2015-2016
Career Services Manual
A G UIDE T O P OS T- G R A DU AT I O N S U C C ESS
Career Services & Employer Relations
Table of Contents
This Is Career Services........................................................................ 2
CAREER
SERVICES
MANUAL
What Is CareerLink?............................................................................. 3
Qualities Desired in New College Graduates......................................... 3
Special Worksheet Section
Evaluating Yourself...................................................................... 4
Your 60-Sceond Commercial......................................................... 5
Fundamentals
The Resume ........................................................................... 6-10
Expand Your Resume’s Focus......................................................... 8
Sample Resumes..................................................................... 8-10
How to Get the Most From a Career Fair....................................... 11
The Cover Letter................................................................... 12-13
Sample Letters...................................................................... 13-15
Email Correspondence................................................................ 13
The Thank-You Letter................................................................. 14
The Acceptance Letter................................................................ 14
The Refusal Letter...................................................................... 14
The Letter of Application............................................................ 14
Letters of Inquiry....................................................................... 15
Interviews
Interview Tips............................................................................ 16
Be a “STAR”................................................................................ 17
Advice From the Experts............................................................. 17
Questions.................................................................................. 18
What Happens During an Interview?............................................ 19
Graduate School
Is Graduate School Right for You?................................................ 20
Developing a Winning Curriculum Vitae (CV)................................ 22
Sample CV................................................................................. 23
Guidelines for Writing a Personal Statement................................. 24
Sample Personal Statement......................................................... 25
International Students and the Job Search........................................... 26
Unlocking Potential: The Power of Networking................................... 27
Advertiser Index............................................................................ 28
2015-2016
Rose-Hulman
Institute
of Technology
Terre Haute, Indiana
Career Services &
Employer Relations
Career Services Center
Hulman Union
812-877-8156
This Is Career Services
Kevin Hewerdine
Director
Kathy
Kassissieh
Associate
Director
Scott Tieken
Associate
Director
Alison Fell
Assistant
Director
Cathy
McGregor
Foster
Assistant
Director
Dawn Miller
Recruitment
Coordinator
Elaine Lee
Corporate
Liaison
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
HOW TO GET STARTED
The Career Services & Employer Relations Office has 7 full-time staff members who
are here to help you with every step of the career planning process.
Finding a job is not easy. It takes a lot of time and a tremendous amount of effort.
Job seekers will pay hundreds of dollars to get the services we provide for FREE!
Our offices are located in the upper level of the Hulman Union, no appointment
necessary, just drop by whenever we are open!
The average time to find a job is 4-6 months, so the time to start is RIGHT NOW!
Here are some tips to get you started:
In this Manual, you will see a few of the main services and programs that will be
vital to your post-graduation plans. Some of our services include:
1. Connect with a career services advisor
2. Create a polished resume
✓Individual career counseling
3. Become an expert on CareerLink
✓ Individual assistance with resume and cover letter writing
4. Attend career workshops and events
✓ Individual advice on interview techniques and preparation
5.Learn how to successfully research companies and network
✓ An online job posting and campus interview system
6.Figure out what you want to do, and where you want to do it
✓Three career fairs and an annual graduate school fair
✓Networking assistance and company contact information
✓ Free phone, fax and Skype services
IMPORTANT DATES:
Sept. 16, 2015
Fall Career Fair
Oct. 5, 2015
Graduate School Fair
Jan. 20, 2016
Winter Career Fair
April 20, 2016
Spring Career Fair
All of our services are free, and all of us are committed to
helping you succeed, so visit us early and often!
2 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
What Is CareerLink?
CareerLink is one of the most valuable tools in your job search. This is the online
recruiting system that Rose-Hulman uses to coordinate all on-campus activities with
companies and graduate schools.
This is also where you will apply for jobs, sign up for interviews, store your resumes
and cover letters, and receive updates on career-related events and workshops.
Feel free to stop by the Career Services office to learn more about how you can
make this system work for you.
Logging into CareerLink couldn’t be simpler. From the Career Services link on the
Rose-Hulman webpage, click the
icon along the right-hand side. Just
use your Rose-Hulman email address for your username, and the same password
you use to access Banner. First things first, you will be asked to create a profile.
Once that is completed you will have full access to the system.
It is important that you continually update your CareerLink profile as well as your
resumes and cover letters that you store in the system. Be sure your documents have
specific names, for example don’t store a resume in your profile as “resume.doc”. Career
Services uses your primary resume to send out to companies upon their request for
candidates.
As a senior, when you have accepted a full-time position and notified our office,
your CareerLink account will be inactivated so that your resume will no longer be
marketed to companies.
If you have questions about CareerLink, or would like some tips on how to use
it efficiently, visit the Career Services office for some one-on-one assistance. No
appointment is necessary.
Qualities Desired in New College Graduates
By Businesses, Industries and Government Agencies
ENERGY, DRIVE,
ENTHUSIASM ­AND
INITIATIVE
Hard-working, disciplined and dependable
Eager, professional and positive a­ ttitude
Committed to excellence
Action-oriented and results-driven
Open-minded, willing to try new things
Loyal to employers
KNOWLEDGE OF
COMPUTERS
Strong self-motivation and high s­­ elf-esteem
Established word processing, spreadsheet, database and p­ resentation software skills
Confident and assertive, yet d­ iplomatic and
flexible
Excellent computer literacy
Sincere and preserves integrity
Ambitious and takes risks
Uses common sense
ADAPTS TEXTBOOK
LEARNING ­TO THE
WORKING WORLD
Quick learner
Asks questions
COMMUNICATIONS
SKILLS
Good writing skills
Customer-focused
Team-spirited; understands group dynamics
Always willing to help others
Mature, poised and personable
Diversity aware; treats others with respect and
dignity
ORIENTED TO GROWTH
Excellent oral communication skills
Acceptance of an entry-level p­ osition; doesn’t
view required tasks as “menial”
Listens well; compassionate and empathetic
Academic excellence in field of study
Excellent problem-solving and a­ nalytical skills
Views the organization’s total p­ icture, not just one
area of s­ pecialization
Creative and innovative
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Analytical; independent thinker
Organizational skills and attention to detail
Willing to continue education and growth
Accepts and handles responsibilities
Willing to accomplish more than required
Source: Recruiting Trends by L. Patrick Scheetz, Ph.D., Collegiate Employment Research Institute. ©Michigan State University.
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 3
ECIAL WORKSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORKSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORK
ECIAL WORKSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORKSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORK
Evaluating Yourself
AN IMPORTANT PART of deciding what you want to do is first understanding yourself. Selfevaluation will help you analyze what is important in the work you choose and the kind of
employer for whom you will work. Answer each question honestly. There are no “right” or
“wrong” answers.
1.
What do you do best? Are these activities related to people, things or data? ________
________________________________________________________________________________
2.
Do you communicate better orally or in writing? _________________________________
3.
Do you consider yourself a leader of a team or group? ____________________________
4.
Do you see yourself as an active participant in a group or team? __________________
5.
Do you prefer to work by yourself? ______________________________________________
6.
Do you prefer working under supervision? _______________________________________
7.
Do you work well under pressure? ______________________________________________
8.
Does working under pressure cause you anxiety? ________________________________
9.
Do you like taking responsibility? ________________________________________________
10.
Would you rather follow directions? _____________________________________________
11.
Do you enjoy new projects and activities? _______________________________________
12.
Do you prefer to follow a regular routine? ________________________________________
13.
Rank the following things in order of importance to you when thinking about a job:
❑ Career Advancement
❑ Prestige of Employer
❑ Location
❑ Salary
❑ People (Boss and Colleagues)
❑ Type of Work
14.Do you prefer to work a regular 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule
or an irregular schedule? _______________________________________________________
15.Would you like a job with a lot of travel,
a moderate amount, or a small amount? _________________________________________
16.
What kind of work environment do you prefer?
❑ Indoors ❑ Urban Setting
❑ Outdoors ❑ Suburban Setting
❑ Rural Setting
17.
What size of organization would you like to work for? _____________________________
18.
Are you willing to move? _______________________________________________________
19.
Do you prefer to work for a nonprofit or for-profit organization? ___________________
20.
Are there other factors to consider? ______________________________________________
Adapted with permission from the University Career Services department at Rutgers University, New Brunswick Campus.
4 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
KSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORKSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORKSHEET SECT
KSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORKSHEET SECTION SPECIAL WORKSHEET SECT
Your 60-Second Commercial
USE THE FOLLOWING guidelines to develop an introduction when meeting employers
during interviews, career days and other networking events. Your goal is to create a positive and lasting impression in a brief amount of time.
Step 1: Research the Employer
1. Preview the list of organizations participating in the event and plan a strategy for the day. Put
together an “A” list and a “B” list of employers you want to target. Contact your career services
office to see what employers may be recruiting on campus.
2. Research all the employers on your “A” list. Look for current facts about each employer, including
new products, services or acquisitions.
3. Write down some key facts about the employer:
(a) __________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) __________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Review job descriptions pertinent to your major for employer requirements. Note specific
knowledge, skills, and abilities they seek. List academic or employment experiences and activities
where you demonstrated these skills.
The employer is seeking:
My qualifications and selling points:
(a) ______________________________________ (a) _______________________________________________
(b) ______________________________________ (b) _______________________________________________
(c) _______________________________________ (c) _______________________________________________
5. Review the employer’s mission statement and look for key words that indicate the personal qualities
the organization values in its employees. List 2 or 3 of your personal qualities that closely match.
My personal qualities:
(a) _______________________ (b) _______________________ (c) ________________________
Step 2: Develop Your Introduction
Review the sample below. Using the information above, prepare and practice a brief 60-second
commercial or introduction to use when meeting employer representatives.
Hello, my name is __________. I am currently a junior, majoring in economics and working
part-time as a supervisor at Campus Information Services. This role has enhanced my
communication, management, and leadership skills. In addition, I had an internship over the
summer with ABC Company where I worked in a team environment on a variety of marketing
and website development projects. I recently read an article about your company’s plans for
business growth in the Northeast, and I’m interested in learning more.
Notes:
Practice your introduction with a friend or career counselor so it sounds conversational rather than
rehearsed. You may want to break your opening remarks into two or three segments rather than
delivering it all at once. Good luck with your all-important first impression!
