2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech – Blacksburg Campus
Advertiser Index
Keep America Beautiful—Recycle . . . . . . . . 86
Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Leidos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Appalachian College of Pharmacy . . . . . . . . 86
Loyola University Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Arauco North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Lutron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
Discovery School of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
MEC (Mayville Engineering
Earthjustice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Company, Inc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Pure Michigan Talent Connect . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ROSS Management Services . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Salesforce.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. . . . . . . . . . 78
Temple University
School of Podiatric Medicine . . . . . . . . . 88
Eastern Virginia Medical School . . . . . . . . . 87 Micron Bio-Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Tindall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fairfax County Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Moog Components Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
U.S. Army ROTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Freeport-McMoRan . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover NET ESolutions Corporation (NETE) . . . . . . . 81
University of Charleston
Gibbs & Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of
School of Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Huntington Ingalls Industries . . . . . . . . . . 2 Virginia Tech Department of
Hagerstown Community College . . . . . . . . . 78
International Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Northwestern University School of Law . . . . 85
Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
KCG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 PILLAR, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 William & Mary School of Education . . . . . . 88
College Recruitment Media and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University wish to thank
the above participating sponsors for making this publication available to students.
3
Career Services
CAREER PLANNING GUIDE
INSIDE
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8
THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page 10
CAREER EXPLORATION
Career Development Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Career Exploration Action Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys to Your Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chart Your Own Career Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resources to Help You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-Year Students and Sophomores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass Reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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CAREER-RELATED EXPERIENCE
Steps to Participate in the Cooperative
Education/Internship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
What is an Externship? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
Resources to Help You Find Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20
GLOBAL EXPERIENCE SKILLS
Incorporate International Experience on Your Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20
Include Study Abroad Experience in Your Cover Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
Create Answers to Interview Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21
HEALTH PROFESSIONS ADVISING
Successful Application to Health Professions School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steps for Advisees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Undergraduate Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sample Health Profession Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page 22
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GRAD SCHOOL
Planning for Graduate School Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27
Personal Statement Example With Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28
JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES
Getting Started With Your Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Industry Projected Growth/Decline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Career Fairs: Are YOU Ready? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Out These Online Products and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Federal Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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NETWORKING & RESEARCHING
A Visual Guide to Hokies4Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 36
Get Started Networking! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37
The Informational Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 38
Career Services
www.career.vt.edu
NETWORKING & RESEARCHING continued
Professional Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 39
You Need to Be on LinkedIn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 40
Dress for Success: What to Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42
WRITING RESUMES
The Resume Puzzle: What Pieces Fit You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 43
Sample Career Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 44
Power Skills for Your Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 45
Resume Bullet Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46
Sample Resumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 47
Curriculum Vitae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 61
CORRESPONDENCE
Key Points About References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cover Letter 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• Letters of Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• Letter of Inquiry About Internship Possibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• Follow-Up Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page 62
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INTERVIEWING
Interviews: Tips, Types, and To Do’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66
Research Employers Before Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 67
Interviews Are a 2-Way Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 68
Video Interviewing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 69
Use InterviewStream to Perfect Your Interview Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 70
Behavioral Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 71
Interview Follow-Up Correspondence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 72
SALARY
Salary Information: What Are You Worth? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compare Your Offer$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Negotiating Job Offers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Job Offer Letter Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors for
Making This Publication Possible
Please refer to their advertisements throughout this Guide.
See Advertiser Index on page 3.
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Smith Career Center
corner of Washington Street
& West Campus Drive
540-231-6241
Office hours:
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Walk-in advising:
Visit our website for walk-in
hours
If you are a person with a d­ isability and desire
assistance or accommodation, please notify
our office.
Dear Fellow Hokies!
While on your career development journey, no matter where you are on that path, we have something for you! Are you
trying to determine a suitable academic major? Perhaps you are trying to figure out your career direction. Not sure
how to test-out different career options? What about getting related experience to build your knowledge and skills?
Experience can help you develop as a future professional and give you an edge in the job market! Then at graduation will
you find a job or attend graduate or professional school?
For success beyond graduation, let us be a part of your career pathway while you are at Virginia Tech.
EXPLORE yourself, majors, and careers!
EXPERIENCE that matters is at your fingertips!
DEVELOP your professional presence and critical employability skills for workplace success!
LAUNCH your professional brand for your job search or application for continued education!
Come early and often!
See you soon,
Donna Cassell Ratcliffe (Director) and the Career Services Team
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Meet
the
Donna Ratcliffe
Amy McPherson
Jim Henderson
Director
Associate Director
Student Development Services
Associate Director
Employer Relations
Katie Baer Beach
Lisa Boothe
Claire Childress
Assistant Director
Health Professions Advising
Manager
Employer Relations
Senior Assistant Director
Job Search & Grad School Prep
Staff
8
Kristen Coffey
Catherine Copeland
Sue Ellen Crocker
Vickie Earthman
Graduate Assistant
Senior Assistant Director
Assessment & IT/Web Administrator
Office Manager
Receptionist
Matt Hudson
Ashley Jaramillo
Peter Johnston
Jamie Lanter
Junior Systems Administrator
Career Advisor
Receptionist
Applications & Database Programmer
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Leigh Anne Leist
Jenean Meadows
Stuart Mease
Lori Mitchell
Senior Assistant Director
Career Exploration & Experience
Cooperative Education &
Internship Program Associate
Liaison/Pamplin
College of Business
Assistant Director, Cooperative
Education & Internship Program
Melissa Obenhaus
Ashley Roberts
Carol Robinson
Becca Scott
Health Professions Advising
Program Coordinator
Event Planner &
Social Media Coordinator
Director
Health Professions Advising
Senior Assistant Director
Professional Development
Kelly Shannon
Johanna Smith
Heidi Thuesen
Marketing Manager
Assistant Director
Career Advisor
Cathy Wagnon
Donna Weikel
Debbie Wilson
Fiscal Assistant
Employer Relations Coordinator
Assistant Director
9
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Career Development Model
Career development is a dynamic and cyclical process that individuals may experience several
times throughout their lives. This model of career development describes three phases that
individuals must go through in order to reach the ultimate goal of successful employment.
This process is developmental in design, meaning that individuals must move through the model
beginning at phase one and complete the tasks associated with career exploration, before moving
on to phase two; gaining experience and developing career-related skills. Then it is on to phase
three, the job search.
Some individuals may not reach the goal of successful employment with their first job. Others may
decide to make a transition or change their career direction. With either case the model is designed
so that individuals will start again with phase one, career exploration, and move sequentially
through the career development process re-evaluating decisions and choices.
Once a person has worked through the model one time and
understands the career development process, he/she can start
again at phase one re-evaluating decisions and choices.
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2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Career Exploration
SelfAssessment
Career
Research
Are you uncertain about your career direction?
Deciding on an academic major or choosing among career options can be
one of the most challenging decisions you will make. We encourage you
to begin thinking about these decisions early in your college career, and
to use the Career Development Model.
Decision
Making
Goal Setting and
Action Plans
Research suggests that up to 80 percent of entering college students
admit they are not certain in what they want to major. Approximately 50
percent of first year students change their major at least once before
graduation, and some several times.
Satisfying academic and career decisions result from a process that
takes time and proactive effort.
Background photo © Pavel Timofeev - Fotolia.com
We’ve divided the career exploration process into four action items. We
also offer a variety of services and resources to assist you in the process
of making these very important decisions.
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Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Career Exploration
Consider these action items to
guide you on your career journey!
Self Assessment
Self assessment is about doing a realistic
appraisal of you and is the starting point for
career planning. During this step you will:
• Identify your interests, skills, values, and
personality type.
• Determine how these important factors
influence your career decision(s) and
satisfaction.
• Learn those areas in which you
need to improve, gain knowledge,
or experience.
Career Research
Take the time to gather information
about various career fields and academic
options that complement your self
assessment results. Thorough research
leads to quality decisions.
Decision Making
Self assessment and research provides
the foundation for you to compare and
contrast your options and choose the
majors/careers that are a “best fit” for
you at this time.
Goal Setting and Action Plans
Define your career goal(s) and set a realistic
action plan with the steps and deadlines to
meet your goal(s).
Goals should be Specific, Measureable,
Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Make
certain you include some type of career
related experience!
Background photo © denisovd - Fotolia.com
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2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Career Exploration
KEYS TO YOUR SUCCESS
“Being Proactive Pays Off!”
EXPLORE future options
Sign up for a wide variety of classes
Take self-assessments
Find a major you are good at AND enjoy
Research career options for your major
Conduct informational interviews
Narrow your interest area
Talk to recent grads in your field
Figure out/fine tune your strengths and skills
Compile a list of employers that interest you
Familiarize yourself with job search websites
Visit the Smith Career Center
Explore our website and the many resources we
have to offer
Check out the Post-Grad Report
Ways to gain EXPERIENCE
Volunteer
Undergraduate research
Field study
Internship
Co-op
Job shadow an employer
Join student organizations
Take on a leadership role on campus
Study abroad
Service learning
Leadership conferences
Summer job/part-time employment
ACHIEVE your goals
Get to know us at Career Services
Attend a career fair and employer
information sessions
Attend a Career Services seminar
Participate in on-campus recruiting activities
through Hokies4Hire
Participate in the co-op/internship program
Meet with a career advisor at Career Services
Utilize InterviewStream and the Mock Interview
Program
Update/polish your resume and cover letters
Research salaries
Key photo © fotopak, treasure chest © Andrzej
Wilusz, and parchment © Konstiantyn - Fotolia.com
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Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Career Exploration
CHART YOUR OWN CAREER JOURNEY!
You’re the “captain of this ship!” Use the “Explore” “Experience” “Achieve” key choices on the previous page to get
some ideas about how to chart your own personal career exploration course. Whether you are picking up this Guide as a
first-year student, or you are a senior laying eyes on it for the first time, the directions are the same. No matter your age,
career exploration is an ever-evolving journey. Select from the previous page the things you would like to accomplish
during your time in college, and add them below to chart your own course to career success!
1st/Freshman Year
2nd/Sophomore Year
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 3rd/Junior Year
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4th/Senior Year
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Career Exploration
Resources to Help You
Appointment With a Career Advisor
You can meet with a Career Services advisor one-on-one. Please call our information desk at 231-6241 to
schedule an appointment.
CandidCareer.com
Gives you access to the career advice of industry professionals, and you may watch it all on video!
CandidCareer.com features informational interviews to help you discover and explore your many career options.
Search by industry, career title, college major, or keywords. Gain honest and valuable insight from the men and
women working in a particular field.
Undergraduate Majors A-Z (Admissions)
This list may be sorted alphabetically or by college, providing an overview of each undergraduate major offered
at Virginia Tech and the entry-level career options associated with each.
Career Resource Center
The center has a library with over 600 resources to help with your career exploration. To see the full list of available books, please visit www.librarything.com/catalog/VaTechCareerCenter. Through LibraryThing, you can
search by keyword or title, or browse different categories (tags) that interest you.
Self-Assessments
Tools for learning more about you and the occupations that could be a fit for you based on your interests,
skills, personality, strengths, and values.
Networking—LinkedIn, VT Alumni Chapters, and Professional Associations
Professional networking used by Virginia Tech students and alumni.
Post-Graduation Report
Shares employers, job titles (and much more), by major, for each class of bachelor’s degree graduates. This is
available on our website: www.career.vt.edu—click on Post-Graduation Report.
Compass photo © bloomua - Fotolia.com
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Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Career Exploration
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS AND SOPHOMORES
Deciding on an academic major or choosing among
career options for a major you love can be some of the
most challenging decisions you will make. Research
suggests that up to 80 percent of students entering
college are not certain about what they want to study,
and approximately 50 percent of students change
their major at least once before graduation. Choosing
satisfying academic and career paths can take time
and effort.
Through REACH Career Services offers our first-year
students and sophomores, specific opportunities
to work through the career exploration process. You
will find encouragement and support from our career
advisors as you learn more about who you are and how
your unique strengths, talents, and attributes impact
your choice of major and career options. And, yes, you
can get started now; begin by Imagining Your Future!
First step, learn more about yourself by using COMPASS.
COMPASS: https://vt.woofound.com/
• Watch the short introduction video
• Create an account and begin the visual personality assessment
• In about 10 minutes you will have instant results to begin the discovery of “Who Am I?”
Next, “What did you learn?” On the next page use the prompts
to reflect on what COMPASS has shared with you!
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2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Career Exploration
COMPASS Reflection
Your Career Personality Blend is the combination of your two primary career personality types. This is an integration of
traits, personality strengths and your approach to work determined by your responses. What is your blend?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Read your personality description. Does it sound like you? Why or why not?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
What other types may you work well with?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
In what work environments might you thrive?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The pie chart represents your entire Career Personality Profile. Scroll over each piece of the chart to read the
descriptions of each of the 7 Career Personality Traits. The entirety of your personality determines your career recommendations. What traits do you like best and share why?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
View your personalized careers. Do use the filter to find careers based on education requirements. By clicking each
career you will find basic information including salaries, education requirements, and job growth. (Career Services has a
wealth of additional resources for more in-depth career research.) Which of these careers interest you and share why?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Intrigued? We would love to talk to you about your COMPASS results and share additional resources you may use in
your exploration process! Schedule an appointment with a career advisor, by calling (540) 231-6241.
Stay tuned for more REACH opportunities throughout the academic year!
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Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Career-Related Experience
“Integrating Work With Learning”
Volunteer/Service
Learning
Co-ops &
Internships
Why should you get career-related experience?
Gaining career-related experience can have a direct impact
on your professional development, because the majority of
employers who recruit college graduates prefer to hire those
who have some type of related experience. 90 percent of
employers said candidate experience is a factor in hiring
decisions, according to an annual survey by the National
Association of Colleges and Employers. Nearly half of
surveyed employers wanted new graduate experience to
come from an internship or co-op programs.
These experiences help you try out and confirm your career
interests, develop real world skills that enhance your
qualifications for future employment, make contacts in
your field, and possibly gain offers of full-time employment.
How can you get this experience?
• Cooperative Education
• Internships
• Externships
• Volunteering
• Job Shadowing
• Part-time/Seasonal Jobs
• Research Opportunities
• Student Activities/Clubs
18
Student Projects/
Competitions
How to Get Started?
Steps to Participate in the
Cooperative Education/
Internship Program
1. Attend a Required Orientation for the Cooperative
Education/Internship Program that includes job search
strategies. Sessions are offered throughout the semester.
You only need to attend one. Dates and times for the
orientations are posted on the Career Services website.
2. Resume Preparation. Develop your resume and have it
critiqued through walk-in advising.
3. Complete Your Hokies4Hire Registration Profile
& Upload Your Resume. Upload your resume and
search job postings in Hokies4Hire to allow access by
employers.
4. Job Search and Interviewing. Begin your search for
co-op/internship positions. Utilize Career Services
advisors, job search tools/resources, Mock Interview
Program, workshops, etc. A checklist will be given to
you during orientation.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Career-Related Experience
5. Job Offer and Acceptance. Once an offer has been
accepted, stop the job search process and cease
interviewing. Do not renege on your commitment.
• Have your employer provide a written job offer and
job description.
• Log into your Hokies4Hire account to “Report A
Co-op/Internship Hire.”
• Upload your offer letter and job description to
Hokies4Hire.
6. Meet With Your Career Services Advisor. Make an
appointment with your Career Services advisor to enroll
in the Cooperative Education/Internship Program
(CEIP), and develop your work/school schedule, go over
assignments, and sign a student agreement.
“My participation in the co-op program exposed
me to a professional work environment, assisted
me with public speaking and group dynamics,
helped me decide to pursue a concentration in
spacecraft instead of aircraft, inspired me to
attend graduate school, and provided me with
the finances necessary to support
my own education.”
—Joe Hickman, Senior
Aerospace Engineering
What is an Externship?
One More Way to
Gain Experience.
• Observe interactions with customers, guests, clients,
patients, etc.
• Observe meetings.
• Tour the facilities of the office and/or organization.
When and where do Externship experiences take
place?
This can vary considerably depending on the circumstances and location of the student, and the workplace
sponsor, and the career field. Some examples:
• A student might have a scheduled time weekly to
shadow in an office/work environment over the span
of a summer, a semester, or much longer.
It could occur in summer at a location where the
student lives. It could also occur during a student’s
enrollment at Virginia Tech if the workplace location is
in commuting distance of campus.
• During school breaks, the student might arrange a full
work-day, or multi-day intensive experience that might
span one to five days, or longer. This could be any
location where the student could have access, such
as your home/family location, near your campus location or elsewhere.
Why participate in an Externship?
• Learn more about a career field.
• Help choose or confirm your major/occupational choice.
• Have a “day in the life experience” of a career.
• Test out a career without a long-term commitment.
• Great networking opportunity.
• Open to all Virginia Tech Students.
• Sponsored by Career Services.
What are you waiting for?
Contact Career Services to take advantage of this program.
Learn more at www.career.vt.edu and click on “Shadowing externships.”
What is an Externship?
• A volunteer job shadowing opportunity.
• A way to spend up to five days observing and often
working with professionals.
• An opportunity to investigate a career field.
• A way to experience a typical day on the job.
What do you do?
• Observe the work that is conducted and learn about
the career field.
• Learn about rules such as professionalism, confidentiality, and others that may apply to guests/visitors in
the workplace.
• Conduct informational interviews to learn about the
jobs of different individuals in different roles within the
organization.
• Assist with basic office tasks.
Erin Ryan
(Wildlife
Science,
Sophomore),
Navy Marine
Mammal
Program,
San Diego
19
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Career-Related Experience
Resources to Help You Find
Opportunities
• Know who has hired/or currently hires students
in your major. Review the list on Career Services
website:
◆ www.career.vt.edu/scripts/
CICurrentEmployers/CurrentEmployers.asp
• Departmental list serve/direct email from your
academic department:
◆ Read your academic department’s website; many
departments post jobs for their students on their
sites.
◆ Watch for email from your academic department.
◆ Go to your academic department. Look for bulletin
boards where the department posts jobs and
career information.
• Upload Resume to Hokies4Hire so employers can
find you:
◆ www.career.vt.edu and click on
“Hokies4Hire” under Job Search.
◆ Allow employers to review your resume.
◆ Review job announcements.
• Utilize databases available through Career Services:
◆ CareerShift
◆ Going Global
◆ LinkedIn VT Alumni Group
◆ Internships.com
• Job Fairs are held in fall and spring.
There are over a dozen fairs on campus. Plan to
attend all job fairs that relate to your career interests,
even if it is geared toward permanent employment.
Sponsors include student organizations, departments
and colleges:
◆ www.career.vt.edu/Fairs/JobCareerFairs.htm
• CONNECTION Job Fair
• Job listing websites
• Networking and hunting for potential employers
Global Experience Skills
“Identifying Skills Gained and Articulating Your Experience”
Examples of skills, identified by employers, you might
gain through a global experience. Taken from (Hart, 2006)
and (Gardner, Steglitz & Gross, 2009):
• Teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate with
others in a diverse setting.
• Ability to apply knowledge in a real world setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• An understanding of how global issues affect the future.
• A sense of integrity and ethical behavior.
• An understanding of cultural values and traditions of
the US and other countries.
• Adapting to new situations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Undertaking tasks that are unfamiliar.
How Do I Incorporate My International Experience on My Resume?
This will vary based on the kind of international experience
you had and where you feel your experience fits best.
If you studied abroad or took classes at a foreign university, one option is to include your experience in the
education section of your resume. Here is an example:
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Minor in Green Engineering
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
May 2015
GPA:3.2
Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
June 2013 - July 2013
• Completed summer unit operations lab.
• Conducted seven experiments.
• Collaborated with students of various cultures to create and present on Danish Culture.
• Took excursions to world-leading chemical production site to see theories learned put into practice.
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2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Global Experience Skills
However, you may find it more beneficial to put your
experience under work experience or volunteer experience.
An example would be:
Intern, Airbus, Hamburg, Germany
September 2012 – January 2013
• Translated technical reports from German to English in order for them to be used in other countries’
headquarter offices.
