Engineering Professional Development
2015-2016
Career Resource Manual
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T C
ableof
ontents
Letter From the Director of Engineering Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
A College Timeline: How to Plan for Career Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
RESUMES & COVER LETTERS
Resumes 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Transferable Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How to Write Effective Bulleted Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Resume Power Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Resume Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sample Resumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Global Experience Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Curriculum Vitae (CV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Resume vs. CV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Sample Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
NETWORKING, PROFESSIONALISM & CAREER FAIRS
Network Your Way to a Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Social Networking Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Your 60-Second Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
INTERVIEWS
How to Succeed in a Professional Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Sample Interview Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Attire for the Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
GAINING EXPERIENCE
Cooperative Education and Internship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consider Doing a Coop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Make an Impact at Your Internship or Full-Time Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Don’t Forget the Small Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DuPont Industrial Biosciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ESCO Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Gilbane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
HNI Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
Pure Michigan Talent Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rockwell Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
For information on advertising in this Manual, call (630) 457-1412
Career
Resource
Manual
2015-2016
The University
of Iowa
32
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NAVIGATING JOB OFFERS & POST-COLLEGE SUCCESS
Negotiating the Job Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Graduate School for Engineers—Factors to Consider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
ADVERTISER INDEX
Engineering
Professional
Development
The University of Iowa prohibits
discrimination in employment
and in its educational programs
and activities on the basis of race,
national origin, color, creed,
religion, sex, age, disability, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or associational preference.
The University also affirms its
commitment to providing equal
opportunities and equal access to
University facilities. For additional
information on nondiscrimination
policies, contact the Coordinator of
Title IX, Section 504, and the ADA
in the Office of Affirmative Action,
(319) 335-0705 (voice) and (319)
335-0697 (text), 202 Jessup Hall, The
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
52242-1316.
Letter from the Director
Greetings College of Engineering Students!
As we kick off another exciting and challenging year, I encourage all of you to continually think about ways to
enhance your education—through co-ops and internships, research, study abroad, volunteering, leadership experiences, clubs and organizations and other extracurricular activities. You ARE our next generation of leaders and
problem solvers. The more you have developed your technical and transferable skills, the more competitive you will
become as you begin your search for full-time employment and the quicker you’ll be able to make a difference in an
organization. There are three points I want you to keep in mind as you plan for your career.
You’re not in this alone. Utilize a variety of resources including our career resource manual which will serve as a
valuable tool to guide you through this lifelong process. Take advantage of your existing network and seek out ways
to make further connections. Meet with professional staff in the College of Engineering to assist you through all
stages of the career development process, including:
• Career Exploration and Coaching
• Resume and Cover Letter Building
• Interviewing Preparation
• Job/Internship Search Strategies
• Job Offer Evaluation and Negotiation
It’s up to you to take ownership of your career. Take advantage of all the opportunities you can. Utilize the
University’s on-line recruiting system, Hireahawk.com, to post your resume, search for positions, research companies and apply for on-campus interviews. Attend the fall and spring engineering career fairs, employer presentations
and networking events and all of the other career related workshops and seminars you can. Stop by the Student
Development Center in 3124 SC to make an individual appointment or drop by for a quick resume review with a Peer
Advisor. The opportunities are out there but it’s up to you to be proactive.
Dream big but be flexible. In this time of constant transition and change, students who can shift their plans to the
conditions of the job market will have less stress and more success. Talk with companies you’ve never heard of and
explore careers you’ve never considered. You might be surprised at what you find and where it leads you.
You’ve worked hard to get where you are; make it another great year!
Best Wishes,
Kelli Delfosse
Director, Engineering Professional Development
3124 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts & Sciences
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd
A College Timeline
How to Plan for Career Success
First-Year—Question
Juniors—Making Decisions
❑ Explore your interests and abilities through academic
courses
❑ Complete at least five informational interviews in careers
you want to explore
❑ Utilize self-assessment tools both online and through
the Student Development Center and Pomerantz Career
Center
❑ Shadow several professionals in your field of interest
❑ Consider volunteer positions to help you build your
resume and broaden your experience
❑ Attend job fairs and employer information sessions that
relate to your interests
❑ Collect information on internships, cooperative education
and other paid work experiences
❑ Narrow your career interest areas
❑ Learn about any cooperative education or internship
programs offered through Engineering Professional
Development
❑ Talk to recent graduates in your major about the job
market and potential employers.
