CDI Workbook 2025

CHAPTER 1

COURSE INTRODUCTION

What storywill you tell?

How do you tell your storyin the right way?

Embraceyourstory,becauseit is whoyouare!

COURSE INTRODUCTION

COURSE SYLLABUS

KEYRESOURCES

https://bentley.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cBhNgrL4ERFD5tj

CDI 101 IS ABOUT LEARNINGHOWTOTELL YOUR STORYIN VARIOUSWAYS

Through job search tools needed to design and buildYOUR Career!

In Writing

Verbally

• Designyour bestcollegeRESUME

• Composewell-written COVERLETER

• Create a compellingLINKEDINPROFILE

•Effectiveand impactful Elevator Pitch

• Building connectionsthrough Networking

•Communicatethrough Informational Meetingsand Interviewing

To Connect

• Tell your storyAUTHENTICALLYin any situation

• Conveyyour story in the right ways to connectwith people honestly

Good News!

We are going to cover ALL of these topics in CDI 101 using your CliftonStrengths results throughoutto help you tell your story by designingand creating these tools.

THE ULTIMATE GOAL = OBTAINING AN INTERNSHIP!

What’s YOUR Story?

COURSESYLLABUS

Instructor:

Office Location:

LAC 225

Office Hours:

M-F1-3 p.m.

Email:

Class Day:

Class Time:

Class Location:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Career development is an essential part of the undergraduate experience; as students need to be well prepared to not only enter into the unknown world of the college recruiting process, but also to succeed in it. In a concerted, formalized educational response to the increasing demand from students and employers for a structured, uniform, mandated delivery of this important tool and skill development, the coaches of Undergraduate Career Development will educate Bentley University students with curriculum focused on these important aspects of their future career development. Career DesignIntroduction Seminar (CDI 101) will introduce the foundation of this critical tool development (personal and professional goal self-assessment, resume and cover letter development, networking and informational meetings, utilization of social media, internship search and interview preparation). This course will teach incoming students how to identify their own interests and skills as they relate to their careers and how to best develop and utilize these necessary tools for their lifelong career development and evolution.

COURSE GOALS

The course will focus on assisting students with understanding themselves, in terms of their personal and professional values, skills and goals, and helping them to start identifying these objectives during their undergraduate career. Why is self-assessment, career tool development, and understanding long term career pathing so important to understand as an undergraduate student? The course introduces students as to the “why” and “how to” of the basics of career development and recruiting. Students will be more prepared to identify and articulate their strengths and gaincompetency in“telling their story” through written and verbal communication including resume, cover letter, elevator pitch, LinkedIn profile, and informational meetings. This course intends to equip students with the foundational understanding and tools of how to engage in the job search in order to successfully start to navigate the process.

EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

This class will be a no-credit (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) transcript bearing course. In order to complete the class satisfactorily, students will be required to successfully complete ALL ASSIGNMENTS and ATTEND ALL CLASSES.

1. Attendance

Class attendance and participationare critical to passing this course. Students are expected to attend ALL classes inaccordance with the Student Handbook, be prepared for each class, and engage in class discussions. All classes will contain information not covered in the materials provided in class. Only one excused absence will be allowed from students’ overall attendance.

2. Resume

Students will prepare a one-page college resume in accordance with the techniques discussed during the class lecture and any supplemental materials provided. Students who do not follow the recommended techniques and materials and/or do not turn in their assignment on time will not pass this course with a satisfactory grade.

3. Cover Letter

Students will prepare a one-page cover letter based on a job descriptiongiven in accordance with the techniques discussed during the class lecture and any supplemental materials provided. Students who do not follow the recommended techniques and materials and/or do not turn intheir assignment on time will not pass this course with a satisfactory grade.

4. LinkedIn profile with Elevator Pitch Summary

Students will build or update a LinkedIn profile inaccordance with the techniques discussed during the class lecture and any supplemental materials provided. Students who do not follow the recommended techniques and materials and/or do not turn in their assignment on time will not pass this course with a satisfactory grade.

5. Informational Meeting Exercise

Students will conduct an Informational Meeting with a member of the Bentley Community (Faculty or Staff Member, Advisor, Coach, Junior/Senior who has participated in at least one internship). Students will give a three-minute verbal presentation in class to discuss what they learned during the Informational Meeting. Students who do not follow the recommended techniques and materials and/or do not turn in their assignment on time will not pass this course with a satisfactory grade.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Knowledge& Skills:

1. Self-Assessment and Awareness: Understand the relation of values, interests, personality and skills to career planning

2. Written Communication: Develop tangible self marketing pieces: resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, thank you notes, and electronic business correspondence

3. Verbal Communication: Develop elevator pitch, professional informational meeting, networking, and interviewing skills

4. Internships: Knowledge of internships and resources for seeking a meaningful internship

5. Career Resources: Knowledge and proper use of career exploration resources

COURSE MATERIALS

Materials created by the Bentley University Pulsifer Career Development Center will be used and distributed throughout the course.

ACADEMIC HONESTY / INTEGRITY

This class will be conducted in full accordance with Bentley’s policies about academic integrity and the Bentley Honor Code, which can be found in the Student Handbook at: http://www.bentley.edu/campus-life/the-student-handbook https://catalog.bentley.edu/undergraduate/academic-policies-procedures/academicintegrity/

LEARNING DISABILITIES

Bentley University abidesby Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with DisabilitiesAct of 1990 which stipulate no student shall be denied the benefits of an education solely by reason of a disability. If you have a hidden or visible disabilitywhich may require classroom accommodations, please call the Student Accessibility Services within the first 4 weeks of the semester to schedule an appointment. The Student Accessibility Services is located in Jennison 336 (781.891.2004)

The Student Accessibility Services is responsible for managing accommodations and services for all students with disabilities. Please see your instructor as soon as possible if you require assistance. We’ll make every effort to accommodate students with documented learning disabilities.

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE

RESUME

COVER LETTER

Midnight on

Midnight on LINKEDIN PROFILE

Midnight on

INFORMATIONAL MEETING In Class on

HANDSHAKE PROFILE In Class on

REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSING CDI 101

1. MustattendALLCLASSES

❑ Consistent,on-time attendance and participationare critical to your success

❑ Ifyou are morethan 15 minutes late to class without notice,you will not receivecreditforattendance on that day

2. ALL assignmentsmustbecompletedandsubmitted ONTIME

❑ Referto Bright forthe mostup to date instructions forcompleting and submitting assignments

3. ThisgradedoesAPPEARon yourTRANSCRIPT soyouwantto PASS

❑ ItdoesNOT count foracademiccreditor towards graduation

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Scenario:

It’s the firstweekof your first summerinternship - congrats!

You are invited to a meeting with your team and manager tomorrowat 10 a.m.

1. How will you prepareforthe meeting?

2. What will you bring with you?

3. Whenwill you arrive forthe meeting?

4. What would you doif somethinghappenedthat preventedyou from attending the meeting?

5. How will you act during the meeting?

6. What (if anything) will you do afterthe meeting?

7. How would you do your assignedwork? Whenwill you deliverit?

How this Appliesto CDI101

• Bring oropenyour TEXTBOOK,STRENGTHSREPORT,notebookto classeachweek

• Be ON-TIMEforclasseach week

• PARTICIPATE inclassdiscussionsand activities

• Avoiddistractions – NO PHONES OR OTHERLAPTOPACTIVITY unless I tell you we need them

• FollowASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS&meetALL DEADLINES!

• Ifsomethingcomesup over the next 6 weeks, bePROACTIVEIN COMMUNICATINGWITHYOUR INSTRUCTOR

http://careeredge.bentley.edu

❑ Events

❑ Resources& Guides

❑ Drop-inhours

❑ Recruiting information

❑ Internship & job postings

❑

Customize

CHAPTER 2

STRENGTHS

Do you everwonder why you make certain choices?

Whyyou dowhat you do?

Whyyou are betterat somethings than others?

There’s areason. It’s yourtalents.

You can do and achieve MORE when using your STRENGTHS. Notice them. Use them. Share them.

STRENGTHS STATEMENTS EXERCISE

STEPS:

1. Read the descriptionsofyour Top5 in your "Top 5 Report"

2. Highlight/underline parts that bestdescribeyouin a POSITIVEway.

3. Below,list your Top5 in the coloredboxesin the leftcolumnand complete thestatement,“Iam a personwho. . .” in the right column. I AM A PERSON

STRENGTHS STATEMENTS EXAMPLE

You will be using these Strengths Statements in your cover letters, elevator pitch, LinkedIn profile and interviews!

CHAPTER 3

RESUME DESIGN

How do I tell my storyin writing?

How do I showan employerI am confidentaboutmy skills?

Your storymust be told quickly and clearly.

Yourresumeisyour“firstimpression,” let’smakeit a goodone!

https://www.vmock.com/bentley

Bentley’sOnlineResumeDesign& ReviewPlatform: VMockSMART Editor

❑ Create your resume

❑ Reformat/update anexisting resumeto Bentleystandards

❑ Login with Single Sign On

❑ Geton the spotresumereview and feedbackrelatedto presentation,impact,and competencies

❑ Scoreyour resumeto make sure you are on the right track

❑ (Limit of 10 uploads for scoring every academic year)

Creating Your Resume on VMock SMART Editor

DESIGNING YOUR RESUME

CONTACTINFORMATION

❑ Name should be the biggest thing on the page (12-14 point font size)& in bold

❑ Contactinformation: Address, Cell Phone & Email(10-12 point font size)

❑ “Bentley University” is NOT your address– 175 ForestStreetis!

❑ You should have your PERMANENT address if you are looking for a job back home or in that area

EDUCATION

BentleyUniversity, Waltham,MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science(or Arts), Major (if known or Undecided Business),May 20XX Minor (if known)

GPA, if above 3.0 (Cumulative and/or Major)

Academic Honors (examples:President’s List, Dean’s List, Honors Program)

(OPTIONAL: High School or transfer schoolcomes second(take this out NEXT YEAR!)

