Use this website to learn how to search for jobs, find career resources, see current internship/job openings, and more!
Check back regularly for updates.
Reach out the alumni team with any questions.
To mount a job search follow the steps in the document below. But you don't have to do it alone!
Please contact Mrs. Kotzan at ekotzan@cristoreyatlanta.org or 404-931-3186 to help customize your search.
Cover Letter Writing 101
1. Subject Line
Example: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
2. Email Greeting
Use "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]" or "Dear Hiring Team" if you don’t know the specific name. It is worth a Google search to try & personalize the email.
3. Body of the Email (Introduction, Body, Closing)
Introduction:
Start by stating the position you're applying for and your interest in the role
Briefly mention how you found the job or your connection to the company.
Key Qualifications:
Highlight 2-3 relevant skills or experiences that match the job description.
Use 1-2 sentences to explain how your experience aligns with the role and the company's needs. Keep it concise.
Closing:
Express interest in an interview and thank the recruiter for their time.
4. Email Signature
Example:
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
5. Final thoughts
· Your resume should be tailored to this position & make sure you attach it to the email. PDF attachments are preferred.
· Make sure you run your cover letter through a grammar and spell check. The small things matter.
· It’s okay to ask AI to improve your letter as long as the result still feels like your writing. Never submit anything that isn’t true to your writing ability and who you are.
Salary Negotiations
Timing: Typically, salary discussions happen after you've received a job offer. Avoid discussing salary until then.
Understand Negotiability: Not all salaries are negotiable. Some companies have strict pay scales, especially in entry-level positions. However, many employers expect some negotiation. Below is a guide on how to do the research for this negotiation. *This is an important step in the process.
Identify the specific role, years of experience, industry and location
Job Title: Start by clearly defining the exact title of the entry-level role you're researching (e.g., "Entry-Level Marketing Associate," "Junior Software Developer").
Industry: Different industries have different salary norms. Be clear about the specific industry you're interested in (e.g., tech, finance, healthcare).
Geographic Region: Salaries can vary widely depending on the location. Research salaries specific to the Atlanta metro region
Use several reliable salary data websites
Glassdoor: Offers salary ranges based on job title, location, and company. You can filter for entry-level positions and get salary insights based on employee-reported data.
Indeed: Another great resource where you can look up salary information for specific jobs and locations.
Payscale: Allows you to research salary data across various industries and job titles. It also considers factors like education and experience level.
LinkedIn Salary Insights: Available for many positions and industries, offering salary ranges based on user-reported data.
Salary.com: Offers a salary calculator that takes into account the specific job title, region, and industry.
Adjust for Benefits and Compensation
Total Compensation: Remember that salary is only part of the equation. Consider other elements like bonuses, health insurance, 401(k) matching, and stock options, which can add substantial value to a compensation package.
Benefits Package: Some companies offer lower salaries but better benefits, so weigh the total package.
Compare and Interpret
Compile Data: Collect salary data from multiple sources and look for trends. You might notice common salary ranges for your role and location.
Entry-Level Pay Range: After gathering enough data, aim to identify a typical salary range (e.g., $50,000-$65,000 for an entry-level software developer in New York).
Be realistic
You run the risk of turning off an employer if you ask for a salary that is out of range or unrealistic. That misstep can demonstrate a lack of research, which can be a red flag to employers.
The middle of the average range is a solid bet. Employers generally don’t want to start you at the top of the range because it leaves no room for increases within the first few years