The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
CAREER GUIDE 2013–2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR
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MEET THE STAFF & GENERAL INFORMATION
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PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
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OUR SERVICES
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CAREER PLANNING
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4-Year Career Success Plan
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NETWORKING Informational Interviewing
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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RESUMES, CURRICULUM VITAE AND LETTERS
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Resumes/CVs 22 Cover Letters 33 Thank You Letters INTERVIEWING
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WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR 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 schools, and law school I 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. I 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, Ray Angle Director, University Career Services
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General Information Email: ucs@unc.edu Website: careers.unc.edu Location: 219 Hanes Hall Walk-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 choose and prepare for their careers, learn job search skills, and find employment. 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 O. Ray Angle, Director Jade Barricelli, Coordinator of Job Location Development (JLD)
Julie Pendergraph, Recruiting Services Manager
Amy Blackburn, Senior Assistant Director for Graduate Students and Liaison to the Gillings School of Public Health
Jeff Sackaroff, Associate Director
Lisa Bowden, Help Desk Agent/Secretary
Vergie Taylor, Assistant Director
Christy Dunston, Career Counselor
Karen Thompson, Event/Marketing Coordinator
Jacquelyn Gist, Assistant Director
Christy Walker, Assistant Director
Emily Gomez, Career Counselor
Blakely Williamson, Help Desk Agent/Secretary
Sue Harbour, Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Business
Coming September 1, 2013: Health Professions Advising Coordinator
Teresa Holt, Help Desk Agent/Secretary
Pre-Law Advising and Pre-Graduate Education Coordinator
Taron Mattocks, Technology Coordinator
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Katherine Nobles, Assistant Director for Social Media & Branding
Tim Stiles, Associate Director
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 2013 Interns: Students should be given until September 1, 2013 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 2013 and Spring 2014 On-Campus Recruiting: Students should be given a minimum of three weeks to accept/decline offers extended as a part of the OCR program. 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.
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OUR SERVICES Individual Appointments:
InterviewStream:
Schedule via careers.unc.edu or by calling 919-962-6507
View pre-recorded interview questions and record your responses via webcam.
Walk-In Schedule:
Optimal Resume:
Monday–Friday, 1PM–4PM
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.
Careerolina: 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. On-Campus Recruiting: 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.
Workshops: 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. Info Sessions/Panels/Meet-Ups/Career Fairs:
Website and Social Media:
UCS brings hundreds of employers and professionals to campus to connect with UNC students. Attend these events to meet these individuals.
Visit careers.unc.edu and follow “uncucs” on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
Alumni Advisor Network:
Career/Major Exploration: 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 the MyersBriggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, and “What Can I Do With This Major?”
An online database consisting of UNC alumni and friends who are willing to help students with career exploration, internship/job search, graduate school choices, or relocation. Access the network via careers.unc.edu. Pre-Grad/Pre-Law/Pre-Health Advising:
EDUC 131:
Visit with an advisor to ensure that you’re taking all of the necessary steps to prepare for graduate, law, or medical school.
Career exploration course for first and second year undergraduate students.
Candidate Referral Service:
EDUC 132: Career planning and job-searching course designed for juniors and seniors. Mock Interviews: 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.
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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 the Strong Interest Inventory or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator 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 Strong Interest Inventory Myers-Briggs Type Indicator myIDP O*NET Versatile PhD What Can I Do With This Major?
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SUCCESS
PLAN
JUNIOR YEAR
Use this table as a reference to help you in your career development.
FIRST YEAR
CAREER
SOPHOMORE YEAR
FOUR-YEAR
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.
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Participate in a mock interview with a UCS counselor.
Focus on getting good grades. Get to know your professors. Visit during office hours, stay late after class, and look for current events that relate to the course.
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, meet-ups, 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, meet-ups, employer info sessions, and career fairs to learn about various employers and career fields.
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?
DURING THE SUMMER: 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.
