Job Search Resources
Job hunting? Tips to help you find what you’re looking for
Job searching can feel like a daunting task.
There are tons of job postings on many different websites, and when you apply online, it can seem like your resume vanishes into the abyss.
Finding jobs that match you is more than just replying to random online job ads. To get started and save time, it’s helpful to:
- Do some introspection to know what you’re looking for
- Find opportunities that match your skills and experience
- Understand the recruitment cycles of employers that hire new grads
You don’t have to go it alone on your job search. Explore the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre’s (BCC) resources and services to get support.
Ways to get started & build your experience
Self-guided Career Toolkits designed for UBC Sauder students
Understanding what you’re looking for and why is a great starting point because it will help narrow your search. It will also help you explain why you want a specific role when you’re interviewed.
See the resources below for help with introspection to guide a successful job search and recommended ways to find jobs.
 | Job Search ToolkitSearching takes time and planning, whether you’re looking for an internship, Co-op work term, part-time or full-time role. Read this toolkit to learn where to research, how to factor in your goals and timeline, how employers hire, how to approach online job boards, and what jobs to apply for. |
 | Role Alignment ToolkitAs you search for jobs, it’s helpful to know if the jobs you're finding align with your career goals and if you align with the job’s requirements. This toolkit highlights which industries require certain grades, what to think about for locations, and when professional designations are needed. |
 | Work & Volunteer Experience ToolkitSome job descriptions have lengthy requirements that seem impossible to meet, especially for those early in their careers. This Toolkit goes over the 70% rule (you don’t need to meet all the requirements!) and how to find experience while you study. |
Access additional Career Toolkits on other career-related topics like resumes, cover letters, and interviews on COOL.
CWL login is required to access all Toolkits.
Additional resources
LinkedIn Guys Masterclass: Bonus Resources
Interested in using ChatGPT to find jobs but don't know where to start? Check out the LinkedIn Guys Masterclass: Bonus Resources, which includes:
- "10 Ways to Use ChatGPT to Accelerate Your Search"
Access the LinkedIn Guys Masterclass for free from the BCC by enrolling, creating a new account and completing your purchase with a 100% discount coupon automatically applied at checkout.
Career Newsletters from the BCC
- BCom Career Newsletters: All BComs students receive a weekly career newsletter to their inbox that highlights new internship postings, upcoming recruitment events, and more.
- Co-op Newsletters: All registered Co-op students receive bi-weekly career newsletters promoting exclusive career opportunities for Co-op students.
Note: All BCom and Co-op students are automatically subscribed to their respective newsletters.
Where to find jobs
One of the most effective ways to learn about relevant job opportunities is through your network of friends, classmates, mentors, family and acquaintances. There are also several resources available through UBC and other online sources.
UBC/UBC Sauder Sources
COOL (Career Options On-Line): UBC Sauder’s exclusive all-in-one career platform, where you can explore internship, Co-op, full-time and part-time job postings. 1000s of opportunities are posted every year on COOL by the BCC for UBC Sauder students.
- Setting up job alerts on COOL can also help you connect with opportunities as soon as they’re posted. Here're instructions on how to do this:
Download How to Set Up a "Job Alert" on COOL.pdf (154.19 KB)
CareersOnline: Browse this job and volunteer board accessible to all UBC students and alumni. Find Work Learn positions along with other on and off-campus opportunities.
Business & Management Research Guides from the UBC Library: Find company directories, associations, and more for various industries.
Other sources
- Industry & role-specific job boards
- Company websites
What you need to know about recruitment cycles
Not all companies and industries use the same recruiting cycles. Consider these factors when searching for jobs online and considering various industries and companies.
Large companies (e.g., Deloitte, KPMG, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, IBM, TELUS) typically:
- Have structured recruitment programs and cycles
- Recruit in the fall for graduate positions
- Recruit in the fall and spring for summer positions
- Start posting jobs on COOL in August or September
- Hire Co-op students
- Offer new graduate training programs
Smaller companies (e.g., Coast Capital Savings, Whistler Blackcomb, Bench Accounting, Alida, Major Tom, Concert Properties) typically:
- Recruit just in time throughout the year as positions become available
- Hire Co-op students when necessary
- Do not offer formalized graduate training programs
Job application tips
- Don’t wait for the deadline - apply to the posting ASAP. Employers may choose to close the posting sooner than the published deadline.
- Tailor your cover letter and resume to each posting.
- When applying to jobs via email, combine all documents in a PDF (unless otherwise instructed) and include your name and relevant information in the file name.
- Apply with a cover letter or introductory email, even if not requested.
- PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!
Get more job application tips here.
Other job sites to check out
Aggregator job sites
Industry-specific job sites
| Consumer Goods & Retail | |
| Environmental/Green Jobs | |
| Mining | |
| Forestry |
Option-specific job sites
Accounting | |
Business Technology | |
Finance | |
Human Resources | |
Marketing | |
Real Estate | |
Transportation & Logistics |
Have questions?
Stop by Drop-in to chat with the BCC’s team of Career Peer Advisors.
When: Weekdays, during the winter term, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (Monday-Thursday) and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm (Friday)
Where: CPA Hall, in front of the BCC
Or, book a career coaching & advising appointment on COOL for personalized 1:1 support.
(CWL login required)
Navigate Your Career Journey
Trying to figure out what type of work interests you? Or maybe you’re wondering what resources can help you achieve your goals? No matter where you are in your unique career journey, you can use our career development model to help navigate your personal and professional goals at UBC Sauder and beyond.