UNC UCS Career Guide 2016-2017

Page 1

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

CAREER GUIDE



TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME FROM UCS

4

GENERAL INFORMATION & MEET THE STAFF

5

PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

7

OUR SERVICES

8

CAREER PLANNING

9

Four-Year Career Success Plan

10

12

NETWORKING Informational Interviewing

14

SOCIAL NETWORKING

16

JOB AND INTERNSHIP SEARCHING

18

RESUMES, CURRICULUM VITAE AND LETTERS

20

Resumes/CVs 24 Cover Letters 40 References & Business Cards 45 Thank You Letters 46

47

INTERVIEWING Dressing for an Interview Types of Interviews Answering Difficult Questions Developing Questions to ask Employers Accepting an Offer LIFE AFTER CAROLINA

50 51 54 55 57

58


WELCOME

FROM UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES Dear UNC Student: University Career Services (UCS) is pleased to provide this Career Guide, which includes the policies, programs, and services offered by our UCS staff. The Guide also has a variety of useful information to help with your career plans. Please follow-up with a member of our staff if you have any questions. As you begin planning for your career, UCS can assist you in many different ways, including: Assessments to help you choose a major or career Internship, part-time, and full-time job assistance Resume/CV critiques Practice interviewing Job skills workshops Career fairs, panels, and networking events On-campus interviews Individual sessions with career counselors Advising for health careers, graduate school, and law school We strongly encourage you to use Careerolina, our online Tar Heel Career Tool Kit. Through Careerolina, you can upload your resume or CV, search for full/part-time jobs and internships, research employers, and learn about our career-related events. Most students find that the job search requires a good deal of preparation, effort, and time. We encourage you to start early and approach your search with the same kind of enthusiasm, interest, and commitment that you would any important decision in your life. The staff of University Career Services is eager to meet you and begin the process of career development that will result in lifelong learning. We are located on the second floor of Hanes Hall and we look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, University Career Services

4


General Information Email: ucs@unc.edu Website: careers.unc.edu Location: 219 Hanes Hall Drop-In Hours: Monday-Friday 1:00PM-4:00PM (no appointment necessary) Appointments: Schedule via careers.unc.edu or by calling 919-962-6507 Social Media: Find “uncucs” on social media and keep up to date with what’s new.

OUR MISSION The Mission of University Career Services is to provide progressive services and resources to help students clarify and attain their goals. UCS serves undergraduates, graduate students and alumni (up to 6 months). Students and alumni in the MAC, MBA, Law, Medical, and Dentistry programs are served by separate career offices.


MEET THE STAFF Sue Harbour, Associate Director

Sheena Jacobs, JLD Coordinator

Jeff Sackaroff, Associate Director

Camille Mason, Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Business Program

Jonathan Adams, Assistant Director Resa Anderson, Health Professions Advising Coordinator Jade Barricelli, Senior Assistant Director for Computer Science Amy Blackburn, Senior Assistant Director for Graduate Students and Liaison to the Gillings School of Global Public Health Lisa Bowden, Help Desk Agent/Secretary Chad Collins, Senior Assistant Director for Honors Carolina Christy Dunston, Assistant Director Jacquelyn Gist, Assistant Director Teresa Holt, Help Desk Agent/Secretary

6

Taron Mattocks, Technology Coordinator Julie Pendergraph, Recruiting Services Manager Kristin Pawlowski, Senior Assistant Director for Honors Carolina Mary Rosage, Assistant Director Tamara Taylor, Assistant Director William Taylor, Pre-Law & Pre-Graduate Advising Coordinator Karen Thompson, Event/Marketing Coordinator Blakely Williamson, Help Desk Agent/Secretary


PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT University Career Services is committed to complying with the ethical standards of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and expects students and employers to be honest and professional in the job and internship search process. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY

1. Provide accurate and honest information to University Career Services and to employers about your academic record, work experience, honors, activities, skills, and visa status. Misrepresentations may be subject to Student Conduct proceedings.

1. Employers should treat candidates with respect during interviews. All interview questions must fall within legal and ethical guidelines pertaining to antidiscrimination, ADA, and EEO laws and policies.

2. Conduct yourself professionally during all encounters with employers. This includes written or email correspondence, phone contact, and personal interactions during career fairs, networking events, and interviews. 3. Keep all appointments with employers and career counselors. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, let UCS know in advance. You may change the time or cancel an interview online any time before midnight two business days before the interview. Once you can no longer cancel online, it is considered a late cancellation. You must call UCS at 919-962-6507 to cancel your interview. No voice mail or email cancellations will be accepted. Failure to cancel will be considered a No-Show. For full details on the consequences of late cancellations and no-shows, please read our OCR policies on careers.unc.edu. 4. Honor your acceptance of a job or internship offer. Once you accept an offer, withdraw from consideration for other opportunities and do not continue to interview. It is unethical to accept a position and then renege (turn down the offer). Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), http://www.naceweb.org

2. Employers should inform UCS when any offers must be withdrawn or significantly changed, or if a student reneges on a job or internship offer. 3. Employers should refrain from any practice that improperly influences and affects acceptances. Such practices may include undue time pressure for acceptance of offers and encouragement of revocation of another offer. Employers should strive to communicate decisions to candidates within the agreed-upon time frame. UCS requires that employers abide by the following policy in order to allow our students sufficient time to carefully consider their employment options and to make informed decisions. Full-time Offers to Summer Interns: Students should be given at least four weeks or until September 15 to accept/decline offers. This will allow students time to review their upcoming on-campus recruiting (OCR) employment opportunities. Full-time and Internship Offers from Fall and Spring On-Campus Recruiting: Students should be given a minimum of four weeks to accept/decline offers extended as a part of the OCR program. Check the “Employer” section of the UCS website for updates on timeline. 4. Employers must notify UCS immediately once a student has accepted an employment offer. This allows UCS to remove a student’s access to the OCR program and suspend interviewing privileges.

7


OUR SERVICES Individual Appointments:

Mock Interviews:

Schedule via careers.unc.edu or by calling 919-962-6507

Practice interviewing with a career counselor and get constructive feedback on how to improve. Schedule via careers.unc.edu or by calling 919-962-6507.

Drop-In Schedule: Monday–Friday, 1PM–4PM

InterviewStream:

10 minute appointments with a counselor, no scheduling necessary.

View pre-recorded interview questions and record your responses via webcam.

Careerolina:

Optimal Resume:

Your one-stop-shop to search and apply for jobs and internships. Here you’ll also find a comprehensive employer directory and calendar listing of UCS programs.

An online resume creation tool that makes the process of creating a resume or CV fast and easy. View helpful samples and templates exclusively designed for UNC-CH students.

On-Campus Recruiting:

Workshops:

Use Careerolina to sign-up and interview with employers from across the country. Over 250 employers conduct interviews annually at UNC and the vast majority are open to students from any major or discipline. All interviews take place on the 4th floor of Hanes Hall unless otherwise indicated.

UCS conducts workshops on a variety of topics including resume writing, interviewing, job/internship searching, social media, networking, etc., as well as a special series of events tailored to graduate students. See the schedule via careers.unc.edu for dates and times.

Website and Social Media: Visit careers.unc.edu and follow “uncucs” on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

UCS brings hundreds of employers and professionals to campus to connect with UNC students. Attend these events to meet these individuals.

Career/Major Exploration:

Pre-Grad/Pre-Law/Pre-Health Advising:

Many students have questions about which major or career field to pursue. UCS is committed to helping students make good career decisions. To this end, we have several online resources, including “What Can I Do With This Major?” and FOCUS 2. FOCUS 2 is an online career and education planning tool designed to help you make decisions about career goals and education plans. It includes assessments to help you identify your top work interests, values, skills, personality type, and leisure time interests. EDUC 131: Career exploration course for first and second year undergraduate students. EDUC 132: Career planning and job-searching course designed for juniors and seniors.

8

Info Sessions/Panels/Networking Nights/Career Fairs:

Visit with an advisor to ensure that you’re taking all of the necessary steps to prepare for graduate, law, or health professions schools. Candidate Referral Service: Make your resume or CV accessible to interested employers who are hiring but are not necessarily interviewing on-campus. Employers can request resumes/CV of registered candidates from UCS. Upload your resume/CV in Careerolina to participate in this service. Reference Mailing Service: UCS has partnered with Interfolio to offer a central location for your reference files. Access this system at www.interfolio.com.


CAREER PLANNING THE CAREER PLANNING PROCESS It is quite common for students to have questions about their career aspirations. There is nothing wrong or negative about being uncertain. Now is the ideal time to ask questions, to explore, and to learn about your options. Your focus should not just be on graduating; it should also include a plan for life after UNC. Students who have the most success approach the job search with a sense of confidence, curiosity, and flexibility. They are proactive, positive, and open to possibilities, and are not immobilized by occasional setbacks.

START NOW! The key to successful career planning is to first understand your values, interests, personality, and skills so that you are able to match them with appropriate career fields. If you are concerned about making a difficult choice, curious about your options, or questioning your current major or career path, please consider: Meeting with a UCS Counselor Utilizing our online tool, “What Can I Do With This Major?” Taking FOCUS 2, a self-paced online career and education planning tool Enrolling in EDUC 131, UCS’s 1-credit career exploration class

While all of these resources are extremely helpful, there is no magic formula to tell you what you should do. Rather, these are tools to help you uncover information and learn more about your options. Also keep in mind that a specific major does not necessarily lead to a specific career.

Online Resources For Self-Assessment and Career Exploration These can be found at careers.unc.edu/resources Career Insider by Vault First Destination Survey FOCUS 2 myIDP O*NET Versatile PhD What Can I Do With This Major?

9


SUCCESS

PLAN Use this table as a reference to help you in your career development.

FIRST YEAR

CAREER

SOPHOMORE YEAR

FOUR-YEAR

JUNIOR YEAR

See gradprofdev.web.unc.edu and click on Professional Development Guide for a similar recommended timeline for graduate students.

Get acclimated to UNC. Familiarize yourself with campus, academic advising and your academic department. Create your Careerolina account. This is the best way to stay informed about all of our services, events, and workshops.

Update your Careerolina account. Talk to professors, family, friends, alumni, and professionals about fields that may interest you. Build your experience by getting involved with student organizations.

Update your Careerolina account including your resume. Pursue leadership positions on campus through student government, clubs/ organizations, fraternities and sororities, etc.

SENIOR YEAR

Update your Careerolina account.

10

Participate in a mock interview with a UCS counselor. Register for EDUC132: Career Planning and Job Searching.

Get to know your professors. Visit office hours, stay late after class. Enroll in UCS’ EDUC131: Career Exploration course for help in planning your career and in choosing a major.

Enroll in UCS’ EDUC 131 Career Exploration for help in planning your career and in choosing a major. Use UCS’ Optimal Resume to write a professional resume and post it on Careerolina as you seek internships.

Attend UCS career panels, networking nights, employer info sessions, and career fairs to learn about various employers and career fields. If considering graduate school, begin exploring programs, application deadlines, and requirements.

Attend UCS career panels, networking nights, employer info sessions, and career fairs to learn about various employers and career fields.


Become involved with campus organizations. Meet with a UCS career counselor to discuss your career goals. Attend UCS workshops, fairs, panels, and meet-ups.

Think about how you would like your resume to look by the time you graduate. What types of skills and experiences do you want to obtain over the next 4 years?

Continue to obtain professional experience through part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.

Attend the UCS Spring Job/Internship Expo. Become involved with campus organizations.

Become involved with campus organizations.

Register for EDUC 132, Career Planning and Job Searching.

Monitor application and on-campus interview deadlines of positions posted in Careerolina.

DURING THE SUMMER: Complete a career-related internship. Many summer internships often lead to full-time job offers.

Practice your interviewing skills with a UCS counselor or employer.

Start researching job opportunities early. Many employers begin recruiting as soon as the semester begins.

Develop professional skills, explore possible careers, and build your network.

DURING THE SUMMER:

Meet with a UCS counselor to learn about opportunities that interest you.

Conduct an informational interview with professionals to learn about career fields.

DURING THE SUMMER:

Apply to as many positions as interest you. Plan your interview attire in advance.

Part-time jobs and volunteer opportunities should be a part of your summer experience. Though any type of job can be beneficial, look for professional, related experiences that will help you test career options and build your resume.

Conduct informational interviews with professionals in different fields to learn about career options.

Make connections with professionals in various departments and levels at your place of summer employment, as these people can all be part of your network.


NETWORKING


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO NETWORK?

NETWORKING WITH UNC ALUMNI

Networking refers to the process of connecting with people and building relationships. It’s about meeting new people, sharing information, and learning about potential opportunities and various career fields.

