The Career Center will be closed at 5:00pm Friday, December 20, 2024 and will reopen with the rest of the campus on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 8:00am.  Have a wonderful winter break and see you in 2025!  Happy holidays! 

Connect • Inspire • Empower

How to Search for a Job

How to Search for a Job

 

The Career Center wants to help you find the right job, whether it is a full-time career position or a part-time job to help with expenses. Our Career Specialists are experts in the job search process and can help you find the right resources, so take advantage by meeting with us throughout your time at UCR! 

Career Center Resources

Online Job Search Resources

If you are in the process of finding a job or internship, your first stop is UCR Handshake. Handshake is a portal for employers who are interested in recruiting UCR students to post jobs, internship and other opportunities. You can search for full-time, part-time, internship and summer jobs at the Career Center 24 hours a day and from anywhere. (Please note that Alumni are charged a small fee to continue using UCR Handshake services.) Handshake is also where you can make an appointment with your Career Specialist, learn about upcoming workshops and career fairs, and more!

There are many other online job search sites that you can use if you cannot find what you're looking for on Handshake. Remember that these sites may not be reviewed for legitimacy, so be mindful of what you apply for and avoid fraudulent positions

In-Person Resources

The Career Center has a computer lab where you can search for positions and work on application materials as well as a library of books, magazines, and other print material.

Juniors and seniors who are interested in full-time positions and/or internships can take advantage of the On-Campus Interview Program which brings employers to the Career Center each year to recruit and interview students without having to leave campus.

Applying Directly

If your interests are very specific, be strategic in your approach so that you never miss an opportunity. Depending on the industry and size of the organization, it may be beneficial to visit their offices in person, bookmark their website for easy access, or reach out to their human resources department to stay up to date.

 

Employment Agencies

Employment agencies for the state and federal government can be important sources of leads on opportunities in the public sector and in the case of the federal government. USAJobs is the ONLY way to find and apply for positions. Completing all areas of the application is very important as each application is given a score before any screening takes place.

Private employment agencies and executive recruiters may be used if you have extensive work experience or experience in a specialized area such as engineering, accounting or nursing. Check any contracts you sign for fee agreements and payment schedules. Under ordinary circumstances the employer should pay any fees. Stay away from agencies which would place you in a job for which you are overqualified.

Let us help you with your search