TRANSFER Career Development Guide (by Kristine Vidic)

Your Journey Starts Here!

2020-2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT INFORMATION Welcome

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2

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4

Writing Your Resume

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7

Resume Action Verbs

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9

Resume Checklist

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10

Resume Templates

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11

Writing Your Cover Letter

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14

Cover Letter Checklist

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15

Building Your LinkedIn Profile

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16

LinkedIn Profile Checklist

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17

Writing Sample Guidelines

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18

Elevator Pitch

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19

Networking

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20

Informational Interviewing

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23

Thank You Note

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24

Interviewing

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26

Interview Prep Resources

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32

All About Offers

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33

Priority Steps 1,2,3 CAREER TOOLKIT

INTERVIEWING/ JOB OFFER EVALUATION

CONTACT INFORMATION

781.891.2165 GA_UCD@bentley.edu Pulsifer Career Development Center LaCava Center 225 175 Forest Street Waltham, MA 02452

1

The Pulsifer Career Development Center is excited to welcome all transfer students to Bentley University and let you know we are here for YOU. We care about your success today and in the future.

Whatever stage you are at in your career development, PCDC has a wide range of services and resources that will help you identify and prepare you for your future career.

Through career coaching, events, workshops, courses, career communities, career fairs, selfassessments, and much more, we seek to make sure EVERY Bentley University student has the tools, resources, information, and most of all a partner to navigate the college-to-career transition.

We look forward to engaging with all our transfer students early and often.

2

STEP 1

Register for a CDI Course

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1

STEP 2

Join Handshake Today On-line Career Tools and Resources to Help You Succeed Learn how these tools will keep you ahead of the curve.

joinhandshake.com 4

STEP 3

Register on CareerEdge

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CAREER TOOLKIT Resume Cover Letter LinkedIn Profile Writing Sample Elevator Pitch Networking Informational Interview Thank You Notes

6

WRITING YOUR RESUME “The average recruiter or hiring manager spends 6 seconds reading a resume…That’s right. 6 seconds. You’ve got just moments to make a lasting impression and make sure your resume lands in the “Yes” pile as opposed to the “Rejected” stack…”

Source: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/scanning-resumes

COMMON RESUME SECTIONS

EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED)  Always include the name or the organization, location, job

Resume sections should be tailored to the position for which you are applying. Many sections are flexible and can be combined to tell your unique story.

title, and dates worked  List in reverse chronological order (most recent on top)

CONTACT INFORMATION (REQUIRED)  Name – slightly larger font than the rest of the document and in bold  Complete address – permanent, campus or both o Street, Box # at Bentley (if applicable), City, State, Zip Code o Include your permanent address if you are looking for positions in that area  Email address and cell phone number

 Describe the scope and context of a situation; explain the action you took and the impact these had on both the organization and yourself  Talk about what was learned and the skills developed, not just the tasks/jobs that were performed  Incorporate your strengths! (examples: communication,

 Utilize strong action verbs, quantify results when possible, and use a variety of verbs to start each bullet point

organization, teamwork, attention to detail, ability to multitask / prioritize)  ‘Experience’ is not necessarily limited to jobs or employment; clubs or project work can also be included when relevant

EDUCATION (REQUIRED) University and city/state Degree and month/year of graduation Major(s), minor(s) and concentration(s), if applicable GPA, if above 3.0 (Cumulative and/or Major) – out to two decimals and do not round up!  Academic Honors, if applicable  Include Study Abroad University or Transfer University, if applicable  High School may be included if it has a strong alumni network and/or name recognition; otherwise, it should be    

removed by junior year RELEVANT COURSEWORK / PROJECTS (OPTIONAL)  Consider adding unique courses beyond general or introductory requirements of the major  Choose courses that cover concepts / skills most relevant to the positions you are applying to  Detailed descriptions of specific courses / projects are helpful; laundry lists of courses are not!

RESUME TIPS  Use Microsoft Word, not Google Docs or Pages  One page, singled-spaced  Font size should be between 10-11pt., margins between 0.51 inch  Bullets, dates, and section headers should be formatted consistently throughout  Tailor your resume to each position  Utilize strong action verbs to begin your bullet points; be sure to vary your word choice  Include results / accomplishments; quantify when possible  Emphasize your unique skills  Keep your resume updated with experiences, accomplishments, GPA  Proofread your resume several times to ensure correct grammar and spelling  Objective statement / references should not be on resume  Save resume as a PDF 7

LEADERSHIP, ACTIVITIES, SERVICE (OPTIONAL)  Include extracurricular activities, case competitions, athletics, and community involvement  Use section headers strategically to organize/highlight the most relevant content  Name the organization, role/position title, date, and possibly bullets describing skills, responsibilities, and/or accomplishments  Level of detail for each activity should be commensurate with your level of involvement  Give yourself credit for leadership positions!

SKILLS (REQUIRED)  Include computer, technical and language skills as applicable; indicate your level of proficiency, but don’t overstate!  Do not list soft skills – instead incorporate those skills into your experiences to demonstrate how they were developed INTERESTS (OPTIONAL)  Certain industries may also like to see an ‘Interests’ section that includes hobbies and areas of interests  Can be combined with ‘Skills’ or ‘Activities’  Be honest and specific when listing interests – you may be asked about them in an interview!

NACE COMPETENCIES (The National Association of Colleges and Employers) The career readiness of college graduates is an important issue in higher education, in the labor market, and in the public arena.

Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace.

Conveying these competencies through your resume and application will allow you to show those viewing it that you have the qualities needed to succeed.

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems.

Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization.

Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers, work within a team structure, and negotiate and manage conflict.

Digital Technology: Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Leadership:

VMock, a 24-7 online resume-review tool, will analyze your resume from EVERY possible angle, including presentation, impact and competencies. Click here to see VMock in action.

Before meeting with your Career Coach for an in-person resume review, you must upload your resume to VMock.

Incorporate the suggested feedback and improve your resume until you have reached a minimum overall score of 75, including 25 for Competencies, 25 for Impact and 25 for Presentation. If you are struggling to meet the minimum required score, do not use more than 5 attempts, as you only have 10 attempts per academic year.

Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others.

Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability, effective work habits, integrity and ethical behavior.

Career Management: Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth.

Global/Intercultural Fluency: Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions.

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RESUME ACTION VERBS ANALYTICAL

COMMUNICATION

shaped

introduced

enhanced

analyzed

addressed

visualized

launched

facilitated

ascertained

apprised

minimized

fostered

assessed

arbitrated

FLEXIBILITY

mobilized

founded

compared

attested

accommodated

modernized

guided

computed

authored

adapted

modified

hired

conceptualized

clarified

adjusted

multiplied

influenced

concluded

communicated

accommodated

overhauled

instructed

confirmed

composed

adapted

pioneered

interviewed

critiqued

convinced

adjusted

revamped

judged

deciphered

corresponded

converted

revised

led

deliberated

drafted

grew

spearheaded

moderated

determined

edited

improvised

stimulated

monitored

devised

explained

tailored

suggested

motivated

diagnosed

informed

updated

officiated

estimated

interpreted

INITIATIVE

upgraded

recruited

evaluated

lectured

accelerated

examined

marketed

accomplished

LEADERSHIP

supervised

forecasted

persuaded

achieved

administered

trained

formulated

presented

acquired

advised

integrated

promoted

advanced

allocated

ORGANIZATION

investigated

publicized

bolstered

allowed

arranged

justified

queried

boosted

appointed

assembled

measured

reported

built

approved

budgeted

negotiated

spoke

coordinated

assigned

calculated

prescribed

summarized

created

authorized

catalogued

prioritized

translated

dedicated

chaired

centralized

projected

wrote

demonstrated

coached

charted

enriched

delegated

classified

questioned

sanctioned

rated

CREATIVITY

established

designated

collected

recommended

brainstormed

expanded

directed

compiled

researched

constructed

expedited

educated

consolidated

scrutinized

designed

implemented

elicited

correlated

studied

engineered

improved

employed

Indexed

substantiated

envisioned

increased

empowered

linked

synthesized

fabricated

initiated

enabled

orchestrated

validated

illustrated

innovated

encouraged

organized

verified

produced

inspired

endorsed

oriented 9

RESUME ACTION VERBS ORGANIZATION

reinforced

committed

(continued)

