Table of Contents 1. Your Job Search/How We Can Help 1 2. Networking 2-8 3. Resume Writing 9-11 4. Resume Samples 12-18 5. Undergraduate CV Sample 19 6 Cover and Thank You Letter Writing 20 23 7 References 24 8 Job Search Resources 25-27 9. Interviewing 28-30 10. Sample Interview Questions 31 11. Job Offers 32 12. Your First Job! 33
We look forward to helping you with your job search! In addition to utilizing the resources in this booklet, be sure to meet with your career counselor. Your career counselor can help you locate opportunities, prepare and polish your job search materials, apply for positions, and navigate job offers.
To reach us, just stop by our offices in Old Carnegie, email us at careers@centre.edu, or call us at 859 238 5283.
• On campus interviewing
• Mock interviews (both by career counselors and employers)
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• Resume and cover letter reviews (both by career counselors and employers)
Your Job Search/How We Can Help
• Spotlight Career Fair annual job, internship, and graduate school fair sponsored by all of the private colleges and universities in Kentucky, held annually in late February in Lexington. (Contact us or visit www.spotlightcareerfair.com for details.)
• Specialized job search sites and job openings found on Handshake (our office’s online job posting system) and on our website.
• SpecialEmergingSeniorevents:CelebrationProfessionals Series Etiquette Dinner
• Assigned career counselors: Division I (Humanities) Kirk Knott Division II (Social Studies) Nathan Meissner Division III (Science and Mathematics) Kara Drake Undecided Kirk Knott
The Center for Career & Professional Development is here to help you throughout your job search. In addition to this booklet, which provides a step by step guide through the job search process, we offer several other resources to help in your search:
• It’s a key part of locating a job.
• It helps you learn inside information about jobs that are being created or coming open. (An employer who is not hiring today may be looking for someone like you tomorrow.)
• It lets you tap into the “hidden network” the many jobs that are never advertised.
Networking
Step 1 Think about people you already know and make a list of current contacts. (Use the grid on the next page to help with this ) Your career counselor can also help you brainstorm possible contacts. In addition, we offer a Career Mentor Network a list of alumni who have volunteered to provide career information and advice to Centre students (a.k.a. ready made contacts). And don’t forget to use LinkedIn to find contacts. Centre has a University page and an Alumni group, both of which are great resources for networking. (See the following LinkedIn guides for more information.)
Step 2 Reach out to your contacts and ask if they have time to talk with you about their career path. (See our sample networking email.) Set up informational interviews to learn more about their industry or profession and ask for professional advice.
Step 5 – Maintain the relationship. Add your contacts to LinkedIn and be sure to keep in touch. Look for opportunities to reconnect on an occasional basis in the months and years that follow. Remember: a strong network is the key to a successful career.
• What kind(s) of job(s) are you looking for?
Step 3 – Be directive, but not forceful. As you are the one who generated this interaction, you should be prepared to help steer the conversation. Have some questions in mind beforehand - about the person's career path, their organization, advice they may have for you and then let the conversation flow from there. Listen attentively and take notes.
Step 4 Follow up. Send a thank-you note or email within 24 hours of your meeting.
So, how do you network? A few steps to follow:
• Do you want to find a job at a particular company or in one geographic location?
Questions to ask during an informational interview:
• Are you focused on a particular industry?
• It’s not the same as asking for a job. Usually your networking contacts will not be potential employers.
Networking is basically simply talking to others about your job search and career goals. Networking facts:
An informational interview is an informal conversation you initiate with a professional in a career, industry, or company you are considering. Informational interviews also expand your network of contacts in your field of interest for future opportunities.
• It's helpful for ongoing professional and personal development.
Before you begin networking, clarify your job search goals and think about what you want to say to others about yourself as well as what you want to know from them.
• What skills and experience prepared you for these jobs?
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Conducting an informational interview
Networking
• What are the greatest challenges facing the industry/profession?
• What publications, blogs, websites, or listservs would be a good resource for me?
• Who else would you suggest I contact?
Networking Contacts List TITLE
ORGANIZATION Family OtherResearchInternship/Volunteer/PastCentreProfessorsFriends/NeighborsMembersAlumniEmployersSponsors
• What specific trends are affecting the industry/profession?
• What associations do you belong to or recommend I look into?
• What advice do you have for me?
NAME
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• What do you enjoy about working for your company/organization?
• What are the greatest opportunities facing the industry/profession?
• What is the professional culture like at your company/organization?
MarySincerely,help!Jones
Dear Ms. Alumna:
Mrs. Joy Asher, Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development at Centre College, suggested I contact you. I am in the process of exploring my career options and public relations is of great interest to me.
I will call you next week to arrange a convenient time to meet or talk. Thank you for your
Networking
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Currently, I am beginning my junior year at Centre College. Last spring, I declared an Anthropology/Sociology major. As a work study student, I have had the opportunity to help the Center for Career & Professional Development with their campus image. This has sparked my interest in exploring the field of public relations. I wonder if I might ask you some questions about the field, current trends, and the preparation needed to begin a career in public relations?
Sample Networking Email
How to Network on LinkedIn
connected
You’re more experienced than you think.
4 5
Get personal.
Use your inbo x.
Think broadly about all your experience, including summer jobs, unpaid internships, volunteer work , and student organizations. You never know what might catch someone’s eye.
Join the “In” crowd. LinkedIn Groups can help you form As you build your connections, customize your requests with a friendly note and, if necessary, a reminder of where you met, who you met through, or what organization you have in common. new connections. Start with your school groups and reach out to alumni (they love to connect with students). Find volunteer organizations and associations you belong to
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Networking
Networking doesn’t mean reaching out cold to strangers. Start building your LinkedIn network by uploading your online address book (from your email account) and connecting to people you know and trust.
1 100% complete = 40x more opportunities. Building connections starts with people seeing all you have to offer Members with complete profiles are 40x more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn. 2 3
Get and get your career going.
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Do your homework.
Networking isn’t just about who you know; it’s about who knows you. Stay on your network’s radar by updating your LinkedIn status regularly what you're reading, working on, and more.'
10
Copyright © 2013 LinkedIn Corporation. LinkedIn and the LinkedIn logo are registered trademarks of LinkedIn Corporation in the United States and/or other countries All rights reserved
Networking
Before an informational interview, a formal interview, or a networking event, use LinkedIn’s Advanced Search and Company Pages to learn about the background and interests of the people you’re meeting.
Lend a (virtual) hand. As you build connections, think about how you can support others. Comment on a classmate’s status update or forward a job listing to a friend your generosity will be returned!
Update your status early and often.
Network on LinkedIn. Get going at www.linkedin.com
Request informational interviews.
7
Step away from the Suppocomputer!rtyouronline networking with a real human touch Set up calls, attend live events, and send snail mail notes to people you interact with on LinkedIn.
As a student, don’t ask professional contacts for a job. Instead, ask for a brief phone conversation to seek their job search advice Alumni, family friends, and industry leaders are often willing to do so
8 9
2 3
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Write an informative profile headline.
