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Job Search Strategies and Tips

Create a Routine and Stay Organized

  • Pray for help daily.
  • Job searches are a lot of work and can take months: be consistent working on your search every week.
  • Set a weekly goal (e.g., 2-6 applications).
  • Track jobs, contacts, and follow-ups in a spreadsheet.
  • Find a support person to help you stay accountable and celebrate small wins. One idea is to partner with another job seeker and check in together weekly.

LAMP List Method

The Most Effective Job Search

  • Follow each step in the videos. Use the LAMP List method to systematically connect with alumni, mentors, and professionals to build relationships, gain insights, and access opportunities beyond traditional applications.

Applying to Jobs

Best Practices

  • Apply Early: aim to apply within the first 3-7 days of posting.
  • Clear Direction: have 2-3 targeted career paths and create resumes for each one. Each path should be broad enough to have multiple job postings each week yet narrow enough for you to craft a compelling story and not get burned out.
  • Quality over Quantity: focus on roles that fit and tailor each application.
  • Tailor Your Resume for each application.
  • Personal Touch
    • Use LinkedIn to find 2 alumni or others at the organization.
    • Find their emails on Careershift or Google. (LinkedIn message if can’t find.)
    • Email them your resume and cover letter. Be direct in asking them to talk for 10 minutes about the role and if you’d be a good fit.
    • In cover letter, mention who you talked with, what you learned, and why you.
  • Leverage AI: Ideas on where to apply, types of roles, identify key words, analyze job market. For resumes and cover letters, use as a finishing/refining tool, NOT as a starting tool, and use sparingly. Pitch yourself as AI-enhanced talent, not AI-replaceable talent.

Handshake

  • Filter Jobs by the Kennedy Center Collection.
  • Use Complete, Searchable Profiles: fill out all sections, add keywords recruiters search for (e.g., “policy”), and upload a polished resume.
  • Set Clear Preferences and Use Filters Strategically: job interests, locations, etc.
  • Follow Employers you Care About: get notified when they post jobs or events.
  • Attend Events and Info Sessions.
  • Alumni at this Employer: scroll to the bottom of a job posting to see. Contact them.

LinkedIn

  • Optimize Your Profile: use AI for ideas and editing, not full writing.
  • Be Seen and Build Your Network: post occasionally and comment thoughtfully.
  • Use the Jargon: analyze job postings to identify key language and skills.
  • Search Tip: use “I’m hiring” + job title to find active recruiters.
  • Connect with alumni through BYU’s LinkedIn page.

Other Job Sites

Network

  • Go to Career Fairs and Events (BYU - February & October).
  • Do Informational Interviews: aim for 2 per month senior year.
  • Go to the Kennedy Center Events: meet speakers, connect, and follow up.
  • Join professional organizations.
  • Connect with organizations’ internal recruiters on LinkedIn.
  • Tell everyone you know: most opportunities come from weak ties.

Meet With Your Career Director

KATHRYN GLENN
143 HRCB |(801) 378-4721 | kennedy.byu.edu
This takes work, but you don’t have to do it alone. Make an appointment today.