• Collaborated with five other team members to improve the wind turbine of the A380 model.
• Communicated with clients in seven other countries, learning cultural customs and language skills.
• Worked independently to design a propeller for the A350 models.
How Can I Include My Study Abroad Experience in a Cover Letter?
Concisely describe the skills you gained from your international experience and how those skills relate to the
position you are applying for. You do not want to repeat
exactly what is on your resume. You should highlight your
experience while enticing the interviewer to learn more
about it.
Let’s say a student spent a summer in Madrid, Spain
studying at a Spanish university. This student is now
applying for editorial internships because she wants to
find a job as a magazine editor after she graduates. This is
what she may say in her cover letter:
“During my semester in Madrid, Spain, I studied translation for the first time. I translated literary text and newspaper articles from Spanish to English. This not only improved my Spanish language skills, but also helped me
to understand the nuances of my native language. I learned how word choice, sentence structure, and grammar
can influence meaning, which will help me with the detail-oriented job of copy editing.”
How Can I Create Answers to Interview Questions?
Remember to focus on specific examples, interactions,
moments, people or events instead of the value of the
overall experience. Have three to five specific examples
demonstrating the skills you gained to share.
Here are some potential questions that may be asked:
• Tell me about yourself.
• Describe a personal or professional challenge.
• Describe an instance in which you communicated
effectively.
• How have you asserted yourself under pressure?
• Describe an instance in which you used problem
solving skills?
Also be prepared to answer questions directly about your
experience:
• What did you learn about yourself as a result of your
international experience?
• Why did you choose to study in (country name)? Why
was it important to you?
• Can you describe a time when you had to change
your behavior to accommodate or adjust to different
local conditions?
Example Answer: Describe an instance in which you communicated effectively.
“While I was studying abroad in Chile I had the opportunity to volunteer at a bilingual school. While the children
in the school could speak basic English, the parents of the students could not speak any English. So, during
parent teacher conferences I had to effectively use my Spanish skills to communicate with the parents of
my students. This experience enabled me to see how important word choice, body language, and tone are in
communicating and allowed me to learn to communicate differently depending on my audience.”
References:
Hart, P. D. (2006, Dec 28). How should colleges prepare students to
succeed in today’s global economy?. The Association of American Colleges
and Universities, Retrieved from http://www.aacu.org/leap/documents/
Re8097abcombined.pdf
Gardner, P., Steglitz, I. & Gross, L. (2009). Translating study abroad experiences for workplace competencies. The Association of American Colleges
and Universities, Retrieved from http://catcher.sandiego.edu/items/cee/
Reading7.SA for Workplace Competency.pdf
21
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Health Professions Advising
Health Professions Advising (HPA) at Virginia Tech assists
students and alumni pursuing a health care career in
medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, chiropractic,
physician, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy,
physician’s assistant, veterinary medicine, or other graduate health professions.
Any student or alumnus/alumna of Virginia Tech, regardless of major, can use the services of HPA. Although the
majority of health professions students major in a science
field, it is not required.
How to Be a Successful Health
Professions School Applicant
What qualities do health professions schools seek in applicants? There is no doubt that they want excellent students
with a demonstrated ability in science who made the
most of the academic opportunities available at Virginia
Tech, made efforts to learn about the health care field,
and have demonstrated a commitment to helping others. Furthermore, professional schools seek students who
portray the qualifications listed below:
• mature
• trustworthy
• stable
• enthusiastic
• honest
• intellectually curious
• responsible
• capable of leadership
These students demonstrate through their actions that
they care about the welfare of fellow human beings and
can effectively interact with those of different cultural backgrounds. Through their experiences, students must also
understand the obstacles and difficulties faced by today’s
health professionals. Furthermore, students must develop
skills that will allow them to contribute to the health professions school community and to their intended profession.
Not all students apply to health professions school during
the summer prior to their senior year. Many students
committed to careers in health care delay their application
to health professional schools in order to pursue other
opportunities. Here are some suggestions:
• Work in health care
• Peace Corps
• Research
• City Year
• Post-Baccalaureate
• Teach for America
Program
Others obtain master’s degrees in public health or other
fields before later applying to health professional schools. We believe that, above all, it is important for parents and
academic advisors to allow each student to find his/her
own path and support him/her along the route. We emphasize to students that a number of our applicants are rising
seniors, while others have allowed additional experiences
to impact their application by applying as recent graduates
or alumni of one or more years. Across the nation, those
who apply as rising seniors, recent graduates or alumni
enjoy high rates of acceptance.
Successful applicants, however, must first demonstrate a
mastery of the basic requirements in biological sciences,
chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Applicants must
also show intellectual breadth by either majoring outside
of the sciences or by taking coursework in
the humanities and social sciences. From
a pragmatic vantage point, the abilities to
Committee Interview
read rapidly and understand dense, sophisMany health professions schools/programs offer students the option
ticated material in the humanities and social
of submitting a “composite letter of evaluation” (also known as a
sciences are especially important for success
on standardized tests. Successful applicants
“committee letter”) from the undergraduate institution as part of
also need to establish relationships with at
their admission application materials. As a result, Health Professions
least three to four faculty members and a
Advising at Virginia Tech offers students the opportunity to participate in
professional in their field of choice who know
the Health Professions Evaluation Committee (HPEC) interview process,
them well enough to write substantive letters
from which a letter is written. The committee evaluation is open to all
of recommendation.
students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher who
complete and submit their application to interview by the posted deadPerhaps most importantly, health professional
schools look for students who have demonline. Typically the following professional programs accept (or strongly
strated that they are lifelong independent
encourage) a committee letter: MD, DO, DDS, Optometry, Podiatry.
learners. This quality is evident in the way they
Typically the following professional programs do not require a committee
approach learning “for the sake of learning,”
letter: PT, OT, PA, Pharmacy, Nursing, other health professions. Each
i.e., their intellectual curiosity, and their
student should look at the requirements of each of the schools to which
approach to learning in service roles outside
you are applying to know whether to consider participating in this interof the classroom. Additionally, students must
provide strong evidence of a firm motivation to
view process.
pursue a career in health care.
22
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Steps for Advisees
“Advisees” are students who have either indicated an interest in a health profession and are preparing toward this goal, or
are still exploring such a career. Advisees may be in any academic level from freshman to senior.
Step
1
Do
When
Explore Health Care Careers
Prior to attending an
information session.
HPA recommends these resources to learn about and prepare for health care
careers:
Explore Health Careers (explorehealthcareers.org)—Assists you in exploration about the wide variety of available health careers.
National Institutes of Health: Life Works—Explore health and medical science
careers.
Throughout your process
of preparing for graduate
professional school, consult
these resources as you have
questions.
American Medical Association (AMA): Becoming a Physician.
2
3
Read Health Professions Undergrad Prep
HPA has assembled information for health professions covering the career
field, professional education and admission, undergraduate coursework and
other preparation.
Prior to attending an
information session or
requesting an eFolder.
See Health Professions undergrad prep tab at www.career.vt.edu/HPA.
Throughout your process of
preparing for graduate or
professional school, consult
these resources as questions
arise.
Attend a Health Professions Advising General Information Session
Once prior to requesting your
HPA eFolder.
HPA 101: General Information Session
For: Any student potentially interested in health professions.
What: General information about Health Professions Advising, our services,
and the path to gain entrance to a health professional school.
Attend one session (fall or
spring). Check out the Career
Services Event Calendar for
dates and times.
When: We prefer that first year, second year, and transfer students attend HPA
101 before meeting with an HPA advisor. This is not required; however, you will
benefit more in our one-on-one meeting if you have attended HPA 101 first.
4
Request a Scholar eFolder
Complete a “Request HPA Scholar eFolder” form found at: http://career.
vt.edu/HealthProfessionsAdvising/Forms.html.
Please hand sign the form and deliver your printed request form to the HPA
Office in the Smith Career Center. Please note that we cannot accept this form
via email due to the individual student information being requested.
After you receive an email from Scholar telling you your eFolder is open, go into
your eFolder and click in the correct cell (Advising Packet/Academic Level) and
complete the Advising Packet found in the instructions. Follow steps 1-7.
Three more steps on the next page!
Request your eFolder after
attending a group information
session.
Update your eFolder at least
once per semester.
Walk-in times for questions
about eFolders: Indicate to
front desk staff that you are
visiting for HPA.
23
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Steps for Advisees
Step
5
Do
When
Schedule an Appointment With an Advisor in Health Professions Advising
First meeting: Schedule
your initial appointment after
updating your HPA eFolder.
Phone the HPA Office at 540-231-7287 to schedule an appointment with
an advisor after your Advising Packet is uploaded to your matrix cell in your
eFolder on Scholar.
Business casual attire is required for your meetings with the HPA
advisor; please see guidelines at www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/
BusinessCasualAttire.html.
6
7
Follow up meetings:
Schedule a meeting each
semester.
Schedule Appointment With Your Academic Advisor in your academic major
department.
Schedule once per semester
well in advance of course request
to insure that you are on track to
complete courses needed.
Complete Self-Evaluation Form in Your Advising Packet
Once each semester
HPA Student Advising Packet:
www.career.vt.edu/HealthProfessionsAdvising/Forms.html
Examples of Health Professions Graduate Programs
for 2013-2014 Virginia Tech Alumni
Chiropractic:
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Clinical Laboratory Science:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Dentistry:
Tufts University
UCLA
University of Maryland
Virginia Commonwealth University
Genetic Counseling:
Virginia Commonwealth University
Medicine (DO):
Alabama College of Osteopathic
Medicine
Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
West Virginia School of
Osteopathic Medicine
Medicine (MD):
Eastern Virginia Medical School
University of Kansas
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Tech Carilion School
of Medicine
24
Nursing Programs:
George Mason University
George Washington University
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Johns Hopkins University School
of Nursing
Lynchburg College
Marymount University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Occupational Therapy:
James Madison University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Optometry:
New England College of Optometry
Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Salus University
Southern College of Optometry
Pharmacy:
Duke University
Shenandoah University
University of Maryland
Virginia Commonwealth University
Physical Therapy:
Duke University
Old Dominion University
Rutgers University
Shenandoah University
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill
Virginia Commonwealth University
Physician Assistant:
Jefferson College of Health Sciences
Wake Forest University
Podiatry:
Des Moines University
Public Health:
George Mason University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
Veterinary Medicine:
Ohio State University
University of Florida
Virginia Maryland Regional College of
Veterinary Medicine
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Undergraduate Timeline for the Health Professions Advising Student
Below is a general timeline for preparing to apply to a health professional school. Please consult with a health professions
advisor to establish your own personalized schedule.
FIRST YEAR/Becoming a Competitive Applicant
• Think about a major (and minor) course of
academic study.
• Develop study skills (form study groups or use resources
on campus).
• Establish and maintain a competitive GPA.
• Meet with the appropriate campus coordinator or health
professions advisor to learn about the requirements for
your field of interest.
• Begin extracurricular activities, join pre-health
organizations/clubs on campus in spring semester.
• Continue to volunteer/work in a medical field or setting
(clinic, hospital, free clinic).
• Study and register for admission exam.
• Take the admission exam.
• Visit schools in which you are interested through open
houses and recruitment events.
• Order or review online the information book for your health
profession of choice, which includes descriptions of all
of the schools/programs, admissions criteria, minimum
entrance requirements, etc.
• Make a list of all schools/programs to which you plan to apply.
• Volunteer/work in a medical field or setting (clinics, ER,
hospital).
• Request letters of recommendation/evaluation from
referees.
• Review school admission requirements.
• Sign up for the committee letter of evaluation process with HPA.
• Order or review online the information book for your health
profession of choice, which includes descriptions of all
of the schools/programs, admissions criteria, minimum
entrance requirements, etc.
• Write thank-you notes to committee members who
interviewed you.
• Read books on and learn about your health career field.
• Talk to other interested students.
• Get to know a professional in your field.
SECOND YEAR/Becoming a Competitive Applicant
• Select major and/or minor courses of study if you
are undecided at this point or changing majors
• Maintain competitive GPA.
• Meet with health professions advisor.
• Volunteer/work in a medical field or setting (clinics, ER,
hospital).
• Research school/program entrance requirements.
• Order or review online the information book for your health
profession of choice, which includes descriptions of all
of the schools/programs, admissions criteria, minimum
entrance requirements, etc.
• Consider participating in research (either with a VT faculty
member or outside campus).
• Learn more about your health career field (shadowing,
advisor, Internet research).
YEAR PRIOR to Submitting Application
• Perform a realistic self-evaluation of how
competitive you are in the application pool
• Maintain competitive GPA.
• Meet with health professions advisor.
• Complete online application as soon as it opens.
• Request official transcripts of all college work attempted to
be sent to application service.
• Request HPA to submit committee letter of evaluation to
application services or professional schools.
• Continue to be involved in pre-health organizations,
research and community service activities. Look for
leadership opportunities in these areas.
APPLICATION YEAR
• Meet with health professions advisor
• Interview at schools (if you are still taking classes, make a
plan to ensure you do not miss classes, assignments, etc.).
• Complete FAFSA financial aid application (if you applied
after your junior year).
• Plan for what you will do in the summer if you are no longer
in school (accepted or not accepted).
• Accept offer.
• Write thank-you notes to references and school
admission officers.
• Thank your health professions advisor/and or office for
their assistance.
• Celebrate your acceptance by notifying HPA@VT.edu of
your admission to Health Profession School/Program.
When you are applying:
• Follow all the steps in “Year Prior to Submitting
Application.”
• Plan for what you will do during your Application Year (“gap
year/year off”).
25
26
May 20XX
Current Address
456 Juniper Lane
Blacksburg, VA 24060
February 20XX-Present
Hours per week on average
May 20XX-Present
Hours per week on average
Clerk (total hours)
7-11 Convenience Store, Christiansburg, VA
• Handled distribution of money during shift changes
• Tended to customers at the cash register
May 20XX-August 20XX
Hours per week on average
Copy Editor (total hours)
October 20XX-January 20XX
The Collegiate Times, Blacksburg, VA
Hours per week on average
• Fact-checked all stories in database
• Edited stories and page layouts for grammar, spelling, appropriate spacing, and aesthetics
EMPLOYMENT
Biological Science Aid
June 20XX-August 20XX
Examination of Cartilage Matrix Proteins via Atomic Force Microscopy Hours per week on average
Dr. Joy Jones, National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
• Analyzed mice joint images of cartilage matrix proteins using an Atomic Force Microscope
• Measured different dimensions and protein interlocking patterns between normal and
osteoarthritis (OA) afflicted matrix proteins
Student Researcher
Dr. Eric Smith’s Lab, Department of Biology
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
• Conduct PCRs and run gels
• Culture cells; grow mutants and make spheroplasts
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Soup Kitchen Volunteer (total hours)
May 20XX-August 20XX
So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), Silver Spring, MD
Hours per week on average
• Cooked a variety of dinner dishes with the staff
• Responsible for cleaning and closing the kitchen after the day’s meals had been served
Student Volunteer (total hours)
VT Community Literacy Corps, Blacksburg, VA
• Teach local elementary school kids how to read
• Assist students after-school with homework and lessons
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Orthopedic Therapy Assistant (total hours)
June 20XX-August 20XX
Sports and Orthopedic Therapy Services (SP.OR.T.S.), Silver Spring, MD Hours per week on ave
• Maneuvered orthopedic exercise equipment and assisted patients with exercises
• Gained elementary knowledge of anatomy and orthopedic medical terminology
Emergency Room Volunteer (total hours)
September 20XX-January 20XX
Montgomery Regional Hospital, Blacksburg, VA
Hours per week on average
• Helped take blood pressure, pulse, and pulse oxygen content
• Assisted patient transport throughout the hospital
• Updated family members about the condition of their loved ones in the ER
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Overall GPA: 3.73, Science GPA: 3.65; GPA in Major: 3.58
EDUCATION
Permanent Address
123 Spring Street
My City, VA XXXXX
(540) 123-4567
thokies@vt.edu
Taylor Hokies
Fall 20XX-Present
Fall 20XX-Present
Fall 20XX-Present
Features of this resume:
•Two pages is the preferred length for a Health Profession Resume (which differs from a
typical undergraduate resume).
•List shadowing and any direct patient care experience under CLINICAL EXPERIENCE.
•Show memberships in clubs and organizations under COMMUNITY SERVICE (with the
appropriate relevant descriptions).
•Enter leadership positions in clubs or organizations under LEADERSHIP.
•List any hobbies, interests, or unique facts about yourself under OTHER.
Source: Modified from http://www.prehealth.umd.edu
Fluent in Spanish, intermediate Portuguese
Spring semester study abroad in Switzerland
OTHER
Public Relations Chair
January 20XX-Present
Operation Smile
• Assist in organizing and/or co-hosting events on campus with other organizations
• Organize members to publicize events across campus via listservs, flyers, etc.
Honors Colloquium Section Leader
September 20XX-Present
• Honors Program – co-teach an intro course to a group of freshmen Honors students
LEADERSHIP
Dean’s List
University Honors Program
VT Chemistry Department
AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS
• J. Thomas, S. Jones, T. Hokies, C. Chang, and J. Garcia, 20XX. Cartilage matrix proteins are
elevated in the joints of osteoarthritic compared to normal mice. Journal of Arthritis.
Submitted for publication.
PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
Sample Health Profession Resume
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Planning for Graduate
School Timeline
Self-Discovery Assess Options Set Your Goals Make a Choice
Freshman Year (Self-Discovery)
Junior Year (Set Your Goals)
• Explore your interests and abilities. Talk to and visit
your academic advisor.
• Develop/enhance your study habits and skills.
• Establish a good GPA (3.0 or better).
• Identify potential mentoring relationships with
professors or graduate students.
• Examine and confirm your career choice.
• Strengthen your mentoring relationships. Discuss
your interest with faculty and advisors.
• Research appropriate graduate programs. Write for
catalogues and publications.
• Attend graduate and professional school fairs.
• Participate in a summer research internship or
voluntary work-related area.
• Apply early for federal funding fellowships
(depending on the program may take the senior
year).
Sophomore Year (Assess Options)
• Define and establish your personal, life, and career
goals.
• Make contacts in your chosen career area.
• Talk with students in field.
• Conduct independent research with a professor of
your choice.
• Attend graduate and professional school fairs.
• Conduct Internet searches on summer research
internships and co-ops at various universities.
Career Services is a great resource.
• Job shadow or internship to explore the profession.
Senior Year (Make a Choice)
• Apply early! Inquire about application deadlines
based on the semester and year you want to enroll.
• Develop your personal statement. Begin to
contact supervisors, faculty or advisors for
recommendation letters.
• Complete the application process.
• Contact the schools to ensure that your application
is complete.
• Research application fees and waiver options.
• Register to take entrance exams early in the fall.
27
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Personal Statement
Example With Tips
28
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Getting Started With
Your Job Search
Complete this worksheet to help start your search for an internship or full-time employment. Bring completed worksheet to
your advising appointment.
PLEASE NOTE: THE FALL SEMESTER IS A HEAVY RECRUITING SEASON. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FALL CAREER FAIRS
AND ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWING EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO WORK UNTIL LATE SPRING OR
SUMMER!
I would like to secure employment by this date ________________________.
Industries of Interest
Occupations of Interest
Companies of Interest
Preferred Locations
to Work
The above industries/occupations/companies are of interest to me because: ________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The key skills and attributes I can offer an employer are (see Power Skills page 45): ___________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NETWORKING is still the No. 1 way VT grads found jobs. Grow your network through:
➢ Campus Career Fairs
➢ Employer Information Sessions
➢ Extracurricular Activities
➢ Virginia Tech Faculty/Staff
➢ LinkedIn
Visit http://career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/Index.html to find online resources
for a wide range of internship and fulltime opportunities.
Unsure what all you can do with your major?
Visit http://career.vt.edu/MajorCareerExploration/ChoosingMajor.html.
