Finding a job can be a job in itself! Many job seekers spend most of their time applying to online job boards. However, the most effective way to find a job is to use multiple job search strategies, including networking, targeting specific job titles or companies, and seeking referrals.
Learn about opportunities and expand your professional network by attending by career events sponsored by both DCTC and CareerForce.
This mobile career management platform intuitively connects you to relevant opportunities based on your profile, interests and search activity. Through Handshake, you can apply for positions, explore companies and connections and sign up for career fairs and workshops all in one place.
Students and graduates can search for jobs online, upload application documents, and apply for jobs online.
Login to Handshake or create your account
Students can login with their DCTC student email address (ending in ".edu"") and begin exploring the system. All currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students have automatically been granted accounts. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact us.
Initial Log-In: When you login for the first time, you will be prompted to create your profile and upload a resume into the system. Basic student profile information - including major(s), minor(s) and GPA - will automatically sync from your DCTC account.
Remember: The more you include in your profile and career interests, the better Handshake can populate your newsfeed with opportunities that matter to you. Keep it relevant and keep it updated!
Privacy: Upon initial login, you have the option to share your profile information with employers by selecting or de-selecting the checkbox under the “Yes, I want employers to be able to find and view my profile” area. As a note, Handshake will default to a fully private profile unless you select otherwise.
When you're logged into Handshake, click Help in the upper-right hand corner and then select "I am having a technical issue or am confused" to speak with the Handshake team.
Please note: Handshake is best viewed with completely updated web browsers (Chrome and Firefox are recommended).
The United Parcel Service hires many students for part-time work. Earn as much as $5,250 annually in college education assistance with the UPS Earn & Learn Program. Visit the UPS website for more information.
Amazon provides opportunities to earn as much as $5,250/year or $2,625/semester and offers consistent work schedules and career opportunities. Learn more on the Amazon Career Choice website.
To be more effective in your job search, you want to have a clear goal in mind and use a mix of job search strategies.
First, target your search. Your job search will be more effective if you have a clear goal vs. looking for any job. Think how long it would take a realtor to find you a house if you started by telling her, "I'll take anything" when in reality you want a two-bedroom house near your work that costs under $250,000. This fact is true in a job search as well. The clearer you are about the job you want the more effective you’ll be in your search.
Second, research employers. Identify employers you're interested in working for and learn about the positions they typically hire. Review their website, follow them on LinkedIn, and set up informational interviews with current employees to learn more about the company culture and which skills and experience hiring managers look for in candidates.
Third, customize your application materials. This step is much easier if you've identified a clear job target and researched employers, as mentioned above. Customizing your resume doesn't mean starting over every time you apply for a job, but it does mean tailoring your resume to each position for which you're applying. Get help with our resume and cover letter resources.
Fourth, network. Networking is much more effective than only applying to jobs found online. Employers prefer to hire candidates they know or have been referred to them by a current employee. Creating a solid professional network is essential to improve your chances of learning about open positions and getting a referral from someone. See our Networking resources for more tips.
Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience, but practice can help calm your nerves. Make a great impression using the resources below to help you know what to expect, prepare for common questions, and how to follow up with employers.
There is more to consider than just salary when accepting a job offer. You'll want to consider company culture, job flexibility, advancement opportunities, and benefits packages, including paid time off, when making your decision.
However, knowing your worth is vital before an employer asks you for your salary requirements. Use the resources below to help you research salary information in your industry and to find tips to help you negotiate.
Salary websites/calculators are informational and serve as a way to research salary information.
Students have free access to hundreds of video courses, including career topics, on LinkedIn Learning
