Looking for a job is a job itself. Your search will be an effective one if you have a goal in mind, stay organized, incorporate a variety of methods and follow up. Consider all of your options - apply to positions listed on the Office of Co-op & Career Services Web site and actively seek out your own opportunities. Your job search is not complete unless you identify and contact employers on your own which can mean doing research and targeting companies that are doing the kind of work you wish to do.

Stay open and flexible. Don't narrow your job search so much that you miss out on opportunities. You may want to work in your hometown for financial reasons, but there are not always enough jobs in any one community for everyone who wants to work there (for example, Monroe County). Try to consider the merits of each opportunity before you react to its location and don't let concerns about housing limit your job search. If you plan to move to a particular geographic area upon graduation, it may be difficult to conduct a serious job search long-distance. Consider a trip to the area and let potential employers know that you will be in their area and perhaps you can arrange to meet to discuss your qualifications during that time.

Making the Most of What's on Campus
• Advisement - Your program coordinator in the Office of Co-op & Career Services can help you prepare for a job search and work with you to develop a personal job search plan. Check the Staff & Advisors page to find out who can help you staff & advisors during your job search.
• On-campus interviews - Employers come on campus to recruit for co-op and full-time openings fall, winter and spring quarters. If you meet the employer's qualifications, you can submit your resume for consideration online. If you aren't a perfect match, you can contact them to see if they would consider speaking with you during their visit to RIT. Sign up for co-op and full-time interviews on RIT Job Zone.
• Online job postings - You can view and apply to co-op and full-time job openings on RIT Job Zone.
• Career fairs - There are a number of campus and local job fairs that are publicized through the career services office. Go to our Find Career Fair Schedule for information about our office- sponsored career fairs!
• Employer information sessions - Employers conducting on-campus interviews often give presentations about their companies and openings. These are open to everyone and are a nice opportunity to talk with a company representative. Information can be accessed through RIT Job Zone.
• Alumni Network - it can be very helpful to connect with RIT alumni. The Office of Co-op & Career Services is establishing a network of alumni willing to be contacted on a variety of job search topics <link to Alumni Career Advisory Network page>.

Company Research
In order to uncover potential openings that match up with your qualifications, it is important to do some research. Use a variety of resources when researching companies and don't fall into the trap of targeting only high profile organizations or obvious industries. Your dream job may be with a company you never heard of - until you did that valuable research.

Marketing Yourself
Now you have identified the organization you would like to approach about the possibility of a job - you need to be ready with a great resume and cover letter. You will use this documentation to convince potential employers that you are worth consideration.

Contacting a Company
We generally suggest that you send a company your resume and cover letter before telephoning or visiting. Your goal is to develop enough interest to get a personal interview. Catching the company off guard on the phone or in person may generate an impulsive "No Thanks". If you think the employer is not familiar with RIT and/or the co-op program, get a "program marketing piece" for your major in the reception area of the Office of Co-op & Career Services. This provides a brief description of RIT and the particular academic program and can be sent with your resume. Also, suggest to the company that they call or write your program coordinator for information you can't provide.