UGA Career Center - University of Georgia
The University of Georgia CAREER GUIDE get hired CE A Expert Job & Internship Search Strategies Questions, Tips, Strategies Your Interview WRITE THE PERFECT RESUME 7 Employer Approved Examples UGA Career Center www.career.uga.edu 5HFUXLWLQJ'LYHUVH7DOHQWHG/HDGHUVIRU )XOO7LPH6XPPHU,QWHUQ2SSRUWXQLWLHV Kevin Maki SR Account Manager [email protected] Trent Williams SR Account Manager [email protected] Jason Accurso District Manager [email protected] Lauren Claridge Unit Manager [email protected] Brent Heller Assoc Mgr. Customer & Mkt Chelsea Wingfield [email protected] SR Brand Analyst Chelsea. J. [email protected] Consultative Selling & Marketing Collaborative & Inclusive Culture Andy Dufresne SR Account Manager [email protected] Best In Class Leadership Development Competitive Compensation Package & Benefits Allyson Morris Unit Manager [email protected] Promoted UGA Graduates Clearly Defined Advancement Path Future Leaders/ UGA Graduates Visit us at: CANTBEATTHEEXPERIENCE.COM Kim Jarry, District Mgr UGA Campus Recruiter [email protected] Steve Foster, District Mgr UGA Campus Recruiter [email protected] Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled Welcome CAREER GUIDE 2014-2015 The UGA Career Center is located on the second floor of Clark Howell Hall. For appointments, call 706-542-3375! Connect with us! Career Center Game Career Center Student App 3 WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU TABLE OF CONTENTS our services Career Center Overview Career Consultants Individual Career Counseling Meet with your Career Consultant to explore your options and develop a plan to help you reach your career objectives. To make an appointment, call 706-542-3375. 4 5 major and career exploration #ArchReady Career Plan Choosing a Major Internships & Part-time Jobs job search What Job is Right For Me? Job Search Strategies Career Mission & Action Plan Job and Internship Boards Career Fair Prep Career Fair Schedule & Pitch Networking Informational Interviewing Federal Jobs resumes How to Refine Your Resume Marketing Your Part-time Work Resume Breakdown Resume Samples Action Verbs business correspondence General Tips Cover Letter Formatting Correspondence Samples interviewing On-Campus & On-Site Interviews Interviewing Tips Sample Interview Questions Phone & Mock Interviews Employer Research Salary & Negotiation Dress for Success graduate school Graduate School Considerations Applying to Grad School 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 22 23 24 26 30 32 33 34 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 48 49 additional Additional Reading 4 50 Walk-In Hours For quick questions (5-10 minutes) about topics such as resumes and cover letters, a Career Consultant and/or a Career Development Intern will be on hand Monday-Friday from 12 – 2PM in the Career Center Computer Lab. Satellite Hours In addition to walk-in hours, most colleges have their own set of hours when your Career Consultant comes to you! Check the Career Center website for days and locations. Mock Interviews Don’t make the mistake of scheduling your most important interview before you have prepared for it. Participate in a practice (Mock) interview at the Career Center. Mock interviews are designed to replicate the type of interview that you may expect with a recruiter. Career Assessments Assessments are available to help you learn more about yourself and the world of work. Learn how your personality, interests, values and skills play an important role in identifying a fulfilling career. For additional information, see the Choosing a Major section. DAWGlink DAWGlink is a site that gives UGA students and alumni access to on-campus interviews, internships, full-time and part-time job listings. Each semester, employers, come to the UGA Career Center to interview students and alumni for entry-level, full-time positions and internships. See the Job Boards section for tips. Intern For A Day Looking to get some experience? Intern For A Day is a volunteer “job shadowing” opportunity for students to spend one day to one week observing, and often working with, professionals, investigating a career field and experiencing a typical day on the job. For additional information, see the Internships & Part-time Jobs section. ECHD 2050 & 3050 In partnership with the College of Education, the Career Center offers two classes, ECHD 2050: Academic and Career Planning and ECHD 3050: Career & Life Planning. Both classes are offered fall and spring semesters and are worth 2 credit hours. Student Employment Office This office assists students in obtaining internships as well as on-campus and off-campus part-time employment. Additional Resources The career center also offers a variety of online resources through the Center’s website. These include GoinGlobal, which gives you insider information on international opportunities, and Career Search, a database profiling over 4 million companies and organizations. Also, the Career Center facilitates programs throughout the year to assist you in your career development. These programs cover a wide range of topics essential for your success. See the full list of upcoming events at www.career.uga.edu. CAREER CONSULTANTS Michelle Carter.............................. [email protected] Terry College of Business: Accounting College of Pharmacy Ryan Carty......................................... [email protected] Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication Andrew [email protected] Terry College of Business: Marketing, Real Estate, RMI, MMR Kali DeWald...................................... [email protected] All Fine and Performing Arts Franklin College of Arts and Sciences: Undecided/Undeclared Students Megan Flora..................................... [email protected] Terry College of Business: Economics, Finance, Music Business To Be Determined All Hard Sciences, All Pre-Medical fields College of Public Health Odum School of Ecology Math and Statistics To Be Determined Franklin College of Arts and Sciences: All Humanities, Foreign Languages, Pre-Law School of Public and International Affairs EMPLOYMENT MANAGER Aaron [email protected] Intern For A Day Program Part-Time Jobs GRADUATE ASSISTANTS Laura Garcia............................................. [email protected] Terry College of Business: International Business, Management, MIS, MIT Franklin College of Arts and Sciences: Cognitive Science and Computer Science Jessica Albert...................................... [email protected] Brittany Kinard............................... [email protected] College of Family and Consumer Sciences School of Social Work Danielle [email protected] Whitney Prescott............................. [email protected] College of Education DID YOU KNOW? Kelley Saussy.................................... [email protected] College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences College of Engineering College of Environment and Design Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources Suzanne Voigt...................................... [email protected] Franklin College of Arts and Sciences: All Social Sciences Ashley [email protected] Catherine Stamateris........................... [email protected] As a UGA graduate you have access to Career Services through-out your life. We want to help you be successful in the long term! ALUMNI CAREER SERVICES Bethany Bagley Mills....................... [email protected] Director, Alumni Career Services Serves all alumni who graduated 2+ years ago 5 6 Utilize DAWGlink, the Career Center’s online job board, for on-and-off campus part-time jobs and internships Shadow professionals through the Intern for a Day program Attend career fairs Create a resume and cover letter to show a Career Consultant #ArchReady Career Plan UGA Career Center GET EXPERIENCE Update your resume and get it critiqued Consider doing a study abroad Utilize DAWGlink and apply for positions relevant to your major, both paid and unpaid Ask family, friends, professors, and Career Consultants about internship or part-time job leads GET EXPERIENCE with the STAY INVOLVED Join a professional organization related to your major Interact with guest speakers and college personnel Maintain membership in clubs, organizations, and intramurals Become a leader in a student group Join a club or campus organization Participate in residence hall activities Volunteer on or off campus Attend Career Center programs and workshops Ask about research opportunities with professors 2 GET INVOLVED DECLARE A MAJOR & EXPLORE CAREERS Second Year Students Work with your academic advisor on the process of declaring a major Speak with people in potential career choice areas to learn about your options Shadow professionals in your field of interest through the Intern for a Day program #ArchReady Get Visit www.career.uga.edu and complete career assessments to help you determine your interests, values and personality type Read “What can I do with a major in...” online handouts Take ECHD 2050: Academic and Career Planning Use the UGA Bulletin to read course descriptions, access course syllabi and learn more about majors DECLARE A MAJOR & EXPLORE CAREERS 1 First Year Students 7 Third Year Students Complete an internship or secure a career-related parttime job Try to gain leadership roles related to your major or career of choice Interact with guest speakers and club advisors Join local chapters of national organizations related to your chosen field INCREASE INVOLVEMENT & EXPERIENCE Conduct a mock interview and resume critique with your Career Consultant Seek positive references from professors and supervisors from internship and part-time positions Maintain relationships with those who are references Request recommendations on LinkedIn.com Give each person you ask to be a reference a copy of your resume LEVERAGE YOUR INVOLVEMENT & EXPERIENCE Take ECHD 3050: Career & Life Planning Participate in the career fairs related to the type of work you are interested in Take advantage of on-campus interviewing and schedule a mock interview with a Career Consultant Create a profile on LinkedIn.com to expand your professional network Complete the Career Center’s Post-Graduate survey to tell us what you are doing after graduation Study for and take graduate and professional school entrance exams Ask for letters of recommendation and set a deadline earlier than the graduate school application deadline Request academic transcripts to be sent to your graduate programs Have admission essays reviewed by the Writing Center and your Career Consultant Submit final application materials DEVELOP A JOB SEARCH STRATEGY Tell us how you are getting #ArchReady with a tweet or social media post. 4 COMPLETE GRADUATE SCHOOL PREPARATION Fourth Year Students Review company websites and literature Read magazines and journals to become familiar with trends and areas of opportunity Access company information through Career Insider powered by The Vault on the Career Center website Attend career fairs and company information sessions held on campus Follow employers’ social media accounts Join the conversation all four years! CONNECT WITH EMPLOYERS Talk to professors and meet with your Career Consultant Search www.gradschools.com or www.petersons.com to find programs and professors whose work you are interested in Study for graduate and professional school entrance exams and take practice tests Look at class profiles to see how competitive you are against the currently admitted class RESEARCH GRADUATE SCHOOLS 3 Choosing a Major Have you decided on a major? Read Instructor’s backgrounds. Who do you want to learn from? No? Use “The Bulletin” bulletin.uga.edu To help you select courses and learn about UGA majors and minors! Browse Department Websites Gather more in-depth info on majors. Read about the departments’ news and events. Do they excite you? Conduct Online Career Research Career Insider http://bit.ly/1lsdEGp O*Net online.onetcenter.org Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco Candid Career Do you know the majors at UGA? Fill out the majors checklist http://bit.ly/QBszmj View the "What can I do with a major in” worksheets http://bit.ly/1lsBZZO Georgia Career Information System http://bit.ly/1p8Vo5Y User name: ugacpp Password: gcis889 Research occupations that match your interests. Ask friends and family about how they chose their major! Strong Interest Inventory; $30 Online.cpp-db.com Identifies career and major interest. Call for access code. Complete Career Assessments Meet with a Career Consultant for interpretation bit.ly/1jCvTto UGA Career Center | career.uga.edu 2nd Floor, Clark Howell Hall | 706.542.3375 8 Find ideas for job titles and companies where you may like to work. TypeFocus careers.typefocus.com Site Password: uga4400 Assesses personality, strengths and provides career options Focus 2 http://bit.ly/1jfWFJ5 Access Code: dawg34 Evaluates interests, values and skills to identify careers that match INTERNSHIPS & PART-TIME JOBS GETTING EXPERIENCE I nternships and part-time jobs can help you decide on a major or career path you would like to pursue and make you a more competitive job candidate. “The Intern For A Day program allowed me to tour a television station, network with key individuals and secure an internship the following semester directly related to Mass Media Arts.” - Nicole WHAT IS INTERN FOR A DAY? T he Intern For a Day program is a one to five day, non-paid job shadowing opportunity with a company of interest. The Career Center has an organized job shadow program that runs every fall and spring semester. Participants are matched with an employer or corporation and are given the chance to experience the day-to-day aspects of a job or career field. It is a great way to gain insight and experience while building your professional network. It is open to all students; no prior experience is necessary! How can you get involved? 1. Visit www.career.uga.edu to read more about job shadowing. 2. Attend an orientation session (schedule posted at http://www.career.uga.edu) and hear more about available opportunities. 3. E-mail [email protected] or call 706-542-3375 for more information. 1. A foot in the door Many jobs are never advertised externally because companies find they can recruit from within their own ranks. As a part-time worker or intern, you’ll have access to the company’s internal publications and job advertisements, putting you in the right place at the right time – and often with the right experience – to win a fulltime position. 2. Proof of your transferable skills A part-time job or internship will give you real-world experience solving problems, dealing with clients and coming up with ideas. Even if your position is unrelated to your career goal, you will have picked up valuable skills. In an interview, you will be able to recall examples of your accomplishments to prove you can actually do what you claim you can do. 3. Networking opportunities One of the most powerful ways to find a job is through networking. Creating a large personal network will give you ample opportunities to meet people – and the more people you meet, the more work opportunities you are likely to hear about. Don’t just think about the co-workers you will meet—also consider the people you meet every day through your job. For example, if you’re serving customers, you’ll have hundreds of opportunities throughout the day to make a new connection. 4. Valuable references Most employers ask for at least two references before making a new hire so they can check your credentials and get a second opinion on you. If you work hard to succeed in your job, you’ll be able to ask your boss for a reference, knowing it will be positive. A glowing reference that proves you are a valuable employee will smooth your transition into a full-time career. Resource: Job Postings Magazine. Written by Erin Smith. TIP: Talk with a professional in your area of interest. He or she may be willing to set up a job shadow with you separate from the Intern For a Day program. 9 WHAT JOB IS RIGHT FOR ME? KNOW YOURSELF KNOW WHAT YOU WANT nowing who you are and the skills you have to offer an organization is essential to a successful job search. Knowing yourself means being able to both discover your talents and to then articulate them to potential employers. Once you have learned about yourself, it is important to think about your “deal breakers” in a future career. Do you want to work outside? Travel often? Advance quickly? K To learn about areas you may be most successful in, there are various approaches you can take. 1. Complete career assessments, which can help you determine your interests, personality, values, and skills. 2. Conduct informational interviews to learn from people in the fields in which you are considering working. 3. Participate in job shadowing opportunities to discover what work environments are like and what the typical tasks and duties are for the jobs you’re considering. 4. Gain additional experience through part-time jobs, internships, and participation in clubs. Reflecting on the options listed in the below box, rank order the below preferences, beginning with your three highest job preferences. Which three items are essential to your satisfaction with a job? Your first three choices should be the ones that are most important to you as you evaluate a job and careers to pursue. MOST IMPORTANT JOB PREFERENCES 1: _________________________________________ 2: _________________________________________ 3: _________________________________________ PREFERENCE EXAMPLES INDUSTRY Consulting, Education, NonProfit, Sciences POSITION TYPE/JOB TITLE Management Trainee, Volunteer Coordinator GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION City, Suburban Area, Small Town, Open SCHEDULE Regular, Day/Evening/Overnight, Flexible SALARY High, Moderate, No Preference TRAVEL Frequent, Occasional, Never WORK ENVIRONMENT Collaborative, Competitive WORK STYLE RELATIONSHIPS Team Oriented, Independent, Combination of the Two Importance of Building Relationships with Colleagues - High, Moderate, Low, Not Important RECOGNITION Public Recognition, Private Recognition, Monetary VARIETY Important? Not Important? ORGANIZATION SIZE Large, Medium, Small DIVERSITY Ethnicity/Race, Gender, Value Demonstrated by Organization ADVANCEMENT High/Moderate/Little to No Opportunity VALUES Focus on Sustainability, Charitable Giving, Volunteering PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Availability? EDUCATION LEVEL College Degree, Advanced Degree 10 LEVEL OF IMPORTANCE 1-4 (1 = Very Important, 4 = Not Important) JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES JOB SEARCH METHOD PROS CONS TIPS CAREER FAIRS Great opportunity to meet a large number of companies in one place and learn about several career opportunities. Can get overwhelming. If you have very specialized career interests, the employers may not be representative. Look at the list of participating employers and make a list of who you would like to talk to. Prepare a brief introduction of yourself, bring resumes and dress in a suit. See Career Fair section for tips. DAWGlink Only UGA students and alumni have access to this list of part-time, full-time and internship opportunities. May not have many out of state or international opportunities. Not all fields will be represented. Create a “saved search” to set up automatic emails which will send a notification when new positions are uploaded to the system. Keep your profile upto-date and apply to several positions. Conduct interviews with Most participating employ- Sign up to participate in on campus interviews ers are large. Not all fields using DAWGlink. Attend other on campus events: Career Center interview wing. will be represented. information sessions, student group visits, etc. It can give you an edge over Intimidating to introverts. Join LinkedIn to keep track of your network. Reach IN PERSON NETWORKING the competition and is one of Can take time to build and out to your network around holidays and school the top ways to find a job. maintain contacts. breaks to keep in touch. Social media sites make netIt can be difficult to Follow company/organizations’ social media acworking easier for introverts separate personal and counts. It may give you insight into their culture, and extroverts alike. Many professional. Do not industry trends, services and other company inforSOCIAL NETWORKING Fortune 500 companies use post anything on social mation. Interact with their posts. Like, comment or social media for hiring purmedia you would not want ask questions appropriately. Do not connect with poses. posted on a billboard. recruiters’ personal accounts. Helps you to create a more If your search is too narGeographic job searches: use Career Search or specific list of organizations or row, you may struggle to ReferenceUSA to identify opportunities based on positions to pursue. This can find positions/organizalocation. Position type: identify common job titles TARGETED SEARCH help you better prepare your tions that match exactly. using the What Can I do with a Major in...” handresume, cover letter, etc. Takes time to research. outs. Values: Google & read news publications that publish lists of top organizations affiliated with your values: green, philanthropic, LGBT, etc. Can connect with individuals You may need to pay a fee Look for a “Careers” or “Job” tab to find job opinterested in similar career to join professional organi- portunities. Attend professional conferences and PROFESSIONAL GROUPS paths who could provide good zations and access career meetings to develop your network. career advice. opportunities. Match you directly with May have fees, though Read reviews on the agency to be sure they are not EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES temporary or full-time job op- employers are most often a scam. Thoroughly fill out any information asked of portunities. charged for the services. you because it will help you get matched. Try to search on more specific sites to lessen your Good way to learn about job Competition is likely opportunities and in demand higher if anyone is able to competition. See our job board list for more tarBROAD JOB BOARDS geted sites. career areas. apply through the site. ON CAMPUS RECRUITING employers on campus in the 11 CAREER MISSION & ACTION PLAN R N CREATE A CAREER MISSION STATEMENT CAREER ACTION PLAN eflecting on the job preferences you identified previously, write a concise, clear statement about what type of work you want to attain and the skills you will use in that job. Include what you intend to do in your work, along with the skills you will use and your three highest preferences from the previous chart. Here is an example: ow that you have reflected on what you want and how you are going to get there, it’s time to take action on your career mission statement. Establish attainable goals and record your progress. If what you try doesn’t work, come in to meet with a Career Consultant! “I am interested in an insurance sales position that is clientfocused, allows me to travel occasionally, and is within the Southeast.” A. SET GOALS This week I will accomplish: ___________________________________________ Follow up your written career mission with an intention statement. Your statement can begin with language such as “I will achieve this goal by...” or “I intend to achieve this career mission through...” Next week I will accomplish: _____________________________________________ TAKE ACTION Now you can clearly and authentically communicate to potential employers and those you are networking with what your career plans are. You will be able to articulate your fit with a company or organization because you have determined your personal career needs and what skills and abilities you have to offer. Use your statement from above to outline your plan for WHAT type of work you will pursue, WHEN you will participate in networking activities, and HOW you will move forward with the job search. Follow your heart and your mind. Discover a rewarding career as a State Farm® agent. Help others in your community while building a business that will last. Imagine what you can build if you put your mind to it. Ultimate goal (Career Mission Statement): _____________________________________________ B. MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS Keep track of who you are contacting and save emails into a specific folder or consolidate into a single document. Be sure to keep a list of what jobs you’re applying to so you can better remember what the job entails if they contact you. C. TIMELINE The earlier you start your job search the better. Many companies that are looking for summer interns or May graduates recruit on UGA’s campus in the fall and may or may not come back in the spring semester, though there are certain industries and organizations that are exceptions to this rule. However, note that a big part of job searching is networking and that takes time. The more time you put into it (and the earlier!) the more you will get out of it. Become a State Farm agent. D. TROUBLESHOOTING Learn more: Never received a callback on my resume *then* Get your resume critiqued. amanda Watkins Sales Leader Duluth Market Area Phone: 770-375-1504 Email: [email protected] statefarm.com/careers Got an interview but didn’t receive an offer *then* Do a mock interview with a Career Consultant. Told education/background wasn’t a good fit *then* Consider getting additional skills/education. PO97045.2 12 State Farm, Bloomington, IL An Equal Opportunity Employer JOB & INTERNSHIP BOARDS GEOGRAPHIC SITES • • • • Identify company websites for those located in your area of interest. Search on the sites for job postings. Local Chambers of Commerce: www.charlestonchamber.net www.maconchamber.com International Chamber of Commerce: www.iccwbo.org Regional and City Job Boards: Atlanta: www.atlantajobs.com Austin: Google “Jobs in Austin, Texas” to find http://austintexas.gov/resident/city-jobs Charlotte: www.charlottejobs.com Orlando: www.orlandojobs.com SOCIAL MEDIA SITES Need a job or internship? Below are some online job sites to help you with your search. This online system is for UGA students and alumni only and includes internships, part-time jobs, and full-time jobs. Take advantage of the employers who are looking to hire you! Additionally, you can see employer career fair registrants. To search and apply for positions: 1. 2. 3. 4. Go to www.career.uga.edu. Login using your MyID and password. Click the Jobs tab, then select “Jobs” again. Search by keyword, major, or position type (i.e. full-time, part-time on- and off-campus, or internship). 5. Click on the position title for more information. 6. Click “Apply” to submit your resume and complete your application. DAWGlink Tips: 1. Use the Advanced Search tab to search by multiple criteria, including location. 2. Set up a saved search to receive emails when new positions are posted that match your search criteria. To do so: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com • Click on the Jobs tab to search by job title, keyword, or company • Search for individual company career pages: www.linkedin.com/company/mckesson/careers • Search for and join professional groups. Look for the Jobs tab in individual groups (Atlanta Accounting and Finance Professionals, Higher Education Professionals, Network Nashville, etc.) Twitter: www.twitter.com • Identify and follow leaders in the field or companies that tweet out jobs • Go to www.twellow.com or www.wefollow.com to identify targeted users Facebook: www.facebook.com • Follow company pages: www.facebook.com/NestlePurinaCareers • Visit the NACE social jobs partnership: www.facebook. com/socialjobs INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC SITES • • • • PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS • • Click the “Jobs” tab, and then the first option “Jobs” • • Select “Saved Searches” and name your search • • • Click on “Edit” to enter your search criteria • Set how often you would like to be emailed and click “Save” For help finding a part-time job, contact Aaron Brown at [email protected] To find Federal Work-Study positions, visit: www.uga.edu/osfa/fws/index.html Actuarial: www.actuary.com Engineering: www.engineeringjobs.com Journalism: www.journalismjobs.com Marketing: www.marketingjobs.com American Society for Information Sciences: www.asis. org/careers.html Public Relations Society of America: www.prsa.org/ Jobcenter Society of Actuaries: www.soa.org Society of Automotive Engineers: careercenter.sae.org GENERAL SITES • • • • • • Career Search (login with your student ID#): career.uga. edu/resources/online_resources GoinGlobal (international); login to DAWGlink and click on the GoinGlobal link on the DAWGlink homepage Idealist (nonprofit): www.idealist.org Indeed: www.indeed.com Internships.com: www.internships.com USA Jobs (federal): www.usajobs.gov 13 CAREER FAIR PREP C areer fairs are a great way to meet recruiters, network for internships and jobs, and gather company information. Whether you are actively job searching or not, you can take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about what employers have to offer. You have a very short period of time to make a great impression, so make sure to be prepared! STEP 1: IT IS YOUR RESUME- GET IT RIGHT Bring 10-15 copies of your resume. Need your resume critiqued before the fair? Make a resume consultation appointment with your Career Consultant, come to Resume Critique Days, or visit the Career Center during Walk-In Hours! ** Be prepared: Some employers cannot accept hard copy resumes and will ask you to apply online. This is to comply with federal regulations about the way employers keep data on applicants. ** STEP 2: LOOK SHARP Dress professionally. Career fairs require the same attention to attire as an interview; in essence, career fairs are your first interview. A dark suit is always appropriate. Make sure your clothing is ironed. Wear comfortable, professional, polished shoes. See the Dress for Success section for additional information. Cologne, perfume, & cosmetics. Be conservative with perfume and makeup; when in a small space, even a little perfume may be too much (particularly if someone is allergic), so consider not wearing any. Backpack. If you can go without your backpack, do so. Carry a portfolio with a note pad, copies of your resume, a pen, and any other pertinent information. If you are also carrying a purse, keep it small. Remember to avoid: Visible piercings and tattoos. **Turn off your cell phone and do not chew gum! ** As a result of attending the career fair, 77% of students are considering employment with an organization that they had not previously considered -UGA Career Fair Student Survey 14 STEP 3: DO YOUR HOMEWORK •• Review employers who will be attending the fair at: www.career.uga.edu. •• Preview job descriptions and targeted majors. •• Identify your top 3 to 5 employers. •• Do some research! See Employer Research section for additional information. STEP 4: YOUR APPROACH Prepare a Career Fair Pitch. This introduces you, states your interest in the organization, and communicates your experience related to the position(s) in which you are interested. Be confident and network independently. If you go with friends, identify a place to meet outside after the fair. Be patient. Do not interrupt the employer or jump into a conversation he/she is having with someone else. Wait your turn; you might even pick up some valuable information as you wait! Show enthusiasm. If you are interested or excited about a position, let the company representative know! You can do this by mentioning the company research you conducted. Be prepared. Review the map of employer booths. Be prepared for employers to give you literature and give-away items (pens, cups, t-shirts, etc.). Do not pick up freebies from everyone because that is more to carry; you want to make the impression that you are organized and polished. Bring your pertinent questions. Your questions will depend on your goals (career exploration vs. job search). Types of Appropriate Questions: •• What are the characteristics of an ideal candidate? •• What are the hiring projections and trends? •• What are the staffing needs of your location preferences? •• What are the travel opportunities/requirements? Types of Inappropriate Questions: •• What jobs are you offering? •• What is the salary for this position? •• What benefits do you offer? •• What can I do with a major in… •• What is your background? STEP 5: CLOSING THE DEAL •• Collect business cards •• Determine follow-up: Know the next step •• Send an email or written thank you letter within 24 to 48 hours CAREER FAIR PITCH Fall Career Fair September 17, 2014 Classic Center 12-5pm Spring Career Fair January 28, 2015 Classic Center 12-5pm Additional Fairs Graduate School Fair Education Career Fair Journalism & Mass Comm Alumni Career Fair & more! See our website for the dates, times & locations of all of our career fairs. I t is important for you to think about how to introduce yourself during a career fair. Below are a few sample introductions. Note how these students included their name, major, and experience/leadership roles that were relevant to the employer. If you do not know what the employer is hiring for, see our Networking section for an example. PITCH 1 “Good afternoon [Mr./Ms. Last Name]. I was reading on your company website that you are a leader in the technology industry, and I am looking to start my career with a strong organization like yours. In my spare time, I enjoy making mobile apps and help to maintain my student organization’s website. This experience and my MIS degree has given me basic technical skills, but I would like to expand them further through a technical internship. I believe I saw on your website that you hire software development interns. Could you tell me more about it?” PITCH 2 “Hello, I am ______ and will graduate in May 2014 with a bachelors degree in Psychology. I read that your company was looking to hire ambitious students into your management trainee program and wanted to speak with you more in depth about it. I have been heavily involved on campus and served in several leadership roles through my sorority and feel that my internship working in customer service has equipped me with the skill set needed to be successful with your company. Can you tell me more about the program and how to apply?” PITCH 3 “Hi, I’m _____, a senior majoring in Communication and am seeking a full-time position in the field of public relations. For the past few years, I have worked at UGA’s student newspaper, the Red & Black, where I worked in several capacities including editing, photography and advertising sales. Through this experience and other leadership roles, I have gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful in PR. I feel using social media effectively as a business is crucial and would be interested in learning more about your social media coordinator role.” the 3 most important things students should know about a company before a career fair: product & history, job details, and clients/ customers - UGA Career Fair Employer Evaluations 15 NETWORKING M any have heard the term networking and thought, it is only for those who are well-connected. This is NOT true! Networking does not require that you know lots of people—it only requires that you want to know more people than you do now. All you need is preparation, time, and a lot of effort. BENEFITS OF NETWORKING •• •• •• •• •• Explores and clarifies your major or career choice Gives you advice about your job search Validates your choice of career Refines your interviewing skills Uncovers information about specific employers or job GETTING STARTED Know yourself. To facilitate this self-assessment, consider your skills, interests, personality, and values. Take a few minutes to reflect on these areas or schedule an appointment with your Career Consultant for more advice. FACE-TO-FACE •• Ultimately, you want to end up networking face-to-face •• Start by talking to people you know well and letting them know your purpose of networking •• These initial contacts will lead to meetings with secondary contacts •• Have a list of questions to facilitate the conversation TELEPHONE CALLS •• Have a script of your personal commercial readily available (see next page) •• Always clearly identify yourself, the reason why you are calling, and give the name of who referred you if applicable •• Suggest a follow-up conversation by phone, face-to-face, or by email •• Close by thanking the contact for his or her time Determine your purpose. If you are in the early stages and exploring majors or career directions, then your purpose is to gather information about jobs and careers of interest to you. If you are in the later stages and looking for full-time employment, then your purpose is to obtain advice on how to conduct your job search and to get job leads. EMAIL Develop a list of potential contacts. Be creative! This list should include: classmates, parents and family members, parents of classmates or roommates, professors and other advisors, as well as current and former employers. Additionally, initiate new contacts through guest speakers, career fair representatives, members of professional organizations, and web-based networks. •• Do not start an email with “hey.” Dear Mr./Mrs. [last name] is appropriate Practice introductions. The elevator pitch, an abbreviated introduction of yourself, can be used in a situation where you don’t have much time to talk. It is also a good lead-in for telephone conversations with contacts. The elevator pitch consists of an introduction of yourself by name and university, your major, and the purpose of your networking. See the 30 Second Personal Commercial Section. •• Use this if you are familiar with the contact and know their organization’s culture is email friendly •• Do not send a message that is overly casual. Treat the email like a formal letter in regards to grammar, spelling and punctuation •• Include a signature with your name, major, and contact information •• Follow the same guidelines for writing letter outlined in Business Correspondence WRITTEN LETTERS •• Can be used when you have been referred to someone you do not know •• May also be used when contacting someone without the benefit of an acquaintance’s referral •• See the Business Correspondence section for samples and more information SEND THANK YOU NOTES The #1 way students found a job after graduation was through networking – uga post graduation survey 16 Preserve the staying-power of your network! Don’t limit your thank you letters to those contacts with whom you met faceto-face. Instead, acknowledge the assistance of everyone who was instrumental in your network. Your consideration will reinforce the positive impressions made during your contact and present you as organized and attentive to details. 