Search Strategies

Learn about all of the different tools available to help with your internship and job search.

In This Section

Mission
Career Prep
Recruiting Program
Post-Graduate Programs
Bryant AlumniFire
Search Strategies
International Students
Internship
Employers
Alumni
Parents
Resources
Mission
Career Prep
Recruiting Program
Post-Graduate Programs
Bryant AlumniFire
Search Strategies
International Students
Internship
Employers
Alumni
Parents
Resources

Amica Center for Career Education

Questions? We're here to help.
(401) 232-6090

Stand out among a crowd by using these tips, which cover such topics as writing resumes and cover letters, targeting employers, using social media, interviewing and salary negotiation.

Resumes and cover letters are only part of the professional correspondence you will use when applying to jobs, internships, graduate programs or other professional opportunities.

Examples of Professional Correspondence

  • A resume is a marketing tool summarizing your education, skills, experience and achievements. Get started with Writing a Great Resume.
    • A resume doesn't secure a job, but it is a pathway to landing an interview.
  • The cover letter accompanies your resume. It offers the opportunity to expand on your achievements and showcase your writing skills. See Cover Letters and Other Correspondence.
  • Use professional email messages to make a stronger connection with a company, to follow up on an interview, to accept/decline an offer.
  • If you will be applying to graduate school, you will need to write a statement of purpose.

Reviews/Critiques

  • Quick Questions: 10-minute meetings with a career coach. No appointment necessary. First come, first served.
  • Resume Reviews: Get a critique from one of our recruiter partners. Check the BCC calendar of events for details.

Best Practice Resources

Ensuring success during your interview for an internship, job or admission to a postgraduate program takes self-knowledge, research, and an understanding of the process and practice.

The basics

  • A first or screening interview helps a recruiter assess whether your qualifications match the position. Recruiters may interview you on campus, at the company, by phone or through Skype or video conferencing.
  • A more in-depth second interview may last from one hour to an entire day with one person or a variety of professionals. This interview may result in an offer.
  • A final interview is required for some positions. It allows additional professionals to determine whether you will be a good fit, provides an opportunity for more in-depth skills assessment, and, in some cases, gives a senior leader the opportunity to approve the selection.

Interview formats

Recruiters use a variety of interviews to assess your qualifications. Learn how to prepare for each:

Practice

  • A mock interview lets you practice your interviewing skills with a career coach and/or an employer partner. Schedule an appointment.
  • The informational interview helps you learn more about a professional's career path and helps you to build rapport with a professional in an industry you are considering without the pressure of a job interview.

Best Practice Resources

You're already an expert at making connections with classmates, friends of friends, professors and others. Take those skills to the next level by taking advantage of these programs.

  • Follow an alumnus on the job through our Shadow Program
  • Bryant AlumniFire
  • Take part in resume reviews and mock interviews during which you'll gain valuable tips and advice from participating employers.
  • Employer Information Sessions – Learn first-hand about the company while connecting with a recruiter.
  • Find an Internship — 91 percent of Bryant students do one or more internship. Get started with BCC.
  • Guest Speakers – Bryant offers numerous guest speakers.
  • Meet with faculty
  • Join a campus organization
  • LinkedIn — Get started with “Creating a Profile” and “Making Connections.”
  • Talk to EVERYONE you know – You never know what it could lead to.

Best Practice Resources

Bryant hosts two annual career fairs with over 100 companies represented at each. Career fairs are open to all Bryant students and alumni. Check the BCC events calendar for dates and times.

Make the most of your Career Fair experience

  • Learn about companies/organizations and opportunities.
  • Meet recruiters, make connections and seek referrals.
  • Apply your company research from BCC to make a personal connection.
  • Get information about all opportunities company-wide.

Best Practice Resources

Over 43,000 Bryant students and alumni have profiles on LinkedIn. Join the community, build your professional identity, make connections, and find jobs/internships.

Why use LinkedIn?

  • Increase your visibility to recruiters, hiring managers, and other decision makers
  • Showcase your work, references, skills and more
  • Build your professional contacts with friends, family, and alumni
  • Research industries, companies, salaries, jobs and internship opportunities

Tips to a great profile

  • Get a professional LinkedIn photo. Look for free LinkedIn photo booth at the Bryant career fair.
  • Change your headline content, the information about YOU that appears under your name.
  • Complete your profile using your resume content. 
  • Add the extras: images of your work, recommendations, group members and skills.
  • Use the “Find Alumni” tool to look for best practice profiles.
  • Meet with a career coach to have your LinkedIn profiled critiqued.

Best Practice Resources

Salary offers for college graduates vary by field of study, demand, industry, size of company, location and more. Here are some guidelines for success:

  • Conduct preliminary research. Some organizations may be open to negotiation but many firms have set salaries for their training programs.
  • Consider all aspects of the position including culture and organizational fit. The highest-paid position isn’t always the best option.
  • Get your offer in writing and thoroughly review before accepting or rejecting the position.
  • Ask for additional time to consider the offer, if necessary. It’s ok to say no to an offer, just decline professionally.
  • Analyze your entire compensation package including benefits, vacation/sick time, pension/saving plans, tuition remission, etc.
  • Benchmark against fellow graduates.
  • Juggle multiple offers carefully and adhere to professional guidelines. Seek assistance before you change your mind about an offer you’ve already accepted.
  • Meet with a career coach to talk through your decision.

Best Practice Resources

Salary Research Resources