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Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Industry Projected Growth/Decline
Thousands of Jobs
Industry Description
Sector
2012
2022
Change
Compound
Annual
Rate of
Change
2012-2022
2012-2022
Largest Growth
30
Construction
Construction
5640.9
7263.0
1622.1
2.6
Offices of health practitioners
Health care and social
assistance
3968.0
5193.8
1225.8
2.7
Retail trade
Retail trade
14875.3
15966.2
1090.9
0.7
Food services and drinking places
Leisure and hospitality
9963.3
10851.5
888.2
0.9
Hospitals, private
Health care and social
assistance
4791.0
5605.8
814.8
1.6
Employment services
Professional and business
services
3147.9
3929.6
781.7
2.2
Nursing and residential care facilities
Health care/social
assistance
3193.5
3954.2
760.7
2.2
Home health care services
Health care/social
assistance
1198.6
1914.3
715.7
4.8
Individual and family services
Health care/social
assistance
1311.4
2022.9
711.5
4.4
Computer systems design and related
services
Professional/business
services
1620.3
2229.0
608.7
3.2
Outpatient, laboratory, and other
ambulatory care services
Health care/social
assistance
1151.4
1673.7
522.3
3.8
Wholesale trade
Wholesale trade
5672.8
6143.2
470.4
0.8
Management, scientific, and technical
consulting services
Professional/business
services
1121.1
1577.1
456.0
3.5
General local government educational
services compensation
State/local government
7779.3
8233.7
454.4
0.6
Junior colleges, colleges, universities,
and professional schools
Educational services
1763.2
2196.6
433.4
2.2
Services to buildings and dwellings
Professional/business
services
1829.6
2109.0
279.4
1.4
Architectural, engineering, and related
services
Professional/business
services
1323.3
1595.5
272.2
1.9
Child day care services
Health care/social
assistance
855.5
1052.0
196.5
2.1
Securities, commodity contracts,
and other financial investments and
related activities
Financial activities
814.4
1001.0
186.6
2.1
Accommodation
Leisure and hospitality
1817.0
1998.8
181.8
1.0
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Thousands of Jobs
Industry Description
Sector
2012
2022
Change
Compound
Annual
Rate of
Change
2012-2022
2012-2022
Largest Declines
General federal non-defense government compensation
Federal government
1556.6
1376.3
-180.3
-1.2
Postal Service
Federal government
611.2
442.1
-169.1
-3.2
Newspaper, periodical, book, and
directory publishers
Information
451.8
346.8
-105.0
-2.6
Apparel manufacturing
Manufacturing
148.1
62.3
-85.8
-8.3
State government enterprises
State/local government
499.5
442.0
-57.5
-1.2
Other miscellaneous manufacturing
Manufacturing
268.4
211.1
-57.3
-2.4
Air transportation
Transportation and
Warehousing
458.3
406.2
-52.1
-1.2
Textile mills and textile product mills
Manufacturing
234.6
183.1
-51.5
-2.4
Telecommunications
Information
858.0
807.0
-51.0
-0.6
Electric power generation, transmission and distribution
Utilities
396.8
350.6
-46.2
-1.2
General Federal defense government
compensation
Federal government
550.4
505.1
-45.3
-0.9
Couriers and messengers
Transportation and
Warehousing
532.9
488.9
-44.0
-0.9
Computer and peripheral equipment
manufacturing
Manufacturing
158.6
118.7
-39.9
-2.9
Plastics product manufacturing
Manufacturing
515.9
476.6
-39.3
-0.8
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments
manufacturing
Manufacturing
400.4
367.3
-33.1
-0.9
Semiconductor and other electronic
component manufacturing
Manufacturing
384.4
353.2
-31.2
-0.8
Aerospace product and parts
manufacturing
Manufacturing
497.4
466.5
-30.9
-0.6
Communications equipment
manufacturing
Manufacturing
109.5
78.6
-30.9
-3.3
Printing and related support activities
Manufacturing
462.1
434.0
-28.1
-0.6
Metalworking machinery
manufacturing
Manufacturing
177.1
153.8
-23.3
-1.4
Source: Employment Projections Program, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
31
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Benefits and Cautions of Different Job Search Methods
These are snapshots of the benefits and cautions of each method. See Career Services’ website for more details.
32
Method
Benefits
Cautions
On-Campus
Interviewing Program
www.career.vt.edu/
H4H-OCI/FAQsOCI.
html
Employers come to campus to interview
for internships and jobs. Interviews take
place in the Smith Career Center.
Competitive. Not every industry or type of
job represented. Starts early. Don’t miss
it!
Hokies4Hire
www.career.vt.edu/
H4H
Employers list jobs specifically for VT
students. Posted jobs typically mean the
employer needs it filled soon.
Not every industry or job field is
represented.
Job Listings in Print
You’ll find some jobs that you won’t find
online.
You have to view them where they are and
when they’re available, i.e., department
bulletin boards.
Career/Job Fairs
www.career.vt.edu/Fairs/
JobCareerFairs.html
Opportunities to speak with many
employers at one time in one space.
Many on the VT campus each year; each
with different sponsors and focus on
varying majors, colleges and types of
hiring.
You need to make a good impression in
person and look prepared. You’re not
necessarily learning about every opportunity in each organization—you are learning
about major hiring needs. Not all employers
attend them.
Networking — Talking to
Personal Contacts
It’s one of the top methods by which VT
graduates, university-wide, found the job
they accepted. It’s real. It works. Many
jobs are never advertised; networking is
how you find them. See page 37.
If you are shy it could be somewhat
uncomfortable. You need effective interpersonal skills and strong motivation.
LinkedIn VT
Alumni Group
Networking source — VT grads who’ve
volunteered to help students. What more
could you ask for? Can be helpful to find
contacts for a geographically targeted job
search.
If you are shy it could be somewhat
uncomfortable. You have to search for
alumni and take the initiative to contact
them. You need effective interpersonal
skills (see above).
CareerShift
www.career.vt.edu/CareerShift/
Index.html
Allows you to bring everything together to
search for jobs in one place. Search listings from millions of companies posted
across the Web and save your searches;
find contacts within target organizations
along with their email addresses; and
manage your job search all within this site.
Also useful for interviews and for locationspecific job searches.
Avoid solely relying on the job listings.
Access contacts at target companies and
reach out to them when a listing is not
posted.
Going Global
www.career.vt.edu/
WebSites/
GoingGlobal.html
If you are looking to broaden your horizons
overseas, this is a great place to start.
Information includes international job postings and tips on relocating to a new country.
Also has relocation and job search information for major U.S. cities, including H-1B
Visa information which may be helpful for
international students.
There are a lot of details to pay attention
to (i.e., passports, cost of relocating and
living, language/culture barriers). Not all
countries included in Country Guides.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Career Fairs: Are YOU Ready?
Do Your Research
• Find out which employers will attend the
career fair.
• Visit www.career.vt.edu for a list of
campus job fairs and links to employer
websites.
• Create your ABC list of employers you
plan to talk with:
A = Wow—really interested.
B = Good opportunities
C = Not my 1st choice, but okay
• Talk with B and C list employers to practice your
30-second commercial
• Move on to A list employers and deliver your 30-second
commercial with confidence
Attire—Business Casual
Often more relaxed than interview attire.
Unsure? It is better to be overdressed.
First impressions are important.
Women
Leave Backpacks at Home
• they’re cumbersome
• they get in the way
• they scream “student,” not
“candidate”
Participate in the Fair
Be prepared to talk with employers.
• ask meaningful questions
• develop and practice your
30-second commercial
• ask recruiters for business
cards for follow-up notes
Stop, Look, & Listen
Listen to questions asked and
answers received by other
attendees. You might:
• pick up valuable information
• see real-life career search “dos and don’ts”
• skirt or pants
• tailored shirts
• blouses, sweaters, or blazers
Men
• long-sleeve button-down or polo shirt tucked in
• khaki pants or dress slacks
• leather belt and shoes, and dress socks
Bring These to the Fair
Ask Questions Based on Your Goals
• Interested in a particular career field?
Ask questions about working within the
industry.
• Interested in opportunities with a specific
employer?
Ask questions about the application and
interview process.
• copies of your resume
• pens, pencils
• padfolio with paper
• positive attitude
33
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Check Out These Online
Products and Resources
Available on the Career Services website.
With CandidCareer you can watch informational interview
videos from actual professionals working in the field in
order to learn about a variety of careers and industries.
Explore 100s of careers and get an in-depth view of a “Day
in the Life” of various professions.
candidcareer.com
CareerShift helps you tap into the “hidden job market” to
identify both internship and full-time positions. Search for
job postings, as well as get contact information for thousands of organizations. Manage your job search activity in
one place.
career.vt.edu/CareerShift/Index.html
Hokies4Hire lets students search for co-ops, internships
or full-time positions that have been posted by employers
particularly looking to hire Hokies. This is also the system
that is used to manage our On-Campus Interviewing
Program.
career.vt.edu/H4H
34
CareerSpots allows you to watch 1- to 4-minute informational videos on a variety of job search and professional
topics. Choose from 52 short videos on topics such as
interviewing, networking, elevator pitches, and many more.
career.vt.edu/CareerSpots/Index.html
Going Global allows you to search for jobs both internationally and domestically. It provides you with Country and
City Guides, H1B employer information, and job listings.
Updated continually, this tool contains more than 10,000
resources for finding employment opportunities.
career.vt.edu/WebSites/GoingGlobal.html
InterviewStream is a web-based mock interview program
that allows you to record yourself interviewing with your
computer’s webcam and send it to an advisor to provide
you feedback. There are over 6,000 questions to choose
from so you can practice using industry specific questions.
career.vt.edu/scripts/InterviewStream/login.asp
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
The Federal Job Search
The United States federal government is the nation’s
largest employer hiring tens of thousands of new employees
annually from virtually EVERY field of study and all over the
country with competitive salaries. Contrary to popular belief,
only 8 percent of federal jobs are in Washington, DC.
The federal government has recently implemented new
hiring reforms and developed three Pathways to employment that would be of interest to college students:
• Internship Program
• Recent Graduates Program
• Presidential Management Fellows Program
More information about the Pathways Programs can be
found at www.usajobs.gov.
Occupation
# of Employees
Hired in 2011
Administration
Medical and Public Health
Business and Finance
Miscellaneous
Security and Protection
Legal
Personnel Management
Engineering and Architecture
Social Science and Psychology
Physical and Biological Sciences
Information Technology
Education
9,826
8,782
7,157
4,963
4,139
3,033
2,105
1,791
1,263
1,178
1,177
907
When applying for positions with the federal government,
it is important to thoroughly read the vacancy announcement and include all of the required information on your
resume and in your application. Applications are scored up
to 100 points. Scores below 70 are not considered. Failure
to include all of the necessary information as outlined in
the vacancy announcement will result in a lower score and
decrease your chances for consideration.
It is important to note that the federal resume is different
from the traditional resume. See page 57 for a sample
federal resume.
Stop by Career Services for advising on federal resumes
and to learn about federal opportunities for employment.
Our office has a number of resources available to help
you in the federal job search process including copies of
Academic Career Guides.
Other Helpful Resources
Office of Personnel Management: www.opm.gov
USA Jobs: www.usajobs.gov
Go Government: www.gogovernment.org
Handbook of Occupational Groups and Families: www.opm.gov/fedclass/gshbkocc.pdf
Federal Agency Listing: www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml
Pay Scale Information: www.opm.gov/oca/10tables/index.asp
Federal Jobs by College Major: www.usajobs.gov/Content/pdfs/Jobs_By_College_Major.pdf
Best Places to Work: www.bestplacestowork.org
35
36
Tip: your profile
determines jobs/
interviews for which
you are eligible.
My Profile:
complete personal,
academic, and
career preferences.
My Documents:
upload your resume.
My Activity: track
your job search
activities.
Your Hokies4Hire
connection starts
here:
Tip: contact
employers on your
own to express
interest.
Find contact
information for
employers who
recruit at Virginia
Tech.
Tip: click on job title
for job and schedule
details.
Tip: use advanced
search to search by
major, organization,
applicant type, and
interview date.
Identify
employers who
are participating
in the On-campus
Interviewing
Program.
Tip: attend all events
related to your career
interests.
Information
Sessions: identify
“meet the employer”
events to attend.
Workshops: find
upcoming seminars.
Find Career Fair
events on campus.
Find career events
on campus.
“Hokies4Hire is such a great job search tool for students. You can find
anything from a part-time job on campus to a full-time job after graduation.
It’s easy to navigate, and the employers are looking for Virginia Tech students
so you get real results!” ~ Kate Ward, Human Development
Tip: search by major,
job category, or
keyword - determine
which yields the best
result.
Create a job
Agent.
Search for posted
internships and
jobs.
www.career.vt.edu/H4H
“Where the jobs are!”
A Visual Guide for Hokies4Hire
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Get Started Networking!
What Is Networking?
Did you know that networking is consistently the number one or two way that Virginia Tech graduates find jobs? Networking is the process of developing relationships with others. So who is in your
network? Start with those close to you—friends, parents, professors, advisors, supervisors. You are
not trying to get a job from them, but the information for a contact to add to your network who might have
opportunities!
Elevator Pitch/30-Second Commercial
If you were stuck in the elevator with the CEO of your dream company what would you say? This is where
the term elevator pitch came from. An elevator pitch allows you in 30 seconds to tell someone who you
are, why you are qualified, and what you can provide. Elevator pitches can be used while networking, at
a career fair, or to answer the interview question “tell me about yourself.”
30-Second Commercial Components
Here are some components to consider in developing
your unique introduction; choose a combination of the
following:
GreetingHello, my name is _____ (include
your first and last name).
Year in SchoolI am currently a _______
(freshman, sophomore, junior,
senior),
Major/Field of Studymajoring in ________ (current
major or job-related interest).
Type of ExperienceI am looking for _______ (internship, co-op, summer, full or
part-time position).
When You’re Availablefor ________(summer, fall, spring)
of ____________ (year).
Strengths/AbilitiesMy strengths are __________,
__________, and ___________.
AccomplishmentsI have ____________ and
________________.
Relevant ActivitiesI am involved in ___________ and
_________.
Example of an Introduction:
“Hi, my name is Jane Hokie and I am a sophomore
majoring in marketing. I am currently a Resident
Advisor on a hall of 33 students. This past semester
I managed a project where a group of 15 students
provided a two-hour field day for two fourth grade
classes at a local elementary school. I managed the
planning meetings, as well as solving two logistics
problems. The project involved twice as many students
as the one from previous years. I am seeking an
internship this coming summer in marketing to use my
planning and problem-solving skills in service to your
company. Would you tell me more about your internship program?”
37
37
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Get Started Networking
The Informational Interview
1. Know What You Want to Accomplish
The primary purpose of informational interviewing is to:
• Investigate a specific occupational field.
• Gain insights into a career field.
• Narrow options.
• Solicit advice on where you may fit in.
• Learn the jargon and current trends in the field.
• Expand your network for future reference.
Note: An informational interview is to request
information, not a time for you to request job listings or
interview for a job.
2. Prepare for the Informational Interview
Before:
• Learn as much as you can about the organization.
(See page 67 on Researching Employers)
• Dress professionally.
• Bring copies of your resume. Only distribute them if
requested.
During:
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
• State your purpose and why you are meeting with this
particular person.
• Keep in mind that the informational interview is not
an interview for employment.
• Be prepared to lead the conversation, since you are
the interviewer.
• Keep to your request of 20-30 minutes.
• Ask for referrals to other appropriate individuals in
the field or organization.
After:
• Send a thank-you note and keep the individual posted
on your progress.
• Always ask if you can keep in touch.
• Evaluate your interview. What could you improve
upon? Use what you have learned from this experience when you conduct future interviews.
• Evaluate the information you received. How does it
relate to your goals?
38
3. Use These Sample Informational Interview
Questions as a Guide
A) Questions about the career field:
• What is your job title? What are the associated duties
and responsibilities of this job?
• What was your career path prior to obtaining this
position?
• What preparation is required to qualify for a job like
yours?
• What do you like most about your job? Least?
• Would you describe a typical day/month/ season/
cycle?
• What other personnel and/or departments work
closely with you?
• What college courses or experience would help me
gain additional knowledge to prepare me for a position like this one?
• What is a typical career ladder in this field?
• What salary range could I anticipate in this field?
• How would someone with my background fit into this
organization?
• Can you refer me to others in this field with whom I
might also discuss this career field?
B) Questions about the organization:
• What is the philosophy of this company? What are its
long- and short-term goals?
• What are some of the benefits of working for this
organization in comparison to others?
• What types of training programs are available?
• How would you rate the working environment in this
company (physically, socially, professionally)?
• What is the outlook for the future of this company?
• What are some of the problems faced by this
company?
• Can you refer me to others in this organization with
whom I might be able to speak?
Informational interviewing is an effective tool in both
career planning and the job search process. It may be
one of your most valuable strategies in gathering information and establishing a network. Like all other facets
of career planning, informational interviewing requires
prior planning and preparation on your part. Make the
interview open doors for you and your career.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Professional Communication
Email Etiquette
• Use a professional email address, and preferably the
one affiliated with your institution.
• Always use a salutation or greeting, for example: Dear
Professor Smith.
• Include a signature block with your contact information.
• Make sure the subject line includes the reason you are
writing.
Phone Call & Voicemail Etiquette
• Make sure that your personal voicemail is professional.
Have your name, a greeting, and that you will get back
to them in a timely manner.
• Ensure that your ringtone is professional, in general
ignore ring backs.
• When leaving a voicemail make sure to leave your name,
contact information, and the reason that you are calling.
• Use professional writing not slang that you would use
in a text message.
• Do not answer an important phone call in a public
setting, ask to step outside. Don’t answer a personal
call in a professional setting.
• Allow people time to respond, don’t expect instant
responses.
• Phones should not be out in meetings, dinners, or
other social gatherings.
Other Communication Tips
• Remember that not all topics can be communicated via email or
phone, and there is value in face-to-face dialogue.
• Communication is verbal and non-verbal; your appearance, handshake, punctuality, and work are all a reflection of you as well.
• Manners go a long way, treat everybody with respect and patience.
• Ask your supervisor, colleagues, and classmates what is the best
form of communication for them.
• Be timely, try to return emails or phone calls within 48 hours.
2015-16 Peer Career Advisors
39
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
You Need to Be on
“Professional Facebook”
• Primary tool for online professional networking.
• Not a place for social networking.
• Connects you to people, jobs, and opportunities.
Benefits
+ Provides online professional presence.
LinkedIn Student Jobs Portal
+ Houses electronic business card, resume, cover letter,
and references all in one location.
Access entry-level jobs and internships at some of
the best companies worldwide at the student and
recent grad job portal:
+ Increase the number of people in your network of
contacts, including alumni.
+ Access to job listings.
http://www.linkedin.com/studentjobs
Share this URL in your resume and email signature.
+ Research companies or people you are going to meet
using company profiles.
Build a Stellar Profile
• Profile Heading Gives a short, memorable way to
understand who you are in a professional context. Use
120 characters to make an employer want to read
more. Ex: Recent VT Honors grad seeking marketing
position
• Appropriate Photo A headshot, professional looking
picture of just you.
• Show Off Your Education Provide information about
all institutions attended. Include majors or minors.
Highlight your activities, including study abroad
programs. If you have a strong GPA, share it.
• Professional Summary Resembles your cover letter.
Talk about your goals, qualifications, and experience.
Emphasize unique skills. Present your summary in
short blocks of text or bullet points for easy reading.
• Join Groups­ Link to others with similar experience,
interests, affiliations, or goals. Start with a university
group. Other groups to add include volunteer organizations or professional associations you belong to. As a
group member, you can find exclusive job listings and
join discussions.
40
• R
ecommendations Prove your work adds
value and how you
do your job. You can
ask for recommendations from professors,
internship coordinators, employers, and
professional mentors.
Your Profile will reach
completion once you
obtain recommendations. A more complete
profile shows up in
searches.
