Review of LinkUP Job Search Engine: Google for Jobs

The general impression one gets after visiting LinkUP follows the website's own self-description: 'Google for jobs.' Submitting a search can yield an enormous volume of results. Consequently, a good portion of those results will be superfluous, but there are many diamonds to be found in the rough.

As far as its usefulness for Washington and Lee students, LinkUP offers both disadvantages and advantages. Unfortunately, the searches reveal many positions that are out of graduating students’ range. There are many positions offered as Vice-Presidents, Managers, and Directors of departments or offices; these positions typically require sufficient work experience that graduating college students do not have. Nonetheless, the searches do pick up some good jobs that graduating seniors can compete for. Graduates’ jobs are not the central focus of this website, but they are there. Additionally, many internship opportunities appear on the website. While searches generate many job results, students can find this search engine helpful in finding summer or future employment.

Another benefit of the website is the great range of searchable locations and employment areas. The website allows students to confine their job searches to any number of specific cities or states, whereas other search websites such as SLAC confine their positions to a few large, metropolitan cities. Another benefit of so many search results is that a wide array of interests are represented, and students of any major and any career path will likely find some opportunities in their searches. The website is not as formal as most job websites, but it is also less confined; it allows students to make a more exhaustive search of the job market.

Book Review: Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?

Caroline Head ‘10 Reviews Ellen Gordon Reeves’ Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?

This should be the bible for college students preparing to enter the job market. Reeves’ book covers every topic imaginable, and leaves no questions unanswered. Published in 2009, the book is perfectly up-to-date (although I imagine new editions will be necessary as social norms evolve) and especially appropriate for young 20-year-olds. Reeves’ qualifications are exceptional, but her personal experience in the job search process is even more valuable; an eduaction and job in the Ivy Leagues does not prevent her from writing in a witty, understandable, and relatable language. Furthermore, Reeves does not simply offer general suggestions for dealing with searching, networking, resumes and cover letters, interviewing, etc. She provides speficic examples, templates, and phrasing that are realistic and practical, and is certainly a LOT of information packed into 200 pages, but the subject index in the back eliminates wasting time flipping through pages looking for a specific topic. I have not come across a better guide to tackling today’s intimidating job market and I would highly recommend the purchasing – and promotion – of thsi book for all W&L students!