Conducting a job search takes time, commitment, and organization. This guide will help you get started on a successful job search journey!

Start Your Job Search

Many public health organizations begin recruiting for spring graduates and summer interns during fall semester, so get started early! Here are a few suggestions to help you:

1. Assess your own values
   Be certain you know your own values, skills, strengths, and work criteria. One resource for self-assessment tools is iSeek Careers. Additional resources may include the MBTI (commonly called the Myers-Briggs), the DiSC personality profile and the Gallup’s StrengthsFinder assessment.
2. Create your own marketing materials
   Write a resume, cover letter or CV and script a Bumper Sticker or Elevator Pitch (see The “Elevator Pitch” and The “Bumper Sticker”) as a response to the question “tell me about yourself” during job interviews.
3. Gather information
   Network in professional associations. Consider the Minnesota Public Health Association, the American Public Health Association or another association specific to your area of interest. “Try on” a position through conducting informational interviews, volunteering, job shadowing, or part-time employment.
4. Apply for positions that match your qualifications
   Apply for positions where you possess most of the required qualifications – even if you don’t possess all of the skills listed in the job description. If you possess at least 60% of the required qualifications, consider applying. As long as you meet the “essential qualifications” you may be invited to interview, during which you can sell yourself and begin to network into the employer community.
5. Interview
   Start preparing, even before you are invited to interview. Think about and practice your responses to the most frequently asked questions (see Frequently Asked Interview Questions). Sharpen your interviewing skills using Interview Stream, an online practice tool.
6. Career development is a lifelong process
   After you land a position, continue to network, be active in professional associations, and consider becoming a mentor and joining our LinkedIn pages for the University of Minnesota and the School of Public Health. Discover how rewarding it is to help new public health professionals begin their own career development process!

Additional Resources:

• Job Search Resources (PDF)
• Global Health NGO’s, Non-Profits, Foundations (PDF)
• ZipRecruiter Job Search for University of Minnesota Students