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Management, 20xx

Minor: Marketing

GPA: 3.2

Honors: Dean’s List; Honors Program

St. Mark’s Academy, Westborough, MA or Diploma received, June 20xx

Honors: Honor Roll; National Honor Society

Suffolk University, Boston, MA

32 credit hours towards Bachelor of Science, 20xx-20xx

Honors: Dean’s List

RELEVANT COURSEWORK or PROJECTS(IF APPLICABLE)

Full Name of Course Semester Year

❑ Two – three detailed bullets to describe the key project / course content – what YOU did in the class

❑ All bullets should start with strong action verbs

❑ Avoid using the course descriptionfrom the syllabus

RELEVANT COURSEWORK:

Financial Reporting Analysis

• Prepared, reviewed and analyzed financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement and statements of cash flows and stockholders' equity

• Analyzed public company Form 10-K reports from financial statements, footnotes and disclosures

• Collaborated on a student team analyzingc ompany and its financial performance, competitive analysis and assessed investment viability

• Reviewed cases of accounting issues within companies involving ESG and ethics

Introduction to Finance

• Analyzed a company's income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flow

• Selected stocks and sectors in portfolio construction using Bloomberg Terminal data and analysis

• Utilized excel to calculate time value of money and its application for PV and FV for single and multiple cash flows

WORK EXPERIENCE

Name of Employer, City, State

Position Title

❑ Two or more bullets to describeyour role / responsibilities

Dates of Employment

❑ All bullets should start with strong action verbs in proper tense

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

❑ Use action verbs and adjectives that demonstrate your strengths and skills

❑ Be quantitative where possible ($, #, %)

TYPESOFACTIVITIES

❑ Name of Organization

❑ Role/Title & dates of involvement

❑ Include qualifiers to add scope and detail to bullet points

❑ Two or more bullets to describeyour responsibilities

❑ If you don’t have space on your resume, then list activities by name only

COMPUTERAND/OR LANGUAGE SKILLS

❑ Add proficiency level basedon true ability

SCORING YOUR RESUME ON VMOCK

Once you have completedyour resumein SMARTEditor,you will needto have it scoredbyVMock:

1. Click on“SCORE”buttonwhen you are finished.

2. You mustachieve a scoreofat least 70 (with minimum28/30for Presentation)beforeyoucan submityour resume to your instructor.

• Ifyou don’tachieve this score,gobackinto SMART Editor and makerecommendedchanges.

3. Your resumescorewill be checkedand confirmedbyyour instructor/teaching assistant.

YOU ONLYHAVE 10 SCORING TRIESEACH ACADEMIC YEAR -AFTER4 TRIES,GETHELPATDROP-INS!

ASSIGNMENT & EXPECTATIONS

+RESUME RESOURCES

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Marketing, May20xx

GPA: 3.5

Honors:Dean’s List

RESUME FORMATTING CHECKLIST

✓ONE page

✓Margins (0.5-1 inch top/bottom/sides)

✓Conservative font style (Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri)

✓Name largest item on page (12-14 pt)

✓Consistent font size for body/headings (10-12 pt)

✓Single-spaced throughout

✓Bullets (consistent size, shape, alignment)

✓Dashes (consistent size, spacing between text)

✓Dates (consistent format and alignment)

✓Section headers (all CAPS, bold)

MANAGEMENT SKILLS administered analyzed assigned attained chaired contracted consolidated coordinated delegated developed directed evaluated executed improved increased organized planned prioritized produced recommended reviewed scheduled strengthened supervised

COMMUNICATION SKILLS addressed arbitrated arranged corresponded developed directed drafted edited enlisted formulated influenced interpreted lectured mediated moderated motivated publicized reconciled

recruited sold spoke translated wrote

RESEARCH SKILLS clarified collected critiqued diagnosed evaluated examined extracted identified inspected interpreted interviewed investigated organized reviewed summarized surveyed systematized

TECHNICAL SKILLS assembled built calculated computed designed devised engineered fabricated maintained operated overhauled programmed remodeled repaired solved trained

TRAINING

SKILLS adapted advised clarified coached communicated coordinated developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated guided informed instructed persuaded stimulated

FINANCIAL SKILLS administered allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated computed developed forecasted managed marketed planned projected researched

CREATIVE SKILLS acted advertised conceptualized created introduced

invented maximized originated performed planned revitalized shaped SERVICE SKILLS assessed assisted clarified coached counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated expedited facilitated familiarized guided referred represented

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS approved arranged classified collected compiled dispatched generated implemented inspected monitored operated organized prepared processed purchased recorded screened tabulated validated

CHAPTER 4

COVER LETTER DESIGN

How do I tell my storyin writing?

How do I getan employerto focusoncertain skills I have?

How do I tailor my coverletterto a specificposition?

Yourcoverletteris whatmakesyoudifferentandopensdoors!

175 ForestStreet

Waltham, MA 02452

February19, 20xx

Ms.

Barbara Tripp

Vice President/HumanResources

BayCoastBank

330 Swansea MallDrive

Swansea,MA 02777

Dear Ms. Tripp:

As a first-yearstudent studying Economics-Finance atBentley University, I wantedto express myinterest in the summer internship position with the InvestmentManagementdivision. I would love to apply my knowledge and experience to your bank because it is so deeply involved in worthwhile causes in the community, suchas the Fall River/New Bedford Housing Partnership, while providing exceptional financial services to commercialbanking clients.

I believe that my courseworkatBentley University has aligned me as a strong candidate for this position. As a partof my Tools & Concepts of Accounting & Finance course,I researcheda companyandcreatedan investment thesis. This was accomplished through researchingindustry andregulatory trends, comparing the company’s financial statements to their competitors’ financial statements,and evaluating the currentmarket valuation of the company. In turn, my strong investment researchskills will provide value to your Investment Managementdivision.

Complementing my learning inside the classroomis my experience with the Bentley Microfinance Group. My participation as the group’s Loan Officer has acceleratedmygrowth in analyzing financial trends and developing solutions with a teambasedon quantitative reasoning. My contributions to the loan group include developing a payment schedule for a tax preparation business that mirrored the irregular schedule of expected revenue by the business – a lower payment in the months leading up to tax seasonanda higher payment during taxseason. As a result, I recentlyreceiveda promotion to Loan Director due to my ability to not only work in a group, but also to be independently motivated.

Attachedplease find my resume for your review. I appreciate thatBayCoastBankvalues education and providing a meaningful job experience to students. If you would like to contactme, you may reachme at jones_connor@bentley.edu. I would welcome the opportunity for an interview to further discuss how I can add value to BayCoastBank as anintern. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to have the opportunity to discuss the internship and my qualifications further with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Connor Jones

Attachment:Resume

Whenshould you write one? Whenit is REQUIREDbyemployer.

COVER LETTER DESIGN LAB & ASSIGNMENT

1. Open your new RESUME (either downloaded or on VMock).

2. Download COVER LETTER TEMPLATE in Brightspace

3. Pick one of the job descriptions on page 41 or 42 that you will write a cover letter for:

• Accounting/Finance Focus (page 41)

• Marketing/Management Focus (page 42)

WARNING: THIS IS NOTA REALJOB POSTING -ITIS ONLYFOR CDI 101ASSIGNMENT

WARNING: THIS IS NOTA REALJOB POSTING-ITIS ONLYFOR CDI 101ASSIGNMENT

DESIGNING YOUR COVER LETTER:

CONTACT INFORMATION

FORMATTING:

Your StreetAddress(175 Forest Street is your addressif you live on campus)

City, State Zip Code

TWOSPACES

Current date (spelledout)

TWOSPACES

Full Name of CompanyContact/Hiring Manager (if no name)

Title ofContact

CompanyName

StreetAddress

City, State Zip Code

175 Forest Street

Waltham, MA 02452

February 19, 20xx

Mr. Neil Brennan

Vice President

Meltwater News

3 Post OfficeSquare, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02110

175 Forest Street

Waltham, MA 02452

February 19, 20xx

Hiring Manager Meltwater News

3 Post OfficeSquare, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02110

Designing your Cover Letter:INTRODUCTORYPARAGRAPH

FORMATTING:

❑ Proper salutation - Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name or Hiring Manager:

❑ DO NOT SAY “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN”EVER!!!

❑ WHAT specific position you are applying for & for what timeframe (summer, fall, spring?)

❑ WHO you are (major, year and school) and STRENGTHS STATEMENT–if you are undecided, say undecided business major

❑ WHY you want to work for this company – GRABBER STATEMENT

❑ Special information about them

❑ State geographic ties (if appropriate) and/or referral name (when appropriate)

Dear Ms. Hernandez or Hiring Manager (if name not known):

[WHAT POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR] I would like to apply for your summer finance internship position at your organization. [WHO YOU ARE & STRENGTHS STMT]

As a first-year finance major at Bentley University, I am a person who is a great listener, detail-oriented, and able to adapt to rapidly changing situations who is excited to work for a community focused, innovative company like Pioneer Bank. [GRABBER STMT] The fact that Pioneer has a charitable foundation that helps children in the Albany area makes Pioneer Bank stand out from other local banks and is another reason why I would like to work for Pioneer Bank.

Designing your Cover Letter: Descriptive Paragraphs

❑ IDENTIFY SKILLS/EXPERIENCE that employer is looking for in POSTING

❑ MATCH YOUR SKILLS/EXPERIENCE that meet employer’s needs – discuss those

❑ Include Strengths Statements to amplify your skills/experience

❑ Use KEY WORDS from job posting – EXACT SAME WORDS THAT ARE IN POSTING

❑ Have 2 descriptive paragraphs max – end with how you would be an asset to them

Using AI In Cover Letter Writing

What is AI?

ChatGPT, Grammerly, Bing, etc.

What AI does do?

It calculates the relationships of bits of words and mathematically connects them to create what it thinks is a solution

 It doesn't answer you - it is “mathing”!

 Need to have knowledge of what you are asking and if you don’t, your critical thinking skills need to be really strong

Is it okay to use AI when applying for a job? Depends on how you use it!