Adapted with permission from the University Career Services department at Rutgers University, New Brunswick Campus.
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 5
Resume Fundamentals
GETTING STARTED
Think of the job search process as a marketing project with YOU as the product and
your resume as your personal advertisement or marketing brochure. Your customer
is the employer. And what do employers want to buy on the job m
­ arket? SKILLS.
For example, employers are looking for people who are c­reative and decisive,
can adapt to frequent change, are good leaders and team players, demonstrate
good work ethic, are good planners and organizers, can cope successfully with
difficult situations and have the technical background and interests that make the
applicant a good fit for their organization. So, analyze your skills and develop a
marketing theme that will show a potential employer how your skills will fill that
EMPLOYER’S NEEDS. Once you’ve developed that theme for your resume, you
can utilize that theme in other aspects of your job search—to introduce yourself
to networking contacts, in your cover letters and in interviews to convince the
employer that you are the best product on the ­market!
THE RESUME
Your resume will be competing with 100s of others for an employer’s attention. Therefore, your resume must be polished, easy to read and let the
“buyer” know what’s in it for them.
Keep in mind these guidelines when developing your resume:
✓ Keep it short and simple
✓ Limit resume to one page
✓ Use simple, everyday language
✓ Be specific—give examples, stress accomplishments and achievements
✓ NEVER use complete sentences. Use short phrases (12 words or
less) beginning with action verbs, such as “Created publicity campaign for blood drive”
✓ DO NOT write in paragraphs
✓
Use bullets ( • ) to separate one item from another and to guide the
reader’s eye to specific points
✓
Use white space, italics and boldface type to guide the reader’s eye to
important information instead of using multiple fonts
✓ Single space within sections
✓ Use white or ivory paper and one inch margins all around (margins may
be slightly smaller to keep resume to one page)
✓ Be absolutely sure that the resume is error-free (no typos, no
misspelled words) and easy to read.
✓ If it looks sloppy, redo it
And here’s the information you should include on your resume:
Heading—Tell employers how to reach you. The first thing on your resume
should be your full name, centered at the top of the page, in bold type and in
a slightly larger font than the rest of the resume. Follow your name with your
­complete mailing address and zip code, telephone number with area code and your
email address.
Job Objective—In one short phrase tell the employer what kind of work
you are looking for (e.g., “An entry level position in mechanical design,” “A ­position
in software development”). DO NOT use phrases that tell the employer what you
want them to do for you (e.g., “A position that will help me develop my skills in”).
6 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Education—Include degree discipline, expected date of graduation, grade
point average (IF it is 2.9/4.0 or higher) in bold letters, followed by college or
university, and location (city and state only). See example below:
Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, May 2018 GPA 3.2/4.0
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
If you attended more than one college, list them in reverse chronological order
(most recent first). Include high school ONLY if you are a freshman or a sophomore. Under each school list courses that would interest the employer and support
your job o­ bjective. It is not necessary to list every course you’ve taken!
Skills—List technical skills and other skills that will support your job objective
and fit the employer’s needs. For example you might include design or analytical
skills, foreign languages, laboratory skills, teamwork or leadership skills. Always
include your computer skills. Cite accomplishments and achievements that demonstrate these skills, here and in other sections of your resume.
Analyze your skills and develop
a marketing theme that will show
a potential employer how your
skills will fill that employer’s
needs.
Experience—Include work and co-curricular experiences as well as significant
projects in reverse chronological order. On the first line, put name and l­ocation (city and
state only) of company or organization followed by dates of employment or participation.
List job title on the second line, then use the “3-­bullet” approach to describe your experience. The first bullet should include general duties and a brief description of the company.
The second bullet should be more specific about your daily responsibilities. Use the third
bullet to describe an accomplishment that you are proud of. See resumes on pages 8-10 or
our website for examples. Use short phrases beginning with action verbs to describe your
experiences (a list of suggested verbs is included with the sample resume on page 8). Use
present tense verbs for current jobs, past tense verbs for previous jobs. Don’t use personal
pronouns. Leave out phrases such as “Responsible for...” and “Duties included...” and the
headings “position,” “job title,” and “duties.” It is not necessary to describe less significant
work experiences such as waiter, file clerk, etc., unless you can describe your significant
accomplishments or the title does not a­ dequately describe the position or these were your
only jobs. Don’t overlook class projects or significant accomplishments and leadership roles
in volunteer or campus organizations.
Honors & Activities (optional)—Include all honors,
academic and other. If they are not self-explanatory, describe briefly, e.g., “Order
of Epsilon (academic honor society).” List activities not shown in the “experience”
section. Include the name of the organization and your role (“member,” “finance
committee chairman,” “secretary,” etc.). For significant activities, briefly describe
your accomplishments. Consider adding dates to provide context.
References—Prepare a second page for your references. Provide three
or four references; at least one, preferably two, from previous employers, the
remainder from faculty, your advisor or department head or others who are
familiar with your work habits. Do not use personal references. Include name,
title, email address and phone number for each reference. Use the same header
on the reference page as you used on your resume.
THE STRENGTH
TO HEAL and
learn lessons in courage.
The pride you’ll feel in being a doctor increases
dramatically when you care for our Soldiers
and their Families. Courage is contagious. Our
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
helps you reach your goal by providing full
tuition, money towards books and lab fees, a
$20,000 sign-on bonus, plus a monthly stipend
of more than $2,000.
To learn more, visit
healthcare.goarmy.com/p686.
©2010. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.
Expand Your Resume’s Focus
The traditional sections of resume writing—heading, objective, education and
experience—are without question the foundation of your resume. As you focus on
them, however, it is possible to get tunnel vision and think only about the skills you
have developed through your day-to-day work.
Your actual experience has been much broader, and this list will help you explore
your extended skills and experiences.
• Have you started an organization?
• Are you a member or officer in a professional association?
• Have you made a presentation at a conference?
• Have you been a panelist in a conference break out session?
• Are you a published author in your field?
• Have you served as a military officer, non-commissioned officer, or within
an ROTC program?
• Do you hold any career-related certifications? How about any certifications
with transferable skills?
8 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Have you won any competitions related to your field?
• Were you, or are you still, a Resident Assistant?
• Have you earned a promotion?
- Did you complete a specific project to achieve the promotion?
- Was it based on attaining a specific skill set?
- Was it goal based?
• Have you studied abroad or traveled extensively?
• Have you conducted undergraduate research?
• Are you a mentor or tutor?
Article adapted by Nancy J. Mellem from “Brainstorming for the Resume”, written
by Veronica Rahim, Career Services Consultant, Center for Career Opportunities,
for Purdue University’s 2011-2012 Career Planning Handbook.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE MAJOR-SPECIFIC RESUMES!
Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering, May 20xx
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Status: Freshman
Related Courses: Drafting and AutoCad (high school), statics, introduction to design
Highland High School, Salt Lake City, UT
Graduated May 20xx with honors 3.9/4.0 GPA
National Merit Scholar, National Honor Society, Salutatorian
•
•
•
•
Education: Skills: Highland High School, Salt Lake City, UT
9/xx-4/xx
Prom Committee Chair
• Organized and motivated committee of 8 classmates to raise $2,000 for the Senior Prom
• Planned and executed successful evening with over 400 in attendance
Activities: Highland High School, Student body president, raised $5,000 for new scoreboard
Chi Omega, finance committee
Drama Club, member
Habitat for Humanity, member
Rose-Hulman Women’s Volleyball Team
Honors: Edsel Ford Scholarship for Innovation in Design - awarded by Ford Motor Co. for
best science fair project
Earl Greef Memorial Scholarship
Attended American Youth Leadership Conference
Westinghouse Science Talent Search finalist
Experience: Granger Lawn Care Service, Granger, UT
Summers xx-xx
Owner/Operator
• Sold lawn care services door-to-door
• Hired and supervised three employees in mowing and caring for 15 n­ eighbors’ lawns
• Netted $1,500 after costs in three months with 100% return customers the ­
following summer
Windows, Cadkey, Microsoft Word & Excel, HTML, Java
Fluent in German
Soldering, familiar with operation of lathes and milling machines
Communication skills demonstrated through leadership activities
Summer internship related to the mechanical engineering field
Objective: Jennifer P. Edwards
5500 Wabash Avenue, Box 0001
Terre Haute, IN 47803
(812) 877-8511
jennifer.p.edwards@rose-hulman.edu
SAMPLE FRESHMAN RESUME— Accomplishments are included in both the
“­experience “ and the “activities” sections of the resume. Note the use of the “accomplishment statement”
and “three-bullet” approaches in describing experience.
SOPHOMORE/JUNIOR RESUMES
Sample Resume##1
Steve’s resume lists course work and computer skills in the “Other Qualifications” section. Two addresses
are provided to ensure that an employer will be able to reach him during school or at home, during breaks.
“Honors” and “Activities” are combined into one section. A “summary” is used to present an overall picture of
his skills and abilities.
Sample Resume #2
Jennifer has used boldface, italics and ALL CAPS selectively to highlight information and make this resume
easier to read. Jennifer has little degree-related experience, so she has used a class project as experience.
Since the “phone operator” job title is self-explanatory, no detail is required.
Jennifer Junior
5500 Wabash Avenue, Box 0001
Terre Haute, IN 47803
(812) 877-8511
jennifer.a.junior@rose-hulman.edu
STEVE SOPHOMORE
steve.e.sophomore@rose-hulman.edu
Current Address:Home Address:
1234 Wallace Avenue
222 Magnolia Street
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Liverpool, NY 20202
(812) 234-0000(315) 555-5555
Objective: Co-op or intern position in the field of Chemical Engineering
Summary: Current sophomore at top engineering college nationally, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in
Terre Haute, Indiana, with a chemical engineering major. As an energetic intern, would apply strong
teamwork, communication, and work ethic to problem solving, as done in the past with previous
intern experience, and with various extracurricular clubs and jobs. Specific interests and strengths
include mass transfer, chemical process safety, and process optimization. Continually developing
skills through Consulting Engineering Program and on-going academic studies.
Education: Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering, May 20xx
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
3.3/4.0 current G.P.A.
