Job Search

Job Search Security Tips >>

Note: For student employment and Federal Work Study positions, please visit Pitt Talent Center.

Sites for Searching for Jobs

• Handshake
• PA Career Link®
• Go Government!
• Indeed
• PA Civil Service (state employment)
• LinkedIn
• County Government websites
• Imagine Pittsburgh
• Chamber of Commerce Employer Lists
• CollegeGrad - Entry-level jobs
• USAJobs (federal employment)
• ZipRecruiter

Resources for Career Information

• O*Net
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• CareerOneStop - career information and videos
• Glassdoor - career and salary information

Job & Career Fairs
A great way to connect with employers, learn more about career possibilities, and learn about different companies and organizations is to attend a career fair! Each year, Pitt-Greensburg students and alumni have access to participate in free networking events, job fairs, and career expos. Below is a list of the recurring events:

• University of Pittsburgh Job and Internship Fair – 3-Day Fair (September & February)
• WestPACs Job & Internship Fair (October & March)
• Pitt-Greensburg Graduate & Professional School Fair (October)
• SciMathTech Interview Day (November)
• Westmoreland Assists Native Talent (WANT) Job Expo (February)
• PERC Education Job Fair (March)

Master the next fair with these tips!

Pitt Commons is an online platform designed exclusively for members of the Pitt community. The platform allows students, faculty, staff, alumni, postdocs, and friends of the University of Pittsburgh to establish networking and mentoring relationships that are meaningful and specific to their unique interests and professional goals.
Join the Pitt-Greensburg Connections page within Pitt Commons to connect with our community!

LinkedIn - Build your profile today to showcase your experiences, apply for jobs and internships, and connect with alumni, colleagues, and employers across the country!

• Linkedin features/benefits/profile checklist

After you’ve created your LinkedIn account, join the Pitt Career Network!

Mastering Your 30-Second Commercial
First impressions are critical, especially during the job search process. When a potential employer asks you to tell them about yourself, be prepared to share a concise snapshot of your academic, research, work, internship, and/or volunteer experience and accomplishments.

Tips for your 30-Second Commercial >>

Resume Writing
Writing a resume that is tailored and contains your academic, work, and professional accomplishments is key. Your resume is your ticket to receiving an interview invitation. As you outline your resume, think about all your on and off-campus experiences, such as work, related courses, volunteer work, leadership roles, awards, significant projects, etc.

• Resume Writing Outline >>
• Resume Do’s and Don’ts >>
• Resume Example >>

Cover Letters
A cover letter is your chance to showcase your written communication skills, as well as expand upon how your unique experiences make you a qualified candidate for the position in which you are applying. Cover letters are meant to be specific and tailored to the position, rather than a reiteration of your resume content. This means that you should essentially rewrite your cover letter for every position. Closely review the job/internship description and consider how you can convey how your experience relates to the responsibilities of the opportunity.

• Cover Letter Example and Outline >>

References
Whether you are applying for an internship or job, it is important to have a list of approximately 3 to 5 individuals who can serve as positive professional references. Nearly all companies require a reference list, so it is critical to have this list prepared when submitting applications. Examples of appropriate references include professors, current and former supervisors, advisors, staff, and professionals working in your industry of interest. It is best to refrain from using family members and friends as references.
Regardless of who you list as a reference, it is very important to find out if they would be willing to serve as a reference, and if so, how they would prefer to be contacted. After securing your references, we encourage you to keep them informed about your search so that they are aware and prepared to provide a positive reflection of your experience and abilities. It can be helpful to share with them your resume and/or cover letter(s) to provide a strong background of your accomplishments.

What to include in your reference page list:

(copy header from resume)
Reference name (bold)
Company Name
Company Street Address
Company City, State Zip
Phone Number*
Email *
A brief description of your relationship with that individual and how long you’ve known them.
* Confirm the reference’s preferred contact information

Preparing for the Interview
Reflect. While preparing for an interview, taking time to reflect upon your experience, achievements, and unique skills are equally as important as practicing your responses to common interview questions.
Take a thorough look at the job/internship description and consider when and how you have gained an experience or displayed a particular skill that is listed in the description. Self-reflection can be challenging for some, though. As you prepare for an interview, it can be helpful to connect with family, friends, faculty, staff, and mentors to gain their insight and perception of your skills and abilities.

Research. Understanding the company that you are interviewing with can provide you an advantage during the interview and valuable insight that can inform your decision to pursue the opportunity. Employers seek candidates that are excited for not only their job responsibilities but also to represent their company. In addition, it is important that you ensure that the company’s values and mission align with yours and your goals. A great way to start this research is to explore the company’s website and LinkedIn page. Searching for the company through Google can be helpful for discovering recent news and publications. Furthermore, if you know the names of the individuals with whom you are interviewing, connect with them on LinkedIn to learn more about their professional background. During your interview, mentioning some of the noteworthy information you discovered about the company can make you stand out as a highly-interested candidate.

Big Interview is a virtual mock interviewing site to practice your skills - for multiple types of interviews, job levels and industries! Free to all Pitt students/alumni - create an account with your Pitt email address!

Check out this step-by-step guide for developing your account and getting started with Big Interview!

The Interview Process
In the current age of technology, there are a variety of types of interviews, including phone, virtual, and in-person. Depending on the company, employers may use a mix of more than one type of interview throughout the hiring process. When an employer contacts you to set up an interview, they will inform you of the interview format.

• Interview Types and Tips >>
• Dress for Success >>

Examples of Interview Questions
Interview questions vary by employer and industry and are often tailored to the position. Although you cannot anticipate every question the employer plans to ask, you can prepare by reflecting upon and practicing addressing a variety of questions. Below is a list of interview questions that are frequently used across industries and graduate/professional school admissions.

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
2. What lead you to choose your major?
3. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation and how you dealt with it.
4. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a co-worker or supervisor and how you handled it.
5. Discuss a time when you had to complete a project and what steps you took to complete it.
6. What is your greatest strength and greatest weakness?
7. What are 3 qualities that you believe are essential to the position?
8. How do you typically handle stress?
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years?

After the Interview
Following an interview, it is customary to send a follow-up thank-you via mail or email to the interviewers within 1-3 days after the interview. Personalize your note and tailor it to your interview experience. For instance, if there was a particular topic that was discussed or a unique idea you proposed, mention that in the note. This will show the hiring manager that you are eager and excited for the opportunity to interview with the company. During the interview, it is important to note the names of each interviewer so that you can individually thank them.