Pulsifer Career Development Center Handout Guide 23-24

WELCOME TO THE PULSIFER CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER HANDOUT GUIDE!

This handout guide will be your one stop resource for your general career development needs regardless of major or career path you are pursuing. We hope the contents of this guide are helpful to you as you prepare for your appointments, applications, and interviews. We look forward to talking through any of the enclosed information during an appointment and / or drop-in in the future.

Best, The Undergraduate Career Development Team

Resume Housekeeping FORMATTING CHECKLIST

”Resumes should be perfect. It is one page that is meant to represent the best of you, so it needs to be clear, organized, and impeccable. If you’re missing a period on your resume, I throw it in the trash. This might sound harsh, but if you don’t take the time to review it, how can I expect that you would review your work as an employee?”

- Recruiting manager from key employer

Section-by-Section Review CONTACT INFORMATION

▪ Your name should be the largest item on the page and in bold font

• Your contact information must include:

• Complete address: Street, Box # at Bentley (if applicable), City, State, Zip Code

• Phone number

• Email address

▪ If you live off-campus, you should use your local address instead of your Bentley address

▪ Include your permanent address if you are looking for positions in that area…or if you don’t check your Bentley mailbox

Elizabeth Jones

School Address: Permanent Address: 175 Forest Street, Box #1234 567 Collins Avenue Waltham, MA 02452 Miami, FL 33101 jones_eliza@bentley.edu (305) 555-7890

Elizabeth Jones

Local Address: 123 Moody Street, Waltham, MA 02453 ● jones_eliza@bentley.edu

Permanent Address: 567 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL 33101 ● (305) 555-7890

Elizabeth Jones

175 Forest Street, Box #1234, Waltham, MA 02452 jones_eliza@bentley.edu (305) 555-7890

Elizabeth Jones 567 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL 33101 ● jones_eliza@bentley.edu ● (305) 555-7890

Section-by-Section Review EDUCATION

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science (or Arts), Major, May (or December) 20XX

Liberal Studies Major or Minor, if applicable

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

Academic Honors: President’s List, Dean’s List, Honors Program

Study Abroad University, City, Country (if applicable)

Study Abroad Program, Semester Year

Brief description of program (subjects studied, travel)

Transfer School, City, State (if applicable)

Transferred XX credit hours towards Bachelor of Science, 20XX – 20XX

High School, City, State (if strong name recognition and/or alumni network; if not, remove by junior year)

Diploma received May (or June) 20XX

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Finance, May 20XX

Liberal Studies Major in Quantitative Perspectives

Minor: Computer Information Systems

Major GPA: 3.82; Cumulative GPA: 3.67

Academic Honors: President’s List (Spring 20XX), Dean’s List (Fall 20XX)

Lorenzo de'Medici Institute, Rome, Italy

Study Abroad Program, Fall 20XX

Traveled to six European countries while studying International Finance and Italian Language and Culture

Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Diploma received May 20XX

Academic Honors: High Honor Roll (all semesters), National Honor Society

Section-by-Section Review RELEVANT COURSEWORK

▪ Relevant Coursework or Relevant Projects can be a great way to highlight knowledge of a particular field, if you don’t yet have professional experience in that field

▪ Choose courses that cover concepts most relevant to the positions you are applying to

▪ Detailed descriptions of specific courses are helpful; laundry lists of courses are not!

Full Name of Course Semester Year

• Two – three detailed bullets to describe the key project / course content

• All bullets should start with strong action verbs

• Avoid using the course description from the syllabus

RELEVANT COURSEWORK:

Financial Modeling

Spring 20XX

• Created a DCF Model for Apple Inc. (AAPL), including five-year projections of the company’s Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows

• Estimated AAPL’s WACC utilizing cost of equity derived from CAPM (classic and tax-adjusted), as well as a two-staged Gordon Growth Model

Principles of Accounting and Finance

Fall 20XX

• Collaborated with a team of five students to thoroughly analyze five publicly traded specialty retail companies and assess which company had the best investment potential

• Performed regression analysis in Excel to compute Beta; compared calculated Beta with publicly available data sources

• Determined the Cost of Capital through the use of CAPM, Dividend Growth Model, and WACC

• Calculated share value for each company to evaluate whether the market was undervaluing or overvaluing that security

Section-by-Section Review PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

▪ List your employment history in reverse chronological order (most recent on top)

▪ Incorporate your strengths! (examples: communication, organization, teamwork, attention to detail, ability to multi-task / prioritize)

Name of Employer, City, State Dates of Employment

Position Title

• Two or more bullets to describe your role / responsibilities

• All bullets should start with strong action verbs

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

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

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

The Hughey Center for Financial Services, Waltham, MA

September 20XX – Present Trading Room Manager and Instructor

• Selected through a competitive interview process to serve as part of a small staff that conducts the operations of Bentley University’s Trading Room, including researching for faculty, teaching classes and finance workshops, and assisting students with projects and coursework

• Instruct classes and give presentations to students and faculty to effectively demonstrate the use of financial software including Bloomberg, FactSet, Capital IQ, Morningstar Direct, Data Stream, and Thomson One Analytics

UBS Securities LLC, New York, NY

June 20XX – August 20XX Investment Banking Summer Analyst, Latin America Financial Institutions Group

• Assisted in the creation of a $300 million buy-side M&A transaction proposal for a LatAm bank

• Collaborated with a team of analysts to present an IPO pitch to a LatAm bank seeking to raise $2 billion

• Compiled comprehensive profiles of the banking, insurance and asset management industries for five LatAm countries; profiles were used by senior management

• Utilized LatAm public filings and databases to create thorough profiles of selected banks and insurance companies

Section-by-Section Review PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (cont.)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

OpenView Venture Partners, Boston, MA

Marketing Communications Intern

Summer 20XX

• Reported and analyzed conversion and engagement rate data and website performance using HubSpot and Google Analytics

• Researched and identified tactical, targeted and top-tier articles to share with the firm’s portfolio companies and entrepreneurial community

• Supported the creation of articles, blog posts, podcasts and other content pieces

• Copyedited, proofed and posted content to the firm’s partners, labs, and blog sites using WordPress

Priceline.com, Norwalk, CT

Operations and Customer Service Intern

Summer 20XX

• Analyzed customer contact by evaluating response rates and customers’ issues through Tableau Software

• Performed audits to identify areas of improvement for call center agent scripts

• Created Visio flow diagrams and updated script content while assisting in the script overhaul process

• Reviewed and updated agent training modules and new hire guides to reflect revisions in customer service policies and procedures

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Dell EMC, Hopkinton, MA

Professional Services Business Operations Intern

Summer 20XX

• Analyzed and tracked partner purchase orders while assisting with partner services integration project

• Identified potential issues with purchase orders and supported management with further investigation into expenses

• Consolidated weekly data outlining aged invoices and collaborated with team members to identify discrepancies and ensure that service entry sheets, purchase orders and invoice receipts were accurate

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Keene, NH

Compensation Intern

Summer 20XX

• Developed new warehouse position structure to consolidate 4,000 positions while upholding internal quality standards

• Researched executive compensation plans of 50 competing companies to determine increase to current C&S executive benefits packages

• Prepared and automated three warehouse reports for Executive Vice President of Human Resources

Section-by-Section Review PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (cont.)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Bentley University ACELAB, Waltham, MA

Accounting Tutor

Fall 20XX – Present

• Present a tutorial of Sage 50 software to five classes of 25-30 freshmen per semester; familiarize students with the system via relevant business examples

• Provide one-on-one guidance to students struggling in introductory and intermediate classes; assist with understanding of general accounting concepts, completion of problem sets and exam preparation

• Collaborate with other tutors to guide groups of 4-5 students having difficulty with introductory accounting projects

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA

Accounting Intern

Summer 20XX

• Validated the quarter end balance sheet and reported findings to Director of Corporate Accounting

• Reviewed month end fixed asset repairs and maintenance expenses

• Updated client information within Oracle R12 to ensure accurate records

• Created and maintained monthly journal entry and reconciliation binders and checklists

• Prepared documents for internal and external auditor requests

Section-by-Section Review ACTIVITIES

▪ Activities can include extracurriculars, athletics, community involvement, and perhaps even interests depending on the types of roles that interest you

▪ Section(s) can be organized and structured in several different ways, depending on what you want to highlight

▪ Level of detail for each activity should be commensurate with your level of involvement

▪ Give yourself credit for leadership positions!

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Bentley University Women’s Lacrosse

September 20XX – Present Varsity Athlete

• Selected by teammates to serve as Captain for 20XX – 20XX season

• Dedicate approximately 25 hours per week in season for conditioning, practices, and games while maintaining a full academic course load

• Participate in community service activities, including Junior Falcon Day and Relay for Life

• Awards: Rookie of the Year (20XX)

ACTIVITIES AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

Bentley Investment Group (General Member), Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Bentley Study Abroad Peer Advisor, Cradles to Crayons, Walk for Hunger

LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER WORK:

Bentley Investment Group

September 20XX – Present Analyst, Healthcare Sector

• Actively participate in the management of the student-run, long-only equity portion of the University’s endowment, currently valued at approximately $XXX,000

• Collaborate with two team leaders and four analysts to analyze potential investments, using P/E comparables, DCF models and historical/ratio analyses

• Present buy recommendations to 250+ members for approval

Bentley University Service-Learning Center

September 20XX – Present Project Manager

• Manage the Skills for Life program, which teaches computer skills necessary for meaningful employment to immigrants and seniors in the Waltham community

• Serve on the Civic Initiatives Committee, which brings to Bentley civically focused events and campaigns to raise awareness of social issues in the world

• Worked on the Professional Growth Committee to develop professional training workshops for other Project Managers (20XX – 20XX Academic Year)

Section-by-Section Review

COMPUTER AND LANGUAGE SKILLS

▪ Computer Skills: List the programs that you have working knowledge of and your level of proficiency, especially if advanced

▪ Language Skills: Indicate your proficiency / level of fluency…but don’t overstate!