The Board of Visitors (BOV) and Emeritus Parents groups are comprised of established UNC alumni who volunteer their time to come to campus and network with students. These individuals are leaders from various fields, such as business, health care, law, and technology. They generously donate their time to help fellow Tar Heels learn about the world of work, to provide guidance and advice and can be a valuable resource to you. Networking events for both groups are held in the spring and fall; check the UCS Events Calendar for more information.

CAN NETWORKING LEAD TO YOUR NEXT JOB? Employers fill the majority of job openings through the unadvertised, or hidden, job market – and your network is essential to finding these opportunities. The contacts you make, if cultivated and used wisely, can lead to future employment.

BUT I DON’T KNOW ANYONE… Many students are concerned because they erroneously believe that in order to network they need to know people in positions of power who can ultimately offer them a job. The fact is that everyone has a network; it’s just a matter of thinking broadly and creatively about who is in it. There is a good chance that either someone you know (or someone they know) works in a field that interests you. Start with making a list that includes: Friends

Online Resources For Networking These can be found at careers.unc.edu/resources

Family

Careerolina

Neighbors

First Destination Survey

Present or former teachers Present or former employers/co-workers

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

Members of organizations to which you belong

Versatile PhD

Professional acquaintances Counselors Alumni Religious affiliations

WHERE DO I NETWORK? Everywhere! Think about all of the places you go to interact with people: Career Fairs, Panels, Networking Nights Social Networking Sites/LinkedIn Classes/Conferences/Seminars Work/Volunteer Meetings/Social Gatherings Professional Associations Every interaction can lead to a new direction. You need to put yourself out there so that you have the opportunity to meet and connect with lots of different people.

13


INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS Once you have identified some individuals with whom to network, you can begin conducting informational interviews. An informational interview is an interview that you initiate with an experienced professional: you do the research and you ask the questions. Conducting informational interviews with people who are already working in the fields that you are curious about is one of the most effective ways to learn about different careers and to make contacts. It is important to keep in mind that the purpose is to obtain information, not to get a job (although it may sometimes lead to a job). There are several ways to make connections in order to ask for an informational interview:

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

What is a typical day like in your job?

What degree area(s) did you pursue?

How did you get started in this field?

Is this career what you expected?

What are the greatest challenges/rewards you experience on the job?

Which skills are necessary to be successful in this field?

Ask someone that you know personally.

Are there any changes or new trends developing that you see?

Ask friends, family members, colleagues, and professors if they know anyone.

What do employers look for when hiring new candidates?

What is the typical career path like in this field?

What advice would you give to someone who is just getting started?

What type of experiences would you suggest I pursue now that will make me better prepared for this field?

Are there any organizations, websites, or contacts that you suggest I follow up with?

Locate UNC alumni through the General Alumni Association or LinkedIn.

14


SAMPLE E-MAIL REQUEST FOR INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW Do NOT include a resume/CV with this letter —you are not job hunting at this stage.

To: Jennifer Adams <jadams5@durham.gov> From: Kevin Tilbright <ktilbright@email.unc.edu> Subject: Informational Interview Date: April 16, 20XX Dear Ms. Adams:

Immediately introduce yourself and how you found this person. If you were referred by another person, say so here.

Clearly state that you are not contacting this person about a job - rather, you are seeking advice and information.

Conclude with requesting either a phone or in-person meeting at their convenience. Provide your telephone number in case they want to call you.

I am a junior majoring in Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As I was researching careers using LinkedIn, I came across your information. Although I am not currently looking for a job, I am very interested in learning all I can about typical career paths in the field of public policy as well as what skills I might need to develop during my last year at UNC. I would greatly appreciate 15 to 20 minutes of your time to ask you a few questions about your position as Health Policy Analyst with the City of Durham, as well as other opportunities in the field. I realize that you are on a tight schedule and I would greatly appreciate any time that you could spare to meet with me or schedule a meeting virtually. I will be leaving for the summer on June 2nd; it would be great to meet with you before that date, if possible. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kevin Tilbright 919-555-5555


SOCIAL NETWORKING Social media can help you accomplish several career-related tasks, including: Presenting a positive personal brand to prospective employers Searching for jobs and internships Researching organizations and industry news/trends Expanding your network HOW DO I USE IT? Although there are tons of social media applications out there the ones used most often for the job search are LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and online professional portfolios/blogs. Using social media should be part of your larger job search strategy as you can use these tools to emphasize your skills, interests, and values.

LINKEDIN This professional networking site has grown to over 433 million members and provides you the opportunity to establish a professional online identity, participate in conversations on relevant topics, and make connections with professionals in your industry or career path. To get the most out of this tool, seek out and participate in groups of interest. You can even use LinkedIn to search and apply for jobs.

TWITTER This microblogging website is a great way to interact with people of similar professional interests from across the globe. It is also increasingly becoming a platform for organizations to post opportunities they have available. Ways you can engage on Twitter are:

Tweet your own posts. Pose questions or comment on something interesting going on in your field. This can demonstrate your knowledge and interest.

16

Tweet about others’ posts. Retweet or comment on articles written about your field or reply to others’ tweets. This shows you are engaged in the field beyond the classroom.

Follow organizations in your field. Stay up to date on current events and find career opportunities.

Increase your effectiveness by using a hashtag (e.g. #jobs or #recruiting) to “follow” organizations or people of interest to find opportunities.

PERSONAL PORTFOLIOS/BLOGS There are a variety of other tools that you can use to develop your personal brand including blogs like WordPress, Blogger, or Google+, sharing sites such as slideshare.com, and LinkedIn’s professional portfolio application. Consider showcasing samples of your work to demonstrate your capabilities. You can even incorporate this tool into a Twitter account or a LinkedIn profile.

MANAGING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE When you google yourself, what results show up? According to Reppler, over 91% of employers use social media when screening candidates, so be sure that your social media activities won’t give prospective employers uncertainties about you as a candidate. Check your photos, videos, and comments for professionalism. Use privacy settings to disallow public viewing of tagged photos, posts, and other aspects of your profile (or make your profile entirely unsearchable).


YOU’RE LINKEDIN, NOW WHAT?

6 Things to do on LinkedIn

CREATE YOUR PROFILE Add key information like a strong headline, past experiences, and professional headshot. Make sure you use keywords so others can find you based on your skills and interests.

MAKE CONNECTIONS Send connection requests to past and current coworkers, supervisors, classmates, and professors. The more first degree connections you have, the wider your network becomes. Personalize connection requests to begin building a relationship with your network from the get go.

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK Input your honors, organizations, projects, and courses you’ve taken into your profile. Add a website link to a portfolio, if you have one. Attach images, videos, and other multimedia to bring your profile to life.

GET RECOMMENDED Ask a few of your connections to recommend your work; it adds credibility to your brand. Then offer to return the favor for them as well.

?

PARTICIPATE Share links to articles and updates about new projects you are working on. Join industry and alumni groups. Ask thoughtful questions and share your insight in group discussion boards.

FIND YOUR INTERESTS LinkedIn has a section specifically for students on students.linkedin.com to help you explore careers, search for positions, and tips on how to maximize your use of the website. You can also use the alumni function on LinkedIn to find out what alums with your major are doing today.


JOB AND INTERNSHIP SEARCHING Finding that first job or internship takes time and commitment. Those who are most successful employ a consistent, but flexible, strategy that involves taking the right actions at the right time. DEVELOP YOUR JOB TARGET The beginning of a job or internship search can seem overwhelming but if you break it down into pieces it becomes less scary. As you begin the process think about what you want and need in a position. Here are some ideas on what to ask yourself as you clarify your job targets:

Based on your values, interests, personality, and skills, what types of industries are you targeting?

What types of job functions are you interested in that match your qualifications? What are job titles for those positions?

18

Where are you interested in living? Are you willing and able to commute?

What are your budget and salary needs?

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Research, research, research! Use resources such as O*Net, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and Vault to learn more about industries, market trends, and specific organizations. Company websites are also an excellent resource for learning specifics about the organization’s mission, focus, and culture.


SEARCH OPENINGS There are many search engines that you can use on your job or internship search. The key is to search them consistently on a regular basis so that you are aware of what is out there for your chosen field.

Careerolina – Includes over 6,000 job and internship postings by companies and organizations that recruit Carolina students. You can also learn about dates of OnCampus Recruiting and Career Expos through Careerolina.

Career Expos and Company Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn about organizations, network, and identify openings. UCS hosts hundreds of employer information sessions and approximately 5,000 interviews through On-Campus Recruiting.

Other Search Engines – There are several sites that post openings specific to fields of interest. Keep in mind that using these sites to identify openings should constitute only a small portion of your overall job search strategy.

Indeed: www.indeed.com Idealist: www.idealist.org Careeronestop: www.careeronestop.org LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com

HAVE AN ACTION PLAN Set S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals for yourself that include specific numbers to track progress. For example: “Complete 3 informational interviews with contacts in target companies within the next month.” Here are some other areas you can include in your action plan for this process:

Create a target list of companies

Set S.M.A.R.T. goals for completing job applications and conducting follow-ups with contacts.

Schedule in regular time for self-care activities such as exercise, relaxation, or time with friends.

Evaluate effectiveness of strategies and adapt as needed.

Remember that UCS counselors are available to support you at any point in your process, whether you are just beginning to consider your options or are deep into the process!

TIPS FOR AN

EFFECTIVE SEARCH STRATEGY Your job or internship search strategy depends on your specific goal and there is no “one size fits all” approach that makes sense for everyone. However, some general guidelines apply to nearly every type of search. 1. Every job and internship search takes time, energy and resilience. The most successful job searches involve consistent action and a determination that isn’t hindered by hearing “no.” 2. Make sure all your documents are pristine. Difficult formatting or even simple typographical errors can exclude you from consideration. 3. Make sure all your documents are customized. Using the same generic resume or CV for every position is a missed opportunity. Identify the critical skills for each position and use your resume/CV as a way to demonstrate the best examples of your skills in action. A targeted resume/CV will always be more successful than a generic resume/CV. 4. Over 85% of jobs are found through networking and not just submitting resumes online. Be proactive by attending networking events, information sessions and industry panels. Try to meet as many professionals as possible and tell everyone you know that you’re job searching. Reach out to UNC alums and use electronic resources like LinkedIn to make connections. 5. Practice your interviewing skills prior to actually needing them. Too often students scramble to prepare after being offered an interview slot. Why wait? Take every opportunity to learn how to articulate your experience.

19


RESUMES/ CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) and LETTERS RESUMES/CVs A resume or CV is used to apply for internships, jobs, and in some cases, fellowships, scholarships, and graduate school. While it is impossible to sum up all of your talents and abilities on a short document, it should clearly illuminate the specific, tangible, and transferable skills and attributes that you have to offer. The goal in crafting your resume or CV is to obtain an interview by communicating to employers what value you will bring to their organization. Resumes for federal government positions require a different type of resume. See “Federal Resume” example and meet with a counselor for assistance.

FORMAT There are several ways that you can format your resume or CV, depending on your preferences, experience, and target audience. Students can access our online resume-writing tool, Optimal Resume, to help with formatting resumes.

20

For most undergraduates, the resume should be one page. This may mean that some information will be omitted. The important thing is to make sure that you are including the most pertinent, related experiences. If you must cut some information, you can still mention it in your cover letter or during the interview. Resumes for master’s or doctoral level candidates can be two pages.

Resume or CV? Graduate students in advanced degree programs who are seeking academic or research positions typically use a CV. The same guidelines apply to CVs as resumes; however, a CV is generally more than two pages in length and includes sections such as publications, presentations, poster sessions, grants, patents, and professional memberships. The format differs in some disciplines so you may also want to consult your academic department as you draft a CV.


RESUME/CV CONTENT Heading

Include your name, local and/or permanent addresses, phone number, and professional or UNC email address.

If you are going home for the summer or moving in the near future, consider adding your permanent address as well as a campus or temporary address.

Students in majors such as Journalism, Art, and Computer Science would benefit from an online portfolio. CS majors should also add their GitHub login name here.

Students seeking advanced degrees or career transitions often use a summary statement to emphasize their experience.

GPA should only go 2 places beyond the decimal point (2.67, not 2.674) and never be rounded up.

By fall of junior year, remove high school from your resume.

Honors and Awards (optional)

List Dean’s List, scholarships, and other awards.

Highlight the nature of the award briefly.

Relevant Coursework (optional)

Use this section if listing courses will clarify your major/discipline or if you have completed unique or in-demand courses that are of interest to an employer.

List the name of the course, not the course number or description in this section.

Experience Summary Statements The summary statement is a great way to highlight extensive experience or longevity. A summary statement could benefit non-traditional students or career transitions. Your profile should be two or four lines and include descriptive statements about who you are, what you know, what you do and what makes you unique. This should be targeted to the specific company and position. Speak to the job you want, not the job you have.

This section may include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer experiences, leadership roles, service learning, and class projects.

