Career
Planning
Guide
Table of Contents
2015-2016
Career Services Office
Room 201 Student Services Center
UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: 715-346-3226
Email: career@uwsp.edu
Hours:
Mon–Fri 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Drop in:
Thursday 1-4 p.m.
How We Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Our Website and Resources . . . . . . . . . . 3
Career Development: A Lifelong Process . . . 4
Informational Interviewing and Networking . 5
Timeline for Career Planning . . . . . . . . . . 6
Career Exploration Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What Employers Want . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CareerPoint Online System . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Application Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Action Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Resume Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Cover Letter Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tailoring Your Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Graduate and Professional Studies . . . . . 16
Preparing for an Interview . . . . . . . . . . 17
Interview Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Post-Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Social Media and Your Career . . . . . . . . 20
Job Fair Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
UW-Stevens Point Sponsored
Job Fairs/Career Fairs . . . . . . . . . . . 22
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a tobacco-free campus.
2
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
How We Can Help
Our mission is to provide comprehensive career/life planning and job search services linking
education and the world of work for UW-Stevens Point students and alumni.
We can provide assistance along your career journey through the following opportunities:
• One-on-one meetings with Career Services staff
• Tools to explore your interests, skills, and values
• Online resources and our website
• Outreach events and presentations across campus
• Job/career fairs and on-campus recruiting
We provide service to all current UW-Stevens Point students, recent
graduates, and alumni. Below is an overview of our services to utilize
throughout your career journey.
Career Exploration
• Take assessments to explore your skills, interests, and values
• Learn about different potential fields and use CareerOneStop
• Utilize our Career Exploration Portal, CareerLocker and other resources
• Find ways to get involved
Finding Internships and Jobs
• Utilize CareerPoint to search for postings
• Attend job/career fairs
• Search internationally using GoinGlobal
Job Search Preparation
• Create a resume and write a cover letter
• Practice interviewing including using InterviewStream
• Research employers, relocation, and salary information
Graduate and Professional Studies
• Search for program information
• Find resources for graduate exams
And More…
• Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn
• See where recent graduates are working with our follow-up studies
• Check out our website for more resources
Return to Index page
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
3
Our Website and Resources
Go to our website to find more information about our services and resources. Below is an overview of some
of our major resources. Also be sure to check out:
• Our Career Exploration Portal
• Our follow-up study to see what recent grads are doing
• Our social media sites (Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest)
• Our calendar of our upcoming events
Resources available on our website
CareerPoint
- Search database for jobs and internships
- See page 15 for instructions on how to set up your account and use the site
CareerLocker
- Education and career planning tool
- Take online self-assesments that can link to potential occupations
- Search information on 700+ occupations as well as graduate school
- Learn how to budget and find financial resources
- Find tips on creating a resume and other job search materials
GoinGlobal
- Find information on employers in the U.S. or around the world
- Find country and city specific information
- Search job and internship postings
- Find sample resumes based on your fields of interest and geographical locations
Glassdoor Access
- Research companies and organizations
- Find information on salary and interviews from those who have interviewed with
or worked for the company or organization
InterviewStream
- Create an account
- Complete mock interviews to practice your interviewing skills
- Share videos of your interview for others to provide feedback
- Use from any computer with webcam or come to the Career Services Office
Career Videos
- Watch videos on job search topics and careers
www.uwsp.edu/career
Return to Index page
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Career Development: A Lifelong Process
Who am I?
Where am I going?
How am I going to get there?
These questions are all a part of your career journey and career development
process. You must begin with strong decision making. Consider the following as
you start your journey:
Your Skills, Personality and Interests
Career Assessments A series of questions that provide you with possible career
options. Utilize CareerLocker to conduct self assesments or contact Career Services
to take both the Myers/Briggs Type Indicator (personality) and Campbell Interest and
Skill Survey.
Academic and Career Goals
Create Connections When linked together, your academic and career goals can
increase your focus and commitment to your education.
Hands-on experience is
a great way to start your
career journey.
Research Look into the careers that are of interest to you. Visit our website to find:
- Career Exploration Portal
What Can I Do with this Major?
Occupational Outlook Handbook (research types of careers)
UW Help (career, major, and other resources)
- CareerLocker
- Follow-up studies of UW-Stevens Point graduates
Ways to Get Involved
Job Shadow The length of this experience may vary, but it is a way for you to
learn from professionals in a particular occupation. You shadow an employee for a
set period of time to learn more about what their daily work entails.