30-SECOND PERSONAL COMMERCIAL Networking happens in a variety of settings. There are formal settings, like information sessions or career fairs, and there are informal settings, like when you run into a recruiter on an elevator, or find yourself unexpectedly speaking to a potential career resource. How can you make a positive impression in a short amount of time? Prepare your own personal commercial! Having a planned response that highlights your experiences and strengths in a concise (30 second) blurb will help you portray yourself as confident, prepared, and memorable. If you forget a detail, it’s OK. Just get down the major points that you want to convey. TELEPHONE BLOCKS You won’t always be successful reaching your intended contact right away. Here are some common “blocks” you may encounter. These direct and polite responses can be very helpful. Remember that persistence is the key to success. RESPONSE BLOCK What is this about? Does he/she know you? I’m following up on an email/letter I sent last week. Is he/she in? Yes. May I speak with her please? (Option: She is a friend of my father’s) She is out. Okay, do you know when she will be returning calls? She is no longer with us. Who replaced her position? I’m too busy. I understand. When is a better time to contact you again? I don’t think I can help. Whom on your staff would you suggest I contact? We aren’t hiring. I’m not looking for job openings at this time and I want your advice only. Could you give me 20 minutes at 4:00 next Thursday, or make a telephone appointment with me? Call Personnel/ Human Resources We just had a lay-off and aren’t hiring. Since I’m looking for advice about what types of jobs there are in advertising, I need to talk with someone who is working in the field. Whom would you recommend I contact? I understand. Your business experience is the only topic I’m interested in right now. Would you be willing to meet to discuss this? Portions of this section were adapted with permission from The University of Virginia’s Career Guide In your personal commercial, you want to include the following: •• Your name, major, and class standing at UGA. •• The skills and experiences you have that connect you with that employer (for example: a related internship, leadership experience, or class project). EXAMPLE: You know that Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will be at the Career Fair. You decide to approach the recruiter to discuss research positions. You don’t know much about the exact positions available, so you only describe your overall research qualifications. “Hi. My name is __________. I’m a third-year Microbiology student at The University of Georgia, and I’d like to find out about your summer internships in research. I’ve completed and enjoyed numerous science classes with labs, including biology and chemistry where I excelled academically. Last summer, I also volunteered in Emory University’s Clinic, so I am familiar with the hospital environment and would enjoy applying my clinical knowledge in a new setting with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Can you tell me more about the positions you are recruiting for?” Remember to end on a question. This helps to get the conversation started. Your commercial can also include facts that you learned about the company. Only 21% of employers strongly felt that UGA students had an effective introduction at the Career Fair –UGA Career Fair Employer Evaluations 17 INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS A n informational interview is an opportunity to spend time with someone who is a professional in a career field of interest to you. It can help you build your network, tap into the hidden job market, and learn about a specific company. You must be prepared to ensure that you show respect for the time and energy put forth by the professional! 1. IDENTIFY A PROFESSIONAL TO CONTACT IN A CAREER FIELD OF INTEREST TO YOU When scheduling an informational interview, plan for the interview to take 30 minutes or less. be mindful of time don’t run over! 4. •• Talk to roommates, classmates, professors, family, neighbors, co-workers, professional organizations, and your Career Consultant to identify individuals of interest. •• Contrary to popular belief, most professionals are honored to talk with students about their experiences. Alumni are often eager to assist current students as well. 2. 3. •• Call to confirm the appointment the day before the actual interview. Obtain directions and parking information. •• Choose an outfit to wear to the interview. Men should wear a nice shirt, tie, blazer, and good shoes. Women should wear a dress or suit as well as hosiery and heels. Remember, you are visiting a place of employment and need to look business-like. •• Put together a portfolio with paper and pens and copies of an updated resume to take with you. Be sure to write down your questions in the notebook! RESEARCH THE PROFESSIONAL AND HIS/ HER ORGANIZATION/INDUSTRY •• Do your homework so that you can intelligently identify specifically why you are contacting this person and what they can provide you. •• Prepare a list of 10-20 questions to ask. (See the next page for a list of possible questions.) 5. CONTACT THE PROFESSIONAL VIA PHONE OR IN WRITING, IF DONE IN ADVANCE Speak directly to the person. If that is not possible, explain to the receptionist why you need to speak with this person, and ask what the best procedure would be to contact him/her. •• Have a written telephone script ready so that you adequately explain why you are calling and what you hope to get out of the meeting with this person. •• Determine a convenient time for you to meet with this person at his/her work site or set up a phone appointment. PREPARATION FOR THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW 6. DURING THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW •• Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and check in with the receptionist. Be courteous to everyone who you meet, especially receptionists. •• Shake hands and introduce yourself. •• Be conscious of time. Do not spend more than the allotted time, unless the professional initiates extra time. •• At the end of the interview, thank the person for his/her time, shake hands as you leave, and gather business cards so you know where to send future correspondence. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INTERVIEW Find a quiet place to sit and write down all of the answers to the questions that you asked. Jot down information about any follow-up activities that were discussed or names of other professionals to contact. Within 24-48 hours, send an email or handwritten thank you letter to the professional. # 1 NETWORKING RULE: when contacting new resources, be sure to explain who you are, how you found them, and what you would like to discuss. do not discuss job openings unless your referring source has specifically indicated that this is appropriate! informational interviews are NOT a sneaky way to ask for a job. 18 TELEPHONE SCRIPT IDEAS THE QUESTIONS TO ASK 1.Provide a brief introduction of yourself for the professional. State that you are a student who is seeking advice and information on this person’s career or industry. 2.Share how you found out about this person (through your roommate, through a neighbor, from the Yellow Pages, LinkedIn, etc.). 3.Identify what you hope to get out of a meeting with this person (Information on the person’s current job? Information on the person’s career? Information on a general career field?). 4.Once the interview date has been established, verify the specific address, location, date, and time before you hang up. 5.Use this as a model, but make changes that work for you. The most successful salespeople use a script that works for them and they stick with it! OPENINGS AND BRIDGES Some suggestions on how to start a dialogue and explain your interest in a person: “Because of the outstanding reputation of your company, and its leading position in corporate security, your advice would be most valuable to me at this time.” “I have no expectations that you have a position at XYZ Corp. for me. Your comments and advice about the future prospects in the industry as a whole are what I would like to discuss.” “Your reputation as a civic leader, often quoted in local publications, has prompted me to seek out information about your background and career history.” “As one of the top executives in the field of _______, your expertise in what it takes to succeed in your industry must be sought often. Would you meet with me to give me the benefit of your guidance?” How did you get started in this field? What was your educational background? What are your major responsibilities? What is the most/least rewarding aspect of your job? Would you choose this career again? What is a typical day like? What is the most common career path? What obligations does your work put on you outside of the actual job? What are some lifestyle considerations for this career field? What are some common entry-level positions in the field of _____? What kind of salary range and benefits could an entry-level position expect to receive? What kind of individual (skills/personality) would be best suited for these entry-level positions? What are the most important factors used when hiring? What is the best educational preparation for a career in this field? Which classes and experience would be most helpful to obtain while still in college? How high is turnover? How does one move within the organization? How do people find out about open positions in this field? What is the future outlook for this career? What are areas for potential growth/decline? How do you see jobs changing in the future? Which professional journals/organizations would be most helpful in evaluating the field? Who else do you recommend I talk with, and may I have permission to use your name? Can you recommend other types of organizations I might investigate or contact? For more sample questions, and a complete informational interviewing tutorial, visit www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html TELEPHONE SCRIPT SAMPLE: Hello, my name is _______________. I was given your name (or found your name) by _____________. I am a (class year) at _____________ and am interested in arranging an informational interview. I am interested in learning more about the field of _______________ (or your position as _______________). Is this a good time for me to try to set up a meeting with you or someone on your staff? (If not), when would be a good time for me to try to call you back? I would like to meet with you for about a half-hour at your convenience. Would you be available to speak to me (during the week of _________________)? Portions of this section were adapted with permission from The University of Virginia’s Career Guide 19 FEDERAL JOBS D id you know that Uncle Sam is the nation’s largest employer? The federal government alone employs approximately 1.8 million civilian employees. Over 80% of these are located outside Washington, D.C. Because of the sheer size of government, there are an abundant number of employment opportunities. Think about it! Each government agency needs employees with a variety of knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively and efficiently function. There are federal jobs suited to every interest, from architecture to zoology. 20 the WASHINGTON SemeSter Program Live, Learn, Intern DC Apply now for the fall and spring programs! For more information visit: DCSemester.uga.edu Don’t miss the opportunity to live, study and intern in Washington, D.C. Learn more about UGA’s only DC program open to all undergraduates. @ugadcsemester UGA Washington Semester Program 21 22 B MARKETING YOUR PART-TIME WORK elow are common jobs UGA students have during college and strong bullet points to describe them. Note that the descriptions focus on skills gained and less on tasks or responsibilities. Be sure to highlight transferable skills based on the job to which you are applying. CHILDCARE PROVIDER RESTAURANT SERVER • • • • • Ensured the safety, health and welfare of #__children ages #__ to #__. Organized safe, fun and educational age-appropriate activities for children. Provided transportation to and from school and activities. Assisted children with homework and school-related projects. BARTENDER • • • • Checked identification of customers to verity age requirements for purchase of alcohol. Attend to bar patrons while simultaneously communication with servers to fill bar and restaurant drink orders. Served as bartender for private parties and functions. Trained new bartenders and serves on computerized cash register ordering system. CLERK/CASHIER • • • • • • Completed tasks in a fast-paced energized environment. Handled a daily revenue average $ __. Communicated extensively with customers. Effectively utilized company specific point-of-sale system. Handled returns and purchased with cash, credit cards and gift cards. Reconciled case drawer at the end of each shift. LIFEGUARD • • • • • Maintained safety for an average of guest swimmers daily. Certified to perform emergency techniques for the safety of guest swimmers. Participated on a team with six staff members. Taught swim lessons to individuals and groups of children ages #__to #__. Certified in Red Cross CPR. TUTOR • • • • Tutored undergraduate students in __, __, __, and __, (list specific subject areas) Monitored student progress and provided feedback. Utilized simple and straightforward language to convey complex concepts. Developed detailed examples and tutorial exercises to increase student understanding and retention of material. • • • • • Enhanced ability to multitask within a fast-paced environment. Managed guest relation issues such as complaints, recommendation, and accommodation requests. Handled a daily revenue averaging $__. Greeted customers upon arrival and seated them for dining. Recommended nightly specials to customers to enhance sales. Maintained approximately #__ hours per week while enrolled as a full-time student. LAWN CARE SERVICE PROVIDER/EMPLOYEE • • • • Manicured customers’ landscaping/lawns and tailored service to please individual customers’ expectations. Promoted additional law care services to obtain new customers. Maintained lawns for #__ clients per week. Managed weekly schedules for up to #__ people. RETAIL SALES ASSOCIATE • • • • • • • Maintained store upkeep and organization. Engaged customers with friendly service and helpful attitude. Increased product knowledge and sales experience by working in different areas of the store. Ensured floor displays were properly assembled according to organization charts. Trained new employees on procedures and store policies. Organized shelves and merchandise to maintain a welcoming environment. Created visual merchandising display. VOLUNTEER • • • • (If you had a significant role as a volunteer, you could include this under your work experience) Provided __+ hours of service to elderly residents (include who the organization serves) Designed program brochure to be distributed to residents in the community Trained new volunteers in proper care of animals STUDENT WORKER/INTERN/PART-TIME WORKER Try not to use this as your job title. Instead, consider something more descriptive like Office Assistant or Accounting Intern. (See other sample job titles, resume breakdown examples, and full resume examples). 23 RESUME BREAKDOWN Heading Brittany Johns 235 College Station Apt. 12 • Athens, GA 30605 • 706-777-7776 • [email protected] 1. James Roman 2. 45 Milledge Avenue • Athens, GA 30606 • 404-665-2345 • [email protected] Whitney Hughes 234 Chase Lane Athens, GA 30602 453-789-2314 [email protected] www.linkedin.com/in/whughes 1. 2. 3. 3. Blaine Walters 143 William St 345-123-4568 Athens, GA 30602 [email protected] www.blainewalterportfolio.com Objective Statement Objective statements are optional. If you choose to include an objective it should be job or industry-specific. Your objective statement should also outline skills that you can bring to the role. 4. 5. Your heading should include your full name, mailing address, phone number and email. Your name should be the most prominent thing on the page, bold and at lease one font size bigger than the content font size. Your email address should be appropriate. Use a school or personal email address, never one from a current position. You can include your LinkedIn link or a link for a professional portfolio or website. Although not shown here, you can include both your current and permanent addresses. See full resume examples. Objective: To obtain the sales associate position at Macy’s in order to utilize my strong communication skills and customer-centered perspective. OBJECTIVE Seeking a full-time position in the nonprofit sector focusing on human services to further develop my previous experience working with individuals and families in crisis. EDUCATION The University of Georgia, Athens, GA Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Major: Publication Management; Minor: Philosophy Certificate: New Media Cumulative GPA: 3.40/4.00 EDUCATION The University of Georgia Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Spanish Minor Major GPA: 3.87/4.00; Overall GPA: 3.65/4.00 HOPE Scholarship Recipient, Presidential Scholar, Dean’s List Cumulative GPA: 3.40/4.00 May 2016 1. 2. Athens, GA May 2016 3. 4. 5. Education Your educational history should be in reverse chronological order. List your degree title (check bulletin for accuracy), school name, city and state or country, and graduation month and year. Include GPA if 3.0 or higher. Be sure to include the GPA scale (3.0/4.0). You can use cumulative, overall or major GPA. Be sure to label each GPA appropriately. Georgia State University Core Curriculum Atlanta, GA August 2011 - May 2012 EDUCATION The University of Georgia, Honors Program Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science Major GPA: 3.84/4.00 The University of Georgia, Study Abroad Health, Culture and Sustainable Development EDUCATION The University of Georgia Master of Public Health GPA: 3.70/4.00 The University of Tennessee Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion GPA: 3.75/4.00 24 Athens, GA May 2014 Knoxville, TN May 2012 Athens, GA May 2016 Queensland, Australia Summer 2013 EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts, May 2016 The University of Georgia, Athens, GA Major: Psychology Minor: Spanish GPA: 3.70/4.00 Certifications Safe Space, University of Georgia LGBT Resource Center Business Professionalism Certificate, University of Georgia Career Center 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Experience Your experiences should be listed in revers chronological order (most recent to least recent) within each category. Each experience should include your title, company or organization name, city and state or country, and month and year of employment. Be aware of verb tenses. Current position should use present tense verbs and previous positions should use past tense verbs. Use strong action verbs. See action verb list. Give yourself credit! Integrate quantities (#, $, %), professional language and skills within your content. Use the job posting as a guide to develop section titles and content language. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Wildlife Intern August - September 2014 Wildlife Conquest Kenya Rombo and Ambolseli Regions, Kenya • Identified species, gender, and age of all fauna species in the area • Monitored and recorded physical, social and behavioral characteristics of elephants between Ambolseli National Park and Mount Kilamanjaro • Measured elephants tracks and composed a graph of the family structure of the herd • Displayed endurance while conducting field studies on treacherous terrain • Compiled data and disseminated information to regional conservationists RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Lab Coordinator, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA June 2013 - May 2014 • Worked directly with 20 research participants diagnosed with anxiety disorders to examine the effectiveness of a computerized treatment plan • Developed and implemented effective advertising strategies to create diverse research pools • Facilitated in-person and phone interviews with research participants to determine eligibility • Assigned and monitored the research duties of 5-10 team members per project • Performed literature reviews for future studies CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE The University of Georgia Athens, GA Orientation Leader May 2013-August 2013 • Communicated resources, history and directional information to hundreds of incoming students and families. • Personally responsible for leading a group of 20 students at every orientation session; 2 per week for 12 weeks. • Chosen to represent the university due to my strong communication skills and dedication to customer service. • Answered difficult questions from parents and students while maintaining professional demeanor and composure. • Effectively handled conflicts and crises when needed. WORK EXPERIENCE Chick-fil-A, Athens, GA Cashier/Server, February 2013-present • Greeted patrons with warm and welcoming demeanor, with regards to company mission and policy. • Served an average of 30 customers per day, ensuring their overall satisfaction. • Worked with a team of 5 other cashiers and servers to maintain the front counter, dining room, kitchen and drive-thru areas. • Personally responsible for balancing a drawer of $300+ per day. • Recognized as Employee of the Month three times for commitment to excellence and positive attitude. Honors • Summa Cum Laude, Presidential Scholar, Dean’s List, Top 5% of Class, HOPE Scholarship • Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars HONORS AND AWARDS • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Broadcast Education Associate (BEA) January 2014-present Attended BEA Festival in Las Vegas, NV July 2014 - Won $1000 top prize for Best of Festival in “To Instruct” category - King Foundation Award Winner HOPE Scholarship Recipient Community Service List in reverse chronological order. Include organizational name, your title and dates are optional but do add more weight. Note any leadership roles you held. If only a member, just list the organization. Add content of your contribution when able. Include strong action verbs and quantities (similar to experience). This section can include campus and community involvement. Limit this section to college only. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Honors List name of organization or award. Can include scholarships received. Include only college honors and awards, unless they are at a state or national level. Noting percentages and dollar amounts add weight to your award. Describe the criteria to win the award/ scholarship if you have room. COMMUNITY SERVICE Fundraiser and Runner, Relay for Life March 2014-May 2014 • Raised over $1,000 to support research and raise awareness for cancer research Sustainability Representative, St. Michael’s Hospital April 2013-December 2013 • Encouraged coworkers to reduce energy consumption and recycle in order to support Mercer University’s goal to reduce energy usage 25% by 2015 Work-day Planner, Beau Pre-Homeowner’s Association June 2011-June 2013 • Coordinated the biannual neighborhood work day, which included clean-up and beautification of the area surrounding the front entrance CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Red & Black Newspaper, Assistant News Editor ESOL Service Learning, Spanish Tutor UGA Miracle, Secretary (previously Public Relations Chair) Habitat for Humanity, Mission Rebuild Team Member August 2012-Present August 2013-Present August 2012-Present Summer 2013 25 26 Include the months of your employment. Only including the year is too vague. Atlantic Pool Service Atlanta, GA Athens, GA There is opportunity throughout this resume for better use of space and the addition of potentially important information. Consider including information about internships/externships, campus or community involvement, project experience, honors, language or other non-technical skills, and any other experiences where you can leverage and highlight your transferable skills. Atlanta, GA Expand on your experiences to truly market yourself to employers. Be specific, results-oriented and quantify and qualify wherever possible. Athens, GA Answer potential questions for employers about your responsibilities with your bullets: For what purpose did you do something? What was the outcome or result of your action? How much did you raise or did you meet your goals? What were your specific tasks and what tools did you use? Where did you work? Always include your job title, company name, city/state, and dates of employment. Make this section easier to read by dividing the section into “Software,” “Operating Systems,” and “Language” - or placing the information into 2-3 bulleted columns. As an undergraduate, your “Education” section should be listed at the top of your resume, after your contact information. Macromedia Flash, Director, Dreamweaver, Fireworks; Adobe Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, Audition; Corel Bryce 5; Microsoft Office Suite (including Access); Apply Final Cute Pro, Quicktime Pro; Digidesign Pro Tools; Mac OS 9, X; Windows 95-XP; Dos; Linux; HTML; SQL; CSS; ActionScript; JavaScript; Director Lingo; VBA Include your GPA if it’s 3.0 or above Major: Advertising; Minor: French; New Media Certificate Cumulative GPA: 3.4/4.0 Computer Skills ! ! BA in Journalism August 2015 Consider aligning all dates on the far right side of the page. Dates are not normally the first thing you want an employer to see when scanning your resume. The University of Georgia …? Managed pool area for members Kept the pool area clean and safe for members Education ! ! Pool Manager Be consistent! 8/2012, Aug. 2012 or August 2012 are all fine, but use the same formatting throughout. Designed websites for nonprofit organization Used graphics and JavaScript to create web pages Provided advice regarding graphic design and layout issues 5/2012 - 8/2012 ! ! ! Web Designer/Graphic Artist Information Security Center Edited videos and projects …? Interacted with the production team Organized logistics for various team members Aug. 2013- Present ! ! ! Production Assistant Intern 2012-present Experience Coursework on your resume should be relevant to the position and industry for which you are applying. Take the time to tailor, even if that means changing this section for each resume you submit. Also, instead of using the course abbreviations and ID numbers, use the course titles to provide a better idea of the skills, knowledge, and background you have. To see one of many ways this resume could be improved, check out the updated version to the right of this page! This resume has too much white space! Avoid using a template from Microsoft Word or any other program; instead create your resume from scratch. When writing a resume, use ½ - 1 inch margins and 10-12 point. Avoid abbreviations. Spell out your full degree title. Use STRONG action verbs at the start of your bullets. In each section, dates should be in reverse chronological order (most recent first). You can also create targeted sections to highlight specific experience. If you are currently in a position, use present tense verbs. For past experiences, use past tense verbs. For students in web or graphic design, it is a great idea to have a professional website to show employers. JRMC 7355, NMIX 4111, JOUR 3410, SPAN 1001, SOCI 2090, MATH 1113 Abraham Baldwin 228 Baldwin Street, Athens, GA 30601•770.555.1234•[email protected] Relevant Coursework Your name should always be the first thing on your resume. If you sent this resume to an employer and they scanned it into their system, it would most likely be saved under your address instead of your name. Example of a BAD resume with suggestions from the UGA Career Center on how to improve it. RESUME 1 Abraham Baldwin May 2012 – August 2012 COMPUTER SKILLS • Software: Macromedia Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks; Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects; Microsoft Office Suite (including Access); Apple Final Cute Pro, Quicktime Pro; Digidesign Pro Tools • Analytics: Google Analytics and Hootsuite • Operating Systems: Mac OS 9, X; Windows 95-XP; Dos; Linux • Programming Languages: HTML; SQL; CSS; ActionScript; JavaScript; Director Lingo; VBA ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Pool Manager, Atlantic Pool Service, Atlanta, GA May 2012 – August 2012 • Developed strong leadership abilities by managing 400-member swimming facility • Maintained organized records for 35 employees utilizing PeopleSoft Database System • Effectively communicated with Board of Directors to ensure that members’ needs were consistently met • Collected entrance fees totaling up to $500 per day PROJECT EXPERIENCE New Media Analytics Course, Dawgy Dawg Social Media Campaign Project, Athens, GA May 2013 – August 2013 • Created a uniquely targeted social media plan to be executed primarily through Facebook and Twitter • Increased brand awareness by 300 likes on Facebook and 100 followers on Twitter within 2 months of campaign • Evaluated Google Analytics, expanding marketing strategy to include Pinterest; increased website traffic by 32%. • Designed promotional material using InDesign and Illustrator software Production Assistant Intern, Global Digital Media Production, Atlanta, GA • Assisted in the editing and post-production of video and media projects using Final Cut Pro • Organized travel schedules, meetings, and routes for 10 production team members • Prepared and distributed briefing notes and scripts for production team daily • Learned how to be adaptable and responsive to change in a fast-paced environment Assistant Editor/Writer, Red and Black, Athens, GA August 2013 – Present • Earned repeated commendations for excellence in writing; promoted to Assistant Editor within first 6 months • Write 2-3 articles weekly on a variety of topics such as Sports, Music, and Food & Dining • Report on local events, secure sources, double-check facts and meet strict deadlines • Pitched unique and engaging story ideas to Editor-in-Chief for publication MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCE Web Designer/Graphic Artist, Information Security Center, Athens, GA August 2013 – Present • Design and maintain 3 corporate websites for nonprofit organization • Manipulate web pages and graphics using JavaScript in an office environment • Maintain organized documentation to ensure that web pages are dynamic and readily updatable for future employees • Provide advice to clients regarding graphic design and layout issues • Instructed 25 peers on website organization and use of Dreamweaver to edit HTML RELEVANT COURSEWORK Advanced Graphic Communications, Media Planning, Editing and Production, Law of Mass Communication, Marketing Strategies and Decision Making, New Media Analytics, New Media Technologies, Public Relations Communications, and Web Programming EDUCATION The University of Georgia, Athens, GA Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Major: Advertising Minor: French, Certificate: New Media Cumulative GPA: 3.4/4.0 August 2015 Example of a GOOD and improved resume after implementing suggestions made by the UGA Career Center. 228 Baldwin Street, Athens, GA 30601 ● 770-555-1234 ● [email protected] ● www.abebaldwin.com RESUME 2 27 [email protected] (706) 555-4564 EMILY HUNTER Atlanta, GA August 2011 - May 2012 Athens, GA May 2015 Permanent Address: 505 Tate Drive Naples, FL 34101 Atlanta, GA March 2013 August 2013 - Present August 2012 - Present August 2013 - August 2014 August 2013 - January 2014 SKILLS Language Skills: Conversational Spanish, skilled in written Spanish Computer Skills: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Basic knowledge of Microsoft Access CAMPUS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ESOL Service Learning, Spanish Tutor, Support elementary Hispanic students Habitat for Humanity, Thrift Store Volunteer, Price merchandise Infusion Magazine, Assistant to Financial Director Partners for a Prosperous Athens, Transportation Committee Member Assistant Store Manager Athens, GA The Body Shop August 2012 - December 2012 • Exceeded $2500 weekly sales quota by 10% and targeted customer behavior to increase sales • Handled amounts exceeding $5000 daily while maintaining accurate balances and deposits • Regularly assigned and supervised duties of 6 employees • Conducted opening and closing procedures such as product inventory, store cleaning, and accessing multiple security systems • Exemplified reliability and punctuality by completing all assigned tasks in a timely manner CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE Server Athens, GA Olive Garden August 2013 - Present • Provide excellent customer service to 50+ patrons per shift in a fast-paced, time-intense environment • Demonstrate keen attention to detail by managing financial transactions totaling up to $2000 • Trained 14 new employees on business operations and offered constructive feedback • Successfully and consistently upsell desserts, appetizers, and special promotions; won upselling contest 4 times Extern Altria, UGA Intern for a Day Program • Attended company-wide sales pitch brainstorming session • Shadowed 6 customer product calls, all of which resulted in successful sales to clients • Conducted informational interviews with the CEO and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chairman of Advertising/Public Relations Athens, GA American Red Cross, Fundraising Committee January 2013 - May 2013 • Coordinated and supervised a 6-member committee and maximized committee potential by delegating to members’ strengths • Provided personal outreach to various media outlets which led to first-time coverage from 4 outlets • Wrote press releases and secured media publicity through radio, paper, and internet sources RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE Marketing Intern Atlanta, GA Georgia Department of Labor Summer 2014 • Screened over 40 applicants per day for appropriate job qualifications • Retrieved unemployment claims, collected confidential customer information, and conducted daily log entries Georgia State University Core Curriculum EDUCATION The University of Georgia Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing; Spanish minor Major GPA: 3.87/4.00; Overall GPA: 3.65/4.00 HOPE Scholarship Recipient, Presidential Scholar, Dean’s List Present Address: 550 Athens Road, Apartment 1 Athens, GA 30602 RESUME 3 Includes server and retail experience. Transferred to the University of Georgia. Participated in “Intern for a Day”. Athens, GA May 2015 December 2014 HONORS & INVOLVEMENT ! Dean’s List (3 semesters); Presidential Scholar (2 semesters) ! Society for Management Information Systems (August 2013 - Present); Intramural soccer (Spring 2013) Self-Employed Lawn Service Roswell, GA Lawn Maintenance Seasonal, Summers 2010 - 2013 ! Established and retained customer base of 75 homes in local neighborhoods ! Gained experience establishing a small business, including marketing, sales, and financial components ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Mu Chapter Athens, GA Risk Manager September 2013 - Present ! Regulate and ensure the compliance of campus and chapter safety rules and regulations for 85 members ! Handle regulation violations and distribute appropriate sanctions ! Coordinate 2 educational programs per semester to proactively avoid possible risks Treasurer September 2012 - May 2013 ! Managed comprehensive budget of $55,000+ and allocated funds as needed ! Accurately completed all transactions and purchases to ensure proper account balances PROJECT EXPERIENCE Athens Area Humane Society Athens, GA Web Programming Class January 2013 - June 2013 ! Served as a project team leader and developed a database to track the adoption of animals ! Designed website that allowed viewing of specific animals for adoption ! Used Visual Basic to establish a new user interface ! Incorporated Java, HTML, and Flash interactive website; website link: www.aahumane.gov RELATED EXPERIENCE Financial Network Services, Pty Ltd. Sydney, Australia Unix Administrator Assistant Summer 2014 ! Operated Unix Hp/Ux 11i in the transferring of files between development and testing regions ! Led team of 4 to configure notebooks and install multilingual software for 6 overseas consultants ! Created user accounts and set permissions and passwords with UNIX - SCO ! Performed hardware maintenance, technical support, and software research to meet high customer demand COMPUTER SKILLS ! Programming Languages: Visual Basic, SQL, C, C++, Java ! Operating Systems: Windows NT/ 2000/ XP/ Vista, Linux, Unix ! Database: SQL Server, MS Access, Oracle ! Internet: ASP, VB Script, JavaScript, HTML, XML, Dreamweaver, ASP.NET, Java Server, Perl ! Software: JCL, SQL, DB2, MS Visio, MS Excel, MS FrontPage, MS Word EDUCATION The University of Georgia, Franklin College of Arts & Sciences Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Atlanta, GA Thesis: Computerized Enrollment and Student Information Systems • Major GPA: 3.84/ 4.00 • Financed 70% of college expenses through summer jobs and HOPE Scholarship SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS ! Project management and consulting experience primarily focused upon nonprofit projects, requiring quick turnarounds and extensive troubleshooting ! Proven skills in planning, strategy development, and knowledge of customer and client business processes ! Possess excellent team-building and management skills with demonstrated success, offering critical resources to organizations ! Recognized by peers and professors for creating high-performance teams Natalie A. Parker 345 Lane Street, Roswell, GA 30075 3421 Folks Street [email protected] • (706) 123-4567 RESUME 4 Computer Science major, includes relevant technical skills and thesis topic. Summary of qualifications provides reader with brief overview of most relevant skills for particular position. 28 Athens, GA December 2014 Summer 2013 HONORS & AWARDS HOPE Scholarship Recipient (Fall 2010 - Present) Governor’s Scholarship (Fall 2010 - Spring 2011) OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE UGA Honors Program: Student Assistant, Athens, GA Russell Hall: Desk Assistant, Athens, GA Dillard’s: Sales Associate, Alpharetta, GA September 2012 - Present August 2011 - May 2012 May 2011 - August 2011 May 2010 - July 2010 Dean’s List (5 semesters) UGA Rotary Top 12 Award Winner (Spring 2010) YMCA Camp Harbor: Leadership Counselors Program, Head Counselor, Gainesville, GA • Selected by supervisor to interview, hire, and train 36 counselors • Developed an innovative leadership training curriculum for new staff onboarding • Taught leadership lessons to groups of 5-15 campers, ages 7-10 • Managed cabin of 11 campers 24 hours per day, 5 days per week • Designed detailed and comprehensive camp schedule for all children and staff • Maintained order in daily activities involving 300 + campers LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE UGA Department of University Housing: Resident Assistant, Athens, GA August 2011 - Present • Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for up to 100 participants, including an Effective Leadership workshop series • Extensively utilize communication and counseling skills to supervise 65 men in a residence hall setting • Quickly respond to various crises in a building of 800 residents • Explain, interpret, and enforce university housing policies such as substance infractions and noise complaints • Compile an annual facility inventory and year-end report to present to the Housing Executive Board The Population Institute: Intern, Washington, D.C. June 2012 - August 2012 • Conceptualized, created, and negotiated student scholarship program that serves 15 students per year • Managed relations for World Population Day Symposium with international press, NGOs, and government employees • Successfully wrote 4 grant proposals and worked to improve the effectiveness of direct mailing fundraising • Advocated with Congress and NGOs for issue awareness in legislative decisions INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE Williams, Getchell & Grayson, LLC: Law Intern, Macon, GA August 2013 - Present • Employed with workers’ compensation and general liability law firm representing employers and insurers • Draft motions and briefs for numerous cases and participate in depositions, mediations, and trial preparation • Maintain updated correspondence with clients, opposing counsel, and physicians regarding pertinent case information Study Abroad: Oxford University, Oxford, England • Earned 6 credit hours by completing 2 courses in International Economics Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership Participant in highly selective, individualized 2-year leadership development program including academic courses, personal assessments, externships, team building, and community service EDUCATION The University of Georgia, Honors Program Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, School of Public & International Affairs Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Franklin College of Arts & Sciences GPA: 3.5/4.00 [email protected] ● 10 Dawg Rd., Apt. 15, Athens, GA 30602 ● (706) 555-1234 ● www.linkedin.com/in/twreed T. WALTER REED Includes study abroad and leadership experience. Highlights internship experience and explains the value of the certificate being pursued. RESUME 5 Covington, GA May 2014 August 2014 – Present Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Quito, Ecuador