The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

CAREER GUIDE2014-2015

WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR

MEET THE STAFF & GENERAL INFORMATION

PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

OUR SERVICES

CAREER PLANNING

NETWORKING

SOCIAL MEDIA

RESUMES, CURRICULUM VITAE AND LETTERS

INTERVIEWING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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12

16

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4-Year Career Success Plan 10

Informational Interviewing 14

Resumes/CVs 22

Cover Letters 33

Thank You Letters 38

Dear UNC Student:

University Career Services (UCS) is pleased to provide this Career Guide, which includes the policies, programs, and services offered by our UCS staff. The Guide also has a variety of useful information to help with your career plans. Please follow-up with a member of our staff if you have any questions.

As you begin planning for your career, UCS can assist you in many different ways, including:

Assessments to help you choose a major or career

Internship, part-time, and full-time job assistance

Resume/CV critiques

Practice interviewing

Job skills workshops

Career fairs, panels, and networking events

On-campus interviews

Individual sessions with career counselors

Advising for health careers, graduate schools, and law school

I strongly encourage you to use Careerolina, our online Tar Heel Career Tool Kit. Through Careerolina, you can upload your resume or CV, search for full/part-time jobs and internships, research employers, and learn about our career-related events. Most students find that the job search requires a good deal of preparation, effort, and time. I encourage you to start early and approach your search with the same kind of enthusiasm, interest, and commitment that you would any important decision in your life.

The staff of University Career Services is eager to meet you and begin the process of career development that will result in lifelong learning. We are located on the second floor of Hanes Hall and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Ray AngleDirector, University Career Services

FROM THE DIRECTORWELCOME

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General Information

Email: ucs@unc.edu

Website: careers.unc.edu

Location: 219 Hanes Hall

Walk-In Hours: Monday-Friday 1:00PM-4:00PM (no appointment necessary)

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

Social Media: Find “uncucs” on social media and keep up to date with what’s new.

OUR MISSIONThe mission of University Career Services is to provide progressive services and resources to help students choose and prepare for their careers, learn job search skills, and find employment.

UCS serves undergraduates, graduate students and alumni (up to 6 months). Students and alumni in the MAC, MBA, Law, Medical, and Dentistry programs are served by separate career offices.

O. Ray Angle, Director

Jade Barricelli, Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Computer Science

Amy Blackburn, Senior Assistant Director for Graduate Students and Liaison to the Gillings School of Public Health

Lisa Bowden, Help Desk Agent/Secretary

Christy Dunston, Career Counselor

Jacquelyn Gist, Assistant Director

Emily Gomez, Career Counselor

Sue Harbour, Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Business

Teresa Holt, Help Desk Agent/Secretary

Taron Mattocks, Technology Coordinator

Katherine Nobles, Assistant Director for Social Media & Branding

Julie Pendergraph, Recruiting Services Manager

Jeff Sackaroff, Associate Director

Vergie Taylor, Assistant Director

Karen Thompson, Event/Marketing Coordinator

Christy Walker, Assistant Director

Blakely Williamson, Help Desk Agent/Secretary

Resa Anderson, Pre-Health Advising Coordinator

Will Taylor, Pre-Law and Pre-Graduate Advising Coordinator

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MEET THE STAFF

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCTPRINCIPLES OF

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY1. Provide accurate and honest information to

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

2. Conduct yourself professionally during all encounters with employers. This includes written or email correspondence, phone contact, and personal interactions during career fairs, networking events, and interviews.

3. Keep all appointments with employers and career counselors. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, let UCS know in advance. You may change the time or cancel an interview online any time before midnight two business days before the interview. Once you can no longer cancel online, it is considered a late cancellation. You must call UCS at 919-962-6507 to cancel your interview. No voice mail or email cancellations will be accepted. Failure to cancel will be considered a No-Show. For full details on the consequences of late cancellations and no-shows, please read our OCR policies on careers.unc.edu.

4. Honor your acceptance of a job or internship offer. Once you accept an offer, withdraw from consideration for other opportunities and do not continue to interview. It is unethical to accept a position and then renege (turn down the offer).

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE),http://www.naceweb.org

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY1. Employers should treat candidates with respect

during interviews. All interview questions must fall within legal and ethical guidelines pertaining to anti-discrimination, ADA, and EEO laws and policies.

2. Employers should inform UCS when any offers must be withdrawn or significantly changed, or if a student reneges on a job or internship offer.

3. Employers should refrain from any practice that improperly influences and affects acceptances. Such practices may include undue time pressure for acceptance of offers and encouragement of revocation of another offer. Employers should strive to communicate decisions to candidates within the agreed-upon time frame.

UCS requires that employers abide by the following policy in order to allow our students sufficient time to carefully consider their employment options and to make informed decisions.

Full-time Offers to Summer 2014 Interns:Students should be given until September 1, 2014 to accept/decline offers. This will allow students time to review their upcoming on-campus recruiting (OCR) employment opportunities.

Full-time and Internship Offers from Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 On-Campus Recruiting:Students should be given a minimum of three weeks to accept/decline offers extended as a part of the OCR program.

4. Employers must notify UCS immediately once a student has accepted an employment offer. This allows UCS to remove a student’s access to the OCR program and suspend interviewing privileges.

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

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Individual Appointments:

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

Walk-In Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 1PM–4PM

Careerolina:

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

On-Campus Recruiting:

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

Website and Social Media:

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

Career/Major Exploration:

Many students have questions about which major or career field to pursue. UCS is committed to helping students make good career decisions. To this end, we have several online resources, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Strong Interest Inventory, and “What Can I Do With This Major?”

EDUC 131:

Career exploration course for first and second year undergraduate students.

EDUC 132:

Career planning and job-searching course designed for juniors and seniors.

Mock Interviews:

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

InterviewStream:

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

Optimal Resume:

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

Workshops:

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

Info Sessions/Panels/Meet-Ups/Career Fairs:

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

Alumni Advisor Network:

An online database consisting of UNC alumni and friends who are willing to help students with career exploration, internship/job search, graduate school choices, or relocation. Access the network via careers.unc.edu.

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

Visit with an advisor to ensure that you’re taking all of the necessary steps to prepare for graduate, law, or medical school.

Candidate Referral Service:

Make your resume or CV accessible to interested employers who are hiring but are not necessarily interviewing on-campus. Employers can request resumes/CV of registered candidates from UCS. Upload your resume/CV in Careerolina to participate in this service.

Reference Mailing Service:

UCS has partnered with Interfolio to offer a central location for your reference files. Access this system at www.interfolio.com.

OUR SERVICES

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THE CAREER PLANNING PROCESSIt is quite common for students to have questions about their career aspirations. There is nothing wrong or negative about being uncertain. Now is the ideal time to ask questions, to explore, and to learn about your options. Your focus should not just be on graduating; it should also include a plan for life after UNC.

Students who have the most success approach the job search with a sense of confidence, curiosity, and flexibility. They are proactive, positive, and open to possibilities, and are not immobilized by occasional setbacks.

START NOW!The key to successful career planning is to first understand your values, interests, personality, and skills so that you are able to match them with appropriate career fields. If you are concerned about making a difficult choice, curious about your options, or questioning your current major or career path, please consider:

Meeting with a UCS Counselor

Utilizing our online tool, “What Can I Do With This Major?”

Taking the Strong Interest Inventory or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

Enrolling in EDUC 131, UCS’s 1-credit career exploration class

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

Online Resources For Self-Assessment and Career Exploration

These can be found at careers.unc.edu/resources

Career Insider by Vault

First Destination Survey

Strong Interest Inventory

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

myIDP

O*NET

Versatile PhD

What Can I Do With This Major?