Volunteer The Portage County United Way Volunteer Center has a database to find
opportunities. Volunteering is a great way to give back and gain experience!
Join Clubs and Organizations Check out the Student Organization Database
for opportunities on campus. Look for areas related to your personal and career
interests.
Part-time Jobs and Internships This is another great way to gain experience
and get exposed to a field of your interest with a short-term commitment.
Return to Index page
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
5
Informational Interviewing and Networking
Networking is a crucial component of the career journey. It helps you from the time you start exploring your
options and continues to serve you when you are looking for your next job.
Use your networks
• Consider who you already know
• Your network is always bigger than you think
• Find anyone whose current or previous employment interests you
• Be open to new ideas, it is impossible to know every career that exists
Where to look
• Use LinkedIn to join groups that align with your interests,
search for alums, members of organizations and find
professional associations
• Use other forms of social media
• Look for alums working in your areas of interest
Facebook
Classmates
Previous
Employer
Google +
Twitter
You
Conducting an Informational
Interview
• Find someone you would like to learn from in a field
that relates to your interests.
• Send them an email or call to ask if they would be
willing to give you 15-20 minutes of their time to
talk with you about what they do and how they have
reached their current position.
• Create a list of questions to ask your interviewee.
• The goal is to learn as much as you can about
potential fields or jobs that interest you, not ask
someone to hire you.
• Don’t be shy. People like talking about themselves
and the worst that can happen is they say “no.”
• Keep track of who you talk with, where they work,
what you talked about. This process could lead to
people you will keep in your network and follow up
with in the future.
• Be safe – meet in a public place when meeting with
anyone you don’t know well.
• Send a thank-you note to your interviewer.
Career
Opportunity
Family
Friends
LinkedIn
Faculty/
Staff
Alums
Career
Opportunity
www.uwsp.edu/career
Career
Opportunity
Return to Index page
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Timeline for Career Planning
Career planning starts in your first year of school. To be prepared for life after graduation, there are
steps you should take now, even though graduation may seem a long way off.
FIRST YEAR - Increase self awareness
p Familiarize yourself with our office; research the Career Exploration Portal and register in CareerLocker
p Learn more about yourself; take career assessments to identify your values, interests, skills and strengths.
p Test your interests by choosing courses that relate to to them or take a career exploration class.
p Pursue summer work, volunteer experiences, or a part-time job that relates to your major or interests.
p Begin recording activities and experiences (paid and unpaid) to build your resume.
p Become familiar with student organizations and other resources on campus to assist you.
SECOND YEAR - Explore majors and career alternatives
p Declare your academic major if you have not already done so. If you are still undecided or cannot meet
or maintain the academic requirements of your preferred major, explore other options through the Student
Academic Advising Center.
p Identify at least two career interest areas. Meet with your adviser or career counselor to begin the process
of relating your skills, interests and values to your choice of a major and future career.
p Begin to identify what is important to you in a job (work values). Collect data on related career options
and typical starting salaries (CareerLocker and the Occupational Outlook Handbook).
p Conduct 2-3 informational interviews in your field(s) of interest and arrange a “job shadowing” experience.
THIRD YEAR - Gain relevant experience
Career assessments are a
quick way to gain insight
into your career options.
p Create a profile in CareerPoint (our online system); search for internships, career events or interviews.
p Attend workshops sponsored by our staff; create a resume.
p Research graduate schools if planning on attending and take appropriate entrance exams.
p Start preparing a portfolio of work samples to highlight your experience and skills.
p Pinpoint the type of industry or organization in which you would like to work and identify a few geographic
locations.
p List at least five occupational titles appropriate to your interests and abilities. Identify the level of education
and skills necessary to attain your employment or career goals.
p Establish a professional presence on LinkedIn social networking site; acquire interview attire.
p Conduct a mock interview using lnterviewStream; attend job fairs.
p Experience the first of several internships or relevant work experiences for pre-career training and to test out
your field of interest.
FOURTH YEAR - Prepare for a career or graduate/professional
school
p Seek leadership or supervisory opportunities during work experiences or activities. Network and continue
associations with mentors and faculty in your chosen academic area(s).
p Meet with your career counselor to strategize an action plan and update your resume; be sure to upload
your resume in CareerPoint and continue to monitor CareerPoint for opportunities.
p Be proactive and reactive in your job search. Use multiple sources, develop lists and establish a good
recordkeeping system.
p Actively participate in job fairs, interviews, or apply to graduate/professional schools.
p Send thank-you letters or emails to every person who interviews you.
p Complete the Career Services Graduate Survey to inform us of your plans following graduation.
