Select one of the following scenarios to find steps you should take to manage job search challenges regarding internship and full-time opportunities. If none of the scenarios below match your situation, or you still have questions, you can always reach out to our office at 217.333.1051 or email us at careers@scs.illinois.edu. Appointments can be made through your Handshake @ Illinois account.
First things first, there are still other jobs/internships being posted and companies hiring. Remember, this is not a reflection on you or your accomplishments.
- Re-open your search:
- Check Handshake @ Illinois, Indeed, LinkedIn daily and apply to multiple opportunities at each login.
- Setup saved searches in Handshake. Here is how to do that. You can also favorite companies to receive job alerts from them.
- Stay in contact with your employer by writing a note or email (see sample below). You may even be called when the market rebounds.
- Externships/Job Shadow: Some organizations have these as feeders for future intern and full-time roles or may be willing to offer these options. You can even consider doing micro-internships through an organization like Parker Dewey.
- Temp Jobs and Agencies: Third-party staffing companies have relationships with large organizations and during downturns companies often turn to temp agencies to augment their needs. This can give you a foot in the door when new opportunities emerge. View video.
- Volunteer: Assist a local non-profit with a project that builds your resume while assisting others.
- Look at the opportunities and tips in the SCS Career Services Newsletter sent on Wednesdays and prepare and practice interviewing with these resources.
- Network: Continue to network by reaching out to your personal network, family friends, and Illinois alumni. LinkedIn is a great tool to use. You can also see where recent alumni and graduates work through the Illini Success website.
- Check out LinkedIn Learning or Coursera for free classes to learn new skills in data science, coding, or even another language.
- Also check out our Careers Resource Library and this video on 'Making the Most of Your Summer.'
EMAIL TO EMPLOYER IF INTERNSHIP/JOB OFFER RESCINDED (edit as necessary):
Dear Ms. or Mr. or Dr. ________________ (substitute first name if appropriate & used previously),
Thank you for your email.
I am especially grateful that you selected me as a potential member of your team at _______(organization). I am passionate about this industry and especially excited about the work _____________ does. Right now, I am finishing up this semester at U of I and have had the opportunity to continue my research on ____________ (your industry) and developing additional (skills or proficiencies) in ___________ (skills from classes, or self-study like LinkedIn Learning workshops or classes that would add value such as programming and/or professional certifications).
As things change in the coming weeks and months, I would like to stay in touch and would welcome the chance to complete projects remotely.
Again, thank you for being in touch regarding the _____ position. I look forward to hearing how things improve for you and will be in touch to see how you are doing.
Sincerely,
Your Name
If you’re wondering what to do during this time, use the following steps as a guide, and congratulations on your job/internship offer!
- Reach out to your employer directly and use the sample language below as a guide.
- Be empathetic in your message, employers are dealing with change too.
- Reassure your employer of your excitement and interest in the opportunity and willingness to be flexible given the current labor marketing situation.
- Confirm start date and determine whether you will be working on-site or remotely.
- Continue to stay in touch with your employer after the initial contact.
- Let us know if you have any questions or concerns or if you need help with negotiations.
EMAIL TO EMPLOYER CONFIRMING OFFER (EDIT AS NECESSARY):
Dear Ms. or Mr. or Dr. ________________ (substitute first name if appropriate & used previously),
First, I hope you and your family are safe and healthy during this transition.
I am excited to come to your organization and begin making an impact for your group.
Right now, I am finishing up this semester at U of I remotely and have had the opportunity to continue my research on ____________ (your industry) and developing additional (skills or proficiencies) in ___________ (skills from classes, or self-study like LinkedIn Learning workshops or classes that would add value such as programming and/or professional certifications).
Could we please schedule a phone meeting to discuss other actions you may wish me to take prior to my start date?
Again, I look forward to becoming a member of your team at ________________.
Sincerely,
Your Name
There are still new internships and jobs being posted daily. Follow these steps for your greatest chance at securing an internship.
- Review the Careers Resource Library for detailed steps for how to do a successful internship/job search.
- Check Handshake @ Illinois, Indeed, LinkedIn daily and apply to multiple opportunities at each login
- Setup saved searches in Handshake and Indeed. Here is how to do that on Handshake.
- Look at the opportunities and tips in the SCS Career Services Newsletter sent on Wednesdays.
- Prepare and practice interviewing with these resources.
- For more tips, check out section 1 (my offer has been rescinded) of this page and this video on 'Making the Most of Your Summer.'
NEED ADDITIONAL HELP? CONTACT US!
Phone: 217-333-1051
Email: careers@scs.illinois.edu
Our services are now available virtually through phone and Zoom! Students can visit Handshake @ Illinois account to schedule an appointment,
At times of immense economic pressures and uncertainty, navigating the job market can be extremely challenging. Students who graduated during the Great Recession of 2007-2009 faced some of the challenges you are facing today. They're here to share some advice and words of encouragement with you on how to make it through.