USU 2011-2012 Career Guide by Edd Tsing

Career Guide

Table of Contents Career Coaches and Staff ................................................................................2 Welcome ............................................................................................................3 Overview of Services ........................................................................................4 Career Planning.................................................................................................5 Your 4-Year Career Plan ......................................................................... 6-7 Internships .........................................................................................................8 Researching Employers ...................................................................................9 Your Virtual Presence .....................................................................................10 Networking ......................................................................................................11 Informational Interviewing ........................................................................12 Fair/Expo Success ....................................................................................13 Letters ..............................................................................................................14 Elements of a Successful Cover Letter ...................................................15 Sample Letters ..................................................................................... 16-17 Resumes ..........................................................................................................18 Chronological and Skills Resume Outlines ............................................19 Sample Skills Headings and Success Statements ........................... 20-21 Sample Resumes ................................................................................. 22-23 References .................................................................................................24 The Curriculum Vitae ................................................................................25 Interviewing .....................................................................................................26 Behavior-Based Interviewing ...................................................................27 Interviewersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Favorite Questions ....................................................... 28-29 Best Questions ..........................................................................................30 Telephone Interviews ................................................................................31 Dress for Success .....................................................................................32 Follow-up.........................................................................................................33 Evaluating Job Offers ....................................................................................34 Negotiating Salaries ..................................................................................35 Testing .............................................................................................................36 Graduate School Applications & Timeline ....................................................37 Writing Personal Statements ....................................................................38 Sample Personal Statement .....................................................................39 Federal Employment ......................................................................................40 Launching a Successful Career ....................................................................41 Career Search Technologies .........................................................................42 Customized Career Action Plan .............................................................. 43-44

Career Coaches & Staff

Left to Right:

Back Row: Maleah Christensen, Kim Latu, Maren Stromberg, Donna Crow, Melissa Scheaffer, Danene Dustin Front Row: Matt Smith, Eddy Tsing, Derek Jack, Eric Jensen

Staff Directoryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;By Colleges & Specialty For appointments, please call 435-797-7777 Donna Crow Executive Director, Student Success & Career Services Science and Alumni donna.crow@usu.edu

Melissa Scheaffer Associate Director Engineering melissa.sch@usu.edu

Derek Jack Assistant Director Education/Human Services and The Arts derek.jack@usu.edu

Eddy Tsing Assistant Director CHaSS and Natural Resources eddy.tsing@usu.edu

Maren Stromberg Career Program Coordinator Business and Agriculture maren.stromberg@usu.edu

Danene Dustin Employer Relations Specialist danene.dustin@usu.edu

Eric Jensen Testing Supervisor eric.wj@usu.edu

Matt Smith Testing Coordinator matt.smith@usu.edu

Maleah Christensen Events Coordinator maleah.christensen@usu.edu

Kim Latu Recruiting Coordinator kim.latu@usu.edu

For a list of all departmental internship coordinators, visit www.usu.edu/career

Welcome Letter From the Executive Director

More College Grads Take Public Service Jobs in 2011 Over the previous year:  Applications for AmeriCorps nearly tripled to 258,259  Teach for America applications climbed by 32%  Over 100 applications for non-profit positions was typical This past year, as this generation moved through recession into economic recovery, 16% more college grads began working for the federal government and 11% more for non-profits. Time will tell if this is a long-term trend or simply an economic reality; however, a career in public service is a wonderful way to build skills while helping others. Whatever direction your passions take you, I recommend that you actively engage with faculty, peers, advisors, employers, and the Career Coaches at Career Services to enhance your employability through:     

Experiential learning including: internships, study abroad, and practicums; Undergraduate research opportunities; Leadership roles in student organizations; Team-oriented courses and projects; and Community service.

By taking advantage of the opportunities available, both on- and off-campus, you will build a network of contacts who can speak to your ability to add value to any employer or graduate program. Visit us early and often to plan for career success. Sincerely,

Donna Crow, Executive Director Career Services & Student Success

Overview of Services Visit Your Career Coach Early and Often On-Campus Recruiting

Choose a Major/Career Attend a Career Planning coaching session to learn about the career options that fit your skills, interests, values, and personality. Consider enrolling in PSY 1220, Career and Life Planning, to further explore your interests as they relate to major and career choices. Access Focus for online career exploration and have your results interpreted by a Career Coach.

Internships

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Information Sessions—Attend employer presentations on-campus to learn about employment opportunities and tips for application success

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One-on-One Career Coaching

Alumni Mentor Contacts—network with over 1,500 alumni in Career AGGIE LinkedIn and Facebook—showcase your skills as they relate to employers’ needs as you build your network of contacts

Fairs and Expos

Meet in small groups or one-on-one with your Career Coach to:  discuss internship and career search strategies  build a network of alumni and employers  create resumes, cover letters, online applications, etc.  prepare for interviews, including completing mock interviews  negotiate job/salary offers  review graduate school applications  discuss other career-related issues

Connect with organizations for internships, career opportunities, and graduate/professional schools. Event Date Tech Expo October 5, 2011 Grad School Fair October 27, 2011 MBA Fair TBD Premier Career Fair February 29, 2012 North Teacher Fair (USU) March 21, 2012 South Teacher Fair (BYU) March 22, 2012 See website for specific times, locations, and tips!

Grad School Prep/Testing

Career Search Technologies

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Interviewing—Participate in on-campus interviews with a variety of employers from industry, government, and non-profits for internships and career employment

.Networking

Investigate obtaining your first, second, or third career-related experience. Earn pay, academic credit, and experience employers are looking for. Students who graduate with internship experience are more marketable in the global economy.

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If graduate school is in your plans, your Career Coach can help in preparing your grad school and personal essays. Tests available in the Testing area include: CLEP, DSST, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, MAT, Praxis, and FE. Schedule your test time at (435) 797-1004 with additional information, including professional licensure and certification exams, on Career Services’ website under Testing.

Career AGGIE—apply for job openings, oncampus interviews, and network with employers and alumni Going Global—contains resources for finding international employment in the U.S. and abroad

Career Café Use the Café’s computers for online networking, employer research, and job hunting. Check out publications to help in your career search and grad school test prep.

Drop-in Resume Edits Monday-Friday 1:00-3:00 No appointment necessary— other times by appointment

Career Planning Choose a Major--Explore a Career

Ideas/Resources to Get You Started 1. Career Coaching: Attend a Career Planning Workshop and meet with a Career Coach to learn more about the variety of careers that correlate with your major/interests.

Choosing a major or defining an initial career path is an exciting opportunity for you to examine your hopes and dreams and make lifestyle choices. Like the world-ofwork, people are dynamic and evolving individuals. Experts predict that on average people will make 10 to 12 shifts in their career direction over the course of a lifetime. Our goal is to teach you skills that will guide you throughout these career shifts.

2. Career Assessments: Visit our website at: www.usu.edu/career to take Focus-2, a career assessment, and have your results interpreted by a Career Coach.

Two Great Myths About Career Planning  

3. Effective Career Decision Making Strategies: Assess your: Skills What can I do? Interests What fascinates me? Realities Salary? Education? Temperament What is my natural operating style? Values What matters to me?

There is only one true or best occupation possible for you. Someone (a Career Coach) or something (a career ―test‖) can tell you that occupation.

There are multiple environments and life roles in which people find satisfaction. Though career ―tests‖ can provide important and valuable insights and Career Coaches can be catalysts in helping you explore and grow your ideas, you are the only one who knows what is most important to you at any given time. The best choices are achieved through self-exploration and values clarification which are lifelong processes.

4. Exploration Activities: Use the Student Alumni Mentor Network in Career AGGIE for informational interviews and job shadowing. 5. Career Café Library: Contains a wide range of resources that may be checked out.

How Can I Get Started? Research suggests that the best place to start the career planning process, including choosing a major, is with self-assessment. Follow-up with exploration of the world-of-work and the world-of-education and training. Consider any of the steps in the next column as a starting point.

6. College Course: Register for Psychology 1220, Career and Life Planning, 3 credits, Fall/Spring. 7. USU Major Fair (October 14, 2011): Attend to explore majors and degrees offered at USU. 8. Career Fairs/Expos: Network with employers for internships and career employment.

Selected Web Sites FOCUS-2………………………………..usu.edu/career O*NET OnLine (“Find Occupations”)...online.onetcenter.org Occupational Outlook……… …………bls.gov/oco Career Guide to Industries………….....bls.gov/oco/cg Occupational Employment Statistics…bls.gov/oes Career AGGIE……………………….…usu.edu/career/careeraggie General Labor Market Information…...acinet.org/acinet Utah Economic Information……..….…jobs.utah.gov/wi Federal Job Information ………….......usajobs.gov

“As a sophomore, I didn’t have a clear idea about what major matched my interests and skills. After visiting Career Services, taking career assessments, and reviewing the results with my Career Coach, I decided to major in PR. My Career Coach really helped me confirm my career choice.”

Visit Career Services’ website at www.usu.edu/career

Blake Barrett BS, Public Relations

Career Success Your 4-Year Career Plan

1st Yea r

Explore

Enroll in Orientation Class  Attend SOAR  Sign-up for Connections Get to know your academic advisor Select courses that allow you to explore a variety of disciplines Take CLEP and other exams to earn academic credit Explore careers and majors at Career Services by:  Completing career interest inventories (access Focus for online career exploration)  Taking ―Career and Life Planning‖- Psychology 1220  Connecting with alumni via the Student Alumni Mentor Network  Completing your profile in Career AGGIE—your online networking and internship/job posting site Get involved with campus and community organizations  Develop a record of service and leadership to Utah State and the community

2 Yea r Continue to explore interests and abilities in order to declare a major

Access

Enroll in courses that fulfill both general education and major requirements Discuss potential majors with your Career Coach at Career Services who can recommend:  Professionals and alumni in your field (via Career AGGIE)  Faculty and advisors Build your resume through:  Involvement in student and professional organizations – take a leadership role  Internships – local, regional, national, or international  Undergraduate research  Volunteer/community service  Student exchange programs Consider the possibility of international study or work abroad through:  Study abroad programs  International internship opportunities (use Going Global in Career AGGIE)

Career Success Your 4-Year Career Plan

3rd Yea r If you have not done so, now is the time to select a major

Focus

Apply for internship opportunities, international study/exchange programs, and undergraduate research Meet with your Career Coach to:  Create targeted employment documents (resume/cover letter)  Develop a network of potential employers and alumni  Research organizations  Prepare for and attend all fairs/expos Take a leadership role in student organizations Consider a ―Service Learning‖ experience Research graduate schools and prepare for entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, MAT, etc.). Guides are available for check out in the Career Cafe Use Career AGGIE to apply for internships and to network with alumni and employers

4 Yea r Apply for graduation

Implement

Join the Student Alumni Association If you are seeking career employment, visit Career Services to:  Receive one-on-one career search coaching  Update and edit your resume/cover letter and prepare for interviews  Participate in on-campus recruiting with various regional, national, and global organizations  Attend all job fairs and expos well prepared with an introduction and targeted documents If you are continuing your education:  Work with your Career Coach to create graduate and professional school applications  Take entrance exams in the Career Services-Testing area  Investigate the variety of programs available at Utah State and nationwide at the Grad School Fair Complete Career Services’ annual Graduation Survey to report your plans

Internships Gain the Unique Set of Skills and Talents Employers Want By graduating with one or more internship experiences, you position yourself for meaningful career employment in the global economy. Internships allow you to combine career-related work experience with academic coursework to enrich your total educational experience, while earning academic credit and pay!