 Can help cover letters for those who struggle with writing (provides accessibility)

 Captures things you haven’t thought of or how to frame in a certain way

How should you use AI in job search?

 Unpacking your own abilities and skills - how best your skills align to a particular job

 Find out what the work is really about

 Allows you to bridge what you bring to the work

AI in Cover Letter Writing: PROS

• Use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for each section of your cover letter.

• Prompt the model with specific questions about your qualifications, experiences, and skills.

Language Enhancement:

• Leverage ChatGPT for refining language and improving the overall tone of your cover letter.

• Seek suggestions on sentence structure, word choice, and phrasing to enhance professionalism.

Customization for Specific Roles:

• Input details about the internship and company to tailor responses for a more personalized cover letter.

• Ask ChatGPT for insights on how to align your experiences with the specific requirements of the internship.

Grammar and Style Check:

• Use ChatGPT to proofread your cover letter for grammar and spelling errors.

• Ensure consistency in formatting and language throughout the document.

Overcoming Writer's Block:

• Combat writer's block by generating opening statements, key points, or concluding remarks with ChatGPT's assistance.

• Break down the cover letter into manageable sections and seek guidance for each part.

Enhancing Clarity and Impact:

• Ask ChatGPT for advice on making your achievements more impactful by suggesting strong verbs and quantifiable details.

• Seek clarity in conveying your ideas and ensure that your cover letter is easily understandable to a broad audience.

Peer Review and Collaboration:

• Share parts of your cover letter with ChatGPT to simulate a peer review process.

• Use ChatGPT to gather diverse perspectives and refine your cover letter collaboratively.

Time Management:

• Save time in the drafting process by generating initial drafts with ChatGPT and then focusing on revisions.

• Efficiently manage the cover letter writing process by utilizing ChatGPT's quick responses.

Continuous Improvement:

• Iteratively use ChatGPT for multiple drafts, incorporating feedback and refining your cover letter until it meets your satisfaction.

• Consider the model as a tool for ongoing improvement in your cover letter writing skills.

AI in Cover Letter Writing: Cons

Over-Reliance on Templates:

• Risk of relying too heavily on ChatGPT generated content, leading to generic or template-like cover letters.

• Students should use the tool as a supplement rather than a replacement for their creativity and personal touch.

Lack of Context Awareness:

• ChatGPT may lack context awareness about specific industries, companies, or personal nuances.

• Students must critically assess and tailor the generated content to ensure it aligns with the internship's unique requirements.

Formality and Professionalism:

• ChatGPT might not always discern the appropriate level of formality needed in a professional cover letter.

• Students should manually review and adjust the tone to ensure a polished and appropriately formal language.

Generic Advice:

• Generated responses might provide generic advice that may not align with the unique expectations of a particular employer.

• Students should supplement ChatGPT suggestions with specific industry knowledge and internship requirements.

Risk of Plagiarism:

• Over reliance on ChatGPT might unintentionally lead to content that resembles existing cover letters, posing a risk of plagiarism.

• Students should ensure the originality of their cover letters and use ChatGPT as a tool for inspiration rather than duplication.

Misinterpretation of Instructions:

• ChatGPT might misinterpret or not fully understand specific instructions or nuances provided by students.

• Careful review and clarification of instructions are crucial to avoid misunderstandings in the generated content.

Limited Industry-Specific Knowledge:

• ChatGPT may lack up-to-date or industry-specific knowledge, especially in rapidly evolving fields.

• Students should supplement ChatGPT suggestions with their own industry research to ensure the content remains relevant.

Loss of Personal Touch:

• Excessive reliance on ChatGPT may result in a cover letter lacking a genuine personal touch.

• Students should inject their personality, experiences, and passion into the cover letter to make it stand out to employers.

Privacy Concerns:

• Students should be cautious about inputting sensitive personal information into the model, considering potential privacy concerns.

• Avoid sharing confidential details or information that could compromise privacy or security.

USING AI in Cover Letter Writing

IMPORTANT TIPS:

Great way to match your skills with the job description – prompt: “In this scenario you are an expert in . . .”

Great way to get cover letter STARTED but it is NOT THE FINAL RESULT!

It’s all about using the CORRECT PROMPTS!

LET'S TRY IT NOW. . . .

PROMPT 1: Act as an expert job and skills analyzer for the following scenario. Provide feedback that highlights no less than 5 skills (but as many as you can determine). Each skill identified should provide an explanation of how that skill is demonstrated and why that skill is important or valuable for the following internship position . . .

PROMPT 2: Identify and match skills for this internship position of . . . from the following experience (put in resume content WITHOUT personal information)

PROMPT 3: Now write a cover letter for this position using this experience

Takeaways when using ChatGPT when writing a cover letter:

REMEMBER:

• NEVER put in personal information or upload your resume verbatim

• NEVER use it as a final version - it should ONLY be a starting off point/rough draft to work from and personalized

• ALWAYS use your critical thinking skills when using the ChatGPT draft – is it saying untrue things about you? Is it too vague?

• Okay to use it to help match your skills and experience with job requirements

• PERSONALIZE FINAL VERSION - it is a computer, NOT a HUMAN, so it cannot replicate human thought

Designing your Cover Letter:Conclusion Paragraph

FORMATTING:

❑ Mention that you are attaching your resume

❑ Reiterate your interest in the positionand thank the reader

❑ Contact information (email, cell phone, or both)

❑ Appropriate signoff – Sincerely with your full name

❑ “cc” for referrers / recommenders mentioned in intro paragraph after signature line

❑ “Attachment(s)” after signature / cc lines

Cover Letter Checklist

ASSIGNMENT & EXPECTATIONS

COVER LETTER Assignment

1. Finish your cover letter for the job posting you selected in class.

❑ Use two column exercise, class materials and +Cover Letter Resources in textbook.

2. Upload your cover letter in a WORD doc into Brightspace by next class.

NEED HELP?

“You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.”

-Martha Graham, American Modern Dancer and Choreographer

+COVER LETTER RESOURCES

YOUR COVER LETTER SHOULD:

❑ Highlightsome matchingskills thatqualify you forthe position, notalongversion of yourresume

❑ Be written with the reader’s mindsetof “Whatcan you do for them? Whatmakes you a qualified candidate?”

❑ Be tailored to each company and job

❑ Be grammatically correctwith no spellingerrors

SALUTATION:

❑ Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name:

❑ If you don’tknow theirname, you can put “Dear HiringManager:”

❑ DO NOT SAY“To Whom It May Concern”

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH:

❑ State WHO you are - where you go to school, youryear (i.e. first-year), and major(if declared)

❑ State WHAT you are applyingfor - specify position and how you learned aboutit

❑ State WHY you are interested in workingforthem - GRABBERSTATEMENT

• What SPECIALinformation do you know aboutthem?

❑ State ties to geographiclocation if appropriate

❑ State referral name when appropriate

❑ “Attached please find my resumeforyourreview . . . ” [orcan say this in Conclusion]

DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH(S):

❑ Tell themwhy you are a STRONG candidate!

❑ Tailorto functional role - whatis the employerlookingfor(look attheirhiringcriteria, posting, etc.)

❑ Two Column exercise to identify whatskills/experience you have thatmatches up with desired skills/experience (resumevs. job description)

❑ Identify adesired skill/experience they are lookingforthatyou have, especially StrengthsFinderskills

❑ Potential StrengthsFinderskills: research, analyzing, quantitative reasoning, greatwith numbers, leadership, teamwork

• What did you do as itrelates to this desired skill/experience - discuss this experience briefly

❑ Use KEY TERMS from posting - need atleast80% hitratio to be seen by human eyes when applyingon sites otherthan Handshake

❑ Confidently state how yourskills and experiences would meettheirneeds

❑ Each paragraph should be aboutone main skill/thought - do notputall skills into one paragraph, break into shorterparagraphs so you don’tlose yourreader

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH:

❑ State that you are attachingyourresume

❑ Reiterate interestin the position

❑ Provide yourcontactinformation

❑ Thank themfor theirconsideration and tell them you look forward to hearingfromthem

SIGN OFF:

❑ Should be professional- Sincerely

❑ Name - can putnickname if you go by that (Joe vs. Joseph)

❑ “cc” aftersignature line if you have someone who has referred you to the position and you mentioned them in introduction of letter

❑ Put“Attachment(s)”aftersignature/cclines

175 Forest Street

Waltham,MA 02452

March 30, 20xx

Mr. Andrew Jordan

Harvard University

65 North Harvard Street Boston, MA 02163

Dear Mr. Jordan:

I would liketo apply for the Athletic Marketing Internship posted on the Career Services website, Handshake. As a first-year student at Bentley University and a potential Marketing major, I have developed a passion for marketing as a resultof my accumulated experience in many different areas of marketing. As a young child, I fell in lovewith Harvard’s campus as my father used to bring me to Cambridge to watch his alma mater play football. I havethoroughly enjoyed watching your men’s basketball teammake multiple recent appearances in the NCAA tournament, and it thrills meto see the athletic department grow every year – these are justa few reasons why I’m very interested in working for your university.

My interest in marketing has opened quite a few doors for me over the pastthree years, all of which provided me with experience that makes me a great candidatefor this position. My firstmarketing endeavor began when I created an Instagram accountfor my high school athletic department that provided livescores and in-game updates for all of the school’s sports teams, as well as photos and video highlights. Building the accountfrom nothing to a widely popular accountfollowed by over 1,000 people showed me how easy it can be to create and grow something from the ground up if it is marketed well.

My interpersonal skills havebeen sharpened through my current position as a sales intern for Shoreline Screen printing.Through this internship,I usemy communication skills to identify and contactpotential new clients for the business by going out and visiting local businesses and talking with the owners directly. This communication has greatly improved my confidence and my interpersonal skills.I havealso used social media sites likeFacebook and Instagram to attractand reach out to potential new clients, which builtupon the foundation of skills I had developed running the Instagram accountfor my high school.These skills would be beneficial to the Harvard Athletic Department as you seek to grow and improve your web presence as well as build stronger community relations.