Continue to obtain professional experience through part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
Attend the UCS Spring Job/Internship Expo.
DURING THE SUMMER:
Conduct an informational interview with professionals to learn about career fields.
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.
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.
Register for EDUC 132, Career Planning and Job Searching.
Start researching job opportunities early. Many employers begin recruiting as soon as the semester begins.
Apply to as many positions as interest you. Plan your interview attire in advance.
Monitor application and on-campus interview deadlines of positions posted in Careerolina. See gradprofdev.web.unc.edu and click on Professional Development Guide for a similar recommended timeline for graduate students.
NETWORKING
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO NETWORK?
CONNECTING 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.
To connect with fellow Tar Heels, consider using the Alumni Advisor Network or joining the General Alumni Association (alumni.unc.edu). It’s also a good idea to join the UNC Alumni Group via LinkedIn. Within the group, you can send messages to fellow group members, contribute to group discussions, and view the jobs board. For more information about utilizing LinkedIn, please see the section on social media.
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:
Online Resources For Networking These can be found at careers.unc.edu/resources Alumni Advisor Network
Friends
Careerolina
Family
e-Leads
Neighbors Present or former teachers
First Destination Survey
Present or former employers/co-workers
Socioclean
Members of organizations to which you belong Professional acquaintances
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Counselors
Versatile PhD
Alumni Religious affiliations
WHERE DO I NETWORK? Everywhere! Think about all of the places you go to interact with people: Career Fairs, Panels, Meet Ups 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.
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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: Ask someone that you know personally. Ask friends, family members, colleagues, and professors if they know anyone. Locate UNC alumni through the Alumni Advisor Network, the General Alumni Association, or through LinkedIn.
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? Are there any changes or new trends developing that you see? 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?
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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, 2013 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 the UNC Alumni Network, 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 talk over the phone. 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 LINKEDIN This professional networking site 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. Key tip: To get the most out of LinkedIn, seek out and participate in LinkedIn groups of interest.
TWITTER This microblogging site is a great way for you to interact with people of similar professional interests from across the globe. Additionally, organizations are increasingly using Twitter to promote jobs and internships. Key tip: Use “hashtag” searches (e.g. #jobs or #internships) and “follow” organizations of interest to find opportunities.
FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM Be sure that your activities on Facebook won’t give prospective employers uncertainties about you as a
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candidate. Check your photos, videos, and comments for professionalism. Key tip: Utilize Facebook’s privacy settings to disallow public viewing of tagged photos, wall posts and other aspects of your profile (or make your profile entirely unsearchable).
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOS/BLOGS There are a variety of other tools that you can use to develop your personal brand including blogs like WordPress and Blogger, sharing sites such as slideshare.com, and LinkedIn’s professional portfolio application. Consider showcasing samples of your work to demonstrate your capabilities.
SOCIOCLEAN Socioclean is a tool that allows you to proactively scan and monitor your social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube) to help maintain a professional online presence. In their words, “understand and protect your social reputation.” Employers are looking!
YOU’RE LINKEDIN, NOW WHAT? 5 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.
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.
GET RECOMMENDED Ask a few of your connections to recommend your work. Then return the favor for them as well.
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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.
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.
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.
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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 masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
Objective (optional) An effective objective will accomplish two things: Convey what you are interested in. Communicate which skills you can offer the employer. Some students seeking advanced degrees use a summary statement or profile in place of an objective.
Sample Objectives: “A summer internship in the field of sports marketing” “A position in social science research, utilizing a background in psychology, research methods, and statistics” “An internship position at Company A utilizing skills in graphic design and social media”
Education Include your degree(s), major/discipline, minor, concentration (if applicable) and anticipated graduation date (May 20XX).
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 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). 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: What is the background What was your action? What was the result?
Highlight your best GPA, either major or overall. Include GPA if 3.0 or higher. If GPA is lower than a 3.0, then consider omitting it from the resume. 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 The Graduate School at (optional) UNC does not have a traditional List Dean’s List, system. scholarships, andare other awards in this ABCDF grading Grades posted in the section. categories and do not convert to a traditional following numerical or GPA. Highlightscale the nature of the award briefly.