Headings can include Work Experience, Related or Relevant Experience, Teaching Experience, Leadership, Class Projects, or Research Experience, etc.

Experiences should be listed in reverse chronological order within each section, with most recent first. Consider what is most recent and relevant to the employer.

For each position, include name and location of employer, your title, and dates of employment. Be consistent in your formatting of this information.

Include 2–5 bullets per position to describe your duties and accomplishments. Start each bullet with a strong action verb and do not use personal pronouns (statements should not be complete sentences).

Education

Include your degree(s), major/discipline, minor, concentration (if applicable) and anticipated graduation date (May 20XX).

Use numbers, dollars, or percentages in bullets to quantify your results when applicable.

When writing bullets to describe your experiences, it may be helpful to focus on the following three points:

Sample Summary “Project Manager with 10+ years of experience specializing in web production, education publications, public outreach and consumer packaging. Professional, creative, flexible with proven analytical skills. Adept at researching and crafting award winning marketing campaigns for a wide variety of clients and products.”

Highlight your best GPA, either major or overall.

What is the background?

Include GPA if 3.0 or higher. If GPA is lower than a 3.0, then consider omitting it from the resume.

What was your action?

The Graduate School at UNC does not have a traditional ABCDF grading system. Grades are posted in the following categories and do not convert to a traditional numerical scale or GPA.

What was the result? H - High Pass

P - Pass

L - Low Pass

F – Fail

Please see the full policy for reporting graduate GPA at: handbook.unc.edu/grading.html

21


Activities Employers put a high value on students’ involvement with on and off campus organizations, as they are an indication of leadership potential, teamwork skills, and your areas of interest. Include memberships, offices held in clubs or organizations, community involvement, and athletics. Activities can also be great talking points during the interview. You never know what the interviewer may focus on or find interest in.

Skills List your computer-related/social media skills, lab experience, and/or foreign language proficiency as applicable. Be sure to accurately qualify your knowledge by stating a skill level (“Expertise in”, “Familiarity with”, etc.). Knowledge about things like Internet, email, and MS Office experience is not typically necessary.

Length: 2–4 pages new professional, 4–7 pages more experience, and 10 pages maximum.

ADDITIONAL RESUME/CV CATEGORIES THAT YOU MAY WANT TO ADD INCLUDE: Technical Skills Special Skills/Areas of Specialization Community Service/Volunteer Work Study Abroad/Travel/Languages Military Experience Dissertation/Thesis topic Postdoctoral Training/Fellowships Publications Awards Teaching Experience Abstracts and Presentations

Do not include “soft” skills, such as communication, public speaking, or research.

Symposia/Lectures

Students with extensive technical skills should try to organize their technical skills into categories such as Programming Languages, Database, Software, etc. The skills listed should be listed in order of proficiency.

Research Grants

References (optional) Do not list the actual references on the resume/CV. References should be listed on a separate sheet (see 44 for example).

ADDITIONAL TIPS IF YOU ARE WRITING A CV Choose category headings that emphasize your particular strengths and achievements (i.e. “Research Experience” or “Teaching Experience”). Use consistent heading and subheading styles throughout the CV. In the publication section, bold your name to make it stand out. Publications should be cited in the format for your particular field. Choose references wisely and ask permission before submitting names. Add a header with name and page number to each page after the first.

22

Professional Affiliations Certifications/Licensure University Committee Appointments Personal/Class projects


ACTION VERBS FOR RESUME WRITING 1. ANALYSIS

Analyzed Appraised Assessed Clarified Compared Defined Determined Diagnosed Evaluated

Examined Identified Inspected Integrated Monitored Observed Researched Reviewed

2. ASSISTANCE

Advised Collaborated Contributed Consulted Cooperated Delivered Facilitated Participated Provided

Referred Served Strengthened Supplied Supported

4. DEVELOPMENT

Adapted Authored Composed Created Designed Developed Drafted Established Expanded

Formulated Generated Improved Increased Influenced Initiated Innovated Instituted Invented

6. TEACHING & COUNSELING

Advised Assessed Coached Demonstrated Educated Encouraged Explained Fostered Guided Improved Inspired

Interpreted Motivated Promoted Reinforced Strengthened Supported Taught Trained

Inspected Located Maintained Mapped Organized Planned Prepared Prioritized Processed Programmed Reorganized Retrieved Reviewed Revised

Addressed Advertised Briefed Communicated Corresponded Explained Interpreted Interviewed Lectured

Prepared Presented Publicized Recorded Responded Wrote

5. ACHIEVEMENT

Launched Planned Prioritized Produced Simplified Solved Styled Streamlined Visualized

Advanced Assured Expanded Facilitated Fostered Guaranteed Improved Increased Inspired

7. OPERATIONS

Adjusted Adapted Corrected Eliminated Executed Expedited Facilitated Implemented Modified Operated Prepared

Prioritized Produced Programmed Reduced Repaired Serviced Sustained

9. ORGANIZATION

Arranged Assembled Balanced Budgeted Clarified Compiled Coordinated Correlated Detailed Developed Facilitated Gathered Graphed Identified

3. COMMUNICATION

Mastered Maximized Motivated Obtained Overcame Promoted Provided Restored Recruited

Strengthened Stimulated Upgraded

8. NEGOTIATION

Advised Advocated Bargained Expedited Facilitated Lobbied Mediated Merged Motivated Negotiated Persuaded

Promoted Reconciled Sold Solved

10. MANAGEMENT

Scheduled Simplified Solved Streamlined Structured Synthesized Tabulated Updated

Administered Allocated Approved Arranged Assigned Authorized Coached Conducted Consulted Contracted Controlled Delegated Directed Educated

Encouraged Enforced Evaluated Executed Exercised Expedited Fostered Hired Implemented Instructed Led Monitored Motivated Organized

Oversaw Planned Prepared Prioritized Purchased Regulated Responded Reviewed Selected Solved Strengthened Supervised Trained


FIRST YEAR/UNDECIDED RESUME Robert Day

147 B Craige North Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Rday01@live.unc.edu (919) 464-5555 EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill First Year Student, May 20XX West Charlotte High School, Charlotte, NC, May 20XX GPA: 4.5, Ranked in top 5% of class

HONORS

Best Buy Scholarship (academic excellence and community service)

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Volunteer Tutor, Feb 20XX - Mar 20XX Project Elevation, Charlotte, NC • Assisted non-native English speaking residents develop conversational language skills • Collaborated with staff to create lesson plans to facilitate learning • Exposed immigrants to local customs and cultures Mission Volunteer, Jun 20XX - Aug 20XX Baja Missions, Various Cities, Mexico • Travelled to Ensenada, Vicente Guerro, and Chapultepec Mexico during 6-week trip • Distributed resources and materials to local villages • Utilized Spanish-speaking skills to effectively communicate with locals

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Cashier, Apr 20XX - Oct 20XX Rita’s Water Ice, Charlotte, NC • Used superior customer service skills to greet patrons and encourage return visits • Accurately handled cash transactions and balanced the register nightly • Monitored and reordered inventory

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

First Year Representative, Fall 20XX - Present Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow, UNC Student Body President, Fall 20XX – Spring 20XX WCHS, Charlotte NC • Oversaw all activities of the student council consisting of 35 members • Planned various community activities and fundraising events • Developed and maintained relationships with administration, teaching staff and students

ACTIVITIES

UNC Habitat for Humanity WCHS National Honor Society Varsity Soccer, 3 years

24


TRANSFER STUDENT RESUME Rabiya Shah (919) 555-5555 School Address: 304 Rock Road East, Chapel Hill NC 27514 Home Address: 21 Oakey Drive, Kendall Park NJ 08824 rshah@live.unc.edu

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.A. Psychology, Second Major: Management & Society GPA: 3.3 Wake County Community College, Raleigh NC Completed 36 general education credits GPA: 3.9

May 20XX

20XX – 20XX

HONORS

Dean’s List, 3 semesters Riley Fay Community Service Scholarship Recipient, 20XX

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Alpha Beta Sorority, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill President • Chair weekly chapter meetings, directing over 100 members • Supervise weekly meetings to evaluate goal progression of 25 executive officers • Serve as liaison for sisterhood with UNC and National office • Oversee the philanthropy efforts by raising over $6,000 for local charities

Fall 20XX – Present

Child and Family Services, Raleigh, NC Summer 20XX Youth Counselor • Assisted students with completing academic assignments • Demonstrated creativity in maintaining a conducive and learning-rich environment for 15 students • Facilitated bi-weekly meetings with 4 counselors to strengthen teamwork and define learning objectives for students

WORK EXPERIENCE

Buckingham Golf Course, Morrisville, NJ Summers 20XX-20XX Pro Shop Associate • Conducted research on golf clubs and made recommendations to customers • Utilized communication and customer service skills to teach golf techniques to new and experienced players Top of the Hill Grill, Chapel Hill, NC October 20XX-May 20XX Server • Provided exceptional customer service to ensure pleasant dining experience for restaurant patrons  Suggested menu items to customers based on their preferences, dietary restrictions and restaurant’s specials

SKILLS

MS Office Suite, Conversational ability in Spanish, Fluent in Arabic

25


UNC Business Program Guidelines UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAM APPLICATION: RESUME/PERSONAL STATEMENT TIPS Section I: Where Can I Get Help? Many students interested in applying for the Kenan-Flagler Business School seek help for their materials. There are several ways you can get help at UNC Chapel Hill. Have a UCS Counselor review your resume and personal statement:  During drop-in hours: Monday - Friday 1pm - 4pm  By appointment which you can schedule online at http://careers.unc.edu/resources/schedule-appointment.html  Feel free to email your materials to any one of our counselors to get help if you are away from campus. Section II: How Do I Create my Pre-Business Résumé? (see attached for examples of each section) Creating your pre-business résumé can be challenging, but University Career Services is here to help you. It is recommended that you use the Pre-Business Resume Style Guide to develop your resume for the business major/minor application. The Resume Style Guide (template) is available on the UCS website. Once your resume is created, you may upload it to Careerolina for review. To ensure a counselor review, make sure you do not have any other resumes approved in Careerolina. VISUAL APPEAL  Font-Use Times New Roman font style. It is recommended that you use the following font sizes: Name: 16pt font; Major Section Headings: 12pt font; Text: 10.5pt font.  Margins- Have a good text/white-space balance and center on the page. Use ½ to 1-inch margins for top, bottom, right, and left.  Action verbs- Use action verbs to begin statements describing skills and responsibilities.  Length- Be concise; a one-page resume is standard for an undergraduate student  Errors- Be grammatically perfect and free of typographical errors EDUCATION  Begin with your most recent educational experience.  Do not combine your UNC-CH GPA with coursework from other institutions for the business school application process.  Next, list any study abroad or other colleges attended for a significant period of time. This means you are listing your education section in reverse chronological order with UNC first and then working backwards in time. EXPERIENCE  Experience includes all relevant employment, internships, significant leadership experiences, volunteer work, and class/research projects. Entries within this section should be placed in reverse date order (most recent first).  Use present tense to describe experiences that are current. Use past tense for experiences that are completed.  Start with action verbs, describe specific skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments.  You can divide experiences into separate sections such as “Related Experience”, “Other Experience”, “Marketing Experience”, “Leadership”, and “International/Cultural”. LEADERSHIP/ACTIVITIES  If you are a first year student or sophomore, you will most likely need to include high school related honors, activities, or work.  This section should include high school/college activities. Include bullet points under each entry to highlight offices held, committee involvement, and significant projects with a focus on accomplishments. STUDY ABROAD  If you had a significant study abroad experience, it is preferable to list under your education section, rather than under activities or other experiences.  If your study abroad experience included an internship, list it as work experience rather than as an activity.  Highlight accomplishments from your study abroad time. Market your transferable skills from study abroad. ADDITIONAL  Additional resume categories may include Honors, Awards, Skills, etc.

