Apply Smarter, Not Harder: Your Search Checklist

Step 1: Figure out your goal (even if it’s a rough draft)

Do you need an internship to test the waters? Are you looking for a co-op that ties into your major? Hunting for that first full-time job after graduation? Define what you’re actually looking for so you don’t waste time chasing things that don’t fit.

Start by answering these:

• What kind of experience do I want? (Part-time job, co-op, summer internship, full-time role?)
• When do I want to work? (During the semester? Summer? After graduation?)
• Where do I want to be? (On campus, out of state, remote, international?)
• What skills or industries interest me most?

Even if your answers are a little messy, that’s okay. The goal is to narrow your focus so you’re not applying at random.

Step 2: Fit check (your documents) for your (job search) era

Make sure your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are clear, professional, and tailored to your goals. Think of them like a snapshot showing how you fit what employers are looking for.

Here’s some tips on how to do that:

• Focus on what matters, not everything you’ve ever done. Your materials should focus on what’s relevant to the opportunity you’re applying for.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter for each position by pulling out the skills, experience, and accomplishments that show you’re a great fit for the role.
• Think beyond just job experience. Include any relevant skills or experience, including those from class projects, leadership in student orgs, volunteer work, certifications, and on-campus involvement.

For more help with putting together your application materials, check out our Create a Resume page or meet with your Career Advisor.

Step 3: Use the right tools and strategies to find real opportunities

Don’t just rely on Google or random job boards, especially for the opportunities that sound too good to be true. Use our recommended job boards, search platforms, and networking tools (below) to find real opportunities.

Here’s how to make your search smarter, faster, and less frustrating.

• Use the right keywords
  • Think in skills and job functions, like project management intern, user experience, logistics, etc.
  • Swap in different combos. For example, summer internship, entry level + [your major/interest], or [industry] + remote.
  • Search by company name if you already have one in mind (and check their website’s careers page too).

• Know what a good opportunity looks like
  • Before applying, ask:
    • Do I understand what the job actually involves?
    • Are the responsibilities things I can (or want to) do?
    • Is it full-time, part-time, remote, hybrid, in-person? And is that a good fit for me?
    • Are they asking for skills I already have, or things I’m excited to learn?
  • Red flags to avoid:
    • No company name or website listed
    • Asking you to pay for training or equipment
    • Vague job descriptions with little detail
    • Too-good-to-be-true offers (like $1,000/week for no experience)
    • A job title that doesn’t match the description

• Use networking as a search tool
  • Message someone (especially MSU alumni) on LinkedIn who has a job you’re curious about: “Hey! I’m a student at MSU exploring [field]. Your role caught my eye. Would you be open to sharing how you got started?”
  • Ask your professors, advisors, or classmates if they’ve worked with anyone in your field of interest.
  • Tell your family, friends, or past supervisors what you’re looking for. You never know who they’re connected to.

• Be consistent, stay patient
  • Set small, regular goals, like applying for 2-3 jobs each week, following up on 1 connection, or attending the Career Expo this semester.
  • After applying or connecting, check back in after a week or two. A short, polite message can go a long way.
  • Don’t get discouraged by silence. It takes time to find a job/internship, and you may not hear back from everyone you apply to. Keep applying, keep learning, and keep refining your approach.

Career Center Resources for Your Search