▪ Computer and Language Skills can be combined into one section or listed separately, depending on how much content you have and what you want to emphasize

COMPUTER AND LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Computer: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Bloomberg Certified (Equity, Fixed Income, FX and Commodities), Sage 50, FactSet, Java, C++, SAP, SPSS, Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Bilingual in English and Spanish; proficient in Portuguese and Italian

Section-by-Section Review

CASE COMPETITIONS

▪ Case Competitions can be a great way to highlight knowledge of a particular field, if you don’t yet have professional experience in that area

• Examples: Bentley Business Bowl, Fed Challenge, Hartford Campus Case Competition, PwC xTax National Case Competition, Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition

▪ Can include this section under ‘Education’ or further down the page, depending on relevance / importance and what you want to highlight

▪ Content can also be incorporated into another section, such as ‘Leadership and Activities’

Full Name of Case Competition Month Year

• Two – three detailed bullets to describe the competition

• All bullets should start with strong action verbs

• Include placement results

CASE COMPETITIONS

PwC xTax Case Competition

November 20XX

• Collaborated with five peers to analyze the tax codes of a fictitious country

• Evaluated impact of potential tax reforms on the country’s health care system and presented recommendations to a panel of senior partners from PwC

• Team awarded 1st Place at Bentley University; 1 of 5 teams selected nationally to compete for PwC xTax National Championship

Bentley Business Bowl

February 20XX

• Participated in a one-day, campus-wide business case competition on a team with four other members

• Utilized financial modeling and qualitative analysis to prepare two case studies

• Presented findings to a panel of judges that consisted of Bentley Faculty and Corporate Sponsors; team awarded 2nd Place in peer group

Section-by-Section Review CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / EXAMS

▪ List any industry-specific certifications or licenses that you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining

▪ List any industry-specific exams that you have passed or are scheduled to sit for

▪ Can include this section under ‘Education’ or further down the page, depending on relevance / importance and what you want to highlight

CERTIFICATIONS:

Passed CFA Level I, June 20XX; CFA Level II Candidate, June 20XX

LICENSES:

Series 6 and 63

ACTUARIAL EXAMS:

• Passed Exam FM

• Sitting for Exam P

January 20XX

June 20XX

Example Resumes

NAME

FIRST-YEAR RESUME #1

School Address: Permanent Address: 175 Forest Street, Box #1234 10 Joseph Street

Waltham, MA 02452 Rochester, NY 14618

rami_josh@bentley.edu (585) 555-5555

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA Candidate for Bachelor of Science, May 20xx

G.P.A. 3.90

Honors: President’s List; Dean’s List; Honors Program (a prestigious program that elects the top eight percent of the entering class to participate in challenging coursework and complete an extensive research project)

EXPERIENCE:

Aveda Spa, Rochester, NY

Front Desk Assistant

September 20xx - Present

• Train new and upcoming staff in correct salon procedures and customer relations

• Manage schedules, book appointments and answer telephones for four stylists

• Sell approximately $50 worth of Aveda products to clients daily

• Maintain the appearance and cleanliness of styling stations and salon floor

Old Navy, Rochester, NY

Sales Associate

• Provided excellent customer service to 40+ customers per shift

June 20xx - August 20xx

• Handled and executed purchases on register, processing in excess of $500 weekly

• Organized merchandise and displays to increase sales and replenished stock when necessary

• Managed dressing rooms and assisted customers with merchandise questions

Eastridge Manor, Rochester, NY

Lifeguard

June 20xx - September 20xx

• Supervised the environment around the pool and approximately 10-20 patrons at a time

• Maintained the pool and its facilities which consisted of checking pH and other chemical levels, vacuuming the pool and cleaning it

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Walker High School Varsity Swim Team

Freestyle & Butterfly Stroke

• Practiced and participated in meets 7+ hours per week

• Placed 2nd in 50M Freestyle in Empire State Games, 20xx

Walker High School Varsity Soccer Team

Captain

• Practiced and played 10+ hours per week

• Provided motivation, leadership and guidance to team effectively

ACTIVITIES:

20xx - 20xx

20xx - 20xx

Bentley Campus Activities Board; Walker High School Yearbook Committee; Walker High School Model UN

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook

Example Resumes

NAME

FIRST-YEAR RESUME #2

School Address: Permanent Address:

175 Forest Street, Box #1234 124 Shore Drive

Waltham, MA 02452 Chicago, IL 2210

Lee_lijua@bentley.edu (585) 555-5555

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Accountancy, May 20xx

Hughes Preparatory Academy, Chicago, IL

Diploma received May 20xx

Honors: High Honor Roll (four semesters); National Honor Society

EXPERIENCE:

Big Y Supermarket, Chicago, IL

Recycling & Risk Assessment Supervisor

• Manage and create weekly sales displays in order to maximize profit.

August 20xx-Present

• Supervise and perform the discarding of massive amounts of cardboard by loading and emptying the bailer.

• Reduce liabilities by maintaining cleanliness of store and ensuring safety of customers.

Abraham Franklin Landscaping, Chicago, IL

Landscaper

• Manage six accounts and set up weekly schedule to perform each task.

• Collect and distribute revenues to company needs.

• Perform all labor, such as mowing, edging, mulching, and weeding.

• Lock all gates and secure property upon completion of projects.

Camp Bueller, Evanston, IL

Camp Counselor

• Supervised and oversaw the safety, welfare and care of 15+ campers, ages 8-11.

April 20xx-Present

Summers 20xx-20xx

• Organized group activities such as arts and crafts projects, sports, games and camp-wide competitions.

• Encouraged and promoted leadership and team building skills through activities, and mentored campers.

ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS:

Hughes Academy Varsity Hockey Team

November 20xx-April 20xx Captain

• Practiced and played 20 hours per week.

• Leading goal scorer senior year.

AWARDS:

Lance Corporal Lawrence Philippon Award for Essay; All-Academic Team for Hughes Academy Lacrosse & Hockey

ACTIVITIES:

Hughes Academy Business Club and Jazz Band; Eagle Scout

Example Resumes

NAME

SOPHOMORE RESUME #1

School Address: Permanent Address:

175 Forest Street, P.O. Box 1111

Waltham, MA 02452

(781) 555-5555

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

200 Main Street

Whitman, MA 02382

Sopho_stel@bentley.edu

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Information Design and Corporate Communication, May 20xx

GPA: 3.41 Minors in Global Studies and Spanish for Business

Honors: Dean’s List, President’s Academic Scholarship

EXPERIENCE:

Bentley University Pulsifer Undergraduate Career Development Center, Waltham, MA 01/xx-Present

Social Media and Administrative Intern

• Set up and maintain student body database to analyze and improve the effectiveness and reputation of the office.

• Design promotional advertisements for workshops and/or events to increase student attendance.

• Develop and post content for office’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and CareerEdge website.

• Present ideas to enhance student awareness of services to director for critique and approval.

• Answer student questions regarding Handshake posting system and other services provided through the office.

Bentley University Bookstore, Waltham, MA

Sales Assistant

09/xx-12/xx

• Implemented special advertising campaign for school clothing, targeting members of Bentley University, leading to booming sales and expansion of the clothing department.

• Updated current book orders with publishers and managed the receiving and shipping of hundreds of mail orders.

Massachusetts High School Football Prospect Information, Whitman, MA 06/xx-09/xx

Volunteer for Shriners Hospital Project

• Raised over $7,000 to help support patients at Shriners Hospital in Boston, by compiling a book of Massachusetts High School football players’ statistics for college coaches.

• Organized mass mailings to colleges and entered data for 400+ football players’ statistics using Microsoft Access.

• Trained 10 volunteers to comprehend what the position entails for the overall outcome and success of the program, coordinating tasks to be accomplished.

Litecontrol, Hanson, MA

Accounting Department Assistant

06/xx-09/xx

• Processed bank statements, income statements, and vendor files to be reviewed by accounting manager each week.

• Participated in monthly accounting meetings and contributed new ideas.

• Exposed to functions of Marketing Department, such as graphic design.

LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES:

Bentley Marketing Association; Residence Hall Association, Forest Hall President, Secretary; International Buddy Network, President, Treasurer; Campus Activities Board, Special Events committee; Bentley Model United Nations

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook; knowledge of Hootsuite

Example Resumes

NAME

SOPHOMORE RESUME #2

School Address: Permanent Address:

175 Forest Street, P.O. Box 4321 200 Main Street

Waltham, MA 02452 Whitman, MA 02382

Secon_sam@bentley.edu (781) 555-5555

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Management and Liberal Studies in Heath & Industry, May 20xx

Minor: Global Studies

GPA: 3.35; Dean’s List, President’s Academic Scholarship

EXPERIENCE:

Dell EMC, Hopkinton, MA

Business Operations Analyst Intern

• Process daily reporting of TIS and EMCC Consulting Revenue

05/20xx-Present

• Accountable for processing daily product led bookings and margin forecasts using Flash Reporting data

• Assign daily tasks for revenue pending, commit, and various unbilled statements

• Create and streamline processes to key operational initiatives for the America's Theater

Mobile Radio and TV Repair, Quincy, MA

Lead Assistant

• Promoted to manager of three technicians after initially starting as delivery person

06/20xx-08/20xx

• Managed the shop two days a week in the absence of the supervisor, overseeingfour other employees

• Created bill statements for many accounts, prioritized work orders, personally hand delivered invoices and translated English to Spanish on job sites

Charles River Country Club, Newton, MA

Customer Service Assistant

Summers 20xx-20xx

• Trained and worked with three person crew to handle golf related requirements of 300+ members

• Provided excellent customer service and caddying assistance to members

• Specifically selected to caddy for a variety of members and maintained equipment and facilities

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

• Bentley After Dark: conducted fundraising for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

• Bentley Service-Learning: tutored elementary school students in after school math enrichment program

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:

Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity

10/20xx-Present

• Director of Marketing: Assist Vice Presidents of Marketing and Recruitment in promoting AKPsi; create promotional posters to raise awareness of organization as well as advertise various philanthropic events

• Historian: Documented events throughout the semester and compiled them in a creative way to both promote recruitment and provide historical documentation for the future

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Fluent in Spanish; proficient in Italian

Example Resumes

EDUCATION:

JUNIOR RESUME #1

NAME

200 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452 • (781) 555-5555 • janejryr@gmail.com

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Corporate Finance & Accounting, May 20xx

Candidate for Master of Science, Accountancy, May 20xx

G.P.A. 3.62

Academic Honors: President's List, Dean's List, Member of Honors Program, The Falcon Society, Financial Management Association

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:

Merrill Lynch, Jersey City, NJ 6/xx - 8/xx

Summer Intern, Global Controllers Group Analyst

• Analyzed the impact of changing the current transfer price methodology for U.S. Treasury’s borrowing costs

• Gathered Interbank Offer Rates of various currencies via Bloomberg to calculate net interest for a global private client

• Prepared a monthly report based on the average monthly balance and calculated the implied yield (%)

• Processed journal entry posting for balance sheet management system of over $440 billion in assets while assisting with month end close

• Collaborated on an external project with five summer analysts for the redesign of corporate audit website

Liberty Mutual, Boston, MA

Business Intern, Corporate Human Resources and Administration Analyst

- 8/xx

• Collaborated with various departments such as Employee Relations and Communications to redesign and develop employee Intranet used by over 20,000 employees

• Coordinated other Liberty Mutual Human Resources websites and organized survey results for the project manager

• Tested new applications, such as Oracle Application to identify errors, and recommended usability enhancements

• Assisted in rewriting online help processes and instructions to improve user friendliness

• Tested, corrected and migrated employee Intranet content to new server

INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE:

Bentley Investment Group, Waltham, MA

- Present Co-Vice President (20xx-xx)

• Assist in the management of a $XXXK portfolio and a group of over 80 members

• Research and analyze stocks by utilizing various resources such as the Trading Room, Internet, and the company reports and applying different methods of valuations

• Develop and deliver comprehensive buy and sell PowerPoint presentations

• Created a BIG Alumni MS Access database, organized a BIG Alumni Event and coordinate Trading Room workshops

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: Bentley Consumer Action Line, Waltham, MA

Charles River Public Internet Center, Waltham, MA

COMPUTER SKILLS:

-

-

Bloomberg Certified (Equity, Fixed Income, FX and Commodities), Sage 50, FactSet, SAP, SPSS, Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

LANGUAGES:

Fluent in Vietnamese and working knowledge of Chinese (Chiu-Chou dialect)

ACTIVITIES:

Bentley Student Judicial Board, National Association of Black Accountants, Student Technology Advisory Council, Academic Honesty Task Force, Allocation and Internal Audit Liaison

Example Resumes

EDUCATION

JUNIOR RESUME #2

NAME

302 Moody Street, Waltham, MA 02452 | (781) 555-5555 | Studyab carlos@bentley.edu

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor ofScience, Managerial Economics and Liberal Studies, May 20xx

Concentrations: Marketing & Ethics and Social Responsibility

Major GPA: 4.00; Overall GPA: 3.45

Academic Honors: President's List, Honors Program (a prestigious program that elects the top eight percent of the entering class to participate in challenging coursework and complete an extensive research project), Omicron Delta Epsilon Honor Society

American Business School, Paris, France

Study Abroad Program, Spring 20xx

Traveled to eight different countries and studied French language and culture, International Finance and Managerial Accounting

RESEARCH PROJECT

The Economic Impact of WIA Youth Funding on Juvenile Crime, High School Education, and Delinquent Health Behaviors