26


PRE-BUSINESS RESUME FIRST NAME I. LAST NAME EDUCATION

FirstName_LastName@unc.edu (Area Code) Phone-Number LinkedIn URL (Optional)

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA at Chapel Hill Pre-Business Studies, GPA #.## [Optional, only if 3.00 or higher]  Scholarship(s)/Activities/Achievement(s)/Honor(s)  Other possible info to include: Study Abroad, International Experience and/or Relevant Coursework

May 20xx

EXPERIENCE COMPANY NAME – City, State [abbreviated e.g. NC] or City, Country [if non-US location] Month 20xx- Month 20xx Optional, company descriptors are in italics to describe unfamiliar companies. Keep to 1 line Job Title  In this section include bulleted accomplishment statements, which provide examples of times you have successfully used the skills employers are seeking  Consider the following questions to help you create more effective bullet points: What was the result/outcome of your work? What were your accomplishments? How did you help the organization? What skills/knowledge did you enhance? How does this experience relate to your internship/employment goal?  Begin bullets with a variety of verbs to avoid repetition (e.g. Led, Directed, Supervised)  Open resume bullets with direct action verbs and AVOID “Responsible” or “Assisted”  Use Times New Roman font; font sizes: Name, 16; Major Section Headings, 12; Text: 10.5 COMPANY NAME – City, State [abbreviated e.g. NC] or City, Country [if non-US location] Month 20xx- Month 20xx Optional, company descriptors are in italics to describe unfamiliar companies. Keep to 1 line Job Title  Avoid resume bullets with 1-2 words on the 2nd line  Do not adjust margins or spacing between lines; keep to one-page maximum for on-campus resume  Remove any hyperlinks to your email or LinkedIn profile  Remove grammar or spelling underlines in MS Word and create .doc(x) and .pdf versions  Save your resume file as “First Name Last Name Resume Date” (ex: John Doe Resume 7-12-16) COMPANY NAME – City, State [abbreviated e.g. NC] or City, Country [if non-US location] Month 20xx- Month 20xx Optional, company descriptors are in italics to describe unfamiliar companies. Keep to 1 line Job Title  Numbers: K=thousands, M=millions, B=billions, +=more than [e.g. $50M+], <less than [e.g. <2%], sf=square feet  All numbers should be digits, not words [e.g. 8, not eight] COMPANY NAME – City, State [abbreviated e.g. NC] or City, Country [if non-US location] Month 20xx- Month 20xx Optional, company descriptors are in italics to describe unfamiliar companies. Keep to 1 line Job Title  Include 1 high school internship/project only if it DIRECTLY relates to your target career goals  Avoid multiple sentences in a single bullet point; the semi-colon is your friend  Do not use a period at the end of your bullet points

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT ORGANIZATION NAME, Title, City, State Month 20xx- Month 20xx  Positions within this section should be formatted like previous experience sections, but may or may not include bullet points  In an additional experience section, you can include work experiences that may not be directly related to the job you are applying to, but add to your credibility by exemplifying a progressive work history

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   

Use this section to include information like language abilities, technology skills beyond MS Office, coding languages US permanent work authorization [only for international students with the right to work in the US] Optional: List hobbies and interest to use as an ice breaker

27


TECHNICAL RESUME Amber R. Brown

36 Glenwood Ct., Cary, NC 27519 | abrown@live.unc.edu | (919)-924-6985 | Github: AmberRBrown

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill May 20XX Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics Major GPA: 3.71, Cumulative GPA: 3.56 Related Coursework: Computer Organization, Data Structures, Advanced WWW Programming, Fluency in Information Technology, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Calculus I-III Honors: Dean’s List (all semesters), AP Scholar with Honor and Distinction

PROJECTS

Apache Software Foundation | Open Source Contributor June 20XX-Present  Added more than 250 lines of XML code to Apache Cocoon Web development framework and updated library for Apache Commons RESTroom Yelp | Advanced WWW Programming December 20XX  Worked with a team of 4 and developed a fully functional web application with a dynamic Javascript based frontend, an AJAX-based communication with a RESTful server-side API, a relational database that stores back-end application state, and an ORM layer to access data in the database  Designed most of the front-end and debugged PHP Lecture Gauge | Pearl Hacks April 20XX  Collaborated on a team of students from 5 different universities to create a web application to increase communication between students and professors during lectures  Created front-end using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Bridge Animation Project | Foundations of Programming August-December 20XX  Wrote a massive, semester-long, 93 class and interface program in Java that takes user input to animate the bridge-crossing scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail  Used advanced Java features such as threads and synchronized methods, wait and notify, graphics (painting) views, generics, and exceptions  Invoked advanced algorithms such as recursive parsing and grammars, and scanning Discover the New World Mini-game | Personal Project November -December 20XX  Created a mini-game in C# for Xbox with immersive music and sound effects as well as designing a user interface  Generated a random map based on a 2D array with multiple pages for the user to traverse on their journey west

EXPERIENCE

UNC Computer Science Department | Teaching Assistant | Chapel Hill, NC September 20XX-Present  Mentor and assist over 275 Introduction to Programming students, explaining challenging concepts to both Computer Science and non-technical majors  Coordinate office hours and lesson plans in conjunction with six other teaching assistants in order to ensure widespread availability and quickly return tests and assignments Design for America | Technology Chair | UNC Chapel Hill August 20XX-Present  Create chapter web page, advised on technological tools for project development, and provided technical and overall input to the executive board Center Aid I | Cary Tennis Park | Cary, NC August 20XX-November 20XX  Communicated clearly and effectively with customers, helping them understand and choose equipment  Managed and prioritize multiple tasks such as stringing, maintenance, and customer service in a fast-paced environment on major tournament days

SKILLS

Programming Languages: Java, C, C++, C#, Visual Basics, HTML, CSS, ML, PHP Operating Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, Linux Databases: MySQL, Oracle, Cloudscape, Sybase SQL Anywhere Languages: Conversational Spanish, Beginner German

28


NURSING RESUME Liyoung (Sarah) Li 12 Blue Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 sarali@live.unc.edu

(919) 555-2357

EDUCATION The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.S. Nursing, May 20XX GPA 3.2

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE Basic Life Support Certification (November 20XX) North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant II (February 20XX)

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Medical/Surgical II, Veterans Administration Hospital, Durham, NC, Spring 20XX Pediatrics, Duke University Children’s Hospital, Durham, NC, Fall 20XX Psychiatric, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, Fall 20XX Medical/Surgical I, UNC Chapel Hill Women’s Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, Spring 20XX Geriatrics, UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, Spring 20XX Maternity, UNC Chapel Hill Women’s Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, Fall 20XX Emergency Room, Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC, Fall 20XX

WORK EXPERIENCE CNA, WakeMed Hospital, Raleigh, NC, September 20XX-May 20XX  Assisted with direct patient care  Transported patients to various areas of the hospital  Collaborated with nurses and doctors to provide patient care  Sterilized medical equipment Nanny, Chapel Hill, NC, June 20XX-August 20XX, June 20XX-August 20XX  Observed children's behavior for irregularities and administer daily medications, as directed, to maintain children's health  Removed hazards and developed appropriate boundaries and rules to create a safe environment for children  Meet weekly with parents to discuss children's activities and development

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE UNC Chapel Hill Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, February 20XX-May 20XX Ronald McDonald House, Chapel Hill, NC, October 20XX-December 20XX

ACTIVITIES Association of Nursing Students, UNC Chapel Hill Vegetarian Society, UNC Chapel Hill

SKILLS Technical: EPIC trained, MS Office Suite, Outlook Language: Fluent in Spanish, Medical terminology in French

29


SCIENCE RESUME VANESSA BRODIE

2409 Kingston Pike • Raleigh, NC 27695 • myemail@gmail.com • (919) 555-5555

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B. S. Biology, Minors: Chemistry and History Overall GPA: 3.79 Major GPA: 3.93

December 20XX

Universidad Complutense de Madrid Study Abroad, UNC Honors Program

Spring 20XX

HONORS

Dean's List (3 semesters) Phi Beta Kappa

RELEVANT COURSEWORK

Lab Experiments in Genetics, Introduction to Statistics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Elementary Pathogenic Microbiology

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Hanson Research Lab, UNC Department of Biology, Chapel Hill, NC May 20XX – August 20XX Lab Technician • Assisted in experimental design setup of sequencing the tau gene in individuals with Alzheimer's disease or Front Temporal Dementia • Evaluated sequencing program and clarified ambiguous base calls • Managed data of individual’s genotypes to analyze the need for further testing • Observed and assisted a graduate student in preparing specimens for microarray • Learned proper lab techniques and gained experience in pipetting Academic Skills Center, Goldsboro, NC August 20XX- May 20XX Peer Tutor • Tutored students in General Chemistry, English, and Mathematics • Encouraged and coached students in course material through practice problems and sample tests

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Circulation Department, Davis Library, Chapel Hill, NC May 20XX-April 20XX • Enriched patron experience by enabling access to library resources through friendly customer service • Discharged books to patrons; sorted and shelved returned books

ACTIVITIES

Student Volunteer, UNC Health Care Systems Member, YMCA Helping Paws, UNC-CH

August 20XX-December 20XX September 20XX-20XX

COMPUTER SKILLS

PC operating systems, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Column chromatography, Thin layer chromatography, DNA Extraction, Dilutions, Light microscopy, Titration, Preparation of solutions, Spectrophotometry

30


BUSINESS RESUME Nancy Flemming 495 Paul Hardin Dr. Chapel Hill, NC 27599

501-247-2093 Nancy_Flemming@kenanflagler.unc.edu

EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School Bachelor of Science Business Administration Overall GPA: 3.92 Major GPA: 3.91 Deans List 6/6 semesters

1968 Olympic Lakes San Jose, CA 92526

December 20XX

HONORS  1st Place McDonough-Hilltop Strategy Challenge (20 international teams)  2nd Place Deloitte Case Competition  Carl and Janice Brown Preferred BSBA Scholarship  Helen Craig Wardlaw Fund Scholarship  National Merit Scholar EXPERIENCE Red Ventures Charlotte, NC Sales Center Optimization Analyst Intern Summer 20XX  Analyzed client historical data to propose, coordinate, and implement a call transfer strategy; initiative projected to increase contribution margin by more than $250,000 annually  Conducted 78 integrated voice response tests on sales center calls yielding greater than 600 additional sales over the control experience and created a new standard menu to be used moving forward  Reprioritized logic in the call hold queue to maximize projected contribution margin based on marketing channel and likely customer credit score; projected to save $16,000 monthly in margin per call abandoned Dell, Inc. Austin, TX Financial Analyst Intern Summer 20XX  Built an operating expenses allocation model for over 60 cost centers in emerging business channels  Evaluated 100+ Dell business partners and determined 10 key performance indicators to assess profitability  Created 2 procedure documents to help increase efficiency during Close and Forecasting LEADERSHIP Undergraduate Business Student Association Chapel Hill, NC Corporate Relations, Secretary, Sophomore Representative August 20XX-December 20XX  Organized club fair and experience expo to orient 300 new Kenan-Flagler students to the business school  Developed a standardized process for creating new clubs and created an Undergraduate Textbook Exchange Kenan-Flagler Global Immersion Elective Cape Town, South Africa Student Trip Leader August 20XX-May 20XX  Organized and implemented 7 marketing events and initiatives for Kenan-Flagler Global Programs  Aided faculty in lesson plans, trip coordination efforts, and classroom communications for cohort of 30 students Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity Vice President of Finance  Create and manage budget of over $15,000 for organization of 90 students  Plan and organize 5 fundraising events annually yielding more than $1,400

Chapel Hill, NC December 20XX-December 20XX

SKILLS AND ACTIVITIES  United States Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist, Senior Free Skate and Senior Moves on the Field  Proficient in SQL, Oracle Crystal Ball, Bloomberg Essentials, Microsoft Visio, and Marketing Engineering for Excel  UNC Undergraduate Consulting Club – Vice President of Special Projects

31


JOURNALISM RESUME ROB SANDOVAL

3 Mumford Court • Durham, North Carolina 27703 • (919) 555-5555 • rsandoval@unc.edu EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Media and Journalism Bachelor of Arts in Media and Journalism - Broadcast and Electronic Journalism Concentration, May 20XX GPA: 3.24

RELATED COURSEWORK/PROJECT WORK

Audio, Video, Film Production and Writing • Studied film and screen-writing templates and approaches Narrative Production • Created storyboards, scripts and filmed and edited three short films  Earned “Honorable Mention” for student production in the 20xx River Run Film Festival Interactive Media • Learned design basics; Used Adobe Photoshop, Flash, ActionScript, and Dreamweaver to create interactive websites

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Social Media Intern Myth Marketing, San Antonio, TX, May 20XX-August 20XX • Assisted startup company with establishing online presence utilizing Web 2.0 technology • Created and maintained daily blog and Twitter account to promote marketing services and increase visibility to potential clients; over 500 new Twitter followers were added in 3 months

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Administrative Assistant Douglas and Matcovsy, LLC., Chapel Hill NC, Sept 20XX– May 20XX • Demonstrated attention to detail while completing clerical tasks such as filing, typing, mass mailings and data entry Cashier North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, Durham, NC, April 20XX– Sept 20XX • Assisted with customer relations and sales in high volume gift shop • Balanced register nightly and ensured accuracy of deposits Volunteer North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, Durham, NC, June 20XX – April 20XX • Performed field research for the National Resources Action Team grant • Presented science activities and animals to children both at the museum and at school and community functions

ACTIVITIES

UNC-CH Ballroom Dance Team, Fall 20XX-Present MASALA Multicultural Organization, Fall 20XX-Present