• LinkedIn URL Increase
the professional results
that appear when
people type your name
into a search engine,
set your LinkedIn profile
to “public” and claim
a unique URL for your
profile.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
LinkedIn Connection Message
When connecting with someone on LinkedIn
always personalize the connection request. Give
the person context for why you are asking them to
be a connection. Never use the default message.
Sample
Approach
Email
Dear Ms. Smith,
My friend Rusty Jones said to contact you about my
interest in marketing research. I am a junior communications major at Virginia Tech trying to learn more
about the field
Besides focusing on academics I am also actively
involved in the Student Government Association where
I serve on the marketing committee and am a member
of the club soccer team.
I was hoping that you would have a few moments in the
next week or two to discuss your career path, and share
some knowledge on how to break into the marketing
research field. You can contact me at (540) 555-2222
or nlavender@vt.edu. Thank you for considering my
request.
Sincerely,
Nicole Lavender
41
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Dress for Success: What to Wear
Tips for All Types of Dress
• When in doubt, dress conservatively.
• Remember that your whole appearance should be well put together: neat hair, clean and manicured fingernails,
natural-looking make-up, polished shoes, minimal accessories, ironed or dry cleaned clothing.
• Check the weather, and make sure you are dressed appropriately.
Business Professional
• Suit is required—stick to dark, neutral colors such as
black, gray or navy.
Business Casual
• A formal suit is not required, but neutral colors are still
recommended.
• Suit jacket should not be restricting, and the sleeves
should extend to the wrist.
WOMEN
• Skirt or pants are fine, wear pantyhose
with a skirt.
• Skirt should come to your knees.
WOMEN
• Skirt or pants are fine, wear pantyhose
with a skirt.
• Tailored shirts, blouses, sweaters, or
blazers.
• Shoes should be closed toe and not too
high of a heel.
MEN
• Tie is required, go with something
neutral.
• Make sure your belt and shoes
match in color.
MEN
• Tie is generally not required.
• Long sleeve button-downs are more
formal, but a polo shirt tucked in may
be acceptable.
• Khaki pants or dress slacks.
• Leather belt, shoes, and dress
socks.
42
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
The Resume Puzzle:
What Pieces Fit You?
Objective
If you have prior experience or are seeking an
advanced degree, you may prefer to use a Summary of
Qualifications or Profile rather than an objective. See
Sample Career Objectives on next page.
Education
Provide in REVERSE Chronological order, starting with the
most recent degree first. Make sure the name of our university is correct. List locations for each institution and the
Month and Year you graduated or expect to: BS, Economics,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Expected Graduation May 2019
Skills
Skills can be listed in several categories such as Computer
Skills, Language Skills, Laboratory Skills, or other areas.
If you lack career-related experience, various skill sets can
be shared. If you worked on projects in classes that are
relevant, add a Projects section to your resume.
Experience
Relevant Experience and Leadership Experience are key
items employers like to see. Emphasize results and accomplishments rather than sounding like a job description. Use
numbers in your experience descriptions to add impact.
Honors & Activities
Share academic or other honors you have received including
scholarships or other awards. As you list organizations no
need to list the word member, but add the dates of your
membership. Add dates, noting the dates of your membership. Be sure to emphasize leadership roles you have taken.
43
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Sample Career Objectives
Accounting
Finance
• Staff Accountant; special interest in auditing and tax
accounting.
• Management Trainee; interested in working in
investment and commercial loans.
• Seek position as Bank Branch Manager.
Agriculture
• Broodmare Manager; supervise the breeding and care
of Arabian horses.
• Agronomist; specializing in soil science and plant
propagation.
• Quality Assurance Manager for commercial poultry
production company.
Natural Resources
Biology
Chemistry
• Child/Adolescent Care worker in residential facility for
emotionally disturbed/disabled youth.
• Retail Merchandise Buyer; with interest in clothing
and textile-related products.
• Food and Beverage Hospitality Manager; interest in
hotel operations.
• Chemical Technician; interest in wet chemical
analyses in environmental laboratory.
Management
• Laboratory Research Assistant; emphasis on
pathology, immunology, and virology.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.
Communications
• Writer/Editor; with interest in educational
publications/materials.
• Public Relations Assistant; particular interest in
copywriting and promoting media events for nonprofit
organizations.
Computer Science
Human Resources
• Production Supervisor; specific interests in production
scheduling and inventory control.
• Management Trainee leading to retail store
management.
• Assistant Property Management; interest in
retirement communities.
Marketing
• Systems Analyst.
• Market Researcher; emphasis in consumer goods and
services.
Design
Political Science
• Architect Intern; interest in historical restoration and
urban renewal projects.
• Graphic Designer; emphasis in publication design and
production control.
• Landscape Architect; interest in landscape design for
zoos, parks, and other outdoor facilities.
• Legislative Aide; special interest in constituent claims
and concerns.
• Lobbyist; interest in environmental legislation.
Education
• Secondary Social Studies/History teacher with
additional interest in coaching volleyball and/or
baseball.
• Seek a teaching position in a corporate-owned
pre-school.
Engineering
• Electrical Engineer; interest in fiber optics and optical
fiber transmission applications.
• Mechanical Engineer; particular interest in the areas
of power production and power systems.
44
• Wildlife Biologist; interest in wildlife census and game
management.
• Procurement Forester; emphasis in timber sales
management.
Psychology/Sociology
• Probation Officer.
• Market Researcher; interest in survey design and
evaluation.
Statistics
• Desire an actuarial position in an insurance company.
• Statistician; emphasis in survey planning and
analysis.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Power Skills for Your Resume
Working With PEOPLE
Administration
monitor
track
assess
coordinate
organize
requisition
access
receive
process
serve
furnish
Management/
Supervision
coordinate
facilitate
plan
schedule
delegate
mediate
evaluate
strategize
develop
listen
consult
monitor
Teaching
educate
tutor
stimulate
inform
instruct
facilitate
awaken
explore
advise
counsel
entertain
amuse
Performing
create
present
play
interpret
act
sing
dance
perform
model
read
inspire
Counseling/Healing
listen
sense
intuit
assess
analyze
assist
align
coordinate
understand
inform
facilitate
help
Persuading
present
articulate
clarify
challenge
negotiate
inquire
reason
influence
convince
arbitrate
mediate
reconcile
Public Relations
assess
prepare
coordinate
present
negotiate
publicize
strengthen
promote
handle
participate
facilitate
troubleshoot
Selling
inform
educate
persuade
provide
assist
serve
trade
vend
handle
present
sell
convince
Human Resources
assess
analyze
recruit
survey
screen
interview
select
train
mediate
appraise
coordinate
align
Consulting
troubleshoot
problem solve
assess
assist
arrange
guide
counsel
survey
serve
contribute
motivate
train
Leadership
create
lead
encourage
manage
organize
compare
inspire
represent
govern
direct
advise
Working With DATA
Research &
Development
identify
evaluate
review
assess
compare
analyze
critique
explain
prepare
recommend
conclude
determine
Accounting
record
assess
audit
prepare
maintain
forecast
calculate
estimate
figure
appraise
examine
measure
verify
Finance
analyze
invest
budget
inventory
evaluate
appraise
construct
develop
acquire
deploy
manage
project
Analysis
assess
observe
review
dissect
interpret
discern
conceptualize
discover
infer
illuminate
clarify
quantify
qualify
conclude
Information
appraise
analyze
inventory
structure
design
categorize
document
process
manage
program
link
coordinate
organize
Editing
review
analyze
check
compare
comment
correct
rewrite
revise
rework
amend
improve
initiate
investigate
advise
read
Organizing/
Logistics
classify
organize
assist
maintain
liaison
support
arrange
systematize
schedule
coordinate
streamline
simplify
Working With THINGS
Craft/Artisan
design
create
build
entertain
perform
draw
render
illustrate
compose
construct
conceive
choreograph
Design
organize
explore
formulate
sketch
draw
draft
layout
create
plan
style
pattern
build
display
Mechanical
analyze
design
construct
craft
troubleshoot
create
engineer
repair
manipulate
align
coordinate
balance
Innovating
create
modify
change
upgrade
improve
design
activate
restructure
establish
stimulate
implement
transform
Technical
conceptualize
design
troubleshoot
inspect
locate
edit
analyze
implement
construct
modify
operate
This list is continued on the next page.
45
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Power Skills for Your Resume
Working With IDEAS
Language
translate
interpret
lecture
converse
negotiate
compare
understand
comprehend
proficiency
fluency
teach
tutor
Selling
inform
educate
persuade
provide
assist
serve
trade
vend
handle
present
sell
convince
Program
Development
analyze
design
construct
develop
prepare
strategize
coordinate
formulate
recommend
persuade
implement
monitor
Resume Bullet Formula
POWER VERB (SKILLS)
+ DEMONSTRATED
ACCOMPLISHMENT/
CONTRIBUTION
Example: Answered phones.
1. Skill: communication skills
2. Structure: I learned communication
skills while answering phones.
3. Verb: Developed communication skills
while answering phones
4. Clarify: Developed excellent communication skills addressing up to 50 customer
billing concerns per shift by phone
Consider the following actions:
Purpose
• Initiated a team of five students to work
after hours to implement marketing demos.
Method
• Created engaging and interactive lesson
plans by using Prezi and PowerPoint.
Result
• Organized extensive aircraft article database creating easy research and file
access.
46
Marketing
review
assess
survey
analyze
quantify
identify
announce
promote
advertise
advance
boost
improve
College Address
451-L E. Roanoke Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 953-5553
shamekac@vt.edu
OBJECTIVE
Writing
conceive
construct
craft
integrate
interpret
capture
abstract
express
inform
summarize
conclude
Investigating
pursue
interrogate
question
analyze
intuit
seek
search
probe
examine
explore
SHAMEKA R. CONSTANTINE
Permanent Address
1302 Marquis Court
Fallston, MD 21047
(410) 877-8142
osition in for-profit sector assisting organization in natural resource conservation and
P
compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
EDUCATIONB. S. Natural Resources, Environmental Resource Management, May 20XX
Minor: Environmental Science
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Major GPA: 3.2/4.0 Overall GPA 2.8/4.0
International Studies on Sustainability in Europe, Summer 2011
EXPERIENCE Legal Assistant, Mark R. Stanley, Attorney at Law, Christiansburg, Virginia
April 2012 – present, part-time during academic year
•
Assist the attorney in various matters concerning real estate, social
Page format:
services, criminal, family and common law cases.
• Arial 11 font.
•
Gain practical experience and knowledge in legal issues and terminology.
Margins:
• .5 top & bottom
Co-op, Mead Paper, Chillicothe, Ohio
• .5 sides
May - August 2011, January - May 2013, August - December 2015
•
Worked on a large-scale Ecosystem Research Project in cooperation with
the U.S.F.S.
•
Learned various industrial aspects of using natural resources.
•
Used GIS and GPS systems to inspect pine tree plantations and map company
lands.
Technical Assistant, Johnson Controls, Inc., Sparks, Maryland
May – August 2011
•
Assisted mechanical engineers with HVAC system design.
•
Transferred and edited design drawings on computer programs.
Feature of this resume:
• Details on student
activity with
leadership roles.
Office Assistant, Tritronics Inc., Abingdon, Maryland
March 2009 – January 2010, part-time during school
•
Gained experience in general office duties, including typing, filing, faxing, answering
phones and computer use.
•
Packed and shipped inventory electronic parts nationwide using
computerized shipping equipment for carriers such as FedEx, UPS, RPS and US Mail.
Junior volunteer, 2005 Olympic Games, Salt Lake City, Utah
Winter 2005
•
Served an international clientele adjacent to Olympic Park
SKILLS GIS, GPS, AutoCAD, MS Word, MS Excel, Windows 7 Operating System
Virginia Tech Environmental Resources Club (2011 – present)
•
Founder and President of student club promoting interest in the
environment
•
Plan social activities around environmental issues to enhance student interest
•
Organize and chair a large environmental debate
Xi Sigma Pi, National Forestry Honor Society (2011 – present)
Minorities in Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Sciences (since 2011)
HONORS & ACTIVITIES
B.S., General Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University, Blacksburg, VA – expected graduation May 20XX
Certified Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD
Nov. 2012 – Apr. 2013
Certified Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD
Nov. 2011 – Apr. 2012
Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD
Nov. 2010 – Apr. 2011
Computer
• Windows 7
• MATLAB
• Microsoft Office 2008 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
Soccer – 4 years
• Team Co-Captain 2 years
Track – 4 years
• Team Captain 3 years
Envirothon – 3 years
Peer Tutoring – 2 years
Planned and constructed rain garden at local elementary school
Youth soccer referee
Helped construct playground for youth in community
Eagle Scout
Order of the Arrow – Boy Scouts National Honor Society
National Merit Commended Student
Maryland Distinguished Scholar – Honorable Mention
National Honor Society – 2 years
Summer 2014
EDUCATION
WORK
EXPERIENCE
SKILLS
ACTIVITIES
HONORS/
AWARDS
AVAILABILITY
Key items to consider when revising this resume:
• It is important to keep your objective brief and to the point. Let the employer
know exactly what you are looking for (i.e., full-time employment and in what
field). Sometimes it is relevant to tailor your objective to a specific company.
• Highlight accomplishments related to your objective. In this example the focus
is on being a ski instructor instead of the activities that show knowledge of and
interest in environmental issues.
• To avoid having the name of the university wrap onto a second line, move the graduation date beside the degree and begin the university name on the second line.
• Turn off the table grid lines so that they won’t print. (You will still see them on
your computer screen.)
To obtain an internship that will enable me to further enhance my skills
and become a stronger professional.
Permanent Address:
3584 Oakview Lane
Lavale, MD 21502
OBJECTIVE
Current Address:
428 Lee Hall, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 232-1234
jramirez@vt.edu
Juan Ramirez
Many students who are writing a resume for the first time feel as though they have nothing
relevant to put on the paper. This feeling may be especially true for freshmen who are just
beginning their college careers. Take a look at the before and after resume samples below
to see how one student, with the help of a Career Advisor in Career Services, revised his
resume to demonstrate skills and experiences gained through activities.
Permanent Address:
3584 Oakview Lane
Lavale, MD 21502
To obtain an internship with an environmental agency.
Juan Ramirez
After
• Windows 7
• MATLAB
• Microsoft Office 2008 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
COMPUTER
SKILLS
Eagle Scout
Order of the Arrow – Boy Scouts National Honor Society
National Merit Commended Student
Maryland Distinguished Scholar – Honorable Mention
National Honor Society – 2012-2014
Summer 2015
HONORS/
AWARDS
AVAILABILITY
ACTIVITIES
Galileo Engineering Residential Learning Community, 2012 - present
Soccer – 2011-2014
• Team Co-Captain 2013-2014
Track – 2011-2014
• Team Captain 2012-2014
Peer Tutoring – 2012-2014
Youth soccer referee
Helped construct playground for youth in community
Certified Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD – Seasonal, 2011-2014
Eagle Scout Project
• Planned and constructed rain garden at local elementary school
• Researched proper plants and soil for garden
• Calculated volume of run-off from surrounding area and required area of
garden
• Wrote and distributed information to school informing them of the
features and benefits of a rain garden
WORK
EXPERIENCE
RELATED
EXPERIENCEEnvirothon, Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone, MD - 2011-2014
• One day competition sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources
and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Topics included: Soil, Fish and Water, Wildlife, and Forestry
EDUCATIONB.S., General Engineering, expected graduation May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
High school diploma, June 2014
Allegany High School, Cumberland, MD
OBJECTIVE
Current Address:
428 Lee Hall, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 232-1234
jramirez@vt.edu
Resume Makeover
Before
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
47
48
AutoCAD/Mechanical Desktop
MatLab
MiniTab
Mathematica
COMPUTER SKILLS Server, Family Restaurant, Frederick, MD, 2010-2012, High school & summers
•Trained on and used excellent customer service practices in fast-paced work
environment.
•Participated in corporate program to increase sales; achieved all sales
goals.
•Worked 40 or more hours per week in summer; worked 15 hours per week
during school year.
Student Engineers Council (SEC), Membership Committee Chair, 2012-13
Symphonic Band, Virginia Tech, 2011-present
Big Brother, Big Sister Program, 2001-2011
High School Varsity Volleyball Team, 2008-2011
High School Symphonic Band, 2008-2010
Maryland Distinguished Scholar, Honorable Mention, 2011
Scholar Athlete Award, 2009-2010
Merit Award, Honorable Mention, 2008 Media Festival, Photography Division
ACTIVITIES HONORS Features of this resume:
• Includes high school activities, because this student is a sophomore; by junior year, generally
remove high school activities unless they are rare or show a long track record of interest or
involvement in your chosen field.
• Availability is included, because this is for a co-op position—employers won’t automatically know
when you can or could start work—so tell them.
• When you don’t have career-related experience—yet—your other jobs show employers things
like your work ethic and customer service experience—qualities important to all work settings.
AVAILABILITY January 2015 preferred; also available August 2015
Self-Employed, Lawncare Business, Frederick, MD Summer 2013
•Solicited business through cold calls and visits.
•Increased customer base through referrals for quality work.
•Performed all necessary equipment maintenance and repairs.
•Covered all expenses and yielded net profit of $4,000.
EXPERIENCE Waiter, Boudreaux’s, Blackburg, VA Fall 2013-present
•
Work 20 hours per week to help fund college education.
skills listed in
columns are
easier to read
than strings
of words with
commas.
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Expected graduation as a co‑op: May 20XX
Minor: Statistics
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
GPA: 2.8/4.0
Employers skim
Earning and financing 50% of college education and expenses
resumes fast:
EDUCATION C++
Visual Basic
MS Office Suite
MS PowerPoint
Cooperative Education position related to manufacturing
Permanent Address:
1234 Forest Lane
Frederick, MD 20872
OBJECTIVE
Current Address:
115 Slusher Hall, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 232-3456
dwsilva@vt.edu
Danielle W. Silva
Permanent Address:
49303 Rolling Road
Bloomdale, IL 54321
Harold T. Smith Scholarship
National finalist, Hallmark Award Art Competition
Dean’s List (two semesters)
Governor’s State Scholarship
Waiter, Backstreets, Blacksburg, VA September 2013 - present (during college)
Sales Clerk, Homeline Department Store, Dover, DE Summer 2014
Laborer, Walt Construction, Dover, DE Summers 2011 & 2013
AWARDS & HONORS
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE
Format Details:
•Margins:
.5 top and
bottom, and
.8 on sides.
•Font is
Arial 11
Resident Assistant, Residential and Dining Programs, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA, September 2013 - present
- Develop programs for, advise, and manage 60 residents
- Enforce residence hall policies
-Serve as a liaison between residents and the student affairs administration
Panel Member, Honor Court System, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA, September 2013 - present
- Serve as a student representative on the University Judicial Panel
- Consider alleged violations of the honor system to determine guilt or
innocence
Hotline Assistant, (Volunteer), RAFT Community Crisis Center
Blacksburg, VA, January 2012 - present
- Assist, advise, and refer individuals on issues related to personal needs
- Train six volunteers in counseling techniques and procedures
- Coordinate personnel scheduling
RELATED EMPLOYMENT AND COLLEGE ACTIVITIES
Content Features:
•Relevant college
activities detailed like
employment.
•Experience includes
volunteer work
•Other, less relevant
employment separated
and not detailed.
•Relevant courses listed
Related Courses
Deviant Behavior
Sociology of Law
Families Under Stress
The Family in the Ecosystem
Adolescence and Early Childhood
Sociology of Corrections
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology; Minor: Human Development, expected August 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
GPA: 3.1 Earned 40% of college expenses through summer and part-time work
EDUCATION
Internship or summer job in the area of criminal justice and law; particular
interest in working with juvenile delinquents
OBJECTIVE
Address: (through May 15, 2015)
2343 Blankinship Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-0000
Email: cpgim@vt.edu
CHRISTOPHER P. GIMBLE
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Permanent Address
4097 Back Creek Rd.
Bishopville, MD 21813
HTML
Dreamweaver
Windows 7
Photography and darkroom procedures
Photographic manipulation
Sketching, graphic printmaking
PGAL Architects, Alexandria, VA, Summer 2014
• Worked on design development for Ramp Control Tower, Philadelphia Int’l. Airport.