CAREER PLANNING

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Get acclimated to UNC. Familiarize yourself with campus, academic advising and your academic department.

Create your Careerolina account. This is the best way to stay informed about all of our services, events, and workshops.

Focus on getting good grades.

Get to know your professors. Visit during office hours, stay late after class, and look for current events that relate to the course.

Update your Careerolina account.

Talk to professors, family, friends, alumni, and professionals about fields that may interest you.

Build your experience by getting involved with student organizations.

Enroll in UCS’ EDUC 131 Career Exploration for help in planning your career and in choosing a major.

Use UCS’ Optimal Resume to write a professional resume and post it on Careerolina as you seek internships.

Update your Careerolina account including your resume.

Pursue leadership positions on campus through student government, clubs/organizations, fraternities and sororities, etc.

Attend UCS career panels, meet-ups, employer info sessions, and career fairs to learn about various employers and career fields.

If considering graduate school, begin exploring programs, application deadlines, and requirements.

Update your Careerolina account.

Participate in a mock interview with a UCS counselor.

Attend UCS career panels, meet-ups, employer info sessions, and career fairs to learn about various employers and career fields.

FOUR-YEAR CAREER SUCCESS PLAN

FIRS

T YE

AR

SOPH

OM

ORE

YEA

RJU

NIO

R YE

AR

SEN

IOR

YEA

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

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Meet with a UCS career counselor to discuss your career goals.

Attend UCS workshops, fairs, panels, and meet-ups.

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

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

Attend the UCS Spring Job/Internship Expo.

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

Practice your interviewing skills with a UCS counselor or employer.

Register for EDUC 132, Career Planning and Job Searching.

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

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

Apply to as many positions as interest you.

Plan your interview attire in advance.

DURING THE SUMMER:

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

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

DURING THE SUMMER:

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

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

DURING THE SUMMER:

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

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

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

NETWORKING

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

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

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

Friends

Family

Neighbors

Present or former teachers

Present or former employers/co-workers

Members of organizations to which you belong

Professional acquaintances

Counselors

Alumni

Religious affiliations

WHERE DO I NETWORK?Everywhere! Think about all of the places you go to interact with people:

Career Fairs, Panels, Meet Ups

Social Networking Sites/LinkedIn

Classes/Conferences/Seminars

Work/Volunteer Meetings/Social Gatherings

Professional Associations

Every interaction can lead to a new direction. You need to put yourself out there so that you have the opportunity to meet and connect with lots of different people.

CONNECTING WITH UNC ALUMNITo connect with fellow Tar Heels, consider using the Alumni Advisor Network or joining the General Alumni Association (alumni.unc.edu). It’s also a good idea to join the UNC Alumni Group via LinkedIn. Within the group, you can send messages to fellow group members, contribute to group discussions, and view the jobs board. For more information about utilizing LinkedIn, please see the section on social media.

Online Resources For Networking

These can be found at careers.unc.edu/resources

Alumni Advisor Network

Careerolina

e-Leads

First Destination Survey

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

Versatile PhD

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

Ask someone that you know personally.

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

Locate UNC alumni through the Alumni Advisor Network, the General Alumni Association, or through LinkedIn.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

What is a typical day like in your job?

What degree area(s) did you pursue?

How did you get started in this field?

Is this career what you expected?

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

Which skills are necessary to be successful in this field?

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

What do employers look for when hiring new candidates?

What is the typical career path like in this field?

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

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

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

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

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To: Jennifer Adams <jadams5@durham.gov>From: Kevin Tilbright <ktilbright@email.unc.edu>Subject: Informational InterviewDate: April 16, 2014 Dear Ms. Adams: I am a junior majoring in Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As I was researching careers using the UNC Alumni Network, I came across your information. Although I am not currently looking for a job, I am very interested in learning all I can about typical career paths in the field of public policy as well as what skills I might need to develop during my last year at UNC. I would greatly appreciate 15 to 20 minutes of your time to ask you a few questions about your position as Health Policy Analyst with the City of Durham, as well as other opportunities in the field. I realize that you are on a tight schedule and I would greatly appreciate any time that you could spare to meet with me or talk over the phone. I will be leaving for the summer on June 2nd; it would be great to meet with you before that date, if possible. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kevin Tilbright 919-555-5555

SAMPLE E-MAIL REQUEST FOR INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

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

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

Do NOT include a resume/CV with this letter - you are not job hunting at this stage.

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

LINKEDINThis professional networking site provides you the opportunity to establish a professional online identity, participate in conversations on relevant topics, and make connections with professionals in your industry or career path.

Key tip: To get the most out of LinkedIn, seek out and participate in LinkedIn groups of interest.

TWITTERThis microblogging site is a great way for you to interact with people of similar professional interests from across the globe. Additionally, organizations are increasingly using Twitter to promote jobs and internships.

Key tip: Use “hashtag” searches (e.g. #jobs or #internships) and “follow” organizations of interest to find opportunities.

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM Be sure that your activities on Facebook won’t give prospective employers uncertainties about you as a

candidate. Check your photos, videos, and comments for professionalism.

Key tip: Utilize Facebook’s privacy settings to disallow public viewing of tagged photos, wall posts and other aspects of your profile (or make your profile entirely unsearchable).

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIOS/BLOGSThere are a variety of other tools that you can use to develop your personal brand including blogs like WordPress and Blogger, sharing sites such as slideshare.com, and LinkedIn’s professional portfolio application. Consider showcasing samples of your work to demonstrate your capabilities.

REPPLER.COMThis website allows you to proactively scan and mointor your social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) to help maintain a professional online presence. In their words, “manage your online image across social networks.” Employers are looking!

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Social media can help you accomplish several career-related tasks, including:Presenting a positive personal brand to prospective employersSearching for jobs and internshipsResearching organizations and industry news/trendsExpanding your network

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YOU’RE LINKEDIN, NOW WHAT?5 Things to do on LinkedIn

CREATE YOUR PROFILE

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

MAKE CONNECTIONS

Send connection requests to past and current coworkers, supervisors, classmates, and professors. The more first degree connections you have, the wider your network becomes.

SHOWCASE YOUR WORK

Input your honors, organizations, projects, and courses you’ve taken into your profile. Add a website link to a portfolio, if you have one.

GET RECOMMENDED

Ask a few of your connections to recommend your work. Then return the favor for them as well.

PARTICIPATE

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

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RESUMES/CVsA resume or CV is used to apply for internships, jobs, and in some cases, fellowships, scholarships, and graduate school. While it is impossible to sum up all of your talents and abilities on a short document, it should clearly illuminate the specific, tangible, and transferable skills and attributes that you have to offer. The goal in crafting your resume or CV is to obtain an interview by communicating to employers what value you will bring to their organization.

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

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

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

RESUMES/CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)and LETTERS

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RESUME/CV CONTENTHeading

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

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

Objective (optional) An effective objective will accomplish two things:

Convey what you are interested in.

Communicate which skills you can offer the employer.

Sample Objectives:“A summer internship in the field of sports marketing”

“A position in social science research, utilizing a background in psychology, research methods, and statistics”

“An internship position at Company A utilizing skills in graphic design and social media”

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

Highlight your best GPA, either major or overall.

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

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

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

Honors and Awards (optional)List Dean’s List, scholarships, and other awards in this section.

Highlight the nature of the award briefly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the background

What was your action?

What was the result?

Some students seeking advanced degrees use a summary statement or profile in place of an objective.