SKILLS

SQL, Dreamweaver, Twitter, Facebook, blogging, MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite Conversational Spanish skills

32


VETERAN RESUME Alejandro C. Perez

1221 Olive Branch Drive | Wake Forest, NC 27587 | alejandro_perez@gmail.com 919-000-6305 SUMMARY OF SKILLS • Analyze situations, identify problems, implement solutions • Use knowledge of business principles to market products • Communicate effectively with leadership, staff, customers

• Meet established productivity standards • Supervise associates and uphold policies • Awareness of trends, corporate initiatives

EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts in Economics; GPA: 3.89 Dean’s List (4 semesters) Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC Associate in Arts in Accounting; GPA: 3.99 Honors Graduate; Dean’s List

August 20XX

May 20XX

RELEVANT COURSES Analysis of Public Finance • Industrial Organization • Elementary Statistics & Econometrics • Intermediate Theory: Price & Distribution • Intermediate Theory: Money, Income & Employment • International Economics • Advanced Managerial Accounting • Database Management Systems TRANSFERRABLE WORK EXPERIENCE H&R Block, Fayetteville, NC Tax Preparer November 20XX – May 20XX  Interviewed clients to obtain information on taxable income, deductible expenses and allowances  Researched tax laws and IRS bulletins to determine procedures for preparing atypical returns  Prepared clients’ personal income tax and advised them on tax reduction strategies  Developed a reputation for excellent customer service by acknowledging customers, giving them undivided attention, and answering and resolving questions/issues  Assisted manager with quality control review on tax returns, bank deposits, and daily reports United States Army First Sergeant August 20XX – March 20XX  Managed company’s equipment valued in excess of $50 million with 100% accountability  Supervised 160-personnel company with 7 special sections to provide logistics, human resources and intelligence for four Airborne Reconnaissance Companies (ARC) in training and combat operations  Thrived under adverse conditions while leading an ARC in combat  Resolved a wide range of soldiers’ problems, applying diplomacy and assertiveness to discipline, training, financial, equipment, family problems, and cultural/communication barriers  Created and maintained database to track company’s equipment, personnel, and training status  Prepared, briefed, de-conflicted information, and coordinated external logistical support for Task Force operations with higher headquarters and other units resulting in successful operations ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE Mobile Solutions, Fort Walton Beach, FL Sales Representative Jamieson & Associates, Inc., Fort Walton Beach, FL Compliance Officer Financial Services Professionals, Pensacola, FL Sales Associate

20XX-20XX 20XX-20XX 20XX-20XX

AWARDS & HONORS Carolina Economics Club (20XX – Present) Tau Sigma National Honor Society (20XX – Present) U.S. Army Gold Recruiter Badge (20XX) Carolina Veterans Organization, Treasurer (20XX – Present) Advance Noncommissioned-Officer Academy Teamwork Award (20XX) U.S. Army Bronze Star Medal (20XX)

33


ATHLETIC RESUME Sean Adams 123 Dogwood Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 sadams@live.unc.edu • (919) 555-555 EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Expected Graduation May 20XX GPA: 3.2 Relevant Coursework: Intermediate Theory: Price and Distribution, Industrial Organization, Analysis of Public Finance HONORS ACC All-Academic Team 20XX Full athletic scholarship ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE UNC Division 1 Student Athlete, Track & Field-Sprints/Jumps June 20XX-Present • Participate in extensive physical training and practice daily, and compete in conference and tournament games while maintaining a full course load • Partake in community food drive with team members to bring awareness of food insecurity in the Chapel Hill area • Communicate with team members and coaches regarding performance • Review and analyze track meet film to determine strategy to execute during meet • Streamlined practice, course, meet, and extracurricular activities schedules using Excel to improve time management skills • 20XX ACC 4 X 200 M Second Place LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Student-Athlete Advisory Council Team Representative

Chapel Hill, NC March 20XX-December 20XX

• Appointed as a representative for the Track & Field team and to serve as a voice for more than 800 student athletes • Collaborated with athletic department staff and fellow student-athletes to address issues and make suggestions for improvements within the department

Richard A. Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy CREED Mentor

Chapel Hill, NC August 20XX-May 20XX

• Counseled 4 first year student-athletes to assist with adjustment to college athletically, academically, and socially • Organized, supervised, and facilitated group of 8-10 first years to explore topics of leadership related to the athletic

department’s core values for student-athletes CREED Program August 20XX-May 20XX • Participated in the premier leadership development program in collegiate athletics designed to develop world-class leaders for a lifetime of service and success • Selected to provide a valedictory reflection on experience and leadership lesson acquired in the CREED program at the year-end Recognition Banquet ACTIVITIES Carolina Economics Club Cru at UNC-Chapel Hill SKILLS Familiar with STATA and SPSS

34

September 20XX-Present November 20XX-Present


GREEK RESUME Rashi Greek

School Address 102 South St. Chapel Hill, North Carolina 22514

rgreek@live.unc.edu (919) 962-5555

Home Address 199 Guide Rd. Louisburg, North Carolina 27549

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies-Interpersonal and Organizational, May 20XX Minor in Psychology Major GPA 3.5 Overall GPA 3.2

HONORS

UNC Greek Alliance Council Chapter of the Year, 20XX National Society of Collegiate Scholars Order of Omega Greek Honor Society – Honor society for individuals exemplifying high standards of scholarship and leadership

LEADERSHIP Omega Chi Omega, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill EXPERIENCE President • • • •

April 20XX - Present Facilitate weekly meetings and promote effective dialogue between 15 members Evaluate goal progression of 4 executive officers to ensure outcome focused action Serve as liaison between Campus and National Office to endorse synergy with National initiatives Oversee development and planning of annual fundraising event which collected $6,000 for local charities

Vice President April 20XX - April 20XX • Organized chapter information for the Meet the Greeks annual event • Developed membership marketing packages, resulting in a 10% increase in pledge applications • Executed social media campaign to promote membership and improve campus presence UNC Greek Alliance Council, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill August 20XX - May 20XX Secretary • Constructed promotional materials and compiled minutes for distribution to 20 committee members • Planned and conducted bi-weekly meetings to assess member satisfaction Algonquin Books, Chapel Hill, NC RELATED EXPERIENCE Publicity Intern • • • •

Summer 20XX

Developed publicity campaign for release of UCS Helps TarHeel Get a Job, resulting in sales of 15,000 copies in its first week Contacted local and national media to obtain approximately 15 author interviews on television, radio, and in print Organized transportation, lodging, and media escorts to promote efficiency of client travel Coordinated packaging and mailings of up to 4,000 books for distribution to media outlets

Starbucks Coffee, Seattle, WA Summer 20XX Intern • Interacted with senior company executives in creating and implementing marketing strategies for 31 new stores • Managed corporate sponsorships, including Seattle-to-Portland bike race • Tracked performance of 30 new stores to ensure marketing objectives were attained UNC Office of Special Events, Chapel Hill, NC Summer 20XX Intern • Organized execution of campus events, including development of budgets, venue selections, invitations, design, and marketing • Participated in the negotiation of vendor contracts exceeding $1 million dollars • Conceptualized event themes and produced invitations for a variety of events • Contacted local media to promote special events attended by the Chancellor

COMMUNITY Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer, Durham, NC Chapel Hill High School, Mentor, Chapel Hill, NC SERVICE

Chapel Hill Elementary School, Tutor, Chapel Hill, NC

SKILLS

20XX - Present 20XX - Present 20XX - 20XX

Written and Spoken proficiency in French Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Publisher, Adobe Creative Suite Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn)

35


FEDERAL RESUME Tyrone A. Scott

1111 Eisenhower Parkway, Carrboro, NC 27510 Cell: (919) 100-0000 Email: tyscott@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Program Intern 11/20XX — Present Employer: North Carolina Cooperative Extension 9700 Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 Salary: $15/hour, 30 hours/week Supervisor: Mark Freedman, (919) 000-0000, may be contacted. Oversee three mentoring programs in limited resource communities. Recruit, train and manage 25 college mentors and 30 youth. Develop marketing and training materials for use in programs and other county mentoring initiatives. Write and manage program grants. Communicate in Mandarin Chinese with program participants and their families. Public Affairs Intern, Grade Level: N/A 6/20XX — 6/20XX Employer: U.S. Department of State (Educational and Cultural Affairs) 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20026 Salary: $15/hour, 40 hours/week Supervisor: Christopher Blue (202) 000-000, may be contacted. Clearance: Department of Homeland Security, Secret Clearance, June 20XX Wrote articles in Bureau newsletter and press releases. Drafted memoranda for the Undersecretary of State. Supervised contractors on communications project. Contact and pitched media for program publicity. Assembled financial and budget information for use in ECA material. EDUCATION: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill May 20XX B.A. Degree, Media & Journalism — GPA: 3.89/4.0 LANGUAGES: Mandarin Chinese: Spoken (advanced), Written (advanced), Read: (advanced) VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: Camp Counselor, 6/20XX — 5/20XX City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation, Raleigh, NC, 27609 — 15 hours per week Supervisor: Karlos Kingsberry (919) 100-0000 Provided a high quality experience by incorporating organized activities including: crafts, recreational games, field trips and specialty programs. Directly supervised youth ages 6-8 and worked with staff to address the daily needs of children.

36


CURRICULUM VITAE AMY LARKIN

101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 515-5555 | alarkin@live.unc.edu EDUCATION PhD, Nutrition Intervention & Policy Expected December 20XX Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  Dissertation: Using Online Social Networking Technology to Increase Social Support for Exercise: The INSHAPE Study.  Committee: Alice Ammerman, DrPH, RD (Chair), Jane Brown, PhD, Robert DeVellis, PhD, Amy Ries, PhD, Deborah Tate, PhD MPH, Nutrition August 20XX Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  Master's Thesis: Addressing Youth Obesity Through a Web-Based Wellness Policy Toolkit for Obesity Prevention in Middle Schools at the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention  Certified as a Registered Dietitian BA, cum laude, Economics Boston University

May 20XX

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH SKILLS Project management * grant and proposal writing * research methodology & design * Institutional Review Board clearance * participant recruitment * data collection * data management * statistical analysis (SPSS, Mplus, ATLAS.ti) * online survey design and programming (Qualtrics) * oral presentations * cost effectiveness analysis RESEARCH INTERESTS Obesity * obesity related co-morbidities * physical activity * nutrition * social support * technology-based health interventions * structural equation modeling * health behavior theory * health communications * research dissemination & translation AWARDS AND HONORS  Cancer Control Education Program, Predoctoral Fellowship, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC (5R25-CA057726), 20XX-20XX, $41,000 per annum  NIH National Service Research Award, Predoctoral Traineeship, Department of Nutrition Training Grant, UNC (2T32-DK07686), 20XX-20XX, $29,999  University of North Carolina Graduate School Merit Assistantship, 20XX-20XX, $29,000  American Dietetic Association Foundation Geraldine M. Piper Memorial Scholarship, 20XX-20XX, $1,000 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Dissertation Research January 20XX - Present UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC  Conduct a randomized controlled health intervention trial with 134 participants and a 90 percent retention rate  Develop and administer Qualtrics online questionnaires at 3 time points using existing instruments and process measures developed specifically for the intervention  Conduct 24 qualitative structured interviews and manually documented over 800 intervention discussion board posts  Collect, manage, and analyze data on over 200 variables using structural equation modeling, analysis of variance, and descriptive analysis techniques Graduate Research Assistant June 20XX - Present UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Chapel Hill, NC  Manage a content development team for a CDC funded weight loss intervention targeting low-income family planning clinic patients including the creation of 8 web based educational modules with assessment questionnaires, a 26-week online behavioral self-monitoring system with tailored feedback, and the development of an online social network based social support program.  Contribute significantly to the background, research design, analysis, and budget sections of 5 NIH grant submissions including the successful submission of a $133,000 phase 1 NIH STTR grant three of which are in development or pending review.  Prepare and manage several complex IRB applications for grant-funded health interventions.  Served on successful Deputy Director for Research and Operations search committee for the UNC Prevention Research Center (Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention).