You will want to utilize a variety of tools and strategies in searching for the ideal internship experience. Career AGGIE is a powerful tool to help you interface with a wide range of employers and alumni. Use this online networking and job posting system to view and apply for internships and to make direct contact with employers and alumni from all types of organizations and agencies.

Through USU’s internship program, you gain the kind of career-related experience employers want. Also, you:  Gain valuable experience for your resume.  Become more marketable for the job market or graduate school.  Build networking relationships/contacts for the future.  Increase your chances by 70% of obtaining a job offer from your internship employer.  Earn college credit and pay.

Visit your Career Coach to create a customized strategy to find the internship that will give you the employment and skills necessary to succeed in the global marketplace. Start early to obtain an internship that fits your career goals.

“I am so grateful to Career Services for helping me obtain my summer internship with Goldman Sachs in Salt Lake City as an infrastructure engineer. The interview was exactly what my career coach and I prepared for during our mock interview. The help I received at Career Services were instrumental in helping me obtain this highly competitive internship.”

Wilberto Nunez Mechanical Engineering Intern Goldman Sachs

A recent employer survey indicated that over 72% of employers prefer to hire candidates who have internship experience. Source: Job Outlook, 2011 National Association of Colleges and Employers

Researching Employers “Why do you want to work for our organization?” Your answer will dictate your success in an interview. Thoroughly researching the organization can help you:  Describe in detail your ability to contribute to the employer’s needs.  Quantify your experience with success statements identifying what you accomplished, the tools and processes you used, and your results.  Describe in more relevant detail how you could work within that environment.  Explain how your skills can help the employer be more successful.  Understand how your personality will fit in the environment and how your career goals align with the company’s goals.

Employer Research Checklist As you research the employer, pay particular attention to the following areas:

Basic Facts        

Employer History/Image      

Getting Started 

Research the company’s website thoroughly— use the Employer Research Checklist at right to prepare.

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Visit your Career Coach to identify alumni and employers who work inside the organization using Career AGGIE.

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Visit the Career Café at Career Services to access company materials and to use computers for your company research.

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Search publications online and in print from trade journals, press releases, and other media.

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Join professional organizations to access member directories.

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Speak with recruiters at fairs/expos to gain firsthand knowledge of the company.

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Access online tools including Going Global (provides country-specific internships and jobs internationally) and others.

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Read the shareholders’ annual report (for publicly traded companies).

Age of organization Size of organization and industry Years in business Complete products/services (including new) Geographical locations Divisions/subsidiaries (including international) Parent company (if applicable) Number of employees

Corporate culture Industry outlook CEO’s background Local and national reputation Competitors Awards (if relevant) and other recognitions

Financial Information    

Stock prices (if relevant) Growth pattern Sales, assets, earnings Mergers/acquisitions

“Your career search really begins before you ever write a resume or cover letter. It begins the moment you develop a relationship with someone inside the organization.” Donna Crow, Executive Director Career Services

Your Virtual Presence Your Online Application

POST WITH CAUTION: Employers are turning to social networking sites as a way of screening, hiring, and potentially eliminating candidates. Many employers use these sites to identify questionable material, comments, or photos that may prevent them from hiring or interviewing you. Be Your Own Online Agent

Your Online Application Checklist

The Internet should be used to build your professional identity. If you find damaging information about you posted on another person’s website or blog, ask him/her to remove the information. Post positive and professional information on sites liked LinkedIn.

Use the following suggestions to ensure your unique skills and talents stand out—even in cyberspace:  Follow directions--be careful to enter the correct data in the correct field.  Ask for advice on completing the application from a recruiter or alumnus inside the organization you are targeting.  Include numbers and statistics in your success statements (see Building Effective Success Statements, page 20-21).  Tailor your application to the position.  Use keywords, buzzwords, and industry. verbiage; the content of the job advertisement should be your model.  Create a skills-based section if the application doesn’t specifically ask for it; you might put this in an optional section.  Complete all fields—including optional fields or comments sections.  Include a targeted objective or headline.  Use quotes from letters of recommendation in a comments section.  Follow-up your application with a personal email (see Follow-up, page 17 & 33).

Secure Social Networking Sites Clean up your Facebook and other accounts. Remove questionable pictures, blog entries or comments that could cast an unfavorable impression.

Investigate Periodically search your name. Online information can be inaccurate, out-of-date, or worse, embarrassing. Be sure to perform searches on multiple search engines using multiple names, terms, and associations.

For more information:    

Scannable Resumes Blogs & Web Resumes HTML Resumes Portfolios

Visit www.usu.edu/career

Networking Many job openings are never advertised or publicly announced but filled through networking contacts. The old saying, ―It’s not what you know, but who you know,‖ makes networking an effective and efficient way to find employment.

Prior to scheduling informational interviews, make sure you have a well-developed, targeted resume. Your Career Coach can help to ensure you are marketing your qualifications appropriately. During the informational interview, ask for advice on your resume and offer to leave a copy with your contact. Make sure to send a follow-up thank you letter or email in a timely fashion showing your appreciation for your contact’s time and assistance.

Networking means developing a broad list of contacts and accessing them when looking for a job. The best place to start developing your network is with your family, friends, and neighbors, because they know how great you are! Expand your network with your Career Coach, alumni, professors, and professionals working in your field.

Consider developing a spreadsheet or database for organizing your networking contacts. This will help you track the contact you’ve had with this ever-expanding list! Remember, in order for your networking contacts to remember you and your skills, you must continue communicating.

Continue to broaden your network through volunteering, participating in extra-curricular activities, completing internship experiences, and joining professional student organizations. Your Career Coach can help you identify alumni in the Student Alumni Mentor Network who have volunteered to help students in their networking efforts.

Above all, networking is a skill that requires practice and patience. You will use these networking skills throughout your career. Every relationship you develop increases the likelihood of your getting a job offer!

Informational interviews with professionals working in your field will help you gain more information about an occupation or an industry. These individuals can also help you expand your network by referring you to their colleagues and co-workers. You can conduct your informational interviews in person, by telephone, or via email. Ask the individual what he/she prefers (see Informational Interviewing, page 12).

Build Your Network Through:              

―Students think networking is about

who you know. More importantly, it is about

who knows you.‖ Bill Scott GE American Communications



Alumni and Employer Contacts Alumni Organizations Networking Sites (LinkedIn) Faculty and Advisors Clubs and Professional Organizations Former Employer Contacts Family, Friends, and Neighbors Sororities and Fraternities Classmates Church Groups Hobby/Sport Groups Conferences, Seminars, Workshops Political Groups Service Providers (dentist, insurance agent, etc.) Volunteer Organizations

Networking Informational Interviewing Use the following steps in a face-to-face meeting, telephone conversation, or email message. This information will help guide your conversation.

Follow-up Right Away Not only do you want to let the professional know you appreciate the time he or she spent with you, but you may also want to use this individual as a valuable contact in your career search. Reiterate your wish to be remembered and referred. Send a thank you note immediately after your appointment.

Make a Connection Initiate the interview by emphasizing your appreciation and identify the source of your contact. “I found your name in the Student Alumni Mentor Network at Career Services at USU. My Career Coach suggested you would be an excellent source of information and advice to assist me in my career search.”

Keep This Contact ―Alive‖ As you read an interesting article, do research, work on a project, or need a ―real-world‖ resource, re-connect with this contact.

Tips for Success

State Your Purpose

The following tips will help ensure an effective and professional informational interview:  The purpose of informational interviews is to gather information.  If you make a face-to-face appointment, limit it to 30 minutes, be on time, and leave on time.  During the interview, try to obtain names of additional contacts.

“As a finance student, I am exploring which career path to pursue. Securities, trading, and investment banking all sound interesting to me at this point, but I want to go into my interviews with a clear sense of direction. I would like to get your advice on the career path of each, as well as a better understanding of the day-to-day activities of a broker.”

Employers’ Wish List

Sample Questions

(Based on a 5-point scale; 5 = extremely important)

 How did you first get started in this industry?  What strategies would you recommend for getting a job in your field or with your organization?  Will my education prepare me for a job in your field? If not, where am I deficient?  What do you do in a typical workday?  To whom should I send a resume and may I use your name as a contact?  What is the availability of housing and the cost of living in this area?  What skills are necessary to perform well in a position similar to yours?  Do you know of anyone else I could speak to about this type of position or who might have an interest in my background?

Communication Skills (verbal) Strong Work Ethic Teamwork Skills Analytical Skills Initiative Problem-solving Skills Communication Skills (written) Interpersonal Skills Computer Skills Flexibility/adaptability Detail-oriented Technical Skills Organizational Skills Leadership Skills

4.65 4.61 4.59 4.56 4.50 4.48 4.48 4.40 4.38 4.37 4.18 4.16 4.05 4.04

Job Outlook, 2011 National Association of Colleges and Employers

Networking Fair/Expo Success Make the most of a Career Fair/Expo by preparing for this important networking event ahead of time. Review the following keys to successful attendance and visit your Career Coach at Career Services for any additional questions and advice. Whether you are a freshman or a PhD candidate, sure of your academic major or not, Utah State’s Fairs/Expos can serve as a valuable resource to explore careers and seek employment. Students attend Fairs/Expos to:  Explore different career fields by visiting with a large number of employers from all types of agencies and organizations -- in one place at one time. Each Fair/Expo targets specific types of organizations.  Talk with recruiters about the variety of career paths available.  Gain insights from the employer about internships or career positions.  Find out how to apply for open positions and schedule on-campus interviews the next day (if the employer is holding them).  Expand your network of employer contacts.

statement but can use one if you are targeting your priority employers with a customized resume. Drop-in resume edits are available daily at Career Services from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and other times by appointment. You can also create a student business card on our web site.

Step 3 – Dress for Success Dress PROFESSIONALLY! You cannot undervalue a first impression; consider coming prepared for the job you hope to get. Business casual is recommended; for tips on business casual and formal dress (see Dress for Success, page 32).

Step 4 – Prepare Your Approach & Intro. Name badges are available at the entrance to all Fairs/Expos and employers prefer seeing your name, major, and graduation date before you even begin talking with them! Employers expect you to walk up and introduce yourself. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice you will get used to doing it and doing it well! Remember, recruiters are at the Fair/Expo to meet you.

Six Steps to Fair/Expo Success

Sample Introduction: “Hello, my name is Jon; it is very nice to meet you. I am a senior working on a BS in English with experience and coursework in technical writing. I would like to know how I might use these skills within your organization as an intern.”

Depending on your interest in exploring careers versus obtaining an internship/career position, follow these six steps in preparing for a successful Fair/Expo experience: 1. Research organizations 2. Prepare your resume 3. Dress for success 4. Prepare your approach & introduction 5. Ask questions 6. Follow-up

Step 5 – Ask Questions The process of researching organizations will likely make you think of questions you would like to ask recruiters when you meet them at Fairs/Expos.

Step 1 – Research Organizations

Step 6 – Follow-up

View the list of employers attending the Fair/Expo online and identify those you are most interested in approaching. A quick visit to these organizations’ web sites to review their mission statements, operations, and typical job openings will help you decide.