rejuvenated

contracted

planned

relieved

disbursed

processed

remedied

displayed

purchased

remodeled

enlisted

recorded

repaired

excelled

regulated

restored

executed

scheduled

retrieved

exercised

systematized

revitalized

familiarized

tabulated

revived

figured

settled

guaranteed

PROBLEM SOLVING

solicited

indicated

aided

solved

instituted

alleviated

streamlined

involved

augmented

strengthened

issued

counseled

supplemented

maintained

customized

transformed

operated performed

debugged eased

TEAMWORK

prepared

elevated

assisted

programmed

enlarged

collaborated

realized

extended

contributed

related

extracted

cooperated

reviewed

finalized

mediated

satisfied

fulfilled

participated

screened

generated

partnered

secured served

identified interceded

OTHER ACTION

set

invented

VERBS TO CONSIDER

smoothed

lightened

acted

sought

polished

activated

specified

procured

added

submitted

reconciled

appraised

surveyed

rectified

approximated

sustained

reduced

attained

traced

refined

audited

transacted

reformed

certified

transmitted

rehabilitated

commissioned

valued 10

RESUME CHECKLIST GENERAL FORMAT YES

NO Is the resume one page, single-spaced?

Is the name at the top of the page in bold? Are address, phone number, and email easy to read?

Does the ‘Education’ section follow directly after the contact information?

Conservative font style? Same font size throughout (except name slightly larger)?

Are top/bottom, left/right margins equal and between 0.5” – 1.0”?

Size, shape, alignment of bullets consistent throughout?

Dates formatted and aligned consistently?

Are section headers in all CAPS, bold font?

Are verb tenses present tense for current experiences, past tense for past experiences?

Are there approximately 1-4 statements in bulleted format under each item in the ‘Experience’ section?

CONTENT YES

NO Does the resume include the required sections (Education, Experience, Skills) and as many optional sections as applicable?

Does the Education section state official degree and graduation date? Is the cumulative GPA included if higher than 3.0? Is the GPA accurate to two decimals and not rounded up?

Do the bulleted descriptions demonstrate major accomplishments rather than routine tasks/duties and are they quantified when possible?

Do the bulleted descriptions start with action verbs and demonstrate the use of key skills?

Is the resume free of personal pronouns (e.g. no references to “I”, “we”, “me”, “us”, “my”)?

Is the resume completely free from spelling, punctuation, abbreviations, and grammatical errors?

REVIEW YES

NO Have you uploaded your resume to VMOCK and achieved a minimum overall score of 75, including 25 for Competencies, 25 for Impact and 25 for Presentation?

Have you met with your Career Coach for a final review?

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NAME

Spring 20XX

Fall 20XX

September 20XX – May 20XX

September 20XX – Present

September 20XX – Present

September 20XX – December 20XX

COMPUTER AND LANGUAGE SKILLS Computer Skills: Program 1, Program 2, Program 3, etc.

Language Skills: Fluent in [FIRST LANGUAGE] and English [only include if English is not first language]

Name of Organization Position Held • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

Name of Organization Most Recent Position Held (January 20XX – May 20XX) • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2 Older Position Held (September 20XX – December 20XX) • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Name of Organization Position Held • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2 • Bullet #3

Name of Employer, City, State Position Title • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2 • Bullet #3

WORK EXPERIENCE Name of Employer, City, State June 20XX – August 20XX Position Title • Two or more bullets to describe your role / responsibilities • All bullets should start with strong action verbs (avoid repeating verbs) and be quantitative where possible ($, #, %) • All bullets should be results-oriented (i.e. how did you make an impact? why were you doing this task? for whom?)

• Lead with the most impressive tasks, not necessarily the tasks you spent the most time on

Full Name of Course • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

RELEVANT COURSEWORK Full Name of Course • Two – three detailed bullets to describe the key project / course content • All bullets should start with strong action verbs (avoid repeating verbs) • Avoid using the course description from the syllabus

Transfer University, City, State 40 Credit Hours Towards Bachelor of Science GPA:

EDUCATION Bentley University, Waltham, MA Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Major, May 20XX GPA: 3.XX Academic Honors:

Street Address, City, State Zip Code ● Phone Number ● Email Address

TEMPLATE 1(transfer)

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NAME

Spring 20XX

Fall 20XX

Permanent Address: Street Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number

COMPUTER SKILLS: Program 1, Program 2, Program 3, etc.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: Name of Organization • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

Name of Organization • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

ACTIVITIES: Name of Organization • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

Name of Employer, City, State Position Title • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE: Name of Employer, City, State Position Title • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2 • Bullet #3

09/20XX-Present

01/20XX-Present

09/20XX-Present

09/20XX-12/20XX

12/20XX-04/20XX

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Name of Employer, City, State 05/20XX-08/20XX Position Title • Two or more bullets to describe your role / responsibilities • All bullets should start with strong action verbs (avoid repeating verbs) and be quantitative where possible ($, #, %) • All bullets should be results-oriented (i.e. how did you make an impact? why were you doing this task? for whom?)

• Lead with the most impressive tasks, not necessarily the tasks you spent the most time on

Full Name of Course • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

RELEVANT COURSEWORK: Full Name of Course • Two – three detailed bullets to describe the key project / course content • All bullets should start with strong action verbs (avoid repeating verbs) • Avoid using the course description from the syllabus

Study Abroad University, City, Country Study Abroad Program, Spring 20XX Brief description of program (subjects studied, travel)

EDUCATION: Bentley University, Waltham, MA Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Major, May 20XX Liberal Studies Major in LSM Name

School Address: 175 Forest Street, Box #XXXX Waltham, MA 02452 Email Address

TEMPLATE 2

NAME

Waltham, MA May 20XX Major GPA: 3.XX; Cumulative GPA: 3.XX Academic Honors:

Bullet #1 Bullet #2 Bullet #3

Bullet #1 Bullet #2 Bullet #3

Bullet #1 Bullet #2 Bullet #3

Bullet #1 Bullet #2

SKILLS AND INTERESTS Skills: Program 1 | Program 2 | Program 3 | Etc. Interests: Interest 1 | Interest 2 | Interest 3 | Etc.

SKILLS AND INTERESTS Skills: Program 1 | Program 2 | Program 3 | Etc. Interests: Interest 1 | Interest 2 | Interest 3 | Etc.

Bullet #1 Bullet #2

Captain of 1st Place Team

Bullet #1 Bullet #2 CASE COMPETITION Name of Competition

• •

Position Title

Name of Organization

• •

Position Title

Name of Organization

• • •

Position Title

LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Name of Organization

• • •

Position Title

Name of Employer

• • •

Position Title

Name of Employer

City, State

February 20XX

City, State

September 20XX – May 20XX

City, State

January 20XX - Present

City, State

September 20XX - Present

City, State

June 20XX – August 20XX

City, State

September 20XX – December 20XX

City, State

January 20XX – May 20XX

Bullet #1 Selected Transaction Experience: Summary of deal (type, i.e. sale, majority buyout; $ value; type of company; indicate if active)  Bullet #1 to describe YOUR contribution to the deal  Bullet #2 to describe YOUR contribution to the deal

Position Title • •

City, State

June 20XX – August 20XX

May 20XX

Waltham, MA

Address: Street City, State ZIP

Two or more bullets to describe your role / responsibilities All bullets should start with strong action verbs (avoid repeating verbs) and be quantitative where possible ($, #, %) All bullets should be results-oriented (i.e. how did you make an impact? why were you doing this task? for whom?)