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
Relevant Coursework (optional)
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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.
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
Skills
Postdoctoral Training/Fellowships
List your computer-related/social media skills, lab experience, and/or foreign language proficiency as applicable.
Publications Awards Teaching Experience
Be sure to accurately qualify your knowledge by stating a skill level (“Expertise in”, “Familiarity with”, etc.).
Abstracts and Presentations
Knowledge about things like Internet, email, and MS Office experience is not typically necessary.
Professional Affiliations
Do not include “soft” skills, such as communication, public speaking, or research.
References (optional) Do not list the actual references on the resume/CV. References should be listed on a separate sheet (see 37 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. Length: 2–4 pages new professional, 4–7 pages more experience, and 10 pages maximum.
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Symposia/Lectures Research Grants Certifications/Licensure University Committee Appointments
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
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RESUME 1
Evan Reese ereese@email.unc.edu (919) 555-5555 School Address 101 Main Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 OBJECTIVE
A summer internship with a non-profit organization
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill First Year Student, expected graduation May 20XX
West Charlotte High School, Charlotte, NC Class of 20XX GPA 4.5, Ranked in top 5% of class
Home Address 101 Main Street Raleigh, NC 27606
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. • Helped create lesson plans to facilitate learning. • Exposed immigrants to local customs and cultures. Mission Volunteer, Jun 20XX-Aug 20XX Baja Missions, Various Cities, Mexico • Traveled to Ensenada, Vicente Guerro, and Chapultepec Mexico during 6-week trip. • Assisted team leaders distribute resources and materials to local villages. • Utilized Spanish-speaking skills to effectively communicate. ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Cashier, Rita’s Water Ice, Charlotte, NC, Apr 20XX-Oct 20XX • Provided friendly customer service in family environment. • Handled cash transactions and balanced the register nightly. • Monitored inventory and assisted with reordering inventory. UNC Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow First Year Representative, Fall 20XX-present
WCHS Student Body President, 20XX-20XX ACTIVITIES Habitat for Humanity, UNC National Honors Society, WCHS Varsity Soccer Team, 3 years, WCHS REFERENCES
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Available upon request
RESUME 2
Kyle Chase kchase@email.unc.edu School Address: 101 Main Street, Chapel Hill NC, 27514 Home Address: 101 Main Street, Raleigh NC, 27606 Phone: (919) 555-5555
OBJECTIVE A support position in a residential treatment facility EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.A. Psychology May 20XX GPA 3.1 Wake County Community College, Raleigh NC Completed 36 general education credits, 20XX-XX GPA 3.9
HONORS Dean’s List 3 semesters Riley Fay Community Service Scholarship Recipient, 20XX
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Alpha Beta Fraternity, University of North Carolina President, Fall 20XX-Spring 20XX • Chaired weekly Brotherhood meetings, directing over 100 members. • Supervised weekly meetings to evaluate goal progression of 25 executive officers. • Served as liaison for brotherhood with UNC and National office. • Oversaw the philanthropy efforts by raising over $6,000 for local charities.