Show off your education. Include all your schools, major(s) and minor, courses, and study abroad or summer programs. Don’t be shy LinkedIn is an appropriate place to show off your GPA, test scores, and honors or awards.
1
4 5
Fill “Skills & Expertise” with keywords.
Develop a professional YSummaryourSummary statement is like the first few paragraphs of your best written cover letter concise and confident about your qualifications and goals. Include relevant work and extracurriculars.
Showcase your experience and professional interests on LinkedIn!
Pick an appropriate photo. LinkedIn isn’t Facebook Upload a high quality photo (your profile will be 7x more likely to be viewed) of you alone, professionally dressed. No party shots, cartoon avatars, or puppy pics!
This section is the place to include keywords and phrases that recruiters search for Find relevant ones in job listings that appeal to you and profiles of people who have the kinds of roles you want.
Networking
Building a Great Student Profile
Your headline is a short, memorable professional slogan. For example, “Honors student seeking marketing position ” Check out the profiles of students and recent alumni you admire for ideas.
Groups you join appear at the bottom of your profile. Joining some shows that you want to engage in communitiesprofessionalandlearn the lingo Start with your university and industry groups.
Show your connectedness.
Posting updates helps you stay on your network’s radar and build your professional image. Mention your projects, professional books or articles, or events you’re attending. Many recruiters read your feed!
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To increase the professional results that appear when people search for you online, set your LinkedIn profile to “public” and create a unique URL (e.g., www.linkedin.com/in/JohnSmith).
Collect diverse recommendations.
The best profiles have at least one recommendation for each position a person has held Recruiters are most impressed by recommendations from people who have directly managed you.
Update your status regularly
Claim your unique
7
LinkedIn URL.
You can also add actual examples of your writing, design work, or other accomplishments on your profile, where you can share rich media or documents. What better way to sell your skills than to show employers exactly what you can produce? at www.linkedin.com
Copyright © 2013 LinkedIn Corporation. LinkedIn and the LinkedIn logo are registered trademarks of LinkedIn Corporation in the United States and/or other countries All rights reserved
Networking
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Get a Great Profile. Get going
8 9
Share your work.
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Resume Writing
Sections of a Resume:
Name Your name should go at the top of the resume and be highlighted in some way (bolded or in a larger font). It is usually centered. If you should happen to have a two page resume, make sure your name is on both pages.
Contact information Under your name, list your mailing address (both home and school or just the address where you will be living after graduation), your email, and your phone number. This can also be a good place to include the URL for your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.
Objective Although not a necessity, an objective statement can highlight both your career goals and your skills. If you choose to include one, be sure that it is succinct and directly relevant to each job to which you apply.
• Concise a resume is not a listing of everything you have done in college, but rather a summary of your experiences that relate to a particular job or career field. The standard resume is one page. For a resume to be two pages, all the information included should be relevant and both pages must be full. Remember, most employers review a resume for approximately 20 seconds, and will only read a second page if the relevance is obvious. (This rule, however, does not apply to CVs or resumes for graduate school.)
• Targeted your resume should highlight your skills and accomplishments most relevant to that job. If you are applying to jobs in more than one career field/industry, you should have more than one resume.
While a resume is typically what is used by current students or recent graduates when applying to jobs, sometimes a CV (curriculum vitae) is required instead. A resume is a concise one page summary of your skills, experience, and education. A CV, on the other hand, is usually longer and focuses not just on education and experience, but on research, teaching, publications, presentations, awards, and professional affiliations. Some European and other foreign countries will require CVs of all applicants. In the United States, CVs are traditionally used only when applying for scientific, research, or academic positions, including fellowships. If you are unsure of which to use, check with your career counselor or someone in the career field to which you are applying.
Education The education section is usually the first main section of the resume. Start by listing Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. Then list the degree being received. Spell out Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, as it looks more professional to avoid abbreviations, and which major(s) and minor(s) you are receiving. (Note that two majors does not mean two degrees; rather, just one degree in two majors.) Also list the month and year of graduation. Include your GPA if it is a 3.0 or above. If you choose to list your major
• Easy to read and follow your resume should be organized so that an employer can quickly find your most relevant experiences. Your resume also needs to be free of grammatical or spelling errors.
Resumes vs. CVs
A resume is an essential part of any job application. It is your one page advertisement, summarizing your potential to an employer. To be effective, your resume needs to be:
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• Marital status
• Demonstrate and quantify results “Developed innovative fundraising campaign that resulted in a 32% increase in donations to cancer research.”
• Relevant courses
Typical description: “Was responsible for helping sorority raise funds for cancer Removeresearch.”the passive voice: “Helped sorority raise funds for cancer research.”
• Convey action start each sentence with a dynamic action word.
• Apply the ‘so what?’ test “Played key role in establishing innovative fundraising events, resulting in the sorority consistently exceeding philanthropy goals.”
• Study abroad
A few tips for writing dynamic descriptions on your resume:
• Social security number
GPA, be sure to include your overall GPA as well, even if less than a 3.0. Other information may also be included in the Education section, including:
Experience The experience category is the main section in which you highlight your accomplishments. This section can include all of your experiences or can be subdivided into categories such as Relevant Experience, Leadership Experience, Volunteer Experience, etc. It is important to categorize your resume so that the most relevant and important experiences are near the top. Each entry in a category needs to be in reverse chronological order, with the most recent experience listed first. When describing each experience, be sure to include dates, highlight your accomplishment and skills utilized or gained, and remember to avoid personal pronouns.
Volunteer Volunteer work or community service is useful to include. Whether you describe these activities or simply list them depends upon their relevance to your career goals and the skills utilized or developed. If highly relevant, it is best to include these in your Experience section. If not, volunteer work can be listed with extracurricular activities.
Activities This section provides an opportunity to list any additional involvement not included in the Experience section. Items listed here are typically not as relevant to your career goals as those listed in the Experience section.
• Honors (scholarships, academic awards, athletic awards)
What NOT to include A few things to not include on your resume are:
• A photo (unless specifically requested, as in the case of some international CVs)
• Age
Skills It is important to include a skills section in your resume. This typically includes computer and language skills, but may also include laboratory skills for science resumes.