Summer 2012 • Participated in 6-week service project working with underprivileged children in the Quito community • Assisted with the planning and construction of 9 homes for young families • Transitioned into the local culture and developed strong Spanish language skills Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, Covington, GA January 2008 – June 2013 • Highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts program • Earned 21 merit badges, completed 300 hours of service, and developed and implemented 2 leadership community projects in the Covington area Member, Student Financial Planning Association, Athens, GA • Contribute articles and updates to campus-wide newsletter • Attend monthly networking events with employers and participate in company site visits CAMPUS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Rower, UGA Men’s Club Rowing Team, Athens, GA September 2014 – Present • Selected as 1 of 15 members after completing 20-hour intensive training period • Dedicate 15 hours per week to training and practice while balancing 15 academic hours • Compete in regional and national competitions against club and varsity programs • Received 3rd place at annual Head of the South Regatta in Augusta, GA Cashier, CVS Pharmacy, Covington, GA June 2013 – Present (Seasonal) • Entrusted with the responsibility of processing financial transactions totaling $1000+ nightly • Issue receipts, refunds, credits, and change due to customers • Maintain a thorough knowledge of store merchandise in order to advise customers on purchases and sale items • Compile monthly balance sheets with total dollar amounts and numbers of transactions WORK EXPERIENCE Dining Room Attendant, UGA Food Services, Athens, GA August 2014 – Present • Maintain a clean and safe environment for campus dining hall serving 1000+ patrons daily • Provide excellent customer service by interacting with students and staff to ensure a quality dining experience • Completed the Student Manager Training Program within the first month of work Computer Skills: Microsoft Access and Publisher; Prezi; Smore Language Skills: Intermediate knowledge of written and conversational Spanish Maple High School Honors High School Diploma, GPA: 4.57/5.00 EDUCATION The University of Georgia Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Major: Consumer Economics Minor: Consumer Foods Business Professionalism Certificate Recipient Athens, GA May 2018 Permanent Address 123 Miller Street Covington, GA 30015 OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship with PepsiCo in order to demonstrate my strong communication skills and educational background related to consumer product research. Current Address 228 Baldwin Street Athens, GA 30601 [email protected] • 770-555-1234 First Year Student Resume of a first year student just getting involved in activities. It is never too early to start building your resume! RESUME 6 29 Highlights a relevant class project as well as internship experience, technical skills and certifications. December 2014 May 2016 Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Modeling programs: ALGOR, eQUEST, and EneryPro (LEED project with a VRF system) Drafting software: AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES Sigma Pi Kappa, UGA - Athens, GA • International Honor Society UGA Tennis Team - Athens, GA Co-Captain • Serve as leader, instrumental in team motivation, encouragement and success CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT December 2010 – December 2013 August 2011 – Present The National Association of Environmental Professionals, Member January 2013 – Present The Society of Environmental Engineers, UGA - Athens, GA August 2011-Present Attend weekly meetings which focus on strengthening engineering skill sets and further developing as a professional o o Mastery of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe InDesign Ability to work with several operating systems, including Windows and Mac OSX COMPUTER SKILLS December 2012 April 2013 August 2013 - Present Creative Writing English Award ◦ Poetry Chapbook earned first place in an Advanced Poetry class of 35 Outstanding Student Award ◦ Awarded exceptional work, effort and communication, by English Literature professor, in a class of 105 Dean's List HONORS & AWARDS UGA Rowing Team Athens, GA August 2012 - May 2013 Coxswain and Coach ◦ Commanded, coached, and oversaw two boats of eight rowers ◦ Provided motivation, support and tactical assistance during practice and regatta races ◦ Dedicated over 25 hours each week to conducting and overseeing training, practice, planning and team building Brown Road Day Camp Madison, GA Summers 2012, 2013 Head Counselor and Supervisor ◦ Implemented and evaluated schedules, programs, and job positions for over 150 campers and 15 counselors ◦ Planned and devised lessons and activities for 30 teenagers that enforced responsibility and dependability ◦ Coordinated end-of-summer awards ceremony and attended by over 100 teenagers and parents MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE June 2012 - August 2012 Golob & Legion Engineers May 2013 – August 2013 Intern - Athens, GA • Researched building code items, materials and similar building plans for two large commercial projects in Atlanta • Assisted engineering and design team in decision making process for ADA compliance • Worked on a team focused on research and identification of suitable locations to install groundwater dams City of Madison Parks and Recreation Madison, GA Design Intern ◦ Redesigned and updated brochure and pamphlet information for six parks ◦ Organized, edited and designed layout and content for print and website ◦ Structured and oversaw the design and editing team for publication’s activity guide Carter Entertainment Athens, GA May 2013 – December 2013 Event Planner ◦ Established and oversaw 25 online marketing promotions, advertising, and sponsorships on company webpage ◦ Interviewed promotional employees and evaluated operating system, sales plans, schedules, and activity plans GeorgiaNOW Athens, GA August 2013-Present Reader/Associate Editor ◦ Reviewed 430 poetry submissions online with a team of readers and recommended the highest quality creative works for th the 100 publication of GeorgiaNOW ◦ Foster collaboration with other managing editors on magazine's theme, mission and design, using Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Publisher to review monthly ◦ Created marketing for current and forthcoming issues on social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, increasing online readership by over 15% in one year INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE Bachelor of Arts in English, Franklin College of Arts & Sciences The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, GPA 3.73/4.00 EDUCATION th 255 30 Street Athens, GA 30605 [email protected] (222) 548-9999 Rebecca O’Hare writing and marketing. She also explained the criteria for awards she received. RESUME 8 English major who emphasized relevant skill sets: editing, design, ABC Pollution Control June 2014-August 2014 Environmental Engineering Intern-Miami, FL • Assisted with inspection of sites and performed detailed monitoring of industrial pollution control measures based on the state and local regulations • Served on a committee dedicated to designing and implementing a new waste water treatment system • Collaborated with team of 3 engineers to provide onsite environmental investigation of projects RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Group Project, Environmental Engineering Design Methodology Spring 2014 • Integral member of a 5 person team tasked with developing an action plan for addressing societal, environmental, regulatory, and economic constraints related to a local wastewater project in Athens, GA • Researched client needs and developed a solution based layout to best suit functionality requirements • Served as project leader, organizing team meetings, tracking progress and provide a forum for discussion RELEVANT PROJECT The University of Georgia - Athens, GA Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering Cumulative GPA: 3.75/4.00 Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) 2014, State of Georgia Passed Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, 2013 EDUCATION • • human health constraints compatible with economic growth, sustainable development and ethical standards Proficient with a variety of modeling and drafting software including AutoCAD and ALGOR Efficient at utilizing project management and teamwork skills to further accelerate the overarching goals of the company • Experienced in designing solutions for environmental problems that require integration of environmental and SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS 100 Main Street • Athens, GA 30605 • 555-555-5555 • [email protected] • issuu.com/dslatersample David Slater, E.I.T. RESUME 7 B ACTION VERBS The categories below represent skills and qualities employers often say they want job seekers to demonstrate on a resume. Use these action verbs to describe your experiences. Remember to add in numbers, dollars and percentages when possible. COMMUNICATION Address Advertise Arbitrate Arrange Ascertain Author Brief Collaborate Communicate Compose Confront Consult Contact Convey Convince Correspond Define Describe Develop Direct Document Draft Edit Educate Elicit Enlist Explain Express Follow-up Formulate Act Adapt Advertise Begin Broaden Combine Compose Conceive Condense Conceptualize Conduct Create Customize Demonstrate Design Develop Direct Discover Display Draft Dramatize Draw Entertain Establish Execute Exhibit Explore Incorporate Influence Inform Interact Interpret Interview Involve Lecture Market Mediate CREATIVE Fashion Forge Formulate Found Illustrate Imagine Improvise Initiate Institute Meet Moderate Motivate Negotiate Network Observe Outline Participate Persuade Present Promote Publicize Publish Question Reconcile Recruit Refer Reinforce Report Resolve Respond Solicit Specify Speak Stipulate Suggest Summarize Synthesize Translate Write Integrate Introduce Invent Market Model Modernize Modify Originate Perform Photograph Pilot Pioneer Plan Present Produce Recommend Redesign Rehearse Remodel Renovate Replace Revise Revitalize Shape Sketch Spearhead Transform Market Measure Monitor Net Plan Prepare Procure Project Purchase Qualify Reconcile Reduce Research Retrieve Transfer Guide Handle Moderate Observe Orient Predict Prescribe Protect Prevent Provide Reconcile Rectify Refer Rehabilitate Represent Resolve Serve Simplify Supply Support Volunteer Perfect Preserve Preside Prioritize Produce Propose Protect Realize Recommend Recruit Regulate Reorganize Replace Review Revitalize Reward Save Set goals Schedule Streamline Strengthen Supervise Terminate Unify FINANCIAL Account for Adjust Administer Allocate Analyze Appraise Audit Balance Budget Calculate Compute Conserve Control Correct Determine Adapt Advise Advocate Aid Answer Anticipate Arrange Assess Assist Clarify Coach Collaborate Contribute Cooperate Counsel Deliver Demonstrate Diagnose Educate Enable Encourage Accomplish Administer Account for Adjust Analyze Appoint Approve Assign Assume Attain Chair Choose Conceptualize Conduct Consolidate Consult Contact Contract Coordinate Decide Decrease Delegate Design Determine Develop Estimate Finance Forecast Manage HELPING Enlist Ensure Evaluate Expedite Facilitate Familiarize Foster LEADERSHIP/MANAGEMENT 30 Develop Devote Direct Dispatch Dispense Eliminate Employ Emphasize Enforce Enhance Establish Evaluate Execute Formulate Generate Handle Head Hire Implement Improve Incorporate Increase Initiate Institute Lead Leverage Manage Maintain Merge Motivate Orchestrate Order Organize Overhaul Oversee Plan ORGANIZATIONAL Approve Arrange Categorize Classify Code Collaborate Collect Compile Conserve Consolidate Correct Diagram Distribute Enlist Execute Expedite Extract Generate Identify Implement Incorporate Inspect Integrate Join Log Maintain Monitor Obtain Operate Organize Prepare Prioritize Process Purchase Record Reshape Reorganize Respond Retrieve Revamp Review Revise Schedule Screen Set up Shape Specialize Specify Streamline Substitute Standardize Systematize Tabulate Target Update Validate Identify Interpret Interview Investigate Modify Organize Reduce Remedy Research Revamp Review Revitalized Revive Solve Study Summarize Survey Troubleshoot Map Maximize Measure Minimize Obtain Pioneer Prove Reduce Re-establish Resolve Selected as Solicit Stabilize Standardize Succeed Transform Trim Triple Validate Widen Won Inform Initiate Inquire Instill Instruct Interact Integrate Investigate Listen Model Modify Motivate Observe Organize Persuade Ponder Postulate Praise Provoke Question Reinforce Rephrase Research Reward Set Goals Set Standards Simplify Solicit Speculate State Stimulate Structure Synthesize Systematize Teach Thank Theorize Train Tutor Reconfigure Rehabilitate Remodel Repair Rectify Regulate Resolve Screen Service Solve Streamline Supply Survey Train Troubleshoot Upgrade PROBLEM SOLVING/ANALYTICAL Accumulate Acquire Address Analyze Brainstorm Calculate Chart Clarify Collaborated Collect Compare Conduct Diagnose Design Detect Determine Discover Disprove Evaluate Examine Extract Formulate Gather Hypothesize RESULTS Achieve Accelerate Accomplish Add Advance Attain Augment Award Complete Compound Contribute Decrease Demonstrate Double Eliminate Enlarge Establish Exceed Excel Expand Extend Fortify Improve Increase Initiate Introduce Launch Lower costs TEACHING Accept Adapt Advise Analyze Apply Appraise Appreciate Assess Assign Attend Categorize Challenge Choose Clarify Coach Command Communicate Compliment Conduct Consider Cooperate Coordinate Correct Critique Define Demonstrate Designate Develop Direct Discipline Educate Elaborate Elicit Emphasize Enable Encourage Evaluate Excite Explain Explore Facilitate Focus Generate Guide Head Hypothesize Identify Implement Incorporate Indicate Individualize Infer TECHNICAL/RESEARCH Activate Adapt Apply Appraise Assemble Begin Build Calculate Compute Configure Conserve Consolidate Construct Contrive Convert Coordinate Create Define Deliver Design Detect Determine Develop Devise Display Experiment Exhibit Fabricate Formulate Fortify Implement Install Integrate Investigate Maintain Navigate Operate Overhaul Participate Program 31 U BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE nderstanding job search correspondence will be important in making the right impression on an employer. All emails, letters, and thank you notes that you send are a reflection of your professional image or “brand.” Make sure that you take the time and effort to leave the impression that you want! Job search correspondence may be emailed or handwritten/typed. Depending on how time sensitive the communication is, you may want to email the employer or send something handwritten. The Career Center, however, recommends doing both! Why? First, speed counts in the job search and quick and professional follow-up via email reinforces both your interest and candidacy. Second, a follow-up handwritten or typed letter serves as an additional “touch point” in the job search and will help differentiate you among a sea of potential candidates. When emailing any kind of job search correspondence, be sure to use the same care, consistency, and professionalism that you would if you were hand-mailing a letter. Specifically, be sure to follow these email guidelines: • Send from a professional email address ([email protected], NOT [email protected]) You can have it all. As a State Farm agent, you get to help people you care about. Plus, you have the chance to earn a great living. Who says you can’t have it all? ® Become a State Farm agent. Learn more: cliff Bonds Sales Leaders Athens Market Area Phone: 706-612-8209 Email: [email protected] • Address your employer contact using a professional salutation (Dear Ms. Ledgerwood, NOT Hey Laura,) • Do not address an employer by their full name (Dear Scott Williams) unless you are unsure of their gender • Check your email’s grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Be sure to use complete sentences. • Include your full name and contact information in the closing or email signature. DO THIS: Sincerely, Jill White The University of Georgia, Psychology Major Email- [email protected] Phone- 706-555-1234 NOT THAT: Best, Jill On the following pages, we have provided both definitions and samples of the various types of correspondence you will need in order to be successful in your job search. Value-Added Careers Crowe Horwath LLP is the fastest growing firm in Atlanta and a top 10 public accounting and consulting firm. To learn more about value-added careers, with challenging clients, continuous learning, and leadership opportunities, visit gocrowe.com. statefarm.com/careers PO97095.2 32 State Farm • Bloomington, IL • An Equal Opportunity Employer Crowe Horwath LLP is an independent member of Crowe Horwath International, a Swiss verein. Each member firm of Crowe Horwath International is a separate and independent legal entity. Crowe Horwath LLP and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any acts or omissions of Crowe Horwath International or any other member of Crowe Horwath International and specifically disclaim any and all responsibility or liability for acts or omissions of Crowe Horwath International or any other Crowe Horwath International member. Accountancy services in Kansas and North Carolina are rendered by Crowe Chizek LLP, which is not a member of Crowe Horwath International. © 2014 Crowe Horwath LLP ES15208 HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 SENDER’S ADDRESS: Begin with your current address. You do not need to include your name in this heading. DATE: This should be the date that you are writing the letter. EMPLOYER’S ADDRESS: Do not assume that a person uses the title “Mrs.” Always include the person’s title. If you don’t have the address, look it up on the company’s website. TIP: Count the times you used “I” language and the amount of times you addressed the organization. Try to balance this as much as possible. Address how your background matches the qualifications on the job description or how you meet other company needs. You, Your, Organization Name When emailing, remove steps 1-3! Your Street Address City, State, Zip PARAGRAPH 1: ANSWERS “WHY AM I WRITING?” •• Identify the position and the company. •• Indicate specifically how you learned about the position. •• Why you are interested in this job. •• Introduce basic information about yourself that explains why you would be the best candidate for the position. •• If you are not writing about a specific position, include as much of the above information as possible. Mr./Ms./Dr. Name Title Name of Company/Organization Company’s Street Address City, State, Zip PARAGRAPH 3: ANSWERS “WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP?” •• Refer the reader to your enclosed resume (and other documents). •• Reiterate your strong interest in the position/ organization. •• Specify how you intend to follow up. CLOSING: Close with the word “Sincerely.” ENCLOSURES: Indicate what other documents may accompany the cover letter, such as the resume or an application. 