Lead with the most impressive tasks, not necessarily the tasks you spent the most time on

Name of Employer

• • • •

Position Title

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Name of Employer

• •

• •

Fall 20XX - Present

Spring 20XX - Present

Fall 20XX - Present

Email: student@bentley.edu

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Major

EDUCATION Bentley University

Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX

Name

TEMPLATE 4

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS Bentley University Men’s / Women’s XXXX Team Captain (20XX – 20XX Season) • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

Additional: List organizations here that you participate in, but are not a significant time commitment

Name of Organization • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND ACTIVITIES Name of Organization • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2

Fall 20XX

City, State Summer 20XX

Name of Employer Position Title • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2 • Bullet #3 • Bullet #4

RELEVANT PROJECT Name of Project • Two – three detailed bullets to describe the key project / course content • All bullets should start with strong action verbs (avoid repeating verbs) • Avoid using the course description from the syllabus

City, State Summer 20XX

Name of Employer Position Title • Bullet #1 • Bullet #2 • Bullet #3 • Bullet #4

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Name of Employer City, State Position Title Summer 20XX • Two or more bullets to describe your role / responsibilities • All bullets should start with strong action verbs (avoid repeating verbs) and be quantitative where possible ($, #, %) • All bullets should be results-oriented (i.e. how did you make an impact? why were you doing this task? for whom?)

• Lead with the most impressive tasks, not necessarily the tasks you spent the most time on

EDUCATION Bentley University Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Major Minor: Major GPA: 3.XX; Cumulative GPA: 3.XX Academic Honors:

175 Forest Street, Box #XXXX, Waltham, MA 02452 | Email Address | Phone Number

TEMPLATE 3

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WRITING YOUR COVER LETTER Cover letters serve as a bridge between your resume and the specific job to which you are applying. A well-written, organized cover letter helps to introduce your resume and directs the reader to key areas of your experience and background that specifically pertain to the open position. Therefore, there is not a “one size fits all” cover letter. A cover letter is also a reflection of your writing skills, so take time and care to proofread and review your document.

SEND A COVER LETTER WHEN:  Applying through BentleyLink or another online database and the employer has requested it  Responding to a job posting via email  Sending a response to a referral from a friend or acquaintance

GUIDELINES A COVER LETTER SHOULD BE:  Formal, polished, concise and confident  ONE page, grammatically correct, and free of typos  Formatted similarly to your resume (font style / size, margins)  Written in the active voice  Varied in sentence structure – don’t begin all sentences with “I”  Targeted to the needs of the company and requirements of the position  A way of connecting the job description with your resume and skills ADDRESS COVER LETTERS TO A SPECIFIC PERSON: If you do not have a contact name:  Investigate the company website and other online resources for contacts and addresses  Call the company and request the name of the person responsible for hiring interns / college graduates in your area  If all efforts fail, use a proper salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Campus Recruiting Team”

ADDITIONAL TIPS  A cover letter is not a repetition of the wording on your resume  An effective cover letter is well-rounded; it highlights both the hard skills and soft skills relevant to the position, and is supported by a variety of experiences (academic, professional, extracurricular)

CONTENT FIRST PARAGRAPH – “WHY THEM?”  State WHY you are writing o Responding to an advertised opening o Following up on a referral o Inquiring about a possible opening  State WHO you are o Year at Bentley University and major / minor  State WHY you are applying to, or are interested in, this employer / position o Find something about the company that speaks to you…but not something generic, such as “your firm is one of the largest, most prominent firms in the industry” SECOND AND THIRD PARAGRAPHS – “WHY YOU?”  State WHAT qualifications you bring to the position  Highlight experiences or academic achievements that directly relate to the qualifications the employer is seeking  Prove through examples of experiences and activities that you have the key skills for the position – i.e., leadership, communication, problem-solving ability, analytical skills  May close with a summary sentence of your qualifications and a confident statement that you can make a contribution to the organization FOURTH PARAGRAPH – “NEXT STEPS”  State WHAT you WANT – an interview or opportunity to further discuss your qualifications and potential opportunities  May reference your enclosed or attached resume  Let the employer know how to reach you  Thank the person and indicate that you look forward to speaking to or meeting with him/her 14

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST GENERAL FORMAT YES

NO Is the cover letter one page, single-spaced?

Are top/bottom, left/right margins equal and between 0.5” – 1.0”?

Does the font and formatting of your cover letter match the font and formatting of your resume?

Is the header properly formatted (your address, two blank lines, current date, two blank lines, company contact / address)?

Is the cover letter addressed to a specific person (“Dear Mr./ Ms. Last Name”)?

Does the cover letter follow a four paragraph format (introduction, two supporting paragraphs, conclusion)?

Does the cover letter include an appropriate sign off (“Sincerely,” a few blank lines, your full name)?

CONTENT YES

NO Does the first paragraph state WHY you are writing and WHO you are?

Does the first paragraph include a thoughtful, personalized statement about WHY you are interested in the company / position?

Do the second and third paragraphs highlight skills and accomplishments relevant to the role?

Are the second and third paragraphs well-rounded, i.e., do they include both hard and soft skills, supported by a variety of experiences?

Does the fourth paragraph clearly state what you want?

Does the fourth paragraph let the reader know how to reach you and thank them for their time?

Is the cover letter completely free from spelling, punctuation, abbreviations, and grammatical errors?

REVIEW YES

NO Have you met with your Career Coach for a final review?

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BUILDING YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE Employers use social media to target applicants and learn more about them. Make sure your social media presence is professional and targeted.

REQUIRED CONTENT

SKILLS

Make sure your LinkedIn profile covers all of the basics.

 Include both hard and soft skills  Research phrases most associated with certain industries

HEADSHOT  Be sure you are nicely dressed, alone in the photo, in front of a non-distracting background

and highlight key words  Endorse people you know well or have worked with for their

HEADLINE  Short, memorable, professional slogan that highlights your skills and accomplishments as well as what you are seeking  “Student at Bentley University” is not a strong headline because it does not promote your unique strengths

GROUPS AND COMPANIES OF INTEREST  Join the Bentley University Community LinkedIn Group

SUMMARY  Concise, confident statement about your skills, qualifications and goals

OPTIONAL CONTENT

 Include information about your education and experience and build on your headline  Approximately 3-6 sentences and written in the first person EXPERIENCE  Treat this section as you would the Experience section on your resume  Include any job, internship, research or leadership experience that is relevant or significant  Include the names of the organizations, job titles, dates and locations  Use bullet points to describe your accomplishments  HINT: If you have done a great job on your resume and it has been reviewed, copy / paste the bullets directly into LinkedIn – no need to recreate the wheel!

skills – they may return the favor

 Follow companies of interest to learn more about the company, stay up-to-date on company news, find jobs, and review connections at the company

Take your LinkedIn profile to the next level by including any of the following sections that are applicable VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE  Highlight your passions and how you like to give back  Include the names of the organizations, job titles, dates and locations  Use bullet points to describe your accomplishments LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS • Showcase your expertise with any relevant credentials you have earned ACCOMPLISHMENTS  Can include Publications, Courses, Projects, Honors & Awards, Test Scores, Languages, Organizations and more ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EDUCATION  List all of your institutions of higher education, including study