37


AMY LARKIN

p. 2

TEACHING & MENTORING EXPERIENCE Teaching Assistant Spring 20XX & Spring 20XX NUTR/HPM 780, Entrepreneurship in Public Health  Assisted in the development of all course content and assignments  Managed speakers, class group assignments, and student inquiries  Evaluated students by providing written feedback and grades for 9 one page written assignments and a 15 page final paper  Taught one, two-hour class per semester UNC Undergraduate Research Mentor June 20XX - July 20XX  Recruited and hired 3 undergraduate interns for dissertation research through the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research  Scheduled and oversaw regular meetings and managed intern activities including the transcription and coding of over 11 hours of qualitative interviews  Provided recommendations and career advice as needed PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Health Communications Intern Aug 20XX – May 20XX North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch  Developed a radio and print health communications campaign for the statewide Eat Smart Move More program, "Maintain Don't Gain"  Wrote press releases and articles on school wellness topics for dissemination to PTAs and the North Carolina School Board Association Dietetic Intern UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC  Collected data and evaluated patient nutritional risks and status  Recommended medical nutrition therapy and counseled patients  Documented patient information and interventions to track progress

June 20XX - Aug 20XX

Manager, New Business Development April 20XX – Aug 20XX National Public Media, New York, New York  Exceeded multi-million dollar fundraising goals consistently  Developed 1.8 million dollar television, radio and PBS Ready To Learn program sponsorship for PNC Bank.  Created and managed partnerships between commercial and non-profit sales organizations. PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS Publications  Smith A, Jones B, Larkin A, Charles AF, Johnson, TJ. Health economics in public health. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 20xx Mar;36(3):273-5.  Peterson A, Larkin A, Jones A. Linking homegrown and locally produced fruits and vegetables to improving access and intake in communities through policy and environmental change. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 20xx Apr;107(4):584-5 (Application)  Smith A, Lee MM, Larkin A. Addressing disparities in the obesity epidemic. North Carolina Medical Journal. 20xx Jul-Aug;67(4):301-4.  Larkin A. Using return on investment analysis to evaluate health promotion programs: challenges and opportunities. RTI Issue Briefs. 20xx November: 1(3): 1-4. Oral Presentations  Larkin A. Johnson, D, Jones, L, Bailey, A, Gaston, M, Lee, Z, Smith, A. "Results From a Nutritional and Physical Activity Tracking and Screening Pilot Program in Middle Schools". 32nd Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Washington, DC, 2011.  Larking A, Cavallo D, Gaston A, Johnson A, Smith A. “Entrepreneurial Approaches To Improved Snack Bar Offerings In School Settings”. International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Conference. Banff, AB, 2008. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Member, Society of Behavioral Medicine Member, American Dietetic Association COMMUNITY SERVICE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES Volunteer, Meals on Wheels Competitive Cyclist (Category3)

38

Sept 20XX-August 20XX 20XX-20XX


RESUME/CV REVIEW PROCESS Students wishing to utilize Careerolina or participate in On-Campus Recruiting will first need to upload their resume/CV to the database for a UCS counselor to review. Our resume/CV review process uses state of the art technology that provides students with personalized counselor feedback. The review process typically takes 1–2 business days and helps to ensure that our students’ resumes/ CVs are competitive and congruent with the expectations of employers and graduate admissions offices. DO’S & DON’TS Do: Be specific in your objective if you choose to include one. Draft a clear and well-organized document. Bachelor’s candidates should limit resume to one page in length. Check the spelling of every word and ensure there are no errors. Customize the content for the organization or position. Describe duties and accomplishments in bullets. Quantify results when possible. Keep format consistent throughout document.

Don’t: Include a picture or personal information such as weight, height, marital status, SSN, age, race, and religion. Use personal pronouns such as I, me, or my. Exaggerate your experiences.

PROOFREADING Any typo or grammatical mistake on your resume/CV can indicate to an employer that you are not detail oriented. Do not rely on spell check to catch misspelled words. You should have several reliable people proofread your resume before you send it out.

SENDING YOUR RESUME TO EMPLOYERS You can upload your resume/CV to Careerolina and apply for the many positions posted daily. If you are emailing your resume/CV to an employer on your own, attach it as a Word or PDF document. Make sure that your name appears in the name of the attachment (John_Smith_resume.doc). The body of the email can be your cover letter. If submitting a hard copy of your resume or CV to an employer, print it out on resume quality paper. This is a heavier quality bond paper that can be purchased at any office supply store. Use a conservative, professional color, such as off-white or crème.

Start bullet points with “Responsible for” or “Duties included.” State salary.

39


COVER LETTERS The cover letter is used to introduce yourself and to briefly explain your qualifications to a prospective employer. Employers who post positions in Careerolina may or may not require a cover letter, but you should consider sending one with your resume/CV when applying to positions you find outside of Careerolina. You do not need to submit a cover letter when you hand deliver a resume/CV (i.e. at a career fair). The cover letter serves several functions: To capture the recruiter’s attention and help differentiate you from other candidates. To identify the job title or type of opening for which you want to be considered. To indicate how you learned about the position (e.g., University Career Services, employee referral, organization website, professional association). To highlight your qualifications as they relate to your targeted opening. To demonstrate a sincere interest in a particular employer and position.

COVER LETTER TIPS

Write a targeted, customized cover letter for each position. When sending electronically, you can attach it to the email or include the cover letter as the body of the email. Don’t restate your resume/CV. Highlight 1-3 skills or experiences in detail that show you are the best candidate for the position. Address to an individual. If not possible, use “Dear Human Resources Director” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Vary how you start each sentence and avoid beginning every sentence or paragraph with the word “I.” Thank the employer for their time and consideration.

Use quality paper that matches the color of your resume/CV if you are mailing it.

Sign your letter when sending a hard copy. If sending electronically, an electronic signature is not required.

1 page in length.

Proofread to ensure there are no spelling or punctuation errors.

40


COVER LETTER STRUCTURE Use the following structure to help you outline the content of your cover letter.

Your Present Address Date of Letter Individual’s Name Title Employer Street Address Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. __________: or Dear Hiring Manager:

Paragraph 1: ATTENTION Indicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and how you learned of the opening. Include prior contact with an employer or employees of the organization you are applying to.

Paragraph 2: INTEREST Explain why you are interested in the position, the organization, its products or services. Show the reader that you have done your research and make it clear that you are interested in their specific position (generic cover letters are easily detected and dismissed by employers).

Paragraph 3: FIT Highlight 1-3 skills or experiences in detail that show you are the best candidate for the position. Indicate what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you.

Paragraph 4: CLOSING In the closing paragraph, indicate that you are very interested in an interview. Finally, thank the employer for his/her time and consideration. Sincerely, Your Name Typed or Handwritten Signature Enclosures (if mailing) or Attachment (if emailing)

41


SAMPLE LETTER of INQUIRY and EMAIL COVER LETTER 3137 Aileen Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 March 23, 20XX

Ms. Virginia Poling 1814 Kingston Pike Chapel Hill, NC 27501 Dear Ms. Poling:

I had the pleasure of meeting Representative Wanda McHenry at a reception in Raleigh this past Monday. She suggested that I email you regarding the possibility of a summer internship position with your office in Washington, DC. I am a junior from UNC-Chapel Hill studying Political Science and Public Policy.

Last summer, I served as an intern for Senator John Smith, where I gained invaluable experience and insight into the world of national politics. In addition to drafting correspondence to constituents, I also had the opportunity to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. Currently, I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed both in an out of the classroom. I would be appreciative of any advice or suggestions you may have regarding my interests in pursuing a career on Capitol Hill.

I know that this is a busy time of year, and I thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to call or email me at your convenience. I can be reached at (919) 515-5555 or dheller@live.unc.com. Sincerely,

Doreen Heller Doreen Heller

SUBJECT LINE: Ben & Jerry’s Summer Public Relations Internship Application Dear Hiring Manager: I am very interested in the Summer Public Relations internship at Ben & Jerry’s that was advertised on Indeed.com. I have the qualifications and enthusiasm for ice cream that your company is seeking. I am a junior at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Communication Studies. Currently I am a scooper at the Ben & Jerry’s Franklin Street store. While in this position I have honed my talents in customer service, teamwork, and communication. Additionally I have interned at a local boutique as the social media intern. In that position I set up and updated the boutique’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts daily. I would love to work at Ben & Jerry’s this summer. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration. Sincerely, Leslie Jordan

42


SAMPLE COVER LETTER 445 Paul Hardin Dr. #954 Chapel Hill, NC, 27514 January 26, 20XX Fleishman-Hillard 2421 Nag’s Head Avenue Raleigh, NC 27695 Dear Hiring Manager: I recently discovered the Fleishman-Hillard’s Assistant Editor position through University Career Service’s online database at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In May, I will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, and I am looking for an opportunity to apply the skills I have honed in this industry over the past several years. I am interested in this role for the opportunity to work with a top leader in the public relations industry such as Fleishman-Hillard. I am excited to help the agency’s customers by editing articles for top-tier media outlets and training a company’s spokespeople on writing effective press releases. As mentioned in the job announcement, these responsibilities are paramount to helping customers increase their brand presence. I am eager to make such a contribution to the Media Relations team and drive Fleishman-Hillard forward in this field. While at UNC, I have served as both a Staff Writer and Copy Editor for the University’s newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel (the largest community newspaper in Orange County). My experiences in the newsroom as a reporter, copy editor, and writer have helped me develop a deep interest in journalism and a strong passion for working in the field of mass communication. I take much pride in my accomplishments at the University’s newspaper and consider my Spanish-speaking abilities to be one of my greatest assets. My involvement in the Carolina Hispanic Association (CHispA) and the Minority Recruitment Committee at UNC-CH have strengthened my skills in the areas of communication, writing, organizing, and planning. For example, I was able to plan and organize a group presentation for employers as part of CHispA’s participation in the Diverse Reverse Fair at UNC this Spring. During the process I communicated with members of CHispA to ensure that all of our community and campus involvement was included in the presentation. At the event many employers came up to our table and spoke highly of our on-stage presentation. These experiences and robust set of skills in mass communication have given me the background necessary to succeed in the Assistant Editor role at Fleishman-Hillard as well. I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you and discuss my qualifications. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (919) 555-5555 at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Jason Borek Jason Borek

43


SAMPLE COVER LETTER John Student

100 Main Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 student@live.unc.edu  (919) 555-8643

Angela Rameses XYZ Corporation ABC Boulevard, Suite 2100 Chicago, IL 60610 May 18, 2016 Dear Mrs. Rameses: I was happy to learn of your need for a Laboratory Technician at XYZ Corporation from the American Institute of Biological Sciences website. With a solid academic background and experiences in research, tutoring, and leadership, I am confident that I would be a great fit for your team. I believe that clinical research is more than a job - it is a responsibility to continually support the advancement of scientific discoveries that can positively affect people’s lives. This role will give me the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of research to find causes of RSM disease using a DNA sequencer. My desire is to collaborate with scientists, technicians, and the research community to create an inspiring atmosphere at XYZ Corporation and provide them with professional and helpful service. As seen in my resume, I have both academic and practical experience in the sciences. I am currently a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I major in Biology and minor in Chemistry and History. I currently serve as a research assistant in the UNC Department of Biology, while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.25. As a research assistant I have experience using DNA sequencing to determine changes in genes when exposed to various medications. I have presented the findings of this research at the Summer Symposium and worked with the research team to submit a journal publication of our project. In addition to my academics, my experiences as a member of the UNC Dance Marathon’s publicity committee, and as secretary for the Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity have prepared me with leadership and communication skills needed to succeed in a professional environment. In summary, I am confident that I have the background and capability to work with the XYZ Corporation in achieving their mission and goals. I would appreciate the opportunity for an interview to further discuss how my qualifications would best fit XYZ Corporation’s needs. Please free feel to contact me should any questions arise. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, John Student

44


LISTING REFERENCES

STUDENT BUSINESS CARDS

Employers usually ask applicants for a list of at least three references. The most appropriate references are typically current or previous employers, faculty members (especially for graduate school admissions), and advisors to student organizations in which a student has been a leader. Be sure to include name, title, organization, email, and phone number for each reference.

Some students create business cards to use when making new contacts. Be sure to include your name, contact information, degree, and if applicable, resume/CV URL or portfolio website. You can purchase these on-line or go to your local copy center.

Prior to listing an individual as a reference, ask for permission to do so. Provide each reference with a copy of your resume or CV and details about your career goals or plan. Send them each a thank you card or email.

SAMPLE LIST of REFERENCES Amy Larkin 2456 Ashton Avenue Chapel Hill, NC 27598 919-555-5555 alarkin@email.unc.edu REFERENCES

Gary Abbamont Associate Professor School of Media and Journalism 2111 Carol Hall, UNC-Chapel Hill 919-555-5555 gabbamo@email.unc.edu Relationship: Professor for Advertising Media course, Fall 20XX

Dr. Jonathan Philips Faculty Advisor Society of Human Resource Management 210 Steele Building, UNC-Chapel Hill 919-555-5555 jphilip@email.unc.edu Relationship: Advisor for MJ-School Ambassadors, Fall 20XX-Spring 20XX

Jennifer Quinn Store Manager Belk’s, Cary Towne Center 2390 Cary Towne Center Blvd, Cary, NC 27513 919-555-5555 jquinn@belks.com Relationship: Supervisor at Belk’s, 20XX – 20XX

SAMPLE BUSINESS CARD FRONT Carol Jones cljones@unc.edu (919) 555-5555

B.A., Sociology, May 2015

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 3.7 GPA Resume available at http://unc.confidentialresume.com/new

SAMPLE BUSINESS CARD BACK Seeking position in Human Services working in the Latino Community Spanish/English Fluent 4 years tutoring Latino youth Event Coordination Budget Management

Independent Research Community Organizer Volunteer Recruitment Program Development

45


THANK YOU LETTERS You should always send a thank you letter within 24 hours of your interview. Not only does this convey your professionalism, but it can also help make that extra push to enhance your candidacy. Depending on the organization’s culture, you may email or mail your thank you letter. Your letter should summarize what impressed you most about the organization and position as well as highlight your experience or skills that appeared to interest or impress the interviewer. Be sure to also include any additional information that the recruiter requested (e.g., transcript, writing sample, references).