Other • Classes in Mass and Energy Balances and Physical Chemistry
Qualifications:•
Consulting Engineering Program
•
Skilled with Windows (2000, XP), Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Work Experience:
Cultor Food Science, Terre Haute, IN 5/xx-8/xx
Engineering Intern
•
Performed water balance for entire plant which solved the problem of inconsistent
meter readings
•
Proposed ideas to cut wastes by over $350,000 per year (ideas currently being implemented)
Koch Materials, Inc., Terre Haute, IN Lab Technician
• Performed quality tests on liquid asphalt samples
• Mixed asphalt and binder to yield optimum strength
• Tested and recycled asphalt for stability and usability
3/xx-6/xx
McDonald’s, Liverpool, NY
11/xx-5/xx
Crew Chief
• Trained all new employees
• Proposed and executed numerous successful ideas to improve restaurant operations
•
Recognized as “Employee of the Month” four times for success in streamlining
restaurant operations
Honors & Activities:
Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics honorary), member
American Institute of Chemical Engineers, member
Special Olympics, volunteer
Intramural sports: soccer, basketball, softball
Objective: A summer position in hardware design or computer programming
Education: Bachelor of Science Computer Engineering, May 20xx
GPA 3.0/4.0
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Computer • Programming experience in Visual C++, HTML, Java, MPS,
Skills: Assembly and VHDL
• MATLAB, Maple, Cadkey, Working Model, Labview, WonderWare, Logic Works, Verilog,
• Excel, Lotus 123 and other spreadsheets, word processors,
PowerPoint
• Unix environment and Windows 2000/XP operating systems
Experience: A. MORONI, INC., Carrollton, TX
Ultrasound Data Analysis Technician
Summer xx
• Designed defect C-scanning standard for Cu Targets
• Collected data for quality control gauge study of C-Scanning process
• Responsible for handling $8,000 Targets while performing gauge study
ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Terre Haute, IN
Class Project for Computer Architecture
Winter xx-xx
• Designed and implemented a 16-bit RISC processor using Logic Works and Verilog
• Increased the speed of the processor’s ALU
ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Terre Haute, IN
Phone Operator
9/xx - Present
Honors: Activities:
Tau Beta Pi (Engineering honorary)
Dean’s List 5/6 quarters
Presidential Scholarship
Society of Women Engineers, Vice President
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Treasurer
Intramural Basketball
Photo editor for Rose Thorn (school newspaper)
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 9
10 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Design engineering position that will utilize my hardware and software skills and experience
Honors & Activities: Dean’s List 11 quarters
Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics honorary), member
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, member
General Mills, Inc., Toledo, OH
6/xx-8/xx
Engineering Intern
• Successfully redesigned a cereal packaging line
• Provided line sketches, equipment recommendations
• Designed equipment interface, configured automated scales, and ­
recommended line-flow alterations that decreased cycle time by 10%
Terre Haute, IN
9/19xx-3/20xx
Experience: Digital Audio Disc Corp., Design Project Team Leader
• Supervised senior design team in the successful completion of a ­
precision measurement project for a CD manufacturer
• Compiled, drafted and presented a detailed technical report on findings and recommendations
AutoMed Inc., Indianapolis, IN
5/xx-8/xx
Engineering Intern
• Developed software for emerging-growth medical instrumentation firm
•Used SEI software development model to outline system
specifications, create code, and ensure quality
• Produced 6,000 line program 3 weeks ahead of deadline and met ­
customer requirements on startup
Education: Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, minor in Computer
Science, May 20xx
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
GPA 3.4/4.0
Related courses: Systems Programming in C, Artificial Intelligence, Theory of Computation
Computer
Programming skills in the following languages: ADA, C, C++, Fortran, Skills:
SQL, Pascal, Windows 2000/XP, VAX Assembly, HTML
Objective: Current Address: After May 30, 20xx
2901 Franklin Street
2125 So. 1800 East
Terre Haute, IN 47803
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(812) 877-1511(801) 277-5944
Permanent Address:
2160 Greentree Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 256-5688
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, May 20xx GPA 3.33/4.00
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Kauffman Foundation Entrepreneurial Internship Program, Summer 19xx & 19xx
International Science & Engineering Fair: four years participation,
2nd place senior year in high school
Keystone Science/Engineering Fair: four years participation,
1st place physical division senior year
First Place, American Society of Computing Machinery Programming Contest
Field Robotics Center, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
REU Intern
Summer, 19xx
• Assisted in the development of a prototype robot, Houdini
• Developed and tested the mechanical systems and hydraulic assemblies
Honors: •
•
•
•
Software Testing Intern
Summer, 20xx
• Designed, executed, and documented a testing scheme for a robotic welding platform
• Wrote robotic control code, debugged electrical/electronic systems
• Test results are now being used to upgrade and further develop current systems
Experience: CYBO Robots, Indianapolis, IN
Software Development Intern
Summer, 20xx
• Researched, designed, and implemented a new robot move database which
was “generic, expandable, and flexible”
• Used MAPLE for circular interpolation, representation, and translation prototyping
• Code currently being used in new controller to be shipped to Caterpillar
October 1999
Robotics
• Custom circuit board fabrication, computer interfacing, 8052 single board computers
• Robotic gantry cranes, remote exploration vehicles, all home-built
• Voice and screen menu driven control, robot control program APIs
• 2-D ultrasonic area mapping and robotic vehicle location through wireless data links
• 3-D computer simulation/virtual reality with a Nintendo Power Glove
Skills: Computers
• C,Visual/Turbo C++, Maple, Matlab, Glut, OpenGL, Ada, BASIC, LISP, CadKey, AutoCAD, Pro/Engineer, and LogicWorks
• Wrote programs now in use at Inland Steel Bar Company for metallurgical ­
calculations
Education: Objective: Full-time position in the field of computer science with emphasis on both hardware and software
School Address:
5500 Wabash Avenue, Box 19887
Terre Haute, IN 47803
(812) 877-1511
leo.n.bize@rose-hulman.edu
http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~bizeln
Leo N. Bize
Leo has used a skill summary to present his extensive skills and experience, especially in the robotics field, that
may not be captured in his work experience.
This resume uses the “3 bullet” approach on the AutoMed and General Mills experiences.
Paul used his senior project as experience, too.
PAUL A. EMORY
paul.a.emory@rose-hulman.edu
Sample Resume #2
Sample Resume #1
SENIOR RESUMES
How to Get the Most
From a Career Fair
The Rose-Hulman Career Fairs are
professional events, used to help
students get to know which companies recruit here, and what they
are looking for. One thing for
sure, companies are looking to be
impressed. Here’s how:
PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING!
It’s very important to be prepared before showing up for a career fair, because you don’t have much time, and you want to put your best foot forward.
Recruiters will tell you, they spend very little time with students who show up unprepared.
RESEARCH AHEAD OF TIME
The Career Services website provides you with a list of companies and known facts about the companies which register to attend the career fairs.
Recruiters are always impressed at how prepared Rose-Hulman students are when they talk to them. You have to leave an impression that you did your
homework, and there is a reason they should hire YOU.
What to Bring
What to Wear
• Multiple copies of your resume
• Business attire (conservative colors and style)
• Notes from the research you have done on the companies
in attendance
• Comfortable dress shoes (that does not mean flip flops or
tennis shoes!)
• A folder/portfolio to keep your information organized
• No strong cologne or perfume
• Pen/pencil for notes
• Take a shower and comb your hair
• Breath mints!
PLAN OF ATTACK
THE 30-SECOND SALES PITCH
Hundreds of students, hundreds of businesses, but only a limited amount of
time. So how do you make the most out of the Career Fairs?
• You need to start and carry the conversation
1. Check in at the Career Services table to get your nametag and a map
2. Plan out your top 10-15 companies you want to visit
3. Start with the bottom of your list and work your way up
4. Review the research notes before approaching a recruiter
5. Have your resume and a sales pitch ready
6. Take a deep breath and SMILE!
• Introduce yourself and tell them why you are interested in their
company
• Have relevant questions for them, which will show you did your
research
• Identify key things you want them to know about you
• Sell your leadership and teamwork skills. Even if you don’t
have industry experience yet, talk about project work you’ve
done. Tell them what you have enjoyed working on so the
company knows where you might fit in with their organization.
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 11
The Cover Letter
Your cover letter may well be the first contact that you make with a potential
employer. If it is well written it will lead the employer to the second part of your
application, your resume. If the cover letter is not well written, your resume may
end up in a discard heap without ever being read. Think of your cover letter as
an advertisement emphasizing your most attractive features. Since your cover
letter is likely to be one of several received for a particular position (some large
companies receive 1,000,000 or more resumes each year!), it is essential that it
be well written and to the point. Don’t include the details of your entire work and
school history. The best way to set yourself apart is to highlight one or two of your
accomplishments or abilities that show you are a better-than-average candidate.
If using the postal service, your cover letter should be no more than four short
paragraphs on one page. Use 81⁄ 2 x 11 inch white or ivory paper, 1-inch margins
and block style paragraphs. You don’t need expensive stationery. Standard, inexpensive office paper (20 lb. bond) is acceptable. Again, avoid mottled or granite
papers, as they do not copy or fax clearly. Send your cover letter in a business
mailing envelope. Unless your handwriting is EXTREMELY neat and legible, either
type your envelope or print it from your computer (no dot matrix printers, please).
Address your envelope using the full name and title of the contact person to whom
you addressed your cover letter.
If using email, type the letter in the body of the message beginning with the salutation. Then, attach your resume to the email.
e.g., “Dear Mr. Jones:”. NEVER use the first name of the addressee in your salutation. In cases where you must use a general salutation, “Dear Hiring Manager”
or “Good Morning” are stronger than “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or
Madam.” DO NOT use the old standards “Gentlemen” or “Dear Sirs.”
1st Paragraph— State clearly and concisely what position you wish to be
considered for and state your academic status. If responding to an ad, say where
and when the ad appeared.
Example:I am a senior in mechanical engineering at Rose-Hulman
Institute of Technology, and I am interested in the
manufacturing engineering position that was advertised in the
Serendipity Times on April 25.
