Career Development Guidebook by mvilleCCD

Career Development Guidebook

CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT 2

PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE 31

Our Location Career Counseling Services Workshops & Events Student Resources Internships Credit Bearing Internships Non-Credit Internships Employment Opportunities Alumni Resources

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Types of Professional Correspondence The Cover Letter Cover Letter Template Internship Cover Letter Full-Time Position Cover Letter Writing Samples Thank-You Letters Sample Thank You Letter Reference List Sample

CAREER EXPLORATION

Self-Assessment Finding Your Career

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CHOOSING & APPLYING TO PROFESSIONAL OR GRADUATE SCHOOL

SKILL DEVELOPMENT & JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES 9 Identifying & Researching Employers Finding Opportunities On Campus Recruiting Job Search Methods

NETWORKING & PERSONAL BRANDING What Is Networking? In-Person Networking Online Networking Maintaining Your Networks Career Fairs and Targeted Events Informational Interviewing Personal Branding Through a Powerful Online Presence

RESUMES & CVS Resume Overview Resume Format Build Your Bullet Points Action Verbs Target Your Resume to the Job First-Year Student Transfer Student Student Athlete Communications and Media Student International Studies Student Computer Science Student Theater Student Art History Student Curriculum Vitae (CV) Overview Converting a Resume to CV

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Is graduate school right for me? Graduate School Timeline The Personal Statement Letter of Recommendation

INTERVIEWING What is an Interview? Interview Preparation Sample Questions Industry Specific Questions Types of Interviews Types of Questions Case Interviews: At a Glance Academic Interviews Questions for the Interviewer Illegal Interview Questions Before the Interview Day of the Interview Following the Interview The Second Interview

SALARY NEGOTIATION AND EVALUATING A JOB OFFER Handling Salary Questions Benefits The Art of Negotiation Evaluating the Job Offer Handling Multiple Offers Accepting/Declining

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS First 90 days survival guide Asking For Promotions

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Center for Career Development Our approach to career planning is developmental. In today’s competitive market, we are committed to excellence through continuously improving our efforts to educate and prepare our students and alumni to anticipate the future and become collaborative contributors in the global community. We achieve this through individualized career exploration counseling, self-assessment, skill development, and utilizing internship and job search strategies that empower students to take ownership in their personal and professional success. The Center for Career Development works with students to advance academic and personal experiences into experiential learning opportunities. Our friendly, professional staff offers a complete lineup of both personal services and online resources to help prepare students and alumni for a great future and a meaningful career. Whether it is a career, a job on campus, a summer job, an internship, graduate school, a fellowship, or scholarship, we are here for you.

Your Path to Success in Four Steps: Explore | Experience | Focus | Achieve Our services include:  Self-Assessment  Individualized Career Counseling  Student Employment Opportunities  Resume and Cover Letter Critique  Career Development Workshops  Panels and Speakers  Networking with Alumni  Internship & Job Search Help  Information Sessions  On-Campus Recruiting and Employer Database  Graduate School Advising  Practice Interviews

Our Location Center for Career Development 2900 Purchase Street Reid Castle, Ground Floor (G1) Purchase, NY 10577

Office Hours 9 am – 5 pm, evenings by appointment

Note: Student Employment office Hours are 8 am- 4pm

Career Counseling Services The Center for Career Development (CCD) assists students in identifying, clarifying and achieving their career goals. We offer the following programs and services for students: Individual Appointments Individual career counseling can be conducted via phone or in-person. Counselors can assist you with career assessment results; researching internships and job and graduate school opportunities; developing resumes, cover letters, personal statements and on-line profiles; and preparing for interviews and salary negotiations. Appointment times range from 30 to 60 minutes in length. Career Assessments Learn more about your personal preferences, skills, and career interests through the MyPlan.com, a career planning resource to help you explore options and bring clarity and insight into figuring out what’s right for you in order to assist you in making well-informed decisions about your education and career goals. In order to complete the free assessments, you will need to use the Access Code given to you by your Career Counselor to create an account and begin the assessment tests. These assessments will empower you to learn more about your personality, interests, skills, and values. When creating your account, please select “Share Results with Career Advisor,” to allow us to access your results and further assist you in the career exploration process. Page | 2

Workshops & Events Specialized workshops are offered each semester with topics including career options, skills assessment, networking, curriculum vitae, resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategies for both academic and nonacademic positions. Check out the Career Development Calendar for the latest events. Career Fairs Starting fall 2019, there are three career fairs/expos throughout the year. Employers look for enthusiastic and engaging students from ALL majors so be sure to review the firms ahead of time, bring your best questions to ask employers and dress professionally. Information Sessions Employer presentations give students a chance to learn more about companies and career fields. These informal forums provide an overview of entry-level positions, career paths, training programs, and other company information. Schedules and sign-up information are accessed by going to “Events” on Handshake. Workshops Students can attend a variety of workshops to help you build vital career development skills. Topics include Resume and Cover Letter review, Career Fair Readiness, Student Employment, All things Internships, Job Search, Networking, and more! Resume Labs Career counselors host interactive resume workshops in computer labs where students will receive help in creating, tailoring, updating, or revamping their resume.

Student Resources The Center for Career Development office offers extensive online resources for exploring different career options in the Resources Library in Handshake. Students who are unsure of majors and careers can refer to the What Can I Do with This Major? resource. This is a wonderful guide whether you are exploring multiple majors or searching for information about your chosen field. The site will help connect students to majors to careers. Learn about typical career areas and the types of employers that hire people with each major, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate.

Internships An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent (National Association of Colleges and Employers). Internships should not consist primarily of menial tasks; contrary to popular belief, internships do not typically consist of fetching coffee. The Center for Career Development researches companies prior to posting internships and jobs to provide students and alumni with quality opportunities, and assesses each internship submitted for credit or transcript notation by a student for the quality of the anticipated learning experience. Because the workplace is increasingly competitive, and internships are essential to the professional development and post-graduate success of our students, we strongly encourage students to complete 2-3 internship experiences during their college years. Through the Valiant Internship Programs, students may complete internships for academic credit or a transcript notation. Internships for credit can be paid or unpaid positions. How to Participate in an Internship - Schedule an appointment with the Center for Career Development to discuss your options and prepare a résumé, cover letter, and practice interview skills by attending an interview training workshop or by scheduling a mock interview Page | 3

The Handshake career platform gives you access to all internships and jobs posted for Manhattanville College students. Internships are searchable by job function, industry and geographic location. You can also do advanced searches and set up search agents. You can contact companies directly to find internships by looking for employers under the Organization and Contacts section. To receive credit/approval by your school: o Find the link to the Internship Request Form on Handshake (“Experience") Complete this form with the details of your internship. The CCD will review your submission and respond to you with next steps.

The following information will be asked on the Internship for Credit (Experiences) request form. Be sure to have all of this information before you begin to fill out the request form: - Name of the organization - Complete street address of organization (street, city, state & zip) - Name, title, and contact information for your internship supervisor - Internship start and end dates - Weekly internship schedule (Calculate your total anticipated hours from the first day of classes to the last day of classes and make sure it meets the minimum requirement) - Your Faculty Internship Advisor (the professor who advises your course and grades you) If your department does not pre-select this person, you must find your own before registering - consult CCD or your department for assistance - Complete detailed job description for the internship - Develop 2-3 academic learning objectives for your internship - Identify 2-3 workplace skills you expect to learn Credit Bearing Internships Students wishing to receive academic credit for an internship enroll in an Internship course in their major or minor area of study under the advisement of a full time professor (Faculty Internship Advisor). Students complete academic work in conjunction with their internship, and are graded by their Faculty Internship Advisor on their work, typically along with an evaluation from their on-site supervisor. Internship courses must be registered in the same semester that the internship is completed. For instance, an internship completed in the summer may not be registered for an associated Internship course in the fall. Students may not receive academic credit for the same internship twice. To register a second internship with the same company, the student should be working in a different department, with a new supervisor, or with significantly increased responsibilities. Eligibility In order to be eligible to register an internship for credit, students must:  Have completed 30 credits of coursework  Have declared their major  Be a matriculated student On an individual basis, departments may opt to impose additional requirements for Internship courses, such as prerequisite or co-requisite courses, or minimum GPAs. Contact your Advisor or major Department Chair to verify departmental eligibility. When Credit is Required In some circumstances, students require credit for an internship. They still must meet eligibility requirements to do so. Situations that apply include:  

International students on an F-1 Visa are required by Manhattanville College to register any internship for credit to comply with government regulations (verification of visa status and internship requirements can be made through OISS or CCD). Employer requirements: some companies, typically large corporations, require that their interns receive credit in order to comply with Department of Labor guidelines (and avoid lawsuits). Page | 4

 

Major requirements: some Manhattanville majors require a credit-bearing internship to fulfill requirements, or offer a credit-bearing internship as one possibility to fulfill a requirement such as capstone or field experience. Program requirements: Some programs, such as the Castle Scholars Honors Program, offer a creditbearing internship as one option to fulfill requirements.

Outside these situations, students may opt to register for credit to fulfill a major or minor elective (if available in the department), complete liberal arts credits (only applicable in certain departments), or to complete elective credits toward their degree. Find an Internship Course Instructor Students must secure an Internship Course Instructor (formally known as faculty advisor) from their intended internship department. Internship Course Instructors will sign off on the internship, advise the student during the Internship course, and submit a grade for the course. Not every professor is authorized to be an Internship Course Instructor, and some departments pre-select Internship Course Instructor for students. Contact the CCD or your major department if you need assistance in obtaining a Faculty Internship Advisor. Internship Credit Approval Workflow 1.

Student acquires internship and submits online request via Handshake.

Internship Coordinator reviews request and vets company, job description, hours, etc., reaches out to the Internship Course Instructor for a syllabus and initiates electronic approval workflow: Internship Supervisor, ICI, SAS Dean.

Internship Supervisor receives and reviews electronic submission, including attached Employer Affiliation Agreement, and agrees to terms by electronically approving internship. In order to help expedite the approval process cases when a supervisor is non-responsive, the Internship Coordinator asks the student to touch base with the supervisor.

Internship Course Instructor receives and reviewed electronic submission, vets anticipated learning objectives to ensure they align with academic department criteria, and approves or declines internship. In those cases where an ICI declines, they must communicate with the student to address their concerns with the submission.

Dean SAS receives, reviews, and provides final approval of the internship.

International students require OISS approval as the first and last step in the approval process.

Internship Coordinator notifies students when all approvals are received, and the course can be registered via Student Planning.

Deadlines The deadline to register an internship is the Add/Drop deadline set by the Registrar for the given semester. Extensions to register past the Add/Drop deadline may be granted, within reason, on an individual basis. Contact the CCD for information. Summer Session Internships Because credit-bearing Internships are registered as courses through the Registrar’s office, students must pay percredit tuition if they wish to receive credit for their Summer Internship. Contact the Registrar’s office or Student Accounts for pricing details. Summer Session Internship courses are registered in Summer I with a deadline in early July (consult the Academic Calendar to verify Add/Drop deadlines for specific summers). Students who receive offers after that deadline should consult the CCD. Summer Internship Course registration is subject to faculty availability. Check with your department as early as possible to ensure that an Internship Course Instructor is available for summer. Page | 5

Hour Requirement During the semester of the internship, students must work a minimum 40 hours per credit earned. Please make sure you are on track to fulfill this hour requirement: Credits Desired Hours Required 3 120 2 80 1 40 Non-Credit Internships Through the Non-credit Transcript Notation program, the Center for Career Development (CCD) provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to complete professional development in conjunction with their internship experiences, resulting in a notation on their academic transcript that verifies the successful and professional completion of their internship. Through this program, students work with the CCD to develop professionalism in the workplace, receive internship-specific career counseling, network with other students completing internships, and learn to demonstrate their successful internship experience. A Non-credit Transcript Notation allows students to have an internship documented on their official academic transcript without registering for academic credit or incurring tuition charges. This program does not result in academic credit and will not fulfill any degree or major requirements. Reason to register for a non-Credit Internship:  Students would like to formalize their internship experience through the College, without registering for academic credit.  An employer has requested an Acknowledgement or Letter of Support from the CCD for the internship, but the student does not need/want to register for credit.  This is the student’s first internship and they would like the full support of the CCD (recommended).  Students will receive career guidance from career services professionals.  Students will reflect on their learning with other students from various majors also completing internships – and network with them to leverage future opportunities!  Students will learn how to leverage this opportunity as they continue their professional endeavors. In order to have an internship notated through the policy students must meet and successfully complete the following Center for Career Development (CCD) eligibility and program requirements: Student Eligibility: Students may enroll in noncredit transcript notation at any point in their undergraduate career. There is no minimum GPA or credit requirement for a student to participate in the noncredit transcript notation option. To be eligible, students must:  

Be fully matriculated and in good academic standing at Manhattanville College. May be part time, full time, paid or unpaid. Unpaid positions must follow the Department of Labor standards.