Return to Index page
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
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Career Exploration Portal
In order for you to make good decisions related to choosing academic majors, minors, courses and
career options, it is important to consider a wide variety of career/life issues. Through assisting
students over the years, we have developed a list of essential websites to help you in this process.
By providing links to these sites from a single Web page, it is our goal to make it easy for you to
begin your research. We encourage you to utilize our Career Exploration Portal from our home page.
www.uwsp.edu/career
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
8
What Employers Want
Leadership
Ability
Consider gaining experience through:
77.8%
77.8%
to work as a team
Written
73.4%
communication
Problem-Solving Skills
Strong
70.9%
70.4%
work ethic
Analytical/quantitative
Technical
Verbal
68%
skills
67.5%
skills
67%
communication skills
Initiative
66.5%
Computer Skills
Flexibility &
Internships
Academic departments coordinate for-credit internships.
Find the list of contacts on our website.
CareerPoint is your source for internship postings.
Job shadowing
Student organizations
Summer and part-time jobs
Student Involvement and Employment Office can help.
Volunteer experiences
62.6%
adaptability
Interpersonal
skills
62.1%
60.6%
60 percent of employers would like to see students
with internship or co-op experiences.
Source: National Association of Colleges and
Employers (2014). Job Outlook 2015.
Return to Index page
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
9
CareerPoint Online System
CareerPoint is our resource to link you with employers and employment
information. You can explore possible careers, look for positions, see our
office events and workshops, and even schedule interviews with employers.
My Account All currently enrolled UW-Stevens Point students have an account ready for them to
access. To personalize your account:
• Complete your profile
• Upload resumes and cover letters (optional)
• Choose whether to allow employers to view your information
Job/Internship Search
• Search for temporary/seasonal work, internships, and career-level positions
• Create saved searches to quickly view jobs matching your criteria
• Receive emails when jobs are posted
• See current or historical data (current and past postings)
Employer Directory
• More than 5000 employers in our database from around the U.S.
• Find recruiter contact information
• Find company websites
• Search by organization name or location
Interview Schedules
• Check to see when recruiters will be visiting campus
• Upload a resume to participate in on-campus interviews
• Access will be granted once your profile is complete and activated
Career Events and Workshops
• Find dates, times, and locations of career programs, fairs and
employer information sessions
• Elect to receive emails when new events are posted
You can see any employers that are connected
to your social network on CareerPoint
www.uwsp.edu/career
Return to Index page
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Application Materials
Materials you may need to prepare for your job or
internship search:
Resumes
Cover Letter
Resumes are subjective. All fields and employers
have slightly different opinions on what to include.
See page 18 for an overview of resumes.
Cover letters often accompany your submitted
application and resume. They provide an opportunity
to stand out to the employer. See page 20 for a
sample.
Thank you notes should always be sent after an
interview. See sample on page 28.
A future employer may request a list of references
once you are offered an interview. See sample on
page 19.
Reference
Portfolio
Some design or creative based fields may request a
sampling of your work. This may appear in a printed
portfolio, online portfolio or personal website.
Formatting Tips and Creating Your Brand:
• Be consistent. Use similar fonts and formatting across all your materials.
• Be original. Don’t use templates. Looking at other resumes is a great way to get ideas, but create
your own format in MS Word.
• Be concise. What employers want will vary by field, but typically 1-2 page resumes are preferred.
• Be detail oriented. Proofread to remove any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Be well organized. Determine what is most important to the employer and highlight skills and
phrases that are mentioned in the position descriptions and will stand out.
Return to Index page
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
11
Action Verbs
Skills are incorporated throughout your resume, cover letter, interviews, and the entire career journey.
Use this list when writing your materials, or considering skills to gain, or how to market yourself.