• Currently analyzing the Workforce Investment Act’s provision for disadvantaged youth employment and education programs as an honors capstone research project

• Major tasks include: performing a literature review, applying economic theory to the question, assembling data and variables, constructing and estimating econometric models, and discussing the implications of the result

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Recipient of the 20xx Wall Street Journal Award, given to student whom the Economics Department considers to be the most outstanding

• Business plan competition 1st place recipient of The Hartnett Family Business Award for Mamas Move Integrated Business Plan

• Recognized as member of Bentley Honor Society, a prestigious distinction for students in top 10% of the Junior Class

• Published in Bentley University's 20xx literary magazine, Piecework

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Travelers, Hartford, CT

May 20xx-August 20xx Market Research Summer Analyst

• Conducted thorough research by investigating multiple, appropriate sources and then synthesizing and reconciling competing information

• Created quantitative analytical output that is accurate, appropriate, and actionable for internal clients

• Developed comprehensive recommendations, sometimes intended for senior management, based on internal and external research, demonstrating insight, creativity, and neutrality

• Collaborated with multiple departments including: sales, product development, enterprise underwriting, actuarial, and claim

• Provided professional-level customer service to internal clients

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Wellesley, MA Compliance Intern

May 20xx-August 20xx

• Maintained records, contacted financial representatives, and surveyed clients for the compliance officer

• Prepared historical insurance factsheets in a transition to digital record keeping for the assistant to the managing partner

The Peace Abbey Foundation, Sherborn, MA Intern

May 20xx-August 20xx

• Restructured and digitally cataloged the Peace Library consisting of upwards of 3,000 books, videos, and reference materials that promote peace and nonviolence

• Assembled J.K. Moore remembrance packet used to establish a conscientious objectors memorial in Cherry Valley, NY

Example Resumes TRANSFER STUDENT RESUME

NAME

School Address: Permanent Address:

175 Forest Street, Box 241 200 Main Street

Waltham, MA 02452 Jefferson, MA 01522

Transf_Timoth@bentley.edu (508) 555-5555

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Finance and Liberal Studies in American Perspective, May 20xx

G.P.A.: 3.3

Cottey College, Las Vegas, NV

Transferred 36 credit hours towards Bachelor of Science, 20xx-20xx

Placed 1st out of 40 teams in a marketing case competition sponsored by the Las Vegas Times

WORK AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:

Cottey College, Las Vegas, NV

Executive Vice President, Student Government Association 9/xx – 5/xx

• Assisted Cottey College administration and Student Government Association President in setting goals and objectives and implementing policy for the current academic year.

• Helped to formulate three presentations to college’s Board of Trustees showing most important issues facing the student body.

• Organized, interviewed and selected 10 new members for the Student Government Association to fill vacant senate positions at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters as chair of the Nominating Committee.

• Managed 14 senators to ensure their successful pursuit of feedback from the student body by running weekly senate meetings, reviewing weekly status reports, and organizing feedback events.

• Originated e-mail survey sent weekly to students to gain feedback on campus issues, averaging a 25% response rate. Orientation Leader 1/xx and 9/xx

• Worked closely with Director of Orientation and Associate Dean of Student Life to restructure the transfer orientation program for 200 incoming students by including tours, small group advisory sections and more social events.

• Facilitated “ice breakers” and other “getting to know you” activities to make incoming students feel more comfortable during their transition period.

• Provided general assistance to transfer students including counseling, registration and campus information.

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, Devens, MA

Finance Department Intern

• Assisted CFO and Vice President of Finance in preparing and distributing agency’s annual budget.

5/xx – 8/xx

• Coordinated and maintained contracts by entering data into Platinum and Access systems; prepared and circulated signature requests and contract documents; updated project managers on the status of their contracts.

• Performed monthly journal entries for AP distribution and general accruals; booked prepaid insurance, deferred income, real estate clearing accounts and other expenses.

• Reconciled two prepaid accounts, four AP accounts and ten Predevelopment/Brownfield accounts.

Operations Department Intern 5/xx – 8/xx

• Organized three years of financial reconciliations for 500 accounts which provided management and staff with an efficient system of referencing historical data.

• Entered 300 purchase orders efficiently and accurately in new Platinum database system.

• Contacted local businesses to update the Devens community directory and MassDevelopment database.

COMMUNITY SERVICE & ACTIVITIES:

Bentley University: Service-Learning Project Eye to Eye; Big Brothers; Relay for Life; Cottey College: Concert Committee, Campus Activities Board, Steering Council, Intramural Soccer, Rory Hall Resident Assistant

Example Resumes

EDUCATION:

SENIOR RESUME #1

NAME

35 Main Street, Warwick, RI 00211 • (401) 555-5555 • sseniorini@gmail.com

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Marketing and Liberal Studies in Media, Arts and Society, December 20xx Minor in Sports Management

G.P.A. 3.48; Dean’s List

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Placed first in 20xx MITX Future M Marketing Case Competition.

• 20xx Multicultural Advertising Internship Program Finalist sponsored by American Association of Advertising Agencies.

• On the winning team for the Deutsch summer intern project competition.

RELEVANT PROJECT:

• Created and implemented an integrated marketing communications plan, while leading a team of three students, for the New England Soccer School, a start-up sports center in Massachusetts.

• Conducted field-based research and focus groups in order to design a comprehensive plan that included promotion and price strategies, marketing ROI, trend analysis, e-marketing, advertisements for print media and public relations.

• Presented marketing plan to the owner and founder of New England Soccer School. Out of the three teams that presented plans, our plan was chosen by the owner to be implemented in 20xx.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:

Deutsch Inc., Manhattan, NY

MAIP Intern, Account Management

Fall 20xx

• Actively contributed to major interactive accounts such as Imodium, Ortho and Motrin.

• Coordinated Ortho Evra online banner and website page submissions for Ortho Mc-Neil’s copy review committee process, ensuring all guidelines were followed.

• Developed three copy decks for OrthoWomensHealth.com, OrthoEvra.com and ThePill.com, mapping content to existing site architecture.

• Compiled a research deck on heavy and super heavy sufferers for Imodium that was used when developing the communication architecture and presented research to senior level executives.

• Organized a packet of insightful internet sites for creatives working on the Imodium account.

• Conducted primary research to identify ways that Imodium can be the #1 recommended AD in hospitals.

New England Soccer Academy, Coventry, RI

Founder/ Manager/Trainer

Summers of 20xx - 20xx

• Created small business as a freshman in high school, providing children with skills needed to succeed on and off the soccer field.

• Grew business to 65 clients within four years, increasing profit by about 550% from first summer to last summer.

• Designed and executed a marketing plan which entailed fliers, word of mouth and business cards that were strategically placed.

• Attended client games to assess performance and interacted with parents on progress.

• Succeeded in gaining business from established professionals due to strong customer relation skills.

• Retained all customers in four years of business.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Proficient in Windows Movie Maker, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint,Outlook), Social Media Marketing Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Basic knowledge of HTML, SPSS, Qualtrics, Adobe Photoshop.

LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES:

Vice President Elect of Bentley Marketing Association; Marketing and Communication Committee member, Student Government Association; Member, Bentley Investment Group; Member, Bentley Entrepreneurial Society; Captain, Intramural Soccer.

Example Resumes

NAME

SENIOR RESUME #2

200 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452 (781) 555-5555

Victoria.finalyear@gmail.com

EDUCATION

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Economics-Finance, May 20xx

GPA: 3.36 Minors: Law and Sociology

Academic Honors: President’s List & Dean’s List

CONSULTING PROJECT

Business Plan Project

Fall 20xx

• Led a five person team charged with creating a business plan for a start-up retail company exploring expansion alternatives

• Created all financials including R&D expense projections, profitability analysis, and P&L reports

• Developed the marketing strategies utilizing focus group research and organizational structure including job descriptions

• Selected as key presenter of final project to professors, class and the company executives

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Bank of New York Mellon, Boston, MA

Summer 20xx Analyst for Wealth Management/Fixed Income

• Conducted financial evaluation and forecasting of a toll road offering resulting in $5M bond purchase by BNY Mellon

• Created financial and forecasting models to assess fixed income suitability for various company investments

• Researched, analyzed, and determined the health of various municipalities by looking at ratings agency models

• Wrote memos and recommendations regarding various bond deals and distributed directly to fixed income traders

• Attended bond strategy meeting with bond offering dealers and underwriters, conference calls, and road shows

Bankrate Inc., New York, NY

Financial Analyst

Summer 20xx

• Created credit card reconciliation pivot tables and located $300,000 of unaccounted revenue

• Tracked accounts and invoicing for credit card sign-ups via Bankrate.com using Microsoft Excel

• Forecasted financial projects for next five years and reported findings to upper level management

• Benchmarked competitor websites to analyze subscription interface and presented recommendations in PowerPoint

• Collaborated with auditors on an M&A project in addition to reviewing asset purchase agreement and attending due diligence meeting

Bentley Investment Group, Bentley University, Waltham, MA

Consumer Analyst

• Managed and researched for stock portfolio worth $500K

September 20xx-May 20xx

• Followed equities market through daily publications, Bloomberg BusinessWeek and Wall Street Journal

ACTIVITIES & VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Member of Bentley Economics-Finance Society

Sports: Forward, New England Jr. Falcons Hockey Team, Boxing and Physical Arts training, long distance bike riding Participant Blitz Build, Habitat for Humanity, Biloxi, MS

Brother and Risk Manager of the fraternity Delta Kappa Epsilon

Co-organizer for Rebuilding Together Project, Stamford, CT

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient in QuickBooks, FactSet, Bloomberg Certified, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook

Other Resources ACTION VERBS

Action verbs to describe your skills and experience.

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 operate organized prepared processed purchased recorded screened tabulated validated

Other Resources

VMOCK INFORMATION

Prior to having your resume reviewed by your Career Coach, Undergraduate Career Services invites you to submit your resume to VMock, our 24/7 online resume-review tool. VMock will analyze your resume from every possible angle, including presentation, impact and competencies in seconds! The combination of VMock and a final review by your Career Coach will result in a top-notch resume!

Here’s how it works:

1. Update your resume and save it as a PDF. Utilize the templates / guides available through VMock if you need help with your update. (Please Note: If you have not created a resume yet, please use the Vmock Smart Editor to do so. Instructions are included on the next page.)

2. Upload the PDF version of your resume into VMock.

3. View your score and the feedback provided by VMock.

4. Utilize the feedback given by VMock to make changes to your resume off-line. Save the new version as a PDF and upload it to VMock for a new score and additional feedback. Please note: You only get 10 uploads per academic year.

5. Your goal is to achieve a score of 75 or greater with at least 25 in all three categories (Competencies, Impact and Presentation).

• If you are struggling to increase your score, however, do not use more than 4 uploads prior to meeting with your Career Coach.

6. Once you have met the requirements noted above, your Career Coach will be more than happy to help you put the finishing touches on your resume!

QUESTIONS?

• Email GA_UCD@bentley.edu or call 781-891-2375

• Stop by LAC 225 during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm)

Creating Your Resume on VMock SMART Editor

1. Email ga_ucd@bentley.edu and ask for a token email to VMock be sent to you to gain access to the system

2. Click on “SMART Editor” button

3. Choose “Create Resume” or “Upload Resume”

• If creating, choose a template

• If uploading your existing resume, it must be a PDF

Other Resources

Uploading a Resume

UPLOADING A RESUME

1. Once you’ve logged in to Handshake, click the profile icon in the top right.

2. Click “documents” on the drop-down list

3. Click “add new document” and choose a file to upload

4. Once you upload the document, you can feature the resume on your profile, or use the information from your resume to set up your profile.

