Search for a Job / Internship

Career Services offers job and internship search assistance to students and alumni! KCKCC uses tools like Handshake, career fairs, and employer connections to help students find the right opportunities during and after their education.

Getting Ready to Apply

• Develop a great resume using our resume building guide and recommended templates. Not sure if your resume is perfect for applications? Feel free to email us your resume or book an appointment for “Resume/Cover Letter Review”.
  • Find some of these resources below or on our “Create a Resume / Cover Letter” page!
• Get some clarity on what you’re looking for/open to. There are a lot of different ways to gain experience – part-time jobs, internships, volunteering, etc. – don’t get stuck on looking only for things labeled “internships” when you can gain the same experience many different ways! Also, make a list of potential job titles, types of work, industries, or companies. All of this will help narrow down overwhelming searches and make sure you don’t miss out on great opportunities.
• Practice your networking skills using our networking resources. Not sure where to start? Book a “Professional Networking” appointment with us to get started!
  • Find the resources to start on our “Expand Your Professional Network” page!
• Work with Career Services Schedule an appointment to meet with us – we’re happy to help make sure you’re ready and help you get started!

Tips for Job Searching

• Apply for lots of jobs! If you’re actively searching for a job or internship, apply for 5-10 every week.
• Keep applying for jobs until you’ve accepted one you’re happy with (don’t stop and wait to see if you hear back from one before you apply for more).
• Keep track of where you’re applying, what position, and any contact info so you can follow up (and don’t accidentally apply for the same thing multiple times.)
• You don’t have to meet 100% of the qualifications to apply – if you have a lot of them and think you’d be good at the job, apply!
• When searching, you may have to search for a variety of job titles to find the ones you’re looking for – there are usually a variety of job titles for the same type of job.
  • AI/ChatGPT can be helpful – ask for lists of job titles
• Do your research on companies to learn why you’re a good fit.
• Fill out your professional profiles so employers searching can see what you have to offer as a professional.
• Tailor your applications/resume/cover letter to the job postings – help them see why you’re a good fit for the job and their company.
• Make a habit of applying for jobs on company websites. Some sites like Indeed can be great to find positions, but it is most beneficial to apply to jobs directly on company websites to ensure application clarity.
• If you haven’t heard anything in a week or two (read any dates listed in the job posting to help) follow up – you can email, message on LinkedIn/Handshake, or try to call.
  • Say something like “I applied for your _________ position last week (or whenever you applied) and wanted to make sure you received my application and let you know I’m very interested in the position (or very interested in joining your team, etc.).” That way they have to check to make sure they received it, which gets them looking at your application! Keep track of what they say.

Good Places to Find Openings

• Handshake (app or kckcc.joinhandshake.com) – in Resources below!
• Kansasworks.com
• Linkedin.com – in Resources below!
• Ziprecruiter.com – the more accurately you fill out your profile, the better the recommendations will be!
• Indeed.com (But don’t apply through Indeed – find the company website and apply there! Also, beware of some spam jobs that get through on Indeed)
• Company or organization websites
• Staffing firms (do your research to make sure they’re reputable – some examples are Robert Half, TEK Systems, Intellisource – many specialize in specific industries, so you can search that way)
• Through talking to people you know – teachers, coaches, counselors/advisors, family, friends of family, places where you’re a customer/client/patient

Job Search Safety

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! (says you can make $1000/week working from home 4 hours/week, etc.)
• Never give personal info over email/text, or toward the beginning of the application process such as SSN, bank accounts – with a legitimate company, those are given at the end of the hiring process or after you’ve been offered a job – used to verify work eligibility, run background checks, set up direct deposit for paychecks, etc.
• Search/Google employers to verify their contact details and location, be wary of businesses with only a PO Box, located at a house/apartment, etc.
• Apply only from legitimate websites/platforms (LinkedIn, Handshake, or actual company website, etc.)
• For interviews, be wary of going to a private residence, hotel, or other private place – suggest a public place instead, tell a friend or family member where you are going
• Have your cell phone charged and share your location with someone
• Plan your transportation; if you are taking public transit, know the routes and frequency. Have Uber/Lyft/ride sharing service quickly available.
• Listen to your instincts; if something seems off, stop communicating with the “employer” or if you’re in an interview, excuse yourself (can say you have an emergency, etc.) and leave!
• ALWAYS get written job confirmation/offer letter showing work details, rate of pay/timing of payment, scope of duties, benefits, or other important details before starting a job.

Troubleshooting

If you’re applying to a lot of places and not getting contacted for interviews, here are the most common issues:

• Issue: You’re not tailoring your resume/cover letter/application to fit the position, which could mean it’s getting passed over by ATS or recruiters.
  • Solution: Start tailoring all documents/applications going forward!
• Issue: You’re applying for the wrong positions (you don’t meet most of the basic requirements, you’re overqualified, etc.).
  • Solution: Refine your search to find/apply for positions where you meet at least most of the basic requirements, and at least some of the preferred requirements.
• Issue: Your contact info is missing/incorrect on your documents/applications.
  • Solution: Double check your phone number and email listed on resume/cover letter and in applications, be careful using autofill in applications in case it’s using old information.
• Issue: You don’t have anyone at the company looking to find your application/you don’t have any connections at the company.
  • Solution: Work on building relationships/connections with people (review info from Professional Networking presentation/assignments). Follow up with people at the companies you’ve applied with. Talk to people about your career goals/plans, etc.