Communication:
Creative:
Detail:
addressed, authored, collaborated, corresponded, developed,
drafted, edited, enlisted, formulated, influenced, interpreted,
lectured, mediated, moderated, negotiated, persuaded,
promoted, publicized, reconciled, recruited, reported, spoke,
submitted, translated, wrote
acted, composed, conceptualized, created, designed,
displayed, entertained, established, fashioned, founded,
illustrated, initiated, instituted, integrated, introduced, invented,
originated, performed, revitalized, shaped
approved, arranged, catalogued, classified, compiled,
dispatched, generated, implemented, inspected, monitored,
organized, prepared, processed, purchased, recorded,
retrieved, screened, specified, tabulated, validated
Financial:
allocated, analyzed, appraised, audited, balanced, budgeted,
calculated, forecasted, managed, marketed, measured,
projected, researched, transferred
Helping:
assessed, coached, counseled, demonstrated, diagnosed,
educated, expedited, facilitated, familiarized, guided, referred,
represented, served
Management:
Research:
Teaching:
Technical:
administered, assigned, attained, chaired, contracted,
consolidated, coordinated, delegated, developed, directed,
executed, improved, increased, oversaw, planned, prioritized,
produced, recommended, scheduled, selected, strengthened,
supervised
collected, critiqued, defined, examined, extracted, identified,
interviewed, investigated, reviewed, summarized, surveyed
adapted, advised, clarified, communicated, developed,
directed, enabled, encouraged, evaluated, explained,
informed, initiated, inspired, instructed, mentored, motivated,
stimulated
assembled, built, computed, devised, engineered, fabricated,
maintained, operated, overhauled, programmed, remodeled,
repaired, solved, tested, trained, upgraded
www.uwsp.edu/career
Return to Index page
12
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Resume Writing
Your resume is a fact-based marketing document providing a potential employer with the most relevant
information about your background and skills for the position you are seeking. The primary purpose
of this document is to obtain an interview. Employers will spend less than 20 seconds skimming your
resume to determine if your candidacy is worth further consideration, so your presentation is crucial.
There are three basic types of resumes – Chronological, Functional and Combination.
Select the one that will best present your qualifications.
Your resume needs to be:
• Concise - 1-2 pages (references may be on a separate
page)
• Relevant - the content is pertinent to the position for
which you are applying
• Well-organized – the headings used reflect the content
of the sections and the order of the sections are logical
• Easy to skim – written using fragments or phrases rather
than complete sentences, and bulleted lists are used to
selectively highlight important information
• Visually attractive - margins are consistent, tabs are
used to line up information, white space and text are
balanced, the font used is easy to read
• Correct - spellchecked and proofed by at least one
other person to correct mistakes, and verify that all
information provided is up-to-date and accurate
Before starting/updating your resume, review lots of job
postings in your field of interest.
This serves to:
1) get information on the qualifications or skills being
sought by employers
2) identify the keywords associated with the types of
positions.
Note: Many employers
use applicant tracking
systems to manage the
resumes submitted to their
organizations and they search
for keywords to identify the
best qualified candidates.
Use this information to determine which parts of your
background to emphasize as being most relevant, and
to build the keywords into your descriptions whenever
possible.
Peppermint Patty
VOLUMTEER ACTIVITY
April - June xxxx
• College Days for Kids, UWSP, Stevens Point, WI
• T-Ball league coach, Waupaca, WI
Sunday school teacher, St. Pointer
Church, Amherst, WI
• Latchkey Afterschool Program
teacher, McDonald School, Park
Ridge, WI
101 Alphabet Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-555-1234
ppatty@internetprovider.com
CERTIFICATIONS
Elementary Education and Mathematics
Ages 6–13
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science degree: May, xxxx
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
(UWSP), Stevens Point, WI
Major: Elementary Education
(72-777)
Minor: Mathematics
(72-400)
STUDENT TEACHING
Middle School Mathematics Teacher,
XYZ Middle School, Vegas, WI
April - June xxxx
• Served in an inner-city magnet school
teaching classes in general math,
pre-algebra, and algebra
• Taught multiple lessons of Everyday
Mathematics to sixth graders
• Developed a variety of teaching and
classroom management strategies
to reach a wide array of student learning
styles
• Designed, maintained and posted
weekly electronic progress charts
• Communicated regularly with parents/guardi
ans and worked on an IEP
team
• Participated in professional development
programs concerning at-risk
students, multi-aged groups, and building/main
taining a climate of
respect
Fourth Grade Teacher, Alpha School,
Stevens Point, WI
January - March xxxx
• Effectively used portfolios in assessing
and tracking student development
• Successfully taught Sitton Spelling,
Writing Process/6+1 Traits, Reading
Workshop and TRIBES activity
• Initiated a student Technology Center
• Actively participated in parent-teacher
conferences, Fun Fair, and PTO
Third Grade Practicum Teacher, McDonald
School, Park Ridge, WI
October - December xxxx
