Searching for Jobs Online
Searching for a job can be time intensive. Be creative and start early. Use a variety of online sources to find jobs. Learn what your peers did to find a job. Take the time to explore job titles and descriptions – some companies may be looking for scientists but list positions using other titles such as engineer or product developer.
HELPFUL TIP: Don’t be afraid to approach companies that interest you and ask them the best way to pursue employment with their company. Sometimes it may require volunteering or taking a lower level position to eventually get your desired position.
Where to Search
The best place to start searching for a job is online. There are several university and professional job databases that list jobs within the state and throughout the country.
University Job Databases
- CEFNS Employment Newsletter – find employment, internships, or research opportunities in engineering, forestry, mathematics and statistics, and the natural sciences.
- Gateway Connects (NAU’s employment database) – contains an array of jobs ranging from student worker jobs to full time jobs after graduation.
Government Database
- Government Jobs – usajobs.gov . All government jobs including the Forestry Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Park Services are listed on this database.
Professional Databases
- Search Professional organizations in your area(s) of interest for potential jobs or scholarships. List of professional organizations:
http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Organizations/Professional/
Other Search Options
- Visit company or organizations sites to view their available job openings. Some jobs may only be posted for one week so check frequently!
- Juju Job Search – browse for jobs by category, location, company, or keyword.
NAU Organizations and Departments with Job Listings and Opportunities:
- CEFNS Undergraduate Research http://www.cefns.nau.edu/Research/
- School of Forestry Job Listings
- Landsward’s Student Connections Newsletter, Environmental Focus
- Merriam - Powell Center's Weekly Update, Environmental Focus
Websites for the top employers in Flagstaff, Arizona:
- City of Flagstaff Jobs: http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.asp
- Coconino County: http://www.coconino.az.gov/
- Federal government jobs via www.usajobs.gov. Top agencies include Forest Services, U.S. Geological Survey, and Census.
- Northern Arizona University: www.nau.edu/hr
- Coconino Community College: http://www.coconino.edu/
- Joy Cone: http://www.joycone.com/
- W.L. Gore: http://www.gore.com/en_xx/
- Flagstaff Unified School District: www.fusd1.org
- Flagstaff Medical Center: http://www.flagstaffmedicalcenter.com/default
- Walgreens: www.walgreens.com
- Purina: www.purina.com
- Coconino County Career Center http://www.coconino.az.gov/careercenter.aspx?id=2302
Search Engine Tips
Use the following tips when using popular search engines like google.com or dogpile.com to find jobs.
- Spell words correctly and avoid slang, if possible.
- Use AND to search for multiple words.
- Use NOT to exclude certain words.
- Use OR to include any of the words or phrases.
- When searching for phrases, use quotes around the phrase to search for the entire phrase, for example: “CEFNS employment database“.
Search Newspapers or Telephone Books
Newspapers are still an excellent resource for listed jobs in your community.
- Look in the WANTED, CLASSIFIED, JOB or CAREER sections.
Arizona Newspapers
- http://newslink.org/AZnews.html
Telephone Books
- Use the yellow pages to indentify employers by subject or fields of interest in the towns or cities where you hope to work.
Online Social Networks
Use your network to find a job. Family, friends, and professors can help you with your search – more voices are better than one.
Networking Tips
- Continually expand your personal network. Use online social networking sites like LinkedIn or Networking for Professionals. This is a great way to connect with professionals in your field.
- Subscribe to groups. Some online groups can link you to job openings or current trends through twitter, texting, or emails. For example, construction management majors can learn about vacancies through twitter at: http://twitter.com/GetCMJobs.
Acquire more networking tips via our online Networking Video