Community Job Openings

All students and alumni are eligible to use the Hawkeye Job Board to upload resumes, search for, and apply for jobs.

Start by logging into your Hawkeye Job Board account to begin your job search.

Get Connected! How Networking Can Help in Your Job Search

Without a doubt, you have heard the old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” To a degree this is still true. Granted, you need to have the skills and qualifications to be a good fit for a job, but knowing people who might be able to assist in your job search certainly can make things a little easier.

When you hear the word “networking,” do you think of stuffy business gatherings? It doesn’t have to be that way. The best part of the networking process is, whether you realize it or not, you participate every single day! In general, simply chatting with people means you are networking to some degree. Now, you just need to know how to control it and learn how networking can help in your job search.

1. Think about who can be, or who you want to be, in your network. Are you aware that you already have one? Family, friends, neighbors, church groups, and classmates populate your network. All are fantastic resources, but you should also expand; get to know people who work in your area of interest, attend social gatherings, and begin to make more meaningful relationships. Do not forget that your teachers and instructors make fantastic connections!

2. Use LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a professional social networking site and it can refer you to many people in your interest area or field of study. You can request to connect with someone, and when doing so, be sure to send a message with your request on how you know them or why you would like to connect. Warning: this is NOT Facebook! Do not post updates on your busy party weekend or pictures of your dog.

3. Seek out advice and referrals. You may put someone in an uncomfortable situation if you ask them outright to get you a job. Instead, seek their advice and see if they can refer you to a specific person, company, or affiliation for more information.

4. Build relationships. Yes, anyone can be in your network, but it is important to foster positive relations with these individuals. Do not assume you are going to get help when you haven’t talked to that person in three years. There are many ways to stay in contact: phone, email, or social media. Keep your contacts updated on how things are going in your life, professionally and personally. Additionally, be sure to keep a positive spin on everything and do not bad mouth others.

5. Return the favor. Make certain your networking contacts are getting as much use out of you as you are of them; it is not a one-way street. For the same reason you are talking to people, people are talking to you. Communication is about talking, writing, and listening.

6. Be prepared. What are you going to say to contacts? What do you want them to know about you? Now is the time to perfect your “30 Second Commercial” or “Elevator Speech.” Let the person know who you are by highlighting your achievements, skills, and why you would be a good employee. Bonus: you can also use a form of this when you answer the interview question, “Tell me about yourself.”

7. Show gratitude. Believe it or not, saying “thank you” is becoming a lost art. Show appreciation to everyone who aided in your job search process. A little kindness goes a long way.