Attached pleasefind my resume for review. Pleasefeel free to call meon my cell phone at508-555-3121 if you would liketo contactme. Thank you for your time in considering me for the Athletic Marketing Internship position atHarvard University.I look forward to speaking with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Devon Bradford

Attachment: Resume

175 Forest Street, Box #431

Waltham,MA 02452

March 29, 20xx

Hiring Manager

Capital Advisors Group, Inc.

29 Crafts Street, #270 Newton, MA 02458

Dear Hiring Manager:

I would liketo apply for the Reporting Analystjob posted on the Career Services website, Handshake. As a first-year student and aspiring CorporateFinanceand Accounting major atBentley University, I have a great interest in this field and am a huge proponent of innovativeand ambitious companies such as Capital Advisors Group,Inc. The fact that Capital Advisors Group warned clients aboutthe dangers of auction-rate securities years beforethe market crash of 2008 highlights the company’s forward-thinking environment and is another reason why I am very interested in working for your organization.

My interest in financehas driven me to get involved with the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) and the Bentley Investment Group (BIG) on campus. BIG manages a portion of the university’s endowment and makes real investment decisions. In addition to investment management skills, these groups have given me the valuableexperience of working on teams and making group decisions, skills that will provebeneficial to your company. Adding to my team experience, I participated in the Bentley Business Bowl this pastMarch. The Bentley Business Bowl is a business casecompetition in which teams of five Bentley students present a solution to a business problemto a panel of judges. My participation in the competition not only gave me another opportunity to work in teams, but italso refined my oral communication skills.

My passion for excellentcustomer serviceis highlighted in my volunteer experience at the Arlington Food Pantry, which serves the needs of Arlington residents who cannot afford to buy groceries for themselves. As a volunteer, I carried bags of groceries up the stairs for the clients and directed the clients to where different types of groceries are located. As a company that prides itself on excellent customer serviceand timely responding, Capital Advisors Group will definitely find my experience of working with people valuable.

Attached pleasefind my resume for your review. My email is Giorgio_Santiago@bentley.edu and my cell phone number is 781-555-2314 if you would liketo contactme. Thank you for your time in considering me for the Reporting Analystjob position atCapital Advisors Group. I hope to speak with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Santiago Giorgio

Attachment: Resume

CHAPTER 5

ELEVATOR PITCH

What’s your story when you meetnew people?

How do you make a greatimpressionquickly?

YouhavelessthanONE MINUTEto sayit all!

ELEVATOR PITCH

WHAT IS AN ELEVATOR PITCH?

• A 30-second description you give about yourself in the time it would take to ride up in an elevator

• Clear, concise and to-the-point

• Authentic statement about you – YOUR STORY (not someone else’s)!

WHY DO YOU NEEDAN ELEVATOR PITCH?

• To quickly convey who you are, where you have been and where you are going in terms of your career goals

• Gives understanding about who you are and where you are coming from

WHEN DO YOU USEAN ELEVATOR PITCH?

• ANYWHERE really!

• Career fairs, interviews, networking events, panels, social gatherings

• Anywhere you are meeting new people – even in an elevator

EXAMPLE #1 - Basic

My name is Travis Thomas, and I’m a first-year student majoring in Creative Industries & Public Policy at Bentley University. I have worked on social media initiatives for various organizations in my community. I’m looking for an internship in public relations for a government agency in the Springfield/Hartford area.

EXAMPLE #2 with POP!

My name is Julia Trenton. As a first-year student at Bentley University, I am planning on majoring in Finance. I’m interested in this area because of my work as treasurer for my high school’s student council and my strong analytical skills. My background involves playing varsity soccer and working as a lifeguard which has given me great experience in working with teams and leadership. I am a person who has a knack for identifying problems and generating spontaneous solutions which is why I am looking forward to interning in wealth management at an investment bank in Boston this summer.

EXAMPLE #3 with POP! (undecided)

My name is Jordan Scott and I started attending Bentley University this past fall. Because I am a person who is numbers oriented and likes complex problem solving, I am thinking about majoring in a finance or accounting related area. At Bentley, I’m a member of the Bentley Investment Group, NABA, and a tour guide for the Admission Office. These experiences have allowed me to hone my analytical, communication, and leadership skills. I am hoping to learn about corporate finance and accounting related career paths by talking to banking and tax professionals in the field this summer.

ELEVATOR

ELEVATORPITCHWITH POPBRAINSTORM

Fill in all applicableboxes.

Hometown/ Background

High School Activities/Jobs

Year, Major & School

College Activities/Jobs

Career Objectives

ELEVATORPITCHWITH POPTEMPLATE

Complete this form with information from your Elevator Pitch with Pop Brainstorm Worksheet.

My name is __________________________________ and I am a _____________________________________________________.

(Year, school, major of study)

I am a person who ____________________________________. (Strengths language/statement)

I have worked for/been involved with ______________________

(Types of organizations/activities)

Particular accomplishments are___________________________

(Accomplishments/things youhave done relevant to your goals/skill development)

I am looking for an internship in (or more information about)

(Potential field of interest)

CHAPTER 6

LINKEDIN PROFILE DESIGN

What’s your story online?

How are you making an impactwith employersyouhaven’t metyet?

Find,connectandbuildrelationshipswith a targeted market!

Why It's Important to be on LinkedIn!

849 million+ users globally - 62,000+

Bentley alumni

Over 20 million jobs and over 57 million employers on LinkedIn

LinkedIn users who have at least 40 words in their “About” sectiondrive more page views

Completing the “Education” sectionof your profile drives 10 times more views than profiles without it

LinkedHD-v Building aGreat StudentProfile

Sho� case your experience and professional interests onLinkedln!

LINKEDIN PROFILE - HEADSHOT

DO:

▪ Smile

▪ Wear a professional or business casual outfit

▪ Have a neutral background

▪ In doubt? Come to Career Design Studio Drop In Hours –they can take your picture!

DON’Ts:

▪ Show skin or wear unprofessional outfits

▪ NO PROM DRESSES OR TUXES/FORMAL WEAR!

▪ Glamour/Instagram shots

▪ Selfies

▪ Looking away from the camera

▪ Photos with people cropped

▪ Dorm room as background

▪ High school graduation/cap & gown pictures

FORMATTING:

❑ Incorporatecareergoals

❑ NOT “STUDENTAT BENTLEY”!!!

❑ State your major, current job title, or career/industryinterest

Other headline examples:

Finance Student at Bentley University

Social Media & Digital Marketing

Pursuing Computer Information Systems Degree

Human Resources Intern at New York Life

Passionate User Experience Student at Bentley University

FORMATTING:

❑ Use your newElevator Pitchwith Pop as your “About”Summary

I am currently a first-year studentat BentleyUniversity with an interestin marketing, advertising and socialmedia. My strengths include creativity, working in team settings,and being very detail oriented. I am a memberof BentleyInternational StudentAssociation,BentleyMarketing Association,and Black United Bodyand I have worked as a summercamp counselorsince 20xx. My particular accomplishmentsinclude beinga part of a team that createda new socialmarketing campaignforthe Bentley Marketing Associationand participating in the Black United Bodyfashionshow. Currently, I am taking two coursesin marketing and social mediaat Bentley and looking foran internship where I can assistwith their company’sbranding needsthrough socialmediaoutreach.

DEVELOPING CONNECTIONS

DEVELOPING CONNECTIONS

Meet ALUMNI with your potentialMAJOR/DREAM JOB:

• Go to “BentleyUniversity” page

• Then, find alumni by clicking on “Alumni”in navigation bar

• You can searchalumni by geographiclocation,company,what they do,what they are skilled at, what they studied,and how you are connected

HOW TO TELL COMPANIES YOU’RE OPEN TO NEW JOBS USING LINKEDIN

“Opento”is a LinkedInfeature that signals to recruitersyou’re interestedin new job openings. This job searchtoolpromptsinterestedcompaniesto contactyou via LinkedIn.Recruitersgetinstant accessto a talent poolthrough a LinkedInsearch.Whenyour profileis ready,you can activate “Opento” in your profile.

1. Click on“Opento”under your name/headline;and

2. Click on“Showrecruiters you’re opento work”

LINKEDIN PROFILE PREPARATION WORKSHEET

HEADSHOT: Do you have a professional lookingpicture with appropriate background? Yes No

HEADLINE: Write a creative headline incorporatingyourcareergoals

ABOUT: Write yourelevatorpitch with pop.

EXPERIENCE: [Complete this section with information fromyourresume.]

VOLUNTEER: [Complete this section with information from yourresume.]

EDUCATION: Write yourdegree, major, startand end year, activities and societies below.

DEGREE & MAJOR:

START YEAR & END YEAR:

LINKEDIN PROFILE PREPARATION WORKSHEET

SKILLS:

Write down 5 skills (at least 2based on your Top 5 Strengths).

Write down 3 types of groups you would like to join.

Write down 3 companies you would like to follow.