Child and Family Services, Raleigh, NC Youth Counselor, Summer 20XX • Assisted students with completing various 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 Pro Shop Associate, Summers, 20XX-20XX • 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 Server, October 20XX-May 20XX • Provided exceptional customer service to ensure pleasant dining experience for restaurant patrons. REFERENCES Available Upon Request
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RESUME 3 Vanessa Brodie myemail@gmail.com Home (919) 555-5555 101 Main Street Raleigh, NC 27606
Objective To obtain a position as a Research Assistant Education University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B. S. Biology, December 20XX Overall GPA 3.79, Major GPA. 3.93 Honors Dean’s List (3 semesters) Phi Beta Kappa
Relevant Classes Lab Experiments in Genetics, Introduction to Statistics, Molecular Biology, Genetics Elementary Pathogenic Microbiology Related Experience Hanson Research Lab, 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 • 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 • Encouraged and coached students struggling to understand course material • Tutored subjects ranged from General Chemistry, English, and Mathematics Other Experience Circulation Department, Davis Library, Chapel Hill, NC, May 20XX-April 20XX • Facilitated a better experience for patrons by enabling effective access to library resources • Discharged books to patrons, sorted and shelved returned books Activities UNC Health Care Systems- Student Volunteer, August 20XX-December 20XX YMCA Helping Paws, UNC-CH, September 20XX-20XX Computer Skills PC operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access Technical Skills Column chromatography, Thin layer chromatography, Extraction, Dilutions
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ATHLETIC RESUME Carl Olina
101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 carolina@email.unc.edu • (919) 555-555 EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Bachelor of Arts in Economics, expected graduation May 20XX GPA: 3.25 Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Economics, Management Accounting, Statistics Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC May 20XX GPA: 4.22 (weighted) LEADERSHIP/ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE Right Field, UNC Baseball Team June 20XX-Present • Participate in extensive physical training three times a week during season and compete in conference and tournament play X months each year • Represent university at all collegiate baseball sporting events • Support local charities through targeted fundraising opportunities, raised $5,000 • Awarded full scholarship for 4 years • 20XX ACC Champions • 20XX NCAA Semifinalist • Most Improved Field Player 20XX Coach, UNC Baseball Camps, Chapel Hill, NC June 20XX-July 20XX • Assisted non-native English speaking residents with conversational language skill development • Helped create lesson plans to facilitate learning • Exposed immigrants to local customs and cultures, including available community resources Captain, Chapel Hill Baseball Team, Chapel Hill, NC Aug 20XX-May 20XX • Mentored Varsity and JV players • 20XX North Carolina 3A Champions • Coordinated fundraising efforts to contribute sports equipment to local community centers ($5,000) OTHER EXPERIENCE Associate, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Raleigh, NC • Provided friendly customer service in a full-service sporting goods stores • Processed cash and credit transactions and balanced register nightly • Monitored inventory and assisted with reordering merchandise
Apr 20XX-Oct 20XX
ACTIVITIES Sept 20XX-Present Carolina Economics Club Treasurer,Carolina Sport Business Club Sept 20XX-Present Mission Volunteer, Baja Missions, Mexico City, Mexico June 20XX-Aug 20XX • Traveled to Ensenada, Vicente Guerro, and Chapultepec, Mexico during 6-week trip • Assisted team leaders with distributing resources and materials to local villages • Utilized Spanish-speaking skills to effectively communicate with families SKILLS Proficient Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint Familiar STATA
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MILITARY RESUME Katen N. Perry
101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 • specialscene@live.unc.edu • H (919) 555-5555 • C (919) 555-5555
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SUMMARY
Seven years of leadership and management experience in military/food service settings Certified Trainer for SafeServ certification Confidential Security Clearance
OBJECTIVE
Territory Manager at Western Carolina Food Facility
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.S. Public Health—Nutrition GPA 3.30
EXPERIENCE
Ruby Tuesday’s, Assistant Manager, Durham, NC Jan 20XX-Dec 20XX • Scheduled 25 staff for two shifts daily • Inventoried and purchased weekly $8,000 in food/beverages • Hired, trained, and evaluated performance of morning/afternoon shift staff • Attended quarterly trainings on safety, sanitation, leadership, finance/budgeting
VOLUNTEER
Youth Director, Tobacco Road YMCA, Durham, NC Homeless Shelter Cook, Chapel Hill, NC Safe Haven Food Distribution Center, Chapel Hill, NC
