Eine Person sitzt auf einer roten Couch und sieht auf ihr Handy.
Graph Art Line e.U. 2026

Job Search

Looking for a job can quickly become overwhelming: there are many platforms, different job titles, little feedback, and the question of where to even start.

It helps to think of your job search as a project. A project needs a goal, structure, and next steps. You don’t have to have the perfect plan right away. The important thing is to get started, gather information, and refine your search step by step.

What are my skills and where do I want to go?

Before you send out a lot of applications, take some time to briefly assess where you stand:

  • What kinds of tasks interest you?
  • What topics, values, or fields of work are important to you?
  • What professional, methodological, and personal skills do you bring to the table?
  • What conditions do you need, such as location, working hours, work model, or travel requirements?
  • What terms appear in job postings that match your profile?

It’s especially worth doing some research if your field of study doesn’t have a clearly defined career path. Different companies often use different terms for similar roles. So, make a list of relevant job titles, industries, organizations, and search terms. The University of Vienna’s graduate tracking program can also help you here, as it shows which industries and positions former students in your field have actually gone on to hold.

KI-Illustration einer Person auf Jobsuche mit Lupe vor einem großen Bildschirm.
KI-generiert/Career Center Universität Wien

Find Suitable Positions

Use multiple approaches at the same time. This will increase your chances and give you a better sense of the job market.

A good place to start is our Career Center job platform. There you’ll find jobs, internships, entry-level opportunities, and positions for young professionals that are specifically tailored to students, graduates, and recent college graduates entering the workforce.

It’s also worth checking out:

  • Career pages of organizations and companies
  • LinkedIn and other professional online networks
  • Newsletters and job alerts
  • Recommendations from your network
  • Career events and information sessions

You won’t find many suitable positions solely through traditional job platforms. Contacts, conversations, unsolicited applications, and events can also open important doors.

Zwei Personen unterhalten sich an einem Infostand.
Klaus Ranger

Prepare your applications strategically

A good job search strategy doesn’t end with finding a job posting. Analyze the job posting carefully: What are the main responsibilities? What are the key requirements? Which terms are repeated?

Then tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position. Highlight the experiences, skills, and interests that are particularly relevant. The goal isn’t to list everything, but to highlight what’s relevant.

You can find more information on our CV  and Cover Letter pages.

Staying on Top of Things

Job hunting takes persistence. A simple list can help you stay organized. For example, make a note of:

  • interesting job openings
  • application deadlines
  • applications sent
  • feedback
  • next steps
  • contacts or interviews

Tip: Save the job posting or take a screenshot. Many postings are deleted after the application deadline passes. For the job interview, it’s helpful to be able to review the job duties and requirements later.

Be sure to schedule breaks as well. Job hunting takes energy. Structure not only helps you stay on track but also helps you handle rejections or waiting periods with more composure.

Take Advantage of Events & Networks

Career events help you learn about different career fields, ask questions, and talk directly with employers or alumni. You can find out what entry-level opportunities are available, what skills are in demand, and which organizations align with your interests.

These events are especially helpful if you’re still figuring out your path or want to learn more about specific fields of work. Prepare a few questions, research the participating organizations, and think about what you’d like to share about yourself.

You can find upcoming events on our Events page.

Mehrere Personen die sich bei einem Infostand auf einer Messe unterhalten.
derknopfdruecker.com

Information for Third-Country Nationals
If you are from a third country, you may encounter additional questions regarding job searches, work permits, and starting a career in Austria. Our counseling for third-country nationals is here to support you. We also regularly offer webinars on this topic.

Networking Without Pressure

Networking doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be someone you’re not or “sell” yourself. It means showing interest, asking questions, and consciously nurturing connections.

You can start small:

  • Talk to colleagues from internships, part-time jobs, or projects.
  • Tap into contacts from classes, college groups, or alumni networks.
  • At events, ask specific questions, such as: “What entry-level opportunities are there in your field?”
  • After a good conversation, connect with people on LinkedIn, through another relevant professional network, or via email.

Follow up briefly later if a tip helped you.

Even casual contacts can be valuable. They often know about organizations, career fields, or opportunities that no one in your immediate circle has considered yet. Tips and experiences that come directly from your circle of friends and acquaintances are especially valuable. You know these people, can contact them at any time, and they’re happy to share their knowledge and experiences.

You can find more information on this in our blog posts and podcast episodes

Have you checked out our job platform?

Click here for jobs and internships!

Haven't found what you're looking for on our job platform yet?

More than 3,500 job openings are waiting for you to discover them on our job platform.

In addition to the Career Center job board, there are numerous other job platforms and career portals that specialize in specific industries, professional fields, or target groups.

To help you stay organized, we’ve compiled a list of the most important platforms for you. Here’s another tip: Many companies also post their job openings directly on their career pages.

Job Board Overview

  • Freiwilligenweb - Platform of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs and Consumer Protection
  • Idealist.org - International Internships and Jobs at the Nonprofit Career Center
  • NGOjobs - Jobs at NPOs and NGOs
  • NPO-Akademie - Job Board for Nonprofit Organizations

[Translate to English:]

  • AIESEC – NPO, internship organization for students in business-related fields
  • ELSA – Internship organization for law students
  • Erasmus – Placement of internships at companies in Europe
  • EURAXESS - Jobs in research and for PhD students in the life sciences
  • Goabroad - Global internships, volunteer opportunities, study and teaching programs
  • AIFS Program Overview
  • IAAS – Internship placement for students in agricultural fields
  • IAESTE – Internship placement for students in technical fields
  • MYLABADI - Internships in Africa
  • OEAD - Auslandsstipendien - Overview of Scholarships Abroad
  • Praktikum.de - Internships in Germany for Students
  • Tyba - International job board for startups and tech companies with internship opportunities
  • UN - (United Nations); International internship and volunteer opportunities

Tip: Check the website for your program to see if they're looking for teaching assistants, tutors, mentors, or similar roles.