• Taught students vocabulary, reading,
and social studies
• Instructed science and simple machines
unit using LEGO DACTA
• Adapted lessons for three English
Language Learners
RELATED EMPLOYMENT
Park and Recreation Summer Leader,
The Tree House, Smallville, WI
Summers xxxx – xxxx
• Supervised daily activities of 24 children
aged 5-12
• Planned and taught hands-on activities
involving arts & crafts, science
experiments, and adventure education
• Developed a Discovery Center for
learning, reading, and sharing
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATION
• Experienced in leading and supervising technology activities
• Strong background in alternative
education
• Skilled in working in multi-ethnic
settings with a wide age range of students
• Extensive background in team
building through experiential education activities
• Interested in coaching or advising
student groups
REFERENCES
Conan O’Brien
Cooperating Teacher
Alpha Elementary School
715 Alpha Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
School: 715-555-0000
Cell:
715-555-1111
Marge Simpson
Cooperating Teacher
XYZ Middle School
911 Kash Boulevard
Vegas, WI 50000
School: 715-555-2222
Home: 715-555-3333
Michelle Obama
Principal
McDonald Elementary School
555 Latchkey Avenue
Park Ridge, WI 54777
Home: 715-555-4444
Email: mobama@mcd.k12.wi.us
t Patty
Pepperminet Street
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101 Alp
54481
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Stevens
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715-555-1 vider.com
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Also think carefully about how to highlight your
accomplishments. Use numbers to quantify or qualify how
many, how often or how much was involved. List ways
you saved, earned or managed money. Give examples of where you saved or effectively managed
time. Be specific and factual.
Save your resume in multiple formats to make submitting it easier. Typically you will email a PDF copy,
and upload a MS Word document, but always carefully review and follow any directions given by the
employer.
Visit the Career Services website for a resume writing checklist, sample resumes, and links to resources
with additional information.
Return to Index page
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
13
References
Below is a sample of how to create a references page. Depending on your field it may be necessary
to include these with your resume. In some fields references will not be requested until you have
interviewed.
ALISON TAYLOR 2112 N. Clark Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 323-254-8421 • alisontay@uwsp.edu REFERENCES Susan Smith Camp Director, Tween Peaks Camp 1462 Maple Drive Gunnison, CO, 68312 632-549-8751 ssmith@tpeaks.com Emily Bradley Director of Student Activities, Student Government Advisor 1108 Fremont Street UWSP, Stevens Point, WI 54481 715-­‐346-­‐3226 ebradley@uwsp.edu Finding and Securing References:
• Professional references can be found in a variety of ways. A former supervisor or employer may be a
reference. A faculty member or staff member you work with on campus may be a reference.
• As you gain new experiences and take new positions, whether as a volunteer, in a student
organization, or in a paid position, consider people who may serve as references. Stay in contact with
those people you think may be strong references for you in the future.
• Consider the position for which you are applying, what skills are necessary, and who can best
discuss your previous experiences related to those skills.
• Ask those you are considering to use as a reference if they are able to give you a positive and
enthusiastic reference. Ensure they will be available and easy to contact during the time your potential
employer may want to give them a call.
• Give your references as much advance notice as possible. Do not ask them to be a reference after you
have already submitted their name, do that before submitting your application.
• Inform your references about the position you are applying for as well as what you are hoping they
will share about you. Consider providing them a copy of your resume (or other submitted materials)
as well as the position description. You can even give them a list of skills or experiences you would
like them to highlight. This will make their job easier, and ensure the employer is learning about your
most relevant skills.
www.uwsp.edu/career
Return to Index page
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Cover Letter Writing
Contact Info: You can use the
header from your resume or use
block formatting.
ALISON TAYLOR 2112 N. Clark Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 323-254-8421 • alisontay@uwsp.edu Address the letter:
Be sure to include the date you
are writing. Address the letter to
the employer or staff responsible
for applications. Call human
resources if you don’t have a
name.
September 2, 2014 Intro: Include name of position,
where you found the listing. Can
include short statement of why
you like the company.
Please accept my application for the Management Trainee position with XYZ Corporation. I was excited to see the description posted on the UWe Stevens Point CareerPoint System, due to my previous experience job shadowing your Stevens Point Store Manager, Jane Doe. I highly respect the dedication of your employees and the active portrayal of the company’s mission in their daily work. Body: Explain what qualifies
you. Select several skills from the
job description and demonstrate
you have them. Expand upon
what draws you to the employer
and what you will bring.
