Looking for a job can feel like a daunting task, but Career Services is here to help!

Before You Begin:

• Explore different career fields to get a sense of the job requirements and working conditions. It's easier to find a job when you know what you're looking for!
• Research and obtain any credentials required for your target career.
• Make sure you have a well-written, updated resume.
• Make sure you know how to write a cover letter.
• Prepare your references.
• Clean up your social media and web presence to make sure you project a professional image.
• Create a system for organizing and tracking your search (or try our Job Search Tracker spreadsheet).

Beginning Your Search:

• Log into Handshake (ccv.joinhandshake.com). Handshake is CCV's career management platform and gives you access to local and national job postings for recent graduates. Perhaps even better, you can contact recruiters for hundreds of local companies, even if they don't have any current job postings. To get started:
  • If you graduated recently: 
    • You may be pre-registered. Click the blue "Community College of Vermont Sign On" button and use your portal log in.
    • If your portal ID doesn't work, try the "Sign in with your email address" link. You must use your CCV email account using the format PortalID@ccv.edu (e.g., abc12300@ccv.edu). 
    • If no account is found, you can create a new account using your CCV email address.
  • If you did not graduate recently and do not have access to your CCV email:
    • Email Career Services to have them create an alumni account for you. Please include your full name and the email address you'd like to use.
  • Once logged in, to search for any posted jobs, click the "Jobs" tab and use filters to find your best matches. For best results, fill out your profile first.
  • To search for employers that you might like to contact, click the "Employers" tab and use the filters. Many employers allow you to contact recruiters and even schedule interviews through Handshake. For best results, fill out your profile first.
  • To find employers and jobs curated by CCV Career Services, click the "Career Center" tab and choose a collection of interest.
  • Click here for a video tutorial.
• Post your resume to other sites employers frequent, such as Indeed and LinkedIn.
• Start networking.
• Visit any professional association pages for your target career. Many have their own job boards.
• Visit your local Vermont Department of Labor office. They may have leads that are not posted elsewhere.

Applying for a Job:

• Once you've found a job posting that interests you, research the company. Visit their website and social media pages, ask members of your network, etc.
• Target your resume for each job application.
• Use your knowledge of the company and keywords from the posting to craft a cover letter for each job application.
• Make sure your outgoing voicemail message is professional.
• Begin preparing and practicing for job interviews.

​Continuing Your Search:

• Finding a job can take time. Try to not get discouraged! 
• Make sure to check the job board at least every few days for new listings or sign up for job alerts.
• Continue to network.
• Research local companies that you might enjoy working for. Even if they're not currently hiring, a company informational interview can help you learn more about the company and help them learn about you.

​Job Search Videos: