{"id":226079,"date":"2023-05-18T12:18:15","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T16:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/?page_id=226079"},"modified":"2026-08-06T16:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T20:25:42","slug":"how-to-begin-your-search","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/how-to-begin-your-search\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Begin your Search"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"callout alignright\"><div class=\"callout-content\"><\/p>\n<h5>Watch a Video<\/h5>\n<p>If it\u2019s easier to learn by video, check out the CCD\u2019s page on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/careers\/how-to\/search-for-job-internship\/\">searching for a job or internship<\/a>.<\/div><\/aside>\n<p>Starting a job or practicum search can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process much more approachable. Here are some concrete tips to get you started:<\/p>\n<h2>Know Yourself, Your Goals, &amp; Priorities<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Before diving into job listings, take some time to reflect on your skills, interests, and career goals. Ask yourself:\n<ul>\n<li>What classes did I enjoy? Which ones did I not?<\/li>\n<li>What are my strengths and weaknesses?<\/li>\n<li>What type of work do I enjoy? Maybe you enjoy writing, brainstorming with a team, or being hands on in the community.<\/li>\n<li>Where do you think you want to go with your career? This is going to change. That\u2019s okay, but if you see yourself at a non-profit organization running health programs &#8212; that\u2019s helpful to know!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/exploring-public-health-careers\/\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Learn More about Careers in Public Health<\/a>\n<h4><aside class=\"callout aligncenter\"><div class=\"callout-content\">Keep in mind, it can take ~3-6 months of serious searching to find a role.<\/div><\/aside><\/h4>\n<h2>Create a Job Search Plan for Applying<\/h2>\n<p>Having a plan can help keep your job search organized and efficient. Follow the checklist on the Search Process page:<\/p>\n<h3>Research Organizations &amp; Locations of Interest<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Identify locations of interest. It helps you narrow your search. Find some local job boards in popular countries <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/how-to-begin-your-search\/international-job-search\/\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Identify Companies of Interest.<br \/>\nIt helps you stay up to date on who&#8217;s who and doing what in the field.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We recommend a list of at least 30 target employers to help you stay up to date on who&#8217;s who and doing what in your area of interest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Use Job Search Engines &amp; Company Websites.<br \/>\nThere are many online resources like Job Search Engines: like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to search for jobs by keyword, location, and industry, and Company Websites: Visit the careers section of companies you\u2019re interested in to find job openings.<\/li>\n<li>Create a Tracking Spreadsheet to Organize your Information. See below for how to.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/writing-your-application-pieces\/\">Write Your Application Pieces<\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Tailor Each Applications to the Specific Job.<\/li>\n<li>Write a custom cover letter for each job that highlights why you\u2019re a good fit.<\/li>\n<li>Adjust your resume to emphasize the most relevant experiences and skills in alignment with the job description.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/networking-linkedin\/\">Create a Professional Network In-Person &amp; Online<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Networking is often the key to finding job opportunities <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">and gaining insights into the company or industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reach Out.<br \/>\nContact former colleagues, mentors, BU\/SPH alumni, and friends to let them know you\u2019re looking for new opportunities.<\/li>\n<li>Attend Events.<br \/>\nIncluding career fairs, information sessions, and workshops. Join external industry events, webinars, and professional groups to meet new contacts.<\/li>\n<li>Create\/Update your Profiles in LinkedIn &amp; Handshake.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/networking-linkedin\/\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Learn More about Networking<\/a>\n<h3>Plan &amp; Track You Search Process<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Create a Tracking Spreadsheet of Your Top Organizations.<br \/>\nThis way, you will have a few companies that you can be proactive about, even if\u00a0you&#8217;re mostly applying reactively.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Column Headings to Include: organization name, website, location, mission, why company is of interest, your network there (via SPH, family, etc.), last point of contact with them, status\/activity (applications, conversations, follow-up actions, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Have their careers page linked, contacts you have at the organization and notes on the last time you were in contact with them, the jobs you applied for, and other information that can help you keep organized.<\/li>\n<li>Other potential columns: Company notes, why company stands out, notes on conversation with your contacts, date of last contact, tips\/tricks contact has told you on how to stand out in company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Set Goals.<br \/>\nDetermine how many jobs you want to apply for each week.<\/li>\n<li>Schedule Time.<br \/>\nDedicate specific times each day or week to job searching and networking.<\/li>\n<li>Keep Track of your Applications &amp; Job Descriptions.\n<ul>\n<li>We recommend you keep a folder organized by company name and role. Include a copy of your resume, cover letter, and job description in Word format. This will be very important when you get called for an interview so you can refer back and use those materials to prepare in case the company removes the posting before starting interviews.<\/li>\n<li>Use a spreadsheet to track the jobs you\u2019ve applied for and follow up when necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Set a Reminder.<br \/>\nReview your list and check the careers page weekly. Apply as soon as you see new jobs posted and let your contacts know your applied, mentioning you would greatly appreciate them putting in a good word for you if they are able. Also attach your resume in pdf format to the email.<\/li>\n<li>As you network and expand your knowledge of the industry, your sheet will expand too. Aim for your top company list to be 30-40 companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/interview-strategies\/\">Interview Strategies<\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Once you start getting interview requests, be ready to impress.<\/li>\n<li>Research: Learn about the company and the role.<\/li>\n<li>Practice: Rehearse common interview questions and your answers.<\/li>\n<li>Dress Appropriately: Choose professional attire that fits the company culture. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/careers\/resources\/professional-clothing-closet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Check out BU&#8217;s Professional Clothing Closet<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/the-search-process\/interview-strategies\/\" class=\"button btn-arrow\" >Learn More about Interviewing<\/a>\n<h2>Most importantly\u2013stay positive &amp; persistent!<\/h2>\n<p>The CPO has found it takes an average of 3-6 months of serious searching to land a role. Job searching can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Have faith in yourself and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/career-practicum-office\/career-practicum-team\/\">ask for help<\/a>!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Note: Also view the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/careers\/for-students\/practmenu\/searching-for-your-practicum\/\">practicum page<\/a> for more focused information on your practicum search.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting a job or practicum search can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process much more approachable. Here are some concrete tips to get you started: Know Yourself, Your Goals, &amp; Priorities Before diving into job listings, take some time to reflect on your skills, interests, and career goals. Ask [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21179,"featured_media":0,"parent":225544,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"bu-publication":[],"profile_tax":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/226079"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21179"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=226079"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/226079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":266827,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/226079\/revisions\/266827"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/225544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=226079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=226079"},{"taxonomy":"profile_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profile_tax?post=226079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}