F-1 international students must register internships for academic credit, and are not eligible to receive a transcript notation in lieu of academic credit. Employer Eligibility: All internships must go through the standard CCD vetting process, and must meet CCD requirements. The CCD uses three primary criteria to evaluate an internship: 1. The student is the primary beneficiary of the internship, and daily operations and productivity of the company / organization may even be delayed to help the student learn. 2. The learning experience is equivalent to that which could take place in the classroom. 3. The student is acquiring industry-applicable skills that will benefit them after the internship ends. Page | 6

4. The student may not intern in a position that reports, directly or indirectly, to a family member In order to provide a robust learning experience and facilitate a strong relationship between intern and supervisor, the CCD requests that internship sites provide: 1. One primary supervisor to the intern, who is responsible for training, giving feedback, being available to answer questions, prioritizing tasks and responsibilities, and formally evaluating the intern for grading and/or professional coaching purposes. 2. A professional commercial office space (not a home office) or clearly defined virtual space for the intern to work in during internship hours, with no expectation that the intern will spend their own money outside typical travel expenses. 3. A formal training period (minimum one work day) and regular opportunities for in-person communication and feedback (once per week recommended). 4. Clearly defined working hours, with no expectation that the intern will complete work outside those hours. 5. Clearly defined responsibilities, tasks, and learning objectives that fall within the scope of the details outlined in this contract. 6. High-level exposure to one or more areas of the organization’s operations, wherever possible, and opportunities to contribute meaningful work that helps the student gain industry-applicable skills. Program Requirements: Students must satisfy all of the following program requirements: 1. Student must submit a Noncredit Transcript Notation agreement form via Handshake in adherence with the CCD announced deadline (students must request noncredit notation for the semester in which they participate in the internship – retroactive submissions will not be accepted); 2. Students must complete a minimum of 80 hours of internship work during the requested semester (this is a minimum requirement and does not dictate when a student may leave an internship); 3. Students must complete a required mid-semester group check in with CCD (during the summer and winter sessions individual check-ins can be conducted in person or by phone); 4. Students must complete a mid and end of semester evaluation. Employers are also asked to complete a performance evaluation based on the student’s work. 5. Supervisors must agree to complete a final internship evaluation. Students must receive satisfactory marks indicating successful completion of internship on the final evaluation completed by the onsite supervisor in order to receive a transcript notation. Note: credit is not allowed retroactively. Processing Transcript Notations: The CCD will work in conjunction with the Registrar's Office to update students’ transcripts. After the semester closes, the CCD will provide the Registrar's Office with a list of students who have satisfied all of the program requirements, and received satisfactory marks from their onsite supervisors. The Registrar's Office will update the students’ transcripts to reflect a noncredit internship in the semester the internship took place.

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Employment Opportunities Before you begin your search, take a little time to reflect on who you are and where you are going. What type of position are you seeking and what experiences have prepared you for that position? Most college majors do not directly lead to a job title, and all majors are prepared to do a variety of things. Last year a mechanical engineer went to work in the financial district as a trader's assistant, while a marketing major accepted an offer from a public accounting firm as an auditor. Your major provides some structure to your academic preparation, but it need not limit your options. It is okay to be open to a variety of opportunities and flexible about what type of position you will consider. A specific focus, however, lends structure to your search and keeps you proactive rather than reactive. So, think about the type of job or industry in which you would like to work, research the opportunities for someone with your skills and interests, and then go for it. The career development office will be happy to help you explore career paths, options and search strategies. Please keep in mind that not all industries hire new employees in the same manner. Some recruit on college campuses, others hire former interns or promote support staff, and some post ads for the occasional opening.

Alumni Resources Whether you are beginning your career journey, looking for new opportunities, or making a midcareer change, the Center for Career Development offers career resources as well as education and networking opportunities to help them achieve individual career goals at any point in their career.

Career Exploration Self-Assessment The process of career choice and decision-making is through guessing or luck but rather a consistent process of research, knowledge acquisition and educated choice. To accomplish this and make the “right” choice, it is necessary to spend some time learning about you-your interests, skills, values and personality- combined with learning about what is needed from a variety of career fields. Finding the career that best suits you is an important and exciting point in your life. This section is designed to help you to evaluate yourself, and then match the results with a number of career fields. Four Major areas or self-knowledge you should consider during career exploration: 1) 2) 3) 4)

Interests- What subjects and activities make you happy? Skills- What skills do you have now, and what skills are you willing to develop? Values- What is truly important to you in life, and what must you have in a job? Personality- Are you a people person or are you more reserved?

Remember that career development is a lifelong process. Your immediate goal should be to make the best career choices possible at this point in your life. Keep in mind; it’s only natural that your dreams and aspirations may change over time. Changing interests and personal circumstances, combined with the rapidly evolving nature of the world of work, will require you to remain flexible and make numerous career related decisions throughout your lifetime.

Finding Your Career How do you decide what you want to be when you grow up? Developing a career is a process that involves much more than simply going on job interviews. Here are four steps to identify what you want to do and how to get a job in that field. 1. Self-Assessment - Talk with a career counselor about the self-assessment process. - Identify your skills, interests and personality preferences and discuss them with your career counselor. - Identify possible occupations and career paths. - Determine your top 3 occupations or career fields. 2. Research Careers - Discuss your top 3 occupations or career fields with your academic advisor. Page | 8

Talk with a career counselor about the best approach to researching your choices. Read books, articles and websites about these choices including qualifications, job outlook, salary, etc. You can get ideas from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*Net, or the many Career Exploration resources available on the Handshake’s Resource Library Attend networking events to talk with professionals in that career. Define your first choice and alternative career areas.

3. Gain Experience - Talk with a career counselor about gaining experience in your first-choice areas. - Join a club or organization related to your first choice and alternatives. - Find a related internship, part-time job or volunteer experience. - Consider an independent study on an issue of relevance to your field. - Continue career research. - Begin researching employers in your field and/or appropriate graduate programs. - Learn how hiring is done in your field. 4. Market Yourself for Employment - Prepare a professional résumé. - Learn to interview effectively. - Gather employment and academic references. - Research companies in your field. - Prepare a target list of employers. - Attend on- and off-campus career events in order to network. - Participate in on- and off-campus interviewing.

Skill Development & Job Search Strategies There is no one best method for conducting a job search. The competitive advantage in the job market goes to candidates who do their homework. You need to determine what strategies will work best for you. Before you begin your search, take a little time to reflect on who you are and where you are going. What type of position are you seeking and what experiences have prepared you for that position? Most college majors do not directly lead to a job title, and all majors are prepared to do a variety of things. Your major provides some structure to your academic preparation, but it need not limit your options. It is okay to be open to a variety of opportunities and flexible about what type of position you will consider. A specific focus, however, lends structure to your search and keeps you proactive rather than reactive. So, think about the type of job or industry in which you would like to work, research the opportunities for someone with your skills and interests, and then go for it. The Career for Career Development office will be happy to help you explore career paths, options and search strategies.

Identifying & Researching Employers Successful candidates often discover their internships, fellowships or entry-level jobs through a variety of sources. Please keep in mind that not all industries hire new employees in the same manner. Some recruit on college campuses, others hire former interns or promote support staff, and some post ads for the occasional opening. By starting early and using a range of search resources, you will give yourself an excellent chance of finding jobs and internships that are most compatible with your interests and career goals. It may seem that the best time to start looking for a job is a few months before they graduate or would like to start work. However, the best time to begin your research is much earlier than your first day on the job. Companies, especially the more competitive ones, start recruiting summer internships, extended fellowships and entry-level opportunities as early as September of the previous year. It is wise to explore job and internship listings as early as your first year at Manhattanville College. There are many on- and off-campus opportunities to gain resume-building experience during the academic year or summer that will help you test your career preferences and make you a strong candidate for employment including: -

Internships or jobs (on/off campus) Academic or non-academic research positions Page | 9

Volunteer work Active involvement in student leadership, student clubs, or professional associations

Whether you are in your first year at Manhattanville College or a graduating master’s student, the best time to search is right now.

Finding Opportunities Please keep in mind that not all industries hire new employees in the same manner. Some recruit on college campuses, others hire former interns or promote support staff, and some post ads for the occasional opening. On-Campus Recruiting Manhattanville College currently uses Handshake for on-campus recruiting. Students must submit their résumés electronically to those companies with which they’d like to interview. While employers from career fields such as education, nonprofits and leisure industries rarely interview on campus, your participation in the program will ensure that your résumé is on file whenever résumés are requested. Learn more about the on-campus recruiting program. Networking Networking is one of the most important job search strategies throughout your career. Over 70% of all jobs are filled through networking, making this one of the most effective strategies. Take advantage of all opportunities to meet professionals in your chosen field, including career fairs, alumni events, internships, student teaching and personal contacts. Conduct informational interviews and learn all that you can about the industry, field and position. Your network will keep you apprised of advances and opportunities in the field and may help you land the job of your dreams. Research Companies with Online Websites Get a glimpse into potential employers with this tool from Glassdoor, which provides access to company reviews, likely interview questions, job listings and salary information for thousands of organizations worldwide. If you are interviewing with a startup, check out its profile on Crunchbase. LinkedIn is a good tool for learning about what kind of news the company communicates and wants you to know. Check the company page on LinkedIn and see what kind of updates are featured. Be sure to also check out the profiles of the people you’ll be interviewing with. Also don't forget to visit Handshake, where you can find job and internship opportunities available only to Manhattanville College students and alumni. Job Postings and Advertisements Companies post openings in a variety of ways. Internal postings may reach you through your network, but you will have to look a little harder for the external postings. While classified ads may be a long shot for many new grads, it is generally worth responding to interesting positions. Be sure to include a cover letter that is strong to help your résumé stand out from the rest of the applicants. Check the job listings on line at Handshake.

On Campus Recruiting On-Campus Recruiting provides employers with the opportunity to host information sessions and conduct interviews on campus. Students receive direct access to some of the most competitive companies and opportunities in the job market today. It is important to keep in mind that OCR is just one resource to use in your career search. While OCR is fairly straightforward and process-driven, it requires attention to employer-specified deadlines and often demanding interview schedules. Employer Information Sessions: Employer Information Sessions are hosted on campus by companies to give students an understanding of the goals and mission of the organization. They provide insight into the entry-level and internship opportunities available to Manhattanville College students. Students attending these sessions should be professionally dressed, prepared to network and have a few copies of their resume in case a company representative is collecting them. Students can find the calendar of information sessions on the Center for Career Development home page and Handshake. Page | 10

Job Search Methods This section will give some possible strategies and methods you may want to use during your job search.

Strategies Career Fairs Attend Manhattanville College’s career fairs and local career fairs to identify new opportunities.

Pros Opportunity to meet with a number of recruiters in person and in one location Provides face-to-face contact and delivery of application materials Build networking contacts

On-Campus Interviews Recruiters come to campus and interview students on site for firstround interviews for summer internships and entry level opportunities.

Handshake Update your personal and academic information, upload a resume, search for jobs and internships, sign up for a career counseling appointment, find details on information sessions, workshops, and more.

Networking Talk to everyone you know to develop a possible list of contacts.

Online job Websites Scan job openings on job search and employer websiteselectronic submission of all application material that is tailored to specific positions

Professional Associations Research professional associations related to your career interests, as most provide a “career opportunities” section on their website.