Once you make a great first impression, keep the ball rolling with effective follow-up! You can do this through email, phone, or the mail and should be done within a few weeks of the event. Your message should include another thank you, state your interest in pursuing a position with their organization (now or in the future), and request an opportunity to meet again to discuss your qualifications in greater detail. Once you have completed an online application, let this contact know.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Resume Although a targeted resume works best when applying for employment, a general resume which provides a broad overview of your experiences and skills works well for Fairs/Expos. You need not include an objective

Having a contact inside the company to follow-up with after a Fair/Expo is a key reason you should attend! 13

Letters As you begin to build a network of contacts to help in your internship or career search, you will have a need to write a variety of letters effectively. Below are skills employers look for; be sure to incorporate into all of your employment documents.

Types of Letters

Tips for Letters

Inquiry Letter—an opportunity to begin the networking process and ask for an informational interview; discuss organization needs and your ability to solve them; be the solution.

  

Cover Letter or Application Letter—relates your skills to the needs of the organization and asks for an interview.

    

Thank You Letter—sent as a follow-up to any networking opportunity or interview. Follow-up Letter—an opportunity to inquire about your previous communications or encounters with a potential employer.

Send via email, hard copy, or handwritten note. Use clear and concise writing. Address the letter to a specific person if possible; otherwise, use a subject line instead of a salutation. Keep it brief. Match yourself to the opportunity. Illustrate your interest and passion for the field. Create a system to track letters for follow-up. Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and format (use modern business format).

Are Your Attachments Getting Read?

Accept/Decline Letter—your immediate acceptance or declination of an employment offer.

Remember to Follow-up

Save and send your cover letter and resume as one document—this ensures your cover letter and resume are read as one effective marketing tool.

Whether you are following up after an interview or developing a relationship with a potential employer, keep the lines of communication open. If you say you are going to follow-up within a specified time frame, be sure to do so (see Follow-up, page 33).

Example: bradykjonesdocuments.pdf

Building Effective Success Statements/Bullet Points A good success statement used in effective cover letters, resumes, and online applications should:  Start with an action VERB and briefly describe a skill, responsibility, or task  Identify any tools or processes (computer programs, team efforts, equipment) used to accomplish the above  Use numbers to show results and scope/scale of your success  Be represented as a bullet point (not written as a complete sentence—no periods)

Letters Elements of a Successful Cover Letter Elements of a Successful Cover Letter

Format

Section 1

Section 2

 Uses business format  Clear, concise writing  Correct grammar and spelling  Identify the position you are applying for  If possible, name any referral/contact  Create interest or solve a problem/need  Link your education and work experience to the job

 Identify your strongest qualifications as they relate to the job  Elaborate on applicable work, education or service accomplishments  Include results-oriented success statements use data or numbers (see page 13)  Can be paragraph or bullet point format

 Thank the employer  Request an interview  Discuss how and when you will follow-up

1257 Michigan Avenue Logan, UT 84321 (435) 483-5837 maria.lopez@aggiemail.usu.edu March 14, 20xx Continental Industries, Inc. 2900 Rosemont Blvd. Rosemont, IL 60018

(Omit inside address if emailing)

WEB DEVELOPER POSITION The web developer position posted on Career AGGIE at Utah State University matches my ability to create and implement dynamic web content using a variety of software and design tools. In December 20xx I will complete my BS degree in management information systems with a minor in computer science. My course work and related experience has refined my skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, ezPlug, and HTML. My experience as a departmental computer consultant gave me exposure to both PC and Macintosh OSX platforms, while troubleshooting repairs on over 40 work stations. Additionally, my summer internship in computing operations for a major city newspaper enhanced my knowledge of enterprise systems, content management, and e-commerce operations. I will contact you next week to schedule an interview to discuss my qualifications as they relate to this position. Should you need to reach me before then, please feel free to contact me at the phone number or email listed above. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to talking with you. Sincerely, (Omit handwritten signature if emailing)

Section 3

(Omit return address and date if emailing)

Maria Lopez Enclosure

Cover Letter (Sample A)

Working towards BS degree in civil engineering with emphasis in wastewater management Experience building wastewater treatment systems in Chile working with Engineers Without Borders Communicate project status in English and Spanish to clients, suppliers, and community members Input field data to produce designs using CAD Expand leadership skills while serving as the ASCE representative on the College of Engineering Dean’s Council

Enclosure

David Lawson

Sincerely

Working with local communities as a member of PTC is the way I want to begin my career. I would appreciate an interview and will contact you next week to schedule an appointment.

 



Having recently studied the design-build process used at PTC and hearing your presentation in Dr. Chen’s research course, I became interested in joining PTC in order to effectively solve wastewater management challenges with your international clients. The following is an outline of the skills that will allow me to be effective on your design team:

IRRIGATION ENGINEER POSITION

PTC Engineering Division 2930 East Randolph Road Chicago, IL 84039

1569 Andover Avenue Logan, UT 84322 (435) 787-xxxx david.lawson@aggiemail.usu.edu February 1, 20xx

If you are unable to address your cover letter to a specific person, use a subject line in place of the salutation.

RITA JOHNSON

Enclosure

Rita Johnson

Sincerely

I am prepared for the opportunity to work with vendors and manage events for Alcoa. I will be in San Diego on April 15-18 and would like to discuss how my combination of organizational skills and enthusiasm could significantly improve relationships with your vendors and guests. I will contact you on March 12 to schedule an appointment. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Last year, while planning an alumni event that attracted 400 people, I helped launch a new membership recruitment program for Utah State’s Alumni Center. This strategy resulted in a 36% increase in revenue over the previous year’s event. My personality is supported by outstanding organizational and networking skills.

After reading about your company’s successful publicity campaign in the March 3 edition of the Examiner, I became very interested in a marketing assistant position with your firm. I was given your name by Dr. Vernon Cluff, a former professor of yours, who suggested I meet with you to discuss my ability to support your marketing department. As a recent MBA, I can offer you strong member recruitment and event planning experience.

Dear Ms. Preston:

Ms. Heather Preston Marketing Manager Alcoa 12345 West Bernardo Drive San Diego, CA 92717

March 6, 20xx

196 N. 1220 S. Logan, UT 84321 (435) 787-xxxx rita.johnson@msn.com

Cover Letter (Sample B)

Letters—Sample Cover Letters

Lettersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Sample Follow-up Letters Sample Resume/Cover Letter Follow-Up 4399 Grant Avenue Logan, UT 84321 (435) 777-7777 Myemail@yahoo.com January 27, 20xx

Mr. Bryan Robinson Baylee Financial 5687 Commander Circle Denver, CO 98483 Dear Mr. Robinson On April 6, 20xx, I applied for the financial analyst position that was posted on Career AGGIE at Utah State University. I wanted to confirm that you received my resume and to reiterate my interest in this position. As a reminder, I will graduate this May with my BS degree in finance from the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. To this position I can contribute the following: *Internship experience with Bosch in Germany as a financial analyst supporting merger and acquisition projects *Excellent understanding of ratio analysis, quantitative modeling, and market share analysis *Leadership experience as president of the Finance Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; increased membership by 22% *Initiated the development of a streamlined database to manage high net-worth clients I have attached an additional copy of my resume for your review and am excited to discuss my ability to contribute to the dynamic work environment at Baylee Financial. Please contact me at the telephone or email listed above to schedule an interview. Sincerely James Gordon Attachment

Sample Interview Follow-Up (EMAIL VERSION) Omit return address and date when emailing

Omit inside address when emailing

Dear Dr. Bryan: Thank you for interviewing me yesterday for the associate engineer position. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your research and design work. My enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working for Atlantic Engineering Systems designing hydraulic systems were strengthened as a result of the interview. My education and internship experiences fit nicely with the job requirements, and I can be immediately effective given my CAD and hands-on mechanical skills. I neglected to mention in the interview my membership in the Society for Women Engineers at Utah State University. As a member of this student organization, I have gained valuable leadership skills and participated in a variety of community service activities. I want to reiterate my strong interest in the position and in working with your staff. You provide the kind of opportunity I seek and I would be happy to meet with you again. Please feel free to call me at the phone number or e-mail address above if I can provide any additional information. Again, thank you for the interview and your consideration. Sincerely, Omit handwritten signature when emailing Jane Hancock

Resumes What is a Resume?

Items to Exclude on a Resume  Personal data (height, weight, age, marital status, religion, or health). Employers want to avoid any possible hint of discrimination  Titles ("Resume" or "Curriculum Vitae")  Reasons for leaving a job  References -- create on a separate sheet  Salary -- if a salary record or requirements are requested, discuss it in the cover letter  Early childhood and upbringing  Weaknesses or exaggerations -- keep it honest  Long paragraphs -- use short statements or bulleted items  Hobbies -- unless they relate to professional interests or show traits an employer wants

A resume is a sales brochure about you. It describes your abilities, your experiences, and your education—all of which should support your job objective. A resume has one purpose: to get you an interview. Before you write your resume, ask yourself, “Is my work experience related to the job I’m applying for?” If “yes,‖ consider using a chronological resume. If “no,‖ consider using a skills resume.

Writing Chronological & Skills Resumes A chronological resume is often used when you easily meet the skill, experience, and/or education requirements for a specific position. This format is good for demonstrating growth in a single profession. This format starts with the current or most recent employment, then works backward. The work experience section is the distinguishing characteristic of the chronological resume, because it ties your job responsibilities and achievements to specific employers, job titles, and dates (see Chronological Resume Outline, page 19 and Resumes-Samples A&B, page 22).

Can I Use One Resume for All Jobs? Generally, no. A resume should be targeted to the job you are seeking or to the company to which you are submitting your resume. This means that you should research the company to determine which kinds of positions are available and match your skills and achievements to the job.

The skills resume focuses on the professional skills you have developed rather than on when, where, or how you acquired them. The attention is always focused on the skill rather than the place or time the skill was obtained. Job titles and employers play a minor role with this type of resume. The focus is on the results you delivered rather than the dates of a particular job (see Skills Resume Outline, page 19 and Resumes-Samples C&D, page 23). You may also use a combination of the two formats.

The resume that “works” for you is the one that gets you an interview! Visit your Career Coach for professional resume writing assistance.

Remember  Resumes often get less than one minute of an employer's time--make that time count for you.  Be clear, concise, accurate, and make sure your resume is easily readable.  Proofread carefully--often when emailing, people tend to be careless with typos, spelling. errors, and grammar. See your Career Coach for assistance in editing.  Keep your resume to one page (two if you have advanced degrees or lengthy work experience).  When mailing and emailing a resume, always include a well-written cover letter.  If mailing, use good quality paper; white, offwhite, or buff-colored paper is preferable.

Resumes Chronological and Skills Resume Outlines Chronological Resume

Skills Resume

Header—include name, address, city, state, zip, telephone number(s), and email address.

Objective/Headline—some employers look for an objective, others do not. A targeted objective can tell the employer what kind of position you are seeking and helps you match your skills to the employer’s needs.

Education—include the following key elements for the degree you are currently obtaining AND for previous degrees received. Eliminate high school once you reach your junior year.