1 2 Month, Day, Year 3 4 Dear Mr./Ms./Dr.: Paragraph 1: The opening paragraph introduces you to the employer. Relate the position title, how you learned about the opportunity, and why you are the best candidate for the job, based on the qualifications mentioned in the job listing. Paragraph 2: The middle paragraph establishes why you are the strongest candidate for this position through discussion of your skills and experiences. Include examples of when you have used one or two of your strongest qualifications, explaining how those experiences relate to the needs of the employer. Be specific about why you believe these qualities relate to the position and how you fit what they are looking for. Mention why are you interested in this specific employer and this particular job. Paragraph 3: The conclusion reinforces your earlier assertions that you are a strong candidate and that you are truly interested in the job and the company. This is where you can indicate how you intend to follow up. Refer to your enclosed resume. Point out your contact information should employers need to follow up. 8 Sincerely, (your handwritten signature) Your Name Typed Enclosure(s) HANDWRITTEN AND TYPED SIGNATURES: Handwrite your signature when you send a hard copy of a cover letter. Press enter twice, and type your name. # sending an email? GREETING: Refer to the reader by his/her last name, not the full name unless you are unsure of the contact’s gender. Use a colon after the greeting, not a comma. PARAGRAPH 2: ANSWERS “WHO AM I, AND WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE ME?” •• Relate your skills, experiences, and qualities that would benefit you in the position. •• Synthesize your experiences and skills. Do NOT simply rehash your resume. •• Highlight one or two of your strongest qualifications AND explain how they relate to the needs of the employer. •• Explain why you are interested in the employer and the position. I, Me, My, Mine # 9 10 NEED HELP COMPOSING A LETTER? Visit the UGA Writing Center in the MLC, or in 66 Park Hall. 33 5 6 7 34 Behavioral Youth Counselor Memphis TN Youth Villages offers the unique experience for Bachelor level counselors to gain Title City State Description Requirements 3-06-2015 Post Date Teach the young people necessary life skills Provide for their physical daily care Help design and implement each young person’s treatment plan Help improve the young person’s behavior Administrative duties including drafting case notes and maintaining databases using Microsoft Word and Excel Preyesh Kapoor Preyesh Kappor Bachelor’s degree in a social services or psychology field is required At least one year of working with youth is preferred Experience working with troubled teens in a residential setting is a must This position will involve a daily interaction with at-risk, severely troubled adolescents March 16, 2015 Mr. Jake Kane Program Manager Youth Villages 3320 Brother Blvd. Memphis, TN 38133 Dear Mr. Kane, As a student graduating from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, I feel that my academic and previous work experience make me a great fit for the Behavioral Youth Counselor position at Youth Villages. I learned of your need for a Behavioral Youth Counselor at the Memphis, Tennessee location through the Youth Villages website. I am interested in pursuing a career in counseling and social services and have experience working with at-‐risk youth, which is why I am so interested in this position. My experience as a residential camp counselor for the past two summers prepared me well for this position. While working for intercept by Outward Bound, I had the chance to help at-‐risk teens ages 14-‐20. The program serves youth with poor behavioral skills, and some had self-‐harming tendencies, among other concerns. As a camp counselor, I received training before and during the camp program on how to assist the campers with better behavioral management, coping with frustrating situations, and strategies for managing destructive thoughts. The best part of my job was seeing the youths’ perceptions of themselves develop and change into positive self-‐worth throughout the summer. The residential three-‐week camps ran twice during each summer, and as each group left, I knew we had provided excellent services and treatment to our students. Seeing the more positive interactions the youths had with their peers demonstrated the impact my work had. I am keenly interested in working for Youth Villages, a program that focuses on how to “Reach, Teach, and Counsel” the youth that you interact with. After reviewing the Youth Villages Impact Strategy on your website, I feel that my personal values align with your nonprofit. I want to be a part of a team that strives to radically improve outcomes for children in crisis by transforming the systems that are failing them. I feel that I could make a difference in the lives of the children and families that I would work with at Youth Villages. I look forward to speaking with you further about this position. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions regarding my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Preyesh Kapoor 123 Sunset Terrace Athens, GA 30605 ▪ (706)555-‐1212 ▪ [email protected] The OTC schedule runs either Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday. Three weekdays: (M-W or W-F) and one weekend day. Youth Counselors spend the night once or twice a week on the campus and have additional responsibility for waking the residents and directing them with their morning routine. This schedule also provides counselors with a three day weekend. (Please note: Counselors do not live on the campuses). The young people on our residential campuses have been referred to us for different reasons. Each campus focuses on different referral behaviors such as severe aggression, suicidal and selfharming tendencies and many other severe behaviors. Use creativity and counseling skills The Youth Counselor (Teacher Counselor) is the heart and soul of our residential treatment programs. The counselor’s main duties are: These positions opening up the doors for higher level counseling positions in our organization beginning after one year! hands-on experience with emotionally and behaviorally challenged young people. 09-0204 Requisition Number Youth Villages Job Details A tailored (or targeted) cover letter is one that helps differentiate your candidacy by highlighting specific skill sets that support those identified in the job description. Note how each point highlighted in the job description is addressed in the cover letter. Job Description and Tailored Cover Letter TAILORED JOB SEARCH MATERIALS 35 Targeted Resume Athens, GA May 2015 Overall GPA: 3.7/4.0 SKILLS CPR and First Aid Certified Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access) Basic Knowledge of SPSS Analytics Software CAMPUS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Psi Chi Member, the National Honor Society in Psychology, Athens GA May 2013-Present Purpose of Society is to stimulate professional growth through programs designed to augment and enhance the regular curriculum and to provide practical experience through affiliation with the chapter Attend Society and regional conventions held annually in conjunction with the psychological associations Student Worker, College of Education, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA August 2012- December 2013 Served as the first communication that individuals had with the Department of Mathematics and Science Education through greeting and attentively listening to their requests Completed administrative tasks as requested, ensuring timely and quality results Answered phone calls and directed patrons to appropriate resources ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Research Assistant, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA September 2012-Present Facilitate an online test weekly for human subjects to test cognition as it relates to acquiring information in a short period of time Record results of the test utilizing Excel Conduct additional experimentation to verify initial findings Presented analyses and results in poster format at the Georgia Psychological Association with Dr. Laura McPherson RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Residential Camp Counselor, Outward Bound, Melbourne, FL Summer 2013 & 2014 Participated in wilderness expeditions offered for teens and young adults from across the United States who are beginning to demonstrate destructive behaviors Guided 15 teens aged 14-20 through the expedition who were at-risk of academic failure, dropping out of school, delinquency or becoming chronic offenders Facilitated two 30 day wilderness expeditions which included leading group discussions and team building exercises, as well as face-to-face meetings and phone calls with parents of the teens Received training on behavioral management, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention RELEVANT PROJECT Aggression and Altruism in Young Adults Project, Social & Personality Development Course Fall 2013 Course focused on factors that influence children's social behavior as they are integrated into adult society Project focused on examples of aggression and altruism in young adults that could be seen in popular media Researched topic and developed a PowerPoint presentation that was given to the class EDUCATION The University of Georgia Bachelor of Science in Psychology Minor: Spanish OBJECTIVE To obtain the Behavioral Youth Counselor position at Youth Villages in Memphis, TN, where I would utilize my academic and professional experience to positively and holistically impact young people with behavior challenges 123 Sunset Terrace Athens, GA 30605 ▪ (706)555-1212 ▪ [email protected] Preyesh Kapoor The most successful job candidates customize their resume to the job in which they are applying. Note how this student highlighted relevant projects and experience. Reference Page Mr. Donald Spencer Administrative Associate IV The University of Georgia Department of Mathematics and Science Education Aderhold Hall Athens, GA 30603 706-555-2345 [email protected] Former Student Worker Supervisor Dr. Thomas Dean Assistant Professor The University of Georgia Department of Psychology Psychology Building Athens, GA 30603 706-555-5432 [email protected] Psi Chi Faculty Advisor Dr. Laura McPherson Associate Professor The University of Georgia Department of Psychology 400 Park Hall Athens, GA 30603 706-555-1234 [email protected] Faculty Research Supervisor Ms. Linda McCoy Residential Counselor Coordinator Outward Bound 1400 Peachtree Street Melbourne, FL 32902 404-555-2314 [email protected] Outward Bound Supervisor REFERENCES Preyesh Kapoor 123 Sunset Terrace Athens, GA 30605 ▪ (706)555-1212 ▪ [email protected] Use the same header as your resume for consistency. Before listing any contacts, be sure they are comfortable providing a positive reference for you. They can be professors, advisors, employers, and so on. 36 Sara Peters Sara Peters Sincerely, If given the opportunity, I am confident I can exceed your expectations as a Sales Floor Team Member. Thank you for your time and consideration. Should you require any additional information or like to speak with me further about my qualifications and flexible class schedule, please contact me by phone at (400) 555-4611 or by email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you soon! My experience as a Retail Sales Associate at T.J. Maxx in my hometown, Marietta, GA, has prepared me well for this position. While working at T.J. Maxx, I had to ensure the proper processing and display of merchandise and develop creative plans to increase store sales. In addition, I helped resolve customer complaints in a professional and calm manner. I possess a friendly personality and strong attention to detail, both of which will prove helpful in this position as I interact with customers, learn new technologies and arrange items on shelves. Prior to working at T.J. Maxx, I worked as a Summer Camp Counselor where I was in charge of training ten room leaders. I am a quick learner and would be comfortable providing cross-training to other team members. It is with great enthusiasm and interest that I am submitting this letter and resume as application for the Sales Floor Team Member position at Target in Athens, GA. Having recently moved to the Athens area to attend the University of Georgia, I was excited to learn of this available position through communicating with Target representatives at the University of Georgia Spring 2015 Career Fair. I believe my previous customer service experience, attention to detail, and ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced work environment make me an excellent candidate for this position. Dear Mr. Dawson: Mr. John Dawson Store Manager Target 111 Target Way Athens, GA 33333 February 27, 2015 216 Main Street Athens, GA 30602 Traditional cover letters will have the employer’s address and your address at the top of the page. This formatting is more commonly used for government positions and traditional organizations. Traditional Cover Letter Milo Santos Sincerely, Thank you again for your time and consideration for this exciting opportunity. After visiting your office and speaking with your company representatives, I feel that Worldwide Systems, Inc. is a great fit for my professional future. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and please let me know if you have any additional questions. As we discussed, I am currently serving as the Campus Representative for the Athens Community Foundation where I enjoy connecting University of Georgia students with community members and organizations. You mentioned that as a Client Specialist, I would become a junior-level manager at the conclusion of the trainee program, and also be given the challenge of reaching out to the Atlanta community through various public forums. During my three years with the Athens Community Foundation, I served in several leadership positions, developed an extensive fundraising knowledge, and cultivated strong public speaking abilities. As a result of these experiences, I am confident that I will succeed in completing the aforementioned challenges as well as any additional demands that I may face in my role with Worldwide Systems, Inc. Thank you for the opportunity last week to interview with Worldwide Systems, Inc. for the Client Specialist position. I appreciate the time that you and your colleagues dedicated to speaking with me about the community liaison role that I could fulfill in your office as well as your management trainee program. Dear Mr. McBride, Thank You Letter: After Interview Send a thank you letter to follow up and express continued interest with an employer after any contact (e.g., career fairs, interviews, information sessions). Send it within 24-48 hours of the contact. When handwritten, indenting and using a comma after the salutation is appropriate. 37 Career Fair Follow-Up Email Jillian R. Gates 123 Franklin Lane Athens, GA 30602 706‐555‐5555 [email protected] Sincerely, Balancing class, work, athletics, and extracurricular activities is a constant challenge and has taught me several valuable lessons about being self‐sufficient and organized. If chosen for this position, I am confident in my time management skills and ability to stay on task while working independently. I look forward to hearing from you so I can take the next steps in becoming a Risk Consultant at Federated Insurance. Until then, if you have any questions please e‐mail me at [email protected]. I have attached a copy of my resume for your convenience. During Summer 2012, I had the opportunity to intern with McCallah, Siller, & Williams for 10 weeks. While interning, I found my interests to be aligned with their loss control division. I was able to work with a loss control representative and shadow a few site visits to witness the job first hand. To me, the fieldwork and travel which accompanies this career is enjoyable. I realize that Federated Insurance is looking for personable individuals with a strong work ethic and motivational drive. I believe the combination of my education, leadership roles, and customer service experience makes me a strong candidate for this position. We met at the UGA Career Fair on Wednesday, September 22. I expressed an interest in Federated Insurance’s Risk Consulting position. Thank you for taking the time to speak to me about this exceptional job opportunity. Based on our conversation and my own research, I am very impressed with your company and the training it provides. The preventative side of insurance has always piqued my interest and it seems like Federated Insurance would be a great fit for me. I am open to relocation, I am self‐motivated, and I enjoy independent work. Dear Mr. Swan: To: Swan, John R. Subject: FollowUp From UGA Career Fair Employer Commentary: “This is a student I met at the UGA Career Fair. I met over 75 students at this event, and she is the only one who followed up in this fashion. She is as impressive in person as she is in her follow-up email. What amazes me is that this should be standard practice for anyone interested in a job, yet only a few students actually do it. I keep looking for reasons why so many students don’t give this kind of effort in this process, and I think it is simply that many are not motivated to actually find a job. The ones who REALLY want to work stand out like a thumb on a hand!” SAMPLE EMAIL CAREER FAIR FOLLOWUP Purpose: This type of email follow-up should be used to create another touch point during the job search process and can be used after attending a career fair, information session, or other type of recruiting event. Scott Heinz 4456 Bulldog Street Athens, GA 30605 (706) 555‐1234 [email protected] Sincerely, I will call you next week to see if we can arrange a meeting at a time that works for both of us. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at 706‐555‐0939 or at [email protected] if I can answer any questions. Would you be willing to meet with me for a short informational interview some time during the first week of December when I plan to be in New York? I would also be available for a phone appointment if that is more convenient. I am interested in learning how you began your career and what recommendations you have for someone who is starting out in the field. I would greatly appreciate your comments and any suggestions you might offer on how to further strengthen my resume and knowledge in public relations. I am a junior Communication Studies major at the University of Georgia and am in the process of researching organizations that are leaders in the Public Relations field. I recently joined the UGA Alumni Association LinkedIn group to make connections in the industry. I am writing to request an informational interview with you at your convenience. Dear Ms. Liberty, LinkedIn Networking Letter •• Use this type of correspondence when reaching out to people in your network (e.g. Alumni in the UGA Alumni Association Group on LinkedIn) •• Share information about yourself and your reason for writing •• Explain what you are hoping to gain (e.g. information interview) •• Provide information about how you can be contacted and how you plan to follow-up •• Express appreciation for their time and assistance 38 Acceptance Letter Use this type of letter to accept a job or internship offer. Minnette Clemons 82 Bark Street, Apartment 1B Athens, GA 30605 706.555.1234 [email protected] Minnette Clemons Sincerely, Thank you for your consideration of my request. Use this type of letter when you have been offered a position, but need more time to decide whether to accept or decline. Request for Extension The position you offered me is very appealing, and I am giving it serious attention. You asked that I notify you of my decision by October 9, but I will not have all the information I need in order to make a decision by that date. Instead, may I inform you of my decision by October 15? I would appreciate this extension, and can assure you that I will be able to make a firm decision by that date. Thank you for the telephone call offering me the Bilingual Customer Service Representative position with Unified Uniforms’ Griffin location. I am excited about the possibility of working with the particular group of clients that this job offers. Dear Mr. Roseman: Melinda Brown Melinda Brown Sincerely, Again, thank you for offering me this exciting opportunity. You indicated that I will be earning a salary of $________ per year, and that I will be reporting to Kathryn Holmes. As your offer stated, I will begin work on November 15. At the beginning of November, after relocating to the area, I will call you to see what information or materials I may need before my start date. In the meantime, please let me know if I can provide you with any information. Thank you for your offer of employment at Nelson’s headquarters as a Buyer on the General Management team. I am delighted to accept your offer, and I look forward to joining a company known for its strong training