LinkedIn & Twitter Target savvy social media job hunters; offers a new way to find opportunities and network

Recruiters have a vested interest in hiring graduates Opportunity to interview with many companies without having to spend a lot in travel time and money 24/7 access to positions posted by employers who are vested in recruiting at Manhattanville College Ability to upload resumes, cover letters and other documents for direct application to organizations One of the top job search strategies is to identify potential job opportunities and learn more about a position, company, or industry Allows you to be more proactive and take charge of your search, instead of waiting for companies to post positions Many employers use multiple methods for posting positions as well as job-listing services A source of networking information and career opportunities Build contacts with individuals who share you professions interests Recruiters use these sites and you can follow them Up-to-the minute postings Stay on top of information about company

Cons Not all fields and areas of study are equally represented Can be difficult to navigate Students with very specific career goals may benefit from seeking industry-specific fairs

Not all industries use on-campus interviewing as a recruitment strategy

Helpful in identifying local businesses and employment opportunities

Gather business cards and make notes on back Follow up with a thank you note Follow up to learn about opportunities in your area of interest Check postings each week bring extra copies of your resume Be just as prepared as you would be for an on-site interview Always follow up with a thank you note

Search can be time-consuming as you need to check back often if you don’t set up search agents Some employers open positions to all majors, which can make it difficult to search for something very specific It takes time and effort to build your network Requires skill in organizing contacts and following through on recommendations received A lead in itself won’t get you a job Takes investment of time to research and tailor your resume/cover letter to organization and the position May not receive response

Entry level positions may be limited May need to belong to association to access job postings

Check job postings regularly as they come in on a daily/weekly basis

Join student organizations relevant to your interests Subscribe to relevant networking groups on LinkedIn Follow us on Social Media @MvileCCD Be strategic about what sites you utilize. Narrow your search criteria Use frequently as information and sites change quickly Ask faculty to suggest professional associations to research Use CCD’s industry resources to identify top associations Check for new handles in field

Can be too casual Limited to 144 characters

Keep separate personal and professional accounts #BeProfessional

Employment Agencies Respond to employment agency ads or contact those agencies that place applicants on temporary to permanent assignments

Tips Plan ahead and research companies attending

May have fees associated with the employment services

Research each agency before signing any contract Talk to others who have used employment agencies

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Networking & Personal Branding What Is Networking? Whether you are looking for your first job or internships, or you have been a working professional for decades, networking is an invaluable tool for finding job leads and securing interviews. Networking is essentially talking to people you know about potential business opportunities. It is letting people know that you’re in the job market, describing your interests and the kind of work you prefer, and asking for advice and assistance in achieving your career goals. Remember that networking works both ways, so always be willing to help others, too. There are many sources you can use to establish networking relationships:  Friends and family  School associates  Former colleagues and  Neighbors  Alumni associations employers

 Professional

associations

It is important to remember that networking is not asking for a job, cold calling someone you don’t know, delivering a salesperson’s pitch or kissing up.

In-Person Networking In-person networking can be very effective, and there are many opportunities to meet new people who can become a part of your professional network. Join a Professional Association: Most industries have a professional association comprised of people who work in that field. They perform a variety of functions including networking, an exchange of information, professional development, sponsoring continuing education workshops, meetings and conferences, promoting the profession, providing professional certification and more. There is typically a membership fee to join, but most offer a discounted rate for students. Professional associations typically host networking events throughout the year, as well as lectures and other professional development events. Dress professionally; meet as many people as you can and follow up. Sometimes you can offer to help out at a conference and attend for free. Visit CareerOneStop.org for more information about finding professional associations. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and expand your network. While volunteer work may not necessarily be related to your profession, you will have the opportunity to meet others and establish new relationships. Have a Mentor: Finding a mentor is a great way to be introduced to others in your field. As a student, your mentor can give you insight into the field and perhaps have you meet with their colleagues.

Online Networking The advent of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn have added another opportunity for networking. LinkedIn is particularly helpful for job searching because you can find others who work in a specific company or industry. Make sure to have your LinkedIn profile up to date and request others to write recommendations about you. Remember to always keep your social media profiles professional, and don’t post anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable having others know about. Using social media allows you to: Demonstrate your strong internet and social media capabilities to employers Build your personal brand and online presence Connect with professional networking contacts, which are crucial to your job search Increase your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers

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Maintaining Your Networks The world revolves around relationships. Everyone you know and everyone you meet is a contact and a potential source of career advice and referrals to other individuals. Networking is a skill that will not only be critical to your job search, but will prove valuable for the rest of your career. Below are some ways to develop and maintain your relationship and build a strong foundation for your network are: It’s All About Who You Know: Make a list of who you know. Include the names of roommates, friends, friends of friends, parents and relatives, classmates, teaching assistants, and professors. Add bosses and co-workers (past and present) and people you’ve met at the health club, while traveling, or doing volunteer work. You can also expand your list with people from social, political and religious organizations. Get To Know Each Other: Try to have fun with your networking activities and don’t discuss work all of the time. Get to know what your professional acquaintances like to do in their spare time. Do they have a special interest? Do they volunteer for a cause? Ask questions, listen carefully, and become well versed in their areas of interest and expertise. It’s The Little Things That Count: Send contacts copies of newsletters, newspaper and magazine articles, reports, and program materials that you think will interest them. Include a short, handwritten note than can be as simple as “FYI.” If the article relates to your mutual career interests, this will raise your professional credibility because it shows that you keep abreast of industry happenings. Creativity Is Key: Think of creative ways to keep in touch. Send cards at holiday time. Extend an invitation to lunch for no particular reason. Send a congratulatory note to someone who has recently received a promotion or an advanced degree. Mind Your Manners: Don’t overlook the common courtesies. Thank everyone who helps you or provides you with ideas or leads. It’s wise to thank people for leads even if their suggestions don’t pan out. Your contacts will appreciate the follow up.

Career Fairs and Targeted Events During the year, the Center for Career Development organizes programs that enable you to meet professionals and alumni in an environment where networking will be encouraged. If you are looking for career ideas or actively pursuing a full time job, it is definitely worth your while to attend the Career Center’s fairs and targeted events. **The three career fairs are a perfect way to conduct mini informational interviews with the representatives.** The Networking Workshop is offered solely for this purpose of building and targeting your networking strategies. The information sessions offered by employers throughout the year are excellent ways to meet professionals that you can follow up with for one-on- one meetings. Stay tuned to our announcements on the Career Development Calendar for these events to practice your networking skills. Why go to a Career Fairs and Events? Attending a career fair can be an effective tool in your job search, if you are prepared. To assist you, the Center for Career Development hosts many career fair preparation workshops and offers online career fair preparation assistance. Topics covered in the workshops are what to expect, what questions to ask recruiters, what you might be asked, and more. Prepare for the Fair  Find out which companies are attending with the roles for which they will be recruiting.  Make a list and research the companies in which you are interested so you can tailor your professional pitch to them. Your level of research should be the same as if you were going to interview with them. o Prepare questions to ask the recruiter based on your research o Visit the company’s homepage and research the following: mission, history, products/services, company culture and current opportunities Know Your Stuff  Review the floor plan and familiarize yourself with the layout found on events page on Handshake Page | 13

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Print multiple copies on professional resume paper Consider your interaction at the career fair as the first round of a job interview; draft your personal pitch and review it with your counselor Get Focused  Prepare several targeted resumes. Cover the basics like work experience, internships, skills and accomplishments, educational credentials, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, awards, and honors. Remember to keep track and write notes of which resume you give to each employer  Dress to impress! See for more Before the Interview for attire details.  Get contact information for recruiters and alumni that you would like to follow up with after the Fair. Remember, they will pay attention to the students who thank them and demonstrate interest after the event.  If there is a line, pick up brochures and network with other companies. You can always return later. How to meet Employers Your goal is to demonstrate your interest in the company and share your educational background as well as personal skills and strengths which would make them interested in hiring you.  Speak with a warm, confident tone in a clear voice.  Keep your body language open and welcoming.  Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company by including elements of their mission statement, history and/or company culture  Shake hands, make eye-contact and smile with employers  Ask ice breaker questions  Get recruiter’s contact information to follow up and send a thank you Personal Pitch Developing a pitch is great starting point for beginning a conversation with employers at job fairs. It should be about 30-seconds in length and should highlight who you are, and what you have accomplished in your career. It helps break the ice with an employer and it gives the employer a quick and clear understanding of your general background. We recommend you make your pitch very conversational and informal but at the same time strong enough to get across your major points Examples: Freshman Communications and Media Major Hi, my name is Jack Hodgins. It’s nice to meet you. I’m in my freshmen year studying communications and media. I’ve just begun my coursework but I am very interested in your internship program because of the way your company. What types of qualities do you look for in internship applicants? Junior Psychology Major Hello my name is Amelia Bedelia. I am a junior studying psychology. Specifically, I am interested in helping children. I am excited about getting more research assistant opportunities because I want to go to graduate school. I have excellent listening skills, data management, and critical thinking skills, which I believe would make me a great research assistant. Being a research assistant in this lab will allow me to understand children’s motivations, a topic I am considering exploring for graduate school. Could you tell me about what are some of the most interesting findings you have discovered in your research so far? Senior Accounting Major Hello. My name is Jake Libby and I’m a senior accounting major. I’ve done a lot of volunteer work over the past few years as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant offering low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns. I’m especially interested in combining what I’ve learned in my major with the social service work I’ve done outside of class. I was very excited to see that the AmeriCorps has openings for accountants, and I’d love to be able to talk about those openings with you. After the Career Fair  Send thank you emails or letters after the career fair  Don’t send a standard thank you to everyone. Include your interest in each particular firm and remind them of details you discussed in the conversation  For sample thank-you letters and emails Page | 14

Informational Interviewing One of the best ways to find out what an industry, company, or position is really like is to talk with people in careers you’re considering. No one else can give you a better sense of the real life experiences, the challenges and opportunities, the specifics and perhaps hidden demands, and the drawbacks and limitations of the career field. Informational Interviewing allows you to build relationships with individuals who can help the progress of your career exploration, decision making, and job/internship search. Getting Started and Preparing for an Informational Interview 1. Locate contacts - Develop a strategy before you begin to network. Start with a clear idea of your industry or career areas of interest. Identify the type of information you wish to obtain, and the best people to obtain it from. 2. Identify organizations with people doing work of interest. - To expand your list of potential contacts, follow blogs and Twitter feeds, join professional associations, listservs, and online groups through LinkedIn and Handshake 3. Setting up the informational interview. Your initial email should be brief and contain the following information: - How you found them (alumni network, referral, online research, etc.) - Your school, area of study, and expected year of graduation. - Your current status (career exploration, industry research, job search, etc.) - What you are asking them for (information about the organization, industry tips, job search techniques, etc.) - How you would like to gain that information (an in-person informational interview, a phone meeting—at their convenience). - How and when you will follow up (allow two weeks before doing so). 4. Plan on 15 to 30 minutes to conduct the interviews. - Dress neatly/professionally (appropriate for industry) - Bring a professional folder with a notepad inside, pen and copies of your resume. Asking for feedback on your resume is an appropriate part of an interaction. - Know where you’re going, and arrive 10 minutes early to the meeting. Arrange a convenient time for the contact to meet such as a lunch or coffee break. 5. Be prepared by doing your research on the career, company, competition and market. - Research the field, company and/or organization. This is an opportunity to ask questions you cannot answer online and to show interest through your research. - Know as much as you can about your contact and his/her position in the organization before the interaction takes place. Google the contact and check his/her profile on LinkedIn. - Be prepared to speak about yourself; major, interests in the field, your experiences, etc.) - Before the meeting, devise a list of 8–10 questions and prioritize them, knowing you might only get to a few. 6. Keep records, and send thank you notes. - Send a thank-you note after you meet within 24 hours. - Maintain the relationship by initiating contact every few months to report progress or to share information in which they might be interested (e.g., an article or upcoming event). - Make the development of a relationship, rather than getting a job your primary goal. Do Not Ask For A Job! The potential for a job opportunity in the future may arise from an informational interview but not by you directly asking during or as a result of the interview. Typical subjects discussed about the industry or organization during the Informational Interview may include: Work Environment, Industry Trends, Lifestyle, Ideal Skill Set /Qualifications, Challenges / Rewards, Career Path of Interviewee, Typical Compensation, Career Ladder of Field.