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

H - High Pass P - Pass L - Low Pass F – Fail

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

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Activities Employers put a high value on students’ involvement with on and off campus organizations, as they are an indication of leadership potential, teamwork skills, and your areas of interest.

Include memberships, offices held in clubs or organizations, community involvement, and athletics.

Activities can also be great talking points during the interview. You never know what the interviewer may focus on or find interest in.

Skills List your computer-related/social media skills, lab experience, and/or foreign language proficiency as applicable.

Be sure to accurately qualify your knowledge by stating a skill level (“Expertise in”, “Familiarity with”, etc.).

Knowledge about things like Internet, email, and MS Office experience is not typically necessary.

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

References (optional)Do not list the actual references on the resume/CV. References should be listed on a separate sheet (see 37 for example). ADDITIONAL TIPS IF YOU ARE WRITING A CV

Choose category headings that emphasize your particular strengths and achievements (i.e. “Research Experience” or “Teaching Experience”).

Use consistent heading and subheading styles throughout the CV.

In the publication section, bold your name to make it stand out.

Publications should be cited in the format for your particular field.

Choose references wisely and ask permission before submitting names.

Add a header with name and page number to each page after the first.

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

ADDITIONAL RESUME/CV CATEGORIES THAT YOU MAY WANT TO ADD INCLUDE:

Technical Skills

Special Skills/Areas of Specialization

Community Service/Volunteer Work

Study Abroad/Travel/Languages

Military Experience

Dissertation/Thesis topic

Postdoctoral Training/Fellowships

Publications

Awards

Teaching Experience

Abstracts and Presentations

Symposia/Lectures

Professional Affiliations

Research Grants

Certifications/Licensure

University Committee Appointments

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ACTION VERBS FOR RESUME WRITING

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ArrangedAssembledBalancedBudgetedClarifiedCompiledCoordinatedCorrelatedDetailedDevelopedFacilitatedGatheredGraphedIdentified

InspectedLocatedMaintained MappedOrganizedPlannedPreparedPrioritizedProcessedProgrammedReorganizedRetrievedReviewedRevised

ScheduledSimplifiedSolvedStreamlinedStructuredSynthesized TabulatedUpdated

AdministeredAllocatedApprovedArrangedAssignedAuthorizedCoachedConductedConsultedContractedControlledDelegatedDirectedEducated

EncouragedEnforcedEvaluatedExecutedExercisedExpeditedFosteredHiredImplementedInstructedLedMonitoredMotivatedOrganized

OversawPlannedPreparedPrioritizedPurchasedRegulatedRespondedReviewedSelectedSolvedStrengthenedSupervisedTrained

9. ORGANIZATION 10. MANAGEMENT

AdvisedAssessedCoachedDemonstratedEducatedEncouragedExplainedFosteredGuidedImprovedInspired

InterpretedMotivatedPromotedReinforcedStrengthenedSupportedTaughtTrained

AdjustedAdaptedCorrectedEliminatedExecutedExpeditedFacilitatedImplementedModifiedOperatedPrepared

PrioritizedProducedProgrammedReducedRepairedServicedSustained

AdvisedAdvocatedBargainedExpeditedFacilitatedLobbiedMediatedMergedMotivatedNegotiatedPersuaded

PromotedReconciledSoldSolved

6. TEACHING & COUNSELING 7. OPERATIONS 8. NEGOTIATION

AdaptedAuthoredComposedCreatedDesignedDevelopedDraftedEstablishedExpanded

FormulatedGeneratedImprovedIncreasedInfluencedInitiatedInnovatedInstitutedInvented

LaunchedPlannedPrioritizedProducedSimplifiedSolvedStyledStreamlinedVisualized

AdvancedAssuredExpandedFacilitatedFosteredGuaranteedImprovedIncreasedInspired

MasteredMaximizedMotivatedObtainedOvercamePromotedProvidedRestoredRecruited

StrengthenedStimulatedUpgraded

4. DEVELOPMENT 5. ACHIEVEMENT

AnalyzedAppraisedAssessedClarifiedComparedDefinedDeterminedDiagnosedEvaluated

ExaminedIdentifiedInspectedIntegratedMonitoredObservedResearchedReviewed

AdvisedCollaboratedContributedConsultedCooperatedDeliveredFacilitatedParticipatedProvided

ReferredServedStrengthenedSuppliedSupported

AddressedAdvertisedBriefedCommunicatedCorrespondedExplainedInterpretedInterviewedLectured

PreparedPresentedPublicizedRecordedRespondedWrote

1. ANALYSIS 2. ASSISTANCE 3. COMMUNICATION

Evan Reeseereese@email.unc.edu

(919) 555-5555School Address Home Address101 Main Street 101 Main StreetChapel Hill, NC 27514 Raleigh, NC 27606 OBJECTIVE A summer internship with a non-profit organization EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill First Year Student, expected graduation May 20XX West Charlotte High School, Charlotte, NC Class of 20XX GPA 4.5, Ranked in top 5% of class HONORS Best Buy Scholarship (academic excellence and community service) RELATED EXPERIENCE Volunteer Tutor, Feb 20XX-Mar 20XX Project Elevation, Charlotte, NC

• Assisted non-native English speaking residents develop conversational language skills.• Helped create lesson plans to facilitate learning. • Exposed immigrants to local customs and cultures.

Mission Volunteer, Jun 20XX-Aug 20XX Baja Missions, Various Cities, Mexico

• Traveled to Ensenada, Vicente Guerro, and Chapultepec Mexico during 6-week trip.• Assisted team leaders distribute resources and materials to local villages.• Utilized Spanish-speaking skills to effectively communicate.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Cashier, Rita’s Water Ice, Charlotte, NC, Apr 20XX-Oct 20XX

• Provided friendly customer service in family environment.• Handled cash transactions and balanced the register nightly.• Monitored inventory and assisted with reordering inventory.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE UNC Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow First Year Representative, Fall 20XX-present WCHS Student Body President, 20XX-20XX ACTIVITIES Habitat for Humanity, UNC National Honors Society, WCHS Varsity Soccer Team, 3 years, WCHS REFERENCES Available upon request

RESUME 1

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Kyle Chasekchase@email.unc.edu

School Address: 101 Main Street, Chapel Hill NC, 27514Home Address: 101 Main Street, Raleigh NC, 27606

Phone: (919) 555-5555 OBJECTIVEA support position in a residential treatment facility EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel HillB.A. Psychology May 20XXGPA 3.1 Wake County Community College, Raleigh NCCompleted 36 general education credits, 20XX-XXGPA 3.9 HONORS Dean’s List 3 semestersRiley Fay Community Service Scholarship Recipient, 20XX LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCEAlpha Beta Fraternity, University of North Carolina President, Fall 20XX-Spring 20XX• Chaired weekly Brotherhood meetings, directing over 100 members.• Supervised weekly meetings to evaluate goal progression of 25 executive officers.• Served as liaison for brotherhood with UNC and National office.• Oversaw the philanthropy efforts by raising over $6,000 for local charities. Child and Family Services, Raleigh, NC Youth Counselor, Summer 20XX• Assisted students with completing various academic assignments.• Demonstrated creativity in maintaining a conducive and learning-rich environment for 15 students. • Facilitated bi-weekly meetings with 4 counselors to strengthen teamwork and define learning

objectives for students. WORK EXPERIENCE Buckingham Golf Course, Morrisville, NJPro Shop Associate, Summers, 20XX-20XX• Conducted research on golf clubs and made recommendations to customers.• Utilized communication and customer service skills to teach golf techniques to new and

experienced players. Top of the Hill Grill, Chapel Hill, NCServer, October 20XX-May 20XX• Provided exceptional customer service to ensure pleasant dining experience for restaurant patrons. REFERENCESAvailable Upon Request

