Career Services > For graduate students > Industry & govt job search > Employer expectations and job search process

Industry & government job search:
Employer expectations & job search process

---

The industry and government job search for master's degree and Ph.D. candidates requires the same skills and knowledge as the job search for undergraduates, plus more.

Differences between the job search for undergraduates and graduate students.

1. The bar is raised. You are expected to exhibit more career focus and professionalism.
2. For some industry and government employment, particularly for research positions at the Ph.D. level, the process may be more similar to the academic job search, in terms of documents needed and the hiring process.
3. If you need to submit a C.V. for a job application, see documents for the academic job search.
4. For many positions you may be expected to make a presentation as part of the interview process. The content knowledge and skills needed for your presentation should be developed during your graduate academic work.

Similarities between the job search for undergraduates and graduate students.

1. The strategies and skills are the same.
2. You need to understand sources of jobs for your field.
3. Networking is an essential professional skill and door-opener.
4. You need to understand the job search process, from resumes to relocation, which addresses many skills, including:
   Resumes and curriculum vitae
   Correspondence
   E-mail
   Telephone use
   References
   Handshakes
   Conduct at career fairs
   Interviewing
   Attire
   Dining etiquette
   Salary information
   Responding to offers
   ...and much more.