2nd Paragraph—Describe what you could contribute to this company and
show how your qualifications would benefit this firm. If you’re responding to a
classified ad, discuss specifically how your background relates to the position
requirements. Remember to keep it short and be careful not to simply restate
what’s in your resume.
Example:Having majored in mechanical engineering at Rose-Hulman
Institute of Technology, where I also did extensive design on the
solar powered vehicle project, I am confident that I can make an
immediate contribution as an automotive engineer.
Example:In addition to my degree in computer science, I have experience
in development of C and C++ programs for embedded systems
using both Motorola and Intel processors.
3rd Paragraph—Describe your interest in this company. Subtly emphasize
your knowledge about them (results of your research) and your familiarity with the
industry. Be sure to present yourself as eager to work for this c­ ompany.
Example:I am confident that with my initiative and strong technical
background, I can contribute to your company’s success in
making the transition to infrared technology.
Final Paragraph—Request an interview. Include your phone number and
the hours you can be reached, or mention that you will follow up with a phone call
within the next several days to arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time.
Follow these basic guidelines when developing the content of your cover letter:
Return address—Your return address should be printed in the upper righthand corner approximately 4 inches from the right edge.
Date—The date should be on the line below the last line of your address and
should be written out, e.g., September 29, 2015.
Addressee—ALWAYS use the full name and the proper title of the addressee in
your cover letter. Two lines below the date list the full name of the addressee. The
next line should contain the addressee’s full formal business title. Write out the full
name of the company on the third line. This should be followed by the address of
the company, which generally takes two lines.
Salutation—The salutation should be typed two lines below the address. Begin
with Dear Mr. or Dear Ms. followed by the last name of the addressee and a colon,
12 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Example:I would like to interview with you at your earliest convenience.
I can be reached at (123) 456-7890 between 3:30 p.m. and
6:00 p.m.
Closing—The closing should be two lines below the final paragraph and aligned
with the date. Don’t get fancy—a simple “Sincerely” will suffice. Four lines below,
type your full name as it appears on your resume. Sign your name in black ink
above your typed name.
Enclosure Line—If you are enclosing a resume or other materials, add an
enclosure line two spaces below your name, flush left.
Example: Enc. resume
When do you send a cover letter? Anytime you are sending a resume to a company.
You may have situations where you are sending a letter without a resume, but a
resume should always be accompanied by a cover letter. See sample cover letters
on this page or on our website.
Cover Letter Layout
Address
City, State, ZIP
Date
Name of Contact
Title of Contact
Company Name
Company Address
Dear Ms./Mr.______________ :
Immediately explain why you are writing this letter. State your
academic status.
Describe what you can do for this company, how hiring you would be
of benefit to the firm. Don’t elaborate on what you hope to gain from
this experience—the hiring manager is interested in what you can do for
the company, not what you would like them to do for you.
Describe your interest in this company. Emphasize your knowledge of
the company and the industry using the information you have gained
from your research. Be subtle but be sure to let the company know how
eager you are to work for them.
Refer the reader to your enclosed resume. Indicate your desire for an
interview. Close the letter with a statement that encourages further action.
Sincerely,
Enc. Resume
Your Signature
Your Name
Email
Correspondence
Making contact with companies and sending cover letters and resumes via email
is becoming more common place. As a job hunter, it is your responsibility to make
sure that your email correspondence is as polished as everything else!
Often, email is used in an informal fashion — such as when we write home to
mom and dad, or we send a quick note to a friend about our plans for the weekend.
When using email to correspond with companies however, you need to make sure
that your tone is not too relaxed and that you are not leaving anything open to
interpretation. Using a conversational style in email that is too informal will not
only make you appear unprofessional, but may also make you seem immature as
well.
When sending cover letters via email, make sure the letter is well written and
follows the same style as the examples in this manual and on our website. You
should type the cover letter right into the body of your message, omitting the date
and address blocks. Simply start with your salutation and begin writing. If you are
sending your resume, you will add that as the attachment to your email.
When sending thank-you letters via email, craft it in much the same way, but
be sure to be specific so that the person receiving the email knows who you are.
Thank-you letters should be brief and succinct.
Sample Cover Letter
Here are some tips to help you prepare well-written email correspondence:
Address
City, State, ZIP
Date
• Pay attention to your subject line. You want the subject to get their attention,
but it should be appropriate.
Name of Contact
Title of Contact
Company Name
Company Address
• Do not use slang or inappropriate wording in your email.
• Be careful not to use “leet speak” or emoticons either. This is business correspondence, not a chat session.
Dear Ms./Mr.______________ :
I am a junior electrical engineering student at Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology. I will be completing my current coursework at the end of
May and am writing to inquire about summer employment opportunities
at Miffco Electronics.
• Use a standard font for your email such as Times New Roman or Arial. The font
should be between 10 and 12 point in size.
• Avoid backgrounds or embedding graphics into the email.
I have completed several courses in computer applications and programming
which have provided me with the qualifications necessary to produce
electronic controls for automotive applications. I am familiar with C,
C++ and Motorola HC11 controllers as well as their application in
embedded systems. I am extremely interested in the automotive industry,
and would like to learn more about Miffco Electronic’s operation.
• Be brief and succinct with your letter. It should be no longer than a letter that
would be printed out and mailed via the post office.
In addition to the knowledge and skills that I have developed from my
coursework, I would also bring other valuable skills to the table such
as creativity, the ability to work alone or as a productive member of a
team, and the desire to make a positive contribution to your company.
If you are ever uncertain about whether you have written an appropriate email or
not, feel free to contact Career Services and let a staff member review your correspondence first.
I have attached my resume for your review. I would appreciate the
opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualification for employment
at Miffco. If you need additional information or have questions, I can be
reached at 812-123-4567 or by email at youremail@rose-hulman.edu,
and I will also follow up by phone later this week.
• Always proofread and spell check your email before you send it. Often your
cover letter is a company’s first impression of you.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Enc. Resume
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 13
THE THANK-YOU LETTER
A well-written and professional thank-you letter is one of the most important
steps in a comprehensive job search. Send a thank-you letter as a follow-up to
any communication (interview, phone conversation, written reply, etc.) with an
employer or networking contact. This is the time to express your appreciation,
re-emphasize your strong qualifications, reiterate your interest in the position and
the company, or provide additional information that will convince an employer that
you are the best candidate for the job.
Never use form letters—make sure the letter contains some reference to your
experience with the individual who will receive the letter. If you interview
with more than one person, send appropriate, original thank-you letters to
each interviewer. See sample thank-you letter to the right.
THE ACCEPTANCE LETTER
At the end of your job search, when you have accepted a position, send an acceptance letter. This letter confirms your acceptance of the position as well as specific
details about salary, starting date, and other arrangements. An acceptance letter
generally follows a telephone or personal conversation in which the details of the
offer and terms of employment are discussed. See sample acceptance letter to the
right.
THE REFUSAL LETTER
You’ve ended your job search. You’ve analyzed all your options, you’ve made a
choice and accepted a position. You’ve called and accepted the offer, written your
acceptance letter and gotten a confirmation from your chosen company. You’re
done—right? WRONG!
Now it’s time to write refusal letters to all the other companies who have made an
offer of employment. Let the companies whose offers you are refusing know as
early as possible. Remember, finding the right candidate takes time. If you don’t
accept their offer, they will need to continue the search process with the alternates.
Give them time to continue their candidate search early, while other qualified
candidates are still available.
Your refusal letter should:
✓Courteously thank the employer for their time, the interview, the offer and
any special accommodations or considerations
✓Let them know that you have accepted another offer and are no longer
available
✓Include hopes of working with them in the future
See the sample refusal letter on the next page.
Some companies may send out surveys to candidates that refuse their offers.
This is an attempt to assess the effectiveness of their recruiting practices and the
­competitiveness of their offers. If you don’t think it’s any of their business, don’t
fill out the survey or, if there are things you think they need to know, but feel
uncomfortable telling them, fill it out but don’t identify yourself.
LETTER OF APPLICATION
Use a letter of application when applying for a specific employment opportunity.
Be sure you mention the specific position and where you saw it advertised. Briefly
summarize your qualifications as they relate to the position. Telegraph your eagerness to work for this firm. Promote yourself in a way that the reader will want to
turn the page and read your resume! See sample on next page.
14 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Thank-You Letter
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Date
Mr. George Thompson
Human Resource Manager
WOW Chemical U.S.A.
P.O. Box 1776
Hurrah, MI 48707
Dear Mr. Thompson:
I enjoyed meeting with you on March 12 to discuss opportunities for
chemical engineers at WOW Chemical. I was very impressed by the
project team work demonstrated by your engineering staff as well as
WOW’s commitment to environmental and safety issues. I also
appreciated the opportunity to learn more about new research and
technology in which WOW is involved.
I would like to reiterate my strong interest in the production engineering
position and in working with you and the others in the Saran Films
Technology Center. As I mentioned in my interview, my internship
experience provided me an excellent foundation in polymers research
and design and environmental affairs.
Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you in
the near future.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Jane Doe
Acceptance Letter
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Date
Ms. Opal Slate
Director of Engineering Operations
Bedrock International Corp.
P. O. Box YYY
Flintstone, CA 01010
Dear Ms. Slate:
I am pleased to accept your offer for the position of Avionics Systems
Engineering Intern at Bedrock International at a starting salary of
$XX,XXX.
I am looking forward to starting work on June 1. I understand that this
is contingent upon my passing a routine physical exam. I am proceeding
with the necessary arrangements.
Please let me know if you need additional information. I sincerely
appreciate the personal time and attention you have given me
throughout the process.
Sincerely,
John Smith
John Smith
Letter of Application
Refusal Letter
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Date
Mr. B. D. Luck
Human Resource Manager
Chance Electronics
1000 Winner Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 77777
Street Address
City, State, ZIP
Date
Ms. Elaine Collins
Employment Manager
American Aircraft, Inc.
32 Airline Drive
Airport, MO 00747
Dear Ms. Collins:
Dear Mr. Luck:
I would like to thank you for offering me the position of Digital Signal
Processing Engineer at Chance Electronics. I especially appreciate the
time you took to answer all of my questions and the effort you and your
staff made to accommodate my schedule in the interview process.
I was impressed by you and your staff and the work that Chance
Electronics is doing in the electronic communications field. However, I
have accepted another position that more closely fits my present needs.
