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3 tips to help you start your industry job search

Photo booth

Did you know that searching for a job can take six to nine months? Whether in the middle of your graduate program or starting your final year, it’s never too early to start planning for your industry job search. Here are three tips that can help keep your job search on track. 

1. Keep your online profiles current 

Check your LinkedIn, Handshake, Github, ResearchGate and other online profiles and make sure they contain your most recent educational and work experiences. Completed profiles allow recruiters and fellow professionals to find and connect with you on these platforms and can lead to job opportunities or further networking. 

Career Services offers free professional photos for you to use on your online profiles. Stop by the Career Services office in the Center for Community, S440, to use the photo booth

2. Update your resume and CV 

Review and update your resume and CV periodically throughout your job search. Add new skills and experience each semester to reflect your participation, internships, jobs and other relevant information. When applying for a position, tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific industry and job description.  

Connect with Career Services to have your resume and CV reviewed by a graduate career development advisor. Once you’ve updated your documents, ensure the new wording matches what’s on your online profiles. 

3. Network, network, network 

Now is a great time to capitalize on your existing networking connections and build new ones. Find CU Boulder alumni on the Forever Buffs Network to connect with Buffs working in the fields, organizations and roles that interest you. You can also set up informational interviews to better understand a specific company, job role or industry. Networking can open the door to opportunities and give you insider information on jobs and organizations. 

Connect with Career Services  

Career Services offers office hours and career advising appointments for graduate students. Graduate students and postdocs can also attend the Industry Job Search Seminar Series on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. during September. These sessions cover the basics of a non-academic job search, including resumes, cover letters, interviewing and salary negotiations.