The Strategic Job Search
Finding a job is more than scrolling through LinkedIn or job boards. The strongest job searches are intentional.
Before you start applying, take time to identify where you'll search, what you're looking for, and how you'll stay organized. Having a strategy helps you spend less time applying to jobs that aren't a good fit and more time pursuing opportunities that align with your interests, goals, and strengths.
A strategic job search can also help you:
- Find opportunities beyond public job boards
- Communicate your goals clearly when networking
- Focus your time on positions that fit your priorities
- Stay organized throughout the application process
Where to Search
No single website includes every internship or job posting. Employers recruit in different ways, so using multiple search tools can help you discover more opportunities. Think of these resources as your job search toolkit where each one serves a different purpose and can help you connect with employers in different ways.
Handshake
Best for internships and jobs from employers actively recruiting Nebraska students and alumni.
Visit Handshake
Best for researching employers, networking, and finding professional opportunities.
Visit LinkedIn
Indeed & Google Jobs
Best for broad searches across many employers and industries from thousands of websites.
Visit Indeed
Visit Google Jobs
WayUp
Best for internships and entry-level positions designed for students and recent graduates.
Visit WayUp
USAJOBS
Best for internships, Pathways Programs, and careers with the U.S. federal government.
Visit USAJOBS
In addition to the above job boards, there are hundreds of others, including Glassdoor, Monster, and industry-specific websites. If you're searching for a particular career field, a professional association's job board can often be one of the best places to find relevant opportunities.
| Accounting | Association of International Certified Professional Accountants |
| Actuarial Science | Casualty Actuarial Society & Society of Actuaries |
| Education | HigherEdJobs |
| Finance | CFA Institute, CFP Board, FINRA |
| Human Resources | The Society of Human Resources Management |
| Government | USAJobs.org, State Websites (e.g., nebraska.gov) |
| Marketing | American Marketing Association |
| Non-profits | Idealist.org |
| Supply Chain | Association for Supply Chain Management |
| Sports | WorkInSports.com or TeamworkOnline.com |
| *Google “industry or job function” job board or “industry professional association” job board for industries or job functions not listed | |
If location is one of your top priorities, you may need to use different job search strategies, especially if you're relocating to an unfamiliar area.
- First, explore the local Chamber of Commerce website. Many chambers provide relocation information and local job postings.
- Second, search "Top Employers in [City]" to identify organizations in the area, then visit their career pages to explore opportunities.
- Third, use LinkedIn's Alumni Search tool to find Huskers working in your target city. Alumni can help you learn about employers and expand your network.
- Finally, don't underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to professionals, conduct informational interviews, and build connections to learn more about opportunities in your target location.
Create Your Job Search Filters
Before searching for jobs, identify what matters most to you. Your criteria will become the personal filters that guide your search and conversations with employers.
| Think About... | Ask Yourself... |
|---|---|
| Type of Work | What kind of work do I want to do each day? What skills do I want to use? |
| Industry | What industries interest me? (Healthcare, sports, agriculture, technology, nonprofit, etc.) |
| Location | Where am I willing (or hoping) to live? Am I open to remote or hybrid work? |
| Work Environment | What type of workplace helps me do my best work? What organizational values matter to me? |
| Growth Opportunities | What experiences or skills do I hope to gain from this position? |
| Compensation & Benefits | What salary, benefits, flexibility, or other rewards are important to me? |
Tip: Your answers don't have to be perfect. They simply provide direction and will likely evolve as you gain experience. Identifying your top 3 “must-haves” will better help compare opportunities as your search progresses.
Improve Your Search Results
A strategic job search isn't just about where you search, it's also about how you search. Using the right keywords, filters, and tools can help you find more relevant opportunities while saving time.
Smart Search Tips
Step 1: Start with Broad Keywords
Begin with general search terms before narrowing your results.
Examples:
Start Broad
Marketing
Finance
Human Resources
Sales
Information Technology
Then Narrow
Digital Marketing
Financial Analyst
Talent Acquisition
Account Executive
Cybersecurity Analyst
Step 2: Set Up Alerts
Instead of searching from scratch every day, let opportunities come to you.
Most job boards allow you to save searches and receive notifications when new positions match your criteria.
Benefits of Job Alerts
✓ Save time
✓ Apply earlier
✓ Stay informed of new postings
✓ Never miss opportunities matching your interests
Step 3: Look for Patterns
As you search, pay attention to what consistently catches your attention.
Ask yourself:
- Which job titles appear most often?
- Which companies keep standing out?
- What skills appear repeatedly?
- Which responsibilities sound most interesting?
These patterns can help you refine your search and better understand what you're looking for.
Step 4: Watch for Red Flags
If a position seems too good to be true, research the employer by visiting their website, checking reviews on sites like Glassdoor or the Better Business Bureau, or speaking with a career coach before applying.
Build Your Job Search Strategy
Once you know what you're looking for, think about how you'll find it.
Ask yourself:
Who can support me?
Identify two people who can encourage or assist your search.
Examples:
- Career Coach
- Professor
- Former supervisor
- Mentor
- Friend
- Family member
- Alumni
What resources will I use?
Choose at least two resources to help you search strategically.
Examples:
- Job Boards
- Company websites
- Professional associations
- Career fairs
- Networking conversations
- Employer information sessions
What are my next steps?
Write down two actions you can take this week.
Examples:
- Update my résumé
- Schedule a career coaching appointment
- Connect with an alum
- Attend a networking event
- Apply for three internships
Make Job Searching a Habit
Many students search for jobs only when they "have time." Instead, schedule time each week just like you would for studying or attending class. Consistency leads to better opportunities and less stress.
Ask yourself:
- When will I search each week?
- How much time will I dedicate?
- How will I stay accountable?
Ideas for accountability:
- Add recurring calendar reminders
- Meet regularly with a friend
- Share goals with a mentor
- Track weekly progress
Stay Flexible
Your search may change as you learn more about yourself and the opportunities available.
If you're not finding the results you want, consider:
- Expanding your search criteria
- Exploring new industries
- Networking with more professionals
- Learning about additional job search tools
- Revisiting your career criteria
Flexibility often leads to opportunities you may not have originally considered.
Track Your Progress
Keep a simple spreadsheet or document of positions you're interested in.
Consider tracking:
| Track | Why |
|---|---|
| Company | Compare organizations later |
| Position | Keep applications organized |
| Application Deadline | Stay on schedule |
| Status | Know what you've completed |
| Contacts | Record networking connections |
| Interest Level | Compare opportunities over time |
| Notes | Save reminders for interviews |
Stay Organized
Create a folder for every position you apply to.
Save:
- Job description
- Résumé
- Cover letter
- Application confirmation
- Interview notes
- Research about the organization
Many job postings disappear after applications close, so saving the description makes interview preparation much easier.