Job Search
Looking for a job is hard work
Whether it's your first job or the latest of many, you're likely to send out many resumes and go through a few interviews before getting a job. A typical job search can take several weeks or even months to finish.
The good news is that the Career Center is here to help. There are several resources available on our site and links to many more. Use these online resources, the staff of the Career Center, Central faculty, other web sites, and your network—(Central alumni, Central faculty, work or internship supervisors, work colleagues, friends, neighbors, etc.) to successfully land your next job!
One useful handout is our Job Search Checklist, which includes tasks to complete in four easy-to-follow steps. Check it out to see where you are in the process and what you need to do next!
CareerLink@Central - your source for job & internship listings!
In CareerLink, you can:
- Search for jobs and internships - local, national, and international
- Post your resume and submit it directly to employers.
- View and learn about hundreds of companies in different industries.
- Find complete information on Career Center events
...and more!
CareerLink is powered by a national network of career centers, so you have access to thousands of listings! Look under “Local Jobs” for positions targeted to Central College, and under “Extended Job Search” to access a job search engine bigger than Monster.com.
Central students – Activate your account
Current Central students already have an account. All you need is a password to get into it! Once you’re logged in, you can change the password yourself.
Need a password or forgot your password? 2 options:
- Request a password by emailing careerlink@central.edu, and one will be sent to you within one business day.
- Use the Forgot Password tool. Go to https://central-csm.symplicity.com/students, enter your Central email address, and click on “Forgot Password.” You will receive a new automated email with a password.
Click Here To Get Started: https://central-csm.symplicity.com/students
If you receive an error message when you use the Forgot Password tool, email careerlink@central.edu, and we'll send you a password.
Networking or Not Working? You decide!
Since a great percentage of available jobs are never formally advertised, it’s extremely important to talk to people about your job search and what you’re seeking.
- Who makes up your network? The people you know, friends, family, neighbors, faculty, coaches, advisors, internship/work supervisors, and the people THEY know—are some of the most effective resources leading to job openings not publicly posted.
- How do I start? Start by thinking about your parents, friends of your parents, parents of your friends, community leaders back home, faculty here, advisors, work study supervisors, coaches, directors, internship and work supervisors, colleagues/ workmates, Central alumni and anyone else who knows something about what you’re interested in! Identify 6-8 people who know something about a career field or location of interest to you. Gather phone numbers or E-mail addresses. Create a 30-60 second commercial about YOU, which summarizes your interests, experiences thus far, and plans.
- Then what? Contact by phone or E-mail, introduce self, and explain that you’re seeking professional advice, help with résumé, a summer internship, interest in a particular city/company, entry-level position, etc. Be specific about what you’re after.
- It’s an ongoing process. Ask about meeting at your contact’s worksite, job shadowing, or conducting an information interview. Ask about names of others to “grow” your network. Keep record of your contacts, and stay in touch with helpful folks, approximately monthly. Thank them every time you contact them! OPPORTUNITIES WILL START TO EMERGE!
Use this handy Job Search Log to keep track of your networking contacts and application process.
Central alumni are some of your best networking contacts!
Central Connections, www.central.edu/connections is a database of over 600 alumni from a cross-section of career fields in locations across the country, ready to assist you!
- Search by academic major, career field or location.
- Start by sending an E-mail to alums of interest, telling them about yourself and what you’re interested in.
Online Resources for the Job Search
Iowa sites:
Federal government jobs:
Job Search Tip Sheets (.pdf)