MILITARY
United States Air Force Staff Sergeant, Food Service Specialist Technical Sergeant, Food Service Specialist Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas • Trained staff in highest quality sanitation standards • Generated weekly breakfast menus for 10,000+ airmen • Ordered weekly over $350,000 in breakfast items • Rotated and delegated to staff clean-up crew
Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter, SC Basic Training
Tours of Duty: Turkey, Spain, and Germany
Honors: Good Conduct Medal, Dominican Republic Citation, Fire Code Specialist
LEADERSHIP
United States Air Force ADVANCED LEADERSHIP TRAINING Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX RAF Wethersfield, Essex, England
PROFESSIONAL
National Nutritional Association Veteran’s Administration Association
ACTIVITIES
Healthy Cooking, Running, Weightlifting
May 20XX
Aug 20XX-Mar 20XX Jun 20XX-Jul 20XX
Apr 20XX-Jun 20XX
Jun 20XX Sep 20XX
NURSE RESUME
Sky Hawthorne
shawthro@live.unc.edu
Address: 101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606
919-555-5555
OBJECTIVE Seeking a position as an emergency room nurse EDUCATION The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.S. Nursing, May 20XX GPA 3.2 Certification: North Carolina CNA Certification, August 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 • Provided child care to 3 children ages 3, 5, and 8. Front Desk Assistant, Frank Porter Graham Student Union, UNC Chapel Hill, September 20XX-May 20XX • Answered questions about events taking place in the Student Union • Provided excellent customer service to patrons VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE UNC Chapel Hill Hospital, 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 REFERENCES Available Upon Request
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TEACHER RESUME Robin Heels
robin.heels@gmail.com ~ 101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 ~ 919-555-5555 Objective Seeking a position as an elementary teacher in Cumberland County Education University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.A., Elementary Education, May 20XX GPA: 3.3 Licensure North Carolina Elementary K-6 Standard Professional 1 Licensure, May 20XX Honors Dean’s List 2 semesters Teaching Experience FRANK PORTER GRAHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Chapel Hill, NC Student Teacher, Spring 20XX • Plan and implement daily lessons and activities for a classroom of 20 second grade students for 8 weeks • Collaborate with second grade teachers on field trip to Morehead Planetarium • Communicate with parents weekly regarding the progress of each student • Assess students formally and informally in all subject areas taught • Utilize technology to differentiate instruction to students • Meet with second grade teachers weekly Student Intern, Fall 20XX • Assisted second grade teacher with daily lesson plans • Worked one-on-one with students • Helped plan Fall talent show with teachers at school Student Intern, CARRBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Carrboro, NC, Spring 20XX • Monitored daily classroom activities and lessons • Assisted with field trip to pumpkin farm Student Intern, SEAWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Chapel Hill, NC, Fall 20XX • Observed daily classroom activities and lessons • Provided assistance by setting up learning centers Leadership Experience Secretary, MASALA, August 20XX-May 20XX Intern, Student U, Durham, NC, June-August 20XX Camp Counselor, Sleepy Well Summer Camp, Arlington, VA, June-July 20XX and June-July 20XX Activities UNC Dance Marathon, February 20XX Intramural softball, Spring 20XX Skills Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint Smart Board technology
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RESUME with FRATERNITY/SORORITY EXPERIENCE Jamie Greek
jgreek@unc.edu Cell 919-555-5555 School Address Home Address 101 Main Street 101 Main Street Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517 Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a full time position as an assistant publicist
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.A., Communication Studies-Interpersonal and Organizational, May 20XX Minor in Psychology Major GPA 3.5 Overall GPA 3.2
HONORS
Dean’s List, 3 semesters UNC Greek Alliance Council Chapter of the Year 20XX National Society of Collegiate Scholars Order of Omega Greek Honor Society
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Omega Chi Omega, UNC Chapel Hill President April 20XX-Present • Chair weekly meetings, directing 15 members • Compose agenda for weekly meetings to evaluate goal progression of 4 executive officers • Act as the liaison for National Office • Facilitate in raising over $6,000 for local charities • Attend Omega Chi Omega National Leadership Conference, August 2013 Vice President April 20XX-April 20XX • Organized chapter information for the Meet the Greeks informal event • Developed membership marketing packages and scheduled events throughout the semester to promote membership and image on campus UNC Greek Alliance Council Secretary • Organized membership attendance, took minutes at two meetings a week • Member of the Executive Board of Greek Alliance Council