       



Degree (BS, BA, MS, MA, MBA, PhD, etc.). List even if not completed Graduation Date Major, Minor, & Emphasis (if applicable) GPA Academic Institution City & State or City & Country Academic Recognitions/Scholarships (unless you include this elsewhere) Certifications/Licenses

      

Relevant Skills & Experience—use subheadings that outline your skills as they relate to the job you are seeking. Under each subheading, write statements that reflect that skill (see Sample Skills Headings, pages 20-21). The following page has sample skills headings. Remember each statement can draw from: academics, projects, employment, internships, undergraduate research, volunteer service, leadership, etc. Samples are outlined below:

Projects/Research—briefly describe relevant projects/research using the language of your field, tools or technologies, and results. Work Experience—begin with your most recent experience and work backwards. For EACH position include: job title, company name, location (city & state or city & country), dates of employment by month and year, and responsibilities with a focus on quantifying achievements and results.

Relevant Skills & Experience Computer/Technical Skills—include computer, field, lab, and other technical skills.

Management  Trained all new employees in rental procedures  Served as supervisor over 20 employees  Led weekly team meetings

Leadership/Volunteer Service—reflect the contributions you made through: offices held, projects completed, services delivered, awards received, etc.

Aerospace  Completed thermal modeling analysis  Re-designed tools using I-DEAS  Presented results at USU Small Sat Conference

Optional Headings—anything that is appropriate in marketing your skills to any employer. Ideas… Language Skills Military Service Publications

Honors/Awards Outside Interests Presentations

Work/Leadership History—include job title, company name, location (city & state or city & country), and dates of employment by month and year. DO NOT add any responsibilities or accomplishments, as these are outlined above in the Relevant Skills & Experience section.

Resumes Sample Skills Headings & Success Statements Accounting Administration Analysis Auditing Communication Computer/Technical Consulting Contract Administration Coordination Counseling

Curriculum Development Customer Relations Data Analysis Editing Engineering Evaluation Facilitating Financial Planning Forecasting Fundraising

Human Resources Demonstration Design Interpreting Interviewing Inventory Control Management Marketing Mediation Merchandising

Negotiation Office Support Operations Analysis Organization Organizational Development Media Relations Problem Solving Program Development Project Coordination Promotion

Public Relations Purchasing Quality Control Reporting Research Staff Development Supervision Systems Analysis Teamwork Training

Sample Success Statements by Transferrable Skills The first section below, Planning and Organizational Skills, has been customized to include SPECIFIC details. Be sure to add specific details to customize these statements to highlight your skills for employers. Planning & Organizational Skills  Meet deadlines and manage time effectively as a division I student athlete in tennis  Work under time and environmental pressures in a fast-paced distribution center  Assess needs for staffing and create weekly work schedules for 12 employees  Work effectively with other students to achieve a 50% increase in recycling in the dorm  Successfully juggle multiple demands at work and school while maintaining a 3.5 GPA Critical Thinking/Analytical Skills  Quickly and accurately identify the key issues when making a decision or solving a problem  Examine assumptions underlying analyses or conclusions  Recognize interrelationships in information obtained from diverse sources  Critically evaluate theories and research and apply the results to solve problems  Create innovative solutions to complex problems Interpersonal Skills  Keep a team on track when working towards a goal  Interact and work effectively with peers, superiors and subordinates from diverse cultural, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds  Expand leadership skills while building a new chapter of…  Delegate tasks and responsibilities  Proven ability to work on a team or independently Communication Skills  Organize and present ideas effectively for formal and spontaneous speeches  Effectively participate in group discussions and brainstorm ideas  Read and condense large amounts of material  Write reports clearly, grammatically, concisely, and in appropriate format  Write and speak in a French Research & Investigation Skills  Use a variety of sources of information to research problems  Conduct literature search on…  Apply a variety of research methods to test the validity of data  Construct, administer and interpret questionnaires for research  Analyze and interpret statistical data using SPSS  Select, administer, score, and interpret various psychological tests or assessments Adapted from Source: Marquette University (www.marquette.edu/csc/students/documents/TransferableSkills_UP96_000.pdf)

Resumes Sample Skills Headings & Success Statements Sample Success Statements by Job Function* Accounting and Finance  Reviewed finances and securities pertaining to advances and shipping for 200 clients  Generated income statements, balance sheets, general ledger, checks, and financial reports Communication  Edited and typed grant proposals, research papers, and reports  Reported and wrote articles and columns for bi-monthly arts and entertainment publication Computer and Technical  Developed an online program using ezPlug to track status of all invoices  Designed Access database to track data collection  Used computer software to prepare reports, graphs, brochures, and to conduct research Engineering  Applied knowledge of thermodynamics and reactor design to complete simulation from preliminary coding  Observed and participated in exploration of mines surrounding the Great Salt Lake Management and Human Resources  Trained and supervised six customer service associates in a retail setting  Developed nationwide relocation policy and procedures manual for new employees Sales and Marketing  Contacted vendors to rent booths, sent promotional materials to potential buyers, and sold media advertising  Utilized customer service and sales skills to sell home security systems door-to-door Science  Developed laboratory microcomputer systems for instrument automation and custom test equipment  Conducted more than 500 manual and computerized assays of steroids and fibrogens in a hospital lab Social and Human Services  Worked in a variety of human service programs including supervising adolescents in group homes  Administered psychological and educational testing for students ranging from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade *Resume Buzzwords, 2005, Herman, E. and Rocha S., Adams Media, Avon, MA.

(839) 738-4938

vanessa@hotmail.com

VANESSA MILLER

Chicago, IL

22 Graphic Design Marketing Audits Campaign Management Internet Research

LEADERSHIP/SERVICE Member, Spanish Club, USU, Logan, UT, 20xx to Present  Traveled to Mexico City to perform service at local orphanage Volunteer, Pasadena, California, January 20xx to December 20xx  Developed strong work ethic by working 12 hours a day to meet specific goals  Supervised four to ten volunteers  Attained written/verbal fluency in Spanish; refined public speaking skills Volunteer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Logan, UT, 20xx to 20xx  Planned activities and assisted with homework for 24 elementary students Translator, Valley Hispanic Center, Logan, UT, May 20xx to March 20xx  Translated documents into English for native Spanish speakers  Developed relationships with inter-community agencies

MARKETING SKILLS Survey Research Retail Sales Data Analysis Report Writing

Account Manager, Good Luck Rent-a-Car, Chicago, IL, Summer 20xx  Frequently served as store supervisor in the manager’s absence  Developed 26 new corporate accounts  Trained 12 employees in rental procedures and liability issues  Developed database in Access to track frequency of customer usage

RETAIL/SALES WORK EXPERIENCE Retail Associate Intern, The Buckle, Logan, UT, May 20xx to Present  Demonstrated effective sales skills and achieved monthly sales award twice  Provided excellent customer service by phone and in person  Resolved customer complaints including tracking lost items  Selected to lead inventory team

EDUCATION B.S. Degree, Marketing May 20xx Utah State University, Logan, UT 3.45 GPA Spent fall semester 20xx studying in Barcelona, Spain. Wrote report comparing customer service practices in the US and Spain

OBJECTIVE A position in the management training program at Target

444 Lion Lane

Chronological Resume—Sample A

Magna, UT 84938 (801) 435-3988 bsmith@gmail.com

May 20xx 3.4 GPA

May 20xx 3.7 GPA

Solid Edge Fortran Maple

I-DEAS MATLAB Microsoft Office

Willing to Relocate and Travel

ACHIEVEMENTS & ACTIVITIES Engineering Ambassador, Utah State University Activities Committee Chairperson, AIAA Recipient, Science Academic Achievement Award, Utah Valley University Volunteer Math Tutor, Utah State University

COMPUTER SKILLS MathCAD C++ Lab VIEW

ENGINEERING PROJECTS  Participated on team of four to design flight mechanics of aircraft that took first place in national student competition  Served as team leader for group project analyzing incompressible flow over finite wings  Completed a conceptual design and technical report of a theoretical imaging satellite in LEO

Mechanical Engineering Intern May 20xx – June 20xx Space Dynamics Lab Logan, UT  Completed thermal/structural modeling and finite element analysis  Conducted research on various launch requirements; coordinated the drawing package on a satellite  Assisted with the Incident Energy Magnitude and Direction Sensor project

AEROSPACE WORK EXPERIENCE Tool Design Intern Summer 20xx ATK Thiokol Propulsion Promontory, UT  Re-designed several tools for the Nozzle Work Center  Performed extensive modeling and finite element analysis using I-DEAS; completed a thermal analysis  Presented results of projects to department manager and co-workers

B.S. Degree, Mechanical Engineering Utah State University, Logan, UT Passed FE Exam, November 20xx

EDUCATION M.S. Degree, Aerospace Engineering Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

ENTRY-LEVEL AEROSPACE ENGINEER

94 Willow Drive

BRADY SMITH

Chronological Resume—Sample B

Resumes—Samples A&B

Feature Writer, USU Statesman, Logan, UT, June 20xx to May 20xx Volunteer News Editor, USU Biology Department, Logan, UT, 20xx to 20xx Vice President, USU Biology Student Club, Logan, UT, October 20xx to May 20xx Server, Café Sabor, Logan, UT, June 20xx to January 20xx French-Speaking Volunteer, Paris, France, 20xx to 20xx

WORK/LEADERSHIP HISTORY

Research  Performed statistical analysis using SPSS, including cross-tabs and regression analysis  Construct, administer, and interpret questionnaires for research

Computer  Designed an Access database for community literacy program to track participant and volunteer hours  Used ezPlug to re-design and maintain webpage for the USU French Student Club (www.usu.edu/clubs)  Proficient in: ezPlug, InDesign, HTML, SPSS, and Microsoft Office

Communication and Interpersonal  Created and taught ten weekly classes on ―Internet Research‖ to adult groups of up to 40 people  Worked well under pressure and demonstrated strong customer relations skills while working as a server  Spoke to large and small groups while a volunteer in France for two years  French tutor for USU students and local high school students

Writing and Editing  Revised the text and design for a 125-page student handbook distributed to 2,500 freshman  Contributed article monthly as feature writer for 16,000 circulation campus newspaper  Organized a staff of 10 proofreaders and copy editors  Designed layout and oversaw final production of monthly student housing newsletter

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Spring 20xx GPA 3.5

Design Software

Logan UT 84341 jenn123@yahoo.com

Client Liaison

TECHNICAL WRITER

Technical Illustrations

B.A. Communications, Print Journalism; French Minor Utah State University (USU), Logan, UT

EDUCATION

Newsletter Production

PO Box 444 (435) 755-3948

JENNIFER WHARTON

Skills Resume—Sample C

Providence, UT 84332 tongchen9999@yahoo.com

(435) 234-3948

Willing to Relocate Internationally

•

Work Permit Eligible

Food Server, October 20xx to May 20xx Village Inn, Logan, UT  Served large groups efficiently in a fast-paced environment  Learned to multi-task, problem-solve, and pay attention to detail

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE Telephone Interviewer, August 20xx to Present Information Alliance, Logan, UT  Conducted telephone surveys to 30 clients daily  Consistently exceeded call volume goals

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE Vice President of Activities, Student Alumni Association, 20xx to 20xx Fundraising Committee Chair, Industrial Hygiene Student Club, 20xx to 20xx Doctors Without Borders, USU Chapter, 20xx to 20xx

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE Industrial Hygiene Intern, Summers 20xx and 20xx Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Ventura, CA  Identified, evaluated, and controlled work place hazards for corporate headquarters and research center  Conducted air sampling projects, non-ionizing radiation surveys, and completed Qualitative Exposure Assessments for laboratory and clean room procedures and tools  Performed internal safety audits, assisted in teaching ergonomic classes, performed PPE hazard assessments, participated in regular safety department meetings and activities  Wrote professional reports for OSHA compliance and documented all activities in Excel  Used fluent Mandarin skills to communicate with international clients and vendors

EDUCATION BA, Public Health, Industrial Hygiene Emphasis May 20xx Minor: Chemistry Utah State University, Logan, UT Maintained 3.0 GPA while working part-time and participating in campus leadership positions

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE GRADUATE SEEKING HEALTH AND SAFETY POSITION

49 South 100 West

TONG CHEN

Hybrid Resume—Sample D

Resumes—Samples C&D

Resumes References Important Tips for a Reference Sheet 

 

Always ask your references if they are prepared to give you a good recommendation. Provide your references with a resume and job description or type of job you are applying for so they can speak about you and your qualifications effectively. Use three to five references. Use at least one (more is better) employmentrelated reference. Good sources include previous supervisors, co-workers, faculty, advisors, or community/service leaders.

