Career Resources
Job Search and Interview Tips
What Employers Are Looking For
- Maturity and confidence
- Commitment
- Interest
- Professionalism
- Responsibility
- Adaptability and growth
- Consistency
- Vision
- Performance with certainty
Preparing Your Résumé Strive to:
-Highlight industry experience
-Emphasize results, with specifics about your contributions to the client's/organization's success
-Be brief and to the point. Avoid excessive jargon/catch phrases
-Use bullet points and action words
Résumé Construction:
-1 page in length for new professionals
-Use 8.5 x 11 inch resume paper
-Make sure the watermark on your resume and cover letter reads correctly when held to the light
-Put your name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address (do not abbreviate) at the top for easy reference
-Reverse chronology is preferred
-List professional experience before education, including internships or volunteer positions
-Include professional affiliations and awards/recognition received
-Mail, with cover letter, in a business-size envelope to a specific person at a complete address. You may also submit via e-mail, but a hard copy is also a good practice.
-Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Preparing a Cover Letter Strive to:
-Structure your letter well (appearance is everything)
-Use powerful language to put your best foot forward
-Keep it simple with an overview of background, qualifications and the content of your resume
-Emphasize concrete examples and experiences that would make you stand out
-Represent yourself with reserved confidence
-Be straightforward, honest, sincere and friendly
Cover Letter Construction:
-Use 8.5 x 11-inch resume paper
-1 page length
-Make sure the watermark on your cover letter and resume reads correctly when held to the light
-Include a return address, date, inside address and a salutation to a specific person
-Mail, with your resume, in a business-size envelope to a specific person at a complete address
-Proofread, proofread, proofread!
Additional Résumé and Cover Letter Tips
-Do not assume your cover letter and résumé can be sent by e-mail. Inquire as to the preferred delivery option.
-Do not mention salary expectations unless this information is requested.
Preparing Your Portfolio Strive to:
-Represent your best work
-Demonstrate your ability to think strategically and in broad terms
-Communicate that you can execute the strategy or vision
-Match the design to the position you are looking for
-Create a portfolio that can speak for itself
-Include as many pieces as possible to prove you can do the job
-Obtain qualified feedback from a reliable source in the industry before interviewing
Portfolio Construction:
-Make sure it is orderly and professional
-Place in a leather-bound presentation case or three-ring binder
-Utilize sheet protectors, tabbed dividers and professional paper
-Include
-Cover page
-Table of contents
-Copy of your resume
-Recommendations/references
-Samples of work
-Awards/recognition
-Certifications/certificates/degrees
Interviewing Attire for Women:
-Always err on the side of conservative
-Business suit, preferably with a skirt, and appropriate shoes
-Wear appropriate make-up and jewelry, but nothing excessive or overly trendy
-Wear minimal perfume, if any
Attire for Men
-Always err on the side of conservative
-Business suit in gray, navy or black
-Be freshly shaven
-Wear minimal cologne, if any
Strive to:
-Research the potential employer's web site/annual report/brochures/newsletters
-Conduct an internet news search to study articles about the company and top management
-Take note of how the company markets itself and handles positive/negative publicity
-Practice your presentation
-Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early
-Have the essentials: pen, notepad, resume, references
-Bring reading material in case you are waiting for the interviewer
Interviewing Tips
-Prior to the interview, do a Google search of yourself to make sure there is nothing embarrassing or incriminating about yourself on the web
-Continually evaluate yourself on what makes you stand out among the rest
-Emphasize the positive and avoid the negative
-Handle tough questions by taking a moment to think, then smile and apologize if you do not
know the answer
-Ask five to six questions about the job, company and business culture
-Do NOT ask about money/benefits, BUT be prepared to discuss them if raised by the interviewer
Networking TipsAlways:
-Remember it is a commitment
-Be on the lookout for new opportunities
-Be aware that opportunities arise in the most unusual settings/circumstances
-Know what your goals are
-Keep up to date with the industry (read trade publications)
-Remember to NOT ask for a job
Developing Your Network
-Ask acquaintances to introduce you or refer you to others in the field
-Send professional correspondence
-When making phone calls, be prepared with your introduction, reason for calling and your qualifications
-Keep business cards with you at all times
-Request a professional's card, but do not push your own card unless it is requested
-Utilize alumni placement offices or career services
Increasing Your Network
-Gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities
-Obtain a part-time job in an environment in which you would like to develop your career
-Adopt a mentor who will provide insight not available through the classroom
-Develop relationships with instructors who have relationships in the business world
-Join a professional organization
-Target zones
-professional organizations
-Business seminars
-Community events
-Conferences
-Fundraisers
-Industry trade shows
-Career fairs