LINKEDIN PROFILE CHECKLIST

❑ PROFESSIONAL LOOKING HEAD-SHOT PHOTO

• Make sure you posta professional looking picturewith appropriatebackground

❑ INTERESTING HEADLINE

• INCORPORATE CAREER GOALS

• NOT “STUDENT AT BENTLEY”

• State your major, current job title, or career/industry interest

• Think strategically aboutthe location and industry thatwill bedisplayed –these are key filters used by recruiters

❑ VANITY URL FOR PUBLIC PROFILE

• Customize your public profilelink to includeyour name

❑ ABOUT

• Use your ELEVATOR PITCH WITH POP as your summary

• Try not to say “I” too much

• Highlightachievements and explain your career goals in your own voice

❑ EXPERIENCE & VOLUNTEER

• All pastand present work and/or volunteer experience, paid or unpaid

• Includepart-time jobs, internships, leadership roles in organizations

• Detailed descriptions of work completed, and skills acquired

• Can speak in firstor third person – if narrative, not too many “I” statements

• 1 of 5 hiring managers say they hire becauseof volunteer activities

❑ EDUCATION INFORMATION

• School and degree candidacy

• Expected graduation month and year

• Activities and societies information

❑ SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

• Add atleast2 skills based on Top 5 Strengths

• Research phrases most associated with certain industries and highlightkeywords

• Includetransferableskills related to your resume

• Endorse people you know well or have worked with for their Skills –they may return the favor

❑ GROUPS & COMPANIES OF INTEREST

• Become a member of atleast2 industry groups of interest to develop professionally and learn industry insights

• Followthe Bentley University Community LinkedIn Group

❑ HONORS & AWARDS, COURSES, LANGUAGE SKILLS (if applicable)

❑ CONNECT WITH AT LEAST 10 PEOPLE

• Start by adding people you know - friends, family, family friends, coaches, faculty, bosses, co-workers

• Tailor and personalizeyour invitations to connect

• Search profiles using “Advanced Search” button

• Quality of contacts over quantity

EXAMPLE OF A GREAT LINKEDIN PROFILE

ASSIGNMENT & EXPECTATIONS

ELEVATORPITCH& LINKEDINAssignment

1. Create or update your LinkedInprofilebasedon what you learned today

❑ Be sure to include everythingonthe “LinkedInProfile Checklist”onPAGE 74

❑ Use yourElevatorPitchwith Pop as your“About” Summary

•The “About”Summarysectionwill be consideredand gradedas your Elevator Pitchwith Pop

2. Upload a PDFof your LinkedIn pageintoBrightspace byNEXT CLASS

NEED HELP?

+LINKEDIN RESOURCES

CONNECTING ON LINKEDIN

WHEN ASKING FOR CONNECTIONS FROM PEOPLE YOU DO NOT KNOW:

❑ Create a tailored note to send inyour connection request

❑ The note should be brief and respectful and is basically like an introduction paragraph, stating:

• Who you are

• How you found out about them

• Why you are interested inconnecting with them

• Requesting to connect

Sample LinkedIn Connection Request Message

(*FYI: There is a 200-character limit on this message by LinkedIn.)

Hi Mr. Jones,

I’m a first-year Finance major at Bentley University interested in Investment Banking in NYC. I’d love to learn about your career path. Hope to connect soon.

Best, Terry

ASKING FOR AN INTRODUCTION FROM A CONNECTION:

❑ When you would like to connect with someone who is connected to one of your contacts, you may ask them to introduce you to their contact so you can connect with them

❑ Again, create a tailored, concise note indicating why you would like to be introduced to their contact

Sample LinkedIn Introduction RequestMessage

Hi Alice (or Ms. Jones if you don’t know her well),

I am very interested in learning more about the sports industry and applying analytical techniques to sports data is a huge passionof mine. ESPN is the global leader in sports coverage and is a company that I highly admire. I noticed that you have a first-degree connection to Joe Smith, a Production Research Manager at ESPN, and was wondering if you would be willing to introduce me to him. I would love to gainsome insight from him about starting a career in this field. Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.

Best, Matt

LINKEDIN HEADSHOT/HEADLINE/SUMMARY SAMPLE #1

About

I am a first-year student at Bentley University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, with minor studies in Data Technologies and Creative Industries.

Some of my experience includes being a leader and mentor on the Bentley campus as a MOSAIC Experience ambassador and as the Beta Omicron Pledge Class President of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity. I am an effective problem-solver and an active learner. I havea great desire to learn and am enthusiastic about improving myself in both social and professional aspects.

Through my other on campus activities, such as Circle K International and Bentley Service-Learning, I am developing my leadership and interpersonal skills that I believe will be beneficial to my career. This year, I assisted with Delta Sigma Pi as the IT Chair and will serveon the executive committee as the Vice President of Pledge Education for the Fall 20XX semester. My goal is to obtain a technology-related internship at a large insurancecompany.

LINKEDIN HEADSHOT/HEADLINE/SUMMARY SAMPLE #2

About

I am currently a third-year student at Bentley University passionate about all things marketing! I have gained diverse experiences through my internships at Epsilon, Toast Inc., and my school's Officeof Sustainability that have all allowed me to leverage data to provide strategic marketing recommendations.

These endeavors have taught me to be adaptable by learning to be equally comfortable and competent as a team leader, team member, or individual contributor.

Outside of marketing and on-campus involvements, my hobbies and interests include finding new coffee shops and trying my hand at film photography! My goal is to obtain a marketing internship at a digital marketing company in the Boston area this summer.

CHAPTER 7

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS

How do you learn fromsomeone’sstory?

How do you explore careerpaths when sharing your story?

An informationalmeetinggivesyoutheinsidescooponpossible careerpaths,industries,andmore!

CONTACT

Six Degrees of Separation

originally published by psychologist Stanley Milgram in 1967

2011 study – Degrees of separation are SHRINKING . . . 4.74!

IDENTIFYING CONTACTS

PROCESS:

❑ Reachout to everyone YOU KNOW first – your own network (1st degreeconnections)

❑ Find peoplewho are doingwhat you want to do – this is where LinkedIn can comeinto play (2nd & 3rd degreeconnections)

❑ Find peoplewho are DIFFERENTthanyou– diversifyyour network; surround yourself with peoplewho are not like you!

OUTREACH BY PHONE OR EMAIL

PROCESS:

❑ Contactpersonby LinkedInmessage,email,or phone

❑ Requesta 15-30minute face-to-facemeeting,virtual meeting,or phone call

❑ Whencalling orwriting to someone,have a scriptforyour requestprepared

❑ Crafta conciseintroductionthat states who you are, why you are reaching out and what you want

Sample Outreach Phone Call

“Hello, my name is Max Mustang. I am a first-year student majoring in Finance at Bentley University and am very interested in learning more about careers in Corporate Finance.

I see that you are working at X company in a positionthat I think is very interesting. I would like to speak to you to get your insight and advice about this field and am wondering if I might make a half-hour appointment with you sometime soon to seek your advice.

Thank you!”

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Sample Outreach by Email/LinkedIn Message

Professor John Doeof Bentley University’s Finance Department suggested that I contact you. I am a first-year student at Bentley, with a major in Finance and a passionfor the investment management industry.

I would like to ask if you have 15-20 minutes to meet with me at your convenience, either in person or via phone/Zoom, to share your experience and insight on the investment management field with me.

Please let me know a date and time that is most convenient for you. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Betty Smith

PREPARING FOR AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING

PREPARATIONAND MEETING:

❑ Researchthe personyou are meeting,the companyand careerfield

❑ Planopen-endedquestions –canbe about:

❑ careerpath, organization/industry/company,future growth/salary

❑ Prepareand practice your elevator pitch

❑ Dressprofessionally (no sweats or supercasual clothes)

❑ Use a notepad,pen,and bring a copyof your resumejust in case

AFTER AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING

FOLLOWUP:

❑ Send a thankyouemailwithin 24hours

❑ Connectwith the individualvia LinkedIn with a personalizedinvitation, if appropriate

❑ Maintainnetworkingcontactovertime and regularly when appropriate

❑ Reaching out with followup questionsis a greatway to stay in touch periodically

❑ Every season(4 timesa year) at least

SAMPLEFOLLOWUP QUESTIONS

Wouldyou mind taking a quickLOOKAT MYRESUME? How should I TARGET myresumeforyour industry?

Are there PROFESSIONALASSOCIATIONSIshould join or PUBLICATIONSIshould read?

Are there OTHERPROFESSIONALSin this fieldyou could recommend I speakwith foradditional information? (ALWAYSASKTHIS!)

May I use your name when I contactthem?

REMEMBER, WHEN IT COMES TO NETWORKING . . .

❑ Networking is about SERVING OTHERS not about asking for a JOB!

❑ What can you do for contacts? How can you help them?

❑ The more you help your contacts, the more likely they will find you credible and return the favor

❑ Networking is about turning strangers into friends - building and maintaining relationships

❑ Friends will help you when strangers probably won’t

❑ Relationships require TIME & ATTENTION over TIME!

❑ ALWAYS ask for a REFERRAL at the end of your meetings

❑ If you get just one, you will DOUBLE your network!

Write down 5 people you know who you think would be goodto talk to about their careers/major/industry/company:

What are you specifically interested in learning about (i.e., industry, career path, geographic area, company, job):

INFORMATIONAL MEETING ASSIGNMENT

WHAT IS IT?

An informational meeting is an interview with an individual in a career field you would like to explore. It is one of the bestways to find out about the realities of a career. It provides an opportunity to gather information and guidance about the people, environment, and skills involved in that field.

IDENTIFY SOMEONE

Arrange a 15-minute interview with someonewho will give you information on your possible major or career path. Possiblecontacts: faculty, staff, coach,advisor, or a junior/senior who has participated in at least one internship. NO ROOMMATES OR FRIENDS!

TIP: Be strategic! Usethis assignmentas an opportunity to get to know someone on this campus that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to connectwith, suchas someone who has experience in a certain field, industry, or major that you are interested in pursuing.

APPROACH

Before you contactyour interviewee, do somebasic researchon the career field or major. Think about what you hope to gain through the informational meeting.

Whencontacting your interviewee, you should state who you are and why you are seeking career information and advice. In this instance, you can present it as an assignmentfor your CDI101 class. Always ask about a convenient timefor them to meet. Be confident and courteous in your communication.

INFORMATIONALMEETING

For the purpose of this assignment,business casual dress is appropriate. Establish rapport and demonstrate your interest in the interviewee’s comments. Takethis form with you and ask 3-5 questions you have prepared. After the conversation, thank the person for helping you with your assignment.

FOLLOW-UP

Send a short thank you note within 24 hours after your meeting. Keep the interview information on file for future reference– the person may be an important contact for you later.

ASSIGNMENT

After you have performed the informational meeting, you will be giving a 3-minute oral presentation in class based on the conversation you had with your interviewee. Make sure you bring the completedform to class withthe interviewee’s signature on it.

THE PURPOSE OFTHIS ASSIGNMENTIS TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH SOMEONE (EITHER IN PERSON,ON ZOOM,OR BY PHONE)AND HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT AN INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE OR ACAREER THAT INTERESTS YOU.