  

Keep personal references to a minimum. Use the same color and quality of paper for the reference sheet as you do for your resume. Only submit your references when requested. Otherwise, take your reference sheet with you to the interview. Thank your references and anyone else instrumental in your job search when you accept a job offer. As your career builds, keep your reference list upto-date.

Sample Reference Sheet

YOUR NAME 222 Anytown Avenue (555) 555-5555 Anywhere, USA 88888 your.name@yahoo.com _________________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES Mr. George Hildall Manager of Production ACME Company 1234 Address Avenue City, UT 87888 801-752-9999 georgeh@acme.com Former Supervisor

Ms. Gale Strong Training Supervisor XYZ Company 9444 Southwest Street City, UT 87888 435-752-9898 gale@xyz.com Former Supervisor

Dr. Carla Porter Professor of Finance Business Administration Department Utah State University Logan, UT 84322-9999 435-797-0008 carla.porter@usu.edu Current Professor

Mr. Cal Vale Vice President Big Firm 987 Avenue Way City, UT 88888 801-987-9999 calvale@bigfirmusa.com Community Leader

Are Your Attachments Getting Read? Save and send your cover letter and resume as one document— this ensures your cover letter and resume are read as one effective marketing tool. Example: bradykjonesdocuments.pdf 24

Resumes The Curriculum Vitae A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a summary of your educational and academic background. In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, administrative, scientific, and research positions or fellowships/grants. Its length can range from two to four pages (or more as your career progresses). Please keep in mind each field has a different standard. Ask the faculty in your department, as well as your Career Coach at Career Services, for feedback on your CV.

Concise. Since the CV is typically longer than the resume, there is sometimes a tendency to "pad" -- avoid the temptation! Be absolutely sure that there are no "double entries" -- no item should appear in the CV in more than one place. Present everything that is relevant and necessary, but keep it brief.

The Differences Between a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae

Consistent. Don't use an extensive mix of styles (such as an array of different fonts). Be sure to use the same order in presenting information -- present your experiences from most recent to least recent.

Complete. Be sure you have included all of the important and relevant information that the reader needs in order to make an informed decision about your application.

A CV is a longer, more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Current. Remember to include dates with all information. It is particularly critical to continually update the information; ideally, the CV should be revised at least once a year.

Finally While the content is critical, you should also be conscious of the image you present with this document. Remember, your CV and accompanying letter may be your first contact with a prospective graduate program, employer, or grant reviewer. A CV needs to be visually appealing and should not contain any typographical or grammatical errors.

Often, a briefer one- to two-page document can also be developed as a distillation of the more important points in the CV. If a job announcement requests a resume, you may send the briefer document in an initial response letter, with the notation in your cover letter that the CV can be sent if needed. If you are confused about whether a hiring individual or institution really wants a resume or a vita, you should contact them and ask. Often these terms are used interchangeably; however, if a CV is requested, have yours prepared to send.

Items to Include in a CV The categories listed below are often included in CV's. However, no CV contains all of them, and some CVs will contain other categories that are not listed here. The basic rule is that your own unique educational and work experiences should be carefully considered when deciding which categories will be most effective. The first step in actually developing your CV is to write down all relevant information; later you can organize it into categories and do whatever editing is necessary. After you have written down all relevant information, you should develop a hierarchy, placing the most important and relevant categories and information first.

Points to Consider As is true with resumes, your CV may get as little as 3060 seconds of consideration by a potential employer, grant reviewer, or other reader. An effective vita must be able to positive attract attention, stimulate the reader's interest, create a desire to get to know you better, and generate action. To maximize effectiveness, your CV should be: Clear. This means well-organized, logical, readable, and easily understood.

Typical Sections to Include in Your Curriculum Vitae Heading Education Relevant Experience Certifications Honors & Awards Grants Received

Professional Associations Publications Presentations Research Institutional Service Courses Taught

Community Involvement Educational Travel Teaching Interests Research Interests Additional Relevant Skills References (separate sheet)

Visit Career Services for a more complete CV guide and samples

Interviewing To succeed in interviews, it is vital to understand that you are selling a very important product – yourself – to an organization. Expect the interviewer to discuss your specific qualifications as they relate to the job opening. Be ready with specific examples of your skills/successes as they match the job.

For more information:   

Displaying these qualifications in interviews is not easy, but self-assessment, preparation, and practice can help. Candidates need to analyze their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and goals to see how well they fit with employers’ needs. The good news is that interviewing skills can be developed and improved through effective preparation and practice.

Telephone Interviews Illegal Interview Questions Second or Onsite Interviews

Visit www.usu.edu/career

Advice From Employers Interviewing at Career Services

Prepare for an Interview  Research the company you are pursuing (see Tips for Researching Employers, page 9).

―Very few students know anything about us when they interview. Research the company so you can discuss who we are, what we do, and how your skills apply.‖ Rio Tinto

 Whenever possible, identify a contact inside the organization who can provide you with valuable information about your ability to solve the employer’s needs/problems. Frame your answers using this information.  Confirm time, place, and name of company & interviewer(s). Arrive 10 minutes early and DO NOT use any hand held electronics devices while waiting.

―Listen to and answer questions completely.‖ Allegiant Air

 Dress appropriately and be sure you have several copies of your resume and references (on resume quality paper) with you.

―Provide relevant examples of experiences that illustrate your abilities and skills.‖ Micron

 Maintain a positive attitude, eye contact, and smile.  Take relevant samples of your work (hard and soft copy) that illustrate your skills in key areas.

―Be sure to ask thoughtful questions about the company.‖ KPMG

 Practice responding to sample questions (see Interviewing, pages 27-30). Be sure to link your qualifications to the job by using examples.  Have a list of questions to ask the interviewer (see Best Questions, page 30). Gather valuable information regarding the position or organization. This also illustrates your research.

―Act excited for an opportunity to advance through our organization quickly.‖ INEL ―Dress professionally for the interview— it’s important to make a positive and professional first impression.‖ Questar

People who interview well are often better employees because they have learned how to sell themselves and their ideas to others. One study revealed the most common mistake college graduates make when interviewing is that they aren’t assertive enough.

Interviewing Behavior-Based Interviews Despite the type of job, candidates can expect to be asked behavior-based questions in most of their job interviews. The theory behind behavioral interviewing assumes that the best predictor of future performance is past performance. Employers use the behavioral interview technique to evaluate a candidate’s experiences and behaviors so they can determine the applicant’s potential for success. To answer these questions well, applicants should give detailed descriptions of actual situations and how they handled those situations. Some of the characteristics employers try to assess through behavioral interviewing include:          

Critical Thinking Skills Organizational Skills Work Ethic Problem-Solving Skills Self-Confidence Tactfulness Analytical Skills Motivation/Initiative Conflict Resolution Communication Skills

         

To demonstrate the desired behavior, be ready with examples that include past internships or work experiences, related classes or projects, extra-curricular activities, leadership, team involvement, athletics, and community service.

Behavior-Based Questions *Tell me about the most satisfying and least satisfying jobs you ever held and why. (Maturity) *Tell me about a time you were part of a group and the role you played. (Teamwork) *Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done. (Initiative)

Honesty/Integrity Maturity Flexibility Teamwork Decision Making Achievement Attention to Detail Stress Management Technical Expertise Leadership

*Describe a major problem you have encountered and how you dealt with it. (Problem-Solving) *Tell me about a time when you spoke in front of a group of people. (Communication) *Tell me about the most rewarding accomplishment you’ve had since starting college. (Motivation) *Describe a time when a team member came to you for help. How did you respond? (Teamwork)

Questions are typically not structured as questions, but are intended to elicit a specific example. Questions typically start out: ―Tell me about a time…‖ or ―Describe a situation…‖or ―Give me an example of…‖

*Tell me about a leadership role you had and describe what makes a good leader. (Leadership) *Tell me about a time you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline or complete a project. (Work Ethic)

Reasons Potential Employees are Rejected in the Interview               

“I had an interview with Yahoo in Colorado and their recruiter asked me every single question my Career Coach and I practiced! I got a call back for a second interview in California. I highly recommend a visit to Career Services—they really helped me obtain my first career position.”

Failure to research the company An ―all about ME‖ attitude Asks no questions about the job Poor personal appearance/dress/hygiene No leadership potential Excessive interest in salary/benefits Unrealistic salary demands Arriving late to the interview Inability to express self clearly Lack of interest and enthusiasm Lack of preparation & practice Unwilling to relocate Lack of maturity Failure to keep eye contact Lack of poise or self-confidence

Inga Maslova PhD, Statistics

Interviewing Interviewers’ Favorite Questions Use the following two pages to prepare for interviews by reviewing interviewers’ favorite questions with recommended content and sample answers. ―Tell me a little bit about yourself.‖

event raised $5,500 in scholarships for our chapter.“

This is a standard ice-breaker in most interviews. Don’t tell the interviewer your life story—offer a brief answer that relates to the job you’re seeking.

―How do you make yourself indispensable to a company?‖

“When I began my studies at USU, it took a couple of semesters completing my general education requirements before I really found my place in the Political Science Department. Since then, I’ve done three different survey research projects for Utah State’s Admissions Office regarding the needs and perceptions of incoming freshman. I love the combination of working with data and making solid recommendations to administrators based on my work. This position at D.J. Research will allow me to provide quality research to clients that they can use to make strategic decisions about their campaigns or businesses.”

Employers are looking for both technical and interpersonal competence. Students who have related work experience generally answer this question best because they know what working for a company entails. “As our office event planning intern, I work really closely with the fair/expo coordinator at Career Services. I email employers, update registration information on the website using ezPlug, answer phone calls from employers, as well as address any foot traffic that walks into the Center. My supervisor told me she can’t see anyone else doing this job because I do it with enthusiasm and still maintain professional communications with all types of students, staff, and employers.”

―What do you see yourself doing in five years?‖

―What’s your greatest strength?‖

Your response should include something related to the job you are interviewing for (i.e., retail, construction management). You don’t want to say you see yourself in a completely different industry or field than the one you’re interviewing for.

Don’t just talk about your strength—relate it to the position. Let the employer know you are a qualified candidate and why. “I know how to work on a team doing effective research. I can research a problem, in the area of bioinformatics, by accessing web and print resources and have additional experience in preparing and presenting research at a state-wide poster session in Salt Lake City. These experiences will allow me to contribute my writing and research skills with immediate impact and little training time. I am very familiar with the projects I would be working on, having talked with Dr. Albrecht, a researcher in your Idaho Falls office, whom I met at Utah State’s Tech Expo.”