DirectedDiagrammedDevotedDevisedDevelopedDeterminedDesignedDemonstratedDelegatedCreatedCounseledCoordinatedCooperatedControlledContractedConsultedConstructedConConceivedCompiledChartedChairedCataloguedCirculatedBuiltBroadenedBeganAwardedAugmentedAssumedAssistedArrangedArbitratedApprovedAppointedAnsweredAnalyzedAmplifiedAllocatedAidedAdministeredAdaptedAchievedAccomplishedAcceleratedducted OverhauledOriginatedOrientedOrganizedOperatedObservedNegotiatedMotivatedMonitoredModifiedMaMaintainedLecturedLedLaunchedIntroducedInterpreteInstructedInstitutedInstalledInitiatedInfluencedIncreasedIncorporatedImprovedImplementedHeadedHandledGuidedGeneratedFoundedFortifiedFocusedExtendedExpeditedExpandedExaminedEvalEstablishedEmployedEliminatedEffectedEditDistributedDisplayededuateddnaged WroteWorkedVolunteeredTutoredTrainedTaughtSupportedSupervisStructuredStreamlinedSolvedSimplifiedSetSelectedScheduledRevisedReviewedRestoredResolvedReshapedResearchedReorganizedReinforcedRegulatedReducedRectifiedRecRecommendedReceivedProvidedProvedProposedProgrammedPProcessedPreservedPresentedPreparedPinpointedPlannedPerformedParticipatedroducedruiteduped
Sample Action Words
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Speaker, Board of Trustees Spring Meeting, Centre College, Spring 2014 Selected by the Admissions Office to give a speech to the board of trustees about my college experience.
Java, Python, HTML. Familiar with Linux; Windows; Eclipse; Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; SPSS; DDSL. Have some experience with Django, CSS, SQL.
Computer Science Courses: Data Structures, Networking, Software Development, Computational Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Discrete Math
COMPUTER SKILLS:
Summer Intern, Ping An Bank Kunming Branch, Kunming, Yunnan, China, Summer 2014 Worked in both the HR office and lobby. Assisted with recruitment of summer interns and employees, which improved my communication and organization skills.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, May 2016
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NAME
Olin 500 Robot Race, Centre College, Spring 2014 Placed 2nd even though given only one night to run and test the code. Robot was built with Legos and coded in Java LEJOS.
EXPERIENCE AND ACTIVITIES:
600 West Walnut Street Danville, KY 40422 (859) 000 name@hotmail.com0000
Summer Project, Centre College, Summer 2015
PROJECTS:DrugDiscovery
*All project codes can be found on https://github.com/000000
Cumulative GPA: 3.8, Computer Science GPA: 4.0
Senior Interviewer, Admissions Office, Centre College, Spring 2015 present Provide information and answer questions from prospective students for college admissions. Help smooth the process of application for international students.
EDUCATION:CentreCollege, Danville, Kentucky
Honor: Dean’s List, 2013 present
Designed and developed a web application using Django and MySQL to host data for the drug discovery research on campus. Authenticated users can search, sort, and filter through the database for quick access of data, in addition, they can look at the molecular structure when SMILES is provided.
Centre Chatroom Project, Centre College, Fall 2014 Designed a chatroom service protocol. Developed both client and server side using Python.
Battleship Game Development Project, Centre College, Fall 2014 Developed text and GUI based battleship game.
Developed a first person vision maze game in which a player walks around killing monsters using keyboard controls or the mouse. Player needs to avoid monsters which use depth first search to hunt down the player. This game also includes simple animation and sound effects.
Maze Game Project, Centre College, Fall 2014
Jr. Network Technician, ITS, Centre College, Spring 2015 present Developing Web UI for search, view, and edit data from MySQL database using Django framework, styling with CSS, and enabling authentication against LDAP server.
Lab Assistant, Computer Science Department, Centre College, Fall 2014 Worked in lab portion of class and ran tutoring sessions for introductory class of computer science using Python. Improved my ability to understand code and debug quickly and accurately, and enhanced my ability to explain both general concepts and details of code to students.
Other: Adult, Child and Infant CPR, AED and Basic First Aid Certification (Valid through March 2013)
Experience:Leadership
Orientation Assistant, Centre College, Centre College, Fall 2010. Served as mentor and guide to a small group of incoming students during orientation.
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Minor in French, May 2011
Name email@gmail.com(000)0000000
Intern, Pathways for Learning, Charlotte, NC, Summer 2010, 12 hrs/wk. Assisted at a pediatric occupational therapy clinic, which specializes in sensory processing disorders and developing handwriting skills.
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Cumulative GPA: Major GPA: International Study: Centre in Strasbourg, France, Fall 2009; Spanish Language and Rural Education, Costa Rica, January 2010
Relevant Courses: Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom; Educational Psychology; Children’s and Adolescent Literature; Educational Technology; Practicum and Introduction to Education; Fine Arts in the Schools; Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts Methods; Instructional Design: Literacy & Learning;
Honors/Awards: 2008 2010 Dean’s List, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Sigma Iota, Centre College Max P. Cavnes Prize: awarded to the best loved and most respected senior man/woman, Centre College Doris Elaine Williams Cavnes Elementary Education Prize: awarded to a senior who best exemplifies the academic and personal qualities necessary for teaching
Tutor, Danville, KY Fall 2010, 4 hrs/wk. Tutored two French speaking English Language Learners.
Intern, ABC Educational Services, Inc. Charlotte, NC, Summers 2009 and 2010, 18 hrs/wk. Facilitated language development in four to eight year old students, while working on social and sensory delays and gross/fine motor skills within a framework of thematic academic units.
Student Teacher, Mary G. Hogsett Elementary School, Danville, KY, Spring 2011, >40 hrs/wk. Instructed 26 2nd grade students in general education classroom, prepared and presented daily lesson plans in all content areas. Note: Over 160 hours were spent in the Danville/Boyle County school system prior to student teaching.
Education: Centre College, Danville, KY
Coordinator, Learning Is Fun Together (L.I.F.T.), Danville, KY, Spring 2009 and 2010, 4 hrs/wk. Planned for and taught 4th/5th graders in an after school program.
Treasurer, Society of Future Educators, Centre College, 2010 2011. Organized and managed all finances for group of aspiring teachers.
3133 XYZ Lane City, NC 28105
Experience:Other
Skills: Computer and Technology: Microsoft Office, SmartBoard Technology, ELMO, FlipShare Language: French, some ASL (American Sign Language)
Volunteer, Centre College Colonel Corps, Centre College, 2008 Present. Host weekly walking tours and luncheons for perspective students and visitors.
Experience:Education
President, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Centre College, 2010 2011. Served as the leader, official representative, and spokesperson for the chapter. Chaired weekly meetings and various officer committees. Compiled information for the national organization. Removed chapter from probation through restructuring chapter positions and accountability.
Intern, Wilderness Trace Child Development Center, Danville, KY, Fall 2010, 8 hrs/wk. Worked with preschool students, aged two to five, with special needs in school day setting. Helped them adjust to classroom structure and learning pre academic work.
Objective: A lead teaching position at an elementary school.