Student’s Name:

Interviewee:

Title:

Industry or Career Path:

Location of Meeting:

Questions and Responses

Signature of Interviewer Date:

Signature of Interviewee: Date:

INFORMATIONAL MEETING CHECKLIST

✓ Identify someone of interest

✓ Create outreach email or phone call script

✓ Contact interviewee by phone/email to ask for and arrange 15-30 minute meeting

✓ Do basicresearch on their career field, job, company, industry, and/or major

✓ Practice elevator pitch

✓ Prepare 3-5 questions to ask during meeting

✓ Bring a notebook and pen to take notes

✓ Wear business casual attire

✓ Write a thank you email within 24 hours after meeting

✓ Request LinkedIn connection after meeting if appropriate

✓ Follow up periodically by email/phone to develop relationship

MONDAY

PASSION

IS THE

DIFFERENCE

BETWEEN HAVING A JOB OR HAVING A CAREER

+INFORMATIONAL MEETING RESOURCES

PLANNING FOR AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING

PREPARINGFOR THE MEETING:

•Do initial research on the person you are meeting, company, and career field

•Practice your ELEVATOR PITCH WITH POP, which includes your reasons for contacting this person

•Prepare open-ended questions to keep the conversation flowing, instead of questions that require a “Yes” or “No” answer

•Dress professionally, just as you would for a job interview

•Bring a notepad, pen, list of prioritized questions to ask, and a copy of your resume just in case

DURINGTHE MEETING:

• Start by thanking your contact for taking the time to meet with you

• Establish rapport by engaging in a bit of small talk

• Then start with your PRIORITIZED questions

o As a rule, you should not take more than 30 MINUTES of this person’s time, so you may not be able to ask all of your questions.

• Remember…This is A CONVERSATION, not an interrogation, so let it flow

• If they ask you, “Tell me about yourself?,” give them your ELEVATOR PITCH WITH POP

• Keep your eye on the time, and make sure you conclude at the appropriate time

• Before you conclude, ask them if they know of other professionals in this field they would recommend for you to speak with for additional information

• Thank them for their time and ask them if you can contact them again inthe future

AFTER THE MEETING:

• Send a thank you note or email, indicating your appreciationof their time and advice, within 24 hours of the meeting

• Follow up regularly at least once every season(4 times a year) when appropriate to develop the relationship

o Following up with them may make that person think about alerting you in the future when a job opportunity arises in that organization, or he or she might refer your resume to colleagues in other organizations

IDEAS FOR FOLLOWING UP:

• Request to connect with them on LinkedIn

• Ask questions you didn’t get to ask them before

• Inform them that you have acted on a piece of advice they gave you, i.e. joining a professional association, taking a particular class

• Send them an article or website link that may be of interest to them

• Touch base about something that you mutually have incommon

• Ask them to give you feedback on your resume

QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK AT AN

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

ASK ABOUT THEIR CAREER:

• How did you become interested in this career?

• What is a typical workday like? What are your job responsibilities?

• What are the rewards, challenges and frustrations of working in this career?

• What entry-level jobs are available in this field?

• What experience is necessary to enter this career?

• What advice do you have for someone preparing to enter this career?

ASK ABOUT ORGANIZATION/INDUSTRY:

• How does your positionfit within the organization/industry/career field?

• What is your work environment like?

• What is the economic forecast for this industry?

• What is unique to your organization?

ASK ABOUT THE COMPANY:

• What is your company’s mission? What are the company’s core values?

• What is the company culture?

• How is the company involved in community activities?

• What obligations, outside of normal hours, are involved with the job?

• Does this company have a formal/informal mentor program?

• Who are your competitors?

ASK ABOUT FUTURE GROWTH/SALARY INFORMATION:

• What are the employment prospects for someone entering this field?

• What is the salary range for entry level positions?

• What are some of the current issues and trends in this field?

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:

• Would you mind taking a quick look at my resume? How should I target my resume for your industry?

• Are there professional publications I should read or associations I should join?

• What other professionals in this field would you recommend I speak with for additional information?

• May I use your name when I contact them?

• May I have your business card?

Don’tbeafraidto askyourownquestions. Thisis yourchance togetthe informationyouneed/want from anindustryprofessional.

REFRAMING INFORMATIONAL MEETING QUESTIONS

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

What you want to know: How to ask the question:

How did you wind up in this position?

Would you tell mehow you got into this profession/field? Can you describeyour career path for me?

Whatdo you do every day?

Whatare the duties performedduring a typical day? Do you have a set routine? How muchvariety is there on a day-to-day basis?

Whatdo you like about your job?

Whataspects of your job do you find mostrewarding?

Whatdon’t you like about your job?

Whatare the demands and frustrations that typically accompanythis type of work?

Whatclasses shouldI take while I’m in school?

Whatkinds of courses aremostvaluable in order to gain skills necessaryfor success inthis occupation?

Whatelse should I do while I’m in school?

Whatelse do you advise I do while I am in college to be prepared to enter this field/profession?

Whatshould I do during the summer(s) soIcan get a full-time job? Whatkind of work/internship experience would employers look for in a job applicant? Whatdo you look for in entry-level candidates?

Whatmight myfirst job be?

Whatare the mosttypical entry level jobs in your industry/with your company?

How quickly might I be promoted?

Whatare opportunities for advancement? To what position? Is an advanced degree needed?

How muchmoney will I make? Whatis the salary range for an entry level position?

Would you do anything differently over the courseof your career? Whatdo you know now which would have been helpful to know when you werein myshoes?

Whatother advice do you have for me?

Whatdo you wish someonehad told you while you were still in college/starting your career?

CHAPTER 8

INTERNSHIP SEARCH

How do you develop your story with experience?

What is the value of doing an internship?

How do you find internships?

“You don’t need to be an expert in something to try it.”

-Michael Bloomberg

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?

An internship is a formof experientiallearning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroomwith practical applicationand skill developmentin a professionalsetting.

The educationalrelevance and specializedexperienceofan internship providestudents with a COMPETITIVEEDGEwhen entering the full-time job search.

Strengths Assessment

Search Process (today!)

Resume & CoverLetter

SCORE AN INTERNSHIP!

Informational Meetings

LinkedIn Profile

ElevatorPitch

•$15.00- 17.00/hour

typical pay for firstyear students

•Pay goes up as experience develops and varies by industry

•($17-30+/hour)

UNPAID

•Volunteer opportunities

•Can still get some great experience if internship is unpaid

•Builds experience for future paid internships

•Flexibility with hours/part-time

•Can do other paid part-time work 1

•Minimum completion of 30 credits prior to doing internship (Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors)

•For academic credit

•Supervised by Deans’ Office& designated faculty

•Can only do ONE

•Info on CareerEdge (Jobs & Internships)

3

•Primarily for Juniors and Seniors

•For academic credit

•Supervised by Departmental Internship Coordinators

•Can be used toward graduation requirements within your major

•Can only do TWO

ATTENTIONINTERNATIONALSTUDENTS:

❑ While in the U.S., you mustdo all OFFcampusinternshipsforCREDIT (whether paid orunpaid) AND with CurricularPracticalTraining(CPT) authorizationfromthe CenterforInternational Students and Scholars.

❑ Formoreinformation, visit CareerEdge –International StudentCareer Community.

For information on one credit and three credit academic internships, visit https://catalog.bentley.edu/ undergraduate/academic-policies-procedures/

WAYS TO FIND AN INTERNSHIP

JOBPOSTINGS

❑ Handshake(http://bentley.joinhandshake.com/)

❑ Creating your profile will be your homeworkassignment

❑ CareerEdgeResources

❑ Vault Guides, Career/Affinity Community Resources

❑ For International Students: GoinGlobal, Interstride, Highered, many other resources

❑ Google searching

❑ Internship Job Posting Sites

❑ Linkedin.com/studentjobs, Ripplematch, Big Internships

❑ Social Media –=Postings on LinkedIn, Facebook& Instagram

❑ Turn on “CAREER INTERESTS” in your LinkedIn Dashboard so recruiters can see= you!

❑ Companywebsites

*Internship hiring typically happens on anAS NEEDEDbasis at this level.

*Casta WIDE net – keepapplyinguntilyougetan actualoffer!

WAYS TO FIND AN INTERNSHIP

NETWORKING

❑ Start with who YOU KNOW - let them know what types of internships you’re looking for

❑ Family, Friends, Roommates, Faculty, Advisors, Coaches, LinkedIn, Alumni of current or previous organizations

❑ Ask for REFERRALS to other people

❑ Conduct informational meetings with new contacts

❑ Keep track of communications with contacts and follow up regularly with them

REMEMBER:

PeoplehirepeopleTHEYknow,sobe thatpersonkeeppeoplein yourloop!

DIRECT OUTREACH

❑ Create a wish list of employers you want to work for starting with your preparation= worksheet

 Information on employers can be gathered any way you want -=online, directories,= first person information in Handshake

❑ Call/email companies – ask to speak to person in charge of hiring interns

❑ Ask them if they are hiring interns for summer/fall/spring

 Specify type of internship you’re looking for (i.e. accounting, marketing)

 Do not need to identify yourself –=just say you are a college student

❑ If the answeris YES, ASK:

 What materials they need (resume, cover letter, something more?)

 When is application due

 To whose attention you should send application

 Appropriate mailing or email address

❑ If the answeris NO, ASK:

 If you can call them in the future in case this changes and if so, when and ask the= person’s name so you can call them specifically

 Follow up no matter what – a NO is just a no for now

 Hiring is fluid and situations can change very quickly and without warning i.e.= someone goes on maternity leave, quits, budget money becomes available, too= much work and not enough help

STAYORGANIZED –usean EXCELspreadsheetto keeptrackofapplications,contacts & followups!

