PREPARE FOR EMPLOYMENT
Perfect your application materials
- Create a tailored resume for each position, emphasizing skills and accomplishments.
- Write focused, employer-specific cover letters that reflect your interest and fit. These should be tailored as much as possible.
- For fields like design, communication, or architecture, build a digital or physical portfolio to showcase your work. These can be linked on your resume or LinkedIn.
- Use Quinncia to ensure your resume is optimized when submitted through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
- Get more in-depth recommendations on our Job Search Documents page.
Practice professional communication
- Attend etiquette and professional communication workshops to build your verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
- Reflect on your past experiences to determine which stories showcase your strengths
and relevant skills.
- (See "Preparing for the Interview" tab on the interviewing page).
- Learn to answer behavioral interview questions and tell your stories using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- (See "During the Interview" tab on the interviewing page).
- Participate in a mock interview with Career Center staff or peers. You can schedule a mock interview appointment through Raider Success Hub.
- Build the habit of writing thoughtful, timely follow-up and thank-you notes. Emails will suffice when you cannot send a physical note.
- You can dive deeper into interviewing and following up on interviews on our Interviewing page.
Put your best foot forward
- Know what’s appropriate for your industry and stock your closet with basics. Visit the Career Closet to improve your professional wardrobe!
- Audit your social media presence! Your digital footprint should reflect your goals.
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and aligns with your resume and brand. Engage with professionals and contribute content that is consistent with your goals
and values.
- Learn more about building your LinkedIn profile on our LinkedIn page.
Search strategically
- Regularly check job postings through Hire Red Raiders, Indeed, and LinkedIn as well as any college- and industry-specific job boards.
- Set goals for your search by tracking applications, deadlines, and follow-up tasks in a spreadsheet or planner system.
- Research companies you're applying with to learn about their culture, mission, and updates. Social media, LinkedIn, GlassDoor, and news searches can all be useful in this process.
Build your reference list
- Select and request permission from 3-5 references for internship, job and/or graduate school applications.
- Prepare a reference sheet that you can submit with job applications. Be prepared to include name, their preferred communication method, and relationship to you (i.e. former supervisor, co-worker). Only submit the references when requested.
- Be responsive to the job application's unique needs. In some instances, you may be asked to provide contact information for your reference to complete a letter or form. Other times, you may be asked to provide letters of recommendation.
- For letters of recommendation, give the letter writer ample time to complete and submit the letter. Be prepared to send a copy of your resume along with the letter request and mention briefly any skills and/or relevant experiences you would like for them to emphasize.
Current students, log in to Raider Success Hub to schedule an appointment online.
Alumni, call our front desk (806-742-2210) to schedule your appointment.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For questions about accommodations or accessibility, please call 806-742-2210 or email us at careercenter@ttu.edu in advance of your participation or visit.
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University Career Center
-
Address
Texas Tech University Career Center, Wiggins Complex - Box 45006, Lubbock, Texas 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2210 -
Email
careercenter@ttu.edu