XYZ Christian Academy, Bear, Delaware Graduated, May 2011 GPA: Honors: Valedictorian, Fine Arts Scholarship in Music, and Legacy Awards in English, Social Studies and Drama
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Bonner Project Coordinator and Community Liaison, City of Danville, Danville, Kentucky, January 2012 to Present
Cell: (000) 000 0000
Managed store operations, including opening and closing procedures, personnel and maintenance
EXPERIENCE:WORK
Bonner Volunteer, Harvesting Hope Food Pantry, Danville, KY Music and Drama Assistant, Red Lion Christian Academy, Bear, DE Festival Worker, St. Anthony's Church Italian Festival, Wilmington, DE Activities Assistant, Ingleside Nursing Home, Wilmington, DE Teacher, St. John's Church Vacation Bible School, Newark, DE
Permanent Address 600 West Walnut Street 123 Jones Street Danville, KY 40422 City, State 00000
Streamlined expenditure information in Excel workbooks concerning city water and wastewater treatment
Assisted transportation personnel, food service workers and academic and fine arts specialists with their activities within the camp Mentored campers and stressed the importance of good work ethic, respect, personal responsibility and positivity
Prepared beginning and end of day finance reports
Name
Met customer needs concerning product pricing, availability, shipping and location in a polite, professional and expedient manner
Reviewed and created spreadsheets to address budget shortcomings in city cemeteries
Compiled and analyzed expense and supply reports for the Camp Coordinator
ACTIVITIES: Secretary of Finance, Student Government Association (SGA) 2012 present Elected Member, SGA Finance Committee, 2011 present Alumni and Public Relation Chair, Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, 2012 present Executive Board, Centre College Republicans, 2011 present Auditioned Member, Centre Singers, 2011 present Selected Member, Bonner Scholars Program, 2011 present
SKILLS: Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Language: Functional knowledge of Spanish language
name@live.com
Coordinated and executed indoor and outdoor activities for campers both on and off site
Bonner Volunteer, Soup's On Us, Danville, KY
EDUCATION: Centre College, Danville, Kentucky Bachelor of Science in Economics and Government Expected Date of Graduation, May 2015 GPA: Honors: Colonel Scholarship, Bonner Scholars Program
Sales Floor Leader, Family Christian Store, Newark, Delaware, June 2010 to December 2011
VOLUNTEER: Volunteer, Trinity Church, Danville, KY
Selected, trained, and supervised three Junior Counselors. Provided them with opportunities to take on leadership roles in the classroom
Present Address
Tracked daily sales reports and metrics goals
Organized watershed awareness campaign for Danville and surrounding area
Kept a high standard of organization concerning aesthetic appeal and accessibility of product for the customer
Senior Camp Counselor, Cathedral Choir School, Wilmington, Delaware, Summer 2011
123 XYZ Road ♦ Lexington, KY 40515 email@centre.edu ♦ (859) 000 0000
SKILLS: Computer: In Design; FileMakerPro9; Photoshop; Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint Language: French proficiency
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Name
Bachelor of Arts in English and French, December 2011 Study Abroad in Strasbourg, France, Spring 2010
Honors: Phi Sigma Iota, Omicron Delta Kappa, Dean’s List
Staff Writer, Cento College Newspaper, Centre College, Spring 2009. Wrote three articles for every by weekly issue. Conducted interviews and followed a strict deadline. Intern, Lexington Family Magazine, Lexington, Kentucky, April 2008 Spring 2009. Edited every issue of the monthly publication. Wrote several articles published in print and online.
Spring Service Plunge Planning Committee, Centre College, April 2009. Planned campus wide community service day. Led a group of students to one of several service sites. Acted as a liaison for the Centre student community and Danville service venues.
EDUCATION:Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
ResidentEXPERIENCE:Assistant, Centre College, Sept. 2010 present. Provide educational programming, counseling, and leadership to upperclassmen women. Act as campus liaison to residents.
Writing Center Consultant, Centre College, Sept. 2009 present. Help students improve their academic papers. Guide them through all stages in the writing process. Intern, University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, May Aug. 2010. Read and evaluated manuscripts. Wrote press releases for upcoming books, book jackets for new releases, and rejection letters. Sent books to review organizations, wrote letters and chose review quotes. Press releases and book jackets have been published.
Admissions Office Colonel Corps, Centre College, Sept. 2008 present. Lead weekly tours for prospective students and parents.
NewsEXPERIENCE:Editor/Features Editor, Cento College Newspaper, Centre College, Sept. 2009 present. Responsible for pitching ideas for articles and assigning articles to writers. Edit all articles and design the layout for the News section. Write one to two articles per issue. Follow a strict adherence to deadlines. Work with online version of the paper.
Head Coach, Lexington Youth Soccer Association, Lexington, Kentucky, Fall 2007 Spring 2008. Led weekly practices and games. Taught skills and sportsmanlike attitude. Responded to parent questions and concerns.
Delta Delta Delta, Centre College, Feb. 2009 present. As Academic Chair, monitored members’ academic standings and provided both academic resources and one on one assistance to members. As Class Coordinator, planned events to increase participation and sisterhood. As Philanthropy Committee member, planned and executed events to raise money St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
LEADERSHIP
“My Centre Life” Cast Member, Centre College, Aug. 2008 May 2009. One of six first year students selected to blog their Centre experience for prospective students. Wrote monthly updates for the Centre Admissions website and submitted weekly photos and videos.
RELEVANT
Treasurer, Centre College Hispanic Society, Danville, KY, August 2010 present. Organized finances for the Hispanic Society, reimbursed members for club purchases, drafted funding requests, completed audit forms, and planned convocations. Convocation planning included completing a convocation request form, requesting funds from the convocation committee, reserving a space, advertising, and introducing the speaker for the event.
Permanent Address 600 West Walnut Street 123 XYZ Street Danville, KY 40422 City, KY 42079
Education: Centre College, Danville, Kentucky Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Minor in International Relations Graduation Date: May 2012, Cumulative GPA: Centre-In-Mexico, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM): Three month study abroad program focusing on Economics and Spanish language, Spring 2010 Study Abroad in Catalonia, Spain: Three week course analyzing the culture and politics of the two official languages of Catalonia (Catalan and Spanish), January 2011
Reading Tutor, Graves County Summer Reading Camp, Mayfield, KY, Summer 2009. Designed and executed lessons for groups of 4 5 elementary students by creating and organizing flashcards, selecting reading homework, inventing fun learning games, and evaluating their progress by in class quizzes. Taught groups of students and worked one-on-one with special needs readers.
Skills: Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook Express; Adobe Photoshop. Research: Skilled in the use of online research databases and libraries. Language: Functionally fluent in the Spanish language. Basic proficiency in Catalan.
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Activities: Cross Country, Centre College, 2008-present Track and Field, Centre College, 2008 present Centre Players (Theater), Centre College, 2008 present
Honors: NCAA Division III Cross Country Academic All American, Fall 2010. Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Honor Roll: Spring 2008, Fall 2009, 2010. KEES Scholarship 2008-2012, Fine Arts Award 2008 2011, Founder’s Scholarship 2008 2012. Cross Country: Most Improved Award, 2010, Best Attitude Award, 2009.
Summer Employment Groom, Lane’s End Farm, Versailles, KY, June 2010 August 2010. Cared for Thoroughbred mares and foals on a daily basis. Administered medications, exercised foals, fed and watered horses, cleaned stalls and barn, and assisted the vet and farrier. Functioned as a mediator between the foreman and/or broodmare managers and Spanish speaking grooms.