• Drafted site plans, floor plans, sections, and elevations.
• Created site and building models for presentations.
Brown Residence Renovation, Chantilly, VA, Summer 2013
• Worked with owner to create new design for house renovation project.
• Created a model of the new design for owner.
COMPUTER SKILLS
DESIGN SKILLS EXPERIENCE Paul Kratzer and Co., Salisbury, MD, Summer 2012
• Assisted in the creation of advertising campaigns.
• Produced layouts and graphics for printed advertisements.
Features of this resume:
• Design skills related to career field.
• Table for formatting. Set borders not to appear: Format>Borders & Shading>
Borders=None.
• Font=Arial 10
• Margins: .8
ACTIVITIES & American Institute of Architecture Students
AWARDS Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
Indian Students Association
Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society
Winner of Virginia Tech Tyssowski Scholarship
Winner of 2010/11 American Institute of Architects Scholarship
Davis, Bowen, and Friedel, Inc., Salisbury, MD, Summer 2011, January 2013
• Produced drawings and colored renderings for a wide variety of projects.
• Responsible for altering red-lined construction drawings, as well as creating new construction drawings from on site measurements.
• Created a proposal which won a major new commission for the firm.
Modeling
Wood and metal shop experience
Pottery
Microsoft Word
PowerPoint
European Study Abroad Program, Fall 2013
• Traveled through 10 European countries exploring a wide variety of cultures.
• Studied architecture through photography, painting, and sketching.
InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Washington/Alexandria Architecture Consortium, Alexandria, Virginia, Spring 2014
• Extensive studies of architecture within the urban environment.
• Construction site visits to embassies and Washington historic restoration projects.
AutoCAD
Photoshop
Bachelor of Architecture, May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: 3.3/4.0 Dean’s List: Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013
EDUCATION
OBJECTIVE To obtain a position in the design field, with emphasis on continuing development of
technical and computer skills.
Local Address
123 Turner St. N.E. #5
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 961-2469
Email: PRAKASHAN@vt.edu
ANISH PRAKASH
Computer Skills:
Project Manager for Senior Design Team, Omega Window Co., Inc., Salem, VA
Fall 2014 – Spring 2015
Analysis and evaluation of current layout of the window fabrication facility.
Collection and interpretation of materials handling and flow data.
Developing alternative facility layouts to reduce materials handling.
Summer Engineering Intern, Perkins Company, Inc., Cleveland, OH, Summer 2014
• Application of CAD skills to both office layout and curtain wall analysis.
• Compiled ANSI structural leading programs using computer knowledge.
• Assisted applications engineers in preparing stamped structural calculations.
Maintenance Administration, Cuyahoga Foods, Inc., Bridgewater, VA, Summer 2013
• Maintained and updated computer cataloguing of machine parts room.
• Ordered, received, and distributed valuable machine parts and supplies.
• Prepared purchase orders for cost accounting.
Engineering Technician, Naval Air Systems Command, Arlington, VA, Summer 2012
• Developed Close Air Support Effectiveness math model using FORTRAN.
Perdue Farms Inc., National Scholarship
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Marching Virginians & Metro Pep Band
EXPERIENCE
AWARDS & ACTIVITIES Features of this resume:
• Skills not limited to computer skills.
•
Course project experience detailed just like other work or internship
experience.
•
Table used to format only – borders are set to be invisible on the print
document.
• Font = Arial 11; margins at least .5 all sides.
•
•
•
COURSE
PROJECT
Opt Quest
SAS
ServiceModel
Storm
Visual BASIC
Inventory Control
Statistics
Crystal Ball
FORTRAN
MS Excel
MS Word
MS Project
Human Factors
Plant Layout
AutoCAD
Ampl
Arena/ProModel Simulation
BlocPlan
C++
Cost Analysis
Materials Handling
Knowledge gained through ISE project work includes:
SKILLS B.S., Industrial and Systems Engineering, August 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: In-major: 3.1/4.0 Overall: 2.68/4.0
Dean’s List: Fall 2011, Spring 2011
Earned and financed 70% of college and living expenses
EDUCATION
OBJECTIVEIndustrial engineer; interests in manufacturing, cost analysis, and
occupational safety
Address after August 15, 2008:
2107 Calvin Street
Manassas, VA 22221
MORGAN ELIZABETH NEILSON
Current address:
5634 University City Blvd., Apt. 56B
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 961-6666
meneilson@vt.edu
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
49
50
B.A., Communication Studies, Public Relations, Marketing Minor, December 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Semester at Sea, Spring 2011
GPA: In-major: 3.3./4.0 Overall: 2.6/4.0
Earned 50% of educational expenses
Marketing/Sales/Promotion
• Grossed $15,000 in three months with summer painting business.
• Raised $600 in advertising space for fraternity folder project.
• Raised $400 for fraternity sponsored car show.
• Cold canvassed community for potential clients.
• Created informational brochure for apartment leasing company.
• Developed advertising campaign for class project.
Management/Training/Organizational Ability
•Managed daily activities of own painting business including renting/purchasing
equipment and supplies, hiring assistants, budgeting, payroll.
• Arranged client contracts for painting business.
• Assisted in organizing talent show and benefit auction for Semester at Sea.
•Coordinated sales presentation strategy for fraternity car show and trained others in sales
techniques.
• Trained new restaurant employees.
• Aided in refurbishing and renovating a restaurant.
• Performed restaurant duties ranging from busboy to night manager.
Communications/Language/Creative Projects
•Created multimedia presentation using slides, music, and narration to brief incoming Virginia
Tech students during orientation.
•Developed sales presentations and assisted with advertising campaigns including radio
spots, newspaper ads, billboards, posters, brochures.
• Designed and distributed flyers for painting business.
•Traveled around the world with Semester at Sea and used conversational Spanish skills.
Self-Employed, (Partnership) Sunrise Painters, Reston, VA Summer 2013
Wait Staff, Leonard’s of Washington, Washington, DC Summers 2010, 2011, 2012
Pi Sigma Epsilon, National professional fraternity in marketing, sales management and selling
Summer Orientation Leader, 2013
Theater Arts, Virginia Tech
•Several roles in: “The Bride,” “The Monster and Steven,” “If Men Played Cards as Women.”
EDUCATION SKILLS WORK EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES Sales management trainee position; goal to lead and train a sales staff
(540) 555-2121
College address: 600 Jackson St., Apt. C, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Home address: 4156 Hawthorne Circle, Reston, VA 12345
OBJECTIVE Email: takelly@vt.edu
Taylor A. Kelly
Features of this resume:
n
Table used to format; SET BORDERS TO BE INVISIBLE ON ACTUAL RESUME: Format >
Borders and Shading > Borders = “None.”
n
Skills format: skills from work, fraternity, course projects, semester at sea, and activities are grouped
and listed to support objective.
n
Margins = .7 Font = Arial 10 (Okay to fit in essential information, but don’t go smaller.)
•
•
•
•
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
Techniques for Bacterial Identification
Tests for Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Dilutions
Aseptic Technique
Methods for Nematode Staining
Maintenance of Laboratory Notebooks
Immunology
Insect Biology
Medical and Veterinarian Entomology
Insect Pest Management
Permanent address:
5683 Alice Drive
Richmond, VA 23060
Leadership Alpha Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity, 2010-present
Experience•
Senior Class Representative to the Chapter Relations and Standards Board
Virginia Tech Tae Kwon Do Club
Research Lab Support Technician
International Research and Development, Virginia Tech
June 2014 – present
Experience •
Conduct research on spores of Metarhizium anisopliae for the control of locusts in
Features of this
Sub‑Saharan Africa.
resume: •
Evaluate production processes utilizing hemacytometer and CFU counts.
•Lab Skills•
–
Work on methods to decrease water activity as to enhance germination at lower
relevant to objective.
humidities.
•Upper level
courses
•
Assist in bioassays to determine the insects’ mortality and virulence of the insect
(DON’T list basic
pathogen.
courses obviously
taken because
of your
Laboratory Assistant
major). Entomology Department, Virginia Tech
May – August 2013
•Use table•
(shown
Researched the development and fecundity of Steinernema carpocapsae
here) only for
nematodes when exposed to the bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophilus using in vitro
formatting. On your
techniques.
resume, set
Format >
•
Assisted in an experiment to determine the response of plant pathogenic
Borders and Shading
nematodes to X. nematophilus.
> Borders•
= None.
Applied predatory nematodes for the control of the Tomato Root Knot nematode.
•Font = Arial
10
•
Aided in a pesticide trial for the control of Japanese beetle grubs.
•Margins = .7
Undergraduate Research
Entomology Department, Virginia Tech
January – May 2013
•
Worked to develop a biopesticide for the control of a plant pathogenic nematode
using the bacteria Xenorhabdus bovienii.
•
Responsible for the general set-up and management of experiments as well as the
collection and analysis of data.
•
•
•
Gram Stain Procedure
•
Cultured Bacterial and Fungal Colonies
•
Media Preparation
•
pH Calibration
•
Potentiometric Calibration
•
Calorimetry•
Computer •
Windows 2008 NT
Mathematica Skills •
Lab Skills •
•
•
•
•
•
Biological Statistics
Microbial Genetics
Food Microbiology
Pathogenic Bacteriology
Bachelor of Science in Biology, May 20XX
Minor in Chemistry, emphases in Microbiology and Entomology
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: 2.9/4.0
Education Coursework •
•
•
•
Laboratory position utilizing scientific research and laboratory skills
Objective College address:
442 E. Roanoke St., Apt J
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 961-3395
Elizabeth McWellen emcwellen@vt.edu
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Permanent address:
428 Logan Circle
Annapolis, MD 20000
Fluent in Spanish
Traveled in Europe; used conversational French
Student Computer Assistant, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
September 2013 – present (10 hours/week)
•Assist students with computer problems; by phone and in
residence halls.
• Trouble shoot hardware and software problems.
• Make recommendations for hardware upgrades.
• Minor installation and repair.
Language Skills Technical
Experience Student Athletic Trainer, 2010-2011
Sales Associate, January 2013 - present, part-time during college
Footlocker, Christiansburg, Virginia
• Demonstrate product knowledge and excellent customer service.
COMPUTER
SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Dreamweaver
Vice President for Professional guests Speaker Series, 2013-2014
Exercise Science Student Organization
• Locate and invite professionals to speak at organization meetings
regarding career opportunities and professionalism.
OTHER EXPERIENCE &
ACTIVITIES
CERTIFICATIONS
American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Strength Trainer
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Specialist
Certification
CPR Certified through American Red Cross
Volunteer Coach, 2012-2013
Virginia Tech Junior Varsity Cheerleading
• Assisted with and evaluated Graded Exercise Tests.
New River Valley Cycling Club, 2012-present
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, 2013-present
Special Olympics Volunteer, 2012, 2013, 2014
Dean’s List, last 4 completed semesters: Fall 2012 - Spring 2014
Activities & Awards Features of this resume:
• Coursework outside the major shows how this student is qualified for the career objective.
• Experience can be a student activity—related to and supports the objective in this example.
• 6 key items bolded (in addition to headings)—select those that best support objective.
• Font = Century Gothic 11 Margins = .7
•Table used to simplify formatting only; not to print. Set borders to be invisible on print document:
Format > Borders and Shading > Borders = None.
Writer / Editor, Collegiate Times,
Virginia Tech Student Newspaper, 2011-Present
• Editor of Events Page, 2014 – present.
• Write articles on campus topics weekly.
• Write book reviews.
•Schedule interviews with visiting personalities, campus leaders and
members of the university administration; arrange photo shoots.
Writing
Experience
Languages: C++, JAVA, HTML
Software: Windows 7, MS Office Suite, Publisher, Dreamweaver
Computer Skills Features
of this
Cardio-Pulmonary Intern, Summer 2014
resume:
Montgomery Regional Hospital, Blacksburg, Virginia
• Certifications
pertinent
•
Assisted with exercise stress tests.
to the •
student’s field.
Monitored patients in the cardiac rehab program.
• Verdana
10
point
font.
• Served as Electrocardiogram (EKG) technician.
• Table used
to
format—
• Assisted with one-hour electroencephalogram (EEG) tests.
borders set to be invisible on final
Cardiac Rehabilitation Staff Member, Summer 2013
document:
Cardiac Therapy & Intervention Center, Virginia Tech,
Format > Borders
Blacksburg, Virginia
and Shading
>
•
Assessed blood pressure, heart rate, and body fat.
Borders
= None.
•
Monitored and assisted clients during rehabilitation program.
Computer Science:
Computers for Business
Operating System Tools
Introduction to Programming in C
Object-Oriented Software Design
Human Computer Interaction
Related Courses EXPERIENCE Strength and Facilities Intern, August – December 2014
New Town Fitness, Blacksburg, Virginia
• Conducted orientation of facility and services for new clients.
• Designed and implemented weight training programs for beginners.
• Assisted with organization of health promotion fair.
English / Communication:
Business Writing
Technical Writing
Journalistic Writing
Reporting
Literary Criticism
B.S., English with Spanish Minor, May 20XX
15 hours in Computer Science
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Major GPA: 3.6/4.0 Overall GPA: 2.8/4.0
Objective Position utilizing writing and computer skills; special interests in
technical writing and developing training materials for computer use
Current address:
279 Progress Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 961-9876
Education Position as an athletic trainer in a college or university setting
Permanent Address:
8502 Landmark Dr.
Buchanan, VA 24066
Pat E. Walsh
pwalsh@vt.edu
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods and
Exercise, August 20XX
Exercise and Health Promotion Option
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: 3.29
OBJECTIVE
Current Address:
409 Hunt Club Rd. 36I
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 951-6570
Simone Whitman
simwhit@vt.edu
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
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(540) 232-0000
(540) 230-1111
Honors
• 2011 Virginia Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship Recipient
• Miss Virginia Farm Bureau-Ambassador for Agriculture 2010 1st Runner-up
• Residential Leadership Community-Pamplin Leadership Award
Leadership Experience
Alpha Chi Omega, 2012 - present
• Vice President - Chapter Relations and Standards 2012-2013
• Spring 2011 Outstanding New Member
• Community Service, fundraising, sisterhood and leadership activities
• Risk Management Committee
• Help with writing grants for the further promotion of our philanthropic activities
Student Alumni Associates, 2012 - present
• Virginia Tech Reunion Liaison
• Public Relations Committee
• Pep Rallies, College Homecomings and Reunions
• Leadership Workshops
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador, 2012 - present
• President- 2014-2015
• Chairman of Education Committee; editor of college newsletter
• Volunteer in the Developmental Department
• Liaison between alumni and prospective students to the college
Dairy Club, 2012 - present
• 2014 Chairman, Women’s Basketball Milkshake Sales
• Recruit prospective students to the Dairy Science Program
• Volunteer, Dairy Youth Programs
Team in Training, 2012 - 2013
• Raised over $2,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Trained and ran a Half Marathon in September 2013.
Work Experience
Office Assistant, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Academic Programs, January 2014-Present,
Blacksburg, VA
• File paperwork, assist Dean on student projects, provide telephone assistance, and answer
questions of prospective and current students.
Orientation Leader, Virginia Tech, July 2015. Blacksburg, VA
• Chosen out of 400 students to be one of thirty leaders, served as liaison between the incoming
freshman and the University, made presentations to students and parents.
Poultry Lab and Research Assistant, Animal and Poultry Sciences August 2013-August 2015,
Blacksburg, VA
• Assist with lab procedures; help with collection days at barns, provide telephone assistance,
handle paperwork and assist with inventory.
Education
B.S. Animal and Poultry Sciences and Dairy Science, expected May 20XX,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA GPA: 3.23/4.0
Objective
To obtain a public relations internship with an Agriculture organization.
College Address: 209 SPH-A, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060
Home Address: 865 Main Street, Saltville, Virginia 24370
Amber D. Williamsamber.williams@vt.edu
511 Sunridge Drive, Apartment 112, Blacksburg, VA 24060
debra.keith@vt.edu
[C] 540.830.1142
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Bachelor of Science – Marketing Management, In-Major GPA: 3.85/ 4.0
Bachelor of Arts – International Studies, Spanish Minor, In-Major GPA: 3.76/ 4.0
Overall GPA: 3.55/ 4.0, Expected graduation: May 20XX
Marketing Brand Manager, August 2014 – January 2014
Mindful Eye Consulting, Roanoke, VA
• Developed complete brand positioning strategy for a start-up education consulting company
• Coordinated programs to meet the needs of potential clients within the capabilities of consultants
• Maintained brand awareness in education industry through email and website promotions
Lead Analyst – Taubman Museum of Art Consumer Research Group, August 2014 – December 2015
Virginia Tech Marketing Research Course, Blacksburg, VA
• Created a market research plan to determine the best method of increasing public awareness
• Conducted primary and secondary research by organizing focus groups and consumer intercept surveys
• Evaluated observations and findings to determine the best course of action to generate increased revenue
Education Marketing Intern, July 2014 – September 2014
Taubman Museum Of Art, Roanoke, VA
• Created a guerilla marketing campaign to draw positive attention towards educational programs
• Designed innovative marketing materials to increase attendance for programs (flyers, pamphlets,
web pages)
• Maintained records on program attendance/ feedback to document the effectiveness of marketing
strategies
Contract and Acquisitions Department Intern, March 2013 – January 2014
United States Army - Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RAAP), Radford, VA
• Participant in the Federal Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
• Created policies that provided detailed set-up procedures of computer programs
• Processed and generated purchase orders for the Contract and Acquisitions Department
• Obtained government security clearance
Administrative Intern, May 2012 – December 2012
United States Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), Fort Belvoir, VA
• Developed charts, tables and PowerPoint presentations illustrating statistics relevant to foreign
military sales
• Attended USASAC conferences relating to international policies of different regions around the world
• Updated various databases and communicated their status to alternate USASAC branches
OTHER
EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES
AND HONORS
Phi Beta Delta, International Honors Society – Philanthropy Committee Chair (Spring 2014)
Leadership Initiative for Excellence, International Leadership Development Program (Spring 2014)
Kepner-Tregoe Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Certification (Spring 2014)
The Big Event, Virginia Tech Student Volunteer Project – Team Captain (2013)
Leadership Tech, Student Leadership Development Organization (2011-2012)
Dean’s List, Achieved a 3.4+ GPA for 5/7 semesters (2012 – Present)
Event Planning and Promotions Intern, June 2014 – Present
Career Services – Division Of Student Affairs At Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
• Responsible for the promotion and outreach of career fairs and job-preparation events to students
• Contacted and recruited potential employers to attend job fairs and open house events
• Planned and implemented a series of resume critiquing/ mock interview events
Student Ambassador for Virginia Tech, September 2013 – Present
College Of Liberal Arts And Human Sciences At Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
• Actively recruit and interact with prospective students at Virginia Tech Open House events
• Speaker on Student Panel Discussions regarding Virginia Tech Student Life
• Contribute ideas for recruitment activities that will actively engage the interest of prospective
students
MARKETING
EXPERIENCE Consortium Institute Of Management And Business Administration (CIMBA), Paderno del Grappa, Italy
Leadership Development Study Abroad Program, January 2014 – April 2014
EDUCATION
OBJECTIVESeeking an entry-level full-time position in the fields of global communications, market research,
promotional campaign development and/or international relations.
Debra R. Keith
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
AWARDS AND ACTIVITIES
Outstanding Leadership & Service Award, African Students Association, February 2013
Certificate of Achievement, U.S. Committee for UNICEF, fall 2012
President 2014-15, Secretary 2013-2014, Virginia Tech African Students Association
Captain and Manager 2012-2013, San George Intramural Soccer Team
Researcher, Blacksburg, VA, December 2011 – August 2012
Agricultural & Applied Economics Department, Virginia Polytechnic
Institute & State University
•Examined the effects of communication and transport infrastructures on
economic development; reviewed literature and collected relevant data
and information.