RELATED EXPERIENCE
August 20XX-May 20XX
Algonquin Books, Chapel Hill, NC Publicity Intern • Developed publicity campaigns for 3 books released in the summer • Wrote press releases for books • Contacted local and national media to obtain author interviews on television, radio, and in the print media • Scheduled logistics of author travel--flights, hotels, media escorts • Packaged books and mailed them to media outlets
Summer 20XX
Starbucks Coffee, Seattle, WA Summer 20XX Intern • Designed and implemented marketing strategies for 31 new store openings • Managed corporate sponsorships, including Seattle-to-Portland bike race • Tracked and analyzed new stores’ performance and implemented marketing responses UNC Office of Special Events, Chapel Hill, NC Intern • Scheduled venues on campus for events with the Chancellor • Ordered food for events, dealt with caterers, worked within a budget • Developed invitations for events • Contacted local media to cover special events with the Chancellor
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Habitat for Humanity, UNC, 20XX-Present Mentor, Chapel Hill High School, 20XX-Present Tutor, Chapel Hill Elementary School, 20XX-20XX
SKILLS
Proficient in French Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Publisher, Adobe Creative Suite Social Media Proficiency with Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
REFERENCES
Available upon request
Summer 20XX
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CURRICULUM VITAE Amy Larkin 101 Main Street Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 515-5555 mkalet@email.unc.edu
Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ph.D. Public Policy, May 20XX Faculty Advisor: Dr. Geoff Hunt Dissertation Title: Income allocation and growth demands in low income Hmong communities North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC B.A. in Public Policy May 20XX GPA 3.8
Research Experience: Researcher, Summer 20XX Typhoid Vaccine for International Vaccine Institute (ITVI), Guangzhou, China • Studied the principles of non-market valuation and intra-household resource allocation to determine household demand for Typhoid vaccine in Southern China
Fieldwork Coordinator, Summer 20XX Willingness to Pay Studies for International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Nanning, China and Palu, Indonesia • Managed the fieldwork for household surveys to determine Willingness to Pay for Cholera and Typhoid vaccines in China and Indonesia • Conducted econometric analysis and submitted findings as a report funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Research Analyst, Summer 20XX Cash Flow Equilibrium Model for The World Bank, Washington, DC • Developed an analytical accounting based tool in VBA for policy makers and professionals for regulatory oversight of natural gas utilities • Estimated the increase in average tariff required to bring the energy sector in financial equilibrium within a certain period, defined by the user Teaching Experience: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Public Policy Instructor, Research Methods in Liberal Arts, Fall 20XX Teaching Fellow, Intro to Public Policy, Fall 20XX Teaching Fellow, Public Policy and Financing, Fall 20XX Teaching Assistant, Statistics, Spring and Summer 20XX Teaching Assistant, American Environmental Policy, Fall 20XX
Publications: “Demand for Preventive Typhoid Vaccines in China: Do Parental Preferences Differ?” 20XX, Johnson, M., D., Kalet, M., and Rubenstein, M., Action Now Press “World Bank Assumptions and Erroneous Allocations,” 20XX, Berringer, M.K., Larkin, A.C., and Kalet, M. American Economic Journal “Kiva – Is it Working?” 20XX, Larkin, A.C, Dailey, A.M., Kalet, M., Journal of International Affairs
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Presentations: Kalet, M. and Larkin, A.C.. 20XX: “Abrupt climate changes caused by subterranean natural gas implosions.” 11th Annual Lando Research Symposium, Minneapolis, MN
Larkin, A.C., Kalet, M. and Brooks, K. 20XX: “World markets and the global demand for vaccinations.” NC State Graduate Symposium, Raleigh, NC Grants, Academic Achievements & Fellowships: Two year $30,000 GOAL Dissertation Grant, UNC-Chapel Hill, 20XX Young - Urban Viability Fellowship, UNC-Chapel Hill, 20XX Dean’s List, NC State University, 8 semesters
Relevant Professional Conferences: • Workshop on GASB 34 (20XX) organized by Environmental Finance Center, UNC, March 20XX • G8 Discussion Forum, San Francisco, CA, September 20XX Software Knowledge: Proficient in STATA, FORTRAN, VBA for Excel, MS Office, Dreamweaver Languages: Fluency in English, Hmong, Spanish
References: Dr. Geoff Hunt Professor Department of Public Policy University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 101 Main Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919-555-5555 ghunt@unc.edu
Andie Dailey Assistant Professor Department of Public Policy North Carolina State University 101 Main Street Raleigh, NC 27569 919-555-5555 amdailey@ncsu.edu
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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.