Present Address
Experience: Spanish Assistant and Tutor, Centre College, Danville, KY, March 2011 present. Worked as Spanish professor Carmen Arranz’s personal assistant by making PowerPoint presentations for vocabulary lessons and tutoring for her Spanish classes
ESL Tutor, Afterschool ESL Program, Danville, KY, February 2011 present. Worked with a Hispanic student who speaks English as a second language. Helped him and other students with homework assignments and played games to increase conversational fluency.
• Ability to handle clients and meet their financial needs in a professional manner
• Restocked menus and silverware and set up tables for new customers.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
• Updated and contributed to the “Best Picks” list of equities used by the advisors.
• Promoted to server in February 2010
• Greeted and seated the customers and handled customer concerns.
Sophomore Rush Chair Spring 2011 Pi Kappa Phi, Washington and Lee University Lexington, Virginia
• Responsible for organizing and running events to recruit new members.
, Danville, Kentucky Expected Graduation: May 2014
• Handled customer concerns and supported managers and other servers in any way needed.
• Worked special events when asked.
Server/Busser
• Responsible for researching, maintaining, and changing the mutual fund portfolio used by team.
CentreEDUCATION:College
• Supported the servers and cooks as needed.
Co Founder and Co Director Fall 2012 Spring 2014 Centre Investment Society, Centre College Danville, Kentucky
600 West Walnut Street ▪ Danville, KY 40422 (859) 000 0000 ▪ name@gmail.com
• Worked with the investment head to generate new ideas for securities to be pitched to the clients.
• Obtained $100,000 from the college’s endowment with which to invest.
NAME
• Spoke with and handled client needs and concerns that did not require licensing.
• Started the investment society with another student.
• Actively recruited new student members.
• Held bi monthly executive council meetings and monthly general session meetings to oversee current investments and pitch new ideas.
International Study: Shanghai, China, Fall 2011
• Received, processed, and delivered food and drink orders.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:
• Met and advised prospective new members about the joining process and regulations.
Honors: Member of Phi Beta Kappa
Summer 2013 and Spring 2014 Raymond James and Associates Tampa, Florida Farmers National Bank Investments Group Danville, Kentucky
Research Assistant
• Worked as an unpaid intern for Farmers National Bank Investments Group during the following spring.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strong computer skills: excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office and STATA
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Current student working towards a Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics
Host/Busser
• Performed investment research for the different advisors on the team.
• Experience with investments
• Worked as a paid intern with Mustard Seed Advisors, a retail team with Raymond James and Associates, over the summer.
• Prepared the restaurant for the following day.
• A talent for connecting with others and a team player with a high level of responsiveness
• Developed self updating stock lists and portfolios for certain clients via Excel and MarketQ.
July 2008 July 2009 City’s Deli and Marketplace Tampa, Florida
December 2009 July 2010, Summer 2011, and Summer 2012 Carrabba’s Italian Grill Tampa, Florida
President, Student Activities Council, Centre College, 2014 2015 Supervised executive committee, conducted bi weekly meetings, and programmed campus-wide events, as well as other philanthropic activities.
name@hotmail.com
Student Senate, Centre College, 2013 present Nominated by faculty and selected by peers based on academic standing as one of 12 students to represent the student body on the College Council.
Cumulative GPA: 3.63
Activities Hospital Volunteer, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, 2012 present Usher, Norton Center for the Arts, Centre College, 2013 present Student Congress Representative, Centre College, 2012 present Mentor, Boyle County High School, 2014 2015
Skills Laboratory: Gas, column, and thin-layer chromatography, flash-column systems, chromatotron, NMR, IR UV-VIS, and Mass spectroscopy, glove-box, high-vacuum line, rotovap, extractions, filtrations, distillations, purifications, and crystallizations.
Executive Committee, St. Jude’s “Up ‘til Dawn”, Centre College, 2013 Organized campus wide celebration, which raised $15,000 for cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
600 West Walnut Street 123 XYC Street Danville, KY 40422 Bardstown, KY 40004
Permanent Address
Instrumental Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Macromolecules in Biochemistry, Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Physics, Calculus
NAME
CoursesRelevant
Present Address (859) 000 0000
Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Windows XP; and Statistical Analyzing Databases.
Honors: Dean’s List, Faculty Scholarship, Centre College Volunteer Award
ExperienceRelevant
Research Experience for Undergraduates, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, Summer 2014. Ten week organic chemistry program. Synthesized a non ionic, water-soluble dendrimer. Submitted protocols for synthesis and purification to be used in future research. Presented results to the university’s chemistry faculty and graduate students. Advisor: Dr. Christopher Gorman (Chris_Gorman@ncsu.edu)
Featured Cento Writer, Wrote articles for the school newspaper, 2013 2014 XYZ Sorority, Service and Philanthropy Chair, Centre College, 2013 2014 Tutor, Jenny Rogers Elementary School 5th grade class, Danville KY, 2012 2013 Vice-Presidential Debate Volunteer, Centre College, October 2012
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, May 2015
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Lab Assistant, Chemistry Department, Centre College, 2013 2014 Assisted students with inorganic syntheses, answered questions concerning procedures, and helped with calculations and lab reports.
Education Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
ExperienceLeadership
• Catalogued all data utilizing proprietary statistical software and submitted findings to researcher team
• Enforce college rules and regulations to ensure a safe living environment
Brown Fellows Scholarship Program (full tuition and summer enrichment stipend)
PRESENTATIONS
“Shake it off or fess up? Athletes perspectives on concussion reporting.” Presented at Kentucky Academy of Science, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, Spring 2015 (poster session); and RICE Symposium, Centre College, Fall 2015
• Assisted post doctoral researchers in dissecting specimens
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Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Behavioral Neuroscience, May 2016 GPA: 3.8
CentreEDUCATIONCollege, Danville, KY
Research Assistant, Behavioral Neuroscience Department, Centre College, Danville, KY, Summer 2014
HONORS AND AWARDS
• Recruited and scheduling participants, collected all data, and assisted Dr. Skogsberg with data analysis
ResidentLEADERSHIPAssistant, Centre College, Fall 2013 present
NAME
• Manage physical and emotional crises, referring students to appropriate resources
ResearchRESEARCHIntern, UCLA Brain Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Program, San Francisco, CA, Summer 2015
• Assisted Professor Skogsberg in examining the relationship between the sport an athlete plays (e.g. soccer versus tennis) and their wiliness to report that they may be experiencing the symptoms of concussions
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Dean’s List: Fall 2013 present
The Owsley Rochester Award (awarded to an outstanding Junior student)
PAPERS
• Provide social and educational programming for hall of 22 students
1210 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20005 844 555 2951 name@gmail.com
American Institute of Biological Sciences, student member, Spring 2014 present Beta Beta Beta (Biology Honor Society), Fall 2015-Present
Skogsberg, K.; Name, Student. "Shake it off or fess up? Athletes perspectives on concussion reporting." Journal of Sports Psychology.
• Examined the effects of pH on hypoxic neuronal injury and spreading depression in rodent hippocampal slices
1. Introduction Begin by telling the employer who you are, why you are writing, and a little of what you know about them. If you have a mutual contact, you can mention that person here.