RESUME 2

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Vanessa Brodiemyemail@gmail.comHome (919) 555-5555

101 Main StreetRaleigh, NC 27606

ObjectiveTo obtain a position as a Research Assistant EducationUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillB. S. Biology, December 20XXOverall GPA 3.79, Major GPA. 3.93 HonorsDean’s List (3 semesters)Phi Beta Kappa Relevant ClassesLab Experiments in Genetics, Introduction to Statistics, Molecular Biology, Genetics Elementary Pathogenic Microbiology Related ExperienceHanson Research Lab, Chapel Hill, NC, May 20XX- August 20XXLab Technician• Assisted in experimental design setup of sequencing the tau gene in individuals with Alzheimer’s

disease or Front Temporal Dementia• Evaluated sequencing program and clarified ambiguous base calls• Managed data of individual’s genotypes• Observed and assisted a graduate student in preparing specimens for microarray• Learned proper lab techniques and gained experience in pipetting Academic Skills Center, Goldsboro, NC, August 20XX- May 20XXPeer Tutor• Encouraged and coached students struggling to understand course material• Tutored subjects ranged from General Chemistry, English, and Mathematics Other ExperienceCirculation Department, Davis Library, Chapel Hill, NC, May 20XX-April 20XX• Facilitated a better experience for patrons by enabling effective access to library resources• Discharged books to patrons, sorted and shelved returned books ActivitiesUNC Health Care Systems- Student Volunteer, August 20XX-December 20XXYMCA Helping Paws, UNC-CH, September 20XX-20XX Computer SkillsPC operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access

Technical SkillsColumn chromatography, Thin layer chromatography, Extraction, Dilutions

RESUME 3

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Carl Olina101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606

carolina@email.unc.edu • (919) 555-555

EDUCATIONUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillBachelor of Arts in Economics, expected graduation May 20XXGPA: 3.25Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Economics, Management Accounting, Statistics

Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC May 20XXGPA: 4.22 (weighted)

LEADERSHIP/ATHLETIC EXPERIENCERight Field, UNC Baseball Team June 20XX-Present• Participate in extensive physical training three times a week during season and compete

in conference and tournament play X months each year• Represent university at all collegiate baseball sporting events• Support local charities through targeted fundraising opportunities, raised $5,000• Awarded full scholarship for 4 years• 20XX ACC Champions• 20XX NCAA Semifinalist• Most Improved Field Player 20XXCoach, UNC Baseball Camps, Chapel Hill, NC June 20XX-July 20XX• Assisted non-native English speaking residents with conversational language skill development• Helped create lesson plans to facilitate learning• Exposed immigrants to local customs and cultures, including available community resourcesCaptain, Chapel Hill Baseball Team, Chapel Hill, NC Aug 20XX-May 20XX• Mentored Varsity and JV players• 20XX North Carolina 3A Champions• Coordinated fundraising efforts to contribute sports equipment to local community centers ($5,000)

OTHER EXPERIENCEAssociate, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Raleigh, NC Apr 20XX-Oct 20XX• Provided friendly customer service in a full-service sporting goods stores• Processed cash and credit transactions and balanced register nightly• Monitored inventory and assisted with reordering merchandise

ACTIVITIESCarolina Economics Club Sept 20XX-PresentTreasurer,Carolina Sport Business Club Sept 20XX-Present

Mission Volunteer, Baja Missions, Mexico City, Mexico June 20XX-Aug 20XX• Traveled to Ensenada, Vicente Guerro, and Chapultepec, Mexico during 6-week trip• Assisted team leaders with distributing resources and materials to local villages• Utilized Spanish-speaking skills to effectively communicate with families

SKILLSProficient Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPointFamiliar STATA

ATHLETIC RESUME

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Katen N. Perry101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 • specialscene@live.unc.edu • H (919) 555-5555 • C (919) 555-5555

SUMMARY Seven years of leadership and management experience in military/food service settings CertifiedTrainerforSafeServcertification ConfidentialSecurityClearance

OBJECTIVE TerritoryManageratWesternCarolinaFoodFacility

EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill B.S. Public Health—Nutrition May 20XX GPA 3.30

EXPERIENCE Ruby Tuesday’s, Assistant Manager, Durham, NC Jan 20XX-Dec 20XX• Scheduled 25 staff for two shifts daily• Inventoried and purchased weekly $8,000 in food/beverages• Hired, trained, and evaluated performance of morning/afternoon shift staff• Attendedquarterlytrainingsonsafety,sanitation,leadership,finance/budgeting

VOLUNTEER YouthDirector,TobaccoRoadYMCA,Durham,NC Homeless Shelter Cook, Chapel Hill, NC SafeHavenFoodDistributionCenter,ChapelHill,NC

MILITARY United States Air Force StaffSergeant,FoodServiceSpecialist Aug20XX-Mar20XX TechnicalSergeant,FoodServiceSpecialist Jun20XX-Jul20XX LacklandAirForceBase,SanAntonio,Texas •Trainedstaffinhighestqualitysanitationstandards • Generated weekly breakfast menus for 10,000+ airmen • Ordered weekly over $350,000 in breakfast items • Rotated and delegated to staff clean-up crew

ShawAirForceBase,Sumter,SC Apr20XX-Jun20XX BasicTraining

ToursofDuty:Turkey,Spain,andGermany

Honors:GoodConductMedal,DominicanRepublicCitation,FireCodeSpecialist

LEADERSHIP United States Air Force ADVANCED LEADERSHIP TRAINING LacklandAirForceBase,SanAntonio,TX Jun20XX RAFWethersfield,Essex,England Sep20XX

PROFESSIONAL National Nutritional Association Veteran’s Administration Association

ACTIVITIES HealthyCooking,Running,Weightlifting

MILITARY RESUME

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Sky Hawthorneshawthro@live.unc.edu Address: 101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 919-555-5555

OBJECTIVESeeking a position as an emergency room nurse

EDUCATIONThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillB.S. Nursing, May 20XXGPA 3.2

Certification: North Carolina CNA Certification, August 20XX

CLINICAL EXPERIENCEMedical/Surgical II, Veterans Administration Hospital, Durham, NC, Spring 20XXPediatrics, Duke University Children’s Hospital, Durham, NC, Fall 20XXPsychiatric, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, Fall 20XX Medical/Surgical I, UNC Chapel Hill Women’s Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, Spring 20XXGeriatrics, UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, Spring 20XX Maternity, UNC Chapel Hill Women’s Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC, Fall 20XXEmergency Room, Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC, Fall 20XX

WORK EXPERIENCECNA, WakeMed Hospital, Raleigh, NC, September 20XX-May 20XX

• Assisted with direct patient care • Transported patients to various areas of the hospital• Collaborated with nurses and doctors to provide patient care• Sterilized medical equipment

Nanny, Chapel Hill, NC, June 20XX-August 20XX, June 20XX-August 20XX• Provided child care to 3 children ages 3, 5, and 8.