Thank you again for your time and the opportunity to learn more about
the technology and business outlook at Chance Electronics. I wish you
success in your future endeavors and am sorry that I cannot join your
team at this time.
Sincerely,
John Doe
John Doe
I am writing to apply for the Structural Dynamics Engineering position recently
advertised in the Rose-Hulman Career Services Office. I will be completing my
Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering at Rose-Hulman in May 20xx.
During my co-op assignment at Patriot Electric’s Aircraft Division, I was
involved in the design of a new airfoil for an Air Force jet. As an outcome of
the research I completed for my senior project, I presented a technical paper
and co-authored a publication on flight path dynamics. I am also experienced at
writing specifications and reviewing contractor proposals.
I found these experiences to be extremely valuable and interesting and am
committed to continuing my career in the aircraft industry. I am especially interested in working for a company like American Aircraft, whose innovative designs
have had such a dramatic impact on the industry.
My resume is enclosed for your review. I will contact you in two weeks to follow
up. In the meantime, I can be reached at 987-555-6543 if you need additional information. I
look forward to discussing my qualifications with you in person and am available
for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Enc. Resume
Letter of Inquiry #1
Letter of Inquiry #2
Use a letter of inquiry when you have an interest in a particular company or organization and would like to inquire into available employment opportunities. Be sure to
state that you are a student at Rose-Hulman, your status and the type of employment
you are seeking (permanent, summer, co-op, etc.) in the first paragraph.
This letter is designed to convince the smaller companies around your home town
that hiring a summer intern (you) is a good idea even if they don’t have a full-blown
Summer Internship Program. Notice the applicant takes responsibility for follow-up in
this letter. Be sure to call at least two weeks in advance to set up an appointment.
Street Address
City, State, ZIP
Date
Street Address
City, State, ZIP
Date
Mr. Art Broady
Human Resources Manager
Miffco Electronics Corporation
One Corporate Center
Bunky, Louisiana 12345
Mr. Werlin G. Dervish
Vice President, Engineering
Pivotal Systems
535 Middlebury Parkway
Central Valley, CA 94000
Dear Mr. Broady:
Dear Mr. Dervish,
I am a senior electrical engineering student at Rose-Hulman. I will be graduating
in May and am inquiring about summer employment opportunities at Miffco
Electronics.
I am a sophomore mechanical Engineering major at Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. I plan to be living at home in Northern California
this summer and I believe I could be of assistance to you. It seems that most busy
engineers have a list of “back burner” projects, which they just do not have time to
complete. I would be happy to take care of some of those projects for you this summer!
I have completed several courses in computer applications and programming,
which have provided me with the qualifications necessary to produce electronic
controls for automotive applications. I am familiar with C, C++ and Motorola
HC11 controllers as well as their application in embedded systems. I am extremely
interested in the automotive industry and would like to learn more about Miffco
Electronics’ operation.
I have enclosed my resume for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to
meet with you to discuss my qualification for employment at Miffco. I understand
that you will be attending Rose-Hulman’s annual career fair in October. I look
forward to discussing employment opportunities with you at that time. If you need
additional information, I can be reached at 812-123-4567.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Enc. Resume
The curriculum at Rose-Hulman is rigorous. It teaches problem-solving, teamwork
skills, and the value of hard work. I am skilled in AutoCAD v13 and able to learn
new software packages quickly. I can help you with your design and development
or production problems but will accept any other assignment that needs attention.
And I can arrive equipped with my own laptop computer if it is needed to
successfully complete my work at Pivotal Systems.
I look forward to exploring potential summer employment with Pivotal Systems. I
will be in town during the week of March 1 and would be available for an interview. I
will contact you before my arrival to arrange a time when we can meet.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Enc. Resume
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 15
Interview Tips
Here we go! This is it — the
big event! Nervous? It might
help to think of your first interview as an audition. A job
seeker going to a job interview
without preparing is like an
actor performing on opening
night without rehearsing. You
must look the part, know your
lines and rehearse, rehearse,
rehearse.
LOOK THE PART
Research shows that in less than 10 minutes of an interview, the recruiter decides whether or not to seriously consider you for the
position. And this is partly based on your appearance. Don’t hesitate to ask if they have a preferred attire for the interview. But you
should always assume the dress is Business, not Business Casual. Here are some definitions:
• Business: The most formal and conservative of dress. For men, a conservative suit, dress shirt and tie are appropriate. A nice
pair of dark pants and a sport coat and tie is also acceptable. Dark dress shoes with dark socks. Women should consider a dress
or pant suit, conservative style and color, with neutral stockings.
• Business-Casual: This is a more relaxed look, but is still somewhat dressy. Men might wear a nice pair of slacks and a dress
shirt with or without a tie, but no coat. Women may choose a nice pair of dress pants or a skirt and conservative blouse.
• Casual: Even though the name implies casual attire, you should still be conservative—a nice pair of khakis and a nice buttondown shirt. Men do not need to wear a tie. Jeans and tennis shoes are still unacceptable.
Hair should be clean and combed, with a recent cut. Don’t use cologne or perfume, and go conservative with the jewelry. Women: don’t
overdo your makeup and if you wear nail polish, use a neutral color. Brush your teeth and use mouth wash. Don’t smoke before the
interview, and don’t chew gum during it!
KNOW YOUR LINES
The purpose of the interview is to obtain knowledge about your skills, qualifications and whether you are a “fit” for their company.
Preparation is everything.
• Understand the job, the organization, and where you would fit in
• Be able to identify your main strengths and provide supportive evidence
• Have specific examples of situations you have been involved with ready to go
• Understand your goals and objectives
• Know your resume inside and out
• Practice, practice, practice
KEY POINTS
• Top companies only want to hire ENERGETIC PEOPLE! Be energetic!
• Personality is key...let your personality come through!
• Give them a sense that you have “A strong bias for action!” You can make things happen.
• Demonstrate that you have the ability to sell your ideas, that you can influence others.
• Remember...most companies want the “WOW” factor from a candidate!
16 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Be a “STAR”
It is never a good idea to think you can “wing it” when it comes to answering
­q uestions about your experiences and yourself. It’s a good idea to sit down
and think of some “war stories” that will effectively demonstrate your strong
personal skills and characteristics. This is where you’ll become a S.T.A.R. The
best answers will tell an interviewer about your skills and abilities by describing
times when you’ve demonstrated those skills and abilities in the past. The answer
should include three parts: a description of the Situation or Task (the reason you
took a particular course of action), the Action (be sure it’s something specific
that you actually did) and the Result. Results, of course, should always reflect
success. Here’s an example of a “S.T.A.R.” response to an employer’s question
about a student’s less-than-impressive GPA:
Situation/Task—“I entered my sophomore year with a low GPA. I had always
done well in school, but I didn’t handle the transition to college well. I
knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to develop better study habits and
manage my time better.”
Action—“I created a calendar and marked the due dates for all of my assignments and tests. Then I set aside certain hours each day for studying,
­allowing more for peak times like mid-terms and finals. I made up my
mind not to change the plan until after the first quarter grades so I could
give it a chance to work.”
Answering your interviewer’s questions with
a S.T.A.R. will help you avoid long rambling
answers that tell nothing about your skills,
abilities and strengths as they relate to the
position. Your interviewer will be positively
impressed and will have the kind of information that is needed to more objectively assess
your f­ itness for the position.
Think you need help? Want to practice your
S.T.A.R.’s? Schedule a practice interview at
the Career Services office. Details on how to
sign up are on our website.
✯
Situation or Task
Action
Result
PHONE/SKYPE/VIDEO INTERVIEWS
Occasionally during your interview process, a company may ask to conduct a
distance interview with you. You should prepare for these interviews in the same
way that you would prepare for an in-person interview. If you need a private
place to conduct a phone interview, contact Career Services to reserve one of our
interview rooms. Career Services can also help you set up interviews using Skype
in our offices.
Result—“My grades improved immediately; I used this system for the whole
year and earned a 3.1 while still having time for other activities. My GPA
has been strong ever since.”
Advice From the Experts
Interviewing Tips From On-Campus Recruiters
Research organizations in advance of interviews—Since most
on-campus interviews are relatively short, it is i­mportant that you use this time
to sell yourself to an employer. Don’t waste this opportunity by spending too
much time on issues that could have been answered by surfing the company’s
website and/or viewing its DVD. Displaying your knowledge about a potential
employer will greatly enhance your chances of interview success.
Be honest—Don’t claim interest in an employer if you really do not intend to
work for that organization. Don’t lie on your resume or during the interview.
While you should never draw attention to your weaknesses, don’t attempt to
hide a shortcoming by being untruthful. Learn how to deal with perceived (or
real) weaknesses before your interviews by talking to a campus career services
professional and/or reading books on job interviewing techniques.
Define your career goals and the opportunities you want—One of the
keys to making a successful sale is ­product knowledge. In the case of job interviews, that product is you. You need to perform a thorough self-­evaluation well
in advance of your interviews. Know what your strengths, weaknesses, skills
and ­abilities are and be p­ repared to d­ iscuss them during the interview.
Be realistic—Carefully evaluate what an employer has to offer you…and
what you have to offer the employer. Don’t accept a position that isn’t suited
to you “just because you need a job.” Although most entry-level salaries have
been on the rise, do not set your starting salary expectations too high. If a
starting salary seems inordinately low, but is for a position that you really want,
you might be able to arrange for an early salary review.
Be enthusiastic and sincere during your interviews—It is important
for you to convey a genuine sense of interest during the interview. You must
appear eager and flexible, but not too rehearsed. Don’t fixate on being
nervous. Even seasoned pros can have the “interview jitters.” Above all, never
be late for an interview appointment.
Some of this material is adapted from Recruiting Trends by L. Patrick Scheetz,
Ph.D., Collegiate Employment Research Institute. © Michigan State University.
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 17
Questions
QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED BY
INTERVIEWERS
1. Tell me about yourself. This question, simple as it sounds, causes more
interview grief than just about any other. This question is NOT an
invitation to talk about your hometown, your family or your love for cats
and dogs. Use this as an opportunity to present your qualifications, skills,
strengths as they relate to the position, thus leading to the conclusion that
you are, indeed, the right person for the job.