Cover and Thank You Letter Writing
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Writing a thank you letter to an employer, typically after an interview, is not only a common courtesy, but a way to help you stand out from the crowd. It is also a great way to reiterate your interest in the position. While a formal letter is nice, given that you want the employer to receive your thank you letter as quickly as possible, it is usually advisable to send this letter via email.
2. Body Restate something you discussed in the interview that you found interesting and why you fit the organization’s needs.
Cover letters are a crucial part of any job search. The cover letter is your opportunity to tell the employer why they should hire you. An effective cover letter efficiently and succinctly explains how you have the skills that an employer is seeking in an applicant.
3. Closing Review your understanding of what will happen next. If you are to hear from the person in two weeks, for example, tell them how much you are looking forward to hearing from them in two weeks.
Samples of effective cover letters (formal and informal) and thank you letters are on the following pages.
Like a cover letter, a thank you letter also typically has three sections:
Cover Letters
Formal cover letters vs. email cover letters
3. Closing This section serves two functions: thanking the employer for considering your request or for their time, and telling them how and when you will follow up. Rather than simply saying "I look forward to hearing from you,” it is more effective and impressive if you say something proactive, such as "I will phone you in a week to discuss the possibilities."
Thank You Letters
2. Body This is the heart of the cover letter, where you highlight your skills relevant to the position and illustrate how these skills match the employer’s needs. You can do this by highlighting skills and experience from your resume and/or telling the employer things about you that they won’t find on your resume. As much as possible, use this section to connect the dots between your skills and abilities and the employer’s needs.
1. Introduction Thank the employer for their time and/or for interviewing you You can also use this section to reiterate your interest in the position or state how the interview solidified your interest in the position.
A cover letter typically has three sections:
Cover letters are often submitted as separate documents whether in paper, uploaded onto an online site, or attached in an email. However, sometimes applications request that only a resume be submitted via email. In those cases, it is advisable to write an “informal” cover letter in the body of the email. If doing so, the content of the cover letter can largely be the same, but the format and the closing will be different. Keep the formatting more consistent with an email (rather than a business letter) and end by saying that your resume is attached. (See the next page for samples of formal and informal cover letters.)
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you.
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Enc.MarySincerely,Jones
101 New Career Boulevard Candy Hill, NC 28787
During my internship at the Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce, I had the opportunity to write informative articles as well as to prepare newsletters and numerous flyers. I was given full responsibility to create a public relations campaign for new businesses, which included creating a web page as well as inviting new members to a welcome luncheon. While planning and executing the luncheon, I worked with professionals throughout the city to host a new program which boasted an 80% participation rate by new businesses. As the Public Relations officer for my sorority, I increased the participation across campus in our annual fundraiser for St. Jude’s by implementing a public relations plan, resulting in augmented awareness of what the organization does as well as a 50% increase in donations to support their work.
Sample Cover Letter (formal)
I am applying for the position of Public Relations Assistant at Super Public Relations Firm, which I found posted on Centre College’s Handshake site. I will complete my Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Centre College in May 2020. I am looking for public relations positions in which I can use my academic background in addition to what I have learned in my internship and leadership experiences, where I developed skills in written communications, creativity and the ability to collaborate as a team.
Mary Jones
600 W. Walnut Street Danville, KY 40422
October 30, 2019
Mr. Ican Hireyou Director of Public Relations Super Public Relations Firm
Dear Mr. Hireyou:
I would very much like to speak with you regarding your position and my qualifications. I will call you next week to discuss this opportunity. In the meantime, my resume is enclosed. Please feel free to call or e mail me if you have any questions.
Attached is my resume for the position of Public Relations Assistant at Super Public Relations Firm, which I found posted on Centre College’s Handshake site.
I would very much like to speak with you regarding your position and my qualifications. I will call you next week to discuss this opportunity.
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I am excited about the possibility of pursuing a public relations position in which I can use my academic background in addition to what I have learned in my internship and leadership experiences, where I developed skills in written communications, creativity and the ability to collaborate as a team. During my internship at the Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce, I was given full responsibility to create a public relations campaign for new businesses. I created a web page, and planned and executed a luncheon that boasted an 80% participation rate by new businesses. As the Public Relations officer for my sorority, I increased the participation across campus in our annual fundraiser for St. Jude’s by implementing a public relations plan, resulting in augmented awareness of what the organization does as well as a 50% increase in donations to support their work.
Mary Jones
Thank you for your consideration.
Dear Mr. Hireyou:
Sample Cover Letter (informal/email)
I hope to get the chance to work with you and look forward to hearing from you once the final decision is made regarding this position. Please feel free to contact me at any time if I can provide any further information.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
(*As with the cover letter, this thank you letter could be reformatted without the headers and date at the top to be included in the body of an email.)
1234 Main Street Louisville, Kentucky 40206
Sample Thank You Letter
Mary Jones
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Thank you for taking the time to talk with me about the Programmer Analyst position. I enjoyed learning more about both the position and the company and truly appreciate your time and consideration in interviewing me.
Mr. John Doe Director of College Recruiting XYZ Technology Company
MarySincerely,Jones
September 30, 2019
600 W. Walnut Street Danville, KY 40422
Dear Mr. Doe,
After speaking with you and the group, I believe that I would be a perfect candidate for this position, offering the quick learning and adaptability that is needed for this position. In addition to my enthusiasm for performing well, I would bring the technical and analytical skills necessary to get the job done.
600 West Walnut Street ▪ Danville, KY 40422 (859) 000 0000 ▪ name@gmail.com
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Faculty Member Name Professor of Philosophy Centre College
References are another important part of the application process. Most employers will request the names of three to five people willing to serve as references for you. These should be people who know your work as a student or an intern, including faculty members, former employers, and volunteer supervisors. Always be sure to ask permission before listing someone as a reference. When asking someone to serve as a reference, provide them with a copy of your resume so they can review your experiences. As your job search progresses, keep them informed of your progress and send them a thank you note once you have accepted a position. As a general rule, do not provide your list of references until requested. Never upload your references to a general job search website.
References
600 W. Walnut St. Danville, KY 40422 (859) 555 Myfavorite@centre.edu1234professorforthree courses
Internship Supervisor Name Financial Operations Manager
Your reference sheet should include your name and contact information at the top (just as it appears at the top of your resume). Then list your references in order, including the following information: their name, title, organization, address, phone number and email. If not obvious by their title/organization, you can also state how you know them. An example is below:
ABC Finance Company 4290 N. Madison St. Chicago, IL 60290 (312) 105CenterVolunteerVolunteerMyname@555-7692abcfinancecompany.comsummerinternshipsupervisorSupervisorNameCoordinatorforVolunteerServicesDogwoodLaneDanville,KY40422(859)5559876super@allnet.comMysupervisorfortwoyearsasavolunteer
References page format
References for Mary Jones
• And finally… your career counselor The staff in the Center for Career & Professional Development are job search experts! We can help you search for opportunities, review your resumes and cover letters, hone your interview skills, and even negotiate job offers. Just call 859 238 5283 to schedule an appointment.