❑ Join university organizations that will offer you leadership
roles in the future
❑ Attend the fall and spring Engineering Career Fairs to
gather information on potential careers and employers
❑ Familiarize yourself with the services and resources available through Engineering Professional Development
❑ Visit each social media profile you have, and either edit
your content or your privacy settings
❑ Explore the resources on the Engineering Professional
Development website
❑ Attend a resume workshop and create a first draft of your
resume
❑ Register for the university’s online recruiting system,
Hireahawk
Sophomores—Research
❑ Choose a major that you will enjoy studying
❑ Obtain an internship/field experience or other experiencebased education
❑ Take on more responsibilities in extracurricular activities
❑ Explore at least three career options available to you
through your major
❑ Attend ALL job fairs and employer information sessions
that relate to your major
❑ Identify organizations and associations in your interest
areas for shadowing opportunities
❑ Find out more about career opportunities related to your
major
❑ Research potential organizations
❑ Obtain an internship or other practical career experience
❑ Meet with Engineering Professional Development to have
your resume updated
❑ Participate in seminars or workshops to learn more about
job search strategies such as networking and interviewing
skills
Seniors—Job Search
❑ Stay up-to-date with the Engineering Professional
Development calendar and participate in on-campus
recruiting activities
❑ Participate in interviewing skills seminars/workshops or a
mock interview program
❑ Develop a list of prospective employers with contact names
and addresses from organi­zations you are interested in
pursuing
❑ Determine your career-related strengths and skills; determine what you have to offer an employer
❑ Meet with Engineering Professional Development to have
your updated resume reviewed
❑ Visit job listing websites
❑ Draft a cover letter that can be adapted for a variety of
employers and have it reviewed
❑ Research information on realistic salary expectations
❑ Go on employment interviews, evaluate job offers and
accept one!
Adapted with permission from Career Services at Virginia Tech.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 3
Resumes and Cover Letters
A
Resumes 101
resume is a document that summarizes and highlights your job-related skills, education, experiences, and activities. Getting a job or
internship is a sales process; you are both the product and the salesperson, and the resume is your advertisement which clearly reflects
your abilities and qualifications. The purpose of most resumes is to obtain an interview for an internship or job. College and graduate
admissions offices and scholarship programs may also request a resume during the application process. An employer spends an average of 15
to 20 seconds reviewing a resume. Make your first impression a good one.
Purpose
• The purpose of a resume is to effectively communicate your
potential and to obtain an interview for an internship or job.
• Your resume is an advertising tool that tells employers what you
can do in their field, what you have done that relates to the job
they would need you to do, and your qualifications for the job.
• Your resume advertises how you can help employers solve
their problems.
• There is not one “right way” to put together a resume; many
different styles can be effective.
• A sure way to know if your resume is effective is whether or
not it is getting you interviews.
Guidelines
• Keep your resume to one page; include only that which is
relevant to the position.
• Tailor the resume to fit each position to which you apply—
it is not effective to create one resume and use it for all
opportunities.
• Find out what is important to each employer by researching
their website and job descriptions.
• Create a skills or capabilities section that contains important
“keywords” related to the position.
• Use action verbs to describe your experiences and achievements.
Research Tools
Use the following tools to research job descriptions and to explore
industries:
• ONET, http://online.onetcenter.org, is a great resource to
find occupation(s) and review typical tasks.
• OOH, www.bls.gov/ooh, lists hundreds of occupations and
describe What They Do, Work Environment, How to Become
One, Pay, and more.
Styles
• Resume styles focus on the order and the way information is
placed and presented on your resume.
• Resumes typically fit one of three styles: chronological, functional, combination.