NEXT STEPS IN INTERNSHIP SEARCH

AFTERYOU’VEAPPLIED

❑ Followup 2 weeks after submitting application

❑ By phone oremail

❑ Reiterate interestin the position

❑ Simplysay you applied and were wondering where they are in their recruiting process

❑ Ifthey do not respond,donot contactthem again right away

REMEMBER:

❑ Employerswill work onTHEIRschedule(not yours), so BE PATIENThiring can take weeks to months

❑ Stay organized so you can timely followup on applications

❑ Be preparedto interview

❑ Be realistic with regardto the types ofopportunitiesavailable to you at this stage ofyour academiccareer

ASSIGNMENT & EXPECTATIONS

INTERNSHIP SEARCHAssignment

1. UpdateyourNEW resumeandLinkedIn profile withany feedback/changesyougotin your assignmentreviews.

❑ Make all recommendedchanges!

❑ Uploadrevisedversionsinto Brightspace bynext week’s class.

2. Createyour Handshakeprofile

❑ Be as specificas you can in your profilechoices.

❑ Use yourupdatedresume/LinkedInprofileto complete your experiencesections.

❑ UploadsnapshotofyourHandshakeprofile into Blackboardby next week’s class.

+INTERNSHIPRESOURCES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON HOW TO HANDLE OFFERS

When you have LITTLE TIME to accept an offer (less than a week):

1. Ask them for more time.

2. They aren’t required to give you more – it’s totally up to them.

3. You may have to make a decision quickly.

When you have MORE than one offer to consider:

1. Weigh the pros and cons of both – which one is a better fit, experience you want, logistics, etc.

2. Talk to your career coach and go with your gut.

3. Decline your other offer by phone and thank employer after you accept first offer by phone.

When you have an offer but are WAITING FOR ANOTHER one:

1. Ask for more time to accept if little is given.

2. Call the other employer to see where they are in their process and when decision will be made.

3. It’s okay to let the employer know you have another offer but that they are your first choice to see if they can expedite the process.

When you ACCEPT an offer:

1. YOU ARE DONE – accept in writing/email

2. You need to WITHDRAW from all other recruiting, stop applying and TURN DOWN OTHER OFFERS!

Find out:

1. Start and end date

2. When and how you’ll be paid

3. If you need credit –=contact the Associate Dean of Business or Associate= Dean of Arts and Sciences

4. Let them know about any future vacation/time off you‘ll need before you start

5. Do not RENEGE on an offer – this can negatively affect you, your reputation,=and future recruiting of Bentley students

*If you find yourselfin a precariousorquestionablepositionregarding an accepted offer,reach outto yourcareercoachIMMEDIATELY–DO NOTACTwithout speakingto your coachfirst!

CREDIT INTERNSHIP INFORMATION

One-Credit Internship Opportunity

Bentley offers a one-credit internship course which allows undergraduate students to earn one academic credit for internship experience completed during the summer, fall, or spring semesters.

• The student must complete a minimum of 45 hours of work at the internship over the span of at least four weeks in order to receive credit for the course.

• Students will need to have completed a minimum of 30 credits prior to taking this class in order to be eligible.

• This class can only be taken once.

• Students can decideto take this class as a business or arts and science elective.

In order to be approved for this course, the student must fill out an online form available through the undergraduate course catalog. Once submitted, the student’s form will be reviewed by the Associate Deanof Business or the Associate Deanof Arts and Sciences, depending on how they want the credit to count in their degree audit. Students must apply no later than the add/drop period of the academic semester during which the internship takes place Credit will not be granted retroactively. Upon approval, the Associate Deanwill assignthe student a professor who will oversee the academic work associated with the internship and assignthe student a grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

Three-Credit Internship Opportunity

Student Eligibility for credit internships:

• Third year or fourth year level standing—see department guidelines for specificcourse

• prerequisites

•Minimum GPA of 3.0 (Finance 2.7 and XD is 3.3)

• Approval of departmental internship coordinator prior to acceptance of internship, course requirements vary by department, but usually include weekly journals, a term paper, and meetings with the internship coordinator.

• Minimum work hours are established by individual departments, ranging from a minimum of 12 hours per week for 12 weeks to 35 hours per week for Fall, Spring, or Summer sessions.

• Internships last for one semester only or through the full Summer Sessions and end when the semester ends.

Maximum credits:

• Students may pursue a maximum of two 3-credit internships during the undergraduate program.

• Only one internship (3 credits) can be used inyour major field of study.

HOW TOMAKETHEMOSTOFAN INTERNSHIP

On the Job Business Etiquette:

1. Find out and dressappropriatelybasedonofficeBEFOREyoustart

2. Find out when you should take your lunch break fromyour manager

3. Cell phone policy- TURN ITOFF!

4. Know company’ssocialmediapolicy- no Facebook,X,net surfing unless authorized

5. Arrive ON time,EVERYtime

6. Don’t leave early unless you have permission

7. Don’t just sit at your desk- find things to do,ask forprojects

8. Don’t gossip with/aboutco-workers/supervisors

Makingthe Most of an Internship:

1. Geta mentorand network with co-workers

2. Be a GO-GETTER-ASKFOR WORKwhen you don’t have any

3. AskforHELP when you needit

4. Contribute when appropriate- if they ask forideas,speakup!

5. Opportunityto developyour skills and experience- build your resume

6. Learn aboutOTHER careerpaths along the way

CHAPTER 9

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

How do you effectively tell your story to get an internship?

How do you prepare for different types of interviews?

How do you showcase yourself with employers?

MOST

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR

Tellme aboutyourself?

• What is YOUR STORY– beginning,now, future

• All the GOODthings about you and your life

• 2 Minute Elevator Pitch – start from beginning,where you are now and what your goalsare as they related to the position

WHAT do youknowaboutus?

• Researchyou have done about organization

• Whoare they? What are they about – PASSION?

• Deepdive into their website

• Googlethem – what are third parties saying about them?

• Read trade publications and articles about them.

• Whydo you want to work forthem– give a THOUGHTFULanswer that incorporatesthis research.

WHY do youwantto workforus?

•Researchyou have done as it relates to your interestin working for them.

•Lookat your StrengthsFinder,resumeand coverletter.

WHY areYOU the rightperson for the position?

• Matching your skills/experiencewith what they are looking for.

• Identifyand be ready to discusswhat your strengthsAND weaknesses are?

• Be ready to story tell – have POSITIVEexamplesofpastexperiences and be ready to connectthoseexperienceswith what they need/looking for.

MOST COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR (CONTINUED)

Do youhaveanyquestions for ME?

• Have at leastTWOquestionspreparedBEFOREthe interview

• Use your RESEARCHofthe companyto create thoughtful, unique questions

• Visitcompanywebsite

• Use Vault Guidesand otherResources onCareerEdge

• Use Bentley library website

• Relate to the interviewer (ask about their experience)

• Askstandard questions(i.e. hours, pay, etc.)at a later time

• You will be evaluated on the quality of your questionsas well as the quality of your answers which is why it is important foryou to prepareat least2 GREATquestions toaskyour interviewer beforeyourinterview takes place.

• Use your researchto create thoughtfulquestionslike

• Basedon my research,I learned that your companytookon x initiative, can you tell me moreabout it?

• I know that your companyworks closelywith x clients or onx projects– are interns utilized or involved in thesetypes of projects? Ifnot, what types ofprojectswould an intern be involved with?

• Do not ask a questionthat could be easily askedby anyone else like

• Tellme more aboutyour company?

• What’s the culture at your company?

• What’s it like to work here?

WHAT TO WEAR FOR AN INTERVIEW

Placesto get affordable businessattire:

BODY LANGUAGE AT AN INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW STYLES

Questions asked in a certain way to uncover and identify ideal candidate for particular position

BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS

• Mostcommonlyasked

• Openended–“Tellmeabouta time when. . . “

• Have multiplestoriesto talk about as they relate to things like working with teams,leadership, difficultsituations/people

• Should nottalk about same experiencemultipletimes

• Askabout PASTexperiencesto determinehow you will handle FUTURE situations

RESUMEBASED QUESTIONS

• Specific,directedquestions based onresume–“Tellme aboutTHIS particular experienceonyour RESUME”

TECHNICALQUESTIONS

• Typically about specialized technicalprogramsandknowledge,suchas: “Whatdevelopmenttoolshave you used?”

“Whatlanguages have you programmedin?”

“Whatsourcecontrol toolshave you used?”

“Whatare your technical certifications?”

INTERVIEW STYLES (CONTINUED)

CASE QUESTIONS

• Gauge your thought process when dealing with complex problem solving and lack of data or information

• A case interview is the analysis of a business question

• It is an interactive process

• Your interviewer will present a business problem and ask you for your opinion

• Your task is to ask the interviewer logical questions that will allow you to formulate a detailed recommendation

• There is no RIGHT answer– the goal is to see what your thought process is when faced with a complex problem

• RequiresA LOT of preparation and practice – go to CareerEdge& Handshake Resources for information on how to prepare

EXAMPLES:

“How many gallons of gas are sold in one day at one gas station?”

“How many diapers are sold in the United States?”

"How would you redesign anATM machine to make it more user-friendly?"

"We’ve seen a lot of consolidation in the pharmaceuticals industry over the last ten years. What factors do you think drive this activity?"

"The Star Trek transporter has just been invented. Spell out some of the effects on the transportation industry."

"A restaurant owner is setting up a new restaurant and is making a decisionon the facilities to place in the restrooms for customers to dry their hands. Initial research suggests that she has three options – paper towels, roller towels, and hot air dryers. She needs to decidetoday. What should she consider in her decision-making process?"

INTERVIEW METHODS

PHONE VIDEO IN PERSON PANEL

GROUP

PHONE INTERVIEWS

2ND ROUND SUPER DAY

• Yes, they are real and they do count!

• Interview in a QUIETplacewith GUARANTEED cellcoverage

• LISTENcarefullyand answer in complete sentences

• SMILE! It’sthe bestway to conveyyour energy& enthusiasm even though they can’t seeyou!

• Don’t “step”onthe interviewer when they are talking – wait forthem to stopspeaking and wait a secondbeforeanswering

• Can have a pad with notes

VIDEOINTERVIEWS

• Make sure cameraand audio are working

• Appropriate/professional/neutralbackground

• Camerasetup so you are looking directlyat screen/interviewer

• Make sure you are in a quiet area where you will not be interrupted or disturbed

• Make sure you have good wifi and laptop is charged

INTERVIEW METHODS (CONTINUED)

IN PERSONINTERVIEW(THISAPPLIESFORALL OTHERTYPESBELOW!)