Other Resources

NAME

RESUME TEMPLATES

EDUCATION

BentleyUniversity,Waltham,MA

CandidateforBachelorofScience,Finance,May20XX

GPA:3.72

AcademicHonors:President’sList(allsemesters)

StudyAbroadUniversity,City,Country StudyAbroadProgram,Spring20XX

Briefdescriptionofprogram(subjectsstudied,travel)

RELEVANTCOURSEWORK

FullNameofCourse

• Two–threedetailedbulletstodescribethekeyproject/coursecontent

• Allbulletsshouldstartwithstrongactionverbs

• Avoidusingthecoursedescriptionfromthesyllabus

FullNameofCourse

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

PROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE

NameofEmployer,City,State

PositionTitle

• Twoormorebulletstodescribeyourrole/responsibilities

• Allbulletsshouldstartwithstrongactionverbs

• Leadwiththemostimpressivetasks,notnecessarilythetasksyouspentthemosttimeon

• Bequantitativewherepossible($,#,%)

NameofEmployer,City,State

PositionTitle

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

• Bullet#3

LEADERSHIPANDVOLUNTEEREXPERIENCE

NameofOrganization

PositionHeld

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

• Bullet#3

NameofOrganization

MostRecentPositionHeld(January20XX–May20XX)

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

OlderPositionHeld(September20XX–December20XX)

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

COMPUTERANDLANGUAGESKILLS

September20XX–Present

September20XX–Present

• ComputerSkills:BloombergEssentials,BloombergMarketConcepts,FactSet,MicrosoftOffice(includingadvancedExcel)

• LanguageSkills:FluentinEnglishandSpanish

Other Resources

EDUCATION

BentleyUniversity

RESUME TEMPLATES (continued)

CandidateforBachelorofScience,Economics-Finance May20XX

Minor:ComputerInformationSystems

MajorGPA:3.52;CumulativeGPA:3.31

AcademicHonors:President’sList(Fall20XX);Dean’sList(Spring20XX)

PROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE

NameofEmployer City,State

PositionTitle Summer20XX

• Twoormorebulletstodescribeyourrole/responsibilities

• Allbulletsshouldstartwithstrongactionverbs

• Leadwiththemostimpressivetasks,notnecessarilythetasksyouspentthemosttimeon

• Bequantitativewherepossible($,#,%)

NameofEmployer City,State

PositionTitle Summer20XX

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

• Bullet#3

• Bullet#4

ATHLETICACCOMPLISHMENTS

BentleyUniversityMen’s/Women’sXXXXTeam

Fall20XX-Present Captain(20XX

20XXSeason)

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

• Bullet#3

LEADERSHIPEXPERIENCEANDACTIVITIES

NameofOrganization

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

Fall20XX-Present

NameofOrganization Spring20XX-Present

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

NameofOrganization Spring20XX-Present

• Bullet#1

• Bullet#2

Additional:Listorganizationsherethatyouparticipatein,butarenotasignificanttimecommitment

SKILLSANDINTERESTS

Skills:BloombergEssentials|BloombergMarketConcepts|Java|C++|SAP|SPSS|MicrosoftOffice

Interests:Traveling(25+countriesinAfrica,EuropeandMiddleEast)|Running(20XXBostonMarathon)|Snowboarding

Other Resources

School Address:

175 Forest Street, Box #XXXX

Waltham, MA 02452

EDUCATION:

Bentley University, Waltham, MA

RESUME TEMPLATES (continued)

Candidate for Bachelor of Science, Corporate Finance & Accounting, May 20XX

Liberal Studies Major in Quantitative Perspectives

Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Diploma received May 20XX

RELEVANT COURSEWORK:

Full Name of Course Fall 20XX

• Two – three detailed bullets to describe the key project / course content

• All bullets should start with strong action verbs

• Avoid using the course description from the syllabus

Full Name of Course

• Bullet #1

• Bullet #2

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:

Name of Employer, City, State

Position Title

• Two or more bullets to describe your role / responsibilities

• All bullets should start with strong action verbs

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

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

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE: Name of Employer, City, State

Position Title

• Bullet #1

• Bullet #2

• Bullet #3

ACTIVITIES: Name of Organization

• Bullet #1

• Bullet #2 Name of Organization

• Bullet #1

• Bullet #2

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: Name of Organization

• Bullet #1

• Bullet #2

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Bloomberg Certified, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Cover Letter Writing

Does the thought of writing a cover letter make you feel like this?

Don’t worry, you are not alone! Many students cringe when they learn that they must write a cover letter to apply for a job or internship. “I don’t know where to start”, “I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging about myself”, “Nobody will even bother to read my cover letter”…these are all common complaints. Regardless of how you feel about cover letters, they can be an extremely important part of the job application process, for a number of reasons. First, your cover letter demonstrates your interest in the position you are applying for and gives you the opportunity to explain how you can benefit the organization. Second, it represents the first writing sample that the employer is receiving from you. No matter what type of a position you are applying for, strong written communication skills are important. And finally, a cover letter can help the employer get to know you better, because it gives you the opportunity to highlight transferrable and/or soft skills that are not specifically listed on your resume. In the end, you MUST spend quality time perfecting your letters. Use the following tips to help guide you.

GENERAL TIPS

▪ Tailor each letter you send out to a specific company and/or position. Customize your letter by conducting research on the company that you are applying to and highlighting the skills and qualifications for which they are looking.

▪ Whenever possible, the letter should be addressed to a specific person. If a name is not listed on the posting, call or email to find out who is the recruiter or hiring manager for the position. Make sure that the individual’s name is spelled correctly and you refer to them with the appropriate gender identifiers. Always use “Ms.” instead of “Mrs.” when addressing a female.

▪ Use active, not passive, verbs. For example, use "arranged...", "devised...", "evaluated...", instead of "was responsible for 'arranging...', 'devising...', 'evaluating...'".

▪ Do not overuse the word "I". Starting every sentence with "I" can give the wrong impression, and you may come across as self-centered. Rather than starting with "I", turn some of your sentences around. It is better to give examples of how you did something than to say, "I did this or that...".

▪ Keep your cover letter to one page no more than four paragraphs.

▪ Keep in mind that the professional image you want to give to a prospective employer includes a neatly formatted, grammatically correct cover letter (NO TYPOS!).

Cover Letter Writing

HEADER AND SALUTATION

Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code

Current Date

Company Name

Company Contact, Title

Street Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr. / Ms. :

MAKING A STRONG IMPRESSION

175 Forest Street, Box #1234

Waltham, MA 02452

September 1, 2015

Patriot Wealth Advisors

Attn: Janet Smith, Recruiting Coordinator

5678 Main Street, Suite 2 Waltham, MA 02452

Dear Ms. Smith:

If you are unable to find a specific person to address your cover letter to, you may use “Attn: Hiring Manager” or “Attn: HR Representative”. Use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear HR Representative” as the salutation.

FIRST PARAGRAPH

▪ Why are you writing? What position are you applying to and how did you find it? If someone referred you, mention the person’s name and connection.

▪ Who are you? State your year at Bentley University and major / minor.

▪ Optional: Why do you want to work for this firm? Find something about the company that speaks to you…but not something generic, such as “your firm is one of the largest, most prominent firms in the industry”.

▪ What are you bringing to the table? Why are you in a position to benefit the organization? Highlight what you are going to discuss in the second and third paragraphs (for example: previous internship experience, coursework at Bentley, community service involvement, on-campus activities, athletics).

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Investment Research Associate position at Patriot Wealth Advisors [as advertised on the Handshake website] OR [as mentioned to me by a Managing Partner at your firm, Bob Jones]. I am a senior at Bentley University, majoring in Finance with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Patriot Wealth Advisors’ focus on sustainable investing is aligned with my personal values, and the prospect of making an impact in this field truly excites me.

I believe my previous internship experience and involvement in on-campus activities have provided me with skills that will allow me to make a valuable contribution to Patriot Wealth Advisors.

Cover Letter Writing

SECOND PARAGRAPH

▪ Use this paragraph to begin to explain how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.

▪ Identify relevant achievements, skills and/or experience, giving concrete examples.

▪ Don’t be afraid to highlight what is on your resume – but be careful not to simply repeat everything that is on it!

▪ Explain how you intend to help the employer and contribute to the organization. Show how you would “fit” with the position and organization.

▪ Make sure that the examples you use in this paragraph are consistent with what you mentioned in the last sentence of the first paragraph. For example, if you mention previous internship experience and extracurriculars in the first paragraph, those are the examples you should be using in your supporting paragraphs!

THIRD PARAGRAPH

▪ Use this paragraph to continue explaining how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.

▪ Consider addressing some of the “softer” skills highlighted in the job description (think teamwork, leadership, communication, attention to detail, time management, ability to prioritize and work well under pressure).

▪ Again, make sure that the examples you use in this paragraph are consistent with what you mentioned in the last sentence of the first paragraph.

MAKING A STRONG IMPRESSION

My previous internship experience and my involvement with the Bentley Investment Group (BIG) position me to excel as an Investment Research Associate. As a Research Intern at Fenway Asset Management, I researched and analyzed potential portfolio companies within the context of the firm’s proprietary Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework. In this role, I developed the belief that socially responsible investing can generate superior returns, which is aligned with Patriot Wealth Advisors’ philosophy. At Bentley University, I am an Assistant Team Leader for the Healthcare Sector of the Bentley Investment Group. I supervise a team of analysts in preparing stock pitches for BIG’s general members. The team conducts research using Bloomberg, FactSet, and Capital IQ, constructs DCF models and prepares comparable companies analysis. These skills would be greatly beneficial at Patriot Wealth Advisors.

I understand that a successful Investment Research Associate should be adept at time management, capable of working well under pressure, and have strong communication skills. As a member of the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team at Bentley, I devote up to 25 hours per week to practices, games and team meetings. My ability to prioritize has allowed me to balance my commitment to soccer and other extracurricular activities with my commitment to my coursework, as evidenced by my strong GPA. As the team’s captain for the upcoming year, it is critical that I communicate well with my team members and coaches to be an effective leader. I am eager to apply these skills as an Investment Research Associate.

Cover Letter Writing

CONCLUSION

▪ Indicate that your resume is attached or enclosed.

▪ State your interest in arranging an interview.

▪ Let the employer know how to reach you.

▪ Thank the employer and mention that you are looking forward to meeting with or hearing from him/her.

MAKING A STRONG IMPRESSION

Attached please find my resume. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to further discuss my qualifications and interest in the position. I can be reached at sbrady@bentley.edu or (781) 891-1234. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Your Full Name

cc: Name of Referrer (if applicable)

Attachment: Resume (optional)

Samantha Brady

cc: Bob Jones, Managing Partner

Attachment: Resume

LinkedIn

Dress for Success

Dress for Success

EMPLOYER TABLING: COME AS YOU ARE

Dress for Success

CAREER FAIRS: SMART CASUAL

Dress for Success

INTERVIEWS: BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

Informational Interviews

MAKING CONNECTIONS

One of the best ways to investigate a specific job or career is to ask questions of a professional in that field. This is called an informational interview. It can be an effective tool in your career planning process, giving you a firsthand view of a specific career field, broadening your network of contacts, enabling you to learn the current trends in the field, and assisting you in narrowing your career direction. You will find that most people are more than willing to talk about the subject at hand – their career. An effective informational interview strategy requires planning, patience and focus on your part.