Front Desk Assistant, Frank Porter Graham Student Union, UNC Chapel Hill, September 20XX-May 20XX• Answered questions about events taking place in the Student Union• Provided excellent customer service to patrons

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

ACTIVITIESAssociation of Nursing Students, UNC Chapel HillVegetarian Society, UNC Chapel Hill

REFERENCESAvailable Upon Request

NURSE RESUME

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Robin Heelsrobin.heels@gmail.com ~ 101 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 ~ 919-555-5555

Objective Seeking a position as an elementary teacher in Cumberland County

Education University of North Carolina at Chapel HillB.A., Elementary Education, May 20XXGPA: 3.3

LicensureNorth Carolina Elementary K-6 Standard Professional 1 Licensure, May 20XX

Honors Dean’s List 2 semesters

Teaching Experience FRANK PORTER GRAHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Chapel Hill, NCStudent Teacher, Spring 20XX

• Plan and implement daily lessons and activities for a classroom of 20 second grade students for 8 weeks• Collaborate with second grade teachers on field trip to Morehead Planetarium • Communicate with parents weekly regarding the progress of each student• Assess students formally and informally in all subject areas taught• Utilize technology to differentiate instruction to students• Meet with second grade teachers weekly

Student Intern, Fall 20XX• Assisted second grade teacher with daily lesson plans• Worked one-on-one with students• Helped plan Fall talent show with teachers at school

Student Intern, CARRBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Carrboro, NC, Spring 20XX• Monitored daily classroom activities and lessons• Assisted with field trip to pumpkin farm

Student Intern, SEAWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Chapel Hill, NC, Fall 20XX• Observed daily classroom activities and lessons• Provided assistance by setting up learning centers

Leadership Experience Secretary, MASALA, August 20XX-May 20XXIntern, Student U, Durham, NC, June-August 20XX Camp Counselor, Sleepy Well Summer Camp, Arlington, VA, June-July 20XX and June-July 20XX

Activities UNC Dance Marathon, February 20XXIntramural softball, Spring 20XX

Skills Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPointSmart Board technology

TEACHER RESUME

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Jamie Greekjgreek@unc.edu

Cell 919-555-5555School Address Home Address 101 Main Street 101 Main StreetChapel Hill, North Carolina 27517 Raleigh, North Carolina 27606

OBJECTIVE Seeking a full time position as an assistant publicist

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

HONORS Dean’s List, 3 semesters UNC Greek Alliance Council Chapter of the Year 20XX National Society of Collegiate Scholars Order of Omega Greek Honor Society

LEADERSHIP Omega Chi Omega, UNC Chapel Hill EXPERIENCE President April 20XX-Present

• Chair weekly meetings, directing 15 members • Composeagendaforweeklymeetingstoevaluategoalprogressionof4executiveofficers• ActastheliaisonforNationalOffice• Facilitateinraisingover$6,000forlocalcharities• Attend Omega Chi Omega National Leadership Conference, August 20XX

Vice President April 20XX-April 20XX• Organized chapter information for the Meet the Greeks informal event• Developed membership marketing packages and scheduled events throughout the

semester to promote membership and image on campus

UNC Greek Alliance Council August 20XX-May 20XX Secretary

• Organized membership attendance, took minutes at two meetings a week• MemberoftheExecutiveBoardofGreekAllianceCouncil

RELATED Algonquin Books, Chapel Hill, NC Summer 20XXEXPERIENCE Publicity Intern

• Developed publicity campaigns for 3 books released in the summer• Wrotepressreleasesforbooks• Contacted local and national media to obtain author interviews on television, radio,

and in the print media• Scheduledlogisticsofauthortravel--flights,hotels,mediaescorts• Packaged books and mailed them to media outlets

Starbucks Coffee,Seattle,WA Summer20XX Intern

• Designed and implemented marketing strategies for 31 new store openings• Managed corporate sponsorships, including Seattle-to-Portland bike race• Trackedandanalyzednewstores’performanceandimplementedmarketingresponses

UNCOfficeofSpecialEvents, Chapel Hill, NC Summer 20XX Intern

• Scheduled venues on campus for events with the Chancellor• Ordered food for events, dealt with caterers, worked within a budget• Developed invitations for events• Contacted local media to cover special events with the Chancellor

COMMUNITY Habitat for Humanity, UNC, 20XX-PresentSERVICE Mentor, Chapel Hill High School, 20XX-Present Tutor,ChapelHillElementarySchool,20XX-20XX

SKILLS ProficientinFrench MicrosoftWord,PowerPoint,Excel,Access,Publisher,AdobeCreativeSuite SocialMediaProficiencywithFacebook,Twitter,andLinkedIn

REFERENCES Available upon request

RESUME with FRATERNITY/SORORITY EXPERIENCE

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Amy Larkin101 Main Street Raleigh, NC 27606

(919) 515-5555 test@email.unc.edu

EDUCATION PhD, Nutrition Intervention & Policy, Expected December 20XXGillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Dissertation: Using Online Social Networking Technology to Increase Social Support for Exercise: The INSHAPE Study. • Committee: Alice Ammerman, DrPH, RD (Chair), Jane Brown, PhD, Robert DeVellis, PhD, Amy Ries, PhD, Deborah Tate, PhD

MPH, Nutrition, August 20XX Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Master’s Thesis: Addressing Youth Obesity Through a Web-Based Wellness Policy Toolkit for Obesity Prevention in

Middle Schools at the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention • Certified as a Registered Dietitian

BA, cum laude, Economics, May 20XX Boston University

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH SKILLS Project management * grant and proposal writing * research methodology & design * Institutional Review Board clearance * participant recruitment * data collection * data management * statistical analysis (SPSS, Mplus, ATLAS.ti) * online survey design and programming (Qualtrics) * oral presentations * cost effectiveness analysis

RESEARCH INTERESTS Obesity * obesity related co-morbidities * physical activity * nutrition * social support * technology-based health interventions * structural equation modeling * health behavior theory * health communications * research dissemination & translation

AWARDS AND HONORS • Cancer Control Education Program, Predoctoral Fellowship, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, UNC (5R25-

CA057726), 20XX-20XX, $41,000 per annum • NIH National Service Research Award, Predoctoral Traineeship, Department of Nutrition Training Grant, UNC (2-T32-

DK07686), 20XX-20XX, $29,999 • University of North Carolina Graduate School Merit Assistantship, 20XX-20XX, $29,000 • American Dietetic Association Foundation Geraldine M. Piper Memorial Scholarship, 20XX-20XX, $1,000

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Dissertation Research, January 20XX - Present UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC • Independently conducted a randomized controlled health intervention trial with 134 participants and a 90 percent

retention rate. • Developed and administered Qualtrics online questionnaires at 3 time points using existing instruments and process

measures developed specifically for the intervention. • Conducted 24 qualitative structured interviews and manually documented over 800 intervention discussion board posts. • Collected, managed, and analyzed data on over 200 variables using structural equation modeling, analysis of variance,

and descriptive analysis techniques.

Graduate Research Assistant, June 20XX - Present UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Chapel Hill, NC • Managing a content development team for a CDC funded weight loss intervention targeting low-income family

planning clinic patients. This work has included the creation of 8 web based educational modules with assessment questionnaires, a 26-week online behavioral self-monitoring system with tailored feedback, and the development of an online social network based social support program.

• Contributed significantly to the background, research design, analysis, and budget sections of 5 NIH grant submissions including the successful submission of a $133,000 phase 1 NIH STTR grant. Three submissions are in development or pending review.

• Prepared and managed several complex IRB applications for grant-funded health interventions. • Served on successful Deputy Director for Research and Operations search committee for the UNC Prevention Research

Center (Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention).

CURRICULUM VITAE

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TEACHING & MENTORING EXPERIENCE Teaching Assistant, Spring 20XX & Spring 20XX NUTR/HPM 780, Entrepreneurship in Public Health • Assisted in the development of all course content and assignments. • Managed speakers, class group assignments, and student inquiries. • Evaluated students by providing written feedback and grades for 9 one page written assignments and a 15 page final paper. • Taught one, two-hour class per semester.

