn infrequently. - What to Ask
During the conversation, inquire about:- Their career path
- What they enjoy and find challenging in their work
- Tips for entering the field
✅ Important: Don’t make the conversation about asking for a job—keep it focused on learning and building relationships.
General Job Boards (Good for All Industries)
These have wide listings, including many entry-level roles.
- Indeed – indeed.com
- Huge database, good filters for “entry level” or “no experience.”
- Can filter by salary, remote, full-time, etc.
- LinkedIn Jobs – linkedin.com/jobs
- Great for networking and applying directly with a polished profile.
- Many jobs tagged “Entry Level” or “Internship.”
- Google Jobs – Search “entry level [role]” in Google
- Aggregates listings from multiple sites.
- Filter by location, employer, date posted, etc.
- ZipRecruiter – ziprecruiter.com
- Streamlined application process.
- Often pulls jobs that aren’t listed elsewhere.
🎓 Recent Grads
These platforms specialize in internships, apprenticeships, and early career roles.
- Handshake – joinhandshake.com
- Partnered with many colleges/universities.
- Designed specifically for students and new grads.
- WayUp – wayup.com
- Entry-level jobs and internships across industries.
- Good for undergrads and recent graduates.
- College career portals
- Most universities have a dedicated job board (e.g., Symplicity, Handshake, or a custom portal).
- Often includes exclusive postings from employers seeking fresh talent.
Experienced Profesionals
For experienced professionals (as well as entry level applicants), here are some job-search sites along with their website addresses:
General Job Portals
- LinkedIn Jobs – linkedin.com
- Indeed – indeed.com
- Glassdoor – glassdoor.com
- Monster – monster.com
- SimplyHired – simplyhired.com
Focus Aligned 