Conclude the letter by indicating your continued interest in the position. Summarize what impressed you most about the organization and position. Highlight your experience or skills that appeared to interest or impress the interviewer. Include any additional information that the recruiter requested (e.g., transcript, writing sample, references). Conclude by indicating your continued interest in the position.

SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER Dear Mr. Jenkins:

Thank you for the time you and your staff spent with me yesterday to discuss the Sales Representative position. I am very impressed with what I learned about the J.R. Johnson Company’s six-month training program, especially the combination of classroom and onthe-job training. It seems more thorough than comparable programs in the consumer goods industry. Since we talked, I read about the success of your company’s latest product introduction. This just confirms what I have learned about J.R. Johnson’s reputation for marketing expertise.

As we discussed, I have two summers of sales experience. This has taught me the importance of goal-setting, identifying the customer’s needs, and organizing my time effectively. I am confident that my background will make me an asset to your company. Enclosed is a copy of my transcript. Please let me know if you need any further information. Again, thank you for the opportunity to talk to you in more detail about a sales career with J.R. Johnson. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely,

Joshua Bordwick Joshua Bordwick

46


INTERVIEWING Interviewing is a two-way street; it is an opportunity for you and the employer to get to know each other. Contrary to what you may have heard, interviewers do not want to intentionally ask you difficult questions just to see you make a mistake. In fact, employers want you to do well during the interview. Think about it: they invest a lot of time and money screening and recruiting candidates. The sooner they can identify the right person, the sooner their job is done. WHAT DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR DURING THE INTERVIEW? Employers typically want to know three things: Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Will you fit in with the organization? Your job is to provide enough solid information to answer an unequivocal “YES!” to all three of these questions. To do so effectively, you will need to be aware of the specific characteristics employers seek in new hires. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), who surveys hundreds of employers each year, the attributes most highly sought after are:

How is the organization run; does it seem well-organized? How do the other employees interact with each other? Are you excited about the possibility of this position? Does the job match your career interests?

WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW A professional, leather portfolio with a pad and pen Several copies of your resume/CV Letters of recommendation (optional) Work samples (optional/based on industry)

1. Communication skills 2. Honesty/integrity 3. Interpersonal/teamwork skills 4. Motivation/initiative 5. Strong work ethic

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR DURING THE INTERVIEW? Just as employers interview you to see if you are a fit, you are interviewing them as well. By being attentive and thoughtful, you can learn important things about an organization during the interview. Some things you may want to consider include:

Online Resources for Interviewing These can be found at careers.unc.edu/resources Career Insider by Vault CaseQuestions.com InterviewStream

How does the organization’s mission match with your interests? Does the nature of the job sound interesting?

47


THREE STEPS TO PREPARE

FOR AN INTERVIEW STEP 1: Research the Employer and Field Conducting research on prospective employers is essential to a successful interview. Employers want to hire candidates that can demonstrate solid knowledge and genuine interest in their organizations. So, what things should you know about an employer before the interview? Simply put: as much as possible. You should be knowledgeable about the organization’s mission, history, growth, products, competitors, locations, etc.

RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP: Visiting the employer’s website and social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) are the easiest places to start. UCS also has many resources, including the Career Insider by Vault, which can provide you with much of the information you will need on an employer, career field, or industry.

STEP 2: Know Yourself Keep in mind that anything and everything on your resume/CV is fair game for the employer to ask about. Carefully review your resume and make sure that you can speak in detail about everything on it.

RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP: Meet with a counselor to make sure you know how to communicate your transferrable skills.

It is important that you are able to adequately communicate your skills, interests, and goals during the interview, and match them to the position you are pursuing.

STEP 3: Practice! Like any other task you have mastered, interviewing is a skill. If you have ever been on a team, played an instrument, or performed in public, you probably didn’t just show up to the event and expect to deliver a flawless performance. Instead, you probably spent many hours beforehand practicing, rehearsing, and visualizing what you would do and say. Well, interviewing is no different; it is a skill that requires preparation and practice. Practice answering the interview questions listed on the next few pages of this book. Think about examples and stories about your experiences.

RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP: InterviewStream (found on careers.unc.edu) is a great online tool to help you practice interview questions. You can also schedule a practice interview with a UCS counselor.


NON-VERBAL MESSAGES

VERBAL MESSAGES

Much of how and what we communicate is done through non-verbal communication.

It’s not just what you say but how you say it. The tone, speed, and length of your responses play a very important part in the effectiveness of your answers.

Handshake

Take Your Time

Both men and women should be comfortable offering a firm, dry, confident handshake. Avoid bone-crushing grips as well as a wet noodle.

Employers are interested in how well you can answer their questions, not how fast you can answer them.

Posture Sit up straight with legs crossed or feet firmly on the floor; your back should be straight, head up and looking forward. Don’t slouch!

Facial Gestures Smile! There is no overstating the positive impact a simple smile can have during the interview. Don’t be afraid to show your interpersonal skills and natural warmth during the interview.

Eye Contact Maintain a good balance of eye contact with the employer, as this conveys honesty, confidence, and interest. Engage in eye contact when the employer is asking you a question or when you are responding. When you are thinking of your answer, it is okay to break eye contact.

Nerves Work on controlling any nervous behavior before you meet with the employer in person. Avoid twirling and playing with your hair, tapping your feet, and wringing your hands. Also keep in mind that chewing gum is never appropriate in a professional setting.

The Nose Knows: Before your interview… Avoid smoking – it stays with you and on you. Eating strong foods such as garlic and onions. Avoid alcohol! Save the celebration for AFTER you get the job offer! Avoid wearing strong fragrances.

If you are asked a difficult question, take a moment or two to collect your thoughts, rather than blurting out the first answer that comes to your mind. You can buy a little extra time by repeating the question aloud while you think.

Answer the Question (and then be quiet) While it’s important that you answer each question thoroughly, it is equally important that your answers do not go on too long. Pay attention to the interviewer’s non-verbal cues to make sure you are not losing your audience.

Remain Professional and Positive Regardless of how friendly or laid back the interviewer may appear, your language and vernacular should be completely professional and appropriate. Avoid using any slang, profanities, or stereotypes. At no time in an interview should you voice any negative comments or opinions about former supervisors, professors, or classmates. This can only hurt your candidacy.

“Like, Um, Uh, You Know” Though these filler-type words may be overlooked in casual conversation, you definitely want to avoid using them during the interview. Be aware of these habits and practice to eliminate them.

How Information is Conveyed in Interviews

NON-VERBAL - 65% VERBAL - 35%

49


DRESSING FOR AN INTERVIEW Sources say that up to 55% of person’s perception of you is based on how you look. Like it or not, how you dress for an interview is important! Here are some guidelines to help you make a good first impression at your interview. FEMININE:

Well-tailored pant and skirt suits should have a good fit. Stick to dark and neutral colors such as black, navy or gray. Skirt should fall just above the knees and not be too tight.

MASCULINE:

Suits worn in professional settings should be dark or neutral (black, navy blue or gray).

Shirts should be white or blue button-down shirt worn with a silk tie in a conservative pattern.

Coordinated blouse avoiding bold colors or patterns.

Flats or low-heeled shoes. (comfort is important)

Dark, non-bulky socks.

One set of earrings only. No more than one ring on each hand.

Dark shoes, cleaned and polished. Belt should match shoes.

No earrings. No rings other than wedding or college ring.

Keep all dress and facial hair grooming neat.

Conservative hosiery at or near skin color.

Makeup can be worn, however, stick to a neutral palette and slight application. Manicured nails with neutral polish.

Religious dress or garments (such as a hijab) should be worn in neutral colors when possible.

Portfolio or briefcase. (Do not carry an oversized purse)

AVOID:

Casual wear (jeans, sweat suits, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops).

Floral, plaid, or other “busy” designs.

Wrinkled, untucked, pilled or linty clothing.

Tattered, faded, stained or dirty clothing.

Revealing fabrics.

Excessive jewelry.

Cleavage, chest hair.

Open-toed footwear and athletic shoes.

50

TIP: Before going to an interview, find out how employees dress. This might involve researching the company online or even calling and asking before your interview. Some companies are very conservative while others are more business casual. Either way, you should always dress at least one step up from the employees (you don’t have the job yet!). Remember it is always safest to dress more conservatively. It is far better to come to an interview overdressed than underdressed.


TYPES OF INTERVIEWS PHONE AND VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS Many employers will conduct their first round interviews via the phone or virtually. These interviews are used as a precursor to an in-person interview.

Make sure you are in a quiet, comfortable environment where you will not be disturbed.

Smile! Regardless of whether the employer can see you, it can help you come across as personable.

Give yourself plenty of time to travel to the site, taking into consideration possible traffic delays. If possible, you may want to take a test drive over to the site a few days before the interview.

Be friendly and courteous to everyone you encounter. You never know who has input into the hiring decision.

Employers will typically (but not always) reimburse travel expenses if your interview is in another city or state. It is important that you clarify these details with the employer when arranging the interview.

Phone Interviews

Use a landline, rather than a cell phone, if possible.

Have your resume/CV, job description, and notes in front of you to glance at but minimize the sound of shuffling papers.

Be prepared for pauses and silences. If there is an extended silence in between questions, you can ask confirming questions such as “Was my answer clear?�

Virtual Interviews

Check your internet connectivity, sound, and any applications before the interview to make sure they are working properly.

Dress as if you are at an in-person interview.

Look straight into the camera when talking to maintain eye contact.

ON-SITE INTERVIEWS These interviews tend to be much more in-depth than the phone or campus interview, lasting anywhere from one hour to a full day or longer. However, the preparation process for an on-site interview remains the same: know the employer, know yourself, and anticipate and practice possible questions.

LUNCH/DINNER INTERVIEWS The point of the meal interview is for you and the employer to get to know each other, and for him/her to see how you conduct yourself in a social setting. Employers will be assessing your conversational and interpersonal skills to determine how well you would fit in with the organization.

Demeanor, language, and behavior should all be 100% professional.

The meal you order should be in the mid-price range; not the most or least expensive item. You may want to ask the interviewer what he/she recommends on the menu to get a gauge.

Avoid items that are challenging or messy to eat, such as pasta or dishes with a lot of cheese.

Even if the employer is drinking alcohol, you should still refrain.

If the service is slow or the food is not exactly how you ordered it, avoid complaining or making an issue of it.

It is customary for the employer to pay for the meal. Make sure you show your appreciation.

51


CASE INTERVIEWS Case interviews focus on the way you think and how you go about addressing complex issues and problems. Typically, you will be presented with a challenging scenario (or case) with varying background or details. Cases may come in the form of a brainteaser, marketsizing scenario, financial analysis, or management/ strategy issue. Interviewers want to see your ability to be analytical, logical, quantitative, and creative. Your listening skills, insight, communication style, and persuasive skills are key to a successful case interview. There are many strategies that go into attacking a case interview question, and the best way to prepare is to practice. Many consulting firms, such as Bain, McKinsey, and BCG, have extremely helpful, interactive practice case interviews on their websites. Case Questions Interactive offers a variety of samples to practice such questions and can be found on careers.unc.edu.

PANEL/GROUP INTERVIEWS Though most interviews tend to be one-on-one, some employers will ask that you interview with several members of their organization in a group setting. Be sure that your responses address everyone on the panel.

Which class did you find most challenging/enjoyable?

Do you feel your GPA adequately represents your abilities?

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

How will you add value to our organization?

Why are you interested in this field/our organization?

What do you know about our organization that isn’t on our website?

Who are our key competitors?

What do you think it takes to be a good leader?

Behavioral Questions Behavioral questions are designed to help the interviewer get a clear understanding of how you handle different situations. Unlike traditional questions that can focus on hypothetical situations, behavioral questions rely solely on your past experiences. The premise is that past behavior can be used to predict future behavior. “Tell me about a time when you…”

Made a difficult/ethical decision

Dealt with a difficult team member or customer

Failed to meet a deadline

Each year, hundreds of employers come to UCS in Hanes Hall to interview students for jobs and internships. All students participating in on-campus interviewing are responsible for knowing the OCR policies, which can be found on careers.unc.edu. Employers who wish to interview students on campus post their open positions in Careerolina.