“While I have really enjoyed working towards a BS degree in civil engineering, it wasn’t until my internship with UDOT that I really found what I’m good at. I excel at solving problems in the field with data, crews, and subcontractors. I know I have the technical knowledge and interpersonal skills to be a project manager with Bechtel and would really like to be in your San Francisco office in 5 years.”

―Tell me about a time when you were participating in a team project and somebody dropped the ball. What did you do to help the team finish the project on time?‖

―What’s your greatest weakness?‖ The key to a successful answer is to not only discuss a weakness (nothing too negative), but more importantly, how you compensated for this weakness.

This question gives you an opportunity to highlight a number of skills, including time management, leadership, and commitment to a task.

“While working as an inventory clerk at a sock manufacturer who shipped specialty socks all over the world, I really had to improve my organizational skills to get everything finished each shift. I had to do inventory, oversee shipping orders, and answer approximately 30 emails each day from vendors. After the first week of having to work overtime, I started to answer emails at the beginning and end of each shift, instead of throughout the day, so I could focus on the tasks I needed to complete while ensuring my emails were accurate. This really worked and I was more productive. After the second week, I never missed answering an email in the 24-hour guideline set by customer service.”

“When working on a fundraising auction for the American Society of Women Engineers, one of our team members missed a key deadline early in the project. I resisted my initial temptation to dive in and get the work done myself, and after talking with her, realized she didn’t have the skills in web design the team thought she had due to a misunderstanding. She did say how much she’d like to talk with businesses and wanted to switch to a sales role that resulted in over $2,000 in donations from local business owners. We found someone else on the team who could design our registration page for the chapter’s website and the

Interviewing Interviewers’ Favorite Questions ―Give me an example of a situation in which your ethics were challenged. How did you handle it?‖

―Describe a specific problem you solved for an employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?‖

Make sure your answer shows both your understanding of right and wrong, as well as your ability to use fact and discretion.

Make sure you give credit to other team members while highlighting your own part in solving the problem. This question gives you the opportunity to show you can make decisions and solve problems.

“This example represents my first realization that I was in a position of responsibility and had to be firm in my beliefs or I could really make a mistake that would impact my position and others. While working for Dr. Welker in the Biology Department. I recorded grades in Banner and made copies of tests for him. I realized after talking with friends about my job that I had to keep information about our peers confidential and that sharing any information would be wrong. That was the first time I had to say that I would not cross that line—and I did not.”

“When working on a land surveying project for the Federal Highway Administration in Teton National Park, I caught a data entry error that could have resulted in having to move a three-mile section of new bike path to the correct location. My boss told me that if I hadn’t caught the error before the asphalt was laid it would have meant a $15,000 change order which the agency would have had to absorb. I felt great and it made me more sure of my problem solving skills.”

―Tell me about a time when you had to accomplish a task with someone who was particularly difficult to get along with.‖

―Why do you want to work here?‖ Keep your answer positive and enthusiastic and be sure to weave in some of the research you’ve done on the organization.

Employers want to hear something that shows you have the ability to be sensitive to the needs of others but can still influence them. Don’t just say, “I avoided them” or “I just did the work myself.” An employee who can’t delegate doesn’t have long-term management potential.

“What really excites me about working with IHC in the MIS Department is the fact that I will be able to help staff throughout the hospital, at all levels, share data at the right time and place to help our patients. Data communication that is timely and accurate is so important in a health care setting and just being a part of that process would keep me challenged and motivated every day.”

“While working at Target prepping for “back-toschool” season, I had to manage a crew of two others on a night shift to have the aisle set up and stocked by morning. One of the crew grumbled about having to work a night shift and seemed to disagree with me over my approach to the project. I pulled him aside, to a private location, and asked if anything was bothering him and also asked him to explain his approach to resetting the aisle. We talked and he explained about some personal issues he was facing. I simply listened quietly and then he explained his plan for resetting the aisle. We adapted the project to include his ideas into my approach and the project got finished early. I learned that everyone has something to contribute and that listening is just as important as talking.“

―Why should we hire you?‖ Be ready to explain how your skills and experience are suited to the job, how you would fit into the corporate culture, and how much you really want the job. “I have experience in communicating with a variety of employers, both in written and face-to-face communication, as the assistant fair/expo coordinator at Career Services. As a trade show representative for backcountry.com, I have the skills and enthusiasm to present your products to customers and vendors while using my organizational skills in setting up and displaying your products at any trade show throughout the Intermountain West.”

―If you could be an animal, which animal would it be and why?‖ This is not a trick question. You may be asked a question that seems ridiculous or out of place. The goal to answering an unexpected question isn’t to provide a right or wrong answer--it’s about your ability to think on your feet.

―Do you have any questions for me?‖ This is a question you can always anticipate. As a result of your research on the organization, you should always have several job or company-specific questions to ask. These questions help to illustrate your interest in the position and organization (see Best Questions for You to

”I’d like to be either of my own dogs because they have a great life; they are pretty pampered pooches!”

Ask the Interviewer, page 29). Adapted from Jobweb.com

Interviewing Best Questions Typical Questions Asked by Interviewers             

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Why did you choose this particular career field? What are your 5 or 10 year career objectives? How do you plan to achieve your career goals? What have you learned from your mistakes? Have you ever done any volunteer work? What kind? What supervisory style do you work best under? What kind of people do you enjoy working with? What are the most important rewards you expect in your professional career? How has your college experience prepared you for this job? What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this field? What college subjects did you like best? Why? What motivates you? What frustrates you on the job?

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Do you have a geographical preference? Will you relocate? Are you willing to travel? How did you prepare for this interview? What do you know about our organization? Why do you want to work for this organization? What type of work environment are you successful in? Tell me about the campus/extra-curricular activities you participated in and what you learned as a result. When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? Describe your experience as it relates to this position. Why should we hire you over the other candidates? Why do you want this position?

Best Questions for You to Ask the Interviewer An interview is meant to be a two-way street. The interviewer’s job is to determine whether you’re the best fit for the position. At the same time, you should be asking questions to determine if the position and company is right for you. Your questions will typically fall into the following three areas; select several in each area: The Organization:  What do you see ahead for the company in the next five years?  How do you see the future for this industry?  What do you consider to be your organization’s most important assets?  What can you tell me about new products or plans for growth?  Does this organization have a mentor or coaching program?  How would you describe your company culture? The Position:  When you think of the most effective person who has ever held this position, what three qualities or traits did this person possess?  What would you consider to be the most important aspects of the job?  What kind of training do you provide?  What is the natural career path for employees in this position?  Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? The Expectations & Next Steps:  What are the most immediate challenges I would face in this position?  What are the performance expectations of this position over the first year?  How will I be evaluated and how often?  What are the next steps in the interview process and when do you hope to make a decision? (always ask this question)

Interviewing Telephone Interviews

Be Factual in Your Answers

Your first substantive contact with a potential employer may occur over the phone in a telephone interview, especially if you are interviewing with an organization outside of Utah. Relocating can add diversity to your background and help you ―grow your career.‖ You may receive a call from an employer as a result of an application you submitted, after meeting at a fair/expo, or to set up an interview; whatever the circumstance be prepared.

Be brief, but thorough. Use examples whenever possible that allow you to talk about previous work experience, relevant projects, and anything else that allows you to display your knowledge of your field and of the company. The first interview is not the time to ask about salary or benefits.

Take Notes These notes will be valuable to you in preparing for the face-to-face meeting and in writing a thank you letter or e-mail, which you should send as soon as possible after the interview.

Take a Surprise Call in Stride If you receive an unexpected call as a result of networking on your part, be calm. Sound positive, friendly, and confident. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and the items listed in the next section. You might say, “Thank you for calling, Ms. Martinez. Could you wait just a moment while I close the door?”

Follow-up As with any interview, follow-up is critical. Confirm the spelling of the interviewer’s name and be sure you have his/her contact information. This follow-up communication enables you to reiterate your interest in the position and summarize your qualifications as they relate to the position you interviewed for. Sample followup letters are in this guide (see Follow-up, page 17 & 33).

How to Prepare for a Phone Interview Be prepared for the telephone interview just as you would for an in-person interview. Have ready:  Pen and paper for taking notes  Your resume  A list of accomplishments, experiences, and key points that relate to the position  Research you have done on the company (see Researching Employers, page 9)  Questions to ask the interviewer (see Best Questions, page 30)  Your calendar to schedule future interviews and follow-up dates

Last but not Least…… The following tips will help ensure your success in a telephone interview:  Make sure your voice mail greeting is appropriate and professional  Speak directly into the telephone, enunciate, and speak clearly  Smile—this comes through in your voice  Dress professionally. This can put you in the right ―frame of mind‖ for the interview  Make sure your environment is quiet and free from distractions feel free to use an office at Career Services as a quiet spot for an interview  Finish the interview by reiterating your interest in and qualifications for the position  Avoid filler words (―um,‖ ―ah,‖ ―ok‖)  Practice, if possible, by doing ―mock interview at Career Services  Avoid chewing gum, eating, or drinking  Ask for extra time, if needed, when answering questions  Don’t feel the need to fill in silences or gaps in conversation

Pace the Call Let the representative ask most (but not all) of the questions. Keep up your end of the conversation—this is, after all, a sales presentation. Ask a few questions of your own that will reveal your knowledge and enthusiasm about the company you are interviewing with.

Beware of ―Yes/No‖ Answers ―Yes‖ or ―No‖ answers are excellent when you want to end a conversation in a hurry. AND YOU DON’T WANT TO! Answer questions thoroughly and include appropriate examples of your skills and talents as they relate to the job.

Interviewing Dress for Success As you seek employment, every advantage you can get is important -- especially that first impression! Appropriate dress in the workplace varies from organization to organization, so be observant. When it comes to dressing for an interview most employers agree that dressing conservatively is best. The following are a few suggestions for conservative and business casual dress. No matter which form of dress you wear, remember good grooming is important.

Business Casual For Women. A knee-length skirt (not too long or too short) or nice pants with a blouse or sweater is appropriate. Avoid shorts, sneakers, t-shirts, and too much jewelry. For Men. A shirt with a collar that buttons is best although a nice polo shirt is acceptable with slacks, not jeans. Avoid shorts, sneakers, and t-shirts.

Conservative Dress For Women. A suit with a knee-length skirt (or pants) and blouse is appropriate. Shoes should be closed-toe, in good repair, polished and with a moderate heel. Wear sheer hosiery. For Men. A suit and tie is best with dress shoes. A longsleeved dress shirt with solid, stripes, or small pattered tie is appropriate. Wear dark socks and dress shoes that are polished and in good repair.

Tips for Dressing for Success 

Before your start date, ask for guidance about attire.

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Once you’re on the job, pay attention to how your co-workers dress.

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Neat, clean and pressed are the adjectives you want associated with your attire.

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In building your wardrobe for work, stick to ―classic,‖ not trendy. Choose pieces that will outlast the latest fashion.

