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Job Search Strategies

A red "for hire" sign.

“Where do I begin?”

  1. You should begin with a basic cover letter and resume which you will then tailor for each submission. The first few you do might take some time, but soon you’ll get much quicker. For help with your resume or cover letter, see the relevant pages in this site or visit the Ryerson Career and Co-op Centre, either online or in person.
  2. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and make a plan. Is there a specific industry you want to work in? If so, do you have any contacts in that area? Reach out to friends and ask for introductions. Let people know you’re looking for an internship. Use your social media (and don’t forget LinkedIn, which is a great professional resource that can help you identify people who can make introductions). Make a list of 20-30 companies/organizations you would like to target.
  3. For help identifying target companies, go to the lists of industry associations in the  Industry Associations section. Identify companies in specific fields that interest you. Visit their websites. Look for for details about what they do, where they are located and their size.
  4. Once you’ve targeted companies you’d like to work with, the next step is to make contact with the human resources or hiring manager. Find out who they are by name. LinkedIn, Google and the company website are all good resources for finding out the HR or hiring manager’s name. You can also call reception and ask.

    Another option is to reach out to someone who works at the company to ask for a brief information meeting, similar to what you did in CRI 400. You might indicate that you’re interested in the industry, and in their company in particular, and that you would like some advice as you begin your career. Something like that. During the meeting, find out as much as you can about the industry and the company and about how that person ended up in that position. Do not ask for a job on the spot.

    After you meet with someone, send a thank-you letter and politely inquire whether they have an internship program. Or you might suggest that you would like the opportunity to work with their company and ask for the contact details of the hiring manager.
  5. Check the Internship Board (external link)  constantly. Positions will be posted every Thursday morning. In most cases, you will have one week to apply.
  6. Check out the search engines listed below. Many have filters for internship positions. Some allow you to set up daily alerts so you can see the postings as they become available. When you see a posting, be sure to apply within a couple of days. The sooner the better.
  7. Look at on-campus jobs to see if there is a relevant position available.
  8. When you send a resume and letter, make sure you tailor both to the position. They should reflect your interest in that industry as well as your knowledge of the company to which you are applying. Try to send the email during business hours. Also, as mentioned above, it’s best to address the email to someone specific rather than “To Whom It May Concern.”