UNC Undergraduate Research Mentor, June 20XX - July 20XX • Recruited and hired 3 undergraduate interns for dissertation research through the UNC Office for Undergraduate Research. • Scheduled and oversaw regular meetings and managed intern activities including the transcription and coding of over 11

hours of qualitative interviews. • Provided recommendations and career advice as needed.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Health Communications Intern, Aug 20XX – May 20XX North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch • Developed a radio and print health communications campaign for the statewide Eat Smart Move More program, “Maintain

Don’t Gain”. • Wrote press releases and articles on school wellness topics for dissemination to PTAs and the North Carolina School

Board Association.

Dietetic Intern, June 20XX - Aug 20XX UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC • Collected data and evaluated patient nutritional risks and status. • Recommended medical nutrition therapy and counseled patients. • Documented patient information and interventions.

Manager, New Business Development, April 20XX – Aug 20XX National Public Media, New York, NY• Consistently exceeded multi-million dollar fundraising goals. • Developed 1.8 million dollar television, radio and PBS Ready To Learn program sponsorship for PNC Bank. • Created and managed partnerships between commercial and non-profit sales organizations.

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS Publications • Smith A, Jones B, Larkin A, Charles AF, Johnson, TJ. Health economics in public health. American Journal of Preventive

Medicine. 20XX Mar;36(3):273-5. • Peterson A, Larkin A, Jones A. Linking homegrown and locally produced fruits and vegetables to improving access and

intake in communities through policy and environmental change. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 20XX Apr;107(4):584-5 (Application)

• Smith A, Lee MM, Larkin A. Addressing disparities in the obesity epidemic. North Carolina Medical Journal. 20XX Jul-Aug;67(4):301-4.

• Larkin A. Using return on investment analysis to evaluate health promotion programs: challenges and opportunities. RTI Issue Briefs. 20XX November: 1(3): 1-4.

Oral Presentations • Larkin A. Johnson, D, Jones, L, Bailey, A, Gaston, M, Lee, Z, Smith, A. “Results From a Nutritional and Physical Activity

Tracking and Screening Pilot Program in Middle Schools”. 32nd Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Washington, DC, 20XX.

• Cavallo D, Gaston A, Johnson A, Smith A. “Entrepreneurial Approaches To Improved Snack Bar Offerings In School Settings”. International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Conference. Banff, AB, 20XX.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Member, Society of Behavioral Medicine Member, American Dietetic Association

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES Volunteer, Meals on Wheels , Sept 20XX-August 20XX Competitive Cyclist (Category3) , 20XX-20XX

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DO’S & DON’TSDo:

Be specific in your objective if you choose to include one.

Draft a clear and well-organized document.

Bachelor’s candidates should limit resume to one page in length.

Check the spelling of every word and ensure there are no errors.

Customize the content for the organization or position.

Describe duties and accomplishments in bullets.

Quantify results when possible.

Don’t:

Include a picture or personal information such as weight, height, marital status, SSN, age, race, and religion.

Use personal pronouns such as I, me, or my.

Exaggerate your experiences.

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

State salary.

PROOFREADINGAny typo or grammatical mistake on your resume/CV can indicate to an employer that you are not detail oriented.

Do not rely on spell check to catch misspelled words. You should have several reliable people proofread your resume before you send it out.

SENDING YOUR RESUME TO EMPLOYERS

You can upload your resume/CV to Careerolina and apply for the many positions posted daily.

If you are emailing your resume/CV to an employer on your own, attach it as a Word or PDF document. Make sure that your name appears in the name of the attachment (John_Smith_resume.doc). The body of the email can be your cover letter.

If submitting a hard copy of your resume or CV to an employer, print it out on resume quality paper. This is a heavier quality bond paper that can be purchased at any office supply store. Use a conservative, professional color, such as off-white or crème.

REVIEW PROCESSRESUME/CVStudents wishing to utilize Careerolina or participate in On-Campus Recruiting will first need to upload their resume/CV to the database for a UCS counselor to review.

Our resume/CV review process uses state of the art technology that provides students with personalized counselor feedback. The review process typically takes 1–2 business days and helps to ensure that our students’ resumes/CVs are competitive and congruent with the expectations of employers and graduate admissions offices.

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The cover letter serves several functions:

To capture the recruiter’s attention and help differentiate you from other candidates.

To identify the job title or type of opening for which you want to be considered.

To indicate how you learned about the position (e.g., University Career Services, employee referral, organization website, professional association).

To highlight your qualifications as they relate to your targeted opening.

To demonstrate a sincere interest in a particular employer and position.

COVER LETTER TIPS

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

1 page in length.

Write a targeted, customized cover letter for each position.

When sending electronically, you can attach it to the email or include the cover letter as the body of the email.

Don’t restate your resume/CV. Highlight 1-3 skills or experiences in detail that show you are the best candidate for the position.

Address to an individual. If not possible, use “Dear Human Resources Director” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Vary how you start each sentence and avoid beginning every sentence or paragraph with the word “I.”

Thank the employer for their time and consideration.

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

Proofread to ensure there are no spelling or punctuation errors.

COVER LETTERS

The cover letter is used to introduce yourself and to briefly explain your qualifications to a prospective employer. Employers who post positions in Careerolina may or may not require a cover letter, but you should consider sending one with your resume/CV when applying to positions you find outside of Careerolina. You do not need to submit a cover letter when you hand deliver a resume/CV (i.e. at a career fair).

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Your Present AddressDate of Letter

Individual’s NameTitleEmployerStreet Address

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. __________: or Dear Hiring Manager: Paragraph 1: ATTENTIONIndicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and how you learned of the opening. Include prior contact with an employer or employees of the organization you are applying to. Paragraph 2: INTERESTExplain why you are interested in the position, the organization, its products or services. Show the reader that you have done your research and make it clear that you are interested in their specific position (generic cover letters are easily detected and dismissed by employers).

Paragraph 3: FITHighlight 1-3 skills or experiences in detail that show you are the best candidate for the position. Indicate what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you. Paragraph 4: CLOSINGIn the closing paragraph, indicate that you are very interested in an interview. Finally, thank the employer for his/her time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name Typed or Handwritten SignatureEnclosures (if mailing) or Attachment (if emailing)

COVER LETTER STRUCTURE

34

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

SUBJECT LINE: Ben & Jerry’s Summer Public Relations Internship Application

Dear Hiring Manager:

I am very interested in the Summer Public Relations internship at Ben & Jerry’s that was advertised on Indeed.com. I have the qualifications and enthusiasm for ice cream that your company is seeking. I am a junior at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Communication Studies.

Currently I am a scooper at the Ben & Jerry’s Franklin Street store. While in this position I have honed my talents in customer service, teamwork, and communication. Additionally I have interned at a local boutique as the social media intern. In that position I set up and updated the boutique’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts daily.