• Choosing the right style comes down to two factors:
1. The amount, consistency, and depth of work experience
you have accumulated so far in your career field and;
2. How well the job you seek is aligned with your past work
experience.
Chronological resumes present your job-related experiences in
reverse chronological date order (most recent listed first and then
going backwards in time). Consider using this style if you have an
established career direction and you are continuing on the same or
similar career path.
Functional resumes group your skills and experiences together based
on job-related functional areas. Place your experience statements
together beneath job-related functional areas. A chronological listing of
employment history should also be included. Consider using this style
if you are changing career direction or if you have skill sets from past
experiences that may not be directly related.
4 Engineering Professional Development
Combination resumes bring relevant work experience/ history to
the forefront by breaking the experience/work history in to two
sections: “Related” and “Other/Additional.” The combination
resume generally starts with a functional resume format that allows
the reader to see your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications.
It first lets the reader see the experience you have that is related to
the job opening, then lets the potential employer look at your work
history. This style allows the reader to first match your qualifications against the needs of the job opening, and then gives the reader
a sense of where the accomplishments took place.
Content & Format
• Content deals with the actual information you have included
on your resume regarding your skills, qualifications, experience, and achievements.
• Format deals with the layout of your resume; margins, font
type and spacing.
• Both are important because they will impact the employers
ability to easily read your resume.
Objective Statements
• There are mixed opinions about the value of including an
objective on a resume.
• All agree that an objective is a waste of space if it is too general
or simply states that the job fits your professional goals.
• A tailored objective demonstrates that you understand the
needs of the position and allows you to highlight relevant
strengths and experiences.
• A well-written objective statement includes; job title, industry,
what you want to do and highlights key relevant skills.
Resume Writing Pitfalls
• Too long. Keep it to one page.
• Typos/errors. Suggests carelessness. Have two people proofread your resume. Don’t rely on spell-check.
• Hard to read. Use quality paper on a laser printer, plain typeface, no smaller than 10-12 point font.
• Too verbose. Do not use complete sentences or paragraphs.
A, An and The can be left out.
• Too sparse. Give more than the bare essentials when
describing related experience.
• Irrelevant info. Customize your resume to each position.
Emphasize only relevant experiences. Do not include personal
information.
• Too generic. The employer needs to feel that you are interested in that particular position with his or her company.
• Boring. Use action verbs to describe your experiences and
avoid repeating words.
• Too modest. Put your best foot forward without misrepresentation, falsification or arrogance.
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2013-2014
Career Resource Guide.
Resumes and Cover Letters
I
Transferable Skills
f you’re wondering what skills you have that would interest a
potential employer, think about your transferable skills in addition to carefully reviewing your coursework, work and project
history, campus and community involvement, leadership and
professional affiliation activities, sports involvement, language and
travel, etc.
You may still have a difficult time seeing how the skills you learned
in college will transfer to the workplace. Keep in mind that you’ve
been acquiring skills since childhood. Whether learning the value
of teamwork by playing sports, developing editing skills working
on your high school newspaper or developing countless skills while
completing your college coursework, each of your experiences has
laid the groundwork for building additional skills.
Work With Data/Information
Write • Edit • Account • Work with spreadsheets • Research
• Compute • Collect • Audit • Analyze • Forecast • Budget •
Calculate • Testing
EASY STEPS TO IDENTIFY YOUR
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Now that you know what transferable skills are, let’s put together a
list of your transferable skills. You may want to work with a career
coach to help you identify as many transferable skills as possible.
WHAT ARE TRANSFERABLE SKILLS?
Step 1. Make a list of every job title you’ve held (part-time, full-time
and internships), along with volunteer, sports and other affiliations
since starting college. Be sure to record officer positions and other
leadership roles.
Your transferable skills are often:
Step 2. Using your transcript, list the classes in your major field of
study along with foundation courses. Include electives that may be
related to your employment interests.
A transferable skill is a “portable skill” that you deliberately (or
inadvertently, if you haven’t identified them yet) take with you to
other life experiences.