 Did you know you can ask your connections to write you a recommendation?

abroad and schools transferred from (if applicable)  Include your Degree, Field of study, Dates attended, and Activities and Societies 16

LINKEDIN PROFILE CHECKLIST IS ALL REQUIRED CONTENT INCLUDED? YES

NO Appropriate headshot (professional attire, non-distracting background) Interesting headline, i.e., NOT “Student at Bentley University” Engaging summary (3-6 sentences highlighting achievements and goals) Experience (all past and present experience with bulleted descriptions) Education (Bentley University, Study Abroad University, Degree, Field of study, Dates attended, and Activities and Societies) Skills (include both hard and soft; endorse as appropriate) Groups and Companies of Interest (join groups and follow companies relevant to career interests)

IS ALL APPLICABLE OPTIONAL CONTENT INCLUDED? YES

NO Volunteer Experience (all past and present volunteer experience with bulleted descriptions) Licenses & Certifications (include any relevant credentials) Accomplishments (Publications, Courses, Projects, Honors & Awards, Test Scores, Languages, Organizations and more Additional Information (ask a former manager or colleague for a recommendation!)

REVIEW YES

NO Is the LinkedIn profile completely free from spelling, punctuation, abbreviations, and grammatical errors?

Have you reviewed the “Profile Strength” indicator to help you identify areas of your profile for improvement?

Have you met with your Career Coach for a final review?

LET RECRUITERS KNOW YOU’RE AVAILABLE! Go to your LinkedIn dashboard. Click on ‘ME’ > View Profile. Scroll down to ‘Career interests’. Click ON for ‘Let recruiters know you’re open’. Write a ‘Note to recruiters’ (a couple of sentences about what you’re interested in, skills, knowledge, etc.). Complete the rest of the fields: Where are you in your search?, What job titles are you considering?, Where would you like your next job to be located?, What types of jobs are you open to?

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WRITING SAMPLE GUIDELINES Many applications for opportunities that include analysis, research, or direct communication with clients will require a writing sample as part of the initial application package. Consider the following when preparing or sending a writing sample:  Usually 2-3 pages in length.  If you already have a well-written writing example longer than the recommended 2-3 pages, write an abstract for the first page summarizing the hypothesis, main points, and conclusion. Let the reader know the following pages are an excerpt of the same document. Include page numbers, your name, and the title of the paper on each following page.  It’s ideal that the paper combines both a topic of interest to, or relates well with, the employer.  Most importantly, the paper must demonstrate your best writing whether or not the topic relates with the employer.  If you expect to have writing samples as part of the application process, select one or two ahead of time and ask a faculty member to review and suggest improvements. Incorporate the edits and prepare the abstracts ahead of time; this will help you get an application out quickly if meeting a tight deadline.  When considering what writing sample to send, look at the work of the employer. What are the underlying skills most needed in the internship or job for which you are applying (critical thinking, research, academic writing, persuasive writing, etc.)? Select a writing sample that best exemplifies the skills the employer is seeking.  Writing samples must not contain confidential information, grammatical errors, or misspellings.  Your writing sample must have been written solely by you. A group project paper is not acceptable and submitting one would be a misrepresentation.  Provide a “roadmap” for your reader. The recruiter is reading a lot of writing samples. At the top of your document, include your name, date you wrote the document, why (for what class or project), and what you think it demonstrates about you; no more than three sentences.

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INTRODUCTIONS Introducing yourself is not easy, especially if it is with a stranger. The most effective introductions invite the other person to engage in conversation with you. Here is a good introduction:

"Hi, how are you? My name is Fei Sum. I am a transfer student from Bentley University majoring in Finance.

What is your name and what do you do?"

A good introduction includes a firm handshake, eye contact, and the ability to actively listen to the person you just met.

ELEVATOR PITCH CRAFTING YOUR INTRODUCTION One of the most effective ways to get your message across is to develop a personal elevator pitch. An introduction (sometimes called an elevator pitch) is a clear, succinct, and specific statement that describes you and your strengths in less than 30 seconds. Preparing your pitch in advance can help you feel comfortable introducing yourself to new people.

Your introduction should explain who you are, what you are seeking, and what you can offer. Review some examples of different introductions below.

Example #1: "Hi, my name is Mary Jones. I am currently a transfer student at Bentley University. My major is in Marketing with a minor in Business Analytics. I have volunteered at Boston's Fine Arts Museum throughout my freshman and sophomore years at college. Last summer, I participated in several leadership programs, and I'm hoping to find a marketing experience this summer in the Boston area. I have always had an interest in marketing and the arts. In the future I am hoping to combine these two very different disciplines"

ASK QUESTIONS Asking a series of purposeful questions can help you engage someone you are meeting for the first time. Most people generally like talking about themselves, so do not shy away from asking about someone’s career and interests. At this point, you should be focused on getting to know your new contact and how this person might fit in to your network. You are not asking for a job, just more information. Consider asking some of the following questions when you are meeting someone for the first time:

"How did you get started in your current career?"

"What do you like most about your job? What are the biggest challenges you face?"

"Would you choose the same career path if you had to do all over again?"

Example #2: "I have been serious about the financial markets

since my freshman year. For the past two years I have been closely following the financial news, meeting with alums to understand their jobs, and assuming growing amounts of responsibility within Bentley's investment group (BIG). I am currently the Vice President for BIG's $115K student-run fund. I spent last summer on the buy side at Wall Street Global Advisors where I worked on the trading floor and want to pursue a career similar to what I experienced."

After you have composed your pitch, be sure to practice it by yourself and with friends until it sounds natural. You should modify your introduction over time and adapt it for certain situations. Your introduction should leave someone wanting to know more about you.

An introduction has the potential to become a more lengthy conversation or even a screening interview, so be prepared to talk about your experience and what you could contribute.

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NETWORKING Networking is simply the process of building positive, advantageous relationships, either by making a connection with someone in person or virtually. It involves speaking with professionals in your fields of interest in order to explore careers and gather information.

While some people have an easier time making new connections than others, it is important to remember that everyone is capable of networking.

WHY SHOULD I NETWORK? EXPLORE CAREERS AND INDUSTRIES If you’re unsure about your field of interest, you can explore options by identifying people who majored in Finance or Corporate Finance & Accounting and are now using those majors in different ways. Then reach out for a conversation.

FIND CONTACTS If you’re more certain about your career path, you can network to establish contacts in that field. These people can become great sources of knowledge or potentially mentors. If you have an interview coming up, you should find someone at the organization to get their insights before the interview.

LEARN ABOUT JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Networking is a critical component of any job or internship search. Some estimate that as much as 80 percent of new jobs are never listed but are instead filled internally or via networking, so it’s to your benefit to build and activate your network.

HOW SHOULD I NETWORK?

WHO IS ALREADY IN MY NETWORK?

UTILIZE THESE RESOURCES TO LOCATE AND NETWORK WITH ALUMNI AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS: Family

 LinkedIn: Build and engage your network with 500+ million professionals from around the world, including 50,000+ Bentley alumni

Neighbors

 Bentley University Alumni Chapters: Explore contacts and events occurring in a particular geographic region for those alumni clubs in order to network and connect with alumni in that area.  Professional Associations: Joining a professional association is a great way to boost your networking efforts! Many professional organizations offer a free or reduced membership cost for students. See pages 33-35

Friends

YOU

Co-workers & Supervisors

Bentley Staff

Professors

Coaches

for a list of relevant professional associations to consider.

