CONTACT US:
CLA Career Services:
135 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455 email:cclc@umn.eduphone: 612-624-7577 fax: 612-625-4832 hours:8 am - 4:30 pm, M-F
CLA Career Services are offered through
the Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC)
There are differing opinions on the best ways to find job openings. Doing a job search online is one way, but don't rely on the internet too much. A lot of jobs aren't advertised, and one of the best ways to find unadvertised jobs—or any job—is through networking. Networking is common among working professionals, but it's usually a new concept to students. See our Networking page to learn all about it.
Below are other key ways to learn about job openings:
On-campus recruiting through your college career office. (CLA students can find information about those opportunities here.)
The classified ads in big and small newspapers. Check the actual newspapers too—not all newspapers post job ads online.
Phone Tip
If you’re interested in a specific company or open position, and the job listing says “No phone calls please,” respect that.
Professional Associations in fields that interest you
Temp agencies or placement agencies
State employment service offices (e.g., Minnesota Workforce Centers)
Company HR offices: Research companies that interest you, then contact their Human Resources department to ask if they have job openings. Consider sending a resume tailored to that company or to the kind of job you’d like to have there.
About Temping
Many temp agencies have very talented people working through them, in specialized or top-level fields. Some employers use a “temp to hire” philosophy. This means they go through a temp agency to fill a position, then if the temporary employee works out, he/she is offered a permanent job. This can be a way to get your foot in the door at a company that interests you.
Temping Tips: If you seek work through a temp agency, treat it as formally as you would any job interview. Be sure to make a good first impression: dress professionally, provide a strong resume, and practice your interviewing skills in advance. Look for a temp agency that offers positions aligned with your skills and interests. The agency will use testing and screening tools to determine your skills level and place you in an appropriate position.
Temping Caveats: Beware of temp agencies that ask you to pay a fee. Temp agencies usually get their fees from employers, not the job candidate.