OUTREACH

▪ Reach out to everyone you KNOW first; people who already know you and like you are going to be your best advocates

▪ Find professionals who are working in roles you are interested in, at companies you would like to target, or have career paths that you admire

▪ Contact professionals via LinkedIn, email, or phone; craft a concise introduction stating who you are and why you are reaching out

▪ Request a 15-30 minute meeting; in-person meetings are preferable, however, phone calls are common due to geographical and time constraints

PREPARATION

▪ Learn all that you can about the company: read its mission statement, understand its business model, and identify its key competitors

▪ Research the position of the person with whom you are meeting

▪ Understand yourself – you should be able to easily recite your experience, skills, strengths and weaknesses

▪ Plan open-ended questions; it is up to YOU to drive the conversation so you can get the information you need

▪ Arrive promptly and dress professionally, as you would for a job interview

▪ Bring a portfolio with a notepad and pen; it is perfectly acceptable to take notes

▪ Bring several copies of your resume, but only offer it if asked

SAMPLE LINKEDIN OUTREACH

Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. Jones,

I hope this note finds you well. I am a sophomore at Bentley University, majoring in Finance. I am interested in learning more about careers in financial services, specifically wealth management. I am very impressed by your career path and the organizations that you have worked for.

Please let me know if you might have 15 - 20 minutes to connect, either in person or over the phone, to share your insights. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith

(781) 555 1234

Informational Interviews

CONDUCTING THE MEETING

▪ Thank the professional for meeting with you and restate the purpose of the meeting

▪ Initiate the conversation since you are conducting the meeting: “I would like to begin by asking you….”

▪ Keep to the time limit you requested; the person may have another appointment directly after your meeting

▪ Always be at your best – even though this is not a job interview, it could lead to something later if you make a good impression

▪ Once inside the organization, look around…what kind of working environment is there – dress style, communication patterns, sense of humor, etc.? Is this a place you would want to work?

FOLLOW UP

▪ Send a thank you note within 24 hours

▪ Maintain networking contact over time when appropriate

▪ Connect with the individual via LinkedIn with a personalized invitation if appropriate

MAKING CONNECTIONS

SAMPLE THANK YOU

Dear Mr. Jones,

I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me this morning to discuss your career path and the wealth management industry.

Our conversation reinforced my interest in pursuing a summer internship in this field. As you mentioned, strong quantitative skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to superior client service are critical for success. I believe these qualifications align well with my experience and skills.

I look forward to staying in touch.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith

THE FOLLOWING ARE SAMPLE QUESTIONS THAT YOU CAN ASK A PROFESSIONAL DURING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW, BUT DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR OWN QUESTIONS. REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED FROM AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL!

Ask about the job function…

❖ Would you describe your career path for me? What kind of entry-level positions did you consider / pursue upon graduation?

❖ What are the duties performed during a typical day? Is there a set routine, or is there variety on a day-to-day basis?

❖ Do you usually work independently, or as part of a team?

❖ What aspects of the job do you find most rewarding and most frustrating?

❖ If you think about the best [name of position you’re seeking], what are three reasons why this person was excellent at their job?

❖ What certifications or licenses does the job require?

❖ What computer and software skills are needed to be successful?

❖ What are the typical hours? Does the position require travel?

Informational Interviews

CONDUCTING THE MEETING

▪ Thank the professional for meeting with you and restate the purpose of the meeting

▪ Initiate the conversation since you are conducting the meeting: “I would like to begin by asking you….”

▪ Keep to the time limit you requested; the person may have another appointment directly after your meeting

▪ Always be at your best – even though this is not a job interview, it could lead to something later if you make a good impression

▪ Once inside the organization, look around…what kind of working environment is there – dress style, communication patterns, sense of humor, etc.? Is this a place you would want to work?

FOLLOW UP

▪ Send a thank you note within 24 hours

▪ Maintain networking contact over time when appropriate

▪ Connect with the individual via LinkedIn with a personalized invitation if appropriate

MAKING CONNECTIONS

SAMPLE THANK YOU

Dear Mr. Jones,

I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me this morning to discuss your career path and the wealth management industry.

Our conversation reinforced my interest in pursuing a summer internship in this field. As you mentioned, strong quantitative skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to superior client service are critical for success. I believe these qualifications align well with my experience and skills.

I look forward to staying in touch.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith

THE FOLLOWING ARE SAMPLE QUESTIONS THAT YOU CAN ASK A PROFESSIONAL DURING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW, BUT DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR OWN QUESTIONS. REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED FROM AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL!

Ask about the job function…

❖ Would you describe your career path for me? What kind of entry-level positions did you consider / pursue upon graduation?

❖ What are the duties performed during a typical day? Is there a set routine, or is there variety on a day-to-day basis?

❖ Do you usually work independently, or as part of a team?

❖ What aspects of the job do you find most rewarding and most frustrating?

❖ If you think about the best [name of position you’re seeking], what are three reasons why this person was excellent at their job?

❖ What certifications or licenses does the job require?

❖ What computer and software skills are needed to be successful?

❖ What are the typical hours? Does the position require travel?

Informational Interviews MAKING

Ask about the industry…

CONNECTIONS

❖ What is the future outlook for the industry in general? Is the industry changing? If so, how?

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

OR, if you’re really prepared:

• I have read that A, B, and C are issues in this field. Have you found this to be true?

• I have read that there are two key trends influencing the industry – A and B. Do you agree? How do you feel about this?

Ask about the work environment…

❖ How would you describe the work environment?

❖ Could you please comment on the work-life balance in this career / industry?

❖ Are there additional obligations outside of the normal work hours?

❖ Does the company support work-from-home arrangements?

Ask about future growth / salary information…

❖ What are the most typical entry level jobs with your company / in your industry?

❖ What are opportunities for advancement? To what position? Is an advanced degree needed?

❖ What is the salary range for an entry level position? Bonus range?

❖ How often are employees reviewed and salaries adjusted?

Ask about the hiring process…

❖ What advice would you give to job seekers in terms of applying and interviewing for jobs in this industry?

❖ When do companies in this industry generally recruit / hire for entry level positions?

❖ What types of interview formats are used during the interview process?

❖ What kind of work/internship experiences do hiring managers look for in a job applicant?

❖ What transferrable skills / personal qualities do they look for?

Ask about networking…

❖ What is the best way to network in this industry?

❖ Which professional associations do you belong to?

❖ Which industry publications do you read?

Additional / follow-up questions…

❖ What do you wish someone had told you while you were still in college / starting your career?

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

❖ Are there other professionals in this field you would recommend I speak with for additional information? May I use your name when I contact them?

Got an Interview?

KEY ELEMENTS

So you have been applying to internships or jobs and you got the call or e-mail you have been waiting for saying that you have been granted an interview. How exciting and nerve wracking! What do you wear? How do you prepare? What questions are they going to ask you? How do you stand out from the other candidates that will be interviewing for the same position?

Interviews can be stressful but the more prepared you are, the better you’ll perform. Below is a list of tips to help you prepare for your interview.

Dress Professionally

Always remember when it comes to dressing for an interview, you want to dress to impress. This means wear professional attire - a suit! Even if the company is very casual, it does not mean you should be yet. Remember, the people interviewing you have the job, you don’t. For detailed information on what to wear please refer to the Undergraduate Career Development handout titled Dress for Success.

Before you go for your interview you need to know about the company and their services and products. Two very popular interview questions are “Why do you want to work for this firm?” and, “What do you know about our company?” Start with perusing the organizations’ website but don’t stop there! Read company press releases, identify their primary competitors, understand industry trends, etc. Not only will this help you gain critical knowledge about the company, but it will help you develop excellent questions for the interview. For a better understanding of how you can thoroughly research employers, please refer to the Before the Interview section of this guide

Know the Position

In addition to finding out all you can about the company, you also need to know about the position for which you are interviewing. You should be prepared to answer “Why do you want to be a ________?” If you are not able to articulate your interest in the position and why you are a great candidate, it will show! Some great resources to find out more about specific positions and industries include vault.com, glassdoor.com and the occupational outlook handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh.

Got an Interview?

KEY ELEMENTS (continued)

This might sound like a very basic tip, but know where you are going. For offcampus interviews, create a realistic plan for how you are going to get there. Too many students show up late for interviews because they underestimate the time it will take to arrive at their destination. Whether your meeting is on-campus or off, it is recommended that you arrive approximately 10 minutes early for an interview (unless otherwise stated by the employer).

Familiarize Yourself with Interview Questions

In most cases you will get a combination of different styles of interview questions including: resume, behavioral, technical and case. We will go into more depth on these questions in the Interviewing Styles and Questions section of this guide.

As with most things in life, practice makes perfect (or at least better). It is strongly recommended that you conduct a mock interview online at your convenience via Big Interview or schedule a mock interview with your Career Advisor today (to schedule an appointment call 781-891-2375 or select one through Handshake). Don’t wait until you have been granted an interview because that could be too late! Another great way to practice is to create a list of the necessary skills or qualifications to perform the job well (this can often be taken directly from the job posting). Once you have created a complete list, consider three times in which you successfully demonstrated each skill.

Prepare Well Thought Out, Intelligent Questions

Another benefit of doing your company research is that it will help you develop some great questions for the interview. Usually, your interviewer will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Always have questions (even if you asked intelligent questions throughout the interview)! We suggest preparing five questions and asking about three (use your best judgment). Keep in mind that the interview is also your time to learn things about the position and company that you couldn’t get out of your research. You can also ask them to expand on something you found out during your research. One question to stay away from is salary. With the exception of sales positions, asking about salary is a turn off and makes you look only interested in the money and not the job.

Before the Interview PREPARATION

Review the Job Description

What skills are listed as qualifications for the job? For example:

• Does the organization say they need team players?

• Someone with a strong attention to detail?

• Keen problem solvers?

• Someone with superior customer service?

Don’t have a Job Description?

Research Employer

• Think about the skills that might be necessary for the job or speak to a Career Advisor

• Demonstrating sufficient knowledge of an organization is one of the easiest ways that you can distinguish yourself from the hundreds of other students who are interviewing for the same position.

Top Ten Things You Need to Know

• What is the size and structure of the organization?

• Where are they located (headquarters and additional locations/branches)?

• What are the potential new or already existing products and services?

• What is the management philosophy and style?

• What types of training and development programs are offered?

• What are the current industry trends and issues?

• How does this firm distinguish itself from its major competitors?

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the position for which you are interviewing?

• What is the typical promotional path?

• Has the firm been mentioned in any recent publications (i.e., newspapers, magazines, press releases, etc.)?

Before the Interview PREPARATION (continued)

Conducting Research How do you get the answers to the questions on the previous page?

• Perusing the company website

• Join the Bentley University Community LinkedIn group and to connect with fellow alumni who can provide you with critical information

• Additional online resources: Vault, Glassdoor, Library Databases, and Trading Room Resources

• Consult a Career Coach or Reference Librarian if you need assistance

Practice

• Reflect on your experiences that tie into the skills / qualifications the employer is seeking

• Practice your answers to sample questions (available in the Interview Styles and Questions section of this guide) – this can be done with a friend, family member, roommate, Career Advisor, by yourself, or through Big Interview

Interviewing Styles & Questions STYLES

Have you ever wondered what attributes employers look for in candidates and how they can evaluate if a candidate is right for the job? After polling on-campus recruiters in a variety of industries we learned that the five most sought after competencies include: communication skills, leadership skills, problem solving skills, team player and fit. So how do they know who has these skills and who doesn’t? They know by conducting an interview.

Generally speaking there are four main styles of interviewing: behavioral, resume-based, technical and case. The secret to successfully mastering any or all of the styles is ample preparation. Before entering any interviewing scenario, be sure that you have researched the company; can confidently articulate your strengths, weaknesses, goals and achievements; conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times; and ask thoughtful, intelligent questions that demonstrate your knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the company and position.

Note: It is not unusual for an interviewer to use one or more of these approaches during an interview.