• acquired through a class (e.g., an English major who is taught
technical writing)
• acquired through experience (e.g., the student government
representative who develops strong motivation and consensus
building skills)
Transferable skills supplement your degree. They provide an
employer concrete evidence of your readiness and qualifications for
a position. Identify your transferable skills and communicate them to
potential employers to increase your success during the job search.
Remember that it is impossible to complete a college degree without
acquiring transferable skills. Campus and community activities,
class projects and assignments, athletic activities, internships and
summer/part-time jobs have provided you with countless experiences where you’ve acquired a range of skills—many that you may
take for granted.
IDENTIFYING TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Step 3. For each job title, campus activity and class you’ve just
recorded, write a sentence and then underline the action taken.
Avoid stating that you learned or gained experience in any skill.
Instead, present your skill more directly as a verifiable qualification.
“While working for Jones Engineering, performed 3D modeling and
drafting.”
NOT “While working for Jones Engineering, I gained experience in
3D modeling and drafting.”
“As a member of the Caribbean Students Association, developed and
coordinated the marketing of club events.”
NOT “As a member of the Caribbean Students Association, I learned
how to market events.”
While very closely related (and with some overlap), transferable
skills can be divided into three subsets:
Step 4. Make a list of the skills/experiences you’ve identified for
future reference during your job search.
• Working With People • Working With Things
USE TRANSFERABLE SKILLS IN THE JOB SEARCH
• Working With Data/Information
For example, some transferable skills can be used in every workplace setting (e.g., organizing or public speaking) while some are
more applicable to specific settings (e.g., drafting or accounting).
The following are examples of skills often acquired through the classroom, jobs, athletics and other activities. Use these examples to help
you develop your own list of the transferable skills you’ve acquired.
Work With People
Sell • Train • Mentor • Teach • Supervise •Organize • Solicit •
Motivate• Mediate • Negotiate • Advise • Delegate •
Entertaining • Represent
Work With Things
Repair • Assemble • Design • Operate • Drive • Maintain •
Construct • Build • Sketch• Utilize• Create • Engineer • Process•
Troubleshooting
Your success in finding the position right for you will depend on
your ability to showcase your innate talents and skills. You also
will need to demonstrate how you can apply these skills at an
employer’s place of business. Consult with Engineering Professional
Development to help you further identify relevant transferable skills
and incorporate them on your resume and during your interviews.
During each interview, be sure to emphasize only those skills that
would be of particular interest to a specific employer.
Transferable skills are the foundation upon which you will build
additional, more complex skills as your career unfolds. Start making
your list of skills and you’ll discover that you have more to offer
than you realized!
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2013-2014
Career Resource Guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 5
Resumes and Cover Letters
Transferable Skills (continued)
As you begin your job search or consider careers that would be right for you, it is important to know what you are good at and what you
enjoy doing. Over the years, you have developed many skills from coursework, extracurricular activities, internships, jobs and your total life
experiences. If you’ve researched, written, edited and presented papers for classes, you’ve used skills that are not limited to any one academic
discipline or knowledge area but are transferable to many occupations. A prospective employer expects you to apply the skills you have learned
through your studies, work, and life experiences to the work environment.
What Skills and Qualities Are Important to Employers?
According to the 2013 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook Survey, the top 10 qualities/skills employers seek
are transferable skills:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ability to verbally communicate.
Ability to work in a team structure.
Ability to make decisions and solve problems.
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
Ability to obtain and process information.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Ability to analyze quantitative data.
Technical knowledge related to the job.
Proficiency with computer software programs.
Ability to create and/or edit written reports.
Ability to sell or influence others.
Which of the top ten skills do you excel in? How have you demonstrated these? How can you develop them further?