I would love to work at Ben & Jerry’s this summer. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Leslie Jordan

3137 Aileen DriveRaleigh, NC 27609March 23, 20XX Ms. Virginia Poling1814 Kingston PikeChapel Hill, NC 27501 Dear Ms. Poling: I had the pleasure of meeting Representative Wanda McHenry at a reception in Raleigh this past Monday. She suggested that I email you regarding the possibility of a summer internship position with your office in Washington, DC. I am a junior from UNC-Chapel Hill studying Political Science and Public Policy. Last summer, I served as an intern for Senator John Smith, where I gained invaluable experience and insight into the world of national politics. In addition to drafting correspondence to constituents, I also had the opportunity to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. Currently, I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed both in an out of the classroom. I would be appreciative of any advice or suggestions you may have regarding my interests in pursuing a career on Capitol Hill. I know that this is a busy time of year, and I thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to call or email me at your convenience. I can be reached at (919) 515-5555 or dheller@live.unc.com. Sincerely,

Doreen Heller Doreen Heller

SAMPLE LETTER of INQUIRY and EMAIL COVER LETTER

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445 Paul Hardin Dr. #954Chapel Hill, NC, 27514January 26, 20XX Fleishman-Hillard2421 Nag’s Head AvenueRaleigh, NC 27695 Dear Hiring Manager: I recently discovered the Fleishman-Hillard’s Assistant Editor position through University Career Service’s online database at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In May, I will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, and I am looking for an opportunity to apply the skills I have honed over the past several years. While at UNC, I have served as both a Staff Writer and Copy Editor for the University’s newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel (the largest community newspaper in Orange County). My experiences in the newsroom as a reporter, copy editor, and writer have helped me develop a deep interest in journalism and a strong passion for working in the field of mass communication. I take much pride in my accomplishments at the University’s newspaper and consider my Spanish-speaking abilities to be one of my greatest assets. My involvement in the Carolina Hispanic Association (CHispA) and the Minority Recruitment Committee at UNC-CH have strengthened my skills in the areas of communication, writing, organizing, and planning. For example, I was able to plan and organize a group presentation for employers as part of CHispA’s participation in the Diverse Reverse Fair at UNC this Spring. During the process I communicated with members of CHispA to ensure that all of our community and campus involvement was included in the presentation. At the event many employers came up to our table and spoke highly of our on-stage presentation. I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you and discuss my qualifications. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (919) 555-5555 at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jason Borek Jason Borek

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

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

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

LISTINGREFERENCES

Amy Larkin2456 Ashton AvenueChapel Hill, NC,27598

919-555-5555alarkin@email.unc.edu

REFERENCES

Gary Abbamont

Associate ProfessorSchool of Journalism and Mass Communication

2111 Carol HallUNC-Chapel Hill

919-555-5555gabbamo@email.unc.edu

Dr. Jonathan Philips

Faculty AdvisorSociety of Human Resource Management

210 Steele Building919-555-5555

jphilip@email.unc.edu

Jennifer QuinnStore Manager

Belk’s, Cary Towne Center2390 Cary Towne Center Blvd

Cary NC 27513919-555-5555

jquinn@belks.com

SAMPLE LIST of REFERENCES SAMPLE BUSINESS CARD FRONT

SAMPLE BUSINESS CARD BACK

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

STUDENT BUSINESS CARDS

Carol Jonescljones@unc.edu

(919) 555-5555

B.A., Sociology, May 2014

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

3.7 GPAResume available at

http://unc.confidentialresume.com/new

Seeking position in Human Services working in the Latino Community

Spanish/English Fluent 4 years tutoring Latino youth Event Coordination Budget Management

Independent ResearchCommunity OrganizerVolunteer Recruitment Program Development

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

Conclude the letter by indicating your continued interest in the position.

Summarize what impressed you most about the organization and position.

Highlight your experience or skills that appeared to interest or impress the interviewer.

Include any additional information that the recruiter requested (e.g., transcript, writing sample, references).

Conclude by indicating your continued interest in the position.

THANK YOU LETTERS

Dear Mr. Jenkins: Thank you for the time you and your staff spent with me yesterday to discuss the Sales Representative position. I am very impressed with what I learned about the J.R. Johnson Company’s six-month training program, especially the combination of classroom and on-the-job training. It seems more thorough than comparable programs in the consumer goods industry. Since we talked, I read about the success of your company’s latest product introduction. This just confirms what I have learned about J.R. Johnson’s reputation for marketing expertise. As we discussed, I have two summers of sales experience. This has taught me the importance of goal-setting, identifying the customer’s needs, and organizing my time effectively. I am confident that my background will make me an asset to your company. Enclosed is a copy of my transcript. Please let me know if you need any further information. Again, thank you for the opportunity to talk to you in more detail about a sales career with J.R. Johnson. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely,

Joshua Bordwick Joshua Bordwick

SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER

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WHAT DO EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR DURING THE INTERVIEW?Employers typically want to know three things:

Can you do the job?

Will you do the job?

Will you fit in with the organization?

Your job is to provide enough solid information to answer an unequivocal “YES!” to all three of these questions. To do so effectively, you will need to be aware of the specific characteristics employers seek in new hires. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), who surveys hundreds of employers each year, the attributes most highly sought after are:

1. Communication skills

2. Honesty/integrity

3. Interpersonal/teamwork skills

4. Motivation/initiative

5. Strong work ethic

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

How does the organization’s mission match with your interests?

Does the nature of the job sound interesting?

How is the organization run; does it seem well-organized?

How do the other employees interact with each other?

Are you excited about the possibility of this position?

Does the job match your career interests?

WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEWA professional, leather portfolio with a pad and pen

Several copies of your resume/CV

Letters of recommendation (optional)

Work samples (optional)

INTERVIEWING

Interviewing is a two-way street; it is an opportunity for you and the employer to get to know each other. Contrary to what you may have heard, interviewers do not want to intentionally ask you difficult questions just to see you make a mistake. In fact, employers want you to do well during the interview. Think about it: they invest a lot of time and money screening and recruiting candidates. The sooner they can identify the right person, the sooner their job is done.

Online Resources for Interviewing

These can be found at careers.unc.edu/resources

Career Insider by Vault

CaseQuestions.com

InterviewStream

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THREE STEPS TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW

Conducting research on prospective employers is essential to a successful interview. Employers want to hire candidates that can demonstrate solid knowledge and genuine interest in their organizations. So, what things should you know about an employer before the interview? Simply put: as much as possible.

You should be knowledgeable about the organization’s mission, history, growth, products, competitors, locations, etc.

RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP:

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

STEP 1: Research the Employer and Field

STEP 2: Know Yourself

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

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

RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP:

Meet with a counselor to make sure you know how to communicate your transferrable skills.

STEP 3: Practice!

Like any other task you have mastered, interviewing is a skill. If you have ever been on a team, played an instrument, or performed in public, you probably didn’t just show up to the event and expect to deliver a flawless performance. Instead, you probably spent many hours beforehand practicing, rehearsing, and visualizing what you would do and say. Well, interviewing is no different; it is a skill that requires preparation and practice.

Practice answering the interview questions listed on the next few pages of this book. Think about examples and stories about your experiences.

RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP:

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

NON-VERBAL MESSAGES

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

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

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

Eye Contact Maintain a good balance of eye contact with the employer, as this conveys honesty, confidence, and interest.

Engage in eye contact when the employer is asking you a question or when you are responding. When you are thinking of your answer, it is okay to break eye contact.

Nerves Work on controlling any nervous behavior before you meet with the employer in person.

Avoid twirling and playing with your hair, tapping your feet, and wringing your hands.

Also keep in mind that chewing gum is never appropriate in a professional setting.

The Nose Knows: Before your interview…Avoid smoking – it stays with you and on you.

Eating strong foods such as garlic and onions.

Avoid alcohol! Save the celebration for AFTER you get the job offer!

Take Your Time

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

If you are asked a difficult question, take a moment or two to collect your thoughts, rather than blurting out the first answer that comes to your mind.

You can buy a little extra time by repeating the question aloud while you think.

Answer the Question (and then be quiet)

While it’s important that you answer each question thoroughly, it is equally important that your answers do not go on too long.

Pay attention to the interviewer’s non-verbal cues to make sure you are not losing your audience. Remain Professional and Positive Regardless of how friendly or laid back the interviewer may appear, your language and vernacular should be completely professional and appropriate.