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HOW CAN I IDENTIFY CONTACTS VIA LINKEDIN? An excellent (and easy!) way to start is by searching for Bentley alumni. From your LinkedIn home page, search for “Bentley University and select “Bentley University School ● Greater Boston Area”:

From there, click on “Alumni”, which will bring up an interactive bar chart:

Search for a particular company, job title, or geographic region.

Click “Next” to filter by additional categories, including: What they do, What they studied, What they are skilled at, and How you are connected Click on any of the bars to filter by category. You may filter by multiple categories, i.e.

“Where they live: Greater New York City Area” and “Where they work: PwC”. Scroll down to view the alumni that meet your search criteria.

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Can’t find a Bentley alumni who works at your target company? That doesn’t mean you should give up on your attempt to make connections within that company! From your LinkedIn home page, search by company name. When you land on the company’s page, click on “People”, which will bring up an interactive bar chart similar to the Bentley University Alumni chart.

Click “Next” to filter by “What they do”. Identify someone who works in a role that you’re interested in and/or in Human Resources / Campus Recruiting.

Click “Next” again to search by “How you are connected” Do you have any 2nd degree connections that might be willing to make an introduction for you?

HOW DO I REACH OUT TO CONTACTS? This depends on your communication preferences and how well you know that person. While email or LinkedIn may be best for someone you don’t know well, a phone call may be appropriate for someone you speak with regularly. Include the following information in any correspondence: your introduction, who referred you / how you found the contact, why you’re reaching out, what you hope to learn, and a specific request (like a brief conversation). Keep in mind that when sending a LinkedIn connection request, you are limited to 300 characters, so you will need to be very succinct. After the initial outreach, wait a week for a reply. If you don’t receive one, send a follow-up message. If you still don’t receive a response, move on to another contact.

CAREER EXPLORATION EMAIL Dear Mr./Ms. Alum, I am a transfer junior finance student at Bentley who is interested in learning more about the investment management field. My professor, John Smith, recommended that I reach out to you. [Add one or more lines highlighting why you have interest in the field].

Would you have time for a 15 minutes phone call, at your convenience, to discuss investment management as a possible career path? I would like to hear about your career path and experience in the industry, and ask any advice you would have for me on pursuing the field.

LINKEDIN CONNECTION REQUEST Hi Mr. Jones, I’m a senior at Bentley majoring in data analytics. I’d like to learn about your role as a [insert job title here] at [insert company name here].

Would you be open to speaking with me, at your convenience, to share your experience?

I am sure you have many demands on your time, so I thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.

I understand your time is valuable and thank you in advance for your consideration.

Jane Rogers jrogers@bentley.edu | 781.555.1234

Sincerely, Mary Wilson 617.555.5678

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INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING This is one of the most common ways to network and gives you the opportunity to connect meaningfully with a professional.

Informational interviewing is asking someone about what they do – it is not asking for a job or internship.

PRIMARY GOALS

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK?

 Investigate a specific career field and learn about important issues / current trends in that field  Narrow down career options or uncover options you never knew existed

Sample Questions for an Informational Interview:

 Obtain advice on where your skills might be applied  Broaden your network of contacts for future reference

WHO SHOULD I INTERVIEW? You can contact a wide range of professionals from a variety of fields and companies. It helps to ask people you know to introduce you to people they know who work in your desired field.

People you know: Family & Friends Neighbors Co-workers Professors

People you may not know (yet)!: Alumni Professional Organization Members Employers Social Media Contacts

HOW DO I PREPARE? Preparing for an informational interview allows you to be more confident, make a positive impression, and ensures you get your questions answered. It also allows you to respond to questions abut yourself more effectively.

To prepare, you should:      

Identify what you want to get out of the meeting Research the professional and his/her company Research the industry Review your experiences, interests, and skills Practice your introduction Develop a list of questions

If the meeting will be in person, be sure to arrive a few minutes early and dress in formal or business casual attire (depending on the industry and venue). If the meeting will be virtual or over the phone, be sure to identify a quiet space you can use in advance that has a strong internet connection.

 How did you enter this job/career?  What do you do in a typical day/week? Is there a set routine, or is there variety on a day-to-day basis?  Do you usually work independently or as part of a team?  What aspects of the job do you find most rewarding and most frustrating?  How would you recommend someone break into this field?  What kind of educational background is required?  What kind of person would be best suited for this career in terms of personality, interests, and skills?  What kind of experience or internship would help in this field?  Are there specific courses a student might take that would be particularly beneficial in this field?  What are the typical hours? Is travel expected with this job?  What type of training is provided to entry-level employees in this field?  What technologies are integrated in to this career?  How do you see the jobs in the field changing over the next five years? How can I prepare myself for such changes?  What professional organizations are active and responsive in this career field? Which industry publications do you read?  What are some job titles of entry-level positions in the career field? What is the career trajectory?  What is a typical salary range in this field?  What advice would you give on locating opportunities, the time frame for applying, and the interview process?  What special advice would you give to a young person entering this field?  Are there any other individuals you recommend I speak with to learn more about this career?

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THANK YOU NOTE EXAMPLE

WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE MEETING? SEND A THANK YOU NOTE Within 24 hours, send a thank you email or note highlighting the value of the meeting and referencing something specific the professional suggested. Keep the door open for future exchanges.

REFLECT ON WHAT YOU LEARNED Every informational interview allows you to learn about possible career paths. Take the time to reflect upon what you learned and how that related to your own values, interests, personality, and skills. You might find that your interest has been piqued further, or that a particular career isn’t exactly what you thought it was. It’s important to have multiple conversations with people in a given field to get a full picture.

DEVELOP A PLAN TO STAY IN TOUCH Since networking is relationship building, it’s important to stay in touch with your contacts. It may be a simple email filling them in on something new in your professional life, sending an article that could be of interest to them, or sharing a seasonal greeting. It is appropriate to follow up every few months, but it depends on whether or not you have something substantial to say. Not everyone will find time to reciprocate, so don’t take offense if you don’t get a reply. Also create a database to track contact information – name, company, title, date of conversation, notes and follow-up tasks.

FINAL TIPS / KEYS TO NETWORKING  Create a list of everyone you know and identify how they could help you gather career information  Define what information you need and what you are trying to accomplish  Prepare and practice your elevator pitch  Start each in-person encounter with a firm handshake, good eye contact, and a smile  Be professional, courteous and authentic in all conversations  Adopt a positive attitude about networking and be proactive  Send communications at least a week apart and no more than three times; if you don’t receive a response, move on  Get organized – create a database of contacts with notes about each person, conversations you had, and any follow up items  Send a thank you note after any networking interaction  Focus on quality of interactions, not quantity  Be patient – you may start slowly but you will build momentum

Dear Mr./Ms. Alum, Thank you again for taking time from your busy schedule to speak with me yesterday afternoon about your career. Your advice and insight was very beneficial. I will be contacting Michael Jones today, as you suggested. In addition to following up with that contact, I have applied to internships at ABC Co. and XYZ Inc. I appreciate the suggestions.

(Include a point or two about advice they gave you that really resonated.)

I hope you enjoy the holidays! Again, thank you for your time.

I will keep you posted on my internship search process, and I look forward to staying in touch.

Regards, Mary Johnson mjohnson@bentley.edu) (617) 123-4567

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS One in three employers have rejected candidates based on something that was on their social media. The tips below will help guide you before reaching out to future employers or potential networking contacts.        