2. Why did you choose Rose-Hulman?
3. Which courses and professors have you enjoyed the most? Why?
4. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
5. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult problem that you initially
failed to solve. How did you approach the problem the second time?
What did you do differently? Sometimes interviewers will ask questions
about negative experiences. Be sure to emphasize lessons learned from
the experience and how those lessons enabled you to handle similar
situations successfully.
6. What percentage of your college expenses have you financed yourself?
7. Give me an example of a crisis situation and how you dealt with it.
8. Give me an example of a time you used your leadership skills. What was
the outcome?
9. What has been your greatest challenge thus far? How have you
attempted to meet that challenge?
10. Give me an example of a time when you failed. What did you learn from
the experience?
11. What are your strengths? This is strictly a job-related question. Describe
your strengths relative to the job you are seeking.
12. Your weaknesses? This is one of those trick questions you hear so much
about. Your weaknesses should be a strength in disguise. An example:
“I tend to be a real perfectionist. I really want every little thing to be just
right. And I usually want to add a few extras, even though they’re not
required. I don’t let that stop me from getting my class projects done on
time though, but it does take a few more late nights to do it.”
13. Why are you interested in my organization? Why this position? This is
where your research pays off. Give an answer that shows you were
interested enough to find current information about the company.
14. What do you know about my organization? Ditto to question 13.
15. Give me an example of a situation in which you had to manage time effectively (or set priorities).
16. How do you handle rejection? Criticism?
17. Tell me about a situation when you had to be a good team player. Explain
your role on the team.
18. Which organizations have you participated in? What have you learned from
your involvement?
19. What have you learned from some of the jobs you’ve had? Under which
type of supervisor do you work best?
20. What are your plans for graduate study? Be careful how you answer this
question. Employers are looking for people who will stay in the job.
Hearing that you plan to work for a year or two and then leave to go to
graduate school can be a turn off. You might say something like “Well,
John, my plans are to continue my studies part-time while I work. What
are your company’s policies regarding continued education?”
21. What are your geographic preferences or limitations? Are you willing to
travel?
22. What two or three things are most important to you to have in your job?
18 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
23. What are your long-term goals? Where do you see yourself five years
from now? The answer is five years further along the career path that
leads from this position. As a serious candidate for the position, you
should know what that career path is. Have you done your research
on the company and the position? You might want to put the question
back to the interviewer. “Let me ask you, Joan, starting in this position,
if I do really well, where could I expect to be with XYZ company in five
years?”
24. How would your friends describe you? This is a variation on the “strengths
and weaknesses” questions.
25. What salary do you expect to receive? Avoid answering this question with
a specific figure. Be vague. Say you are looking for a competitive
salary. If you must use numbers, say something like “Oh,
somewhere in the mid 30s.”
26. Why have you chosen this particular career field?
27. With which other organizations are you interviewing?
28. What questions do you have for me to answer? See question 13 and the
list below. Ask questions that show your interest in the company and the
position.
29. Tell me about a difficult goal you have set for yourself.
30. Tell me about a tough group you had to get cooperation from. What was the
issue and how did you go about it?
31. What was the most difficult decision you’ve made in the last six months?
Explain how you went about making this decision.
32. What unpopular decision have you made recently? How did others respond?
33. Describe a time when you exceeded expectations (on a job, in a class).
What did you do to make this possible?
34. Why should I hire you for this position? Another variation on the
“strengths“ question. Describe your strengths, abilities and qualifications
as they relate to the position.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What kind of assignments might I expect the first six months on the job?
Would you describe a typical work day and the things I’d be doing?
Who are the people I’d be working with and what do they do?
What are the company’s policies on continued education?
If I am hired for this job, and perform well for a number of years, what
opportunities might this lead to?
How would I get feedback on my job performance, if hired?
What skills are considered most useful for success in the position I am
applying for?
I have noticed in the trade press that your firm has a terrific reputation in
marketing. What major insights about the marketing process might I gain
from this position?
I would really like to work for your firm. I think it’s a great company
and I am confident that I can do this job well. What’s the next step in the
process?
Is there anything else you need to know about me that we haven’t had a
chance to discuss?
QUESTIONS NOT TO ASK
Never, never, never ask any questions about salary, vacations, holidays
with pay, sick days or benefits until you have the offer.
What Happens During an Interview?
The interviewing process can be scary if you don’t know what to expect. All interviews fit a general pattern. While each interview will differ, all will share three
­common characteristics: the beginning, middle and conclusion.
The typical interview will last 30 minutes, although some may be longer. A typical
structure is as follows:
• Five minutes—small talk
• Fifteen minutes—a mutual discussion of your background and credentials
as they relate to the needs of the employer
• Five minutes—asks you for questions
• Five minutes—conclusion of interview
As you can see, there is not a lot of time to state your case. The employer may
try to do most of the talking. When you do respond to questions or ask your own,
your statements should be concise and organized without being too brief.
IT STARTS BEFORE YOU EVEN SAY HELLO
The typical interview starts before you even get into the inner sanctum. The
recruiter begins to evaluate you the minute you are identified. You are expected to
shake the recruiter’s hand upon being introduced. Don’t be afraid to extend your
hand first. This shows assertiveness.
It’s a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes early. You can use the time to
relax. It gets easier later. It may mean counting to ten slowly or wiping your hands
on a handkerchief to keep them dry.
HOW’S YOUR SMALL TALK VOCABULARY?
IT’S YOUR TURN TO ASK QUESTIONS
When the recruiter asks, “Now do you have any questions?” it’s important to have
a few ready. Dr. C. Randall Powell, author of Career Planning Today, suggests
some excellent strategies for dealing with this issue. He says questions should elicit
positive responses from the employer. Also, the questions should bring out your
interest in and knowledge of the organization.
By asking intelligent, well-thought-out questions, you show the employer you are
serious about the organization and need more information. It also indicates to the
recruiter that you have done your homework.
THE CLOSE COUNTS, TOO
The interview isn’t over until you walk out the door. The conclusion of the interview
usually lasts five minutes and is very important. During this time the recruiter is
assessing your overall performance.
It is important to remain enthusiastic and courteous. Often the conclusion of the
interview is indicated when the recruiter stands up. However, if you feel the interview has reached its conclusion, feel free to stand up first.
Shake the recruiter’s hand and thank him or her for considering you. Being
forthright is a quality that most employers will respect, indicating that you feel you
have presented your case and the decision is now up to the employer.
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
During the interview, you may be asked some unusual questions. Don’t be too
surprised. Many times questions are asked simply to see how you react.
Recruiters are trained to evaluate candidates on many different points. They may
be judging how well you communicate on an informal basis. This means you must
do more than smile and nod.
For example, surprise questions could range from, “Tell me a joke” to “What time
period would you like to have lived in?” These are not the kind of questions for
which you can prepare in advance. Your reaction time and the response you give
will be evaluated by the employer, but there’s no way to anticipate questions like
these. While these questions are not always used, they are intended to force you to
react under some stress and pressure. The best advice is to think and give a natural
response.
THE RECRUITER HAS THE FLOOR
EVALUATIONS MADE BY RECRUITERS
The main part of the interview starts when the recruiter begins discussing the organization. If the recruiter uses vague generalities about the position and you want
more specific information, ask questions. Be sure you have a clear understanding
of the job and the company.
The employer will be observing and evaluating you during the interview. Erwin S.
Stanton, author of Successful Personnel Recruiting and Selection, indicates some
evaluations made by the employer during the interview include:
As the interview turns to talk about your qualifications, be prepared to deal with
aspects of your background that could be construed as negative, i.e., low grade
point average, no participation in outside activities, no related work experience. It
is up to you to convince the recruiter that although these points appear negative,
positive attributes can be found in them. A low GPA could stem from having to fully
support yourself through college; you might have no related work experience, but
plenty of experience that shows you to be a loyal and valued employee.
2. Is the applicant able to draw proper inferences and c­ onclusions during the
course of the interview?
Many recruiters will begin the interview with some small talk. Topics may range
from the weather to sports and will rarely focus on anything that brings out your
skills. None­theless, you are still being evaluated.
Many times recruiters will ask why you chose the major you did or what your
career goals are. These questions are designed to determine your goal direction.
Employers seek people who have direction and motivation. This can be demonstrated by your answers to these innocent-sounding questions.
1. How mentally alert and responsive is the job candidate?
3. Does the applicant demonstrate a degree of intellectual depth when
communicating, or is his/her thinking shallow and lacking depth?
4. Has the candidate used good judgment and common sense regarding life
planning up to this point?
5. What is the applicant’s capacity for problem-solving a­ ctivities?
6. How well does the candidate respond to stress and pressure?
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 19
Is Graduate School Right for You?
At some point in your college career, you must decide what you would like to do
after graduation—and that includes whether or not to attend graduate school. If
you’re trying to determine whether graduate school is right for you, here are some
pointers to help you make an enlightened decision.
1.Should I consider going to graduate school?
Going to graduate school might be a good idea if you…
•want to be a professor, lawyer, doctor, investment banker or work in any
profession that requires a post-secondary education.
•wish to develop additional expertise in a particular subject or field to
maximize your future earning potential and opportunities for career
advancement.
•are deeply interested in a particular subject and wish to study it in-depth—
AND have the time and financial resources to devote to further education.
Going to graduate school might not be a good idea if you…
•are trying to delay your entry into the “real world” with real responsibilities
and real bills.
•are clueless about your career goals.
•aren’t prepared to devote the time and hard work needed to succeed.
•want to stay in school longer to avoid a poor job market.
2.Is it better to work first or attend graduate school immediately
after I complete my undergraduate degree?
Work first if…
•you would like to get some real-world work experience before investing
thousands of dollars in a graduate degree.
•Fellowships/Scholarships: A free education is always the best option. The
catch is you need a high GPA, good GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT scores and the
commitment to search out every possible source of funding.
•T eaching/Research Assistantships: Many assistantships include tuition
waivers plus a monthly stipend. It’s a great way to get paid for earning an
education.
•Employer Sponsorship: Did you know that some companies actually pay
for you to continue your education? The catch is they usually expect you
to continue working for them after you complete your degree so they can
recoup their investment.
