Carnegie Mellon University

Are you interested in applying for a job or internship but don't know where to start? Here at the CPDC, we assist you every step of the way. By understanding each phase of the search process, you are able to explore, apply, and interview for incredible job and internship opportunities! Review the process and resources outlined below.  

The first step in the job and internship search process is to research and explore companies and organizations that align with your interests, professional preferences, and values. Once you’ve determined the types of companies and organizations you want to work for, you need to find and apply for jobs/internships that match your career goals. To research companies or to find a job/internship, visit Handshake or the Video, Audio & External Resources page on the CPDC website. The following general job/internship guides are also available to you:

During application process, you will also want to contact your connections. After you apply for a job/internship, you will want to research if anyone in your network works for those companies and organizations. Use the resources below to expand your connections and discover best practices for connecting with your network.

Most companies will extend a formal, written job offer that will include many details for you to consider. We can assist you in reviewing your offer, provide information on CMU graduate salary statistics, and help you to weigh your options. Here are other resources to get you started:

Comparing Your Salary to Industry Trends:


Ethical Job/Internship Search Policy:

It is important for the development of each student that they conduct themselves in an ethical manner. Not honoring agreements with recruiters reflects poorly on the university and impacts the organization's actions regarding future recruiting activities at Carnegie Mellon.  For more information, please review our Ethical Job/Internship Search Policy.

Before the Interview

Know what makes you stand out from other candidates, what the company does (products and services, key competitors, etc.) and why you are interested in working there.

  • Glassdoor - This resource allows you to read company reviews from past and present employees, look at salary information for positions at companies, and review interview questions that may have been used.
  • Company Websites/LinkedIn Pages - This is a great way to source up-to-date information, news, organizational structures, and mission statements.
  • Talk to Alumni- Getting information from someone that works at the company or has attended a graduate school program is a great way to get insider information.

Practice Interviewing
You want to appear confident and likeable in your interviews, but even more you want to appear as though you’ve thought about your answers to different interview questions or scenarios. We have many resources to help you out.

  • Mock Interview via Career Consultant Meeting - Schedule an appointment with your Career Consultant for a mock interview to practice, then receive feedback about your performance.
  • Learn how to land the job with Big Interview - a platform with video tutorials and virtual interview capabilities.

During the Interview

There are many types of interviews in many different settings. Read below to learn more about how to prepare for virtual (Skype/Google hangout), phone, behavioral, and technical interviews.

Interviewing Tips Types of Interviews

Request Space for a Virtual or Phone Interview
The Career and Professional Development Center has 25 dedicated interview rooms to use for in-person, virtual, or phone interviews. Reserve a room at least two days prior to your interview. We know that's not always possible, so feel free to stop by (University Center, Lower Level) or call (412-268-2066) if you have a last-minute request. 

After the Interview

An effective end to an interview consists of shaking hands, thanking the recruiter for his or her time, summarizing relevant skills, and reaffirming your interest in the position. Follow up your interview with a thank-you letter or e-mail within 24-48 hours.

Sample Follow-up Emails

Interview Cancellation, No-Show or Reneging Policies

  • If you need to cancel an on-campus interview, you can do so in Handshake before the cancellation end date listed for that interview, found in the job description. Students who fail to cancel their interview before the interview cancellation date found in Handshake will be subject to the offense policy.
  • If an emergency occurs and you must cancel after Handshake's cancellation end date, please do so by calling Gerry Marnell in the Career Center at 412-268-2066.
  • Students who do not show up for interviews will be subject to the offense policy. In addition, the student will be required to send a letter of apology to the recruiter. The letter must be approved by the student's career consultant.  

Visit Student Responsibilities for more information about reneging policies.