Interviewing Styles & Questions BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS

Behavioral interviewing is one of the most common techniques used by employers. The basic premise is that “past behavior predicts future success”. Therefore, interviewers will be asking you to detail specific moments in which you demonstrated a particular skill or competency that they have deemed critical for success within their organization. Using the STAR technique, outlined below, you will be able to develop well thought out, specific, results oriented examples. With practice and preparation, the behavioral interview should be your best opportunity to shine. Don’t forget to smile and have some fun with it.

Situation ▪ Describe the context in which you performed a job or faced a challenge

▪ Make your examples specific

▪ Examples can be sourced from many areas of your life, including: work, internships, extracurricular activities, athletic teams, course projects, community service, and more

▪ Use a variety of settings for the examples you pick – don’t go back to the same well for every example!

Task ▪ Describe your responsibility in that situation

Action ▪ Detail your behavior of the actions you took to resolve the situation

▪ Be sure that your role is clear and significant

Result ▪ Share the outcome or the results of the situation

▪ Many students struggle to communicate the results piece, so if you effectively prepare and include this in your response, it can help set you apart

Interviewing Styles & Questions BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS (continued)

Let’s practice! Below you will find a sample Behavioral Interview question with a basic response, followed by what you can do to make it better!

Give me an example of a time in which you felt you were able to motivate a group.

The typical response…

I have always considered myself a leader and have been fortunate enough to assume many leadership roles. In fact, a number of my teammates on the football team have said what a great leader I am and just last week my coach pulled me aside to tell me what a great job I have been doing.

A better response…

As a member of my college’s football team, I know what it means to motivate a group. For example, last October our team was experiencing a losing season. Many of my teammates had become frustrated with our poor results and were on the verge of giving up. I knew we could turn things around if we were a bit more focused. I called an impromptu team meeting and spoke to the group about all the various things we could do to begin to make a difference. Together we came up with a plan; we would extend our practices by ½ hour every evening in order to improve our conditioning. The results were amazing, it really made a difference. We never lost a game after that meeting!

Interviewing Styles & Questions BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

We asked recruiters seeking Bentley University students to list the key skills they were looking for in their interns and entry-level hires. Here are sample questions for the top five competencies (in no particular order) in addition to some questions focused on flexibility/adaptability you might expect during your interview.

Communication Skills (Oral and Written)

▪ Give me an example of a time when you were successful in communicating with a difficult person(s) or circumstance.

▪ Describe the most significant written report that you had to complete.

▪ Give me an example of a time when you communicated with Senior Level Executives.

▪ Tell me about a time when you were able to use persuasion to convince someone to see things your way.

Leadership Skills

▪ Give me an example of a time you have placed yourself in a leadership position. How might you have improved your role?

▪ Give me an example of a time when a group you were leading failed/did not meet expectations.

▪ Tell me about a difficult decision you have made in the last year.

Problem Solving Skills

▪ Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.

▪ Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem with very little guidance or direction.

▪ Walk me through the most complex problem you have experienced to date.

▪ How did you decide to go to Bentley University?

Team Player

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

▪ Tell me about a time when you put the needs of a group before your own when completing a task.

▪ Tell me about a time when a willingness to share your knowledge significantly enhanced an outcome or decision.

Interviewing Styles & Questions BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (continued)

Flexibility/ Adaptability

▪ Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

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

▪ Give me an example of a time when you had two important projects competing for your time.

▪ Give me an example of a time when you were forced to change your negotiating position midway in order to achieve an objective.

Personality and Fit

▪

What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

▪ Describe your ideal job.

▪ Where do you see yourself in three to five years?

▪ What type of management style do you thrive under?

▪ When you are not studying or working, what types of activities do you enjoy?

Interviewing Styles & Questions RESUME-BASED INTERVIEWS

The best way to ace a resume-based interview is to follow these simple suggestions:

Know Your Resume

Inside and Out

Be sure that you can confidently speak to each and every point. Numerous students cite various achievements or volunteer work on their resume but, when pressed, cannot expand upon these experiences. Have a short anecdote or explanation for every bullet point and never, ever, list something on your resume that you cannot effectively expand upon.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Many of the questions you will be asked will seem very conversational in nature. Be ready for such ambiguous statements as, “Tell me a little bit about yourself.” (You will find some suggestions on the next page on how to attack this tricky question.) Think hard about how you want to approach such questions. Test yourself. Are your responses a bit long? Do you go off on tangents? Are you boring even yourself with your response? Have you taken full advantage of these opportunities to sell yourself?

Always Remain Positive

Even if you had to make a million copies at your last internship, when asked, “Tell me about your previous internship experiences”, turn it into a positive. Be enthusiastic, talk about your past work experience with energy. Resume-based interviews are geared toward determining one’s communication skills, attitude, competence and “fit” within the company, as well as one’s skills and abilities.

Ask Questions

By thoroughly researching the company in advance and listening well during the interview itself, you should be able to ask some thoughtful, intelligent questions. Don’t wait until the end of the interview. Feel free to raise points or ask questions throughout, as appropriate. A good resume-based interview should feel like a dialogue between you and the interviewer.

Interviewing Styles & Questions

RESUME-BASED INTERVIEWS (continued)

How do you approach one of the hardest interview question out there? “Tell me a little about yourself” seems like such a harmless question, but it is an important question that may make or break your conversation. See below for some tips on how to make the right lasting impression.

Your response should:

▪ Be concise and enthusiastic

▪ Show off who you are

▪ Highlight your expertise

▪ Tell them why you’re there

Your response should NOT:

▪ Regurgitate your resume

▪ Be too modest and vague

▪ Be too casual

▪ Result in you asking the interviewer to clarify what they are really looking for

▪ Share too much personal information

Reminders:

▪ Practice, practice, practice!

▪ Your answer to this question is your lasting first impression

▪ Do your research on the company / position to ensure you are highlighting your most important skills / experience

Interviewing Styles & Questions

SAMPLE QUESTIONS:

RESUME-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

▪ Tell me a little about yourself. (Hint: keep it brief no more than a minute or two)

▪ What do you know about the company, our products or services?

▪ Why are you interested in this job and, conversely, why should we be interested in you?

▪ Why should I hire you?

▪ What are your favorite/least favorite classes? Why? (Hint: remember to always stay positive, even when discussing your least favorite classes)

▪ What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job?

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

▪ What is your GPA? Do you think it reflects your abilities? Why?

▪ What are your three greatest strengths and/or weaknesses?

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

▪ What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?

▪ Do you have any questions for me? (Hint: you should have a minimum of three, see the Asking Questions section of this guide for some examples)

▪ What are your salary requirements? (Hint: if you don’t know, speak with a Career Advisor prior to the interview)

Interviewing Styles & Questions TECHNICAL INTERVIEWS

Technical interviews involve testing the applicant on systems knowledge or processes necessary to be successful in the position. Although most popular in the IT field, technical questions can also come up in a variety of other fields as well. Oftentimes, you will find that the technical interview will be employed in conjunction with a resume-based interview or behavioral interview. See below for some suggestions on how you can best prepare for this unique interviewing experience.

Be honest If you say you know Java, can you prove it? If you say you have network administration experience, can you talk an interviewer through the process of setting up a mailbox and giving multiple users access to it? Be prepared to answer questions about how to build a particular application or tackle a specific problem. If you don’t know the answer say it. It is not unusual for an interviewer to ask a difficult question that no student could reasonably answer. Simply respond that you do not know but list the various avenues you might pursue to figure it out.

Technical Questions Because technical questions are so specific to the position itself, it is difficult to list sample questions that you could expect to receive. We recommend that you thoroughly review the job description and any responsibilities that might be included in the description. Check out the company’s website to see if it can provide additional insight into the requirements of the position. Once you have greater clarity around the necessary skills, create your own questions and work with your Career Advisor to determine the types of questions you might receive.

Interviewing Styles & Questions CASE INTERVIEWS

Typically used within the consulting or banking fields, the case interview is becoming more popular in a wide variety of organizations. The case interview involves you being presented with a business problem that mimics what you might encounter in a real-life work situation or in many cases, a brain teaser or game of logic. They ask case questions to determine self confidence, discover the interviewee’s personality and to see if problem solving is something you enjoy. Here are some tips on how to approach these questions.

Work slowly but surely. Don’t respond with the first thing that comes to your head. Wait, consider the question, take and refer to your notes, and feel free to ask questions if something needs clarification.

Answer the question that was asked.

It may be helpful to summarize the question or verify with the interviewer the crux of the question asked before even beginning. From there, formulate your strategy and framework.

Demonstrate a logical thought process.

This is one of the few times in life where it is okay to give the wrong answer. In many cases, the interviewer may not even know the “right” answer. Instead, it is critical that your response appear logical, thoughtful and articulate. Always summarize your findings and recommendations so that your reply contains a clear beginning, middle and ending.

The devil is in the details. Do your best not to go off on tangents. Take cues from your interviewer, do they need more information or less? They will often warn you if you are headed in the wrong direction. When using numbers (and you should always use numbers) make them even numbers thereby allowing you to do the math more quickly and easily.

Relax and have fun with it. Remember, the business problem you are given will often mimic a real-life work situation. If you aren’t enjoying the case interview, one might think you won’t enjoy the job. Don’t forget to smile!

Interviewing Styles & Questions CASE

Key Publications

INTERVIEWS (continued)

The following resources have wonderful samples and tips on how to successfully respond to a case question. Make sure you utilize these in your preparation!

Key Websites

In addition to the publications above, the following websites provide invaluable information as well:

• www.casequestions.com

• BCG.com

• Bain.com

• McKinsey.com

• https://careeredge.bentley.edu/resources

• Marc Cosentino Workshop Video

• How to Ace the Case Interview with Vistaprint workshop

Interviewing Styles & Questions ASKING QUESTIONS

By thoroughly researching the company in advance and listening well during the interview itself, you should be able to ask some thoughtful, intelligent questions. Don’t wait until the end of the interview. Feel free to raise points or ask questions throughout, as appropriate.

In addition to the thoughtful questions you prepared through your research, below are some additional questions you could consider asking:

▪ Do you mind if I take a few notes during our conversation?

▪ What kind of skills or attributes are you seeking in a candidate?

▪ What kind of assignments might I expect in the first six months on the job?

▪ How is performance measured?

▪ What is the retention rate of people in this position?

▪ What type of training is provided?

▪ What is the culture of the firm?

▪ What do you like best / least about working for the company? or, How did you ultimately decide to work for this firm?

▪ What is the greatest challenge facing your office / staff today?

▪ Is travel involved or expected with this position?

▪ What characteristics do the highest achievers in this company seem to share?

▪ What makes your organization different from your competitors?

It is totally appropriate to ask questions during interviews or other interactions to assess their organizations’ DEI priority commitment. See below for some examples given by Chelsea C. Williams, founder and CEO of College Code:

▪ How does your organization define diversity? What lenses of diversity has your organization made a direct commitment toward?

▪ Does your organization have a chief diversity officer (CDO) or a designated leader to drive DEI and engage internal and external stakeholders?

▪ What social causes does your organization support?

(Continues on page 60)

Interviewing Styles & Questions ASKING QUESTIONS (continued)

DEI Questions (continued):

▪ Does your organization actively support diverse suppliers, contractors, and small businesses?

▪ Has your organization made any formal commitments in support of racial equity?

▪ How does your organization center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?

▪ Does your organization offer any formal employee training around biases, anti-racism, or general DEI?

▪ How has your organization prioritized executive accountability toward DEI advancement?

▪ Does your organization have any affinity groups or committees to support diverse populations? If so, how do these groups contribute to the culture of the organization?

▪ Does your organization complete annual compensation equity analysis?

▪ What resources has your organization provided to its employees in support of COVID-19 and racial injustices?