Final: Mention your resume
and provide an action plan and
contact information.
Signature: Sign your name.
You can scan in your signature on
electronic versions. “Enclosure”
signifies you are including other
materials.
Ms. Bethany Allen Regional Manager XYZ Corporation 5678 Corporate Drive Anytown, WI 55632 Dear Ms. Allen: You will notice that my educational background and experiences closely match the values and skills sought by your organization. Some highlights of my qualifications related to the position include: •
•
•
Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a Management emphasis
Self motivation and ability to consistently meet and exceed goals when working individually and as a
member of a team
Supervisory and training roles throughout four years of college
During my time as the Communications and Public Relations Chair for the Student Government Association, I took the initiative to implement surveys to determine the effectiveness of our committee’s work. I delegated tasks between a 10-member team, and as a result increased our social media following and marketing presence on campus. Your employees’ enthusiasm, energy, and knowledge attract me to work for your organization. I would like to add my positive attitude and customer service-focused work ethic to your workforce. Attached is my resume further detailing my experiences. I look forward to talking with you about this opportunity and will follow up with you next week to ensure my materials were received. If you have any questions or would like to contact me, I can be reached by phone 323-254-8421 or email alisontay@uwsp.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Alison Taylor Enclosure Other Tips:
• DON’T REPEAT: The cover letter is a chance to expand upon experiences/skills, not re-list your
resume
• TELL A STORY: Consider what experiences you have and make it interesting to read, you don’t
want your letter to sound exactly like everyone else’s
• BE CONCISE: You cannot include everything, so choose what is most important for the employer
to know
• TAILOR IT: Don’t write the same exact letter for each company. Consider the reasons you are
attracted to them
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www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
15
Tailoring Your Materials
It is important to target your materials to the position you want. Applying for jobs within the same field,
or with the same title can still mean adjusting your materials.
Below is a job description highlighted to demonstrate how you might tailor your materials based on
what the employer provides:
Job Description:
• Support digital marketing efforts with research, project planning, trend and results analysis
• Create content for client social media programs
• Write various communications including new releases, story pitches, client memos, etc.
• Develop and maintain media database, editorial calendars and media placements
• Monitor media for advertising and PR client opportunities that are on strategy
• Attend, participate and take notes in client related strategy, creative and brainstorming sessions
• Perform various client services and public relations administrative duties
Qualifications:
• Career-minded student in advertising, public relations, marketing or related field
• Sophomore status or higher
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (writing sample required at interview)
• Web-savvy researcher
• Organized and detail driven
• Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Social media and Microsoft Office proficiency
• Ingenuity and curiosity
• An after-it personality with dedication to getting the job done
(Job description pulled from actual CareerPoint posting)
Skills
Look for skill verbs used
in the job description
and insert them into your
resume or cover letter
Technical Ability
Identify technical skills
required for the job and
how you can express
your related experience
Personal Traits
These are good to
consider when portraying
yourself in materials as
well as during in-person
interactions
www.uwsp.edu/career
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Graduate and Professional Studies
Ask yourself:
Choosing a graduate
school entails finding a
program that matches
your academic interests,
personal preferences and
needs.
To help in your
research and
search process,
create a list of
criteria that are
important to you.
Consider:
The application
process begins
12-18 months
before you would
like to begin
classes.
Research and
prepare:
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• Why do I want to go to graduate school?
• Am I motivated by personal or professional reasons?
• What are my career goals?
• What will I specialize in?
• What are my areas of interest?
• Do I have the motivation for another 2-7 years of school?
• Do I have the necessary financial resources or financial
plan?
• Do I need work experience prior to pursuing graduate
school?
• Admission requirements
• Cost/availability of financial aid
• Geographic location
• Size of program/department/school
• Quality of faculty
• Faculty/Student ratio
• Quality of facilities
• Housing options
• Program type-part/full time
• Attrition and placement rates
• Focus of program (research vs. applied work)
• Application deadlines vary by program
• Applications typically include:
References
Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
Entrance exam scores
Resume
• Contact your references early and provide them with the
materials you plan to submit to help them write about you.
Provide all necessary deadlines and instructions.
• Begin studying for exams (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT) well in
advance. Visit our website for resources and visit the
UW-Steven Point Testing Services (3rd floor Delzell Hall)
• Research a variety of programs based on the criteria you
have chosen. Another great resource to visit is www.
petersons.com.
• Talk with your current faculty for advice.
• Contact department chairs or program coordinators of those
schools that interest you to get more information.