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Let your career aspirations dictate your dress: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. www.jobweb.com

Follow-up Research shows that only 3 of 10 applicants follow-up appropriately. Whether you are following up after having an interview, submitting employment documents, or meeting a new contact, use the following steps:

Steps to Follow-up

Employment Documents

Immediately after any meeting make some notes about what occurred. Follow-up as soon as possible with a thank you (email, telephone, handwritten note, or typed letter). Any written messages should contain no grammar, spelling, or format errors. Keep your communication brief and professional. Make sure to obtain business cards so spelling/titles are accurate. The following are suggestions for effective follow-up by type of encounter:

Successful job applicants follow-up their cover letters/resumes and online applications within a week. When asking for a meeting in your cover letter, which is recommended, you should include a follow-up time frame. You MUST contact the employer if you say you will; otherwise, you show a lack of follow-through and enthusiasm for the position.  Experts advise making three to five attempts to reach the employer.  Add the employer to your network/contact list, even if you are not selected for an interview.  Ask for tips on improving your cover letter/resume and interviewing skills.

Interviewing Consider the following questions:  Who did you meet?  Why can you do the job?  What does the job entail?  What went poorly? Why? Did you neglect to discuss key qualifications/skills?  What is the next step in the selection process?  What skills/experience was the interviewer visibly impressed by?

For assistance in writing effective, customized follow-up messages and other employment documents, see your Career Coach.

Networking   

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Remind the contact how and when you met. Emphasize any key skills you can contribute to the workplace. Use success statements to SHOW not TELL the employer you are a great match for the position (see Building Effective Success Statements/Bullet Points, pages 20-21). Ask for a meeting and/or a referral to another potential contact.

Evaluating Job Offers Congratulations, you got a job offer! All the hard work you did in networking, perfecting your resume and cover letter, interviewing, and following-up with employers has paid off. There is no reason to accept an offer ―on the spot,‖ and most employers will not expect you to do so. Give yourself several days to evaluate the offer before making a final decision, even if you are fairly certain you want the job. To assist you, take into account the following factors:

figure presented. Consider also the value of the benefits package, which can sometimes be worth as much as 3040% more than the actual salary. Benefits can include insurance (health, life, and disability), stock options, profit sharing, bonuses, retirement packages, cafeteria plans, vacation/sick leave, educational benefits, childcare, flextime, telecommuting, maternity/parental leave, recreational/wellness programs, and employee incentives/discounts. Keep in mind that your potential for salary growth, and ultimately your job satisfaction, quickly becomes more important than your starting salary.

The Position First and foremost, think about the nature of the work you will perform. Ask yourself these questions:  Is the position interesting and challenging?  Does this position fit with your career goals and your core values?  Are you proud of the work you will be doing?  What is the potential for job growth and advancement?  What is a typical work week? Is there overtime?  What are the working conditions?  Is there potential for relocation?  How long do people who start in this position stay with the company, in general?

The Employees All organizations have a corporate culture, which is dictated, to some extent, by the employees. Talk to your potential supervisor to get a sense of the employees’ personalities and work styles. Think back to your interview; as you observed employees throughout the organization, did they appear to enjoy their work? When you spoke with potential co-workers, did they seem to be cordial and welcoming, or were they aloof and uninterested about the prospect of your joining the organization? When you consider the amount of time you will spend at work, it is important to have a positive working relationship with your co-workers.

An ideal time to obtain answers for these critical questions is during the interview process.

The Supervisor More so than anyone else, your direct supervisor can play a significant role not only in your job satisfaction, but also your advancement potential. The ability to work and get along with this individual is critical. Almost as important as the working relationship is how this person will serve as a mentor. First impressions aren’t always accurate, but you should trust your instincts. Asking a few key questions of your potential supervisor will assist you in determining your compatibility. These could include: “How do you motivate employees? “What do you enjoy most about working for this organization?” “What is your management style?”

The Organization Corporate culture, image, reputation, history of layoffs and restructuring, employee training and continued education, financial stability, personnel policies, employee recognition, community involvement, and flexibility are all areas to consider. If possible, talk to a current employee; you will be able to gain some valuable insights about the organization. Your Career Coach at Career Services can help you identify USU alumni working in specific organizations.

The Location This factor takes into account much more than geography. Think about your commute, the cost of living, availability of suitable housing, recreation and entertainment opportunities, quality and proximity of schools, the climate, and the environment. Although relocating can be challenging, it can also be a first step toward a great career.

Once you accept a position, you should be prepared to fulfill that obligation. It is highly unethical and unprofessional to renege on an offer.

The Salary and Benefits One of the prime areas of consideration for individuals accepting employment is the salary. Remember that your salary includes much more than the actual dollar

Evaluating Job Offers Negotiating Salaries When you do accept an offer, it’s a good idea to notify the hiring manager of your decision by telephone and then to confirm your acceptance in writing. Re-state the position title, salary, start date, and other specific information that relates to the offer. Ask the employer for a letter confirming these details, as well. Once you’ve accepted an offer, your active job search will end. It is also courteous to notify all other employers you’ve been talking to about your decision and remove yourself from the search process.

Based on salary averages and the area cost of living, have an acceptable salary range in mind; a $3,000 to $5,000 range is suggested. The bottom of the range should be the lowest amount you are willing to accept. When asking for a higher starting salary, convey your enthusiasm and interest in the position.

Customize Your Pitch An example might be, “I am very interested in this opportunity and excited about my future with ABC Company. Based on my research, however, the average starting salary in similar fields is $44,000. Given my excellent internship experience and communication skills, I was hoping for a salary in the range of $44,000 to $47,000.” A simpler statement might be, “Given my qualifications and skills for this position, I was looking for a salary closer to $44,000.” You and the employer can then negotiate a figure from here.

When to Discuss Salary As in all interactions with any employer, be courteous, direct, and honest when negotiating. Once a job offer has been made, it is appropriate to discuss salary. Salary negotiation is an acceptable part of the job search process, especially if the salary doesn’t fall within your target salary range. Employers are generally willing to negotiate salaries. Reasons to negotiate include: a competing offer from another organization, an offer lower than the national average, a high cost-of-living index, or unique skills/experience you possess.

Other Considerations Keep in mind that many employers have formal pay structures or set entry-level salaries at fixed levels, both of which may be non-negotiable. Given this, employers may negotiate benefits, signing bonuses, vacation time, relocation costs, and flex-time schedules. The only way to know if an employer is willing to negotiate is to ask.

Know Your Salary Before negotiating, be prepared with USU and national salary averages in your field (available at Career Services); cost-of-living estimates for the area; and your experience, education, and skills that warrant a higher starting salary.

Visit your Career Coach to discuss salary negotiation Access the Salary Wizard cost of living calculator at salary.com

Testing Career Services-Testing provides students, potential students, and the community with admissions exams for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and business schools, as well as other exams needed for professional licensure, certification, and employment.

Graduate & Professional School Admission Exams

Undergraduate Admission Exams ACT Undergraduate admission exam administered nationally 5 times each year (scores valid for all schools) or residually* each week (scores valid only at USU)

GRE* General, all-purpose graduate school admission test; offered several days each week MAT* Graduate admission test for use in selected programs; offered several days each week

SAT

Computer-based entrance exam for business schools; offered weekly

GED*

Undergraduate admission exam offered in October, January, and June

GMAT

Test of General Educational Development; provides passing candidate a Utah High School Completion Diploma for employment or higher education admissions

LSAT Pencil-and-paper law school entrance exam; given on four national test dates each year

TOEFL English language proficiency skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking; required for international students to gain undergraduate or graduate admission to USU

MCAT Computer-based entrance exam for medical school; offered approximately 12 times yearly

Career Certification & Licensure Exams

Exams for Credit

Praxis I* & Praxis II* Teaching competency exams in the areas of professional knowledge and subject-specific skills; states require current and future public educators to take these exams for certification and licensure

CLEP* Allows students to earn college credit by examination DSST* Credit-by-examination program similar to CLEP or AP offering additional subject areas

FE For certification as a professional engineer in the United States; offered biannually in April and October

Math Placement* Exam used for placement into higher-level math or statistics classes than ACT scores or previous math classes will allow

Kryterion, ISO Quality, Castle Worldwide, TSCS Global online test providers offering a wide range of professional certification and licensure exams for various companies and organizations

For more information on test dates, times, and registration procedures visit: www.usu.edu/career/testing

*May be scheduled directly through Career Services-Testing by calling 435-797-1004.

All other exams must be scheduled through the appropriate test companyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;links available at www.usu.edu/career/testing

Graduate School Applications Application Timeline When applying to graduate school, it’s best to start early. Applications for most medical school programs are due in December or January, while deadlines for master’s programs tend to hit January through March. No matter which degree you pursue, starting early will give you more time to prepare and polish your application. Applying earlier will also increase your chances of being admitted. Many programs have rolling admissions, so applications are evaluated as they arrive rather than all at once. Spots can fill up as the final deadline draws near.

October: Request official transcripts. Send your recommenders’ supplemental materials (i.e., resume, personal statement, etc.) that they can use as a reference. Make contact with students and professors at your prospective schools. Arrange a campus visit, if you can, or follow-up to increase your chances of receiving an invitation for a visit from those programs that invite candidates (medical/dental schools). November: Have someone in the field, a professor or advisor, and your Career Services Career Coach review and edit your personal statement. Leave time for rewriting and editing.

Below is a sample schedule for a student hoping to enter graduate school in the fall. Of course, you’ll need to modify this schedule to fit the specific school’s deadlines.

December: Complete and submit all applications, keeping a copy of every section for your records. Verify that your recommendations have been sent.

May (more than one year before graduate school begins): Research potential schools. Take practice tests for MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, MAT, etc. Study guides are available at Career Services. These guides will help you determine how much preparation you’ll need and if a test prep course if necessary.

January: Focus on financial aid—fill out the FAFSA online and look into private loans, grants, and fellowships. April: Celebrate your acceptances. Appeal the aid package (or apply for alternative loans) if the amount the school offers you doesn’t meet your financial needs.

June: Register for the test at Career Services’Testing by calling 435-797-1004. July: Request information from schools that interest you. Meet with several of your professors who can recommend good programs and help you make some connections.

Almost every graduate school applicant will receive at least one rejection. While disappointing, it’s not quite the final act. Call your contact professors in that department and politely express your regret at not being admitted. Ask them if they can point out where your application was weak or give you some suggestions on how you might strengthen your candidacy in the future. This will help if you choose to re-apply the following year.

August: Take required entrance exams. This leaves you time to take the test again if necessary. Begin writing your personal statement/letter of intent. September: Finalize your list of prospective schools. Pick a professor or two from each school whose research interests mirror your own. Familiarize yourself with their work. Contact your recommenders and ask if they will write letters of recommendation for you. Keep polishing your personal statement.

“Applying to graduate school takes a lot of time and energy. I had to prepare for the GRE, write my personal statement, and keep my grades up—all at the same time. My Career Coach at Career Services critiqued my personal statement and kept me motivated until I got into a graduate program.”

Career Coaches’ Favorite Sites: gradschools.com graduate-schools.petersons.com

Monica Barrett MS, Electrical Engineering

Graduate School Applications Writing Personal Statements A Personal Statement is: An Impression. Your personal statement should produce a picture of you as a person, student, and potential scholarship or assistantship recipient.

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An Invitation. The reader must be invited to get to know you, personally. Bridge the distance and make your reader feel welcome.

that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction in this field? What insights have you gained? What have you learned about the field—through classes, readings, seminars, research, work/internship experiences, or conversations with professors or people already in the field?

Describe Your Unique Talents and Goals  If you have worked during your college years, what have you learned (leadership, managerial, teamwork skills, etc.) and how has that work/internship experience contributed to your growth?  What are your career goals?  Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades but mediocre LSAT or GRE scores or a distinct upward pattern to your recent GPA)?  Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (economic, familial, or physical) in your life?