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Personal Branding Through a Powerful Online Presence What do people know about you? What do people think when they hear your name? Your personal brand is what you are synonymous with, the reputation you have built and how you are perceived by others. Every person you meet and every interaction you have leaves a lasting impression in the minds of others. Your personal brand is what defines your individuality, maximizes your strengths and leads you to create future opportunities. Elements That Go Into a Personal Brand  Personal Appearance – How does the world perceive you?  Personality – What are your values, goals, identity and behavior?  Competencies –What are the cognitive, business, communication and technical skills that enable you to perform your job responsibilities?  The Differentiator – What do you have that makes your stand out? What makes you unique? More and more employers review candidates' online profiles so it is important for you to understand how to use social media to best demonstrate your talents, experience, knowledge and career goals to potential employers. LinkedIn LinkedIn is the most used social media site for professionals. Many employers review candidate's LinkedIn profile as a screening process to learn about candidate's education and work history, skills, endorsements, recommendations, professional affiliations and more.  Your LinkedIn Profile can be a powerful personal branding tool which conveys the same information as a résumé, but it can also showcase a much bigger picture of who you are as a professional.  You can also search for jobs and internships directly on LinkedIn.  Join Groups: By joining groups, you can interact with individuals who have similar interests and who attended similar schools or have similar career objectives. Also, you have access to job listings posted by group members that may not be posted elsewhere.  Create your own LinkedIn Profile or use the LinkedIn Profile Checklist  Explore Students.linkedin.com for tips, advice, video, and quick tip sheets on how to get noticed. Facebook If LinkedIn is mostly for professionals, Facebook is used largely for social and non-professional reasons, but it can also help people to connect with others and increase your network.  Please remember that even if you use Facebook for personal and non-professional purpose, you need to keep your pictures and contents clean because prospective employers can assess candidates based on what they see on Facebook. Even if your profile settings are private, your content may still end up somewhere publicly available. Twitter Whereas Facebook users generally keep their profiles private and connect only with people they know in real life, Twitter users mostly keep their profiles public which allows users to connect with a wide variety of people and industries they may not know offline.  You should follow individuals, organizations, groups, or information sources that are related to your desired career or industry.  Twitter can help you stay informed about the latest news and developments in your desired career or industry, and establish connections with key influencers. Blogging Blogging is more time consuming than other social media, but it can be a useful tool for developing your personal brand. To be a successful blogger, you need to define a concept for your blog that connects your knowledge, skills, ideas, and experiences to benefit a particular industry of your interest.  

Take advantage of free blog-hosting services with templates to create an unique design for your blog. Blogging on a regular basis can build and maintain your professional identity and personal brand.

You can use social media to establish your credibility, promote yourself and demonstrate your skills, values, and professionalism. Tweeting, blogging and commenting on blogs or LinkedIn about things you know can build your online credibility. When an employer searches for you, they will find a knowledgeable individual who can fit well into their organization. You should maintain this online presence, update it, and continue to build it throughout your professional life.

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Resumes & CVs Resume Overview A resume is a way of showcasing your experiences, education and skills. It is a marketing tool that plays a crucial part in getting noticed by an employer and secures future interviews. If you were to Google the word ‘resume’ you would be given millions of websites from how to write resume, tips on building a resume or even people willing to make one for you for a monetary fee (word to the wise, don’t pay a stranger to write your resume. It never turns out well and recruiters will notice it immediately). Writing a quality resume begins with a targeted one-page summary of your skills and experiences that convinces the employer you would be successful in that position. It should be honest, positive, concise and easy to read. Resumes answer the employer’s question, “What can this candidate do for my organization?” Consider the following:  What are your marketable skills?  What special qualities do you have that set you apart from others?  What is your goal(s) and how have you achieved it so far?  What are some tasks and projects you have been involved with?  How are you involved in school? In your community?  When have you demonstrated leadership skills and exhibited good team player skills?  How would others describe you in school? At work? At home?  Why do you want to work for this company? In this industry?

Resume Format Always Include Name, Address, Phone number, email Personal Website, LinkedIn Profile URL (if up-to-date and professional) Education Name of School, degree seeking/earned, major and minor, expected grad date GPA (if required or above 3.0) Experience Company Name, Job title, Location (city, state) Date of experience, bullet points detailing your role (see questions above) Skills Computer skills, foreign languages, technical skills, laboratory skills and research skills as applicable Additional Categories To Highlight Your Qualifications, Skills & Achievements Profile or Summary  Written snapshot of your skills, experience and/or education.  Showcases transferrable skills from one industry to another.  Used often for job seekers with multiple years of work experience Relevant Coursework  List the courses that are directly related to your field  Write out full course titles (not numbers) Academic Projects/  List Project title, department/lab/name of organization, dates Research  Describe the project similar to experience, methods used and findings Honors/ Awards  List out academic honors, scholarships, awards, etc. Customized  Create headings that clearly demonstrate your experience in relation to what the Experience employer is looking for (ex: Marketing Experience, Management Experience, Leadership Experience, etc.)  Same format as experience section Leadership  List position(s) held, organization, dates and description of achievements  Same format as experience section Activities/ Volunteer  List membership of clubs, activities, volunteering and sports Certifications  List out (if applicable to position or industry) Interests  List hobbies, talents, etc. Never Include Personal Information  Inappropriate to include marital status, date of birth and citizenship in the US References  “References Available Upon Request” is assumed in any application Contact Information

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Pictures First Person Narrative

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Never include a photo of yourself on a resume Do not use full sentences or use “I” (Start sentences with an action verb)

Build Your Bullet Points Bullet points describe your experiences to the questions from the Resume Overview section. Answers to these questions and examples of each bullet point can be broken down into 3 categories: 1. What did you do? SITUATION  Examples can include work experience, internships, volunteering, clubs/organizations, research projects, sports, etc. 2. How did you do it? ACTION  The steps you took or techniques you used to achieve the end result. 3. What was the result? ACHIEVEMENT  Show measurable results whenever possible. Quantify your achievements- numbers stand out in resumes and speak in volumes to employers in hiring. It can be easy to state what you did in a particular job but the more important part is telling the reader how good you are at what you did. Your descriptions should be stated in terms of what value you were able to add in a tangible and quantifiable manner. Your goal is to write accomplishment statements that always start with a unique action verb and are direct in explaining what steps you took or the techniques you used to achieve the result.

Action Verbs Using strong action verbs help to compose concise, persuasive, reader-centered resumes, cover letters, or other types of professional correspondence. The examples below are to assist you in describing your experiences and achievements. Abstracted Appraised Calibrated Consolidated Designated Accelerated Apprised Categorized Constructed Designed Accentuated Approved Centralized Consulted Detected Accepted Arbitrated Challenged Contacted Determined Accomplished Arranged Changed Contracted Developed Accounted for Articulated Charted Contributed Devised Achieved Assembled Checked Controlled Diagnosed Acquired Assessed Clarified Converted Differentiated Acted Assigned Classified Conveyed Directed Activated Assisted Coached Convinced Disciplined Adapted Assumed Coded Cooperated Discussed Added Attained Collaborated Coordinated Dispatched Addressed Attended Collected Corrected Dispensed Adjusted Audited Communicated Correlated Displayed Administered Augmented Compared Corresponded Disseminated Advanced Authored Compiled Counseled Distributed Advertised Authorized Completed Created Diversified Advised Automated Composed Critiqued Documented Advocated Awarded Computed Customized Doubled Aided Balanced Conceived Cut Drafted Allocated Benchmarked Conceptualized Debugged Drove Amend Billed Concluded Decided Earned Amplified Boosted Condensed Decreased Edited Analyzed Branded Conducted Defined Educated Answered Broadened Conferred Delegated Effected Anticipated Budgeted Configured Delivered Elected Applied Built Conserved Demonstrated Eliminated Appointed Calculated Considered Described Emphasized Page | 18

Employed Empowered Enabled Encouraged Enforced Engineered Enhanced Enlisted Ensured Established Estimated Evaluated Examined Exceeded Excelled Executed Expanded Expedited Experimented Explained Explored Expressed Extended Extracted Facilitated Familiarized Fashioned Figured Filed Forecasted Formalized Formed Formulated Fortified Founded Furthered Gained Gathered Generated Guided Handled Headed Helped Hired Hosted Hypothesized Identified Illustrated Imagined Implemented

Imported Improved Improvised Inaugurated Incorporated Increased Indexed Indicated Individualized Influenced Initiated Innovated Inspected Inspired Installed Instilled Instituted Instructed Integrated Interpreted Intervened Interviewed Introduced Invented Investigated Involved Joined Justified Launched Lectured Led Linked Listened Located Lowered Maintained Managed Mapped Marketed Maximized Measured Mediated Mentored Merged Minimized Modeled Moderated Modified Monitored Motivated

Moved Navigated Negotiated Netted Networked Observed Obtained Operated Orchestrated Ordered Organized Originated Outlined Overhauled Oversaw Painted Participated Perceived Perfected Performed Persuaded Photographed Pinpointed Pioneered Planned Prepared Presented Preserved Prevented Printed Prioritized Processed Produced Programmed Projected Promoted Proofread Proposed Protected Proved Provided Publicized Published Purchased Qualified Quantified Realized Reasoned Received Recognized

Recommended Reconciled Recorded Recovered Recruited Rectified Redesigned Reduced Reestablished Referred Registered Regulated Rehabilitated Reinforced Remodeled Reorganized Repaired Reported Represented Researched Reserved Responded Restored Restructured Retrieved Revamped Reversed Reviewed Revised Revitalized Revolutionized Rewarded Routed Salvaged Scanned Scheduled Screened Searched Secured Selected Served Set up Shaped Shared Simplified Simulated Skilled Solicited Solidified Solved

Spearheaded Specialized Specified Spoke Sponsored Standardized Started Stated Stimulated Strategized Streamlined Strengthened Structured Studied Submitted Suggested Summarized Supervised Supplemented Supplied Supported Surveyed Synthesized Systematized Taught Tended Tested Theorized Traced Tracked Trained Transformed Translated Transmitted Transported Traveled Treated Troubleshot Tutored Unified Updated Upgraded Utilized Validated Verified Visualized Volunteered Won Wrote

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Target Your Resume to the Job There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to resumes. A resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer so you want to stand out from the other resumes. This chapter has all been about how you can answer the employer’s question, “What can this candidate do for my organization?” You want to answer the question by representing the skills you have and how it can address the company’s need. Things to remember when writing a targeted resume:  Don’t Assume That the Employer Will “Know What You Mean”: You need to be specific in what you can bring to the employer and showcase how you have used the skill previously.  Be Consistent! : Your resume needs to be easy to read so the easier you make it for the employer to see how you are the right fit for the job the better.  Take Ownership of Your Accomplishments: Action verbs demonstrate your achievements but your resume should be a testament to all that you have done…and you have always done more than you think!  Let a Job Position Be Your Guide: Read the skills and qualifications listed in a job posting and underline the words that match your experience. Read the job responsibilities and circle the words that match your experience. Review the matches and ask when you are faced a similar task and how you applied these skills then put those examples on your resume. By tailoring your resume for each company you are applying to, you give them no doubt that you are the best person for the job. A great resume takes time and the Center for Career Development is available to help you at every step along the way!

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First-Year Student

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Transfer Student

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Student Athlete

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Communications and Media Student

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International Studies Student

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Computer Science Student

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Theater Student

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Art History Student

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Curriculum Vitae (CV) Overview What Is a Curriculum Vitae CV? A Curriculum Vitae, CV for short, is a more in-depth summary of what one has done professionally than a resume. It allows you to provide a detailed and comprehensive description of your academic credentials and experience. CVs are primarily used for individuals that have masters or doctoral degrees when they apply for teaching or research positions at colleges, universities and research institutions. They should be updated frequently based on the developments in your scholar career.

When Should I Use A Resume Vs. Curriculum Vitae? Audience Goal

Length Focus Essential Information References General Reminders

Resume A general audience of employers who hire for a wide variety of positions To demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed within the position you are seeking

Curriculum Vitae Fellow academics in your field of study

Generally limited to one page Representing your experiences — job-related, extracurricular and volunteer, as well as the skills you've gained from these Skills and experiences you have gained as related to the job you are seeking

As long as necessary Demonstrating your academic achievements and scholarly potential

Do Not Include  Be Concise! briefly listing of relevant experiences and skills  Primarily used in the U.S.  Contains no personal information (birth date, marital status, nationality, etc.)  Creates a professional identity  Tailored to the position you are seeking

Include  Used in the U.S. when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions  More detailed synopsis of your background and skills than a resume  Includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details  Used to create a scholarly identity  Tailored to the position one is seeking

To present your full academic history — including teaching, research, awards, and service

Lists of publications, presentations, teaching experiences, education, honors, and grants

Source: http://www.grad.illinois.edu/careerservices/cvorresume

What Sections go into a CV?  Contact Information: current institution or place of employment may work best, unless you do not want your colleagues to know that you are job-hunting.  Education: degrees earned or in progress, institutions, and years of graduation. You may also include the titles of your dissertation or thesis here.  Grants, Honors and Awards: list of grants received, honors bestowed upon you for your work, and awards you may have received for teaching or service.  Publications and Presentations: list of your published articles and books, as well presentations given at conferences. If there are many of both, you might consider having one section for publications and another for presentations.  Employment and Experience: this section may include separate lists of teaching experiences, laboratory experiences, field experiences, volunteer work, leadership, or other relevant experiences.  Scholarly or Professional Memberships: list of the professional organizations of which you are a member. If you have held an office or position in a particular organization, you can either say so here or leave this information for the experience section.  References: list of persons who write letters of recommendations for you, which includes their contact information.