4.What are the pros and cons of going to graduate school full-time
vs. part-time?
Benefits of attending graduate school full-time:
•you’ll be able to complete your degree sooner.
•you can totally commit your intellectual, physical and emotional energy to
your education.
• ideal if you want to make a dramatic career change.
Benefits of attending graduate school part-time:
•work income helps pay for your education.
• you can take a very manageable course load.
•you can juggle family responsibilities while completing your degree.
•allows you to work in the function/industry/career of your choice while
continuing your education.
•employer will often pay for part (or all) of your graduate degree.
•the graduate school of your choice prefers work experience (most MBA and
some Ph.D. programs require this).
5.Assuming I want to go to graduate school in the near future, what
should I do now?
•you cannot afford to go to graduate school now, and you haven’t applied for
any scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships, which could pay for
a great deal of your education.
a.Identify your true strengths, interests and values to help you discover what is
right for YOU—not your friends or parents.
Go to graduate school now if…
•you are absolutely sure you want to be a college professor, doctor, lawyer,
etc., and need a graduate degree to pursue your dream job.
•you have been awarded grants, fellowships, scholarships or assistantships
that will help pay for your education.
•you’re concerned that once you start earning real money, you won’t be able
to return to the lifestyle of a “poor” student.
•your study habits and mental abilities are at their peak, and you worry
whether you’ll have the discipline (or motivation) to write papers and study
for exams in a few years.
3.I am broke. How will I pay for tuition, books, fees and living
expenses?
•Family: You’ve likely borrowed from them in the past; maybe you’re lucky
enough for it to still be a viable option.
•Student Loans: Even if you’ve taken out loans in the past, another $50,000 $75,000 may be a sound “investment” in your future.
20 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
b.Keep your grades up and sign up (and prepare) to take the required standardized tests.
c.Talk to faculty, friends and family who have gone to graduate school to get
their perspective about the differences between being an undergraduate and
a graduate student.
d.Talk to faculty, friends and family who are in your targeted profession to get
a realistic sense of the career path and the challenges associated with the
work they do.
e.Investigate creative ways to finance your education—by planning ahead
you may reduce your debt.
f.Research graduate schools to help you find a good match.
g.Investigate the admissions process and the current student body profile of
your targeted schools to evaluate your probability for admission.
h.Have faith and APPLY! Remember, you can’t get in unless you apply.
Written by Roslyn J. Bradford.
Developing a Winning
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Curriculum Vitae or CV is a professional document that is used for marketing
your background for a variety of purposes, mostly within academia or research. It
can be multiple pages, but should be focused. Use the following tips to help you get
started on your CV.
COMMON USES
• Graduate school admission, graduate assistantship or scholarship
application
• Teaching, research and upper-level administrative positions in higher
education
• School administration positions (superintendent, principal, department
head)
• Research and consulting in a variety of settings
• Academic departmental and tenure reviews
• College or university service appointments
• Professional association leadership positions
• Publishing and editorial board reviews
• Speaking engagements
• Grant proposal
Your CV can be multiple pages,
but should be focused.
FOUNDATIONAL STANDARDS
Found in most standard resumes:
• Heading—name, address, professional email and phone
number. A website with professional content (e.g., a portfolio)
can be listed in the heading as well. Use the direct URL to the
proper page, so the recruiter doesn’t have to search your entire
site.
• Objective—should be specific to the position for which you are
applying.
• Format—standard margins of one inch, type size from 10-12
points and easy-to-read fonts.
• Content—the organization of your document should be rearranged depending on the potential employer. For example, if
your education section speaks more to your qualifications for
the desired position, it should appear before your employment
experience.
• Experience—highlight paid, unpaid, school and extracurricular
experiences that relate to your desired objective.
• Skills—technical/computer, language, leadership, laboratory to
name a few.
ADDITIONAL SECTIONS
Depending on your background, you may want to add additional sections to your
resume:
• Teaching Experience and Interests
EDUCATION
• Research Experience and Interests
Include the following information:
• Related Experience: Internships, Practicum and/or Fieldwork
• Name of institution(s) where obtained or working toward a degree, listed
in reverse chronological order
• Grants Received and Academic Awards
• Official name of degree(s) and/or certification(s) obtained or currently
working toward
• Scholarships and Fellowships
• Add Master’s Thesis, Project and/or Dissertation title(s)
• Name of advisor
22 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
• Special Training
Written by Veronica Rahim, Career Services Consultant, Center for Career
Opportunities, Purdue University, for the 2011-2012 Career Planning Handbook.
Sample CV
Jane Doe
5500 Wabash Ave. CM xxx
Terre Haute, IN, 47803
(555) 555-1234
myemail@rose-hulman.edu
PROFILE
A hardworking, highly involved, mechanical engineering and international studies student interested
in pursuing work within the field of ethnography of global technological development and product
design
EDUCATION
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Senior Class President
Majors: Mechanical Engineering, International Studies, GPA 3.66/4.0
Completion of B.S and Consulting Engineering Program anticipated May 2014
Dean’s List (11 of 11 quarters)
RELEVANT
SKILLS
Well versed in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Extensive work in Maple
mathematical solving and modeling; Introductory Minitab experience (statistical software);
programmed in C and MATLAB; Ladder Logic in PicoSoft; 3-D Modeling in Solid Edge; Novice
Spanish and Arabic
RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE
Summer 2013
Engineers without Borders Assessment, Team Member, Gomoa Gyaman, Ghana
Collaborated with the Queen Mother and council of elders in a community of 2,500 people as part
of an assessment trip to communicate needs for communal latrines and develop design plans to later
implement
Summer 2013Washington Internships for Students of Engineering, Policy Research Associate, Washington, D.C.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) sponsored; Conducted self-guided
investigation of the intersection between the impact of the science and technology community on
global development, while interacting with STEM policy leaders
Summer 2011
NSF Funded International Research, Research Assistant, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Worked for Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in the synthesis and study of single-walled
carbon nanotubes in collaboration with the National Science Foundation and Rice University
Summer 2009
Operation Catapult, Participant, Terre Haute, Indiana
Conducted small group research project to design and build a body resistance exercise machine
INDUSTRY
EXPERIENCE
Fall 2013-
Caterpillar Inc., Student Engineer, Peoria, Illinois
Present Collaborating with team of both student and industry engineers for the design of an access system to
comply with Australian industry standards of large construction and mining tractors
Summer 2012
Procter and Gamble, Packaging Development Engineer, Cincinnati, Ohio
Worked on discoloration issues of skin care packaging in a research and development role, included
international work with both material contractors and suppliers, extensive spectrophotometer work
Doe, Jane (cont.)
TEACHING
EXPERIENCE
Fall 2010-
Homework Hotline, Online Tutor & Supervisor, Terre Haute, Indiana
PresentTutor students in grades 6-12 in mathematics and science through various media types and
supervise a staff of over thirty tutors; National Tutoring Association certified tutor
Winter 2012
Rose-Hulman Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lab Assistant, Terre Haute, Indiana
Teacher’s aide present in classroom to assist with third year MATLAB programming course
PUBLICATION
oe, J.J., Innovating from the Middle of the Pyramid: A Case Study Driven Investigation of
D
the Science and Technology Community’s Involvement in International Development. Journal
of Engineering and Public Policy, 17, September 2013. Available online: www.wise-intern.org/
journal/2013/index.html
PRESENTATIONS
Doe, J.J., Beagle, E., and Sacks, N. Washington Internships for Students of Engineering Overview.
Oral Presentation. International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition, San Diego,
CA, November 15-21, 2013.
Doe, J.J., Assistive Technologies: Innovating from the Middle of the Pyramid. Oral Presentation.
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., July 31, 2013.
INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE
Nature, Technology, and Religion – Transdisciplinary Perspectives. European Forum for the Study
of Religion and Environments. Sigtuna, Sweden, May 22-25, 2013.
AWARDS
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Merit Award, 2010-Present
Everett E. Black Scholarship, 2011-Present
Fred and Mary-Elizabeth Garry Scholarship, 2010-2011
American Business Women’s Association Scholarship, 2010-2011
First Team All-Midwest Collegiate Athletic Conference, Women’s Tennis, 2010
First Team All-Conference, Women’s Tennis, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Badger Girls’ State School Representative and elected State Treasurer, 2009
COMMITTEE
EXPERIENCE
Rose-Hulman Student Government Association Senator, 2013-Present
Rose-Hulman Exploring Alternative Career Tracks (REACT) Co-Chair, 2012-Present
Rose-Hulman Student Affairs Committee Varsity Athlete Representative, 2011-Present
Rose-Hulman Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, 2011-Present
Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Committee President, 2012-2013
SOCIETIES
Engineers without Borders Member/SAWs Wheelchair Construction, 2012-Present
Blue Key Honor Society, 2012-Present
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), 2010-Present
ACTIVITIES
Rose-Hulman Varsity Tennis, 2010-Present, Team Captain, 2012-Present
Rose-Hulman HERE (Home for Environmentally Responsible Engineering), member
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 23
Guidelines for Writing
a Personal Statement
STEP 1: BRAINSTORMING
Actions:
• Devote time to reflect on the following questions.
• Discuss them with friends or family members.
• Jot down notes. In some cases write sentences.
• Think about the flip side of each question. For example, why are you really
committed to the field of biology despite pressure from your parents to
become a lawyer or to get a job?
Your answers to some of these questions will form the heart of your
personal statement.
1. How did your pre-college education influence your decision to pursue
graduate study in your field?
Think about: High school courses, teachers, special programs,
student organizations, and community or volunteer
work.
2. How has your college experience influenced your decision?
Think about: College courses, professors, academic interests,
research, special programs, student organizations,
and the decision-making process you went through to
choose your major.
3. How has your work experience influenced your decision?
Think about: Internships, externships, part-time jobs, summer jobs,
and volunteer or community work.
STEP 2: WRITING YOUR PERSONAL
STATEMENT
Actions:
Incorporate your responses to the above questions. Begin writing your first draft:
1. Develop an outline of your statement prior to writing. It doesn’t have to
be detailed. It can be three or four main points in the order you want to
make them.