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. Start bullet points with “Responsible for” or “Duties included.” State salary.
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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.
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.
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COVER LETTER STRUCTURE Use the following structure to help you outline the content of your cover letter.
Your Present Address Date of Letter Individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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)
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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
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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 over the past several years. 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. 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
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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 Journalism and Mass Communication 2111 Carol Hall UNC-Chapel Hill 919-555-5555 gabbamo@email.unc.edu Dr. Jonathan Philips Faculty Advisor Society of Human Resource Management 210 Steele Building 919-555-5555 jphilip@email.unc.edu Jennifer Quinn Store Manager Belkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Cary Towne Center 2390 Cary Towne Center Blvd Cary NC 27513 919-555-5555 jquinn@belks.com
SAMPLE BUSINESS CARD FRONT Carol Jones cljones@unc.edu (919) 555-5555
B.A., Sociology, May 2013
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
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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
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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)
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?
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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!
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%
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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS PHONE INTERVIEWS Many employers will conduct their first round interviews via the phone. 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. Use a landline, rather than a cell phone, when possible. Have your resume/CV, notes, job description, and employer research in front of you so that you can glance at them during the interview, but minimize the sound of shuffling papers. Smile! Even though the employer cannot see you, it can help you come across as personable. 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?” or “Would you like me to elaborate more on that?”
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. 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.
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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.
LUNCH/DINNER INTERVIEWS Even though you may feel more relaxed in a restaurant setting, do not forget that this is a very important part of the interview. 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.
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.
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?
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. In addition to our online and print resources, UCS also provides case interview workshops, on-line resources and mock interviews to assist you.
Behavioral Questions
PANEL/GROUP INTERVIEWS
“Tell me about a time when you…”
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.
ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS (OCR) 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.
TYPES OF 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.
Made a difficult/ethical decision Dealt with a difficult team member or customer Failed to meet a deadline 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 Persuaded someone to change their mind Had to adhere to a decision that you did not agree with
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?
WHAT TO WEAR First impressions are important! By dressing appropriately, you demonstrate not only respect for the interviewer, but a larger understanding of professional etiquette. If you have specific questions about interview attire, please speak with a UCS counselor and check out other examples on pinterest.com/uncucs
Which class did you find most challenging/enjoyable?
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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 interviewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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).
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 $30,000 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.”
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
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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. Interviewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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
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CONCLUDING THE INTERVIEW As the interview draws to an end, be sure to:
3. The Job Itself
Ask about next steps
Training and development opportunities
Understand the employer’s time frame
Day-to-day activities
Thank the interviewer
Amount of stress or pressure, pace of work
Get business card for follow-up
Requirements to relocate, travel, or work long hours
Reiterate your interest in the position
Responsibility, autonomy
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 for professional conduct on page 7 for more information.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
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
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.
Online Resources for Job Offers
1. The Industry
First Destination Survey
History of growth
Career Insider by Vault NACE Salary Calculator
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 Growth potential Size and company culture Financial stability Good management team
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