A Good Indication of Your Priorities and Judgment. What you choose to say in your statement tells the committee what your priorities are. What you say, and how you say it, is crucial. A Story, or More Precisely, Your Story. Everyone has a story to tell, but we are not all natural storytellers. Before you do any writing, spend some time in selfreflective conversation with friends, family, and mentors.

A Personal Statement is Not: An Academic Paper With You as the Subject. The papers you write for class are typically designed to interpret data, reflect research, or analyze events all at some distance. We are taught to eliminate the ―I‖ from our academic writing. In a personal statement your goal is to close the distance between you and the reader. You must engage on a different, more personal level than you have been trained.

Know and Discuss Why You’re the Best Candidate  What skills (leadership, communicative, analytical, etc.) do you possess? Use examples.  What personal characteristics (integrity, compassion, persistence, etc.) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field?  Why might you be a stronger candidate for graduate school and more successful in the profession or field than other applicants?  What are the most compelling reasons you can give for the selection committee to be interested in you?  Identify a specific program or faculty member you might like to work with and why.

A Resume in Narrative Form. An essay that reads like a resume of accomplishments and goals tells the reader nothing he/she could not glean from the rest of the application. This type of essay reveals little about the candidate and is a wasted opportunity. Writing a personal statement is challenging and will take many drafts and much reflection. Don’t wait until you have it complete before you share it with others; their input will make it stronger, clearer, and focused.

Writing Tips

Before You Write

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Know Yourself  What’s special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life?  What details of your life (personal/family, history, people/events) that have shaped you or influenced your goals might help the committee better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?  When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself)

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Plan on devoting a significant amount of time writing this essay. It is common to write several drafts of your personal statement. Proofread your essay several times. Make sure you have no punctuation or grammatical errors. Solicit comments from your Career Coach, professors, graduate students, and English majors whom you know well. Keep it brief. Most instructions specify how long the essay should be. If length is not mentioned, stick to one to two pages, single-spaced (unless the instructions specify otherwise). Mention a specific program or faculty member you might like to work with and why.

Graduate School Applications Sample Personal Statement During my freshman and sophomore years at University A, I worked as a physical therapy assistant on a voluntary, part-time basis at Medical Center B in Hometown, State. In the course of this experience, the most important conversation I had relevant to my career goal as a physician was with a nurse. I had observed that she was exceptionally intelligent, knowledgeable, and competent, and I asked her why she had elected to become a nurse rather than a doctor. ―A physician has to make a lifetime commitment to medicine; his profession must be his first priority. I am not prepared to have my profession dominate my life.‖ Her response did not surprise me; it only serviced to reinforce my commitment to a profession in which I had become actively involved. For the summer of 20xx, while I could have continued my work in physical therapy, I chose to seek a position which I felt would provide a new perspective from which to view medicine. Upon returning to Bigtown, I began working at the Department of Radiology at Medical Center C. My activities were concentrated in the Special Procedures Division where one of my duties involved assisting the nurses in preparing the patients and the rooms for the scheduled test. I observed the procedures which usually were angiograms, venograms, or percutaneous nephrostomies. I was usually provided with a detailed explanation in the course of the procedure which was informative and educational. At the conclusion of the procedure, I listened to the radiologist read the X-rays and learned about the patient’s problems and the appropriate treatment(s). The staff, after getting to know me, encouraged my spending time with many of the apprehensive patients to try and alleviate some of their anxieties and to be generally supportive. In addition, for one hour each day, I attended classes with the interns where I learned basic human anatomy, how to interpret some of the nuances of complicated X-rays, and listened to a discussion of some of the interesting cases that occurred weekly. My experiences at Medical Center C were so stimulating that I immediately applied for placement for the following summer and was accepted. In June 20xx I began to work as a research assistant for Dr. Teicher, a surgeon at Medical Center C. The research concerned the reliability of the criteria for the diagnosis of appendicitis. The justification for the research is the problematic nature of diagnoses as evidenced by the significant negative laparotomy rate. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of increasing the diagnostic accuracy. A large part of my activities involved using the hospital computer to retrieve, study, and evaluate appropriate patient charts in order to enlarge the statistical sample. My activities have not only made me more appreciative of the importance of medical research, but it has also shown me how some physicians combine their practice with clinical research. After reading the article The Ordeal: Life as a Medical Resident‖ in The New York Times Magazine, my understanding of the strong commitment a physician must make was strengthened. Unlike the nurse in Hometown, I have been impressed by the many doctors who lead rich and rewarding home lives, as well as being totally dedicated to their profession. Besides a sense of dedication, I am aware that appropriate academic ability is needed to meet the demands of medical school and postgraduate training. I elected to attend University A because it is an excellent institution of higher education, and I wanted to be on my own so as to develop the self-confidence necessary to manage my life. My high academic performance and my science MCAT scores confirm my ability to handle the anticipated demands of the medical sciences. In light of both my clinical exposure and medical educational preparation, I feel confident that I will be prepared for the demands of medical education, training, and practice. I look forward to beginning this exciting and challenging adventure.

Federal Employment Nearly 60% of the federal civilian work force will be eligible for retirement in the next 10 years. This is good news for you AND your career search. From alternative schedules and telecommuting to recruitment and retention incentives, the federal government has a lot to offer to today’s college graduates. Many jobs in the federal government require some sort of security clearance for employees once they are hired. A security clearance is a license issued by the government to authorize an employee to handle classified or top secret information that relates to national security. A consequence of this fact is that takes a long time (often a year or longer) to obtain some positions, especially in intelligence.

Finding Opportunities With the Federal Government     

Full-Time Positions: www.usajobs.gov--the U.S. Federal Government’s official website Individuals with Disabilities: www.usajobs.gov/individualswithdisabilities.asp Veterans: www.fedshirevets.gov/ Senior Executives: www.usajobs.gov/seniorexecutives.asp Internships: www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs/

Important Notes: 

Certain agencies of the federal government are exempt from posting their positions on www.usajobs.gov; those departments fall under the legislative and judicial branches of the U.S. government, the U.S. Postal Service, and any intelligence agencies (CIA, FBI, NSA, etc.) General pay information can be found at:

Searching on these respective websites can be a quicker way to identify opportunities. The Federal Government is made up of a myriad of agencies and departments. For a complete list of those agencies, go to: www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml

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http://govcentral.monster.com/careers/articles/37

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Interactive voice response telephone system at (703) 724-1850 to access the same information on the USA Jobs site For hearing impaired customers, TDD line can be accessed at (978) 461-8404

Steps to Finding a Federal Opportunity 1. Open ―my account‖ at www.usajobs.gov 2. Create a search agent to begin receiving job openings and to become familiar with key terminology and skills requested in your field 3. Create your profile 4. Apply for specific openings by creating your resume using the terminology from the job announcement Match your experience to the qualifications listed--use key words 5. Pay special attention to:  Knowledge/skills/abilities and qualifications  Social Security Number (SSN), citizenship, and the vacancy announcement number  Closing dates and instructions  Other required application materials

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The federal government has established a Pathways Program aimed at recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining students and recent graduates. The three program paths are:   

An Internship Program that replaces the existing Student Career Experience Program (SCEP/STEP). A Recent Graduates Program that targets the hiring of recent graduates into twoyear career development programs. A Presidential Management Fellows Program which is a premiere leadership development program for advanced degree candidates. More information can be found at: www.opm.gov/hiringreform/pathways

Launching a Successful Career Employer Expectations Communicate Effectively

Develop a Strong Work Ethic and Integrity

Develop good listening habits, interpret what you hear, speak well, write clearly and succinctly with excellent grammar and spelling. Avoid the use of ―texting‖ language in ANY of your written communications.

Be honest and consistent in all dealings with all customers (internal and external) all the time. Keep your word and don’t stray from your personal ethics. Don’t be afraid to say, ―I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you,‖ or ―I’m sorry that happened‖ (even if it isn’t your fault). Admit your mistakes and fix them.

Solve Problems Using Critical Thinking Whether you are in a crisis mode or operating day-today, problem solving is essential to your success. Learn to recognize and define the problem, gather information, identify key details, and collaborate to produce a workable and effective solution. Don’t forget to evaluate the success or failure of the plan. Solving problems that save time and money can make you invaluable to your employer.

Appreciate and Maintain a Healthy Work/Life Balance New employees are not expected to know everything, but this is the time that extra effort counts! Know the organizational culture and expectations for overtime, typical work day, lunch hours, leave, etc., and don’t be the new hire to push the edge of the envelope in these areas. Keep yourself healthy and interesting by taking care of yourself and maintaining outside interests.

Manage Time and Prioritize Learn to manage your time each day by prioritizing, staying on task, and working efficiently. Know your weaknesses in this area and tackle those areas in a designated time frame each day/week/month.

Embrace Ambiguity and Change Your supervisor may hand you a project with few parameters and little specific direction. Use your critical thinking and analytical skills to follow the process from information gathering through the planning and assessment phase. Obtain a schedule for updating and completion from your boss, and don’t ask for feedback at every turn.

Contribute to the Team Collaboration is vital in any type or size of organization. Know your strengths and weaknesses and build a team that gets things accomplished. Align yourself with successful employees who are well thought of and learn to navigate roadblocks. Avoid the complainers; their thoughts can color your ability to develop your own conclusions.

“Develop specific examples of your skills and effectiveness in each of these areas in order to make a great impression in your interviews!”

Continue to Learn Become a lifelong learner and seize opportunities to expand your skills making you more valuable to your employer (and more marketable for future opportunities). Join your professional association, take on leadership roles, benchmark in other areas of the organization, engage in your community, network, and keep growing your career.

Donna Crow, Executive Director Career Services

Career Search Technologies Career AGGIE is your online resource for searching job/internship postings, researching employers, networking with alumni, and signing up for campus interviews.   

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Going Global is the ultimate international job seeker’s guide for finding international employment abroad. Access Going Global by logging into Career AGGIE at: www.usu.edu/career/careeraggie

LOGIN at: www.usu.edu/career. Click Career AGGIE Click the Students/Alumni login Enter your ―A Number‖ (A00000000) as your username. NOTE: If your account was created prior to August 2008, your complete email address is your username. Please update your username to your A# Enter your birth date as your password (mmddyy). NOTE: If your birth month is a single digit (JanuarySeptember), you may need to drop the zero before your birth month (mddyy).

New Users:  Select Going Global from the Career Resources tab on the Career AGGIE toolbar  Select Create Personal Account (top of screen) Returning Users:  LOGIN to Career AGGIE  Select Going Global  Enter LOGIN ID (email address) and Password

For more information: Career AGGIE  Completing/Updating Your Profile  Viewing/Applying for Jobs & Internships  Researching Employers  Networking With Alumni Contacts  Uploading Documents & Transcripts  Searching Career Events  Utilizing Career Resources

Going Global  International Job & Internship Postings  Country Career Guides  Global Key Employer Directory  Global Chat

Visit www.usu.edu/career

Customized Career Action Plan Goal: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Activities to Help me Reach my Goal

People or Information Resources Needed

Date

Activities to Help me Reach my Goal

People or Information Resources Needed

Date

Notes

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This Publication is to be Reproduced Only With Permission From Career Services Available in Alternate Formats Style Guide Used in the Production of This Publication: How 11: A Handbook for Office Professionals Clark, James L., and Lyn R. Clark, 2007

Publication Date: July 2011