• Performed empirical examination using econometric methods on SAS JM.
Research Assistant, Blacksburg, VA, January 2012 – July 2013
Office of Institutional Research and Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State
University
•Designed a framework for assessing economic impact of USAID-funded
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
•Performed economic (Benefit-Cost Analysis) and statistical analysis of IPM programs
using database-based computer program called DREAM.
•Traveled to both sites and collected primary and secondary data and information.
•Examined the transferability of IPM technologies and their adoption beyond the
primary sites using spatial modeling within a framework of geographic information
system (GIS) technology.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Freelance Web Consultant, Blacksburg, VA, May 2013 – present
AGECON.COM | AFRICOMP.COM | IFAF.NET | GUAYLA.COM
• Generate business leads and design complete web solutions for clients.
• Formulate e-strategic guidance and conceptual consulting.
• Provide interface design; content research, development, and synthesis.
•Perform the evaluation, planning, development, deployment and ongoing use of
web-based mechanisms and information.
• Build and maintain economic and spatial database.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Platforms: Windows 7, Vista, XP/server 2009, 2004
Software: GIS (ArcView, ArcIMS, ARC/INFO, BusinessMAP Pro, ATLAS GIS, ACT 1.25),
Microsoft Office Suite, MINITAB, Mathematica, STATA, SAS, SAS JMP, DREAM, Adobe
InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
Programming: C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, and SQL
Feature of this
resume:
•
Summary of
qualifications—
can be used when
you have professional experience.
•Job title and
employer
emphasized with
bold font
1105 New Lott Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-555-4321
vandeveer@vt.edu
EDUCATION M.S. Applied Economics, May 2015 GPA: 3.8/4.0
Thesis: “Framework for Economic Impact Assessment of IPM-CRSP:
a GIS application”
B.A. Economics, Minor: Chemistry, July 2011 GPA: 3.0/4.0
Specialization: Macroeconomics & Finance
Vrginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
•Three years’ experience in economic & financial
management analysis
• Web-based coordination of business & e-commerce strategy
• Statistical, spatial, and econometric modeling and analysis
• Database management
OBJECTIVE Business financial analyst position specializing in economics
Thomas Vandeveer
Permanent Address
98765 Late Settlers Rd.
Richmond, VA 23235
Laboratory Assistant, Computer-Based Instruction Laboratory of the
Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA, Summers 2009 & 2010
• Aided medical students with their general computing needs
• Helped to manage the front information desk
• Prepared classroom instructional materials
Landscape Technician, Landmark Landscape Management
Ashland, VA, May - June 2009
OTHER
EXPERIENCE
HONORS & ACTIVITIES Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society
Dean’s List With Distinction: Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Fall 2012
Dean’s List: Spring 2013, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Fall 2011
Marshall T. Hahn Engineering Merit Scholarship, 2011
Eagle Scout Award, Boy Scouts of America, 2010
Second Place, Virginia Junior Academy of Science, 2009 & 2010
Boy Scouts of America, Summer 2004 - Summer 2010
• Control Station Autodesk Inventor
• Mathematica
• Microsoft Windows 7
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Minitab
Computer Skills
• ASPEN Plus
• MATLAB
• AutoCAD
• FORTRAN
• C++
Research/Technical/Communication Skills
• Networking with both manufacturing and research personnel.
• Working in conjunction with outside companies to develop a product.
• Visually presenting and verbally communicating research findings.
• Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
SKILLS
Features of this
resume:
•“Relevant”
and “other”
experience
separated (no
detail needed
on last position
listed; use page
space to tell
about more
related
experience).
•Skills don’t have
to be limited to
computer skills
•Margins: .6 top
and bottom; .7
sides
•Font is Times
New Roman 10
(smaller than
Arial 10).
RELEVANTCo-op, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Richmond, VA
EXPERIENCE
January - December 2011, May - August 2012, August - December 2014
• Worked on two major new product developments for the Tyvek® business.
• Planned and executed several scouting trials to establish final product definitions.
• Collaborated with outside vendors to establish product supply chains.
• Developed the manufacturing process for each new product.
• Helped to plan and oversee product performance testing.
• Participated in the writing of two product patents.
• Prepared and presented numerous technical reviews using PowerPoint.
• Received Excellence in Action Award for Tyvek® FlexWrap® development.
EDUCATION
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Cum Laude, May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Overall GPA: 3.45/4.0
OBJECTIVE
Chemical Engineer; interest in research and product/process development
and/or manufacturing
Local Address
901 Ardvark Dr., Apt. 8
Blacksburg, VA 24060
cell: (540) 111-2222
J. MICHAEL SORVINO
jmsorv@vt.edu
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
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jrobs09@vt.edu
540-421-3744
RELATED COURSES
Advanced Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Trauma
Juvenile Delinquency
Social Inequality
ACTIVITIES
Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society All-ACC Second Team, 2012
ESPN’s the Magazine Academic All-District Team, 2013
NFCA Second Team All-Northeast, 2012
All-ACC Second Team Academic Team, 2013
VaSID All-State Second Team, 2012
VOLUNTEERMissionary, Mission trips to Africa and Brazil, Summers 2011-2012
EXPERIENCE • Worked with people in urban and rural areas without homes and in impoverished conditions by
giving them my time, a warm meal and shelter if they needed it. Helped serve them in mind,
body and spirit while encouraging people to empower themselves in their conditions.
• Helped start a hospital in the village town of Kalomo, Zambia. Worked in orphanages with
HIV-positive children and did many activities to build people up in their communities by giving
them the tools needed to enact change.
Builder, Mission trips to Mississippi, Winters 2010-2011
Relay for Life, 2011-2014
Appointed Team Captain, 2011-2014
RELATEDVolunteer, Raft Crisis Hotline, Blacksburg, VA, June 2012 - present
EXPERIENCE • Gain knowledge on suicide prevention and crisis intervention, how to develop empathy skills
and provide referrals to other services to callers.
• Have currently worked over 320 hours on the phone lines dealing with crisis and empathy
situations while confidently answering any call with the caller’s best interests in mind.
Assistant, Virginia Department of Social Services, Harrisonburg, VA, Summers and Breaks
2012-2014
• Worked with the Foster Care unit doing transportation of children, filing and paperwork.
• Learned the public service system protocols and how Foster Care is run through the State of
Virginia.
LEADERSHIP/ Virginia Tech Varsity Softball, 2011-2013
DIVISION 1
• Competed in the Women’s College World Series, 2012
ATHLETIC
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), 2012-2014
EXPERIENCE Community Outreach Chairman, 2013-2014
• Elected member to represent the softball team to discuss student-athlete issues and promote
open communication between varsity sports teams, coaches and faculty in the athletic
department as well as the Virginia Tech community.
• Learned how to help coordinate canned food drives, Relay for Life and organizing fundraising
events.
Athletes in Action, 2011-2014
Servant Team, 2013-present
• Conduct one-on-one spiritual counseling with younger student-athletes; leading them
emotionally while being an outlet and a liaison for them in the Virginia Tech athletic
community.
• Learn how to approach and help people who were struggling emotionally, physically and/or
spiritually so they can best achieve their goals in their respective sports.
Abnormal Psychology
Social Research Methods
B.S. in Sociology and Psychology, May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Overall GPA: 3.6; Sociology GPA: 3.7; Psychology GPA: 3.9
EDUCATION
OBJECTIVEEntry level position in Human Resources, specific interest in training and leadership development
700 Fairfax Road, Apt. A4
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Jennifer L. Roberts
Student Athlete Sample
Server, Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill; Roanoke, Virginia 2010-2013
• Attended to restaurant customers – drink and food orders,
• Address customer complaints,
• Cleaning and maintenance of dining room and server stations
Experience
Computer: C++, MATLAB, and LabVIEW
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
Skills
Features of this resume: Unsure if you should mention other schools under your Education information? If
you went to a different school for a year or more, it is recommended that you list t he school as part of your
education. List the college/university, city and state where the school is located and the dates you attended.
Cook, Pizza Hut, Inc.; Clifton, Colorado 2007-2008
Carpenter’s Assistant, Steve’s Construction LLC; Grand Junction,
Colorado 2008-2010
• Built new homes, remodels, and additions to existing homes – foundation,
framing, drywall, interior/exterior finishing, paint, roofing, shelving,
windows, and door installation
Vibrations, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electrical Theory, Heat Transfer
System Dynamics, Mechanical Design and Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
Relevant
Courses
Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke, VA
Associate of Science, Engineering, May 2013
Associate of Science, Science - Mathematics Specialization, May 2013
Honors: Summa Cum Laude
GPA: 4.0/4.0
EducationVirginia Tech, College of Engineering, Blacksburg, VA
Bachelors of Science, Mechanical Engineering, expected May 20XX
Honors: Dean’s List All Semesters
GPA: 3.81/4.0
ObjectiveEngineering student seeking an internship position with a progressive thinking
company requiring engineering knowledge and skills.
Ima Hokie
2345 Baker Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-239-9999
hireme@vt.edu
Transfer Student Sample
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Study Abroad Experience, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, January 20XX
Study Abroad Participant
• Developed understanding of tropical horticulture by effectively communicating with
professors, fellow study abroad students, and local citizens
Study Abroad, Monteverde, Costa Rica, August 20XX– December 20XX
Study Abroad Participant
• Conducted a botany research project to define Passiflora spp. allocation of resources in
metabolite defenses and presented results to the local scientific community at a symposium
• Took intensive coursework in tropical biology, ecology, conservation, ecosystem services,
botany, Costa Rican culture and Spanish language in locations across Costa Rica
• English: native language
• Spanish: intermediate (speaking, reading); basic (writing)
Horticulture Club at Virginia Tech, 20XX-Present
• Event Coordinator
• Create and manage events to foster, promote, and encourage closer professional and social
relationships between the faculty, students, and horticulture community.
• Promote horticultural interest within Virginia Tech, the community, the Commonwealth of
Virginia, and globally
Intercultural Understanding Club at Virginia Tech, 20XX-Present
• Improve interactions in the university community by bridging “the dialogue gap” among
members of different cultures in the form of conferences, panels, art, performances as well
as outings.
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, 20XX-present
Help Save The Next Girl at VT (HSTNGatVT), 20XX-Present
Alpha Zeta, Virginia Tech, 20XX-20XX
• Professional, service, and honorary fraternity for men and women in the College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech.
LANGUAGE
SKILLS
CAMPUS
INVOLVMENT
Features of this resume:
• International Experience and Coursework sections
• E-Portfolio section to showcase course and work projects
• Campus Involvement section with leadership position bullet details
International Dairy Judging Competition, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 20XX
Participant June 20xx
• Gained comprehensive knowledge of worldwide dairy trade by representing the United
States at the Royal Highland Dairy Show
INTERNATIONAL
EXPERIENCE
• The Global Economy and World Politics
• Environmental Law
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Horticulture, May 20XX
Minor in International Agriculture
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: 3.4/4.0 Dean’s List 5 semesters
INTERNATIONAL • International Agriculture
COURSEWORK Development and Trade
• World Crops and Cropping Systems
EDUCATION
OBJECTIVEPosition as an environmental horticulturist applying my cross-cultural plant knowledge and
experience
College address: 315 SW Clay Street, Apt. 10, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Permanent address: 1240 Tahoe Court, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
HAYDEN BILLINGS (540) 383-5679 hbillings@vt.edu
International Experience
It is important that military experience is translated into civilian terminology. For help translating
experience, visit O*NET Military Crosswalk Search http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC/ or
Monster Veteran Employment Center http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/
➢ Team Captain, Relay for Life 2014
➢ Student Volunteer, Virginia Tech Women’s Center, 2014-present
➢ Student Volunteer, Virginia Tech Police Department Rape Aggression Defense Program,
2014-present
➢ Veterans@VT, campus chapter of Student Veterans of America, 2013-present
ACTIVITIES
SKILLS
Language: Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese
Computer: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn
Other: Blueprint reading and proficient with range of hand and power tools
➢ Coordinated with fellow crew members to complete combat, reconnaissance, transport,
and search/rescue missions overseas
➢ Operated and maintained aircraft communications and detection equipment to ensure
safety and security
➢ Maintained proper inventory of cargo, fuel, and emergency equipment
➢ Commended by offices for courtesy and professionalism
Aircrewman, U.S. Navy, May 2009-May 2013
➢ Advise fellow students on career-related concerns on a walk-in basis averaging 60 students
per semester
➢ Conduct presentations to student groups on career-related topics such as resume writing,
interview preparation, professionalism and networking
➢ Assist fulltime advisors with program development related to the Call to Serve Initiative
(federal government employment) and outreach to the College of Liberal Arts and Human
Sciences
EXPERIENCE
Peer Career Advisor, Virginia Tech Career Services, August 2014-present
EDUCATION
B.A., Sociology, Crime and Deviance Option, May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
GPA: 3.4
OBJECTIVE
Criminal justice, national security, or intelligence internship
1918 Toms Creek Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-951-1234 • trtorres@vt.edu • linkedin.com/in/tracytorres15
TRACY TORRES
Student Veteran
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
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Design resumes are appropriate where the resume showcases a skill that is relevant to a position for
such majors as Art, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Packaging Design, among others.
Design Resume
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
RELATED EXPERIENCE (Paid and Unpaid):
VALLEY VIEW ANIMAL HOSPITAL Summer 2012
2100 Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210
Supervisor: Dr. Henry Johnson (555) 898-1212
Thomas Jefferson High School, Bristol, VA; 2007 to 2011
3.25 GPA
Relevant courses: Biology, Botany, Chemistry and Physics plus laboratories
EDUCATION:
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA (expected May 20XX)
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Department of Biology; 3.5 GPA
Relevant courses:
Intro to Biology/Lab
Human Biology and Disease
Anatomy and Physiology and Lab
Intro to Animal Behavior and Lab
SUMMARY OF RELEVANT LABORATORY SKILLS:
•Prepared specimens for laboratory analysis and testing. Prepared and stained slides for
microscopic testing for specific disease pathogens.
•
Skilled in the use of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
•Observed veterinary surgical and autopsy procedures on both domestic and farm animals.
Provided minor assistance as requested.
•Basic skills in collecting blood, urine and feces from animals, and blood specimens from
humans. Performed red and white blood cell counts.
OBJECTIVE: CBP VETERINARY SPECIALIST Intern Position; Job Announcement
number MHC-05-156984-SJN
Citizenship: United States
Veterans Status: N/A
Federal Civilian Status: N/A
Clearance: N/A
Languages: Spanish (Conversational, Moderate Speaking)
1700 Foxrun Road
Blacksburg VA 24060
(555) 948-1404
asward1@vt.edu
Anna S. Ward
Anna S. Ward Pg 2
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
•Member, Southwest Chapter 4-H Club, 2011 to present. Won Honorable Mention at
Virginia State Fair for wood carving, 2011.
•Breed and raise Yellow Labrador puppies for resale. Raise and care for pups until they are
ready to go to individual homes. Interview owners to place pups in a happy and healthy
home. 2008 to present
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:
FOOD LION, INC. Summer 2010
5500 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24201
Supervisor: Mitch Keys (540) 555-1212
Salary: $6.75/hour; 25 hours per week
Cashier: Fast-paced customer service position in a high-volume retail grocery store.
HO CLINIC Summer 2011
Ho, Ghana, West Africa
Supervisor: Ariana Logan; contact via Volunteers, Inc., New York, NY 800-222-3333
Salary: Volunteer; 55 hours per week
Medical Assistant: Three-month international volunteer assignment in a third-world African
nation. Lived in African compound and worked at local veterinary hospital that cared for both
animals and people because of their relatively modern laboratory facilities. Acquired
outstanding hands-on experience in phlebotomy, hematology, routine and emergency surgical
procedures, field autopsies and general animal health care.
TRI-CITIES ANIMAL HOSPITAL January 2011 to June 2012
1100 Volunteer Parkway, Johnson City, TN 37601
Supervisor: Andrea Santos (718) 444-2222
Salary: $7/hour; 8 hours per week
Animal Care Assistant: Worked weekends while a freshman in college. Cared for domestic
animals, cleaned kennel facilities, and provided routine hygiene. Coordinated animal drop-offs
and pick-ups.
Salary: $8/hour; 20 hours per week
Veterinary Assistant: Work directly with veterinarian to diagnose and treat a variety of
domestic animal diseases and conditions. Assist with routine examinations and treatments.
Maintain facility, lab and equipment.
Federal Resume
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
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58
B.A., English, May 2012
James Madison University (JMU), Harrisonburg, Virginia
GPA 3.75
Earned and financed 80% of college and living expenses
English Education 6-12
Student Teacher, January – May 2015
James Madison Middle School, Roanoke City Schools, Roanoke, Virginia
•Taught 8th grade Language Arts during which students were
presented with poetry, drama and young adult novel units.
• Co-taught and extensively observed 8th grade American Studies classes.
• Modified assignments for students at different ability levels.
• School population is diverse.
•Conducted teacher research on improving grammar and mechanical skills through the
process model of writing.
LICENSURE
TEACHING
EXPERIENCE
Volunteer, June 2015 – present
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New Roanoke Valley, Roanoke, Virginia
• Develop weekly educational, social, and cultural activities for 4th grade Little Sister.
• Act as a role model and mentor.
Assistant Editor, September 2011 – April 2012
The Bluestone Yearbook, JMU, Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Selected and supervised staff.
• Developed yearbook layout. Wrote and edited text.
• Worked closely with photographers and sales representatives.
Field Experience, January – April 2014
Fallon Park Elementary School, Roanoke City Schools, Roanoke, Virginia
• Explored issues of literacy development with academically-challenged 4th graders
•Developed creative reading and writing strategies to increase students’ academic
confidence and interest.
• Aided in administering standardized testing.
Teacher’s Aide, September – November 2014
Glenvar High School, Roanoke County Schools, Roanoke, Virginia
• Observed a variety of teaching styles at the middle and high school levels.
• Organized and executed lesson plans for a 9th grade English novel unit.
• Aided in advising the yearbook staff on interviewing, design and editing.
• Fulfilled such tasks as grading, research, and reading inventories.
OTHER
RELEVANT
EXPERIENCE
For a work
experience
taking place
at present, or
scheduled for the
future: Use
present or future
tense verbs
to
describe current
or expected
work
activities. Update
verb tense when
appropriate.
M.A.Ed, Teaching and Instruction, May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA 3.9
EDUCATION
Endorsement: Middle School
Secondary English teacher or Language Arts/Social Studies middle school
teacher. Interested in advising school yearbook, newspaper staff or literary magazine.
5606 Harding Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-7816
arnez1@vt.edu
OBJECTIVE
Lydia Arnez
Part-time Bank Teller, August 2014 – May 2015
Bank America, Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Transacted consumer and commercial account business.
Fraud Prevention Specialist, May 2012 – August 2013
Bank of America, Charlotte, North Carolina
•Managed integration of fraud systems project during conversion with First Fidelity
Bank.
• Developed training module for new hires and temporary employees.
• Performed as senior leader during development of checkcard fraud team.
• Served as editor for department newsletter.
• Monitored credit accounts for fraudulent activity and analyzed trends in fraud abuse.
1st Vice President, Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA), 2013 – present
• Work closely with Executive Board to develop and implement annual plans.
• Conduct business meetings.
• Schedule guest speakers and professional development programs.
National Council of Teachers of English
Virginia Association of Teachers of English
James Madison University Alumni Association
The Sorority of Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumni Association
Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Golden Key Honor Society
http://www.arnez.com or available upon request
ADDITIONAL
EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
HONORS
PORTFOLIO
Features of this resume:
•Two pages are acceptable for teaching candidates and for professional positions in
higher education.
•Place your second page heading in the Header section (View > Header and Footer).
DON’T simply insert it in your text. For someone else viewing your resume on-screen,
the page break may not fall in the place you intend.