Adjust your privacy settings; be aware of what is public Proactively tag or un-tag yourself in photos and events Always proof before you post Never complain about your job/boss or broadcast confidential employer information Utilize social media sites to research organizations and professionals Follow companies of interest and engage in career related groups Customize the invitation to connect on LinkedIn Use Bentley University’s Alumni feature on LinkedIn to search for alums

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INTERVIEWING AND JOB OFFER EVALUATION

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INTERVIEWING Interviews are perhaps the most significant part of the hiring/evaluation process. Both you and the interviewer have your own objectives: YOUR GOALS ARE TO:

THE INTERVIEWER’S GOALS ARE TO SEE:

 Showcase your skills and interpersonal qualities  Demonstrate that you are a match for the position through specific examples of past experiences  Determine if the position / organization are a good fit for you

 If you have the skills to do the job  If you are motivated to do the job  If you are a fit with the organization’s culture

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW Preparation is the most important part of your job or internship interview. Lay the foundation and follow these steps to maximize success.

Conduct thorough research on the organization and industry. Employers view knowledge of their organization as a critical factor in applicant evaluation because it demonstrates the candidate’s interest, enthusiasm, and seriousness about the position.

INTERVIEW SUCCESS

Tailor interview responses to describe experiences in relation to the skills and qualifications the organization is seeking. Conduct a mock interview with a Career Coach, recruiter, former employer or Bentley alumni.

PRACTICE INTERVIEW RESPONSES

RESEARCH THE ORGANIZATION AND THE INDUSTRY ANALYZE THE POSITION Know the qualifications and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Identify the key skills the position requires and describe a time you have used each of the skills using the STAR technique.

THE FOUNDATION – KNOW YOURSELF Know your values, interests, personality and skills. Practice communicating these concisely and clearly as they relate to the position, organization and industry. Review your experiences. Analyze your academic training, leadership experiences, critical thinking skills and nonacademic activities in relation to the position.

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS RESUME/TRADITIONAL This form of interviewing goes through your resume. Questions focus on your education, prior work experience, and activities. Know your resume inside and out. Highlight the skills that you developed or enhanced in the class, job or activity, and connect your responses back to the desired skills / qualifications of the role.

BEHAVIORAL Based on the principle that the best way to predict future behavior is from past behavior, this method of interviewing is one of the most commonly used. Behavioral questions typically begin with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give me an example of when...” Use the STAR technique (page 41) to describe how your specific experiences relate to the job.

CASE Some companies, especially those in consulting and finance, are concerned not only with your experience but also with your ability to address complex problems and reach logical conclusions. The emphasis here is on your thought process; there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer.

TECHNICAL Companies in financial services, or companies in other industries hiring for finance-related roles, may ask questions related to academic coursework or concepts and/or industry knowledge.

COMPANY RESEARCH CHECKLIST ORGANIZATIONAL KNOWLEDGE Annual Reports, especially the letter to Shareholders

Company leaders (CEO, etc.)

Primary locations

Company history

Organizational structure

Stock price/trends; PE ratio

Company mission statement

Principle products / lines of business

Annual revenue

Industry background / general information

Relative size in industry / market share

Industry jargon

Competitors

Industry trends and facts

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

CURRENT EVENTS New products / lines of business

Recent news articles about company and/or industry

Researching a publicly traded company? From the Bentley Library homepage, click on ‘Research’, then select ‘Databases A-Z’.

Under the ‘Filter by Subject’ header, click on ‘Analyst Opinion’. Scroll down and click on ‘Investext from Mergent’. Use the ‘Basic Search’ tab for Company Details, Executives, Ownership, Company Financials, Competitors and more. Use the “Investext’ tab to search for Analyst Reports.

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COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS You can’t always anticipate every question you’ll receive in an interview. However, common themes include applications of analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills; leadership development; creativity; teamwork; and personal development. These should be answered using specific examples. Interviews often include a mix of different types of questions.

RESUME-BASED / QUALIFICATIONS  Tell me about yourself.  Walk me through your resume.  Why are you interested in our organization? Industry?  Why are you interested in this particular position?  Why did you choose to attend Bentley University and how did you select your major?  Tell me about your most recent summer internship and what you liked / disliked about the experience.  What work experience has been the most valuable to you and why?  What challenges are you looking for in a position?  Why do you feel you will be successful in this program?  What is your greatest strength / weakness, and how will it affect your performance in this program?  What characteristics do you think are important for this position?  How has your education at Bentley prepared you for a ---position?  Where do you see yourself in five years?  What has been the biggest accomplishment in your life and why?  Why should I hire you?

BEHAVIORAL  Give an example of a problem you have solved and the process you used.  Describe a situation in which you had a conflict with another individual and how you dealt with it.  Tell me about a team project of which you are particularly proud and your contribution.  What types of situations put you under pressure, and how do you deal with the pressure?  Tell me about a situation when you had to persuade another person to your point of view.  Describe a leadership role you have held, and tell me why you committed your time to it.  In thinking about a past position you have held, what did you do to make your duties more effective?  Describe one of the toughest competitive situations you have faced and how you handled it.  What has been one of your greatest disappointments and how did you respond?  Tell me about a time when you failed.  Describe a situation in which you were criticized, and how you responded.  Tell me about a time you went above the call of duty.

THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS WHAT INTERVIEWERS ASK YOU:

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT TO KNOW:

1. Describe yourself. How does your background qualify you for this job?

1. Can you take an incredible amount of information, organize it quickly in your head, and present it concisely and articulately?

2. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

2. How mature are you in dealing with your weaknesses?

Can you identify methods for self-improvement?

3. Why this job? Why this organization?

3. Have you done your homework? Are you analytical?

4. How would your peers describe you?

4. How do you see yourself? Are you a leader or a follower?

5. What makes you think you will succeed in this organization?

5. Have you accurately identified the skills and expertise needed to succeed? Can you prove you have them?

6. Why should we hire you? What do you bring to this job?

6. How are your persuasion skills? Are you believable?

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STAR TECHNIQUE The STAR techniques provides a concise and thorough framework for organizing responses to behavioral interview questions.

Describing specific experiences adds credibility to your responses regarding your qualifications for the position. Begin by analyzing and identifying themes within the job description. Then reflect on your experiences to identify examples of when you demonstrated the skills, qualities, and knowledge required for the position. You should draw from classroom, extracurricular, volunteering, and job/internship experiences. Think about what skill(s) you can highlight with each example (ex: teamwork, communication, analytical, etc.) as well as the questions for which you can use each example.

Note, when providing examples that involved a team, be sure to balance a description of the team’s efforts with your specific role. If you don’t have much team experience, consider joining a club or participating in a volunteering trip!

SITUATION

Describe the context of the situation – class project, student activity, volunteer, job, etc.

TASK

Describe the task and your specific role – goal, problem to be solved, improvement to be made, etc.

ACTION

Describe the actions you took – planning and implementation done to reach goal, solve a problem, etc.

RESULT

Describe the outcomes of your action – impact, influence, change resulting from your action, etc.

REFLECT

Take your answer a step further. Describe what you learned from the situation. Is there anything you might do differently in the future if you encountered a similar situation?

STAR APPROACH IN ACTION Give me an example of a time you faced a conflict while working on a team. How did you handle that?

Situation: During the fall of my junior year, I took the Integrated Business Project class. I was assigned to work with a group of five students, and we were tasked with evaluating a local, private high school and making recommendations for how to increase the bottom line over a five year time horizon.

Task: Of the five team members, one consistently missed meetings and either did not turn in the work that was assigned to him, or turned in work of very poor quality. The other teammates and I had a discussion, and we decided that I would reach out to the student who was not performing well.

