Start Your Job Search

While job search may seem daunting, it will seem less so if you follow a few guidelines:

FIRST...  assess your own values and work criteria.

SECOND...  create your 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.

THIRD...  gather information. Network in professional associations, conduct informational interviews, “try on” a position through volunteering, job shadowing, or part-time employment.

FOURTH...  apply for positions that match your qualifications –even if you don’t possess 100% of the skills they are seeking. This is a way to get your name to the employer community. 

FIFTH...  interview. Don’t feel badly if you are not selected – you will be better at interviewing each time you try, and eventually, you will get hired.

FINALLY...  career development is a lifelong process. Even 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!

The following websites offer public health related career information and postings.  The SPH 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

• Federal Government Job Sites - web sites that display federal government positions.
• State Government Job Sites - links to all fifty states' job openings.
• County Government Job Sites - links to the most populated counties for all fifty states.
• City Government Job Sites - links to the most populated cities in all fifty states.

OTHER JOB LINKS

• Public Health Jobs - national and international public health related career information.
• Academic and Research Jobs - information specific to jobs in education and research.
• Local, National, & International Internships; Fellowships
• Diversity and Disability Jobs - diversity job resources.
• 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.

GENERAL CAREER INFO

• 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.
• General Career Links - these links can help you get started.