•When providing a URL for online information (portfolio, etc.), make sure all your website contents are strictly professional.
•See Listing your personal website URL on your resume at www.career.vt.edu/
JOBSEARC/Resumes/website.htm.
•Margins are .5 inch on all sides.
• Font = Arial 10
Writing Intern, May 2009 – May 2011
V Magazine, Roanoke, Virginia
• Wrote articles focusing on regional artists, musicians, businesses and events.
• Assisted during monthly production with editing, layout, and design.
Page 2
Lydia Arnez
Teaching Resume
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Graduate Student Veteran Resume
ERIC R. PETERSEN
1234 Cambria Street • Christiansburg, VA 24073 • erpeters@vt.edu • 540-987-6543
Summary of Qualifications
◆ Highly skilled personnel manager with 10+ years of experience hiring, training, and managing diverse teams.
◆ Superior written and interpersonal communication skills developed through weekly report writing, supervision and
training of staff.
◆ Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
◆ Completed numerous management training courses related to goal-setting, conflict resolution and mentoring.
◆ Obtained and maintained top secret security clearance.
◆ Earned three promotions in rank based on accomplishments and overall job performance.
Education
Master of Business Administration, May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Bachelor of Science, Management, May 2004
George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
Relevant Experience
Supervisor Unit Administrator (January, 2010-August, 2014)
Army Reserve Command, Ayer, MA
◆ Managed personnel, finance, and automated systems activities.
◆ Represented commander by establishing goals/objectives and setting priorities for accomplishing overall organizational
functions.`
◆ Assisted the commander in establishing and implementing both unit and individual training goals.
◆ Interpreted training directives and guidance.
◆ Reviewed completed personnel actions to ensure that procedures were properly followed.
◆ Assisted the commander with strategic planning and establishment of unit action plans.
US Army Reserve (USAR) Unit Administrator (June, 2004-December, 2009)
Army Reserve Command, Los Alamitos, CA
◆ Implemented administrative plans, policies and procedures established by commander.
◆ Prepared and processed personnel pay, supply action, and maintenance of records.
◆ Provided consultation on army reserve program and unit vacancies and conducted interviews.
◆ Served as principal administrator responsible for the performance of a variety of technical, analytical, advisory and
coordinating duties for USAR Unit Commander in accomplishing overall functions of the unit.
◆ Served as key point of contact regarding recruitment and retention for unit.
Intern (Summers 2001-2003)
Office of Personnel Management, Washington DC
◆ Represented agency, along with fulltime recruiters, at career fairs and information sessions on college campuses
throughout the country.
◆ Organized hiring documents and coordinated schedules for hiring managers and interview candidates.
◆ Coordinated professional development activities for interns across multiple agencies.
59
60
Seeking a software engineer position in the field of high performance computing.
Multi-core systems, cloud computing, cluster scheduling and resource management,
application performance prediction, parallel file systems, virtualization, storage systems
Celetronix India Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai, India
Software Engineer
March 2008-May 2008
Designed and implemented a system for automated control of digital instruments for quality testing
in the hard drive manufacturing and testing unit.
Graduate Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering
February 2009-July 2010
Student research assistant developing and integrating user interfaces and individual modules within
a software framework called “Integrated Simulation Environment”. Languages used-Python and C.
University of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
Research Assistant, Department of Computer Science
August 2009-July 2010
Designed and implemented aXPath model search (XMOS) plug-in to provide advanced search
capabilities for domain-specific modeling tools like Generic Modeling Environment (GME 4).
Argonne National Laboratory
Lemont, IL
Summer Intern
May 2014-August 2014
Developed a new process manager for MPICH2 library. Implemented centralized and distributed
process managers for large scale systems. Supported faster process look-up using business card
caching and communication using ring processor topology.
Advanced Research Computing (ARC), Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Research Assistant
August 2010-May 2013, August 2014- present
Programming consultant for the Laboratory of Advanced and Scientific Computing (LASCA) and
ARC. Ported parallel scientific applications to new parallel architectures. Assisted university-wide
researchers to develop and execute their scientific applications on SystemX cluster and other
smaller shared memory machines.
Research/
Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Work
Research Assistant
August 2010- present
ExperienceDeveloped a runtime system called ReSHAPE for dynamic resizing of parallel applications.
Implemented cluster job scheduler for parallel applications, plug-in framework to add new
scheduling policies. Designed and implemented a parallel application resizing library with efficient
data redistribution algorithms.
• Programming languages: C, C++, Python, Visual Basic 6.0
• Parallel Programming Models: MPI, POSIX, OpenMP
• Technologies: TCP/IP
• Operating System: Linux, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP
• Scripting Languages: XPath, HTML
Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Engineering, 2007
University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India
Computer Skills Master of Science, Computer Science, 2010, GPA 3.85
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Education Doctor of Philosophy, Computer Science, expected graduation: May 20XX, GPA 3.81
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
• Dissertation Topic: Dynamic Resizing of Parallel Applications
• Advisor: Dr. Carl J. Roberts
Research
Interests
SummaryMore than 4 years of experience in parallel programming with MPI and C. Experienced in
designing, implementing, and evaluating runtime systems for parallel applications. Experienced
in developing parallel algorithms for distributed and shared memory systems. Self-motivated
researcher with excellent analytical and communication skills. Strong work ethics, good leadership
qualities and interpersonal skills, can work independently as well as a team player.
Objective
123 University City Blvd, Apt K12
Tel: (540) 555-2313
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Email: ranragha@vt.edu
http://people.cs.vt.edu/~ranragha
Ranjith Raghavan
Ranjith Raghavan Page 2
Professional
Organizations
IEEE, IEEE Computer Society, ACM, SIAM, Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor society
Master’s Thesis
• Ranjith Raghavan, “Meta-Model Search: Using XPath for Searching Domain-Specific
Models”, M.S. Thesis, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of
Alabama at Birmingham, August 2009.
• Two-dimensional Data Redistribution algorithm (Fall 2011): A library for redistributing
sparse, one- and two-dimensional dense matrices from P processors to Q processors,
arranged in 1D or 2D topology. The algorithm uses minimum number of steps for data
transfer and avoids node contention. This algorithm has been included as part of the
resizing library in the ReSHAPE framework.
• Glips: A Peer-to-Peer Distributed File System (Fall 2010): Designed a robust, reliable,
highly available, and scalable peer-to-peer distributed file system by combining ideas from
Google file system and Kelips P2P distributed hash table.
• Performance Analysis of Matrix Multiplication over a Distributed Shared Memory (Spring
2010): A comparative performance analysis of the matrix multiplication routine between
executing ScaLA-PACK on a distributed memory system and LAPACK on a distributed
shared memory system.
• Distributed Shared Memory (Fall 2009): Simulated a parallel shared memory system over
an underlying distributed system using MPI.
• Integrated Simulation Environment(ISE) (Feb 2008): ISE is a simulation environment
that integrates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Computational Solid Mechanics
(CSM) and Computational Chemical Modeling (CCM). Developed 2D convergence plot
for a Hyb3d data file. Integrated the CFD, CSM and CCM modules into ISE using Python
interface.
• Resource Brokering in a Grid Environment (Fall 2008): Developed a rudimentary
resource brokering algorithm for execution of jobs in a Grid computing environment. The
algorithm was tested using the ‘GridSim’ simulator.
• Monte Carlo Simulation (Summer 2008): Monte Carlo simulation of parallel random
number generation using Pthreads, PVM and a hybrid approach by using both Pthreads
and PVM on 8 nodes (32 processors) cluster.
Selected
Projects
PublicationsJournals/Conferences/Workshop
• Raghavan, R., Roberts, C. J., & Farkas, C. (2014). Dynamic resizing of scientific
simulations. Proceedings of International Conference on Computational Science
• Raghavan, R, & Roberts, C. J. (2014). Design and performance of a scheduling framework
for resizable parallel applications. To appear in the Proceedings of IEEE International
Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium.
• Raghavan, R., & Roberts, C. J. (2014). Reshape: a framework for dynamic resizing and
scheduling of homogeneous applications in a parallel environment”. In the Proceedings of
International Conference on Parallel Processing, Xian, China, September 11-15
• Raghavan, R., & Roberts, C. J. (2012). Efficient multidimensional data redistribution for
resizable parallel computations. In the Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium
on Parallel and Distributed Processing and Applications, Niagara Falls, CA, August
29-31
• Raghavan, R., & Gray, J. (2011). Meta-model search: using xpath as a tool for searching
domain specific models. Invited submission to a special issue of the Journal of Research
and Practice in Information Technology, Vol. 38, No. 4.
• Raghavan, R., & Gray, J. (2010). Meta-model search: using xpath as a tool for searching
domain specific models. In the Proceedings of the International Conference of Software
Engineering Research and Practice, Las Vegas, NV, June 26-30.
• Gray, J., Zhang, J., Wu, H., Roychoudhury, S., & Raghavan, R., Gokhale, A., Neema,
S., Shi, F. and Bapty, T. (2009). Model-driven program transformation of large avionics
framework. In the Proceedings of Generative Programming and Component Engineering,
Vancouver, BC, October.
• Shaik, S., Corvin, R., Raghavan, R., Javed, F., Ijaz, Q., Roychoudhury, S. Gray, J., Bryant,
B. (2008). Speechclipse-an eclipse speech plug-in, in the Eclipse workshop proceedings at
AMC OOPSLA, Anaheim, CA, October 26-30.
PhD Resume
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Teaching Assistant, Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
August 2009 - May 2010, August 2010 - May 2011
• Advised undergraduate biochemistry students during office hours
• Graded quizzes and assignments
• Regulation of aerobic gene expression
• DNA sequencing and determination of DNA binding domains
Research Fellow, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, MD
May 2006 - August 2009
• Synethsized and purified hundreds of oligonucleotides
• Sequenced DNA
• Constructed a cosmid library from human blood DNA
Pre-Doctoral Fellow/Ph.D. Research, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA, August 2009 - present
• Design and conduct experiments for purification and characterization of the repressor for
the sn-glycerol 3-phosphate regulon of Escherichia coli K-12
• Identified structure of the glp repressor and determined DNA binding domains
Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. 2009. Regulation of aerobic sn-glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
glpD gene expression in Escherichia coli K-12. Am. Soc. for Microbiol., Miami Beach, FL.
Advisor, T.W., J.B. Doctor, A. Colleague, and S. Colleague, A.M. Graduate. 2010. Tandem operators
control sn-glycerol 3-phosphate glp gene expression in Escherichia coli Gordon Res. Conf., Meriden,
NH.
Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. 2011. Nucleotide sequence of the glpR gene encoding the repressor of
Escherichia coli K-12. Am. Society for Microbiol., Anaheim, CA.
ABSTRACTS
Research
Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. 2011. Structures of the promoter abd operator of the glpD gene coding
aerobic sn-glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli K-12. J. Bacteriol. xx: xxxx-xxxx.
Advisor, T.W., J.B. Doctor, A. Colleague, and S. Colleague. 2008. Purification and characterization
of the repressor for the sn-glycerol 3-phosphate regulon of Escherichia coli K-12. J. Biol. Chem. xxx:
xxxx-xxxx.
• Undergraduate biology and microbiology courses including microbiology, genetics, and microbial
genetics
• Graduate microbiology courses
Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. Structure of the glp repressor and the determination of DNA binding
domains. (in preparation)
RELATED EXPERIENCE
TEACHING INTERESTS
RESEARCH INTERESTS
PUBLICATIONS
Laboratory Instructor, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
August 2011 - present
• Taught two laboratory sections for undergraduate introductory Microbiology course
Phi Beta Kappa
Cunningham Dissertation Fellowship )Virginia Tech research grant), 2011 - 2012
American Society for Microbiology, 2011 - present
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, 2010 - present
National Institutes of Health Pre-doctoral Fellowship, 2008 - 2009
Page 2
Biology Research Technician, Biotech Research Laboratories, Inc., Roanoke, VA
June 2006 - August 2007
• Participated in DNA fingerprinting project
• Digested genomic DNA with restriction enzymes
• Separated digested DNA fragments by electrophoresis through agarose gels and transferring by
Southern blotting technique
• Prepared buffers, photographed gels, developed autoradiographs
Research Assistant, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
August 2007 - May 2009
• Performed protein bioassays and prepared tissue cultures
• Assisted with DNA preparations for DNA fingerprinting including isolating DNA and gel
electrophoresis
• Analyzed data
Jonathan O. Benjamin
Teaching
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Minor: Chemistry, May 2008
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Permanent Address
5000 Greenbrook Drive
Norfolk, VA 23703
(757) 555-1000
HONORS/AFFILIATIONS
Doctorate of Philosophy, Microbiology, Expected May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Dissertation: Regulation of aerobi gene expression in Escherichia coli
Advisor: Thomas W. Kingrea
Jonathan O. Benjamin
EDUCATION
Current Address
1200-F University Terrace
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-3000
Curriculum Vitae
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
61
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Five Key Points About References
Three to five people are a good number of references to have. Who should you ask? Current or former
supervisors,
faculty members, coaches, or advisors. Family or close personal friends are not
recommended.
Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference. As you ask, provide your references
with
a copy of your resume or CV, and any other materials that may be relevant like a job listing, cover
letter, or graduate school essay.
Keep your list of references in a document separate from your resume. Usually references are not
needed
at the initial time of application. Bring copies of your reference page to your interview. If you
have a CV, references are often included in an academic job search.
Share the contact information for your references including their job titles, employers, mailing
addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
Keep your references up to date on your progress and be sure to thank your references after your job
search or your graduate school application process is complete.
Sample Reference List
College Address
451-L E. Roanoke Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 953-5553
shamekac@vt.edu
SHAMEKA R. CONSTANTINE
Permanent Address
1302 Marquis Court
Fallston, MD 21047
(410) 877-8142
References:
Dr. Jane Doe
Professor
Virginia Tech
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
1060 Litton Reaves Hall
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-5555
janedoe@vt.edu
Mr. Walter Randolph
Supervisor
Mead Paper
2705 Market Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
(419) 555-2045
wrandolph@mead.com
Ms. Jane Wilson
Department Manager
Johnson Controls, Inc.
4527 Appleton Drive
Sparks, MD 21152
(301) 555-8211
jwilson@employer.com
62
Make sure the
address header
matches your resume
address header.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Cover Letter 101
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Telephone Number
Email Address
Month Day, Year
Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name
Title
Name of Organization
Street or P. O. Box Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. : (Last Name Only)
Opening paragraph: State why you are writing, how you learned of the organization or position,
and basic information about yourself.
Body: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply
stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate
that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or
position. Mention specific qualifications from the job description that make you a good fit for the
employer’s needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume.
Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply
for a position.
Closing: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the
employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow
up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and
could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer
with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature)
Your name typed
Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)
(Note: the contents of your letter might best be arranged into four paragraphs. Consider what you
need to say and use good writing style. See the following examples for variations in organization and
layout.)
63
64
Enclosure
Donna Harrington
Sincerely,
I look forward to putting my knowledge and experience into practice in the public school system.
Next week I will be in Vienna, and I plan to call you then to answer any questions that you may have
at that time. I can be reached before then at (540) 555-7670. Thank you for your consideration.
Through my early childhood education courses, I have had the opportunity to work in a private day
care facility, Rainbow Riders Childcare Center, and in Virginia Tech’s Child Development
Laboratory. Both centers were NAEYC accredited. At both locations, my responsibilities included
leading small and large group activities, helping with lunches and snacks, and implementing
appropriate activities. My work in the Child Development Laboratory provided me with extensive
knowledge of developmentally appropriate activities and materials.
• develop lesson plans on a wide range of topics and varying levels of academic ability,
• work with emotionally and physically challenged students in a total inclusion program,
• observe and participate in effective classroom management approaches,
• assist with parent-teacher conferences, and
• complete In-Service sessions on diversity, math and reading skills, and community relations.
The teacher preparation program at Virginia Tech includes a full academic year of student teaching.
Last semester I taught second grade and this semester, fourth grade. These valuable experiences
have afforded me the opportunity to:
I enjoyed our conversation on February 19 at the Family and Child Development seminar on
teaching young children and appreciated your personal input about helping children attend
school for the first time. This letter is to follow-up on the Fourth Grade Teacher position as
discussed at the seminar. I will be completing my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Child
Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education at Virginia Tech in May of 2014,
and will be available for employment at that time.
Dear Dr. Rhodes:
Dr. Michael Rhodes, Jr.
Principal, Wolftrap Elementary School
1205 Beulah Road
Vienna, VA 22182
February 22, 2015
E-2 Apartment Heights Dr.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-0101
abcd@vt.edu
Letter of Application
Attachment: Resume included below and
attached MS Word document
Sincerely,
Lynn A. Johnson
5542 Hunt Club Lane, #1
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-555-8888
lajohnson@vt.edu
Thank you for your consideration.
In email:
• There’s obviously no need
to leave space for your
handwritten signature; not
applicable in email.
• Your address block follows
your name, at the end of
the text.
I look forward to talking with you, and will call you within the next week to
answer any questions you may have.
My resume, which more fully details my qualifications for the position, is
attached and below.
While working toward my master’s degree, I was employed as a sales
representative with a small dairy foods firm. I increased my sales volume
and profit margin appreciably while at Farmer’s Foods, and hope to couple
that success with the challenges and rewards of the pharmaceutical
industry. I have a strong academic background in biology and marketing,
and think that I could apply that knowledge and my experience to the
health industry.
I am writing to apply for your sales representative position (number
sdr-324-782) for the Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina areas; I found
the position posted on Hokies4Hire. I am very interested in a position with
Acme Pharmaceuticals because I know your reputation through a former
classmate, Joan Abrams, who now works in your Northeast region. I
believe that my education and employment background are appropriate for
the position.
Dear Mr. Jackson:
Letter of Application Sent via Email
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Email Letter of Inquiry About Internship Possibilities
Dear Ms. Range:
I am completing my junior year at Virginia Tech, and am seeking an internship working with high-school age
youth in an outdoor setting. I am double-majoring in Sociology and Family and Child Development and have
a strong interest and experience in outdoor activities. I learned about your Wilderness Challenge program
for troubled juveniles through Internet research, and am writing to inquire about possible internship or
summer job possibilities.
My background and coursework have supplied me with an understanding of dealing with the adolescent
community and with many skills that are a good match for your program. For example:
• I worked as a hotline assistant for a local intervention center. I counseled teenagers about personal
concerns and referred them, when necessary, to appropriate professional services for additional help.
• I have been active at the university as a resident hall assistant, which requires me to establish rapport
with fifty residents and advise them on personal matters, as well as university policies. In addition, I
develop social and educational programs and activities each semester for up to 200 participants.
• I have extensive camping, hiking, and canoeing experience.
My attached resume provides additional details about my background.
I will be in the Marion area during my Spring break, March 1 - March 8, and plan to contact you at that
time to inquire about an opportunity to meet with you to discuss your program.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Stacy Lee Gimble
Attachment
Follow Up to Meetings (information sessions, career fairs, etc.)
Sample Email
Dear [Recruiter/Contact Name],
Thank you for speaking with me at [event name]. I enjoyed
our discussion about [opportunities with company or
memorable portion of conversation]. I am writing to follow
up with you about [the opportunity we spoke about]. I have
read more about the opportunity [or applied online as you
suggested] and I am very excited about the opportunity to
join the team as an [intern/position title]. I would like to
maintain contact with you about this position and/or other
opportunities with [company name]. If there is any additional
information required from me or if there is any additional
information you would like to share with me, please contact
me either by phone at [phone number] or via email, [email
address]. I will also send you a LinkedIn connection request
as another means to maintain contact.
Sample Voicemail
Hello my name is [your name] leaving a message for
[recruiter/contact name]. It is [time] on [day, date]. I am
calling to follow up with you regarding the conversation we
had at [event name/location and approximate time frame
(last week, a few weeks ago)]. I appreciated you taking the
time to talk with me about [opportunity]. I have applied online
as you instructed and I was hoping to talk with you further
about the opportunity. When you have a moment would you
please call me back at [phone number]. Or if email is more
convenient for you, feel free to email me at [email address
and then spell out email]. Again this is [your name] calling for
[recruiter name] following up from our conversation at [event
name and location]. Thank you.