Human Relations
Design & Planning
Attend to the social, physical or mental needs of people
Imagine the future, develop a process for creating it
being sensitive
counsel
advocate
coach
providing care
convey feelings
empathize
interpersonal skills
facilitating group process
active listening
motivate
anticipate problems
create images
design programs
display
brainstorming new ideas
improvise
compose
think visually
anticipating consequences of action
conceptualize
creating images
Communication
Organization, Management
Research & Planning
Exchange, transmission and expression of knowledge and ideas Direct and guide a group in
completing tasks and attaining goals The search for specific knowledge
speak effectively
write concisely
listen attentively
express ideas
facilitate discussion
provide appropriate feedback
negotiate
perceive nonverbal messages
persuade
describe feelings
interview
edit
summarize
promote
work in a team
make presentations
think on one’s feet
deal with public
initiate new ideas
make decisions
lead
solve problems
meet deadlines
supervise
motivate
coordinate tasks
assume responsibility
set priorities
teach
interpret policy
mediate
recruit
resolve conflict
organize
determine policy
give directions
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2013-2014 Career Resource Guide.
6 Engineering Professional Development
set goals
analyze ideas
analyze data
define needs
investigate
read for information
gather information
formulate hypotheses
calculate and comparing
develop theory
observe
identify resources
outlining
create ideas
identify resources
critical thinking
predict and forecasting
solve problems
Resumes and Cover Letters
How to Write Effective Bulleted Statements
Describe your “duties” or “responsibilities” in an effective manner can be a daunting task. This process can be simplified by breaking the tasks
into three distinctive components:
Goal: The objective or purpose of the task.
Effect: The outcome or result of the task.
Success: The benefit of the task and how the contribution positively impacted the organization.
Consider the following task: Answered phones.
Now, consider enhancing the statement by applying the Goal, Effects and Success process.
Goal: To answer the phone and direct to appropriate staff.
Effect: Answer the phone quickly and efficiently.
Success: Minimized the amount of time a caller had to wait on the phone.
Revised Statement: Directed callers to appropriate staff quickly and efficiently, minimizing caller wait time.
Time to practice! Describe one task using the Goal, Effect and Success process.
Goal: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effect:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Success: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Resume Content – Suggested Section Headings
OBJECTIVE
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
SPECIAL SKILLS
JOB OBJECTIVE
OTHER WORK
INTERESTS
TEACHING OBJECTIVE
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL ABROAD
CAREER OBJECTIVE
PART TIME & SUMMER WORK
EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
POSITION DESIRED
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
ACADEMIC TRAINING
SPECIAL TRAINING
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
RELATED ACTIVITIES
CIVIC ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY
ACTIVITIES
COMMUNITY & OTHER ACTIVITIES
COLLEGE ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES & DISTINCTIONS
SPECIAL HONORS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS
LANGUAGE COMPETENCIES
MILITARY SERVICE
COMPUTER HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
COMPUTER LANGUAGE SKILLS
EXHIBITS
PUBLICATIONS
CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC SPEAKING
CERTIFICATION
COLLEGE DISTINCTIONS
ENDORSEMENTS
HONORS & DISTINCTIONS
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
HONORS/AWARDS
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
STUDENT TEACHING EXPERIENCE
MEMBERSHIPS
EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
ACHIEVEMENTS
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
COACHING EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
EMPLOYMENT
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
SPECIAL TALENTS
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE
CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2013-2014 Career Resource Guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 7
Resumes and Cover Letters
Fundraising
research
analyze
strategize
program
develop
contact
inquire
inform
motivate
direct
persuade
monitor
coordinate
Resume Power Verbs
Public
Accounting Leadership Writing Craft/
InnovatingLanguage
Relationsrecord create conceiveArtisancreatetranslate
assess
assess
lead
constructdesign
modify interpret
prepare
audit
encouragecraft
create
change lecture
coordinateprepare manage integrate build
upgrade converse
present maintain organizeinterpretentertain improvenegotiate
negotiate forecast comparecapture perform design compare
publicize calculateinspire abstractdraw
activateunderstand
strengthen estimate represent express
render
restructurecomprehend
promote figure govern inform illustrate establishproficiency
handle
appraise direct
summarizecompose stimulate fluency
participate examine advise
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Developmentappraise
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analyze coordinateexplore design educate classify assess
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inventory
facilitate
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schedule draw
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evaluate create
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Reprinted from Virginia Tech’s 2007-2008 Career Planning Guide.