Action: I met the student for coffee, and he said that he had been a bit overwhelmed with his finance classes and didn't consider this particular course to be a priority. I explained that his poor performance was impacting the group’s ability to complete the project on time and get a good grade. He apologized and said that he would make an effort to participate more actively in the project for the remainder of the semester.

Result: At the end of the day, the students’ performance only improved marginally, and that was reflected in his peer evaluation.

The other team members and I each had to pick up a little additional slack to ensure we completed the project on time, and we did do well overall.

Reflect: Although the outcome of this situation was not particularly ideal, I did learn important lessons. I think it would have been beneficial to address the problem sooner, instead of waiting until more than halfway throughout the semester. I also learned that on a team, not everyone will participate equally, and I think that's a realistic lesson to take into the workplace.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER Interviewers typically give you the opportunity to ask questions at the end of an interview. Make the most of this opportunity – it can be a red flag to employers if you don’t ask any questions. The questions you ask will help you gain information to aid in your decision-making process. Your questions should focus on the industry, the organization, and the position.

INDUSTRY QUESTIONS  If you were interviewing with a healthcare company, a good

 Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do in order to get up to speed quickly?

industry question might be: There has been a lot of consolidation within the industry lately, such as a major

 What is the typical career path for someone in this role?  What are the most successful team members doing differently

drugstore chain buying a health insurance company (CVS buying Aetna) and another health insurance company

from the average team members?  How is job performance evaluated?

merging with a pharmacy benefits manager (Cigna merging with Express Scripts). Do you think consolidation is necessary to grow and thrive in today’s healthcare industry?  In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products/services over the past several years compared to competitors in (this industry)?  What challenges and opportunities do you see over the next two years regarding growth in (this industry)?  What kind of changes do you expect to see in (this industry) over the next two to three years?

ORGANIZATION QUESTIONS  If you were interviewing with a retail banking company, a good organization question might be: Could you talk about how your company balances the consumer expectations for both online / mobile capabilities and a company with a localized presence?  How do you see this company evolving in the next 5-10 years?  How would you describe the culture of your organization?  What kind of professional development programs does the company offer?  What values do you see in your company’s leadership that have contributed to the organization’s success?  How do you celebrate accomplishments and achievements here?

POSITION QUESTIONS  Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?  What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 days, 60 days, year?

 Describe the top three challenges that I’ll face in this job.  Could you tell me about the team I would be working with?

INTERVIEWING TIPS  Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time for travel.  Map your route, parking, etc. in advance. Have the office phone number on hand in case you need to contact them.  Turn cell phone OFF (not vibrate).  Bring a padfolio with a notepad/pen and extra copies of your resume.  Build rapport with the interviewer(s) in the first five seconds.

Greet the interviewer(s) with a smile, firm handshake, and make eye contact.  Brief silence is OK – if you are stumped by a question, take a moment to collect your thoughts. Asking for clarification (depending on the question) may also buy you some time and/or make it more clear.  Be prepared with thoughtful questions.  Close the interview by reiterating your interest in the organization and the position. Understand the next steps and the timetable. You may have to ask for this information.  Ask for a business card in order to follow up with a thank you note.  Remember, any interaction with the organization is a part of the decision-making process (Information sessions, prenights, lunch, and talking with greeters, receptionists, or office assistants).

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POST INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP: THANK YOU NOTES Writing a thank you note is an extremely important way to bring closure to the interview process. It is another opportunity to sell yourself, and it may be the last impression the employer will have of you before making their final decision, so make the note thoughtful. A well-crafted thank you note can help you stand out from other candidates.

THANK YOU NOTE TIPS  Timeliness is everything! As a general rule of thumb, set a goal of sending a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview.  Always send a thank you note to individuals with whom you have interviewed. If more than one person interviewed you, send a personalized note to each individual. Interviewers may share your thank you note, so don’t simply copy/paste the same text.  Keep it brief. Your note should be no more than 2-3 short paragraphs.  Ask for a business card at the end of the interview. It is difficult to send a thank you note if you do not have the interviewer’s contact information.  Proofread your note before sending. Correct spelling and proper grammar are a must.

EMAIL OR HANDWRITTEN NOTE?  Is your penmanship neat and legible? If not, opt for an email thank you note.  Do you realistically have time to buy notecards, write the note, buy stamps, and drop the note in the mail? How long will it take for the note(s) to reach the interviewer(s)? Remember, timeliness is everything! o HINT: Bring notecards with you to the interview.

After the interview, step out of the office, write the note(s), then hand deliver to the office receptionist. o HINT: Send an email thank you note within 24 hours to ensure timely delivery, and then follow up with a handwritten note.  If you send a handwritten note, use a plain, light-colored note card.  If you send an email note, include a relevant subject line (i.e. “Thank you from Sarah Smith”).

THANK YOU NOTE GUIDELINES  Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you (politeness goes a long way)!  Remind the individual when the interview took place and for what position you interviewed.  Reiterate your interest in the position, and mention some specific details about the company or the position that were discussed during the interview (this will also highlight your listening skills).  Tie your qualifications and interests back to the position.  Reiterate your interest in follow-up and/or next steps

THANK YOU NOTE EXAMPLE Dear Ms. Jones: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the Equity Research Internship.

My interest in the position has grown after our discussion about the intensive two-week training period and collaborative culture at the company. I am confident that my finance coursework at Bentley and my experience as an analyst in the Bentley Investment Group have prepared me well for this role.

I am also particularly impressed by the formal mentorship program that the company recently launched and would take full advantage of the opportunity to be mentored by a Senior Research Associate.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps.

Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely, Sarah Smith

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INTERVIEW PREP RESOURCES Looking for additional resources to help make sure your interview skills are top notch? Check out the list below.

MOCK INTERVIEWS

Schedule a Mock Interview with your Career Coach! We’ll focus on resume and behavioral based questions, and will point you towards the best resources for technical and case interviews.

Ask a mentor, colleague, recruiter, professional you’ve met through your networking efforts, or student who has interned at your dream company to conduct a mock interview with you.

When preparing for a job interview, it's not enough to just read advice — you need to put that advice into practice! That's why Big Interview isn't just a training course. You'll also get hands-on practice with mock interviews tailored to your specific industry, job, and experience level.

Watch ‘Fast Track’ or “Mastery Track’ video lessons on a variety of different interview topics, including Interview Fundamentals, Acing Common Interview Questions, Behavioral Interview Questions, and Closing the Deal.

When you’re ready to practice, utilize Big Interview’s unique mock interview tool to get random interview questions, or practice interview questions specific to specific industries (Financial Services, Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, etc.), or specific competencies that employers are looking for.

Access Big Interview through the Resources tab in CareerEdge and create a free account with your @bentley.edu email address.

Vault has compiled all the interviewing advice that you will ever need to land your dream job. Click here to view sample questions, watch informative videos and get expert help for an effective interview that will stand out from the competition.

Access Vault through the Resources tab in CareerEdge and create a free account with your @bentley.edu email address..

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ALL ABOUT OFFERS Receiving an offer is exciting, but can also be stressful. When you receive an offer, you may have a number of questions: Should I take it? How do I decide between multiple offers? How can I ask for more time? How do I accept or decline the offer? Offers should be handled with careful consideration, and the Pulsifer Career Development Center is here to help support and guide your decision-making process.

EVALUATING AN OFFER Evaluate your offer in terms of TOTAL COMPENSATION (SALARY + BENEFITS)! A generous benefits package equals extra dollars in your pocket!