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Optional Sections:  Areas of Interest: list of your varied academic interests.  Additional Experience: You may include positions that you have held outside of academia.  Community Service/Involvement  Relevant Coursework  Interests/Activities  Additional Sections: Different disciplines may warrant additional sections, such as Data Sets (sciences), Performances/Exhibits (arts), or Film Production Highlights (MFA). Consult with your advisor and other faculty to learn more about the conventions appropriate for your specific field.  Skills/Languages: Relevant computer skills, languages, technical skills, lab skills, and research skills. How to Categorize Experiences Accomplishments  Academic Accomplishments  Scholarships  Fellowships  Honors/Awards  Professional/Career  Achievements  Professional Recognition Affiliations  Memberships  Professional Memberships  Scholarly Societies  Professional Organizations  Honorary Societies  Professional Societies  Major/Advisory Committees  Committee Leadership  Professional Assoc. Advisory  National Boards Education  Background/Overview  Formal Education  Academic Preparation/Training  Degrees  Dissertation (Title/Topic)  Master’s Thesis (Title/Topic)  Course/Educational Highlights  Areas of Knowledge

 Areas of Expertise  Academic Interests  Extracurricular Activities International Experience  Foreign Study/Study Abroad  International Projects  Language Competencies Presentations & Publications  Conferences Attended  Conference Participation  Conference Presentation  Workshop Presentations  Convention Addresses  Invited Addresses/Lectures  Lectures and Colloquia  Scholarly Presentations  Programs and Workshops  Selected Presentations  Exhibits/Exhibitions  Abstracts  Publications  Scholarly Publications/Works  Editorial Boards  Professional Papers  Technical Papers  Refereed Journal Articles  Editorial Appointments  Reviews

 Professional Experience  Professional Summary  Selected Experience  Professional Development  Proficiencies/Skills  Professional Interests  Consulting Experience  Grants and Contracts/Patents Professional Training  Internships  Graduate Fieldwork  Graduate Practice  Professional Certification/Licensure  Professional/Career Training Teaching/Training  Experience  Teaching Interests  Academic Appointments  Teaching Experience  Teaching Overview  Faculty Leadership Research  Research Experience  Research Overview  Research Awards/Grants  Funded Projects  Faculty Leadership

Converting a Resume to CV As shown on Curriculum Vitae (CV) Overview “When Should I Use A Resume Vs. Curriculum Vitae?,” a resume focuses on your experience, skills and accomplishments in a concise, clear manner, whereas a CV is much more detailed and focuses on academic achievements. The same amount of research needs to be completed on an employer, industry, or specific position before converting your resume to a CV. Your role is to ask yourself, “What can this candidate do for my organization?” as shown in Resume Overview. Use Your Transferable Skills Making the transition from academic to industry compels you to tap into the universally valuable skills you have gained. Sometimes how you accomplish something speaks just as highly as the achievement itself. Page | 30

Transferable Characteristics to Consider:  Problem Solving  Persuasion  Data Collection and Analysis

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Attention to Detail Communication Motivation

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Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork Flexibility/Adaptability

Once you have completed your research on the company, listed out your transferable skills and selected heading to organize your information you can begin to use the Action Verbs to describe your skills, achievements and experiences.

Professional Correspondence Types of Professional Correspondence The ability to communicate professionally is an essential part of the job search process. All emails, letters, phone calls and thank you notes are a reflection of you. In order to leave the impression you want you must make sure you take the time and effort to properly present yourself. Common forms of correspondence are: Phone Call When is it Appropriate?  After you have made initial contact with the company or person.  If you were asked to call them specifically. Note: Unsolicited phone calls can turn off an employer so use your phone wisely! What Should I Remember?  Outline what you want to say during the conversation to ensure that you stay on topic and demonstrate your preparedness.  After you introduce yourself ask if it is a good time to speak. Employers are busy and you want them to know that you acknowledge that their time is important. If it is not a good time ask when a good time would be to call back.  Be friendly and professional. You do not want to sound demanding or indifferent to the employer. Inquiry Email When is it Appropriate?  You can reach out to an employer to ask for most information about possible job openings or departments within the company.  A chance to apply for a position directly if requested by the employer. What Should I Remember?  Formatting should be similar to a cover letter but the introduction should focus on your interest in the company and not a specific position (unless requested by the employer).  Attach your resume as a PDF to avoid any formatting issues that can occur based on versions of Microsoft Word documents. Cover Letter When is it Appropriate?  A cover letter allows you to elaborate on your interest with the position, your desire to work for this specific company and showcase how you are a great fit for the job.  Your cover letter should not be viewed as a supplement to your resume but a chance for you to go into further detail about why you are the best person for the job through experiences/skills that may not be written on your resume. What Should I Remember?  See The Cover Letter for full details. Reference List When is it Appropriate?  Only provide this list when specifically asked by the employer.  Bring a hard copy to your interview in case the employer does ask for it. What Should I Remember?  See Reference List Sample for full details Thank You Letter When is it Appropriate? Page | 31

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Thank you letters should be submitted after: o Every job interview (this includes in-person interviews and phone interviews). o Every informational interview or networking meeting. o Someone has helped you with your job search process (e.g., referred your resume to someone else, offered you contact information, etc.). What Should I Remember?  See Thank-You Letters for full details

The Cover Letter When seeing the words ‘cover letter’ for the first time you are probably faced with one of these two questions of 1) What is a Cover Letter? And, 2) Do I have to write one? Not to worry, this section will not only explain what a cover letter is but also the importance of why you should write one. What is a Cover Letter? Simply put a cover letter is an accompanying, formal business letter that is sent with another document, i.e. a resume, which provides necessary or additional information. It serves as an introduction of you and your experience. Do I have to write one? Most likely, yes. We encourage students to look at the cover letter as a marketing tool for their success. The cover letter allows you to clearly point out your achievements, skills and express your interest. This is your chance to brag about yourself to showcase that you are the best candidate for the position. The next few sections will breakdown how to not only write a cover letter but how you can create targeted cover letters that relate your skills and experience to a specific position in a specific organization.

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Cover Letter Template A cover letter is structured like any business letter. It is important to keep cover letters short, three or four paragraphs, and do not exceed one page.

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Internship Cover Letter

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Job Shadowing

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Full-Time Position Cover Letter

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Writing Samples When applying for an internship, job or graduate school you may be asked to provide a writing sample. A writing sample allows an employer or graduate program to judge your ability to convey a written message and should be taken seriously. The purpose is to convince an employer that you can create the kind of written materials and handle the type of work that is expected of an employee in the position for which you are applying. What are some types of Writing Samples?  Academic Papers  Policy briefs  News Articles or ‘clippings’  Press releases  Blog posts If possible, select samples that match the genre of the writing that the position would involve. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, submit press releases from a class assignment. How long is a Writing Sample? Most employers will specify how many pages or how many clips they want. If they don’t, follow up and ask. If you’d like to highlight a section of a longer paper, be sure to include your best two to five page selection. Provide an excerpt with a notation at the top that tells the employer that it is an excerpt from a _(number)_-page paper on ___(topic)___ and where in the paper this excerpt is from/ course for which it was written. **Always** Proofread your document to avoid errors or typos!

Thank-You Letters A thank you, or follow-up letter, may be one of the most important letters you will write during your job search. It is a way of offering your appreciation for being given an interview and, in some cases, accepting or declining an offer. Your thank-you note should always be sent within 24 hours of your interview. Whether you send a handwritten or emailed thank-you note, it should always be formal and professional Why Should I send a Thank You Letter?  It is a professional courtesy that demonstrates your enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to interview  You are able to reaffirm your interest in the company, employer or industry  Allows you the opportunity to mention something that you may have forgotten during the interview/conversation  Reiterate the skills, strengths, and abilities you can bring to the job

Sample Thank You Letter Dear Ms. Holloway, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you about the Marketing Analyst Position at IPG Media Brands. I enjoyed speaking with you to learn more about the position and believe that my skills and interests are a strong match for the company. As per our conversation, while interning at NYC Marketing Company, I completed a project that is similar in nature to the work that I would be doing at your company. Developing new business presentations for sports initiatives was my greatest accomplishment at NYC Marketing Company, and I believe that I could make an immediate contribution to your team. IPG Media Brands has had great momentum since their establishment in 2007, and I certainly want to be a part of that growth. I am inspired by your success and I believe that this opportunity will provide me the perfect playing field into expanding and achieving many career goals. Thank you once again for the opportunity to hear about your organization. If I can provide you with any additional information, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you soon Sincerely, Peter Campbell

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Reference List Sample A list of references consists of three to five people who will give a potential employer excellent reviews of your past performance. Your reference list is a supplement to your resume, but do not send it with the resume unless requested to do so. Important to ASK FIRST those individuals you would like to and if they are willing to provide a strong recommendation for you. Every single time you are asked to submit your list of references, make sure to inform those on your list and to provide them with a recent copy of your resume, a position description for the job and possibly the qualities or experiences you hope they will highlight when speaking about you. Who Can I Ask To Be A Reference?  Current or former professors  University Administrators  Current or former supervisors from a job or internship  Community members you worked with through a volunteer experience/extra-curricular activity  Athletic coaches

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Choosing & Applying to Professional or Graduate School Is graduate school right for me? The decision to attend graduate school is never a simple one. Graduate school is not only a time commitment but a huge financial one as well so it is imperative to ask yourself what is motivating you to attend. Reasons to Attend Graduate School  You have a passionate interest in an area/topic or combination of areas.  You enjoy research and are interested in research questions.  Your career interests that require a graduate degree. Reasons NOT to Attend Graduate School  Going to graduate school will make someone else happy (i.e. parents).  You have no idea what you want to study or why.  Your best friend is going.  You are avoiding finding a job/career.  You only want to see the letters behind your name.  You assume the degree will let make you more money in the industry/field. Researching Schools: The People  Faculty expertise and breadth of sub-disciplines  Amount of industry experience by faculty  Are the faculty well-known? What have they published recently?  What is the faculty/student ratio, and are the faculty accessible to the students?  Student demographics- are they right out of undergraduate? Older students? Researching Schools: The Program  Coursework: Required and Elective  Thesis, Qualifying Exams, Practicums, Internships, Fieldwork  Length of program/credits  Reputation of School vs. Reputation of Program  Accreditation  Jobs/Careers  Large vs. Small School; Large vs. Small Program  Geographic Area  Activities for Graduate Students  Housing/Transportation; Tuition/Hidden Costs  Assistantships, loans, and fellowships Are You A Competitive Applicant?  Research Experiences: NSF REUs, Conferences, Research on Campus with Manhattanville College faculty  Professional Experience: Internships  Student Activities/Leadership; Community Involvement  GPA  Developing Relationships with Faculty

Graduate School Timeline Applying to graduate school takes time! The earlier you start will give you more time to prepare and polish your application. Here is a sample timeline: Junior Year Summer Before Senior Year Fall Semester Senior Year 1. Assess Interests, Area of Study, 1. Research or Internship 1. Finalize List of Schools Degree Experience 2. Ask for Recommendation Letters 2. Discuss Career Plans with Faculty, 2. Develop a Rough List of 3. Write Personal Statement and Advisors, and Career Counselors Programs Have it Reviewed 3. Research Possible Programs and 3. Start Researching Funding 4. Send Transcripts Topics of Interest Sources 5. Take Standardized Tests (Before 4. Get Involved In Research, Design 4. Begin Studying for Thanksgiving) Projects, Independent Study Standardized Tests 6. Complete Applications Page | 39

The Personal Statement Graduate and professional schools often require some sort of written statement, often called statement of purpose, personal statement, or letter of intent. Your personal statement is your introduction to the university admission committee and time to really sell your abilities. You need to ask yourself- what interests and qualifications make you the ideal applicant for this program? Why are you pursuing a career in this field? The Purdue Online Writing Lab offers 12 questions for you to ask yourself before writing your personal statement. They are: 1. What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story? 2. What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants? 3. When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained? 4. How have you learned about this field—through classes, readings, seminars, work or other experiences, or conversations with people already in the field? 5. If you have worked a lot during your college years, what have you learned (leadership or managerial skills, for example), and how has that work contributed to your growth? 6. What are your career goals? 7. Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores, for example, or a distinct upward pattern to your GPA if it was only average in the beginning)? 8. Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life? 9. What personal characteristics (for example, integrity, compassion, and/or persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics? 10. What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess? 11. Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school—and more successful and effective in the profession or field than other applicants? 12. What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you?