program, great prices, and commitment to local communities. Dear Ms. Springer: Gina Springer Senior Vice President, Merchandising Nelson Corporation 9876 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 October 5, 2014 150 Clark Howell Street Athens, GA 30601 LaShawn Faber Major: Chemistry The University of Georgia, May 2015 [email protected] 555-443-0232 Sincerely, LaShawn Faber Withdrawal from Search Use this type of letter to withdraw your name from a search. You may do this because you have accepted another position or because you have changed your mind about the job. I was impressed with the staff I met with at the Alpharetta location. Thank you for the time you and the group took to educate me about the work of your organization. Best wishes to you and your colleagues for continued success. To confirm our phone conversation from this afternoon, I must respectfully withdraw from consideration for the job. I have accepted another employment offer. Thank you for the opportunity to interview with Blue Health Solutions for the Clinical Education Consultant opening in Alpharetta. I appreciated our discussion about the position’s responsibilities, as well as learning more about the culture and values of your organization. Dear Ms. Mitchell, Torri Estrada Environmental Health Science, May 2015 The University of Georgia, Athens 555-838-5393 [email protected] Torri Estrada Sincerely, Again, thank you for your offer. I wish you well in your endeavors. I hope we will have the opportunity to see each other at the upcoming Project Safe Georgia conference. Thank you for your telephone call and letter offering me the position of Environmental Health and Safety Officer with Lava Technology Corporation at the Division Headquarters in Atlanta. As I expressed in my phone call, I firmly believe in the core values of your organization, and I appreciate the challenging opportunity you offer. However, I have had another offer which I believe more closely matches my current career goals and interests. It was a difficult decision, but I must decline your offer. I sincerely appreciate the time you took to interview me and share information about Lava Technology Corporation. Dear Mr. Kinder: Declining a Job Offer Use this type of letter to politely decline a company’s offer for a job. Remember, you never want to burn bridges! ON-CAMPUS & ON-SITE INTERVIEWS ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS T he UGA Career Center has 16 interview rooms that employers use to conduct interviews with UGA students and alumni. The rooms are located on the 2nd floor of Clark Howell Hall. All on-campus interviews are coordinated through DAWGlink. On-campus interviews give an employer the opportunity to meet a series of candidates and determine initial fit. Likely, the interview will be around 30-45 minutes long, and will be one of the first steps in the interview process. TYPICAL 30 MINUTE ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEW Small talk- 5 minutes. Mutual discussion of your experience as it relates to the needs of the employer- 15 minutes. Candidate’s questions- 5 minutes. NO SHOW POLICY Failure to appear for an on campus interview is a discourtesy, which recruiters and the Career Center take very seriously. A significant number of “no shows” may result in recruiters not returning to campus and could permanently affect future UGA students seeking employment. Students unable to keep an appointment for a campus interview must cancel the interview through DAWGlink by 12:00 noon, two working days prior to the scheduled interview time. Students who fail to cancel their interviews in time and students who fail to appear for scheduled interviews may lose their interviewing privileges at the Career Center and have their DAWGlink accounts suspended. ON-SITE INTERVIEWS An on-site interview gives the opportunity for both the employer and candidate to thoroughly evaluate each other. The employer has an opportunity to make a more in-depth assessment of the candidate; the candidate has a chance to observe the work environment, interact with staff, and gain perspective about the organization’s services and location. THE INVITATION Acknowledge or decline an invitation to visit an employer in a timely manner. You should only accept an invitation if you are genuinely interested in the position and have not accepted another job offer. Be sure to have a voicemail message that is clear and professional, should you miss an expected call from an employer. Confirm your plans with your professors. Avoid conflicts with exams or project deadlines. Because interviews vary among organizations, ask for an interview schedule, including names of interviewers, when you agree to a site visit. THE TRAVEL PLAN Confirm who is responsible for expenses and travel arrangements before accepting an invitation for an on-site interview. Some employers will reimburse for legitimate expenses associated with the interview and some may not pay any expenses. Be sure to get directions ahead of time—not the day you are traveling. Plan for unforeseen delays, such as traffic, road construction, getting lost, etc. DAY OF INTERVIEW An interview can range from one to eight hours. Your visit may include multiple interviews, information sessions, tours, meals, and other activities. Most on-site visits incorporate some combination of one-on-one, behaviorbased, and group interview formats. Some employers may invite many candidates to visit at one time so they can observe interactions in a group or team setting. You typically meet with many people and may answer the same question more than once. Do not be surprised if you are asked questions you were already asked in a previous on-campus or phone interview. Remember to respond thoroughly and enthusiastically, as if it were your first time hearing the question. You will be evaluated throughout every activity in the day, including meals. Your primary goal during meals should be to talk, rather than eat. Your manners, conversation skills, and judgment may be evaluated, especially if the position requires client contact. Order a light meal. Avoid foods that are messy or difficult to eat. When ordering, go for menu items that are mid-range in price. Avoid alcoholic beverages during interviews, although one glass of wine may be permissible. Before leaving, find out the hiring time line and when you should hear back from them. Collect business cards, or at least the name and title, from everyone you meet during the interview process. Remember to send thank you notes! A RECRUITER DECIDES WHETHER OR NOT TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER YOU FOR A POSITION WITHIN THE FIRST 4 TO 9 MINUTES. 39 INTERVIEW TIPS I nterviews can take place over the phone, on campus, or at the company’s location. No matter what the circumstances, their purpose remains the same: to find the best candidate for a position. You will be evaluated on more than the content of your answers. Read this section thoroughly to make sure you don’t make the mistake of going in unprepared! BASIC TIPS Before The Interview: • Research the position • Research the organization/employer thoroughly • Obtain the interviewer’s name and title • Confirm the time, date, and location of the interview • Identify your skills that relate to the job; review your resume, and be able to elaborate on it • Review frequently asked questions, practice interviewing and request feedback from others for improving your interviewing skills; do a mock interview • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer • Know the general salary range for the position • Plan what to wear During The Interview: • Arrive early (10-15 minutes) • Bring extra copies of your resume • Relax. Be yourself. Be positive. • Follow the lead of the interviewer (Don’t try to take over the interview) • Listen closely to the interviewer’s questions; ask for clarification if needed • Be concise in your answers; give concrete examples to back up your claims • Never slight a former employer or colleague • Be aware of your posture and body language • Watch your grammar • Be sure to clarify any follow-up arrangements After The Interview: • Write a thank you letter to the interviewer(s). • Evaluate your performance by asking yourself questions such as: 1. “How well did I present my qualifications?” 2. “Did I use clear, concrete examples?” 3. “What points did I make that seemed to interest the interviewer?” 4. “How can I improve my next interview?” • 40 Follow up with a phone call to find out the status of your application if the employer has not contacted you within the stated time frame. INTERVIEWING: FOUR TYPES When it comes to interview questions, there are various types you may be asked. It is likely that in any interview, a combination of the types may be used. Below are the three most popular. 1. Traditional Interviews are meant to gain basic information about an applicant’s background, interests, skills, and reasons for applying. How to Prepare: Know yourself, know the company, know the fit; tailor your answers to make them fit. 2. Behavioral Interviews are based on the premise that past behavior predicts future behavior on the job. Questions are situation-based and often start with “Tell me about a time when.” How to prepare: Utilize the STAR Technique. S ituation: Describe the situation. For instance, if using a class project, what class was it for? How many people were in your group? When did it happen? Task: What was the problem? What was your role? To use the class project example, what was your role in the group? What was the assignment? A ction: How did you handle the task? Focus on your own actions, not those of your group. R esult: What was the result of the situation? This is a VERY important part of the answer! 3. Case Interviews present the interviewee with a problem to solve. Getting the correct answer is not as important as your analysis of the problem. How to Prepare: Think out loud so the interviewer can see how you solve problems. 4. Situational Interviews present the interviewee with a scenario to solve. The interviewer will pose a hypothetical situation and ask the interviewee how to resolve it. How to prepare: Be sure to describe desirable actions and steps you would take to solve the situation. You can follow the STAR format. SAMPLE QUESTIONS SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL QUESTIONS Tip: Remember STAR •• Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a difference of opinion with a co-worker, customer, or supervisor. How do you feel you showed respect? •• Can you tell me about a time you failed at something? •• Give me an example of a time when you did not meet a deadline. How did you handle it? •• Describe the most significant or creative presentation or idea that you developed or implemented. •• Tell me about a tough decision you made. What steps, thought processes, and considerations did you take to make that decision? •• What have you done in your present or previous job that goes beyond what was required? •• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to approach things your way. •• Tell me about a time you faced an ethical dilemma and how you handled it. •• What are three effective leadership qualities you think are important? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your past or current position? •• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to address an angry customer. What was the problem and what was the outcome? SAMPLE SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS Tip: Describe the specific actions you would take. •• What would you do if the priorities suddenly changed on a project you were working on? •• What would you do if a team member was not meeting your expectations? Example Behavioral Question using STAR: “Tell me about a time when you successfully led a group or team.” Situation Recently, I was part of a group project in my Organizational Communications class. We had an assignment to design an effective public relations campaign for a fictitious company. Task We chose to market a bank opening a new branch in a small community. We had to come up with a marketing plan and media kit designed to introduce the company to its new community and to solicit new bank customers. Action As the project team leader, I set up an appointment with the Director of Marketing at XYZ Bank and got her insight on the project. After the opening, I came up with a creative marketing plan, which was enthusiastically received by the SAMPLE TRADITIONAL QUESTIONS •• Tell me about yourself. •• Why are you interested in this position? •• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? •• How would a friend or professor describe you? •• Why did you select your college/university/major? •• What are your future career goals? 5 years? 10 years? •• Why should I hire you over any other candidate? SAMPLE CASE QUESTIONS See the two Case Interview guides on Career Insider Powered by the Vault. You can access this here: http://career.uga.edu/resources/online_resources •• How many pennies would it take to reach from the ground to the top of the empire state building? •• How many telephones are there in the U.S.? •• How would you redesign an ATM machine to make it more user-friendly? QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS Tip: State your company research. Ask a question. Example: I saw in the job description that I would be working on A, B & C. How much time will I spend on each area in a typical day? •• How much travel will be involved in the position? •• How would you describe the work environment? Company culture? •• What type of training program or orientation does a new employee receive? •• What is the typical career path of someone in this position? •• What are the next steps in your search process, and what is your hiring time line for this position? other group members. I then assigned each group member a particular task, based on his or her area of expertise. For example, one member of our group was responsible for designing the bank’s logo and another member was responsible for writing a press release. I monitored the group’s progress to make sure we were meeting our deadlines and also put together a strong presentation to make to the class. Result The project was lots of fun and allowed me to develop the management skills necessary to lead a very diverse group of six people. The most rewarding part was that our group received the highest marks in the class and the professor currently uses our project materials as an example to his classes. 41 PHONE & SKYPE INTERVIEWS E mployers often use telephone interviews to screen and narrow a pool of applicants. It is important to prepare for a phone interview, even though it may seem like a casual conversation. HOW DOES IT WORK? The employer’s first contact may be a call to arrange a time to interview, or he or she may simply begin interviewing. If you receive a call from an employer at an inconvenient time, ask if you can call back in 10 minutes; prepare and find a quiet place to return the call. Phone interviews are generally brief—30 minutes or less. TOP 10 INTERVIEW TIPS: 1. Research the company, the position, and the industry. 2. Clarify with the employer the time zone, the length of the interview, and who will be conducting the interview. 3. Arrive 10-15 minutes early! 4. Dress for success from head to toe! 5. Bring extra copies of your resume and references. 6. Have a firm handshake and display confidence. 7. Use body language to show interest. 8. Ask about the next steps in the interview process. 9. Thank the interviewer(s) and follow up with thank you notes or emails. 10. Have questions prepared ahead of time. A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR A SUCCESSFUL PHONE INTERVIEW: • • • • • • • 42 Be sure to have a professional voicemail message. Make sure the interview location is quiet and free from distractions. Contact family, friends, or group text members to let them know not to call or text during the specified interview time. Keep your resume and notes nearby. A smile on your face will produce a smile in your voice. Sit up straight or stand during a telephone interview to sound more confident and alert. Remember to speak clearly, slowly, and directly into the phone. (Using a landline is recommended). A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR A SUCCESSFUL SKYPE INTERVIEW: • • • • • • • Download Skype in advance and choose a professional username. Practice talking with a friend through Skype. Make sure you are familiar with the technology. Create the right interview setting. Look at what the employer can see behind you. It is best to have an uncluttered background with no distracting objects, movement, or sound. Keep out the interruptions. Turn your cell phone on silent. Keep all pets in a separate room so they will not be heard by the employer. Make all roommates aware of your interview and ask them to stay out of the room for the duration of your interview. Don’t be so close to the computer screen that all the employer can see is your face. Adjust the camera to ensure the employer can see your professional attire. Make (virtual) eye contact. When using a webcam, look at the computer screen instead of the camera. Have a back-up plan. Software for online interviews is not 100% reliable; calls can be dropped with a bad connection. Be sure to have a phone available in case there are any technical issues. WHAT IS A MOCK INTERVIEW? Mock interviews are facilitated by your Career Consultant and are designed to replicate the type of interview that you may expect from a recruiter. Good interviewing skills are learned, and practice is the key to success. Visit the Career Center on the 2nd floor of Clark Howell Hall or call 706-542-3375 to set up an interview time. If this is a class requirement, please schedule the mock interview as early in the semester as possible. The day of your mock interview: • Please arrive early and dress for a formal interview. • Bring a copy of your resume and a company description, job description or graduate program description for the interviewer. • If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call to cancel or reschedule. EMPLOYER RESEARCH E mployer research is useful in a variety of ways and is an essential part of interviewing and job searching. EMPLOYER RESEARCH CAN HELP: •• Make an informed employment decision. •• Discover if the company is a good match for you. •• Identify the company’s needs so that you can market yourself appropriately. •• Show potential employers your enthusiasm. •• Answer questions in your interview confidently. WHAT DO I LOOK FOR? While conducting your research, you should gather information about the specific position you are applying for, the company/organization and the industry in general. WHERE CAN I LOOK? The Internet: Company websites, search engines, industry websites, (Hoover’s, Dunn & Bradstreet’s Million Dollar Directory, Standard & Poor’s Corporation Records, etc.) The Employer: Current employees, company literature, brochures, website, LinkedIn.com, on-campus information sessions (list of sessions available on Career Center website). UGA Library: Electronic Journals via Galileo (Factiva, Lexis-Nexis and Reference USA) *Ask Resource Librarian for Assistance* UGA Career Center: The Vault, Career Search. Outside Publications: Fortune (see rankings and industry standing), Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week. COMMUNICATING YOUR EMPLOYER RESEARCH: PART I: UNDERSTANDING THE ORGANIZATION Financial Information: Organization structure, profit vs. nonprofit, funding sources. What is their total revenue? What are their sales trends? What part of this organization is growing? Key Personnel: Who is their President and CEO? Are there any UGA alumni in the organization? Any recent additions to their management team? History/Mission/Goals: How old are they? What major events shaped their history? Where are their headquarters? Products/Services: What new products or services are being developed? Who are the primary users of these products/services? Marketing Strategy: What key brand names do they own? What forms of advertising are used? Are there new initiatives? Where