Avoid using any slang, profanities, or stereotypes.

At no time in an interview should you voice any negative comments or opinions about former supervisors, professors, or classmates. This can only hurt your candidacy.

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

Be aware of these habits and practice to eliminate them.

VERBAL MESSAGES

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

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

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NON-VERBAL - 65%

VERBAL - 35%

How Information is Conveyed in Interviews

PHONE INTERVIEWSMany employers will conduct their first round interviews via the phone. These interviews are used as a precursor to an in-person interview.

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

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

Have your resume/CV, notes, job description, and employer research in front of you so that you can glance at them during the interview, but minimize the sound of shuffling papers.

Smile! Even though the employer cannot see you, it can help you come across as personable.

Be prepared for pauses and silences. If there is an extended silence in between questions, you can ask confirming questions such as “Was my answer clear?” or “Would you like me to elaborate more on that?”

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

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

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

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

LUNCH/DINNER INTERVIEWSEven though you may feel more relaxed in a restaurant setting, do not forget that this is a very important part of the interview. The point of the meal interview is for you and the employer to get to know each other, and for him/her to see how you conduct yourself in a social setting. Employers will be assessing your conversational and interpersonal skills to determine how well you would fit in with the organization.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

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CASE INTERVIEWSCase interviews focus on the way you think and how you go about addressing complex issues and problems. Typically, you will be presented with a challenging scenario (or case) with varying background or details.Cases may come in the form of a brainteaser, market-sizing scenario, financial analysis, or management/strategy issue. Interviewers want to see your ability to be analytical, logical, quantitative, and creative. Your listening skills, insight, communication style, and persuasive skills are key to a successful case interview.

There are many strategies that go into attacking a case interview question, and the best way to prepare is to practice. Many consulting firms, such as Bain, McKinsey, and BCG, have extremely helpful, interactive practice case interviews on their websites. In addition to our online and print resources, UCS also provides case interview workshops, on-line resources and mock interviews to assist you. PANEL/GROUP INTERVIEWSThough most interviews tend to be one-on-one, some employers will ask that you interview with several members of their organization in a group setting. Be sure that your responses address everyone on the panel.

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

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

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

Tell me about yourself.

Why did you choose your field of study?

What are your greatest strengths and areas of challenge?

What has been your greatest accomplishment/set back?

Which class did you find most challenging/enjoyable?

Do you feel your GPA adequately represents your abilities?

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

How will you add value to our organization?

Why are you interested in this field/our organization?

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

Who are our key competitors?

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

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

“Tell me about a time when you…”

Made a difficult/ethical decision

Dealt with a difficult team member or customer

Failed to meet a deadline

Demonstrated leadership skills

Received negative feedback

Overcame an obstacle

Had to have an uncomfortable conversation with a co-worker

Went above and beyond what was expected of you

Persuaded someone to change their mind

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

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WHAT TO WEARFirst impressions are important! By dressing appropriately, you demonstrate not only respect for the interviewer, but a larger understanding of professional etiquette. If you have specific questions about interview attire, please speak with a UCS counselor and check out other examples on pinterest.com/uncucs

BAR METHOD

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

BACKGROUND/TASK

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

ACTIONS/IMPLEMENTATION

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

RESULTS/OUTCOME

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

BACKGROUND ACTIONS RESULTS

1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELFThis is often the first question you will be asked and can often be the most difficult to answer. It is not an invitation to share your life story (age, birthplace, family information, etc.) but should focus on where you’ve been and where you’re going regarding your education and career goals.

Example: “I will be graduating this May with a degree in International Studies. For the last two summers, I have served as an intern with a local non-profit organization teaching reading skills to children in rural communities across eastern NC. I have also been very active in my sorority, serving as both the marketing chair and vice-president. My goal now is to join a non-profit organization such as XYZ that will allow me to continue to develop my leadership skills while providing support to underprivileged children.”

2. WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST STRENGTHS?Support your answers with detailed examples that relate to the job at hand.

Example: “My greatest strengths are leadership, communication, and team-building. For the past two years, I have been a Resident Advisor, where I oversee the safety and wellbeing for 64 students. In this role, I serve as a mentor, mediator, supervisor, and program director. I oversee town-hall style meetings for my floor and frequently have to make tough decisions to solve problems among residents.”

3. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?What the employer is really questioning here is your self-awareness and self-improvement. They are not interested in hearing you confess your flaws, nor are they looking for a perfectionist with “no weaknesses.” The best strategy is to pick a related example from your life that demonstrates growth, and ideally, your ability to turn a weakness into a strength. Your answer should be genuine, honest, and professionally related (nothing too personal).

Example: “One area that I am continually working to improve is my public speaking skills. When I first began college, the thought of standing up in front of a large

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

4. WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS?You should do your homework and know what a typical starting salary is for the job to which you are applying. UCS has salary information for internships and entry-level jobs on our website. Rather than a fixed number, give a salary range (typically 3-5k) and justify it by mentioning the research you have done.

Example: “Based on the research I have done and the nature of the position, I am targeting a starting salary in the mid-high $30,000 range. Is that in line with your typical starting salary?”

5. WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?This is a chance to reiterate the skills and qualities you would bring to the employer, as well as an opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for the job. It is challenging because although you don’t know your competition, your answer needs to reflect how you are unique among the candidates they are considering. This is often the last question asked, so make sure you “go for it” by showing enthusiasm for the job and how you will contribute.

Example: “As I mentioned earlier, I have strong skills in communication, leadership and teamwork. I can make immediate contributions to your organization because I know the sales territory I would be responsible for and my demonstrated abilities to build rapport with people would increase your clientele.”

ANSWERING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

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Interviewer’s Professional Background

Why interviewer chose employer

What keeps interviewer working with employer

Roles interviewer has held

How has employer helped interviewer prepare for roles

Inquiries that stem from your pre-interview research

Training/professional development for new hires

Detailed questions about job

Future focus for employer

Employer responses to challenges (ask tactfully)

Horizontal (generalist) training/vertical (promotions) movement

What it is like to live in employer location; relocation

Organizational culture questions

Formal career planning with supervisor/mentor

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

Flex-schedule; telecommuting

Socializing/team-building

Communication and leadership style of managers

Opportunity for new challenges/growth opportunities

Dress code

Community involvement

Support networks, mentoring, diversity initiatives Things NOT to ask about:

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

Personal information about the recruiter or other employees

DEVELOPING QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERSWhen an employer gives you the opportunity to ask them questions, take advantage of it! Asking questions demonstrates your sincere interest in the position and organization.

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CONCLUDING THE INTERVIEWAs the interview draws to an end, be sure to:

Ask about next steps

Understand the employer’s time frame

Thank the interviewer

Get business card for follow-up

Reiterate your interest in the position

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

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

1. The Industry

History of growth

Predictable future needs

Degree of dependence on business trends or cycles

Degree of dependence on government regulations or actions

2. The Organization

Prestige and reputation

Growth potential

Size and company culture

Financial stability

Good management team

3. The Job Itself

Training and development opportunities

Day-to-day activities

Amount of stress or pressure, pace of work

Requirements to relocate, travel, or work long hours

Responsibility, autonomy

Opportunity for advancement and/or individual achievement

Salary and benefits package

Involvement with good supervisor, peer associates

Physical environment

Social significance of work

4. General “Lifestyle” Factors

Comfort with goals, philosophy of organization

Geographic location

Recreational and educational facilities, cultural opportunities

Online Resources for Job Offers

Career Insider by VaultFirst Destination SurveyNACE Salary Calculator

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