Writing Your Personal Statement Do Don’t Write clearly and concisely - Don’t Write an Autobiography 2-3 pages in length - Don’t Try to Impress Your Reader with Your Vocabulary Give Concrete Examples - Don’t Provide a Collection of Generic Statements/ Platitudes Use Proper Vocabulary of Discipline - Don’t Make Stuff Up! Have Your Statement Reviewed and Make Sure That There is Plenty of Time for Revisions - Don’t Put in the Wrong School Name!

Letter of Recommendation Letters of recommendation are required for almost every graduate school application and are a very important part of the application process. Although grades and test scores play a major factor in your application, your letters of recommendation can be the deciding factor in the admission process. Your Recommender Should:  Know you and your work well  Know why you want to go to graduate school  Like and respect you  Have relevant academic or professional credentials  Be known in a relevant discipline Page | 40

 Know people in the program/university to which you are applying Be Considerate When Asking Requesting that someone complete a letter in three weeks is a reasonable minimum amount of time. Anything shorter than that will put your recommender on a tight deadline, which may result in a poorly written recommendation letter. It is best to send your professors an email to set up a meeting to discuss your academic future and plans for graduate school. During this meeting you can ask for their recommendation and provide them with the information you previously prepared regarding the letters you need. Things to Give Your Recommender When Writing a Letter of Recommendation  Transcript  Evidence from projects/papers  Resume/C.V.  Emails/Correspondence from graduate schools or faculty  Personal or Research Statement

Interviewing What is an Interview? Interviewing is as much an art as it is a science. Think of an interview as a conversation where you and an employer exchange information. The purpose of an interview is not only to determine if you are right for the job but an opportunity to decide if the job is right for you.

Interview Preparation Interviewing is the most personal part of the job search process because it involves evaluating whether a candidate will mesh well with a company’s culture. Many employers base their decisions on their first impressions of how the interviewees respond to questions and core knowledge of the company position. 3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Preparing For an Interview: 1. What do I have to offer? (Skills, abilities, knowledge) 2. Who am I? (Know yourself! Personality, character, interests, etc.) 3. Why should I get this job? (Convince the employer of your enthusiasm for the company and that you are a good fit for their culture) Do your Homework! Candidates who know the employer’s business and the requirements of the position are most likely to make it to the next round of interviews. Doing research demonstrates how interested you are in a specific position or organization. Expand your research by learning about current trends and events that might impact your future employer. Don’t just Google the company and look at the website the night before! Conducting research ahead of time will set you apart as a serious, knowledgeable candidate. Things you should know before your interview:  The company’s mission  Clients and/or sales  Products and services  Competitors  Divisions and affiliations (organizational  Location(s) structure)  Plans for expansion  Financial Status  Recent news about the company Be sure to also research the job. The job description provides valuable clues to the kinds of questions you’ll be asked at the interview. The better you understand the position, the better you will be able to communicate your interest in the job and relate your past experiences to the job responsibilities Practice, Practice, Practice! Believe it or not, many interview questions are predictable and can be anticipated prior to the interview. You can also predict “job-specific” questions by analyzing the job description—duties, responsibilities and skills of the position. Many people practice for an interview by writing down answers to common interview questions. While organizing your thoughts on paper is helpful, the best practice is done verbally. Practice answering questions in front of a mirror, with a friend or schedule a mock interview with a career counselor in the Center for Career Development. Page | 41

Sample Questions Typical Questions that employers ask include: - Tell me about yourself? - Why did you choose this major/career? - What are your strengths and weaknesses? - What are your short and long term goals? - Why do you want to work at this company?

What is your understanding of the position? Which accomplishment are you most proud of? Why? What would one of your professors say about you? Why should we hire you? What salary do you except/require?

The most innocent sounding questions can often be the hardest to answer effectively. Here are some suggestions for tackling these difficult questions. Tell me about yourself. You want to be sure to capture the interviewer’s attention with a clear, quick, and focused response. Keep your answer brief and concise (60–90 second pitch). Highlight your academic background, work experience and personal attributes that are relevant to the position. Express your enthusiasm for the position and your desire to work for the company. Keep in mind that the employer is not interested in learning about your entire personal history. Before the interview, prepare an answer to this question. Write out your relevant or professional qualifications using the past, present, and future approach. Choose four to five highlights of which you are most proud (past and present). Be sure to back up these qualifications with examples, generally from your resume. Then, explain how you believe you can help this employer. What is your greatest weakness? This question is usually the one that students fear the most. Overused cliché answers like ‘I’m a perfectionist’ or ‘I care too much’ are not only non-answers but show the employer that you don’t really know yourself. The goal is to present a real weakness that does not damage your potential for the position but also does not come across as unrealistic or staged. Your answer needs to address your weakness and explain what steps you’ve taken to improve. Also anticipate several follow-up questions related to your weakness. Why should we hire you? The most important information you can offer is a reiteration of how you will use your best skills to perform the job. Focus on what makes you unique and don’t try to compare yourself to the other applicants. Realize that your enthusiasm and desire for the position can be convincing.

Industry Specific Questions Academic Specific  Tell me about your research and plans for publication.  What course would you like to develop that is not currently being offered?  How do you structure your courses? Accounting Specific  What processes have you used to evaluate financial risk?  What cost-cutting measures do you, or would you, like to be responsible for implementing?  Tell me about financial forecasting (if any) for which you have been responsible? Engineering Specific Biomedical Engineering  How would you measure the permeability of a tissue engineered construct?  Explain the mechanism of ELISA. What are its uses?  What is the principle behind DNA fingerprinting? Chemical Engineering  How do you go about mixing two unknown chemicals?  How would you separate water and benzene? What needs to be considered in choosing a method?  Why does a kernel of popcorn “pop” when heated? Computer Engineering  What experience do you have with computer programming?  What are data structures?  What is the difference between recursion and iteration? Environmental Engineering  Name three major contributions made in the energy field this year? On climate change?  How much do you know about energy audits, and what are the differences for new and existing buildings? Page | 42

 What are the different ways to “reclaim” water? Human Resources Specific  Do you have a personal philosophy about HR management?  How do you stay current with changes in employment laws, practices and other HR issues?  Describe the most difficult employee relations situation you have had to handle, how it was resolved or not, and why. Finance Specific  How do you value a company?  If interest rates rise, what happed to bond prices and yields?  Name three stocks/companies that you think are undervalued and why?  Company ABC released increased quarterly earnings yesterday, but their stock price still dropped, why? Law Specific  What law specialization are you interested in?  How do you respond under stress?  In your view, what are the major problems/ opportunities facing the legal industry?  Have you ever attended a court hearing or employment tribunal? What was the outcome? Marketing Specific  Tell me about a time when you had to influence various departments/people to help accomplish your goals without having direct authority over them.  Having read about our company and met with several marketing heads here, what ideas do you have on how we can improve our marketing efforts?  You have a new product you want to launch in a foreign industry, what do you do? Technology Specific  What has been your experience in developing applications? (Programming specific)  What are the physical and electronic security considerations in supporting the information technology requirements of an organization? (Security specific)  What are the advantages and disadvantages of a client-server application versus a mainframe-based application? (Systems specific) Teaching Specific  Define curriculum integration. How would you integrate the curriculum content in your classroom?  What progressive discipline steps would you follow for an unmanageable student in your classroom?  How would you individualize learning?

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Types of Interviews Interviews can come in many shapes and forms. Whether in person, over the phone or via Skype there are certain actions that you can take to stand out. Type Use for Interviewer Tips for Interviewee Phone - Convenient - Prepare as you would for any interview Interviews - Save resources and time - Have your resume and cue cards in front of you - Usually used to narrow down - Make sure you are in a quiet location without candidate pool and determine if distractions want to interview further - Smile and stand up/sit up at desk to increase energy - Be sure to monitor your voice (tone, pace and volume) Panel - Allows a number of interviewers - Make direct eye contact with the individual asking the Interviews to assess a candidate in one question sitting - Address the group when answering questions; make eye contact with everyone - Avoid focusing on any one person who seems to be more friendly or interested in you Group - Assess a number of candidate at - Address the group when answering questions; make Interviews one time eye contact with everyone - Avoid focusing on any one person who seems to be more friendly or interested in you Case Study - See how you think about solving a - Discuss and probe interviewer – ask questions to gain problem. Not necessarily looking clarity for the correct answer - Expect a quantitative question - Elements the employer is looking for: listening skills, clarifying questions, ability to break the problem down, business judgment, ability to prioritize, on-the-fly thinking, action orientated Dining - This is an interview while eating - Dress as if attending a formal interview - Assess your social skills - Order food easy to eat - Do not order alcohol – stay sharp - It may feel more casual or informal but never forget that it is an interview - Thank the host for the meal

Types of Questions The number of questions an interviewer may ask you can seem endless. However, most questions will address you as a person; your educational background; employment experience; communication and interpersonal skills; selfmotivation; initiative; leadership and problem-solving ability; and professional goals. When you respond to the questions, draw on experiences from your jobs, internships, academics, extracurricular activities and community service. It is important to make sure to relate your answers to the job for which you are interviewing. Types of Interview Questions - Behavioral Questions: Your answers provide a pattern of behavior or performance that helps the interviewer evaluate skills, attributes and behaviors with examples from work, class or volunteer activities. Examples:  “Tell me about a time when you …”  “Give me an example of [problem] you solved….” Tips:  Tell the “story” behind your experiences focusing on the result  Provide clear examples to demonstrate competency in these areas  Highlight transferrable skills - Open-ended Questions: Your answer requires a detailed response. Examples:  What are you looking to gain from your next position? Page | 44

 What are your short- term goals?  Describe your ideal job. Tips:  Use open-ended questions to expand on your knowledge, strengths and elaborate on past job experiences  Showcase your motivation level, communication skills, and ability to solve problems. Close-ended Questions: Limits candidates to choosing a particular, solid answer. Examples:  What was your GPA?  Are you willing to relocate? Tips:  Be honest! Case Interview Questions: The interviewer will present you with a complex problem involving issues or situations that are not likely to be familiar. You will be asked to formulate a solution to the problem under tight time constraints. Examples:  How many traffic lights are in Manhattan?  What software program would you use to solve this problem? Why? Tips:  See Case Interviews: At a Glance section.

Case Interviews: At a Glance A case interview, also known as a case study, is a job interview in which the interviewer will present you with a complex problem involving issues or situations that are not likely to be familiar. It is because of this definition that a case study can be viewed as either a dreadful experience one must endure or a perfect opportunity for you to shine. We hope that this section will help you see the silver lining in the gloomy cloud that case studies can cast on students. What Does A Case Interviews Look For In an Answer? 1. How You Approach A Problem  Analyze information  Sort through an excess of data and identify the main point(s)  Structured, logical thinking 2. How You Engage With People  Maintain confidence and poise; communicate clearly under pressure  Relay personality and characteristics that are considered a good "fit" with the company 3. What You Know About Business  Grasp of a few, fundamental business concepts and frameworks  Business intuition *The interviewer is not necessarily seeking a "correct" answer, but wants to evaluate your problem solving and analytical reasoning skills. Be prepared to walk the interviewer through your solution on a step-by-step basis.* Sample Questions by Type Brainteasers 1. Why are manhole covers round? 2. If you roll two dice, what is the probability the sum of the numbers you get will be odd? 3. Imagine you are in a room with 3 switches. In an adjacent room there are 3 bulbs (all are oﬀ at the momen t), and each switch belongs to one bulb. It is impossible to see from one room to another. How can you ﬁnd out which switch belongs to which bulb, if you may enter the room with the bulbs only once? Market Sizing 1. How many gas stations are there in the US? 2. How many dry-cleaners are there in NYC? 3. If you had 5,287 participants in a tournament, how many games would need to be played to determine the winner? Business Case 1. Your client manufactures hair products. They are thinking about entering into the sunscreen market. Tell me if you think this is a good idea. Page | 45

2. You have been assigned to consult a clothing retailer with stores throughout the nation. Since its revenue is dropping, the company has proposed to sell food at its stores. How would you advise this client? 3. The Star Trek transporter has just been invented. Spell out some of the effects on the transportation industry. How Should I Approach The Case Interview? We all think and solve problems differently so here are two examples of how you can tackle a case interview. Deloitte offers interactive practice cases and advises interviewees use a five-step approach to use while working through the case interview:  Understand the issue; ask clarifying questions as  Summarize specific issues and findings needed  State your recommendations  Identify the underlying assumptions  Outline next steps and expected results/impacts Columbia University uses the acronym RASCALS Repeat  Ask  Stop  - Listen to the question - Rephrase what you hear - Make sure you and the interviewer are on the same page about the question

- Ask as many clarifying questions as you can about the problem - Use this time to show enthusiasm. If the product you are discussing is tires, think about tires. Get interested in tires. Show this through your questions

Construct 

Answer 

Loosen Up 

Summarize

- Ask your interviewer “Do you mind if I take 30 seconds to step back and collect my thoughts?”