is their product/service sold, distributed, and placed against the competition? Key Clients: Who are they? What important service or product do they supply? Are they targeting new clients? Major Competitors: Who are they? How do they compete? Do they have more market share? Major Trends/Current Events in the Industry: What is the effect of government regulations? New competitors? Technology? Latest news reports on the company in the local or national news? PART II: UNDERSTANDING THE POSITION Recruiting Profile/Company Culture: How do they describe themselves? How do they describe the type of person they are looking for? Who do they highlight in the brochure? Where do they recruit? Locations other than your community? Position Description: Where does this position fit into this organization? What do they want the person in this position to contribute? PART III: PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER How You Fit Their Profile: What real life examples from your resume demonstrate how your background matches what they are seeking? How You Can Help Them Achieve Their Goals: What are the key things they want? What are the key things you bring? When you are speaking with employers, bring up what you can contribute. During Interviews: “Based on the research I’ve done, this company is an industry leader. When I visited your website, I found _____ to be very impressive. Due to my background in _____, ______and _______, I feel like I would be a great fit at ABC Company.” Networking: “Hi ____. I recently met one of your colleagues at the UGA Career Fair and he told me that you were seeking candidates with a strong technical background in Java. Through my programming class at UGA, I have learned to _____ which will contribute to your work on _____. Can you tell me more about other projects your division is working on?” 43 SALARY & NEGOTIATION S alary negotiation can be a complicated and intimidating process, but it can also be very effective if handled in the proper manner. Before beginning to negotiate, make sure that you have a legitimate reason to do so. Also, keep in mind that some companies may not be willing to budge on salary, but they may be flexible in other areas such as relocation expenses or telecommuting options; therefore, have a few alternate items in mind that you would be willing to negotiate before you begin. The following examples are a few sample scenarios that will illustrate how to engage in proper salary negotiation. SCENARIO 1: SCENARIO 2: You are offered a salary of $40,000 for a Financial Advisor position, but you would like to negotiate for a higher figure. What do you say? You: Your company has offered an annual salary of $40,000, but based on information that I have researched on salary.com, the average salary for Financial Advisors in this region is above $50,000. I believe this salary would be more corresponding with the experience and knowledge that I will bring to your team. I am very interested in this position and your company, so would you be willing to negotiate and increase the initial offer? Early in the interview process you are asked the question: What salary are you seeking? How do you respond? or You: What is most important to me is whether or not the job is a good fit for me and the company. I am willing to negotiate, but I would rather wait and discuss salary until we determine whether or not I am the best person for this position. You: I am very excited to work for Company XYZ and I am confident that I will bring a great deal of value to the job. I appreciate the offer of $40,000, but I was really expecting to be in the $50,000 range based on my experience and past performance, as well as offers recently extended to me by other companies. While salary is not my only motivation for working here, would it be possible to look at a salary of $50,000 for this position? Employer: We need to know what you are expecting. You: Based on the research I have conducted on the going market rate for this type of position, the salary could be anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000, depending on the specifics of the job, the location, and the total compensation package. I would expect my salary to fall within that range. TIP: REMEMBER THAT NEGOTIATING SHOULD BE A FRIENDLY PROCESS. YOU SHOULD NEVER BACK A RECRUITER IN A CORNER OR MAKE UNREASONABLE DEMANDS. 44 Employer: The company is not in a position at this time to offer a higher initial salary. You: I understand. Are there other areas for negotiation such as start date or a flexible work schedule that would make up for the lower salary? See more in-depth information on our websitehttp://career.uga.edu/job_search/salary Get Your Career Rolling! Looking for an internship? Ready to start your future career? Get your career rolling today with Kauffman Tire. Kauffman Tire’s ability to succeed and grow from its first to its third generation of family ownership is possible because of our professional management team. Because we value and recognize strong leaders in our company, career path and growth are all up to one person-you! Whether it is in retail, wholesale, commercial, e-commerce or at our support center level, individuals with high energy, great work ethic and a people-oriented mind-set are sure to enjoy rewarding career development and growth within our company. www.kauffmantire.com | www.ktcareer.com Kauffman Tire is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to promoting a culturally diverse and drug-free workplace Careers in Recruiting, Sales and Leadership Atlanta | Chicago | Dallas Team Culture Attainable Goals Training Career Growth Promotion from Within 3:00 Fridays Community Involvement Aggressive Comp Plans Positive Environment Work from Home Opportunities Prestige Staffing is an award-winning, nationally recognized leader in professional staff augmentation. We specialize in providing elite candidates to fulfill job openings in the IT, Telecommunications, and Healthcare industries. Our clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small entrepreneurial enterprises. Our mission is to provide employers with only the most skilled applicants, while simultaneously helping qualified professionals by placing them in the most ideal work situations that give them the best opportunity to succeed. Visit us at prestigestaffing.com or email [email protected] to apply today. Recent Awards: 2012 - Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Best Places to Work 2012 - Atlanta’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For 2012 & 2014 – Inavero’s Best of Staffing – Client 2011-2014 - Inavero’s Best of Staffing - Talent 45 DRESS FOR SUCCESS Business professional attire is necessary for an interview, a career fair, or a formal networking event. WOMEN’S BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL MEN’S BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL FOR WOMEN FOR MEN Grooming: Hair should be away from your face and neatly cut and styled. Wear daytime, natural-looking makeup—no heavy eyeliner or glittery shadows. Nails should be clean and manicured; avoid overly long fingernails and nail art. Lip color and nail polish should not be too trendy or bright. Perfume should be avoided -- the employer may be allergic to it! Grooming: Have your hair neatly trimmed, including facial hair. Heavy cologne or other overpowering scents should be avoided. Nails should be clean and neat. Suit: Wear conservative, two-piece matching business suits. Knee-length skirts or pant suits are both appropriate. Color should be dark grey, navy, black, or brown. Blouse: Lighter-colored professional button-down shirt or blouse should be worn under your suit jacket. Be prepared to take off your jacket. Hosiery: Never show bare legs! Wear at- or near- skin-toned pantyhose, and always have a spare pair in case you get a run. Shoes: Low-heeled and closed-toe pumps are a must. Polish your shoes! Accessories: Keep it simple. No more than one ring on each hand. No visible tattoos or piercings, except for one pair of earrings and a small necklace or bracelet. Carry either a purse or professional bag, but not both. 46 Suit: Wear a conservative dark-colored, two-piece matching business suit (of natural fiber, such as wool, if possible). Two or three-button suits are preferred. Shirt: Wear a long-sleeved, light-colored, button-down shirt. Shirt should fall ¼ to ½ inch below suit sleeve. Be sure to iron your shirt! Cotton shirts breathe well. Hint: Wear a white tshirt underneath to hide perspiration and protect your suit. Ties: Choose a tie with conservative pattern (silk ties work well) that ends at mid-belt. Shoes: Select comfortable shoes with laces and polish them! Socks: Wear dark-colored socks to match your suit. Socks should be worn over the calf. Accessories: Leather belts should match the color of your shoes. No visible piercings or tattoos. Bring a portfolio. Business casual may be appropriate when your invitation to an event or interview clearly indicates business casual. MEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL WOMEN’S BUSINESS CASUAL GUIDELINES Much like interview attire, business casual should still be crisp, conservative, and neat. It is not as formal as a full interview suit, but not as casual as attire you would wear to a sporting event or picnic. You are still in a business environment and want to be comfortable meeting even the CEO of your organization. FOR MEN FOR WOMEN Wear black or khaki pants, neatly pressed, and a pressed longsleeved button-down shirt. Polo shirts (also pressed) may be appropriate if the environment will be more casual, or outdoors. Wear a leather belt and leather shoes. Athletic shoes are inappropriate. Ties are generally not necessary for business casual, but if in doubt, you can wear a tie. Facial hair, if worn, should be well-groomed. If you choose to wear jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. Observe other men in your industry to see what is acceptable. Don’t confuse club attire with business attire. Follow the same rules regarding skirt or pant length and fit as you would in interview attire. In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered; sandals which are neither extremely dressy nor extremely casual might be appropriate. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not appropriate. Hose are not essential for business casual, but can still be appropriate in certain situations. GENERAL TIPS: • • • • Bring a professional briefcase to carry extra copies of your resume (or portfolio), keys, pens, and mints. NO CELL PHONE - leave it in the car and make sure it is on silent. Appropriate professional dress depends on the industry. If you are unsure about what is considered appropriate, it is best to dress conservatively for a good first impression. For additional pictures, visit- http://pinterest.com/ugacareercenter/business-attire 47 GRADUATE SCHOOL CONSIDERATIONS M any students consider pursuing advanced studies beyond their undergraduate experience. Deciding to go into a professional or graduate program is a big decision. There are many factors to consider: preparation, application, selection of programs, finances, and more! WHAT SHOULD I ASK MYSELF? •• Is an advanced degree required to enter the particular profession I’m interested in or in order to obtain a certain level within the field? •• Do I love the field enough to obtain an advanced degree? •• Do I have the financial resources to cover the cost of graduate school? •• Am I burned out academically, and do I need to take time off? •• Do I want to go to school full-time or part-time? •• Do I have the personal qualities and skills that are needed to be successful in graduate school? •• What are the different programs that are available in my area of interest? GOOD REASONS TO PURSUE GRADUATE SCHOOL: •• Your career goal requires an advanced degree, such as a professor, lawyer or doctor. •• You want to specialize in a subject you feel is of great importance to you. •• You want to advance in your career or change career directions. BAD REASONS TO PURSUE GRADUATE SCHOOL: •• You don’t know what you want to do. •• You don’t want to get a job. •• You don’t think you can get a job (but you haven’t tried yet). •• You want to postpone paying student loans. 10 THINGS TO DO IF YOU DON'T GET IN THIS YEAR: 1. Apply earlier next year. Avoid the last 6 weeks before the deadline. 2. Apply to more schools. Six is usually considered a good number. 3. Apply to more “safe” schools. Even 4.0 students and those who exceed a program’s entrance criteria can, and do, get rejected. 4. Visit the programs you really want to get into. 5. Go to summer school in the targeted subject. It’s easier to get into summer school, even at Ivy League schools. 6. Take one class at a time in the targeted subject area and get great grades! Remember, your most recent grades count the most! 7. Get a volunteer or internship experience in the targeted field. It will boost your credentials even if it’s part-time, a few hours per week, or unpaid. 8. Work in a job in the targeted field. There is no substitute for actual experience. Plus, it will give you the opportunity to add recommendations from people working in the profession. 9. Get an intermediate degree (e.g., certificate, credential, etc.). 10. Get older and try again. Review all application materials. Many times, that’s all it takes. Adapted from Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher WHEN SHOULD I GET AN MBA? •• An MBA is a Master of Business Administration •• Most programs base admission on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), 2+ years of work experience, academic transcripts, references, essays and personal interviews. •• Many programs offer part-time, full-time, and distance learning enrollment options. •• Generally, students study a wide range of business coursework and are given the opportunity to specialize their studies based upon interests and career goals. 48 THE BEST TIME TO APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL IS EARLY IN THE FALL, A FULL ACADEMIC YEAR BEFORE YOU WANT TO START. TAKE GRADUATE TESTS EARLY SO YOU HAVE TIME TO TAKE THEM AGAIN IF NECESSARY. T APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL here are many factors to consider when selecting a graduate school. STEP 1: RESEARCH & SELECT SCHOOLS Some details to think about include: •• Geographic location •• Program emphasis •• Program/school size •• Professional/career opportunities •• Accreditation of the program •• State regulation (in-state vs. out-of-state students) •• Minority/women’s concerns •• Length of program •• Cost/financial aid •• Reputation of the program Resources: •• Professors and professionals in the field •• Internet: www. gradschools.com, www.petersons.com •• Publications (printed program directories) STEP 2: TAKE REQUIRED STANDARDIZED TESTS Research and find out which standardized tests are required for admission. Some schools require the GRE while others may require the GMAT. Additionally, some programs may require GRE subject tests. Resources: •• UGA Testing Services, www.testing.uga.edu •• Educational Testing Services, www.ets.org •• Graduate Records Exam (GRE), www.gre.com •• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), www. mba.com STEP 3: WRITE YOUR RESUME OR CV To demonstrate your fit into a graduate program, you will need to furnish them with a record of your activities, including research, clinical, professional, and/or any other types of experiences. Be sure to have your document critiqued before submitting it to the program Resources: Writing Center, Career Consultant STEP 4: WRITE YOUR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE/PERSONAL STATEMENT The statement of purpose is a summary of your goals and intent for applying to graduate school. Its main objective is to articulate your professional focus and vision. It also demonstrates your fit into the program and helps you stand apart from the other applicants in the pool. Some programs will provide you with specific questions to answer in an essay format rather than a general statement. STEP 5: REQUEST YOUR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Your letters of recommendation will provide the admissions committee with a view of you as a person, as a potential graduate student, and as a potential professional in the field. Therefore, it is important to choose the right three individuals to write your letters. You should provide your recommenders with the necessary tools to write you a strong letter, such as: 1. Cover letter 2. Unofficial transcript 3. Copy of your resume or CV 4. Copy of your personal statement 5. Information detailing deadlines and requirements 6. Required recommendation forms 7. Pre-addressed envelope with postage STEP 6: COMPLETE APPLICATION FORMS Most likely you will be able to submit your application online. Remember to send the appropriate application fee. If you are mailing your application, send your application packet certified mail and request a return receipt to obtain a signature confirmation of delivery. STEP 7: REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS FROM THE REGISTRAR OFFICE You may have to send official transcripts from the Registrar’s Office directly to the school or you may have to include an official sealed transcript in your application packet that you send to the school. STEP 8: FINANCIAL AID If you are applying for financial aid, check the financial aid deadlines. They are often different from the application deadline! Look into graduate assistantships as an additional source of income. STEP 9: FOLLOW-UP Take responsibility for ensuring all your materials are received by the application deadline. Make a follow-up phone call to the admissions office to inquire about your application status. Be persistent, but allow six weeks for processing. 49 ADDITIONAL READING THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CAREER CENTER EdUCaTIoN CaREeR GuIDe Job Search Strategies | Resume | Cover Letter | Interviewing | Social Media Visit the following link to access the guides above http://career.uga.edu/resources/career_guides 50 We make the world safer through nuclear materials management. Come join our team. We are defined by our commitment to safety, service to the nation, exploration and use of technology, and stewardship of the environment. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Savannah River Nuclear Solutions manages Savannah River Nuclear Solutions offers and operates the Savannah River Site, a full-time employment positions including 310-square-mile facility owned by the U.S. disciplines such as engineering, science, Department of Energy near Aiken, S.C. business, information technology and other We’re also home to the Savannah River technical fields. National Laboratory. We also offer an extensive internship program We operate diverse nuclear and research in the same disciplines for uniquely skilled facilities, and manages infrastructure and students who want to enhance their education support systems akin to those of a small city. with hands-on experience. www.savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. 14CC00067KP UGA SCG ad_Layout 1 6/25/14 1:10 PM Page 2 A UGA graduate education is closer than you think! Quality Graduate Education in a Convenient Atlanta Location The University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus is a vibrant center of advanced learning for non-traditional and working professionals in the greater Atlanta and northeast Georgia area. Students at UGA-Gwinnett have the opportunity to earn an advanced degree from the University of Georgia, consistently ranked among the top 25 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. We offer 19 graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs and professional development opportunities. Our academic programs provide students with low student-tofaculty ratios and we offer evening and Saturday classes so you can pursue an advanced degree while continuing to work full-time. Conveniently located off I-85 at the Old Peachtree Road exit. FOR MORE INFORMATION: gwinnett.uga.edu | (678) 985-6800
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