Thanks again for speaking with me and I look forward to
communicating with you further.
Best Regards,
[Your name]
65
Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Interviews: Tips, Types, and To Do’s
What you need to know:
Interview Stages:
• Yourself
• Introduction
• The Employer
• Dialogue
• Interview Process
• Closing
Types of Interviews to
Prepare For
Sell the employer
on how you fit the
opening. How will
you add value?
Phone
Video
Face-to-face
Group
Say thank you.
Send a note of
thanks after your
interview: email,
handwritten or
both.
Interview Do’s
• Arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled interview
appointment.
• Dress appropriately and conservatively.
• Know the exact time and location of your interview;
some employers may schedule interviews at other
locations.
• Know the name and pronunciation of your interviewer’s
name.
• Address the interviewer by his/her title—Mr., Ms.,
Mrs., Dr. Listen closely to the introduction so you will
know his/her title.
• Offer a firm handshake at the beginning and
conclusion of the interview.
• Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.
• Sit still in your seat. Avoid slouching, twisting, and
fidgeting.
• Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
Research the organization prior to the interview in the
Career Services and Newman Libraries or online.
• Be concise with your answers, yet be complete.
• If you are given an application form, complete it
factually and neatly.
66
Use specific
examples as you
answer questions.
No one else has
your stories.
Follow up after
your meeting.
Find out before
you leave your
interview when to
check in.
• At the conclusion of the interview, inform the
interviewer that you will be pleased to supply additional
information if needed.
• Express your appreciation to the interviewer for taking
the time to talk to you.
• Show enthusiasm and initiative.
• Portray self-confidence.
Interview Don’ts
• Do not make negative comments about previous
employers or professors.
• Do not falsify your application or answers to any
interview questions.
• Do not imply that you will consider only one specific job
with that particular organization.
• Do not give the impression that you are interested in
the organization because of its geographical location.
• Do not give the impression that you are just surveying
the employment possibilities.
• If you choose to use cologne, use it sparingly.
• Don’t ask about salary/benefits unless the employer
brings it up first.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Research Employers
Before Interviews
About the organization
❑ Mission/culture
❑ NEWS: valuable source to create questions
❑ Products or services
❑ Market share/stock price/number of employees/annual sales
❑ Competitors
❑ Financial outlook
About the position
❑ Job duties
❑ Career path
❑ Training
About the people
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Who is interviewing you? Ask if you don’t know
Knowing about your interviewer will make you more at ease
Visit CareerShift to find articles mentioning your interviewers
Use Google and LinkedIn to learn about your interviewers
About the location
❑ Going Global for information on over 40 U.S. cities and 30 countries
❑ Best places to live: www.bestplaces.net
Resources to tap into
❑ Glassdoor.com
❑ LinkedIn.com
❑ CareerShift and Going Global via career.vt.edu
❑ Google
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Virginia Tech
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Interviews Are a 2-Way Street
EMPLOYER
Questions Asked by Employers
You will be asked many questions during a job interview. Below is
a list of questions that may help you prepare and be more at ease
during the interview.
• What are your long-range goals and objectives?
• What are your short-range goals and objectives?
• How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
• What are the most important rewards you expect in your
career?
• Why did you choose the major/career for which you are
preparing?
• What are your strengths, weaknesses, and interests?
• How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well
would describe you?
• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
• In what ways have your college experiences prepared you for
a career?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our
organization?
• What qualities should a successful manager possess?
• What two or three accomplishments have given you the most
satisfaction? Why?
• Describe your most rewarding college experience.
• What interests you about our product or service?
• Why did you select your college or university?
• What led you to choose your major or field of study?
• What college subjects did you like best? Why?
• What college subjects did you like least? Why?
• If you could do so, how would you plan your academic studies
differently?
• Do you think your grades are a good indication of your
academic achievement?
• What have you learned from participation in extracurricular
activities?
• In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
• How do you work under pressure?
• In what part-time, co-op, or summer jobs have you been most
interested? Why?
• How would you describe the ideal job for you following
graduation?
• Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization?
• What two or three things would be most important to you in
your job?
• What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for
which you hope to work?
• Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?
• Are you willing to travel?
• Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
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CANDIDATE
Questions to Ask Employers
The employer will usually provide an opportunity
for you to ask questions. Always be prepared to
ask questions. Prepare questions, recognizing that
some of them will be answered in the interview.
In the on-campus interview, do not ask questions
that are answered in the literature provided by
the employer. If you are having trouble developing
questions, you may want to consider the following:
• What are the company’s strengths and
weaknesses compared to its competition?
• How important does upper management
consider the function of this department/
position?
• What is the organization’s plan for the next
five years, and how does this department fit
in?
• Could you explain your organizational
structure?
• How will my leadership responsibilities and
performance be measured? By whom?
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of
this job?
• Could you describe your company’s
management style and the type of employee
who fits well with it?
• What are some of the skills and abilities
necessary for someone to succeed in this
job?
• What is the company’s policy on providing
seminars, workshops, and training so
employees can keep up their skills or acquire
new ones?
• What particular computer equipment and
software do you use?
• What kind of work can I expect to be doing the
first year?
• What percentage of routine, detailed work will I
encounter?
• How much opportunity is there to see the end
result of my efforts?
• Who will review my performance? How often?
• How much guidance or assistance is made
available to individuals in developing career
goals?
• How much opportunity will I have for
decision-making in my first assignment?
• Can you describe an ideal employee?
• What is your organization’s policy on transfers
to other cities?
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Video Interviewing Tips
Two Basic Types of Interviews
• Live Interviews: talk to the interviewer from your video device
• Taped Interviews: respond to prompts, written or in an application
Camera should be at the same height as the top of
your head
You look better when the camera looks down on you.
Looking up gives definition to your chin and that is a visual
indicator of strength and character. Having the camera
sit slightly above your hairline will help you maintain good
posture while giving you the most attractive camera angle.
If you wear glasses, get an anti-glare coating
If they can’t see your eyes, they can’t trust you. Every reputable eyeglass retailer offers an anti-glare lens coating at
a modest charge. Without the coating, your eyes look like
a circle of light. With the coating, the interviewers get the
feeling that they are making a connection with you (because
you are looking directly into the camera).
Use anti-shine makeup
People read a shiny face as a sweaty face. They read a
sweaty face as a nervous face. Video amplifies any degree
of shine you might have on your face. It turns into a shiny
white space that distracts from the real message. You want
just enough to eliminate the glare. Too much makeup is a
bad thing.
Look directly into the camera
Make eye contact with the interviewer. This means looking
at the camera and not the screen. Making eye contact with
the camera is critical. People read a lack of eye contact as
an indicator of untrustworthiness.
Watch your posture
Because the interview will be done in some place that you
are comfortable, it’s easy to forget that it’s a formal interaction. You should not slouch, squirm, look away from the
camera for more than a brief moment, look bored, or yawn.
When you are in the interview, you have to act like you are in
the interviewer’s office, not your bedroom.
Manage the background
The interviewer isn’t interested in your books or other
collectibles. Find a simple background and set your camera
up to capture it. The best image is your head and shoulders against simple backgrounds (not white). The image
shouldn’t show any of the table.
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2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Use InterviewStream to Perfect
Your Interview Skills
InterviewStream is a web-based mock interview program
that allows you to record yourself interviewing with your
computer’s webcam and send it to an advisor to provide
you feedback. There are over 6,000 questions to choose
from so you can practice industry-specific questions.
1. Access VT’s InterviewStream Portal by using your
VT PID and password: https://www.career.vet.edu/
scripts/InterviewStream/login.asp.
2. Create an account: Click “Create Account” to create
your free InterviewStream account.
3. Pick the questions you’d like to be asked: Select a
pre-built interview, click “Choose This Interview” or
click “Customize Your Own Interview” to set or create
your own interview.
70
4. Conduct your interview: Using the webcam on your
computer, you can conduct a mock interview at any
time in any place. A video interviewer will first ask you
the question, then the camera will begin recording your
response. You can view your answer, retry, or continue
to the next question.
5. Watch and share your video: You can send your
completed interview to a professor, mentor, or an
advisor in Career Services to have it reviewed or you
can just use this tool to practice on your own. Visit
the VT mock interview website for instructions on
reviewing your InterviewStream Interview with an
advisor, or call Career Services at 540-231-6241 to
set up an appointment. You will be directed to send
your video to the advisor you’ll be meeting with.
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral Interviewing
Behavioral interviewing is a technique used by employers in
which the questions asked assist the employer in making
predictions about a potential employee’s future success
based on past behaviors. In behavior-based interviews,
candidates are asked to give specific examples of when
they demonstrated particular behaviors or skills.
The candidate must describe in detail a particular event,
project, or experience, how he/she dealt with the
situation, and what the outcome was.
Effective Formula for Answering
Behavioral Interviews
S. Describe the Situation you were in or
T. the Task you needed to accomplish;
A. describe the Action you took and
R. the Results of your experience.
Prepare for Behavioral Interviews
Use the STAR formula for responding to behavioral questions: S Situation, T Task, A Action, R Results. To help you
prepare, use the STAR formula to come up with a story you would tell for each skill area below.
SKILL
YOUR STAR STORY
Teamwork
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Goal Setting/
Achievement
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Creativity
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Situation:
Action:
Task:
Result:
Decision Making
Persuasion
Communication Skills
Time Management
Multitasking
Leadership
Problem Solving
Adaptability
Going above and
beyond call of duty
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Interview Follow-Up Correspondence
NOTE: Thank-you notes should be sent within 24-48 hours of your interview. However, follow-ups to interviews should be
done if the employer has not responded to you about next steps within the timeframe shared during your interview.
Sample Email
Dear [Recruiter/Contact Name],
First I would like to thank you again for taking the time to
speak with me about [Title/Position] during our interview
on [date or estimated timeframe]. I am writing because I
have not received an update since our interview. I would
like to understand the status of the search. I would also
like to reiterate my interest in the position. Our discussion
has furthered my interest in the position and increased my
enthusiasm for joining the team at [Company Name]. And of
course, I would like to be selected for the position [or chosen
to move forward in the process (if additional interviews are
required)]. I believe that my skills, experiences and values
are in alignment with the requirements of the position and
the work culture at [Company Name].
Any update on the search and/or feedback on my interview
that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I can be
contacted by phone at [your phone number] or via email,
[your email address]. Thank you so much for your time and
consideration of me for this position. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Sample Voicemail
Hello my name is [your name] leaving a message for
[recruiter/contact name]. It is [time] on [day, date]. I am
calling to follow up with you regarding the [Title/Position]
that I interviewed for [date or estimated timeframe]. I would
appreciate an update on the status of the opening as I have
not received an update on the search since our interview. I
would also like to reiterate my interest in the position. Our
interview discussion has furthered my enthusiasm for the
position and joining the team at [Company Name]. I believe
that my skills, experiences and values are in alignment with
the requirements of the position and the work culture at
[Company Name]. If you need additional information from me,
feel free to contact me via email [spell out email address] or
by phone at [your phone number]. Again this is [your name]
calling for [recruiter name] following up from our interview.
Thank you again for your time and consideration of me for
this position. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Thank-You via Email
Dear Ms. Smith:
Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you and see your
facilities last Wednesday. Both the interview and the tour
made for an exciting and complete day.
I was particularly impressed with your warehousing
procedures. Mr. Allen was so thorough in explaining your
process to me, and I will be corresponding directly with him
to express my appreciation. Incidentally, the process you
use is quite similar to one I have been researching through
an independent study this term. Perhaps I can share my
final report with you and Mr. Allen.
The expense report you requested is attached.
Again, thank you for your hospitality. I am quite interested in
Sheldon Computers and Electronics, and look forward to your
decision.
Sincerely,
Jim Richardson
Attachment
72
Handwritten Thank-You Note
Dear Mr. Wright,
I enjoyed interviewing with you during your recruiting visit to Virginia
Tech in February. After learning more about the management position,
I think I would find the position both challenging and rewarding and
would thrive in the company culture at your office.
As mentioned during my interview, I will be graduating in May with a
bachelor’s degree in management. Through my educational experience
I have gained many skills, as well as understanding of how management
works. This plus my two related internships would be an asset to your
company.
Thank you again for taking the time to interview me, I look forward to
your decision. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything
at (540) 555-1111 or at smith@vt.edu.
Sincerely,
Marianne Boles
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Salary Information:
What Are You Worth?
You can always
come by and
talk to a career
advisor about
job offers!
Total Compensation
Total compensation refers to the consideration of all factors in
an offer, not just the salary. In order to do this you want to know
where to do your research and what factors to think about.
Factors to Consider
Places to research starting salries and cost of living:
Health insurance
• career.vt.edu, type in “post graduation report”
• www.jobsearchintelligence.com/nace/
salary-calculatorintro/
Retirement
Moving expenses
Opportunity for advancement
• money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/cost-of-living/
Type of work
• salary.com or payscale.com
Geographical location
• jobstar.org
Vacation & Sick leave
• www.salaryexpert.com
Flexible work hours, gym
memberships, and parking
• www.glassdoor.com
• www.jobnob.com/salaries
• The Jobs Rated Almanac
Future education
Professional development and training
• American Salaries and Wages Survey
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Compare Your Offer$
Company A
Position
Company Size
Hours
Vacation
Sick Time
Travel
Retirement Plan
Health Insurance
Moving Allowance
Signing Bonus
Advancement
Opportunities
Boss
(personality fit)
Location
Salary
Other Issues
74
Company B
Company C
Company D
2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech
Negotiating Job Offers
Receiving a job offer, particularly from one of your top
choices, is exciting. However, the process can become
stressful if the offer does not meet your expectations or
match your worth. Negotiating offers, particularly salary, is
becoming more and more common. Yet it is a conversation
that many students and recent graduates are unsure of
how to initiate. Below is a sample negotiation script. If you
would like additional advising, please call 540-231-6241
to schedule an appointment with a career advisor.
IMPORTANT: Before initiating the conversation, be sure
to diligently research the salary range for the position. Be
prepared to cite your sources, and/or other pending offers,
when making the case for an increase in salary.
Student: I want to say thank you again for extending
the offer to join the [company name] team. I am
extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work
with you and this organization. However, I would like
to discuss compensation, as it is less than I expected.
Company: Sure we can talk about compensation.
What did you have in mind?
Student: Before we get into specific numbers, I would
like to understand how your organization structures
salary ranges and how this particular salary was
determined. I would like this to work for both of us.
Listen to the response (A likely reason will be lack of
experience).
Student: I understand the organization prefers to
bring recent graduates in at the lower end of the
range due to a lack of experience. However, my
internship experiences, technical expertise, and
education warrants a higher salary. According to the
Virginia Tech Post-Grad Survey, graduates within my
major make a higher salary than what was offered
for similar work. The National Association of Colleges
and Employers (NACE) most recent salary survey also
indicates that the starting salary for similar positions
is higher than what was offered.
Company: I have heard your argument. However,
the most we can offer is XXXXX which is still less than
what you want.
Acknowledging a Job Offer
(neither accepting nor declining)
444 University Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-9876
xyzabc@vt.edu
July 1, 2015
Grand Hotel Inc.
8899 Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24022
Student: Well [company name] is indeed one of my
top choices for employment and based on what I
know about the company and from my interview, I
believe I would enjoy working there, gain invaluable
experience, and be a contributing member of the
team. I am willing to consider a signing bonus of
XXXX in lieu of an increase in salary OR additional
vacation time OR flexible working hours OR telecommuting once per week. Are any of these elements
negotiable?
Dear “insert name of contact”:
I am acknowledging your letter offering me the catering and sales
representative position with Grand Hotel, Incorporated. Thank you
very much for offering me this exciting opportunity. The terms of
your offer are clear, and I am certain I will be able to give you a
response by your requested deadline of July 16. I appreciate your
allowing me ample time to consider your offer so that I can be sure
my decision will be in the best interest of both my career goals
and the needs of your corporation.
In the meantime, should I have any questions, I will call you.
Please do not hesitate to call me if I can provide you with any
needed information.
Yours truly,
Paula Morgan
PLEASE NOTE: There is a level of risk associated with negotiating. Negotiations may
fail leading to a decline of the offer. Keep
in mind though that if research supports
your desired salary it is likely that you can
obtain that salary elsewhere. However, it
is in UNETHICAL to renege on an offer. If
you accept an offer, you should stop your
job search and cancel any scheduled interviews. If you would like to continue your
job search in hopes of securing a higher
salary, you should decline the offer and
then proceed with your search.
Paula Morgan
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2015-2016 Career Planning Guide
Declining a Job Offer
Request for Extension of Deadline for
Accepting or Rejecting a Job Offer
March 1, 2015
900 Town Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-9009
myname@vt.edu
Dr. Thomas G. Jones
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
tgjones@xxxyyyzzz.gov
April 20, 2015
Dear Dr. Jones:
Thank you for your telephone call and letter of last week offering
me the position of Wildlife Biologist with the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife. I am excited about the opportunity this
position offers both in terms of job duties and location.
You asked that I make a decision by March 20. This is an
important decision and I do not have all the information I need
in order to make this decision by that date. Would it be possible
for me to supply you with my decision by March 27? I would very
much appreciate such an extension, and assure you that I will be
able to make a firm decision by that date.
Thank you very much for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
Suzanne George
343 Jefferson Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-552-1111
sgeo@vt.edu
Acceptance of a Job Offer
1234 College Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-0000
email : myname@vt.edu
March 1, 2015
Mr. Johnathon P. Summers
Summers Fruit Company
1678 Plantation Road
Atlanta, GA 46201
Dear Mr. Summers:
Thank you for your offer of employment as a grower at your Fruitville, Florida site. I am delighted to accept your offer and look
forward to beginning work with Summers Fruit Company.
You indicated that I will be receiving a salary of $______ per year,
and will have initial duties reporting to Andrea Caruso. As your offer
stated, I will begin work on August 1st. In mid-July, after
relocating to the area, I will call you to see what information or
materials I may need before August 1st. In the meantime, please
let me know if I can provide you with any information.
Dear Mr. Jones:
Thank you very much for your telephone call and letter offering me the
position of Assistant Project Coordinator with the Citizens Network for
Foreign Affairs. While I believe firmly in the mission of your organization and
appreciate the challenging opportunity you offer, I have had another offer
which I believe more closely matches my current career goals and interests.
Therefore, although it was a difficult decision, I must decline your offer. I do
appreciate all the courtesy and hospitality extended to me by your office, and
I wish you well in your endeavors.
In the position I have accepted with Public Policy Watch, I will occasionally
be on Capitol Hill to attend hearings and monitor legislation, so I hope we
can get together again and talk about common interests.
Best regards,
Martin Chang
Martin Chang
Withdrawing From Job Search, via Email;
Follow-Up to Phone Call
March 1, 2015
Ms. Vera L. Clark
Green Magazine
1515 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
vclark@greenmag.com
Dear Ms. Clark:
I want to express my sincerest appreciation to you for including me
in the interview process as you seek candidates for your magazine’s
Editorial Assistant position. I have enjoyed meeting with the
members of your staff and think you have an outstanding operation.
However, to confirm our telephone conversation of this morning, I
respectfully withdraw from consideration for your position. I have
just accepted another employment offer which I believe very closely
matches my current skills and career goals.
I wish you and the staff of Green Magazine the best of success. I
hope we will have the chance to visit at the upcoming Magazine
Writers’ Conference. Thank you again for the opportunity to explore
career possibilities with your office.
Again, thank you for offering me this exciting opportunity.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Amanda Vonn
1234 College Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-0000
avonn@vt.edu
Rebecca Atkinson
76
Mr. John Jones
Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs
343 Third Street, NW
Washington, DC 20201-0343
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83