Use the resources below to start your career and helpful templates to help you land a job or internship.
Resume
A resume is a marketing tool and an extension of your professional brand. An effective resume showcases your experience, achievements, and strengths, relating them to a specific position by using keywords and highlighting relevant experiences in a concise, organized fashion.
Freshman Resume
Action Verb List
The action verbs listed below are categorized by skill areas to help you consider how your past experiences can apply to skill sets employers seek. Many of these verbs apply to multiple skill areas. Utilize all of the categories to get ideas for how you might describe your own skills and experience in your resume, cover letter, portfolio, interview, and other career readiness materials.
Reference List
References are generally requested and checked after a successful interview and just before offering you a position. Often a potential employer will request a list of 3-5 people you have worked with as references. References can serve as a final confirmation of your skills, abilities, and verification of positive on-the-job performance.
Cover Letter
A cover letter demonstrates to the prospective employer why you are interested in the company or position you are applying to. It also provides an effective summary of your skills, experiences, and why they would benefit the company. In short, the cover letter suggests areas where your skills and attributes would benefit the employer.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A curriculum vitae is a comprehensive description of your professional academic achievements and may have categories and documentation that go beyond the needs of a standard resume. Individuals who are utilizing this format typically use it for a teaching or research position and is commonly used abroad. It can also be used for grants and fellowships.
Career and Major Exploration
Finding A Job
Networking
Networking is about connecting with people and building relationships. By networking, you share your story, interests, and aspirations with people who may have similar professional interests. These relationships can bring new perspectives, more connections, and opportunities that help you with your career journey. We encourage you to start networking by talking to your peers, classmates, faculty, and advisors. Reaching out to alumni and professionals in the field can also expand your network and understanding of your interests.
- Network your way into a job
- LinkedIn is a professional networking site that also features a job search database.
Interview Skills
Strong interview skills are valuable when applying for a job. During the interview, you have the opportunity to determine whether the company and position match what you want, express to the employer that you have the right skills and qualifications as well as demonstrate how you can relate/fit in with the organization. It is also an opportunity for a company to decide if you are a fit for them. The resources below can help you prepare for an interview.
- Interview 101
- Things to do Before, During, and After Your Interview
- How to prepare for an interview
- How to Prepare for Virtual and Phone Interviews
- How to prepare for a digital interview
Informational Interview
An informational interview is a brief meeting with someone who is in a career or industry that you are considering. It is a chance to get first-hand information and advice that is specific to your interests and concerns. In addition to gaining knowledge about the field and career, you will meet professionals and begin to establish a network of contacts. The objective of an informational interview is not to find a job, but to gain information.