• Be ON TIME!

• Beginswhen you walk into the building

• Turn cellphone OFF

• OfferFIRMhandshake

• Make & maintain EYE CONTACT

• Sit up straight & goodverbalprojection

• LISTEN&ANSWERquestionsasked

PANEL INTERVIEW

• MULTIPLEinterviewersinterviewing you alone

• Addressthe personwho asks a questionfirstand then lookat all ofthe interviewers as you answer

GROUP INTERVIEW

• Multiple candidatesbeing interviewed at the same time by one or panelof interviewers

• Make sure you are an active participant and answer questionsin unique ways (not sameanswers as others have given)

2nd ROUND INTERVIEW

• Alsoknown as callback interview

• Can be multiple one onone interviews backto back

SUPER DAY

• Multiple one on one interviews throughout the day

• Usually includes a meal (lunch/dinner) ora candidate reception

• Everything during the superday IS part ofthe interview they are evaluating you even when you don’t think they are (i.e. at a meal)

ANSWERING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

“STARSMETHOD”

• Have differentexamples/storiesto talk about

• DO NOT talk about the same experiencemorethan once!

• Somebehavioral questionsto prepareSTARSanswers for:

• “Tellme about a time when you had to work on a team.”

• “Tellme about a time when you assumeda leadershiprole.”

• “Tellme about a time when you experienceda challengeand how you handled it.”

• “Tellme about a time when you had to work with difficultpeople and how you handled that situation.”

• “Tellme about a time when you had to solve a problem”

• “Tellme about a time when you had to achieve a goal undertime constraints.”

• “Tellme about a time when you had to prioritize tasks.”

PRACTICE STARS INTERVIEW ANSWER

“TELL MEABOUT ACHALLENGING SITUATIONYOUEXPERIENCED AND HOW YOU HANDLED IT.”

SITUATION:

TASK:

PRACTICE STARS INTERVIEW ANSWER

(CONTINUED)

“TELL MEABOUT ACHALLENGING SITUATIONYOUEXPERIENCED AND HOW YOU HANDLED IT.”

RESULT:

STRENGTHS:

FEEDBACK

NEXT STEPS: BEFORE AND DURING THE INTERVIEW

NEXT STEPS: AFTER THE INTERVIEW

❑ Writepersonalizedthank you notesto EVERYONEyou meet.

❑ Mention somethingspecific aboutyour conversationthat you found interesting/valuable.

❑ Reiterate interestin positionand hopeto move forward in their hiring process.

❑ Handwritten thank you notes on appropriatestationary can make a great impressiononinterviewers.

❑ Send email thank you immediately/dayofinterview at very least.

❑ Followup

❑ Reachout to them via email if you do not hear backfromthem in two weeks.

❑ Ifthey do not respond,donot reach out again after another week.

❑ Remember,interview processescango quickly or take months so be preparedforanything.

+INTERVIEWING RESOURCES

RESEARCH FOR INTERVIEWS

Anticipating and preparing to answer the most commonly asked questions will help you ace your interview. Fortunately for you all, you have already started this process with what you have learned and done in this class!

RESEARCH THEM – USE YOUR TARGETINGRESEARCH:

❑ Who are they? What are they about – PASSION?

❑ Deepdive into their website

❑ Google them – what are third parties saying about them?

❑ Read trade publications and articles about them

❑ Why do you want to work for them – give a THOUGHTFUL answer that incorporates this research

RESEARCH YOU– STRENGTHS,SKILLS,EXPERIENCE:

❑ Look at your Career ActionPlan, StrengthsFinder, resume and cover letter

❑ Identify and be ready to discuss what your strengths AND weaknesses are

❑ Be ready to story tell – have POSITIVE examples of past experiences ready to talk about= that connect with what they need/looking for

PREPARE QUESTIONS:

❑ Have at least TWO UNIQUE questions prepared before the interview

❑ Use your RESEARCH of the company to create thoughtful, unique questions

❑ Relate to the interviewer (ask about their experience)

❑ Ask standard questions (i.e. hours, pay, etc.) at a later time

❑ You will be evaluated on the quality of your questions as well as the quality of your answers which is why it is important for you to prepare at least 2 GREAT questions to ask your interviewer before your interview takes place.

❑ Use your research to create thoughtful questions like:

❑ Based on my research, I learned that your company took on x initiative, can you tell me more about it?

❑ I know that your company works closely with x clients or on x projects – are interns utilized or involved in these types of projects? If not, what types of projects would an intern be involved with?

❑ Do not ask a question that could be easily asked by anyone else like

❑ Tell me more about your company?

❑ What’s the culture at your company?

❑ What’s it like to work here?

SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

CommunicationSkills(OralandWritten)

▪ Give me an example ofa time when you were successfulin communicating with a difficultperson(s)orcircumstance.

▪ Describe themostsignificantwritten reportthat you had to complete.

▪ Give me an example ofa time when you communicatedwith SeniorLevel Executives.

▪ Tellme about a time when you were able to use persuasionto convince someone toseethings your way.

LeadershipSkills

▪ Give me an example ofa time you have placedyourselfin a leadership position.

▪ How might you have improvedyour role?

▪ Give me an example ofa time when a group you were leading failed/didnot meetexpectations.

▪ Tellme about a difficultdecisionyou have made in the last year.

ProblemSolvingSkills

▪ Describe atime when you anticipated potential problems anddeveloped preventive measures.

▪ Tellme about a time when you had to solve a problemwith very little guidance ordirection.

▪ Walk me through the mostcomplexproblemyou have experienced todate.

▪ How did you decide togoto BentleyUniversity?

SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (CONTINUED)

TeamPlayer

▪ What did you do in your last job/internship to contribute toward a teamwork environment?

▪ Tellme about a time when you put the needsof a group beforeyourown when completingatask.

▪ Tellme about a time when a willingness to share your knowledge significantlyenhanced an outcomeordecision.

Flexibility/Adaptability

▪ Give me a specificexampleofa time when you had to conformto a policywith which you did not agree.

▪ Give me an example ofa time when the rules or structure ofa project were changed last minute.

▪ Give me an example ofa time when you had two important projects competingforyour time.

▪ Give me an example ofa time when you were forcedto change your negotiating positionmidway in orderto achieve an objective.

PersonalityandFit

▪ What is your typical way of dealing with conflict?

▪ Give me an example.

▪ Describe youridealjob.

▪ Wheredo you seeyourselfin three to five years?

▪ What type of managementstyle do you thrive under?

▪ Whenyou are not studying or working, what types ofactivities do you enjoy?

POPULAR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

▪ Tell me a little about yourself.(Hint: keepit briefno morethan a minute or two)

▪ What doyou know about the company,our productsor services?

▪ Whyare you interestedin this job and, conversely,why should we be interestedin you?

▪ Whyshould I hire you?

▪ What are your favorite/leastfavorite classes?Why?(Hint: rememberto always stay positive,evenwhen discussingyour leastfavorite classes)

▪ What motivatesyou to go the extra mile on a projector job?

▪ Walk me through your work experience.Whatdid you like/dislike about your positions?

▪ What is your GPA?Doyou think it reflectsyour abilities? Why?

▪ What are your three greateststrengthsand/or weaknesses?

▪ What are your careergoals?Two-Year plan? Five-Year Plan? How do you plan to achieve them?

▪ What criteria are you using to evaluate the companyforwhich you hope to work?

▪ Do you have any questionsforme? (Hint: you should have a minimum of three, seethe Asking Questionssectionof this guide forsomeexamples)

▪ What are your salary requirements?(Hint: if you don’t know, speakwith a CareerCoachpriorto the interview)

INTERVIEW CHECKLIST

CHAPTER 10

NEXT STEPS AFTER CDI 101

Where do you go from here regarding your career design and development?

What are your next steps towards your future?

How can you develop your strengths, skills and experience?

NEXT STEPS AFTER CDI 101

NEXT STEPS AFTER CDI 101

Forone-on-onecoaching & mockinterviews, meetwith KristineVidic& CareerColleagues during FirstYear Drop-In Hours

M-Ffrom1:00-3:00p.m., LAC 225

NEXT STEPS AFTER CDI 101

1. Participate in BENTLEYPLUS todevelop important career competency credentials outside of class

• Develop teamwork, leadership, communication, technical, diversity and other knowledge/skills by attending extracurricular programs

• Obtain formal credentials that can be reflected on resume and discussed in cover letters and interviews

• Visithttps://www.bentley.edu/university-life/bentleyplus for more information

2. Participate in JOB

SHADOWING

• “Shadow,” observe, and follow someone in your potential field while the professional is at work

• Usually for a set period of time

• Can last anywhere from one hour to a week or longer, it all depends on the program, employer, and industry.

• Observe career’sculture, explore, and ask questions.

• Different (and much shorter) than an internship.

• Most likely will not be “hands on” - won’t be gaining any career experience

• Solely to understand what the professional does in their day-to-day activities.

3. Participate in LEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENTPROGRAMS

• Designed to engage with high potential first-year students and sophomores and better prepare them for a career in different industries.

• Opportunity to explore a company’s culture, meet various associates, and learn about their business.

• Relationships you form with their employees and other students will serve as not only a networking opportunity but will better prepare you for your future job search.

• What doesbeing a participant mean?

• You will spend one - several days intheir office

• You will be immersed intheir culture and see the work firsthand

• You will network with current associates of differing experience levels

• You will have the chance to exercise your creative mind

• You will see your academiccurriculum come to life

• You will walk away with a better understanding of the industry

• What qualifications do you need?

• You are a first-year student or sophomore

• You are a go-getter, hard-working, and are not afraid to ask questions

• You are intellectually curious

• You are passionate about the industry and want to learn more

4. Acquire an INTERNSHIP

https://bentley.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bvmcHIVxw14zr3T