Offer Letter and Salary The offer letter outlines basic information, such as your position title and location, expected start date, conditions of employment (i.e. completion of a successful background check and drug test) and salary. In your offer letter, your salary may be stated as an annual, monthly or hourly figure. But there’s so much more to know, which may not be clearly outlined in your offer letter. Make sure you understand the following:  Is the company offering a one-time signing or relocation bonus?  What is the timing of salary adjustments? 

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Are you eligible for an annual bonus? What is the bonus based on – individual performance, divisional performance, firm-wide performance, a combination?

Are you eligible for overtime pay if you work more than a specified number of hours per week? If so, what is your overtime rate – time and a half?

Are you eligible to earn commission? This is most common in sales roles. If so, ask the employer to provide the details of the commission plan, and make sure you understand it.

Retirement Plans  What type of plan is offered?  How soon can you begin contributing and when are you fully vested?  Does the employer match a percentage of the employee contribution?

Vacation Time / Sick Time / Holidays  How many days or weeks of vacation / sick time do you have each year? Does this increase over time? (Vacation / Sick Time may be grouped together and referred to as Paid Time Off or “PTO”).  How long until you can use it? Can it be rolled over, or is it on a “use it or lose it” basis?  Does the company follow a standard holiday schedule?

Tuition Assistance / Reimbursement  Under what circumstances might this apply?  Are there dollar limits or limits on the number of courses per year?  Is reimbursement grade dependent (i.e. you must earn a B or better to be fully reimbursed)?

Life Insurance  Many employers provide basic life insurance coverage free of charge, with the option to purchase more.

Health, Dental, Vision  What types of plans does the employer offer? Through which providers?  How much does the employer contribute to the cost of each plan vs. how much is the employee responsible for? 

Can you contribute to a Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account?

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NEGOTIATING AN OFFER The degree to which a salary is negotiable depends on the position. Many entry-level positions are non-negotiable; they have set salaries that are subject to very little if any negotiation.

If you decide to negotiate, here is what you need to know…  Understand the market and have a number in mind. Don’t be surprised if the employer responds with: “What salary did you have in mind?” Do your research! What did last year’s Bentley graduates earn (on average)? What are competitors paying for comparable roles? See your Career Coach, network with current and past employees in the company, and review salary data online to determine a reasonable salary range.  Be able to concisely articulate why you deserve more.

Cite market figures, prior work experience, advanced degrees or certifications, competitive offers, cost of living, etc. Having a good GPA or being a hard worker is just not enough.  Be confident, not arrogant. Calmly and reasonably articulate your concerns regarding the salary. For example: “Thank you so much for the offer of employment. I am excited about the opportunity to work for [XYZ company]. As you know, I have over two years of relevant experience at a direct competitor, which I believe is an advantage over other entry-level candidates. Also, the average starting salary for Bentley students who accepted similar positions last year was $XX, so I was expecting something in the range of $XX - $XX+. Is salary something that we could spend a moment discussing?”

Or: “I am so pleased to have received an offer of employment and am strongly considering joining your firm. However, I have received an offer from a competitor that is for $3,000 more. I funded a great deal of my education on my own and being able to pay back my student loans while also comfortably managing the

 Don’t play hardball. The last thing you want is to leave a bad taste in the employer’s mouth. Remember, you may wind up working with this person in the future. If you do not get what you asked for, remain polite and professional.

Thank the employer for their consideration and let them know that you will get back to him/her once you have made your final decision.

REQUESTING MORE TIME When faced with a decision to accept an offer that you feel you can’t make in the time allotted, you can consider requesting more time from the employer.

Here’s a typical scenario that students encounter: You have been given an offer by Company X and they have asked you to respond by the end of the week. You are also interviewing with Company Y and their final round interviews are not until the following week. You are most interested in Company Y but certainly don’t want to decline Company X and run the risk of having no offers on the table.

Your first course of action is to call Company Y and see if there is any way they can expedite their recruiting process. Some firms will be flexible (to a point) if they can. It is important to note that, if you have asked a company to see you early, you must be available on whatever alternative date and time they suggest.

But what if Company Y says there is no way they can see you early? Your next course of action is to call Company X and ask for an extension: “I am calling in hopes that you might grant me an extension on my offer”. If they say yes, thank them and offer a reasonable timeframe for when they can expect to hear from you. If they say no, thank them and let them know they can expect to hear from you prior to the original deadline. If they ask why you need an extension (and most will), simply explain that you are currently interviewing with one other organization and that you would like to see the process through to completion.

Again, this is not an easy conversation to have, but rest assured, you will not be the first student who has made this request.

cost of living in New York is something that is weighing on my mind. I was wondering if there is any room for negotiation regarding the offer you extended.”

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ACCEPTING AN OFFER

FINAL THOUGHTS

Once you have thoroughly evaluated and decided to accept an offer, convey that decision to the employer as soon as possible. Calling the person who extended the offer to you is the preferred form of communication; if, however, you have most frequently communicated by email, it is appropriate to confirm your offer via email. Thank the employer again for the opportunity and express your excitement about joining the team.

Think very carefully about the offer and don’t accept until you are ready, as an acceptance must be made in good faith with the intention of honoring the commitment. Some questions to ask yourself include:  Are the organization’s values and culture in sync with mine? Did I engage well with the people I met?  Is the work challenging? Do they provide me with professional development opportunities?  Even if it isn’t the exact position I was hoping for, will I gain skills that will positively influence my career / professional development?  Does the compensation package (salary, benefits, vacation, health and retirement plans) meet my needs?  Is it in a geographic location that interests me?  How do I feel about the required level of travel?

The Career Education & Outcomes Office strongly recommends that you notify all other organizations with whom you have interviewed that you have accepted an offer and wish to withdraw your name from further consideration.

You may also consider notifying and thanking all those who have helped you in your job search, including those who served as references, provided you leads, and gave advice.

WITHDRAWING / DECLINING AN OFFER Sending an email when withdrawing from the interview process or declining an offer is important to assure good relations with the organization.  Withdraw from the interview process / decline an offer as soon as you know you are no longer interested, or immediately after accepting an offer from another organization  Withdrawing / declining tactfully in a timey manner will not offend the organization  Be positive – let them know it was a difficult decision, express your appreciation, and thank them for the opportunity

RENEGING AN OFFER You accepted an offer with Company A. Weeks later, Company B calls and extends you an offer. You are torn.

You accepted with Company A but Company B is your “dream job”, what do you do? While you are not legally required to join an organization after accepting an offer (nor are they legally obligated to fulfill their offer of employment),

Use the matrix below to help with your evaluation. If you would like to discuss your situation, please make an appointment with your Career Coach.

JOB OFFER EVALUATION MATRIX Create your own list of features that matter to you and list them in order of importance, with the most important feature appearing at the top of your list. Rate the features of each company’s offer on a scale of one to five (1=poor; 5 = excellent). This is one way to compare multiple job offers.

FEATURE

______________________

______________________

COMPANY 1

COMPANY 2

Salary Training & development Opportunity to travel Company culture

it is very unprofessional to renege on an offer and, if you do, you will most likely sever all future relationships with that organization and perhaps other organizations as well. In the end, the decision is yours to make and admittedly it is a very difficult one.

TOTAL RATING

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COVID-19 Notice Due to the university closure, the Pulsifer Career Development Center will conduct ALL business remotely until further notice. All appointments will be conducted on-line and can be scheduled on Handshake. Please read all CareerEdge e-correspondence & your career coach emails for community updates. Please email GA_UCD@Bentley.edu for questions.

Contact us to discuss your career plan: Pulsifer (781) Career Development Center 891-2375 225 LaCava Center 175 Forest Street Waltham, MA 02452

careeredge.bentley.edu

BentleyCareer Bentley University Career Services

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