• Centre alumni It is true; Centre alumni love to help Centre students! The Center for Career & Professional Development offers a Career Mentor Network a list of alumni who have volunteered to offer career information and advice to Centre students. In addition, we can request lists of alumni from the Alumni Office, targeted by geographic location, industry, occupation, and/or major.
Job Search Resources
• Networking As discussed earlier, networking is a great way to gain industry information and job leads. LinkedIn in particular is a great resource for networking (See the following page for a guide to using LinkedIn for your job search.)
• Job fairs Job fairs provide an excellent opportunity to meet employers and apply for jobs. Centre College participates in the annual “Spotlight Career Fair”, a job, internship and graduate school fair held in Lexington each February.
• Handshake Our online job posting system accessed from CentreNet.
• Social media We often announce new job openings on the following sites: Facebook @centrecareers LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/groups/50975 Twitter @Centre_Careers In addition to our pages, be sure to check the social media pages of organizations to which you are interested in applying. They will often post job announcements there.
• On-campus recruiting – Employers often come to campus to interview Centre students for internships and full time jobs Opportunities for this will be announced through email and the Center for Career & Professional Development weekly newsletter.
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• Chambers of Commerce & Young Professionals Associations Chambers of Commerce can be good resources for jobs and information on expanding your network in your cities of interest. Most cities also have Young Professionals Associations, which can be great places to network, get area information, and find job leads.
• Center for Career & Professional Development weekly e-newsletter A weekly e newsletter highlighting current job and internship opportunities and upcoming events
• Center for Career & Professional Development web page Includes a comprehensive list of job search resources, divided into categories, including career field, region, government jobs, and international jobs. In addition, there are resources for researching companies, starting salaries and cost of living.
There are numerous resources you can use in your job search, including:
stud4ent
Using LinkedIn to Find a Job or Internship
3
Have a strong Get noticed. Your profile is not the place to be shy! Write a concise but descriptive headline like "XYZ University honors student & aspiring PR associate," “Entry level creative professional,” or “Finance major seeking investment banking internship ”
Talk about all your relevant Experienceexperience.doesn’thaveto be paid or full time to be on your profile. Your Experience section can include internships, extracurriculars, part time jobs, volunteer work, or projects that have given you real world skills. You never know what might catch an employer’s eye.
1
LinkedIn is the place for students and recent grads to find jobs and internships. Here are some tips to get started.
headline2
Include keywords.
Take advantage of profile sections. Be sure to complete the profile sections designed just for students, such as Courses, Projects, Languages, Certifications, and Organizations. Keywords are good here too Complete profiles get 40x more opportunities!
Recruiters search LinkedIn for candidates. Use the key words and phrases they use. Find examples from job descriptions you’re going after, or profiles of people who have the jobs you want, and pepper them throughout the Summary and Skills & Expertise sections.
Want to stand out and learn about industries you want to get into? Check out LinkedIn Today’s news dashboard and Influencer posts for the top daily headlines, join Groups, and follow new industry specific “Channels.”
Become an expert.
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Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to a recruiter on LinkedIn. One strategy is to first apply to a position you want and then send a message to the recruiter who posted the opportunity (you can often find this information in the job posting).
Get a
8
Build your network. Grow your network by sending personalized LinkedIn connection requests to everyone you know friends, family, neighbors, teachers, colleagues, classmates, and more.
Heard of LinkedIn Company pages? Visit them for organizations you want to work for and see if you’re connected to anyone who works or has worked there And check out LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool to see what grads of your school are up to
Get gutsy
Get going at www.linkedin.com Copyright © 2013 LinkedIn Corporation. LinkedIn and the LinkedIn logo are registered trademarks of LinkedIn Corporation in the United States and/or other countries All rights reserved
Ask your network for help
Find “ins” where you want to work.
6
10
Good luck! job.
70% of jobs are found through networking. Once you connect, send customized messages (no mass emails!) to say you’re job hunting. Ask for advice, an informational interview, or if they know anyone in your desired field. Connect one on one and others will be willing to make the effort for you.
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The Student Jobs Portal is just for you: It has all the entry level job and internship postings on LinkedIn. Search by job role or review postings from featured companies. Apply for positions and the employer will be able to see your full LinkedIn profile.
Search the Student Jobs9Portal.
Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in interviewing for jobs The more you prepare, the more comfortable and successful you will be interviewing. So, what can you do to ensure that you are ready for your interview?
4. Don’t be late Be on time for the interview, meaning five to ten minutes early. If needed, drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
7. Follow up – Always follow-up with a thank you note or email reiterating your interest in the position. You can also include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview. If you interview with multiple people, send each one a personal thank you note. Send your thank you note/email within 24 hours of your interview. (See page 23 for a sample.)
6. Apply your skills and knowledge Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions. When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for. Use examples from your research when answering questions, such as “I noticed that when you implemented a new software system last year, your customer satisfaction ratings improved dramatically. I am well versed in the latest technologies from my experience with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a company who strives to be a leader in its industry.”
1. Practice – Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to typical job interview questions (both general and industry specific) Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy, so think of concrete examples you can use to highlight your skills. Prepare a list of your own questions to ask the employer Once you have practiced answering interview questions on your own, schedule a mock interview with the Center for Career & Professional Development so that we can help you hone your interviewing skills
Interviewing
3. Present a professional image Make sure your interview attire is neat and appropriate to the position. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for taking notes (if you choose to do so). When greeting the employer, have a firm, confident handshake.
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2. Research Prior to the interview, find out who you will be meeting with so that you can research them beforehand. Do your homework about the employer and the industry so you are ready for the question “What do you know about this company?” Try to relate what you have learned about the company when answering questions. Also be sure that you thoroughly understand the job description and what skills the employer is seeking, so that you can relate your experience to their needs.
5. Relax During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Remember that your body language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. Proper preparation will allow you to exude confidence. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and be sure to answer each question fully yet succinctly.
• Maintain eye contact and answer questions thoroughly yet succinctly.
• Employers want to know how you would likely solve a problem and, in some cases, they want to measure your expertise. Address the problem and describe your solution, including the action(s) that you would take.
Screening or phone interview
Tips for preparing/answering:
• Prepare for this interview by practicing answering interview questions and coming up with questions to ask the interviewer(s). (See page 31 for sample questions.)
Most common type of interview. Can be with just one person or a group of people. Can last as little as 30 minutes or as long as all day.
• If interviewing with more than one person at a time, direct your answer primarily to the person asking the question, but make eye contact with the others as you answer.
Behavioral interview questions are asked based on the assumption that your past behavior is predictive of your future performance. They can be asked in any interview situation. These questions typically start with “Describe a situation where” or “Tell me about a time when.” (See page 31 for examples.)
There are a few different types of interviews and interview questions. Understanding the structure and purpose of each can help you prepare.
