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Class of 2026 Pro Tips

If you’re still looking for that great opportunity and want to be more efficient and effective, check out these Pro Tips for your senior-year job search.

1. Update Your Resume

Make it current by highlighting new skills or work experiences since creating your original or previous version. Replace your college email address and tailor it to the role you’re applying for. 

Create your Alumni Email: Sign in to the WFU Network to set up your permanent alumni email and update your contact info. Instructions on creating an account can be found here.

2. Use Handshake

Handshake has over 115,000 employers connected with WFU. When you apply on a massive public site, you’re just a resume in a sea of thousands. When you use Handshake, you’re walking through a door that was specifically opened for Wake Forest students.

Handshake isn’t just a job board—it’s a career-long asset. It stays with you as you grow. To use Handshake as an alumnus, complete complete this form to link your current account. (You will need the alumni address from step 1.)

3. Review Wake Forest Collections

Check the Wake Forest Collections within Handshake. This newly launched feature highlights jobs and companies that WF alumni are often interested in.

4. Discover WFU-Sourced Opportunities

Follow WFU Sourced opportunities in Handshake to find popular jobs and careers among WF alumni sourced by the Wake Forest Employer Relations team.

5. Speed Up Your Search

Don’t spend your time scrolling through opportunities. By completing these three quick steps (30 minutes) on Handshake, you will simplify your job hunt and ensure you are visible to top employers who are seeking Deacs for internships and full-time opportunities. Do one step at a time or get it done in one sessions.

The good news is that you can (and should) update each step as frequently as you want.

Finally, don’t forget to include Indeed and LinkedIn in your hunt.

6. Get Advice From Alums

Use the Wake Forest Alumni and Personal Career Development Center to get advice and connect with a career coach, an alumni career advisor, or alumni in your city or career interest area.

Join our Alumni Personal & Career Development team for a new course, Connection Catalyst: Accelerate Your Career Through Powerful Relationships. This short, self-paced course focuses on the why, who, and how of growing a strong network, plus various ways to tap into Wake Forest-specific connections.

Here’s the link to register (select the free alumni & student option) and a self-enrollment Canvas course code will be provided in the confirmation message.

7. Network Better and Faster

Learn Tips to Find Alumni on LinkedIn and join the WFU alumni group to learn about less-known opportunities and obtain helpful connections and information. Find contact and other helpful info about an alum via Wake Network. 

8. Nail Your Interviews

Review interview prep information from the OPCD website to be confident and well-prepared for all types of interviews and questions.

9. Maximize Your Opportunities

Research all types of companies that align with your interests. Learn more about the organization, the industry, and potential roles. Apply to any opportunities of interest. The more opportunities you apply to, the greater your odds of finding a great job.

10. Boost Your Job Hunt with AI

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into your job search can provide significant advantages. Learn more about Using AI in Your Career Search and consider pursuing some AI certification opportunities.