- Structure your response, write it down

- Use headlines to describe what you are thinking (talk to topic sentences)

- RELAX

- Articulate your conclusion

- PAUSE - BE SILENT - THINK

-Think of each point you want to make as the topic sentence in a paragraph- give an overview of what you will say, and then say it

- Draw pictures - Create charts - Provide organization

- Converse with the interviewer about the approach you have devised - Let your answer feel like a conversation- as if you are making a recommendation to a client

- Smile - Show confidence in your answer - Show enthusiasm in the topic - Show interest in asking for feedback from the interviewer on your approach

- Reiterate you main points - Highlight the most important parts of the conversation (so the interviewer remembers!)

Academic Interviews An academic interview is different from an industry interview primarily in the structure and format of the questions asked. Academic interviews focus on your research, teaching, and evidence of scholarship whereas industry interviews look to determine your relevant traits and characteristics. At least two rounds of interviews will completed before an offered for a position is made. Most often the first interview takes place face to face with a committee of interviewers, but sometimes they are held by phone. You may be asked to briefly describe your dissertation in two minutes, while at an on-campus interview you may be asked to speak in greater detail for as long as 30 or 60 minutes. Depending on the institution, you may also be asked about your teaching experience and your ability to teach specific classes at the institution. If interviewing for a small teaching college, greater emphasis will likely be placed on your teaching than on your research. You may be asked to teach a class. The hardest work of the interview takes place long before the actual date itself. You need to know whether the institution is a large research university, a selective liberal-arts college that values good teaching, a midsize institution with a heavy teaching load and a mixed student body. Preparation Is Paramount. About yourself: - Current research - Future research plans - Teaching experience(skills and interests) - Accomplishments

About the Institution: - History and mission of the institution - Research interests and current research of the faculty - Know the courses offered and student population - Understand the position

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You need to be comfortable elaborating on your teaching history, philosophy, and technique. Anticipate questions on how you might teach particular courses in your field, and to respond in depth. It is ideal to prepare specifics on how you would teach at least three undergraduate courses and one graduate seminar (e.g., have prepared syllabi). Some campus interviews include a sample lecture instead of or in addition to a job talk. Find out if this will be presented to an actual class or to a group of faculty. You may be asked to teach a class as part of your interview process. On-Campus Interviews generally include: - Meet with undergraduate and graduate student groups—Many departments take their students' input very seriously - Teach a class in your specialty area—faculty observers and students will likely provide feedback to the committee - Give a research presentation to the department (12-25 people asking difficult questions) - Participate in an interview with the job search committee (4-6 people asking questions specific to the position and the institution) - Have lunch, dinner, and conversation with faculty from the department - Have one-on-one meetings with the department chair, dean, provost, and or president.

Questions for the Interviewer At the end of interviews you will ask if you have any questions. Be sure you do! Having questions that have been well thought out in advance will impress the interviewer. Why Ask Questions?: - Give you a better understating of the expectations and duties of the job. - Demonstrate a genuine interest in the company that shows the interviewer that you have researched the company. - Help you prepare for the next steps in the interview process/follow up interviews. Do not ask about salary, vacation or other benefits. It is not appropriate in an interview. If an offer is made, there will be ample time to discuss those issues. Example Questions for the Interview - What challenges or opportunities are associated with the position? - What are company expectations for the position? - What does the company or division hope that the employee will accomplish? - How does this position fit into the overall organizational structure? - What is the management style and corporate culture? - How does the company measure performance? When are evaluations scheduled? - What are the characteristics of your most outstanding employees in a similar position?

Illegal Interview Questions Some questions should not be asked in an interview due to the potential for discrimination issues, contract issues, or privacy issues. Federal, State and Local Laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask. Illegal questions include: - What is your age? - What are your religious beliefs? - What is your national origin, birth place or ancestry? - What is your native language? - What is your marital status?

Do you have any disabilities? Do you have a police record? What is your sexual orientation? Are your parents citizens? Do you have children? Are you planning on having more?

It is not illegal to answer an illegal question if you are comfortable doing so, however, you can respond by saying, “I do not feel that is relevant to the position/ interview.” Illegal Question: What is your national origin? Answer: “I am authorized to work in the US.”

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Illegal Question: “Do you have any disabilities?” Answer: “Please do not be concerned that I am unable to perform the job duties. I will be able to contribute and be productive.” If the question does not relate to the job and/or makes you uncomfortable you should not have to answer it.

Before the Interview Practicing your interview skills help you in the interview but there are a number of things you must do before you get to the interview itself. The night before your interview ensure that you have completed the following: Know where you are going! Figure out the best way to get to the interview. Are you driving? Taking Mass Transit? Walking? - Driving: Before your interview, drive to the interview site. Also know where to park and if you have to pay for parking. - Mass Transit: Trains and busses can have delays or switch from local to express so know your options. Use GoogleMaps to help in planning your trip ahead of time. What to Wear What to wear depends somewhat on the industry and company culture. As a general rule, your interview attire should be equivalent to that worn by senior managers. Make sure that you outfit is ready to step into the day of the interview. You do not want to stress over ironing your clothes, finding a missing belt or realizing your shows need to be polished right before you walk out the door. Tips for Men - Suit: Choose a two-piece matching suit. Stick with conservative colors like navy or dark gray. Your suit does not have to be expensive to be the best but make sure it is tailored to you (not fitted or snug). - Shirt: Wear a long-sleeve shirt in white, light blue or a conservative pattern. - Ties: Choose ties that are a solid or have a conservative pattern. No cartoon ties! - Belt and Jewelry: Match your belt to your shoes. Keep any jewelry to a minimum. - Shoes and Socks: Socks should be mid-calf length in a dark color. The shoes can be leather with laces or slip-on business shoes. - Grooming: You should be clean shaven. If you have facial hair, make sure that it is well-groomed. Clean nails are a must. Use cologne and/or after shave sparingly. If you are interviewing in a small room, you do not want to overpower your interviewer’s nose! Tips for Women - Suit: Two-piece suits that is tailored to you. Conservative colors like gray, dark grey, navy or black. Pants should be hemmed so the cuff does not drag on the floor - Skirt: Skirts should match your blazer. - Shirt: Wear a tailored blouse, good quality knit sweater or shell under your jacket. Avoid low cut shirts or one that is see-through. - Hosiery: Hosiery should be plain or sheer in most instances. Wear a neutral color to compliment your suit. - Shoes and Jewelry: Shoes should be a color that matches your suit with a medium-high heel (be comfortable). Do not wear jewelry or take a bag that is too ostentatious or casual. - Makeup and Nails: Makeup should be minimal and neutral. Your nails should be clean. Minimize fragrances (e.g. perfume). Before You Go To Bed Here is an easy checklist of things you should complete before your interview day:  Read through your notes and documents (e.g. resume, cover letter, job description, company/industry summaries) one last time.  Know how you are getting to the interview site, the name and title of the person(s) interviewing you.  Layout your clothes. Does anything need to be ironed? Polished? Cleaned?  Set your alarm clock so you have ample time to get ready and to the interview without rushing  Print multiple copies of your resume on good-quality paper  Get a good night’s sleep

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Day of the Interview Today is the day! You’ve perfected your resume. Your cover letters are persuasive. Your interview skills are polished. You are ready. When You Arrive - Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Prior to your scheduled time, go into the building, enter a restroom, and check your appearance. Now you’re ready for your appointment. - Check in with the front desk. Be friendly and polite to everyone you meet. You never know who is involved in your evaluation. - Greet the interview(s) with a firm handshake (at the start and finish of interview), smile, strong eye contact and demonstrate your enthusiasm and confidence throughout the interview. - Do not drink, smoke, then chew gum just in advance of your appointment. - Turn your cell phone OFF! There is nothing worse that hearing the sound of your phone, even when on vibrate, to cause you to lose focus in an interview. During the Interview - Expect neutral small talk. Interviews most often begin with small talk about the weather, traffic, or some recent public event. Soon, the conversation will shift to a more serious vein and you will be asked an open ended question, such as “Why are you interested in our company?” - Sit up and slightly forward/pay attention to the interviewer’s body language. Do not cross your arms. - Avoid nervous habits that could distract the interviewer (e.g. playing with your hair, biting your nails, waving hands, tapping fingers, twirling pens, shaking your leg, etc.) - Provide specific examples whenever possible. It will help strengthen your answers. Do not hesitate to volunteer information or ask for clarification. - Never apologize for any perceived lack of experience or background. Focus on the positive aspects of your training and experience. - Do not discuss salary!! Only discuss salary if employer asks (research average salary beforehand) or after job offer is given. A simple answer is, “I trust that you would make me a competitive offer” Before You Leave - Thank interviewer for time and opportunity to interview. - Ask for a business card and for specifics about what will happen next. - Be certain you understand the next step. Will the interviewer contact you? Will you make the next move? It is appropriate for you to take the initiative to set a time frame for getting a response. - Keep record of follow-up dates and tasks. Sample Closing Here’s a sample script to get you started on your own personalized closing: “This sounds like an exciting opportunity – just the kind I am looking for. I believe my (insert your most relevant strengths and experience here) make me an ideal candidate for this position. I look forward to becoming a member of your team.” If the last sentence seems too aggressive for your style, substitute: “I am looking forward to the next step in your selection process.”

Following the Interview Send a thank-you note to everyone that interviewed you within 24 hours of your interview. Although writing individual notes or emails is time consuming, it is important to write a different letter to each interviewer, highlighting, if possible, a subject you discussed during the interview, in order to emphasize why you appreciated the opportunity to interview with the company. It is a professional courtesy that demonstrates your enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity to interview. (See Thank-You Letters) Your thank you note should include: - Thank the interviewer for the time they spent and explaining the position. - Reiterate your interest in the position. - Remind employer of your relevant skills, strengths, and abilities you can bring to the job. - Refer to something specific you discussed in the interview to remind them of your conversation. - Provide additional information that was not addressed at the time of the interview. Page | 49

Follow up, professionally and only once, if you do not hear from the employer after the reply date that the interviewer indicated. Call the interviewer and inquire about the position.

The Second Interview During second interviews, you may meet with more than one person or participate in a group interview. This is also your opportunity to observe the office dress code, corporate culture, and work environment. Expect questions in the second-round interview to be more specific and focused on the particulars of the job, your understanding of the industry and organization. Be sure to research the technical aspects. Behavioral questions are very common in second interviews. You may also be invited to a social gathering, reception or dinner. Remember to be professional at all times and think about whether you could picture yourself working there on a regular basis. Learn as much as you can about the organization so that you can make an educated decision about whether or not you would be happy there.