Demonstrated leadership skills

Received negative feedback

Overcame an obstacle

Had to have an uncomfortable conversation with a co-worker

Went above and beyond what was expected of you

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Persuaded someone to change their mind

Had to adhere to a decision that you did not agree with

ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS (OCR)

Traditional Questions These types of questions help the employer get a better sense of who you are. Similar to the bullets on your resume that describe your experiences in detail, you need to back up your interview answers with specific, tangible examples.

Tell me about yourself.

Why did you choose your field of study?

What are your greatest strengths and areas of challenge?

What has been your greatest accomplishment/ set back?

52


BAR METHOD

Many employers will ask behavioral interview questions in order to understand how you behaved in certain situations in the past. Interviewers like questions like these because the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. When answering behavioral interview questions, use the BAR Method, which stands for background, action, and result. Once you think of a specific example that answers the interviewer’s question, walk them through your BAR.

BACKGROUND

ACTIONS

RESULTS

BACKGROUND/TASK What was the specific job or activity you (and/or group) were to accomplish or what problem were you solving? Who was involved? Where and when did this occur?

ACTIONS/IMPLEMENTATION What steps did you (and/or team) take and how did you go about completing them? How did you involve or manage others during the process?

RESULTS/OUTCOME Did you accomplish the job the way it was originally defined? Was the result an improvement or change? Did you create, improve, or maintain good interpersonal relationships as a result of your actions? What were the benefits of your actions for the organization or for other individuals? What lessons did you learn? What core skills did you acquire? What did you learn about yourself? How did you grow from this experience? What might you do differently?


ANSWERING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS 1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF This is often the first question you will be asked and can often be the most difficult to answer. It is not an invitation to share your life story (age, birthplace, family information, etc.) but should focus on where you’ve been and where you’re going regarding your education and career goals. Example: “I will be graduating this May with a degree in International Studies. For the last two summers, I have served as an intern with a local non-profit organization teaching reading skills to children in rural communities across eastern NC. I have also been very active in my sorority, serving as both the marketing chair and vice-president. My goal now is to join a non-profit organization such as XYZ that will allow me to continue to develop my leadership skills while providing support to underprivileged children.”

2. WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST STRENGTHS? Support your answers with detailed examples that relate to the job at hand. Example: “My greatest strengths are leadership, communication, and team-building. For the past two years, I have been a Resident Advisor, where I oversee the safety and wellbeing for 64 students. In this role, I serve as a mentor, mediator, supervisor, and program director. I oversee town-hall style meetings for my floor and frequently have to make tough decisions to solve problems among residents.”

3. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? What the employer is really questioning here is your self-awareness and self-improvement. They are not interested in hearing you confess your flaws, nor are they looking for a perfectionist with “no weaknesses.” The best strategy is to pick a related example from your life that demonstrates growth, and ideally, your ability to turn a weakness into a strength. Your answer should be genuine, honest, and professionally related (nothing too personal). Example: “One area that I am continually working to improve is my public speaking skills. When I first began college, the thought of standing up in front of a large

54

group and giving a presentation was enough to cause me a good deal of stress. However, over the last three years, I have really challenged myself to get out of my comfort zone and overcome this fear. In addition to taking a public speaking class, I also participate in several student panels throughout the year where I answer questions from parents and prospective UNC students in a large auditorium setting. These experiences have helped me become more comfortable addressing large audiences.”

4. WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS? You should do your homework and know what a typical starting salary is for the job to which you are applying. UCS has salary information for internships and entry-level jobs on our website. Rather than a fixed number, give a salary range (typically 3–5k) and justify it by mentioning the research you have done. Example: “Based on the research I have done and the nature of the position, I am targeting a starting salary in the mid-high $40,000 range. Is that in line with your typical starting salary?”

5. WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? This is a chance to reiterate the skills and qualities you would bring to the employer, as well as an opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. It is challenging because although you don’t know your competition, your answer needs to reflect how you are unique among the candidates they are considering. This is often the last question asked, so make sure you “go for it” by showing enthusiasm for the job and how you will contribute. Example: “As I mentioned earlier, I have strong skills in communication, leadership and teamwork. I can make immediate contributions to your organization because I know the sales territory I would be responsible for and my demonstrated abilities to build rapport with people would increase your clientele.”


DEVELOPING QUESTIONS

TO ASK EMPLOYERS When an employer gives you the opportunity to ask them questions, take advantage of it! Asking questions demonstrates your sincere interest in the position and organization. Interviewer’s Professional Background

Organizational culture questions

Why interviewer chose employer

Formal career planning with supervisor/mentor

What keeps interviewer working with employer Roles interviewer has held

How/how often performance reviewed (especially in first year)

How has employer helped interviewer prepare for roles

Socializing/team-building

Inquiries that stem from your pre-interview research Training/professional development for new hires Detailed questions about job Future focus for employer Employer responses to challenges (ask tactfully)

Flex-schedule; telecommuting Communication and leadership style of managers Opportunity for new challenges/growth opportunities Dress code Community involvement Support networks, mentoring, diversity initiatives

Things NOT to ask about:

Horizontal (generalist) training/ vertical (promotions) movement

Salary and benefits (wait until you are given a formal offer)

What it is like to live in employer location; relocation

Personal information about the recruiter or other employees

55


CONCLUDING THE INTERVIEW As the interview draws to an end, be sure to: Ask about next steps Understand the employer’s time frame Thank the interviewer Get business card for follow-up Reiterate your interest in the position

EVALUATING AN OFFER Typically, employers will make a verbal offer over the phone followed by email/mail. Read over these documents closely. You should be enthusiastic when an offer is made. If you need some time to think it over, it is fine to ask. Remember that once you accept a position, it is unethical to continue looking for other opportunities or to renege (back out of your acceptance). Students who accept and then renege on a job offer are at risk of losing their UCS privileges indefinitely. Please see the principles of professional conduct on page 7 for more information.

THINGS TO CONSIDER Consider different factors in making a decision regarding the acceptance of a job offer. Few, if any, organizations will provide all that you would like to have in your ‘’ideal’’ job, and you should know on which factors you can make comfortable compromises and which must be met.

1. The Industry History of growth Predictable future needs Degree of dependence on business trends or cycles Degree of dependence on government regulations or actions

2. The Organization Prestige and reputation

Requirements to relocate, travel, or work long hours Responsibility, autonomy Opportunity for advancement and/or individual achievement Salary and benefits package Involvement with good supervisor, peer associates Physical environment Social significance of work

4. General “Lifestyle” Factors Comfort with goals, philosophy of organization Geographic location Recreational and educational facilities, cultural opportunities

SALARY NEGOTIATION According to Forbes, over half the population fails to negotiate. Not negotiating can cost you roughly one million dollars over the course of your career! Apply these tips to maximize your effectiveness in the negotiation process. Prepare – Consider the four factors above and determine how these fit with your budget needs. Calculate the market value for the position based on the industry and location. Practice – Negotiation is a skill. Make sure to practice before you negotiate! Negotiate – Ask if the offer is negotiable. When you choose to negotiate, be positive to maintain a strong relationship with the employer. After you come to an agreement, make sure to get the final offer in writing. Schedule a meeting with a counselor to practice your negotiation skills. For more information on the negotiation process, go to the Navigating Job offers section of the UCS website.

Growth potential Size and company culture Financial stability Good management team

3. The Job Itself Training and development opportunities Day-to-day activities Amount of stress or pressure, pace of work

56

Online Resources for Job Offers Career Insider by Vault First Destination Survey NACE Salary Calculator


ACCEPTING AN OFFER When making a decision on a job or internship offer continue to use email etiquette with the employer whether accepting, rejecting or asking for an extension. You never know when your paths will cross again. Use these examples as a guide on what to say.

SAMPLE JOB OFFER REJECTION LETTER: Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for the generous employment offer to be a customer support specialist with Company X. I was very impressed by your team as well as the XYZ project that I had the opportunity to learn about during the interview process. After performing a deep assessment of my career goals and options, I have decided to accept another offer. This decision did not come easy, as evident by my request for an extension. I appreciate your consideration and support through this process and wish you and your team continued success at Company X. Sincerely, Jennifer Miller

SAMPLE JOB OFFER ACCEPTANCE LETTER: Dear Ms. Jones,

It is with great excitement that I accept the offer for the Marketing Associate position at Company X. I look forward to joining the marketing team and am confident in the contributions that I will make to your organization. Attached you will find the signed offer letter. Please contact me with any additional details as we get closer to my start date of Monday, July 25th. Thank you again for this opportunity and I look forward to joining your team. Sincerely, Miles Morris

SAMPLE OFFER EXTENSION ASK: Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for the internship offer at company X and all of your help throughout the interview process. Company X seems like a great place to work, and I have been giving the offer a great deal of thought.

It would be very helpful to have additional time to fully weigh all of the options at this busy time in the recruiting season. I understand that UNC on-campus recruiting guidelines typically grant students three weeks to respond to an offer, but I also understand that you have a timeline to follow. In light of this, would you be willing to provide me with more time to consider your offer in order to fully weigh what might be the best option for my career trajectory? Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you. Best, Jordan Smith

57


LIFE AFTER CAROLINA Starting a new career can be exciting but stressful. We are here to help you get on course as you start your new journey. Below are tips to get you started on the right track towards a strong career and financial future. HOW TO EXCEL AT WORK Manage your own career

Become proactive about managing your career and do not expect others to do this for you.

Develop a list of career goals and be open to new opportunities that align with your current vision and values at life and work. Share this with a mentor to help hold you accountable.

Make your Personal Brand known

Know your purpose in life and ensure that your career supports the fulfillment of that purpose.

Have a clear and compelling personal brand that conveys your industry expertise. Showcase it in what you do inside and outside of the company.

Become an Industry Expert and Deliver Results

Learn at least one critical industry skill per year to gain above-average technical skills relevant to your profession. Seek to enhance your communication skills by reading, taking courses, participating in organizations, or acting on feedback from peers and mentor(s).

58

Work on projects that expand your skills and knowledge.

Learn to solve complex, work-related problems and figure out creative solutions to obstacles that may surface.

Show Your Leadership Qualities – Even if You Are not in a Leadership Role

Take initiative on projects instead of waiting for someone to ask you to do it.

Take informal opportunities to manage or mentor other people.

Appreciate and acknowledge others’ work and accomplishments.

Continue to Nurture and Build your Professional Contacts

Treat everyone respectfully inside and outside the organization.

Talk respectfully about your manager, coworkers, and customers.

Participate on cross-functional teams so that other people outside of your department can see your value.


LIVING ON YOUR OWN If you are moving out on your own for the first time you may be concerned about how to manage your finances. Learning how to make a budget will help to keep track of your current expenses and learn how to save for the future.

BUDGET WORKSHEET CATEGORY

$

Rent/Mortgage

$

Utilities

$

Phone

$

Cable & Internet

$

Gym Memberships

$

Subscriptions

$

Loan Payments (student, car, etc.)

$

Savings

$

Retirement Contribution

$

Groceries

$

Clothing/Shoes/ Personal Care

$

Dry Cleaning/Laundry

$

Gifts

$

Housing 30%

Pets

$

Transportation 18%

Movies/Theatre/Concerts

$

Restaurants

$

Music & Online Media

$

Hobbies

$

Vacation

$

Payments/Co-payments

$

Prescriptions

$

Dental

$

Car

$

Renters/Homeowners

$

Disability

$

Life

$

Gas

$

Car Maintenance

$

Public Transportation

$

INCOME

Net monthly income is your total take-home pay, minus payroll deductions. This is the number to use for your monthly budget.

11% 30%

10% 7% 14

Debt 10% Food 14% Household 7%

%

10

%

18%

Savings 10% Everything Else 11%

PERSONAL

A great way to start creating a budget is by following national spending ratios from the Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics. These ratios give suggestions on how much of your salary you can expect to allocate for key expenses, as shown below:

ENTERTAINMENT

www.mint.com www.learnvest.com

HEALTHCARE

Creating a budget is much easier now that there are programs and websites that can help. These tools can not only help you keep up with your budget but also help you save for the things you enjoy. Here are some online resources to try:

MONTHLY EXPENSES

Create a Budget

AMOUNT

TRANSPORTATION

Make copies of this page to make a few budgets. See how your budget changes when you add or cut monthly expenses or use wages from different jobs.

$

MISC.

Keep in mind that spending varies based on location and personal responsibilities. Create a monthly budget to make lifestyle goals that fit your current and future financial needs. If you are not currently employed, create a future budget based on a desired occupation.

INSURANCE

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics

$ TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES =

$

NET INCOME – MONTHLY EXPENSES =

$

59


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.