Applying for jobs can sometimes feel like a full-time job of its own. It takes a lot of time to build your professional network, search for open positions, and craft unique applications. However, these steps are critical for finding a job that matches your goals and interests.
This page will review each step in the job application process and how the College of the Liberal Arts can assist in your job search.
Finding Open Positions
Nittany Lion Careers
Nittany Lion Careers is the best place to start your job search as a Penn State student. New positions are posted daily, and you can set up notifications based on your career interests. Any employer posting on Nittany Lion Careers is specifically interested in hiring Penn State students, and it’s a great way to leverage the power of Penn State’s alumni network.
Penn State Career Fairs
Career fairs allow you to meet with multiple recruiters in person and in one location and build networking contacts. Penn State hosts several career fairs throughout the semester to help you find internships and full-time positions.
Networking
Build a network of professionals in a field of interest and learn more about a company or industry with LionLink.
Reach out to contacts you’ve made through internships and student activities and ask them about any open positions in their companies or contacts they can introduce you to in your desired field. You can also reach out to family, friends, and anyone you can think of who might be able to help you find your ideal job.
Online Search
Online searches and other job finder platforms are a great way to identify the types of positions you might be looking for based on your major, career interests, and company aspirations.
Alumni Network
The Liberal Arts Alumni Mentor Program is another great resource for building your professional network. When it comes to networking, there’s no such thing as casting too wide of a net!
On-Campus Interviewing
On-Campus Interviews offers students the ability to apply to posted positions and interview on campus with potential employers through Nittany Lion Careers.
Turning an Internship
into a Job
Companies often try to select interns with the intention of eventually hiring them as full-time employees.
If you think that your internship site is somewhere you’d like to work full-time, keep in touch with your supervisor after the internship ends, and let them know when you plan to graduate. If you apply for a position at the company, use your cover letter to explain how your internship experience can translate into the job you’re applying for.
Cover Letters and Résumés
Your cover letter and résumé are opportunities for you to tell your story to the organization that you’d like to join. No two companies are the same, and no two cover letters or résumés should be the same either.
Résumés
Your résumé should succinctly explain your work history, extracurricular activities, and any other experience that’s relevant to the position. Utilize bullet points to summarize your experience, and keep the whole thing to two pages at most.
The résumé samples below were developed for Penn State Liberal Arts undergraduates by career coaches in the Career Enrichment Network. We encourage you to model your résumé after the samples below, and if you have any questions, schedule a meeting with a career coach.
Cover Letters
A cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the position and highlight some qualities that may not be clear from your résumé. Show your individuality, and make a good first impression on the recruiters who are looking through dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for any given position.
Achieved
Administered
Advised
Advocated
Allocated
Analyzed
Anticipated
Applied
Approved
Arranged
Assessed
Attained
Audited
Balanced
Briefed
Budgeted
Built
Calculated
Cared
Coached
Collaborated
Collected
Comforted
Communicated
Compared
Competed
Completed
Composed
Computed
Conducted
Consulted
Contributed
Converted
Coordinated
Counseled
Created
Decided
Defined
Delegated
Demonstrated
Designed
Developed
Devised
Diagnosed
Directed
Documented
Drafted
Edited
Eliminated
Enforced
Enhanced
Ensured
Established
Estimated
Evaluated
Examined
Exceeded
Expanded
Facilitated
Financed
Formulated
Fostered
Founded
Gained
Generated
Guided
Identified
Implemented
Improved
Increased
Initiated
Instructed
Integrated
Interpreted
Introduced
Invented
Investigated
Launched
Learned
Led
Maintained
Managed
Mastered
Maximized
Mediated
Mentored
Met
Minimized
Modified
Monitored
Negotiated
Observed
Obtained
Offered
Operated
Organized
Partnered
Performed
Planned
Prepared
Presented
Produced
Programmed
Projected
Promoted
Proposed
Provided
Raised
Received
Recommended
Reduced
Reorganized
Reported
Researched
Responded
Reviewed
Revised
Screened
Sold
Solved
Strategized
Streamlined
Strengthened
Studied
Supervised
Supported
Targeted
Taught
Tested
Trained
Upgraded
Utilized
Validated
Visualized
Won
Wrote
Resume and Cover Letter Resources
This résumé template is applicable to all Liberal Arts students. Please note, Pre-Law Advising recommends that you utilize the general résumé format for law school applications.
This résumé sample is for students who participated in a global experience.
This résumé sample is for students who participated in an internship.
This résumé sample is for students who completed a research experience.
This résumé sample is for students applying to graduate school.
Liberal Arts students applying to internships or full-time positions in the federal government can reference this example and tips created by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Make sure to also reference the federal résumé checklist from USAJobs.gov.
This cover leter template is applicable to all Liberal Arts students.
This cover letter sample is applicable to all Liberal Arts students.
This is a generic CV sample.
Job Search Tips
Job searching can be a challenging process, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to find a path that’s right for you!
Believe in Your Strengths
You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and your skills and experiences are valuable. Trust in your abilities and the unique qualities you bring to the table.
Stay Positive
Every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.” Keep a positive mindset and remember that each experience is a learning opportunity.
Embrace the Journey
Job searching is a process, and it’s okay to take your time. Each application, interview, and networking event are steps towards finding the right fit for you.
Keep Networking
Connections can be incredibly valuable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, professors, or alumni who might offer advice or opportunities.
Celebrate Small Wins
Even small achievements, like landing an interview or making a new connection, are steps in the right direction. Celebrate these moments—they’re important progress markers.
Stay Resilient
The right job is out there, and persistence pays off. Keep pushing forward, and don’t let temporary setbacks discourage you.
Trust the Process
Sometimes, the right opportunity takes time to find. Trust that the effort you’re putting in will lead you to where you’re meant to be.
Focus on Growth
Think about how each step in your job search helps you grow, both professionally and personally. This mindset will help you stay motivated and positive.
Seek Support
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from friends, family, or career counselors. They can offer valuable perspectives and encouragement.
Keep Learning
Use this time to continue learning and developing your skills. Whether it’s through online courses, workshops, or self-study, every bit of knowledge adds to your value as a candidate.
Perseverance is Key
You’re on the right path, and every step you take is bringing you closer to your goal. Keep going—your hard work and perseverance will pay off!
Timeline for Grad School Preparation
*** The process and timeline needed to apply to graduate school is not a “one size fits all” process. The timeline below represents a general, typical process to consider when preparing for this next step in your education.
Grad School Essays
- An essay
- About who you are as a person, beyond your academics
- What you want to study and why
- Highlights your personal motivations for applying to the program and any major accomplishments you’ve had or obstacles you’ve faced along the way
- An essay
- About what you want to do
- Why are you applying to grad program?
- Highlights academic strengths and background, career goals, research interests, and fit with the program
- Formal letter (similar to a cover letter for an internship/job application)
- Addressed to the decision maker regarding application
- Provides an overview of goals in applying to graduate school
- Highlights experiences and why you’d be a good fit
- Close with a call to action
- Understand the Requirements
- Be Authentic
- Tell Your Story
- Focus on Your Goals
- Highlight Relevant Experience
- Show Fit with the Program
- Be Specific
- Keep It Organized
- Use Clear and Concise Language
- Proofread and Edit
- Answer the Questions/Prompts