There is one final question that must be asked before the interview ends if it hasn’t already been covered:

▪ What are the next steps?

Asking this final question will allow you to reiterate your interest in the opportunity and give you a guideline as to when you should be hearing back from the employer. Don’t leave the interview without this information!

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

PHONE INTERVIEWS

Yes, phone interviews can be awkward, but they are a useful tool for an employer hoping to narrow down a large pool of applicants, simplify the recruiting process for an out-of-town candidate, or minimize expenses for their organization. Your goal, simply put, is to convince the employer that you are a candidate worth advancing to the next round. See below for tips on how to properly prepare for before, during and after a phone interview.

Before ▪ Research the company and the position. Make sure you can expertly respond to the question, “why are you interested in my company and why this position.”

▪ Take a test run! Have a friend, family member, or an advisor within our office, conduct a mock interview over the phone are you speaking too loudly? too softly? Are your words being clearly understood? This small bit of preparation can go a long way to help you enhance your phone interview.

▪ Just as you would for a face-to-face interview, practice your responses to “typical” questions. For a list of sample questions, see our Interviewing Styles and Questions section of this guide.

▪ Clear your area of any distractions; this means your friends, loud music, TV, etc.

▪ Pour yourself a glass of water to keep nearby in case your mouth gets dry.

During ▪ Don’t worry if, at times, the conversation feels awkward or a bit stilted. This is to be expected and the recruiter certainly understands the complexities involved with a phone interview.

▪ It is not uncommon for both parties to begin speaking at the same time. If this happens, simply say excuse me and invite the interviewer to continue.

▪ Be enthusiastic. You cannot use your expressions, body language, or eye contact to show your interest, so you will have to do this through your words. Sometimes, the simple act of standing up and smiling during your conversation can be extremely helpful.

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

PHONE INTERVIEWS (continued)

During (continued) ▪ Don’t ramble! The conversation should feel like a dialogue with you, the interviewee, speaking slightly more than the interviewer.

▪ Try to avoid words like um, uh, like, you know, and okay.

▪ Have a pen and paper handy to take notes. Information to gather might be: skills or attributes the company is seeking, a more detailed job description, and training and development programs.

▪ If you receive another incoming call during the conversation, do not answer it.

▪

Just as you would in a face-to-face interview, be sure to ask approximately three thoughtful questions at the end of the conversation. For a list of appropriate questions, please refer to the Asking Questions page in this guide.

▪ Upon completion of the conversation, thank the interviewer for his or her time and reiterate your keen interest in the position. Make sure you have acquired the name (along with proper spelling), title and email address of the interviewer so that you may later send a timely thank you note.

▪ Be sure that you are clear on what happens next. This can be as simple as your inquiring, “Can you please let me know what the next steps in the process will be?”

After ▪ Once the interview is finished, take notes about what you were asked and your various responses. This will give you a chance to refine and practice your answers for future interviews.

▪ Follow up with a thank you note (grammatically correct and absent of any misspellings) reiterating your interest in the job along with some of your key qualities.

▪ This note should be sent within 24 hours of your interview. See the Thank You Note handout for tips and suggestions

Reminders ▪ If you have started applying for opportunities, you should always be prepared for in impromptu phone interview.

▪ Practice, practice, practice!

▪ Make sure that your voicemail on your phone is short, concise and professional.

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS

You may use Zoom or FaceTime with friends and family, but have you thought about how the process may be different if you are using it for professional reasons? Zooming for interviewing and/or networking is extremely common now due to the pandemic; you need to be prepared. Read on for the Dos and Don’ts and helpful techniques to use to set yourself apart from others.

Complete a trial run a few days before the real interview with a friend on the other end to give you feedback.

▪ Ask your friend to take on the role of the interviewer and ask you some questions. Once completed, ask whether you were speaking too fast or slow, loud or soft, how you looked, if you made good eye contact, etc. Pay attention to your environment.

▪ Sitting at a desk or table with a neutral background is ideal. You want to make sure there are no inappropriate items or clutter behind you. Remember lighting is a factor as well. Place a light in front of you instead of in back so the interviewer gets a better image of your face. Dress appropriately.

▪ Dress like you would for an actual interview. At the very least, dress from the waist up. Keep other programs on your computer closed.

▪ Getting an alert from a new email or message in the middle of the interview is considered impolite and distracting. Instead of turning the alerts off, close the programs entirely. That way you will ensure no distractions. Placing your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode or leaving it in a different room will also reduce distractions.

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

Pretend like this is a trial run for the actual interview…it’s not!

▪ Treat a virtual interview with the same preparation and respect you would for a face-to-face interview.

Choose a noisy environment to hold the interview.

▪ Yes, coffee shops have a great (and free) internet connection. However, if the environment is so noisy that the interviewer cannot hear you and is distracted by the background commotion, then it is not a good choice. Also, if conducting the interview in a residence hall or apartment, make sure your roommate(s) know when you are having the interview.

Look at yourself on the screen.

▪ You wouldn’t look at yourself in a face-to-face interview so don’t do it now. Demonstrate good eye contact by alternating from looking at the webcam and the interviewer’s face. If you find yourself being distracted by your own image, cover it. Leave everything to the last minute.

▪ Interviewers can tell whether you have been rushing to find an outfit, running to get to a good internet connection or if you are ill prepared. Lay your outfit out the night before, have the things you need ready to go and plan a place ahead of time for the interview (most of all, make sure the place is available)!

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

▪ Actively listen Since you are not physically in the office, it is easy to get distracted by your surroundings. Give periodic clues that you are still there and stay in tune to what they are saying.

▪ Know who is calling whom.

▪ Smile and use good posture.

▪ Have everything you might need right in front of you this includes your resume, a notepad and pen, a cover letter and/or any other writing documents they may ask for.

▪ MAKE SURE YOUR LAPTOP IS CHARGED AND INTERNET CONNECTION IS STRONG.

▪ Follow up with a “Thank you” remember, this is a real interview, and you want to make a great lasting impression!

If you are studying abroad, you may have a higher chance of conducting interviews virtually. You will have even more things to keep in mind while preparing even BEFORE you leave the States.

▪ Pack at least one professional attire outfit to take with you for the semester if you plan on interviewing there or virtually.

▪ Make note of the time zones! If the interview is set for 1PM their time, know what time it will be where you are located.

▪ It is more likely to have a bad connection from overseas. Keep your laptop plugged in instead of going wireless.

▪ Plan for technological difficulties. It is okay to tell the interviewer that you found the best possible internet connection but there is still a chance that the connection may be lost. Most of all, HAVE A PLAN B!

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

SECOND ROUND INTERVIEWS

Candidates who are being seriously considered for a position are frequently invited for a second interview. If a company representative considers you to be a qualified candidate for employment, an invitation to continue with the process will be extended. You will either receive a telephone call or email inviting you to schedule a second interview.

The Opportunity

Since the second interview is used to measure mutual fit, you should prepare yourself to become more integrally involved in the interview process. We recommend that you ask more specific questions regarding the department, your potential role within the organization, etc.

Expenses

Some invitations to a second round can include expenses; this is primarily true for those candidates traveling out of town or great distances for the interview. If the invitation does not mention expenses, contact the employer for clarification. Most employers pay all reasonable expenses incurred on visits, yet the company will expect you to use good judgment in reporting your expenses. Keep records for transportation, food and lodging. If you are planning to visit more than one employer on the same trip, inform each of them and they will assist you in prorating your expenses. The following items are not considered to be normal expenses: entertainment, tours, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, magazines, valet expenses, flight insurance and excessive tips.

Preparation Researching the company should include speaking to someone who works for the company or someone who has done business with or is in competition with the company. This inside information will help you in the second interview. Be sure you understand the business, its mission, goals, business philosophy and management style. For more information regarding preparation, please refer to the Before the Interview section of this guide.

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

The Interview

SECOND ROUND INTERVIEWS (continued)

The office visit could be conducted in much of the same way as your initial interview. Other possibilities include a panel interview, in which a group of people ask you questions, or you may be expected to interview with several people individually. Second interviews can vary in length from half an hour to a full day of interviews and could also involve tours and meals with a variety of company employees. Talking to all these people can be draining, so be prepared to stay energized throughout the day.

Business Etiquette

It is not unusual to be taken out to lunch or even dinner as part of your second interview. At such events it is essential to remember and practice everything you ever learned about table manners. Here are some basic guidelines:

▪ Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages (even if invited).

▪ Order something that is easy to eat (avoid spaghetti, juicy hamburgers, etc.) and which is moderately priced.

▪ Put your napkin on your lap prior to beginning your meal.

▪ If you are confused as to which fork to use, generally speaking, you should work your way from the outside in. And remember, “BMW” which is the abbreviation for bread, meal, water. This means your bread plate is on the left, your water glass etc. is on the right, with your meal in between.

▪ Remember, even though your luncheon host may not be your potential supervisor (he or she may even be a recent college grad), you are still being evaluated and sized up for a correct "fit" with the organization. You should view the meal as an extension of the interview.

Testing

Some employers may ask you to take a series of tests. At this stage, employers are interested in how well you might fit in with the organization. These tests will generally be objective in nature, and often provide information about your aptitudes, general intelligence, interests or personality. They are legal assuming all candidates are asked to take the test. Answer the questions honestly, not how you think they might want you to answer.

Additional Interview Preparation Tips

Thank You Letter

SECOND ROUND INTERVIEWS (continued)

• Timeliness is everything! As a general rule of thumb, set a goal of sending a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview.

• Always send a thank you note to individuals with whom you have interviewed. If more than one person interviewed you, send a personalized note to each individual. Interviewers may share your thank you note, so don’t simply copy/paste the same text.

• Proofread your note before sending. Correct spelling and proper grammar are a must.

• For more tips and suggestions, refer to our Thank You Notes handout.

Interviewing Tips

▪ Offer new information. If you talked about your experiences and accomplishments the first time, now talk briefly about your ideas. You want the interviewer to know more about you, just as you want to learn more about the organization.

▪ Join the Bentley University Community LinkedIn group. This group enables you to access the professional knowledge and experience of your fellow alumni. You will be able to: Build professional relationships with alumni that can help you get your foot in the door at top-tier organizations in your specific field of interest. Get the real scoop on what internships and fulltime jobs are like at organizations across the country and throughout the world. Be better prepared for interviews by learning the types of questions companies ask in a first, second or final round of interviews.

▪ Ask more specific questions. What questions must you have answered before you can make an informed choice? (If you can't think of any, you're not thinking deeply enough).

Resources

REFERENCE MATERIALS AND INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work within an industry, company, or profession and how to position yourself to launch and build the career you want. Access through CareerEdge (https://careeredge.bentley.edu/resources) and create an account using your bentley.edu email address. This will allow you to access and download their invaluable guides for free!

Glassdoor.com is one of the fastest growing jobs and recruiting sites. They hold a growing database of millions of company reviews, CEO approval ratings, salary reports, interview reviews and questions, benefits reviews, office photos and more. Unlike other jobs sites, all of this information is entirely shared by those who know a company best the employees. Add to that, millions of the latest jobs no other site allows you to see which employers are hiring, what it's really like to work or interview there according to employees, and how much you could earn.

LinkedIn believes that “finding the right job begins with your connections.” Join LinkedIn, not only to view their job postings, but to connect with Bentley alumni through the Bentley University Community group. These connections can help you to learn more about organizations in which you are interested in pursuing internships and/or full time jobs.

Resources

Practice whenever, wherever. Big Interview is a great tool to record, review, retry and practice interviewing at your own pace while seeing and hearing yourself online. Don’t miss out on this great resource!

https://bentley.biginterview.com/

REFERENCE MATERIALS AND INTERVIEW PREPARATION (continued)

Thank You Notes

Thank You Notes

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION

Is writing a thank you note after an interview really necessary? YES, definitely! Writing a thank you note is an extremely important way to bring closure to the interview process. It is another opportunity to sell yourself, and it may be the last impression the employer will have of you before making their final decision, so make the note thoughtful. A well-crafted thank you note can help you stand out from other candidates.

