Start Your Job Search

Here are a few suggested guidelines to help you begin your job search:

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

2. Create your own marketing materials

Develop a portfolio, write a resume and cover letter, and script an introduction you can use to “sell” yourself in two minutes or less.

3. Gather information

Network in professional associations,(consider the Minnesota Public Health Association, the American Public Health Association or other association specific to your area of interest), conduct informational interviews, or “try on” a position through volunteering, job shadowing, or part-time employment.

4. Apply for positions that match your qualifications

Apply for positions for which you possess most of the required qualifications – even if you don’t possess all of the skills listed in the job descriptin. As long as you meet the “essential qualifications” you may be invited to interview, where you can sell yourself and begin to get networked into the employer community.”

5. Interview

Even before you are invited to interview, begin preparing. Think about and practice your responses to the most commonly asked 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 signing up for the alumni networking directory. You will discover how rewarding it is to help new public health professionals begin their own career development process!

Other Resources

The following websites offer public health related career information and postings. Our School does not necessarily endorse or promote the content of these sites, and recommends discretion whenever you convey personal information electronically.

Job Postings

• Job Postings - the SPH job postings site. All positions specific to public health.

Government Job Links

• State and Federal Government Job Sites – web sites that display state and federal government positions.
• City and County Government Job Sites – links to the most populated cities and counties for all fifty states.

Other Job Links

• Public Health, Academic, and Research Jobs – national and international public health related career information and information specific to jobs in education and research.
• Local, National, & International Internships; Fellowships
• Diversity and Disability Resources – diversity job resources.
• Linkedin internship and entry level job search
• Nonprofit Jobs – links for local and national nonprofit organizations and job boards.
• Jobs at the U – positions available through the U of MN Office of Human Resources.
• Non-US citizen CDC Positions – Information about CDC positions for non-US citizens.
• International Student Resources
• Tip sheets – review these tips on resume writing, informational interviews, and more.
• Reference the U of MN Libraries – Careers & Jobs Development Resources for information on researching companies, salary guides, and more.
• Watch videos on a variety of career-related topics through CareerTV.