8 Engineering Professional Development
Resumes and Cover Letters
Resume Rubric
The rubric below can be used to score the effectiveness of your resume. Use the rubric to score your resume before meeting with Engineering
Professional Development to have your resume critiqued. After your final edits are completed, score the final version of your resume using
the rubric.
Student Name:
Reviewer:
Resume goal/target industry:
Date:
Criteria
Excellent (3)
Good (2)
Overall Appearance & Style
Goal: To ensure your resume is
well-structured and highlights skills,
strengths, and experiences that are relevant
to the employer/audience.
Comments:
• Fills one page but with too much white
space
• Some inconsistent fonts & section
headings
• Some relevant information throughout
• Important information is not clear to
reader or does not stand out
• Categories need to be structured
differently to be more effective
• Exceeds one page due to irrelevant
information
• Does not fill majority of one page
• Font style & size are unreadable and/or
inconsistent
• Information not laid out in a clear &
consistent layout
• Overall lack of structure
SCORE: 3 2 1
• Appropriate use of bold, italics, &
underlines to emphasize key points
• Good use of space; not a lot of extra
white space
• Fills one page without over crowding
• Font style & size is readable
• Relevant information appears throughout
• Section headings reflect content & content
substantiates headings
Poor (1)
Typos, Grammar & Spelling Errors
Goal: To ensure your resume is free of errors
in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling.
Comments:
• Free of spelling, punctuation & spacing
errors
• Grammar is appropriate & consistent
• No personal pronouns present
• Few & minor spelling, punctuation, &
spacing errors
• Some personal pronouns
• Resume is hard to understand due to
numerous errors in spelling, punctuation,
grammar, & spacing
• Clear & concise
• Type of work is clear & targeted
• Contains the type of position being
sought
• Contains industry and/or company name
• Contains skills relevant to the position
• Missing key information
• Does not clearly state the position,
industry & relevant skills
• Includes too much or too little information
• Does not contain key information
• Entries are in reverse chronological order
• Degree is spelled out
• Major(s) is indicated
• Indicate minor/concentration, if applicable
• Graduation month/year are indicated
• Course work listed is relevant
• Each institution includes: name, location,
& dates
• Indicate relevant trainings and/or
certificates
• GPA listed is a 3.0 or above
• Degree is abbreviated
• Coursework listed is not all relevant
• No minor/concentration indicated
• Institution is named but abbreviated
• Specific department is listed
• Missing institution name and location
• Entries are not listed in reverse
chronological order
• List start and finish range of graduation
date
• Irrelevant or outdated high school
information listed
• List institution from which no degrees
were received
• Missing degree, major, and/or
concentration
• Action verbs are weak
• Verb tense is incorrect and/or inconsistent
• Verbs repeat frequently
• Bullets/SARs are not concise or direct and
do not indicate impact
• Does not indicate accomplishments or
results
• Entries do not include organization name,
dates, position title, or location
• Bullets are written in complete sentences
• Verb tense is incorrect and/or inconsistent
throughout
• Bullets/SARs are wordy, vague, do not
indicate one’s impact
• Bullets are not listed in order of
importance to the reader
• Results are not quantified when
appropriate
• Irrelevant or outdated information is listed
SCORE: 3 2 1
• Organization name, position title,
location, & dates are included
• Bullets/SARs begin with strong action
verbs, do not repeat, and are in correct
verb tense
• Bullets/SARs are concise, direct, & indicate
one’s impact/accomplishments
• Results are quantified (#s, $, %, etc.)
• Experiences and/or skills are listed in
order of relevance
• Bullets/SARs under experiences and/or
skills are listed in order of importance
• Use industry specific language &
terminology
Additional Sections
Goal: To demonstrate additional relevant
experiences, skills, or accomplishments.
Comments:
• Listings are relevant to the target
audience
• Listings are concise
• Section title is appropriate
• Some listings are relevant
• Some listings are concise
• Items are wordy
• Items are vague or irrelevant
SCORE: 3 2 1
Objective Statement
Goal: To ensure your statement is clearly
targeted to a specific company, industry,
and/or position.
