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Now What?

Job searching is not a certain moment in your life, it is a whole process, with plans and steps, with routines and questions, with feedbacks and new starts again... So we created this page as a guide through your job search, in the same time encouraging you to meet us for more guidance, tailored to your needs. 

I decided I need a job... NOW WHAT?

They say that people chose their jobs not when they graduate from school, but much earlier, when they apply to school. Any step can bring you closer to your dream career. So take some time to reflect upon your professional interests, personal values, competencies that you acquired and, of course, see what the job market has in store for you. While at CEU:

  • check the jobs, internship openings on our online Job Vacancies Board
  • participate to the diverse  Career events organized during the year (on campus presentations, Career Fair, NGO Fair, job fairs in the region, CEU Alumni Speaker series, focus groups), giving you opportunities to network with employers directly and find about their needs and expectations
  • use the available career resources we picked for you (job portals, career advice and assessment tests, downloadable guides) or search for others available on the Internet
  • read about the most popular career fields among CEU alumni
  • make sure to send your resume for the annual CEU Resume Book, distributed to many local and international employers interested to recruit from our university
  • set up an appointment with the CEU Career Adviser, to discuss your strategy for job searching and you will benefit from personalized advice.

I found the "dream job" add... NOW WHAT?

You know that this is the opportunity that you have been waiting for for a long time, you are confident that it fits your interest, values and personality, so the only concern remains how to convince the employer that you are THE ONE. What you should do is:

  • read very carefully the job add, to make sure you are not missing some requirements that are top priority for the recruiter. Make sure you match the "must have" requirements in the first place and you don't get enthusiastic only because you meet the less important or only the "preferable" needs. Seek what else can compensate your "minuses"
  • now it's time to research about the organization: pay attention to their language and key words in the announcement, read their website looking for the values and principles, testimonials from team members or interns, success stories or projects they are proud of. By doing so, it will be easier for you to "start thinking with their head", so you will be able to build an application with higher chances to attract their attention.
  • as the CEU alumni can be found in many fields and organizations around the world, ask for their advice as career mentors.
  • check your resume, customize it for the particular application, if possible. Try to keep only the relevant information and minimize what is not so relevant, after all you have only 1-1,5 pages available (and a bit more for academic applications), so the space is precious. Focus on studies you have in the field, work places, including volunteering and internship, experience that empowered you with skills that can be transferred to the new position, evidence of your performance and achievements, extracurricular activities, technical and personal skills and attributes. Meet the Career Adviser and have your resume checked.
  • write a cover letter or, depending on the case, a statement of purpose, that will introduce your resume/CV for the particular position. Restrain yourself from copying the information from the resume. Instead, try to focus the reader's interest to the most relevant aspects of your application. Again, feel free to check your letter with a Career Adviser.
  • remember that the resume and cover letter have the purpose to bring you an invitation to the interview, not the job itself! Step by step!

They invited me for a job interview... NOW WHAT?

The invitation to the interview, be it only a phone screening, face-to-face interview or an assessment center, is a very positive feedback. You were selected from many candidates, you attracted the employer's attention and now they want to know more about you. They wouldn't offer to spend their time if they didn't like you. So all you have to care about now is how to contribute to this first good impression and turn it into a hiring decision.

  • start preparing for the interview using the job announcement or the job description if available. Imagine that all the responsibilities and requirements there are questions ( so, for example, if the organizations requires "training and presentation skills", try to answer to the question "How did you acquire your presentation skills and why do you think you could be a good trainer for us? "). Prepare a short story or situation from your experience for every requirement, be prepared to explain and justify it.
  • continue the preparation by reading books with preparation for interview, like "Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions" available in the Career Office. Check our handout for types of interviews
  • make sure you prepare your list of questions, helping you to get, by the end of the meeting, all the information you might need if forced to make a decision (what is expected from you, why is the position opened, when are you expected to start, what do the organization sees as success for that position, etc)
  • meet the Career Adviser and ask when it's the next time a mock-interview session or interview skills workshop will be organized at CEU. Or ask for an individual one.

If we get to the "salary" topic... NOW WHAT?

The question shouldn't be so delicate if you do your homework well in advance:

  • calculate your monthly or yearly expenses, so that you know, at least, what is the amount under which you cannot accept any offer
  • check the salaries in the field, by checking online salary survey (for example the salary survey for Hungary) or by asking friends and family

The CEU Career Advisor can assist you along the whole process, sharing also resources and information relevant to your particular needs, so get in touch with us and set up an appointment.