Salary Negotiation and Evaluating a Job Offer Handling Salary Questions Let’s face it, no one like to negotiate salary but this section is all about addressing the giant piggybank in the room. Part of your job search process should include discovering salary information about the position. Questions you should ask yourself are: What type of salary can you anticipate, given your education and experience level? What is the range like for the field as you progress? Researching the position and the company can help you get an idea of what the standard rate of a position is and in a specific industry. During an interview an employer will often ask what salary do you expect and/or require. You want to be able to give the employer a salary range that you are comfortable with and that matches the average for the position based on your research. Here are a couple sample questions and tips on how to respond to salary-based questions: What are Your Salary Requirements? 1. Have your answer highlight the research findings, “I understand that the current market rate in New York City for this position is $42,000- $47,000.” 2. Pose the question back by summarizing the requirements of the position as you understand them and ask the interviewer what the company’s normal salary range is for that type of position. Here is a generic version of a possible response, “"My current salary is $39,000 but the most important thing here for me is the opportunity. Again, I truly believe that, if I can bring value to you, and XYZ is the right company for me, salary certainly can be worked out." The Salary Range for This Position is $40,000 to $45,000. Is That What You Were Expecting? 1. Soft response/meets your requirements, “I am interested in finding a job that is a good fit for me. I’m sure whatever salary you’re paying is consistent with the rest of the market.” 2. After the interviewer poses this question to you, if the salary offered is less than what you were expecting, consider politely telling the interviewer that it is close to your expectations but that you were thinking in terms of $43,000 to $45,000. This keeps you within their price range but keeps the conversation open for further discussion. It is also important that you take into consideration the cost of living for where you live. For help exploring cost of living and salary information you will find the following resources to be helpful: Salary.com: Enter in the Job Title and your zip code for your salary /pay range. Educate To Career Salary Calculator Salary survey data resource designed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. PayScale Salary Calculator: Provides accurate, real-time salary information. Vault: provides in-depth intelligence on what it's really like to work in an industry, company or profession.

Benefits It is important to consider all facets of a job offer to decide if it is right for you. Remember that your total compensation is more than the dollar amount written on your paycheck. Benefits are part of the compensation package and may be worth at least one-third of your compensation. Page | 50

Some employee benefits are considered standard. They come with the job and are not subject to negotiation. However, an increasing number of companies offer flexible benefit packages which give employees a number of choices and perks. Basic Benefit Packages Usually Include:  Health, dental, disability and life insurance  Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays More Comprehensive Benefits Can Include:  Relocation budget  Savings, pension or retirement plan (e.g., 401Kor 403B)  Tuition reimbursement (for self and family)  Vesting time (i.e., when a company’s contributions fully belong to you)  Commuting expenses/company car  Flexible work schedule/Telecommuting  Gym membership  Pre-tax options (e.g. commuting, childcare, etc.) Please Note that during challenging economic times, many of these benefits may not be available. Additional Factors to Consider A job is more than the paycheck or the prestige of the organization; it is about finding the right fit! Ask yourself how this position fits into your long-term goals. Here are important factors to consider when considering a job offer: Within The Organization • Type and size of business • Financial condition, stability, and future • Location(s) • Philosophy, value system, and mission • Company or organization reputation Within The Position • Typical daily routine • Typical work hours; anticipated overtime • Room for advancement and professional development opportunities • Supervisor, co-workers and colleagues • Required and desired skills • Size of department • Travel

The Art of Negotiation As mentioned previously, a lot more goes into a job offer than the salary but it is good to have an amount in mind. You need to decide what you want and what you will accept. This means giving yourself a salary range between optimistic and realistic. Three figures to know:  Your Dream Salary- What is the most you can ask for without offending the prospective employer?  Your Bottom Line- What is the lowest figure you would settle for?  Your Goal- What is a realistic amount you think you have a good chance of getting? If you are a new graduate or soon-to-be graduate, here are some questions to consider in how your ability to negotiate will factor in:  What is the job market like upon your graduation?  Are there more applicants than jobs?  How much relevant experience do you have?  Have you had an internship that is applicable to the position?  Have you displayed leadership in an organization on and off campus?  Does Manhattanville College have a strong reputation in the industry that you are hoping to gain employment? Page | 51

If I Decide to Negotiate, How Do I Go About It? Rule #1: Be Professional and Non-Confrontational! You will most likely be talking to the HR person who made the offer. Call and express your gratitude for the offer and how much you’d like to work for the organization. Mention that you have a few things you’d like to discuss before signing the offer. This is a friendly, open dialogue; the way you handle the salary negotiation process can impact your success in securing the offer you are seeking. Rule # 2: Emphasize Your Skills And Abilities, Not Your Needs! Employers do not care if you have college loans or need to buy a car. Instead, talk about how you will benefit the company and the contributions you will make. Most employers are willing to negotiate, but they also need to know that you are willing to as well. If the employer comes close to what you’re after, you’ll have to decide whether to settle on this figure. Rule #3: Keep It In Perspective! Your salary has nothing to do with your value as a human being. It is solely an economic issue. Compensation should never be the only factor on whether you accept an offer or not.

Evaluating the Job Offer You may be tempted to accept the first offer you receive but it is important not to make an immediate decision. You should evaluate how the position fits in with your short- and long-term career goals and lifestyle and if the position will provide opportunities for personal growth, job satisfaction and enjoyment. Money is often the first thing we look at but if you don’t look forward to going to work and dread your alarm clock going off in the morning, no amount of money is worth it. Here are some points to consider when evaluating a job offer: The Job  Is the position interesting and challenging?  Will you have the opportunity to use your background and experience in a meaningful way?  What skills are required? What are the prospects for learning new skills?  How much responsibility will you have, and how soon?  How big is your work group and what is your role in it?  What percentage of time will you travel? The Company  Is there a high turnover of personnel?  Does the company have a strong reputation in the industry?  Does the company welcome and value people of differing cultural, ethnic, or racial backgrounds? Supervision  Who do you report to? What is that person’s management style? How much supervision will you have?  Who gives you assignments? Who approves them?  How much independence and decision making go with the position? Work Environment  What is the “corporate culture?” Is it a fast-paced atmosphere with deadlines, or is it a slow and calm environment?  Is it a structured organization providing stability and security or unstructured environment where you are given complete responsibility and power to make decisions?  Do you have an office? A cubicle? A desk in a bullpen?  How many hours are you expected to put in?  What time do people in your position get to work? When do they leave? Potential for Advancement  Is the position compatible with your career plans?  Is transfer or relocation necessary or desirable for advancement in the company?  Is training available? Compensation and benefits  Is the base salary competitive?  Does the salary start high and peak or begin lower with potential for significant increases?  What is the quality of the medical and dental coverage? Page | 52

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What “perks” can you expect, such as a health club membership, company car, or expense account?

Handling Multiple Offers In today’s fast-paced market employers can be eager to secure students, often months before they will start work or even graduate. Some students are faced with the dilemma of what to do with multiple job offers. On average, an employer will allow one to two weeks for you to evaluate and sign an offer. Depending on the job, the company size and the job market, this time frame may be negotiable. There are important steps you should take before making a decision, here are some guidelines for handling multiple offers and deadlines:  If you are waiting on a preferred employer, contact them and ask how far they have proceeded with your application and when you are likely to hear of their decision.  Contact the employer who has made you the offer and ask if they are prepared and willing to extend the offer acceptance deadline, if needed. This is a common practice and does not automatically imply that their offer is second best, especially if you explain that you want to complete the interviewing cycle in which you are currently engaged, in order to make the most informed decision. If the employer does insist on your making a decision quickly, you might ask yourself whether you want to work for an organization which is pressuring you to make a hasty choice. Note: The best employment decisions for both you and employers are those made without pressure and with the greatest amount of information. If you are able to attend career fairs and/or participate in on-campus interviews you are more likely to make good long-term employment decisions.

Accepting/Declining Congratulations on your job offer! Now that you have made your decision you need to complete one more step in the job search process. We recommend that you correspond with every employer who has made you an offer or still considers you a candidate to let them know of your decision. Accepting an Offer Always get an offer in writing. A formal offer should include: salary, job title, start date, eligibility for benefits and a signature from the organization’s representative. If you decide the job offer meets your criteria, call the employer to accept and follow with a letter.  Restate your understanding of the agreed upon terms, such as starting date, position title, salary, and benefits.  Confirm the date you will be reporting to work, and address any questions you may have.  End the letter with your appreciation and enthusiasm to join the company.  Notify all other organizations with which you have been interviewing that you have accepted another offer and will be withdrawing from their consideration. Declining an Offer Once you have accepted and/or signed a formal contract with your accepted position, write all other companies that have made you an offer and inform them of your decision.  Be polite and tactful in your letter- don’t burn any bridges! In the future you may have to work with the fellow organization professionally or you may want to contact them again about employment opportunities.  You do not need to indicate why you accepted another position or what the salary is.  Always be thankful for any offers extended and for the interest the employer has shown. Your courtesy will serve future Manhattanville College students and will earn you respect in your professional life. Remember that once you accept a position you cannot consider other offers.

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Strategies For Success The transition from college to a new career is an exciting time in your life. You meet new people and are faced with new things to do. How you adapt to the organizational culture and your ability to “catch on” is part of the evaluation process so it is important to remember all the observational, investigative e and analytical skills you used in college. First 90 days survival guide Except from 10 Tips to Survive First 90 Days in Corporate America- ABC News- By Michelle Goodman. Here's what they recommend doing to make the right impression those first three crucial months on the job. 1. Study The System. If you want to fit in, take mental notes, advises Maggie Ruvoldt, executive vice president of human resources at 2tor, an education technology company in New York City. Watch how your co-workers interact, how they work and how they blow off steam. Studying and then emulating these nuances is essential, "from leadership styles to work culture and preferred font types," Ruvoldt said. 2. Make Allies. Start with your boss and immediate teammates. But don't overlook colleagues and managers beyond your department. Rich DeMatteo, a former recruiter in Philadelphia who blogs about careers at Corn on the Job, advises meeting individually with colleagues and managers. Ask about their role at the company and how you can best work with them. Besides learning how the company operates, you'll learn how it makes money -- key information you need to excel in your new role. "New hires who spend time internally networking within the company perform better, are promoted faster and can expect to have a much stronger network," DeMatteo said. 3. Get In The Game. If you don't have enough work on your plate, offer to take some off your manager's or teammates' hands. "Your boss will see you as a go-getter, and your co-workers will like you more," said Jonathan Franks, managing partner and co-founder of LUCID Public Relations in Los Angeles. Likewise, when attending your first meeting, dive into the fray right away. Be prepared to join the discussion (or at the very least, introduce yourself and convey your excitement about joining the team). Be mindful, though, that you don't hog the floor or come off as a know-it-all. 4. Exceed Expectations. Ask your boss what she expects you to accomplish your first three months on the job. "What are your manager's goals and what are senior management's expectations for your department?" said John Millikin, a management professor at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business. "How does doing your job fit into meeting the department's goals? The more you understand how your role fits into the overall picture, the easier it will be for you to emphasize the right things in your performance." And the sooner you know your boss's expectations of you, the sooner you can work on exceeding them.

Asking For Promotions Promotions do not just happen. Asking for one can be very stressful because it can feel risky for some. But if you never ask, you may never get one. You have to work hard and in some cases, you have to know how to ask for a promotion. What to Avoid - Asking for too much at once. Know your priorities; do not ask for a promotion, raise, and privileges at the same time. - Assume that promotions are based solely on merit. Know the company culture, politics and other factors as these can determine what you need to focus on in addition to doing a great job. - Acting inappropriately. Complaining or threating that your responsibilities matches a higher level position elsewhere could get you out the door instead of up the corporate ladder. - Asking for a raise or promotion based on how long you have been at the company. You need to support your request with significant achievements. Think of it like a math problem from middle school- you need to show your work. Longevity does not equal promotion. Helpful Tips - Show Initiative. Your work ethic and attitude from your first day to your most recent project are indicators of your desire to succeed. The more your skills and contribution you make to the company's overall goals and objectives help build a strong ground for a promotion. Page | 54

Keep Track of Your Work. Don’t let your work be forgotten. Get into the habit of documenting everything you do on regular basis, you will be surprised by how much you achieve. This not only makes your annual or semiannual review preparation easier but you are able support why you deserve a promotion. - Timing is Everything. Before you ask for a meeting take a minute to consider what is happening in the company or your department right now. Is there a deadline coming up? Is your supervisor under stress? If yes, wait. - Know Your Numbers. Explain your reason for wanting to schedule a meeting and allow your boss to be the one to schedule it. Before the meeting, take a few days to prepare your supporting documents so you can pull out the key points you want to present to your boss. Follow Up If you get the promotion, great! You deserve it! But if don’t, know that it is not the end of the world. More importantly, don’t assume that the conversation is over. Start thinking ahead, if now is not good time for the company to be offering promotions, ask your boss when you can revisit the conversation. Get feedback on what steps you can take to gain experience and be considered for a promotion down the line. -

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