• Consider visiting campus and meet with faculty, students
and graduate advisers.
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
17
Preparing for an Interview
1
2
3
Research
• Review the job description and employer’s website
• Learn as much as possible about: major products or services, customer base,
mission, size of the organization, employees, locations, competitors, names of
key members of the organization, industry news, etc.
Review Your Skills
• Create a list of the skills you want to highlight that relate to the position
• Brainstorm examples of experiences (jobs, internships, volunteering, classes,
clubs) that demonstrate your skills
• Consider your strengths and weaknesses and how you would explain them to an
employer
Practice and Prepare
• Create a list of at least 3-5 questions you would like to ask the employer
• Review your notes on the employer and your skills/experiences
• Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Allow your personality and interests to show
through, and consider what you would share about your interests or hobbies
when asked
It is rare that you will know what questions you are going to be asked in an interview. Instead of
focusing on the answers to specific questions, focus on what you want the employer to know
about you.
STAR/SPAR Technique for Answering Questions
Situation
Task/Problem
Action
Result
Example Q: Tell me about a time when you worked with a difficult person.
A: During my internship I was collaborating with a full-time staff member to update our database.
This co-worker was always behind on deadlines, but as the intern I couldn’t just tell them they
weren’t doing their job. I created a schedule and sent reminders to this co-worker. I made sure my
supervisor knew about my approach to the situation and in the end, my co-worker was much better
about completing tasks on time and my supervisor was happy I was able to solve the problem
myself.
www.uwsp.edu/career
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Interview Tips
Phone interviews are especially common for first
round interviews or if traveling would normally be
required.
Be sure to:
• Check your cell service where you plan to do the interview.
• Have the phone number of the interviewer on hand in case you get
disconnected.
• Recognize that it is hard to perceive emotion over the phone. You may not
feel as confident because you can’t see the interviewer’s response.
• Organize your notes. It is okay to have things in front of you for a phone
interview, but you don’t want them to be a distraction or cause you to be
less prepared to answer questions.
• Know whether the employer is calling you or you are calling the employer.
In-person interviews
Be sure to:
• Check the location of your interview and have directions ready.
• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive about 5-10 minutes early.
• Remember the name of the person you have been in contact with in case
you have to ask for them when you arrive. Also have their phone number
handy in case you need to contact them.
• Be kind to everyone that day, you never know who you will meet and how
they are connected to your future position.
• Dress professionally and have copies of your resume or any other requested
materials ready.
• Have a portfolio or notepad with you. Do not carry a large bag, purse or
backpack.
• Shake hands firmly and make eye contact with everyone you meet.
Skype or video interviews
Be sure to:
• Check your Internet connection prior to starting.
• Be ready early so you aren’t scrambling to the screen.
• Consider what will be in the frame. Choose a space that will not be
distracting for you or the interviewers and looks professional.
• Expect that there may be video delay. It is okay to ask politely for the
interviewer to repeat themself.
• Check time zones to ensure you have the correct start time.
Practice! Use our resource InterviewStream to record and review yourself practicing. You
can customize your interview or use pre-recorded questions. Use your computer, download the
InterviewStream Go app for iPad, or schedule to come into our office.
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www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
19
Post Interview
Send a handwritten thank you note or email after your interview. If possible, send one to all your
interviewers, or ask that your note be forwarded to all staff you hope to address.
Dear (name of person)
Thank you so much for allowing me to interview
for the (name of job) position. I enjoyed meeting
the staff in the office and I can see the mission
of your company in the work you are all doing.
Thank you again for the opportunity, and I hope
to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Following Your Interview:
Take time to review the interview process
- Compare the job description to what you were told by employees
- Consider what you learned about the work environment
- Consider what went well and what you could improve upon and make note
for future interviews
Complete any next steps requested by employer
Consider if the position is a good fit for you
- Consider those you would be working with, who your supervisor would be, and how you
would fit into the atmosphere of the workplace
- Does the organization align with what you would like to be doing?
- Do your skills align well with the position?
- Will you be challenged and learn new things in the position?
www.uwsp.edu/career
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
Social Media and Your Career
Social media is a convenient resource to meet professionals working in your fields of interest to
build your network. It can also help to do research on companies or trends in your future industries.
Take time to find what forms of social media provide you with the most helpful information. There
likely will not be one tool that serves as your perfect connector both socially and professionally.