2. Accentuate your strengths and what makes you unique.
3. Explain your weaknesses in positive ways. For example, refer to them not
as weaknesses but as areas for improvement or growth.
4. Paint pictures and tell stories about what makes you special. In this way
the admissions readers will remember you. The story can be happy or sad.
The more feeling you can inject into your statement, the more you will
stand out.
5. Find out the specific orientation and philosophy of the graduate program.
Adapt and refine your statement to fit. This will make you stand out from
other applicants who recycle the same personal statement with each
application.
Suggested Outline
Your personal statement will likely range from 250-1200 words or 1-6 pages. The
typical personal statement should be 2-3 double-spaced pages or 500-700 words.
Here is a suggested outline. You should adjust the main point of each paragraph
and number of paragraphs depending on the desired length of your personal statement and the areas in your background that you choose to emphasize.
Paragraph 1 A personal human-interest story
Paragraph 2 Your academic interests and achievements
Paragraph 3 Your relevant work and/or research experiences
4. Who has had the most influence on your decision to pursue graduate
study? In what ways?
Paragraph 4 Your career interests
Think about: Parents, relatives, teachers, professors, clergy,
friends of the family, college friends, parents of
friends, local merchants, supervisors, coaches,
doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc.
Paragraph 6 The qualities you will bring to this school
5. What situation has had the most influence on your d­ ecision?
Think about: Family, academic, work or athletic situations. Think
about happy, sad, traumatic, moving or memorable
situations.
6. What personally motivates you to pursue graduate study in this field?
Think about: Your personal skills, interests and values.
24 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Paragraph 5 Why you are interested in this particular school
REFERENCES
Write for Success: Preparing a Successful Professional School Application, Third
Edition, October 2005 by Evelyn W. Jackson, PhD and Harold R. Bardo, PhD.
NAAHP, National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, Inc.
“Perfect Personal Statements” by Mark Alan Stewart. Peterson’s Guide 2004
PERSONAL STATEMENT CRITIQUES
Contact your campus career office and make an appointment with a career counselor to have your personal statement critiqued. Ask a professor if they would
review it as well. Having feedback from professionals with different points of view
can only make for a stronger personal statement overall.
Adapted with permission from the Office of Career Services at Rutgers University,
New Brunswick Campus.
SAMPLE PERSONAL STATEMENT
I was made aware of your REU program this past December when I had the chance to
attend a graduate seminar where Dr. Nicole Zacharia spoke on polyelectrolyte based
surfaces for biochemic wettability.
I had never realized just how complex and purpose-driven a surface’s design really is,
and it was fantastic to see the research put into it. One topic that piqued my interest
was the dual nature of an adhesive, hydrophobic surface that was designed to mimic
a rose petal. The elegance with which these two seemingly opposing properties were
combined was astounding. I would love to create something as equally unique and
innovative. While I have not been extensively exposed to polymers in particular, my
favorite class thus far has been materials science, and I can see myself developing a
passion for polymer engineering.
With regards to my scientific preparation, I have performed well in my courses,
demonstrating proficiency in the application of core concepts in thermodynamics, fluid
mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and materials science. I am also proficient with
Matlab, Excel, Maple and Solid Edge; and have had experience with both organic and
analytical chemistry lab procedures. Personally, I prefer application to theory, so lab
has always appealed to me more than learning in a classroom. I am incredibly excited
and hopeful to work this summer at the College of Polymer Science and Engineering.
As for my career goals, I am currently a junior and will graduate in three years, but I
plan to remain at Rose-Hulman for a fourth year to receive my Master’s degree. While
chemical engineering majors customarily go straight into industry, I have found that
my interests lie in the development of the technologies and materials used in industry
rather than the process that is maintained at a plant or refinery. One of my primary
goals for this upcoming summer is to determine where my future lies, whether it is
continuing on with my education in order to pursue research, or jumping straight into a
career at a company.
I look forward to the opportunity to devote my skills and knowledge to contribute to
the research currently being completed while gaining further insight into my career
upon graduation.
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 25
International Students and
the Job Search
Looking for a job is seldom easy for any student. For you, the international student,
the job search process can be especially confusing. You may lack an understanding
of U.S. employment regulations, or perhaps you are unaware of the impact your
career choice has on your job search. You may also be unsure about your role as
the job-seeker and the resources used by American employers to find candidates.
Are you accessible to employers through at least some of the above strategies? If
not, develop a plan to make sure your ­credentials are widely circulated. Notify as
many people as possible in your field about your job search.
The following is an overview of the issues most relevant to international students
in developing a job search strategy. Additional information about the employment
process and related topics can be found through your career center and on the
Internet.
You can help the employer make an informed hiring decision if you:
BUREAU OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND
IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS)
REGULATIONS
As an international student, you should only obtain employment-related
information from an experienced immigration attorney or your campus USCIS
representative. Advice from any other resource may be inaccurate. Once you have
decided to remain in the United States to work, contact the international student
services office or the office of human resources on your campus and make an
appointment with your USCIS representative. In addition to helping you fill out
necessary forms, the USCIS representative will inform you of the costs associated
with working in the United States.
IMPORTANCE OF SKILLS AND CAREER
FIELD
Find out if your degree and skills-set are currently in demand in the U.S. job
market. An advanced degree, highly marketable skills or extensive experience will
all make your job search e­ asier. Find out what region of the United States holds
the majority of the jobs in your field; you may need to relocate in order to find
the job you want. Learn all you can about your targeted career field by talking to
professors, reading industry publications and attending professional meetings and
regional conferences.
ROLE OF EMPLOYERS
It is the employer’s responsibility to find the right people for his or her company—
not to help you find a job. The interview is successful when both of you see a match
between the employer’s needs and your interest and ability to do the job.
The employer (through hiring managers, human resources staff or employment
agencies) will most likely use several resources to find workers, including:
• College recruiting
• Campus or community job fairs
•Posting jobs on the company website or on national job posting sites on the
Internet
• Posting jobs in major newspapers or trade publications
• Posting jobs with professional associations
STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS
•Provide a well-prepared resume that includes desirable skills and relevant
employment experiences.
•Clearly convey your interests and ability to do the job in an interview.
•Understand English when spoken to you and can effectively express your
thoughts in English.
It’s important to be able to positively promote yourself and talk with confidence
about your education, relevant skills and related experiences. Self-promotion
is rarely easy for anyone. But, it can be especially difficult for individuals from
­cultures where talking about yourself is considered ­inappropriate. When interviewing in the United States, however, you are expected to be able to explain your
­credentials and why you are suitable for the position.
Be sensitive to the interviewer’s verbal and nonverbal cues. Some international students may not realize when their accent is causing them to be
misunderstood. Interviewers are sometimes too embarrassed or impatient
to ask for clarification, so be on the lookout for nonverbal clues, such as
follow-up questions that don’t match your responses or sudden disinterest on
the part of the interviewer. Also, make sure you express proper nonverbal
­c ommunication; always look directly at the employer in order to portray confidence and honesty.
If your English language skills need some work, get involved with campus and
community activities. These events will allow you to practice speaking English. The
more you use the language, the more proficient you will become. These activities
are also a great way to make n­ etworking contacts.
CAREER CENTER
The career center can be a valuable resource in your job search. Be aware,
however, that some employers using the career ­center won’t interview students
who are not U.S. ­citizens. Though this may limit your ability to participate in some
campus interviews, there are numerous ways to ­benefit from the campus career
center:
•Attend sessions on job search strategies and related t­ opics.
•Work with the career services staff to develop your job search strategy.
•Attend campus career fairs and company information sessions to inquire
about employment opportunities and to practice your networking skills.
• Regional and national conferences
It’s a good idea to get advice from other international students who have successfully found employment in this country and to start your job search early. Create
and follow a detailed plan of action that will lead you to a great job you can write
home about.
• Employment agencies (“headhunters”)
Written by Rosita Smith.
• Resume searches on national online services
• Employee referrals
26 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Unlocking Potential
The Power of Networking
Networking is NOT simply getting a
job because you know someone—it
means someone helped you get the
interview or got your resume noticed
by Human Resources. The rest is still
up to you!
EVERYONE in your life should be a network connection:
• Friends
• Faculty
• Neighbors’ Parents
• Parents’ Friends
• Parents
• Co-workers
• Coaches
• Neighbors’ Friends
• Neighbors
• Friends’ Parents
• Alumni
• Your hairstylist
WAYS TO CONNECT
Online­—professional and social networking sites, mainly LinkedIn
On Campus—classmates, faculty, staff, career fairs, information sessions, network events
On the Job—mentors, supervisors, co-workers
On the Go—conferences, workshops, professional organizations
LinkedIn is a PROFESSIONAL networking community—it is NOT Facebook.
The goal is to connect with people you DON’T know, not necessarily reconnect with your high school buddies (unless your high school
buddy is a potential employer).
• Members are older, wealthier and smarter:
- 60% are 35+
- 66% make more than $60,000 a year
- 72% have a college degree
Besides connecting with people, LinkedIn can be used to research and follow companies, as well as join groups that you share a
common interest with.
ATTENDING A NETWORKING EVENT: WHAT WILL I DO THERE?
✓ It all starts with a smile. It’s a psychological fact that when you smile at someone, it’s very difficult for them not to smile back.
Smiling sets the tone and mood.
✓ Introduce yourself—a LOT. You need to be remembered, but in a good way.
✓ Shake hands and make good eye contact.
✓ Engage in general conversation.
Topics to avoid: politics, religion, topics that evoke strong opinions
Safe topics to start a conversation: weather, sports, headline news, current events
✓ Ask questions
✓ Actively listen
www.rose-hulman.edu/offices-services/career-services.aspx 27
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSULTING
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most challenging environmental,
health and social issues, bring
value to clients and support a
sustainable society.
We offer excellent benefits, competitive
compensation and significant opportunities
for professional growth.
ramboll-environ.com
Ramboll Environ is an equal opportunity employer of minorities,
females, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Advertiser Index
Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
ArcelorMittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
Extension Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
HBM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
International Paper . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover
KCG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lutron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
PILLAR, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover
Ramboll Environ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Superior Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Technifab Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
U.S. Army Health Professions
Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Vectren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover
College Recruitment Media and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
wish to thank the above participating sponsors for making this
publication available to students.