• The interviewer is looking for results and outcomes, so tell the story, but then be sure to talk about the outcome(s) and what you learned from that experience.
• Before the interview, get information on the structure of the interview how long it will be, who you will be meeting with, etc. Be sure to research the department and jobs of the people interviewing you, so that you have a basic understanding of their roles and can prepare some questions in advance.
• Think of specific examples that demonstrate your competence in core behaviors such as teamwork, problem solving, communication, creativity and leadership.
• Treat this interview as you would a face-to-face conversation. Arrange for a quiet space that will be free from interruptions.
Situational interview questions focus on future performance rather than past performance. The interviewer will give you a problem and ask how you would deal with it. For example: “Your boss is on a whirlwind business trip. He assigned you a report to write for a client while he is gone, and he expects a first draft in two days. You thought everything was clear, but when you look back through your meeting notes and emails, there are outstanding questions that will make it difficult to complete the report. What do you do?”
• Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer.
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• Have a copy of your resume, the job description, and any notes you’ve made in front of you as a reference.
Types of Interviews & Tips on How to Prepare
Tips for preparing/answering:
Situational interview
Initial round of interviews to narrow down candidates. Tips for preparing/answering:
In-person/traditional interview
Behavioral interview
• Since the interviewer cannot see you, be sure to convey energy and enthusiasm with your voice.
Tips for preparing/answering:
Case interview Case interviews are used almost exclusively in the consulting industry and focus on your problem solving skills. The interviewer will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem. For example: “How many pounds of hamburger meat do New York City McDonald’s restaurants go through each month?” You do not have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewer is looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real life situation. Tips for preparing/answering:
• Speak and reason aloud so that the interviewer has a full understanding of your throught process.
• Use the interview to develop common ground with your interviewer.
• Choose food that is easy to eat, so that you can answer questions and pay attention to the conversation.
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At the end of any interview, be sure to ask the interviewer(s) about the next steps and the timeline for follow-up. Thank them for their time, then be sure to send them a thank you note/email.
Lunch/Dinner interview
• Follow his/her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette; but never order alcohol, even if the interviewer does.
Discussing salary and benefits:
Avoid discussing the salary or benefits offered for a position until given this information by the employer. Asking how much money you will earn often makes you seem more interested in what the employer can do for you than in what you can do for the employer. Employers will give you this information once a formal offer has been made. Employers should not ask you how much you want to make, although some may. For guidance on handling this question and negotiating a starting salary, call the Center for Career & Professional Development at 859 238 5283. We can walk you through all of this.
• Before answering, be prepared to ask the employer numerous questions for clarity and informational purposes.
Sometimes part of the interview will take place during a meal. While this part of the interview may feel more casual, remember that it is still a formal part of the interview process. Tips or preparing/answering:
• How does this position fit in with your overall career goals?
• Tell me about a time when you had to use spoken communication skills to convey a point that was important to you.
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this career field?
• What type of training program do you offer new employees?
Sample Interview Questions
• What type of supervisor do you work best under?
Traditional
• What type of work environment do you thrive in?
• What do you see as the greatest challenges in this position?
• Describe a major problem you have encountered and how you dealt with it
• Tell me about a time when your own initiative made a difference in an outcome.
• Tell me about a situation in which you’ve had a conflict with a coworker or supervisor.
Questions you can ask the employer
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What are the key characteristics of a successful person in this position/department/ organization?
• How has your education prepared you for this career?
• Why do you believe you are the best candidate for this position?
• How would you describe your ideal job following graduation?
• What is one of your weaknesses?
• What have you learned from your extracurricular activities?
• Tell me about a time when you have been an effective member of a team.
• Describe a disappointment and how you dealt with it.
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
Behavioral
• What do you like best about working for this organization?
• Are there any concerns that you have about me as a candidate?
• Tell me about a time when you had to lead or direct others.
• How would you describe your leadership style?
• How does this position/department fit into the overall structure of the organization?
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• How do you manage stress?
• What do you know about our organization?
• What questions do you have for me?
• Give me an example of when you had to motivate others.
• What has been your greatest achievement?
• Tell me about a time when you had to conform to a policy you did not agree with.
• Tell me about a time when you have been creative in dealing with a problem.
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development?
• What makes your organization different from its competitors?
• What has been your greatest disappointment?
• How do you define success?
• Can you describe a typical day in this position?
• Which job is likely to best allow you to reach your long term goals?
Take a little time and evaluate the offers you have received for all of these factors. The chart below is designed to help you get started with this process. You can rate each one on a scale of 1 10. Remember, this is just to help you think about the decision. The decision should not necessarily be based solely on numeric factors.
If you have one job offer but are waiting on others, you may wonder what to do. When extended an offer, you do not have to decide immediately. Ask the employer when they need an answer. You may even consider calling other employers to inform them of the job offer from another company and to discern when you will hear back from them. Once you accept an offer, be sure to send a letter to the employer thanking them and confirming the details of your appointment. Do not accept an offer unless you are 100% willing to work for that company. Reneging on a job offer will burn bridges and might hurt your chances with future employers if you plan to continue working in that career field. For help with weighing offers and accepting offers, contact the Center for Career & Professional Development at 859-238-5283
• What were your initial reactions to the job and company at the time of the interview?
• What factors are most important to you in a job/career?
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Congratulations; you have a job offer! But maybe you have more than one. If so, how do you decide which one to take? If the choice is not easy, ask yourself the following questions to help you decide:
Option 1 Option 2
• Is one of the offers in your ideal location?
SupervisorDayCowSkillAdvancementbenefitsdevelopmentorkers-to-dayactivities
SalaryLocation&
• Which position seems to offer the best possibility for advancement? Remember as you assess your options that your first job will mostly likely not be your forever job. After a year or two you can always change jobs. In the meantime, consider which position will offer you the best opportunity to expand and develop skills that can be transferred to other jobs, organizations, or careers.
Job Offers
• Does one of these offers fit with your priorities better than any other?
• Is there a large difference in the starting salaries or benefits?
• Plan carefully so that you can complete your projects on time or even a little early
• Always keep learning. You will need to continuously update your skills and acquire new ones to get the next promotion or the next job. So always be on the lookout for ways to learn and develop those skills, such as joining professional associations and attending seminars or conferences in your field.
A few tips for being successful in your first post-graduate job:
• Remember that most jobs are not nine to five. Getting a project completed on time may sometimes mean putting in extra hours without receiving extra pay.
• Look for ways to gain new skills and help with new projects if you are experiencing a slow period on your job. This can go a long way toward impressing your new boss.
We’re still here!
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Finally, the staff of the Center for Career & Professional Development is always here to help you throughout your career. We offer all of the same services to alumni that we do to students, free of charge. If you ever need anything, we are just a phone call or email away!
Your First Job!
• Make it an early priority to understand and adapt to the corporate culture of your new office. Listening to those around you will help you pick up a lot of do's and don’ts about your new employer’s expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to also ask your supervisor for clarification when needed.