Thank You Note Tips

▪ Timeliness is everything! As a general rule of thumb, set a goal of sending a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview.

▪ Always send a thank you note to individuals with whom you have interviewed. If more than one person interviewed you, send a personalized note to each individual. Interviewers may share your thank you note, so don’t simply copy/paste the same text.

▪ Keep it brief. Your note should be no more than 2-3 short paragraphs.

▪ Ask for a business card at the end of the interview. It is difficult to send a thank you note if you do not have the interviewer’s contact information.

▪ Proofread your note before sending. Correct spelling and proper grammar are a must.

Email or Handwritten Note?

▪ Is your penmanship neat and legible? If not, opt for an email thank you note.

▪ Do you realistically have time to buy notecards, write the note, buy stamps, and drop the note in the mail? How long will it take for the note(s) to reach the interviewer(s)? Remember, timeliness is everything!

❖ HINT: Bring notecards with you to the interview. After the interview, step out of the office, write the note(s), then hand deliver to the office receptionist.

❖ HINT: Send an email thank you note within 24 hours to ensure timely delivery, and then follow up with a handwritten note.

▪ If you send a handwritten note, use a plain, light-colored note card.

▪ If you send an email note, include a relevant subject line (i.e. “Thank you from Sarah Smith”).

Thank You Note Guidelines

▪ Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you (politeness goes a long way)!

▪ Remind the individual when the interview took place and for what position you interviewed.

▪ Reiterate your interest in the position, and mention some specific details about the company or the position that were discussed during the interview (this will also highlight your listening skills).

▪ Tie your qualifications and interests back to the position.

▪ Reiterate your interest in follow-up and/or next steps.

THANK YOU

Dear Ms. Jones:

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the Internal Audit internship.

My interest in the position has grown after our discussion about the intensive two-week training period and the wide variety of clients that the firm serves. I am confident that my accounting coursework at Bentley and my previous internship with Williams CPAs have prepared me well for this role. I am also particularly impressed by the formal mentorship program that the company recently launched and would take full advantage of the opportunity to be mentored by a senior partner.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Sarah Smith

All About Offers

All About Offers EVALUATE

& NAVIGATE PROFESSIONALLY

So your phone rings and the person on the line gives you the big news that you’ve been waiting for…you’ve received your first job or internship offer! Very exciting. When you receive an offer, you may have a number of questions: How should I evaluate an offer? Should I negotiate? How do I accept an offer? How do I decline an offer? How do I ask for an extension? Offers should be handled with careful consideration, and the Pulsifer Undergraduate Career Development Center is here to help support and guide your decision-making process. Below are some tips to help you evaluate and navigate offers thoughtfully and professionally.

RECEIVING AN OFFER

Employers typically extend an offer verbally, highlighting key details such as position title and compensation. A package of information will then follow, and it generally includes an official offer letter and additional information about the benefits package for full-time positions (i.e., health and dental benefits, 401(k) programs, vacation/sick time, etc.). You can expect that upon receiving the offer you will be asked to respond by a certain date. The time you are allotted varies by company; some are very flexible, allowing you several weeks to decide, others will offer you just a few days. We would strongly caution you against accepting an offer “on the spot”, and it would be highly questionable if a company expected you to do so.

When given a verbal offer, thank the employer for their interest in you, express enthusiasm about the position, and note that you would appreciate time to carefully consider the offer. For example: “Thank you very much for the offer. I am excited about the [XYZ position] and the opportunity to work for [company name]. I look forward to receiving the written offer, and I would appreciate the opportunity to evaluate it thoroughly before making a final decision.”

EVALUATING AN OFFER

Evaluate your offer in terms of TOTAL COMPENSATION (SALARY + BENEFITS)! A generous benefits package equals extra dollars in your pocket! Let’s break down the components of an offer package…

Offer Letter and Salary

The offer letter outlines basic information, such as your position title and location, expected start date, conditions of employment (i.e. completion of a successful background check and drug test) and salary. Most likely, the first thing your eyes search for is the salary figure. In your offer letter, your salary may be stated as an annual, monthly or hourly figure. But there’s so much more to know, which may or may not be clearly outlined in your offer letter. Make sure you understand the following:

▪ Is the company offering a one-time signing or relocation bonus?

▪ What is the timing of salary adjustments?

▪ Are you eligible for an annual bonus? If so, this may be stated as a dollar range, or as a percentage range of salary. What is the bonus based on – individual performance, divisional performance, firmwide performance, a combination?

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

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

All About Offers EVALUATE

Health, Dental, Vision

& NAVIGATE PROFESSIONALLY

▪ What types of plans does the employer offer? Through which providers?

▪ How much does the employer contribute to the cost of each plan vs. how much is the employee responsible for?

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

Retirement Plans

▪ What type of plan is offered?

▪ How soon can you begin contributing and when are you fully vested?

▪ Does the employer match a percentage of the employee contribution?

Vacation Time / Sick Time / Holidays

▪ How many days or weeks of vacation / sick time do you have each year? Does this increase over time? (Vacation / Sick Time may be grouped together and referred to as Paid Time Off “PTO”).

▪ How long until you can use it? Can it be rolled over, or is it on a “use it or lose it” basis?

▪ Does the company follow a standard holiday schedule?

Tuition Assistance / Reimbursement

▪ Under what circumstances might this apply?

▪ Are there dollar limits or limits on the number of courses per year?

▪ Is reimbursement grade dependent (i.e. you must earn a B or better to be fully reimbursed)?

Life Insurance

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

NEGOTIATING AN OFFER

Let’s face it, salary negotiations are nerve wracking! Most job seekers feel anxious and uncomfortable when the time comes to discuss salaries. Consider the below before broaching the subject with a potential employer…

Are salaries really negotiable?

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

If you decide to negotiate, here is what you need to know…

▪ Understand the market and have a number in mind. Don’t be surprised if the employer responds with:

“What salary did you have in mind?” Do your research! What did last year’s Bentley graduates earn (on average)? What are competitors paying for comparable roles? See your Career Advisor, network with current and past employees in the company, and review salary data online to determine a reasonable salary range.

All About Offers EVALUATE & NAVIGATE PROFESSIONALLY

▪ Be able to concisely articulate why you deserve more. Cite market figures, prior work experience, advanced degrees or certifications, competitive offers, cost of living, etc. Having a good GPA or being a hard worker is just not enough.

▪ Be confident, not arrogant. Calmly and reasonably articulate your concerns regarding the salary. For example:

“Thank you so much for the offer of employment. I am excited about the opportunity to work for [XYZ company]. As you know, I have over two years of relevant experience at a direct competitor, which I believe is an advantage over other entry-level candidates. Also, the average starting salary for Bentley students who accepted similar positions last year was $XX, so I was expecting something in the range of $XX - $XX+. Is salary something that we could spend a moment discussing?

Or:

“I am so pleased to have received an offer of employment and am strongly considering joining your firm. However, I have received an offer from a competitor that is for $3,000 more. I funded a great deal of my education on my own and being able to pay back my student loans while also comfortably managing the cost of living in New York is something that is weighing on my mind. I was wondering if there is any room for negotiation regarding the offer you extended.”

▪ Don’t play hardball. The last thing you want is to leave a bad taste in the employer’s mouth. Remember, you may wind up working with this person in the future. If you do not get what you asked for, remain polite and professional. Thank the employer for their consideration and let them know that you will get back to him/her once you have made your final decision.

ACCEPTING AN OFFER

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

DECLINING AN OFFER

When turning down an offer, it is critical that you do it in a timely, thoughtful and professional manner. This allows the employer to move forward with other candidates. We recommend that you call the employer personally and briefly detail the factors that led to your decision. You should not leave this as a voicemail or send it in an email. Make sure you at a time that you may actually reach the recruiter. Flatter the the process whenever possible. For example:

“Thank you very much for your offer of employment. After a great deal of consideration, I have decided to decline the offer. This was difficult decision for me as I was impressed with everyone I met. I have decided that a smaller organization might be a better fit for at this time. I wish you the best of luck in your recruiting process thank you again for the opportunity to meet with you.”

All About Offers EVALUATE

ASKING FOR AN EXTENSION

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

& NAVIGATE PROFESSIONALLY

Sound familiar? This is one of the most common situations that students face. Your first course of action is to call Company Y and see if there is any way they can expedite their recruiting process. Some firms will be flexible (to a point) if they can. It is important to note that, if you have asked a company to see you early, you must, in turn, be flexible with them. That is, you must be available on whatever alternative date and time they suggest.

But what if Company Y says there is no way they can see you early? Your next course of action is to call Company X and ask for an extension. Company X will certainly know that you are considering other organizations but it is not an uncommon request. First, ask for the extension without providing any additional information, “I am calling in hopes that you might grant me an extension on my offer”. In a perfect world they will simply respond to your request by answering either yes or no and not ask for additional information. If they say yes, thank them and offer a timeframe for when they might realistically expect to hear from you. If they say no, thank them and let them know they can expect to hear from you prior to the original deadline. If they ask why you need an extension (and most will), simply explain that you are currently interviewing with one other organization and that you would like to see the process through to completion. Again, this is not an easy conversation to have, but rest assured, you will not be the first student who has made this request.

RENEGING ON AN OFFER

You accepted an offer with Company A. Weeks later, Company B calls and extends you an offer. You are torn. You accepted with Company A but Company B is your “dream job”, what do you do? While you are not legally required to join an organization after accepting an offer (nor are they legally obligated to fulfill their offer of employment), it is very unprofessional to renege on an offer and, if you do, you will most likely sever all future relationships with that organization and perhaps other organizations as well. In the end, the decision is yours to make and admittedly it is a very difficult one.

NOTE: We strongly encourage you to seek the additional advice of a Career Advisor regarding any of the topics discussed above. We recognize that every situation is different and it may be that you have extenuating circumstances that are not mentioned in any of the scenarios we have reviewed above.

All About Offers EVALUATE & NAVIGATE PROFESSIONALLY

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHEN CONSIDERING AN OFFER, THINK ABOUT WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU…

▪ Money. Starting salary, signing and/or relocation bonus, annual bonus, overtime, commission, timing of salary adjustment(s), average annual percentage increase.

▪ Benefits. Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Retirement Plan, Vacation Time / Sick Time / Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, Maternity Leave, etc.

▪ Location and cost of living. Would you prefer to work in Downtown Boston or Manhattan? Will you live right in the city, or in a surrounding suburb? Would you be willing to accept a lower salary to work closer to home and save on rent? Is it important to be near family, friends?

▪ Commute. How will you get to work? Will you be close enough to walk? Will you need to drive? Parking in major cities is a huge expense! Are you able to take public transportation? If so, how much is a monthly pass? How long will it take you to get to/from work each day?

▪ Professional Development and Training. What types of opportunities are offered, and how often? Is there a mentorship program?

▪ Career Pathing. What is the typical career path? What are the potential opportunities for advancement?

▪ Interest. Do you love the job? Are you going to enjoy what you’re doing on a daily basis? Are you going to be challenged?

▪ Culture. Do you enjoy the people around you? Are you prepared to spend 40+ hours per week with them? Do you know and agree with the firm’s mission statement? Does the company have a strong presence in the local community?

▪ Company and Industry trends. What are the company’s growth projections? Where is the industry headed?

▪ Women/Diversity Friendly. Has the company been recognized as a place that embraces women and minorities?

▪ Work/Life Balance. How many hours will you be working? Is travel involved?