Consider setting aside time to utilize social media for your personal time as well as professional
development. You may be surprised that your personal and professional connections or interests
overlap more than expected. Stay up-to-date on your online presence. Check your privacy settings
often and even “Google” yourself to see what is out there.
LinkedIn
• Create an account at www.linkedin.com
• Input information from your resume about your skills and experiences
• LinkedIn will suggest connections for you based on your profile
• Search for other professionals as well as groups based on your interests
• Join the UW-Stevens Point Career Services Group and UW-Stevens Point
Alumni Group
Social media can help you
connect and learn more
about fields of interest.
Twitter
• This is not only a place for personal updates; consider following organizations or
professionals in your areas of interests
• Look for and even consider tweeting articles relevant to your interests
• Imagine your future employer is reading everything you tweet
Facebook
• Whether you use Facebook for personal or professional connections, be appropriate.
Even with privacy settings, you want to be posting things you would be willing to
have your future employer find
• Consider joining groups or following pages that relate to your personal and
professional interests
• Like the UW-Stevens Point Career Services page
YouTube
• You can find TEDTalks, videos about organizations, and many other resources
related to exploring your interests on your career journey
• Great place for watching funny or helpful videos, but be sure there are no personal
videos you wouldn’t want your employer to see
Google Plus and Much More
• Google Hangout and other tools like Skype are a great way to connect and do
informational interviews
• Utilize any form of social media to build your network, explore your interests, and
promote a positive personal image
• Also follow us on Pinterest and Instagram
Return to Index page
www.uwsp.edu/career
UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
21
Job Fair Preparation
Reasons to Attend
• Practice speaking with employers and selling your skills and experiences
• Learn about potential companies or organizations you may have an interest in for future employment
and make contact with recruiters
• Potentially submit your resume to companies that are looking to fill positions
Before the Fair
• Check website or contact event organizer to see who will be attending the fair. See if the employers
match your interest areas
• Create a prioritized list of those employers you would like to speak with at the fair
• Research the employers you would like to speak with
• Know their mission or goals/purpose of the organization
• Be aware of current initiatives, projects, programs
• Check to see if the organization has been mentioned in the media
• Prepare questions to ask the recruiters
• Develop a marketing pitch (“elevator speech”) to discuss what you bring as a potential employee
• Bring multiple copies of your resume and carry a portfolio, folder or briefcase
• Bring a pen and paper to take any notes from your conversations
• Dress professionally
During the Fair
• Stay focused on the employers you planned to meet. It is okay to add others to the list, but be sure to
meet your top choices
• Smile, make eye contact, provide a firm handshake to make good first impressions
• Don’t speak negatively about any interactions, you never know who is listening
• Ask each recruiter for a business card, or collect contact information
• Ask about next steps if you are interested in applying for positions
After the Fair
• Review any notes you took during the fair
• Consider what organizations or opportunities you may be interested in pursuing further
• What skills and interest areas do you have and how do they align?
• Did you like what you learned about the organization?
• Send an email or note to the recruiters you spoke with to thank them for their time and follow up if you
plan to apply for an open position
Prepare pertinent questions
to ask employers, and be
prepared to answer questions
about your goals, work
experience, grades, etc.
www.uwsp.edu/career
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UW-Stevens Point Career Planning Guide • 2015-2016
UW-Stevens Point Sponsored Job/Career Fairs
Fall Job Fair
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room
(Part-time employment opportunities in this area)
Paper Science and Engineering Career Fair
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Dreyfus University Center – Laird Room
(Intern, co-op and career-level opportunities specifically for
UW-Stevens Point Paper Science and Engineering students)
Graduate School Virtual Fair
Thursday, October 29, 2015
(Online event connecting students with grad/professional programs
throughout the US)
Natural Resources Career Fair
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room
(Intern, summer and career-level opportunities in natural resources/science
fields)
Summer Camp and Recreation Fair
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room
(Summer employment with camps, water parks and recreational facilities
throughout the region)
Central Wisconsin Collegiate Job Fair
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room
(Intern and career-level opportunities throughout Wisconsin and elsewhere)
Wisconsin Educational Recruitment Fair (WERF)
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Monona Terrace - Madison, Wis.
(Teaching opportunities with both Wisconsin and out-of-state school districts)
Summer Job Fair
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Dreyfus University Center - Laird Room
(Summer employment opportunities throughout Wisconsin and elsewhere)
Find additional details for these events and additional job/
career fairs and related events open to UW-Stevens Point
students on the Career Services home page
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