Comments:
SCORE: 3 2 1
Education Section
Goal: To convey academic qualifications and
relevant training and certifications.
Comments:
SCORE: 3 2 1
Experience Section
Goal: To highlight your relevant experiences,
skills, and accomplishments.
Comments:
SCORE: 3 2 1
TOTAL SCORE:
Additional Comment(s):
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2014-2015 Career Resource Guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 9
University Address:
100 Rienow Hall Room 999
Iowa City, IA 52242
10 Engineering Professional Development
Leadership Experience & Activities
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• National Honor Society Secretary
• Student Council Secretary & Leadership Team
September 2013 – Present
October 2011 – May 2013
September 2009 – May 2013
Professional Involvement & Community Service
• Raised $400 for Dance Marathon to benefit the U of I Children’s Hospital January 2014
• Assisted the Citizen’s Advisory Board with passing the School Bond
January 2013
• Planned the men’s volleyball tournament for Homecoming Week
September 2012
Customer Service Representative
August 2012 – Present
Fidelity Bank & Trust, Anamosa, IA
• Managed customers’ accounts and ensured that their information was kept confidential
• Trusted with handling and distributing customers’ money
Work Experience
Student Development Center Office Assistant September 2013 – Present
The University of Iowa, College of Engineering, Iowa City, IA
• Create various statistics and reports using Excel for career fairs and internship program
• Design numerous presentations using PowerPoint for displays around campus as well as
for Bob Chiusano’s, a former CEO of Rockwell Collins, leadership seminar
• Implement marketing strategies to inform students about events and opportunities
through social media and other outlets
Engineering Experience & Projects
Rube Goldberg Machine
December 2013
• Constructed a machine that flowed smoothly with no assistance
• Teamed up with another group to share ideas collaboratively
• Incorporated anti-gravity features, as well as other specified items
Computer Programming
September – December 2013
• C, MATLAB, Linux OS
Windmill Construction
October 2013
• Collaborated with two team members to construct a wind turbine
• Accomplished the task of generating voltage
• Worked within building and time limitations
Education
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2017
Anticipated Degree: Bachelors of Industrial Engineering
GPA: X.XX of 4.00 – Dean’s List
Anamosa High School, Anamosa, IA Graduation Date: May 2013
Class Rank: X of XXX
GPA: X.XX of 4.00
Objective
To obtain an Engineering Internship for Summer 2016.
Permanent Address: abbey-hunt@uiowa.edu
123 Iowa Drive
(555) 555-5555
Any Town, IA 54321
Abbey Marie Hunt
Lone Tree High School, Lone Tree, Iowa
Fall 2009-Spring 2013
Fall 2013-Present
Status: Freshman
University Address:
100 Rienow Hall Room 999
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Volunteer Opportunities
Lone Tree Fun Run, Lone Tree, Iowa
• Regulated traffic to protect the safety of the runners
• Organized gift bags for the participants
BINGO, Lone Tree Care Center • Helped the elderly play BINGO
Teacher Aid, Lone Tree Community School
• Assisted teachers by making copies
• Supervised classroom while teachers were unavailable
Work Experience
Customer Service Cashier
Scheels All Sports, Coral Ridge Mall, Coralville, Iowa
• Assist unsatisfied customers
• Train new cashiers
• Balance cash register draw at the end of the day
Walker Kevin Bell Detasseling, Lone Tree, Iowa
• Supervised and trained younger workers
Activities
• WiSE Mentor Program
• PiE Living Learning Community (LLC)
• University of Iowa Dance Marathon
Fall 2011-2012
Fall 2012
Summer 2011-2012
Summer 2009-Present
Summer 2012-Present
Fall 2013
Fall 2013
Fall 2013
Engineering Experience
Cookie Coating Project September 2013
• Designed and implemented a cookie and chocolate coating combination
• Evaluated the taste, quality, nutritional value, and consistency of the cookies
Physics Competition: Toothpick Bridge
Spring 2013
• Designed a structure to support the weight within the constraints
• Performed as a member of a team to create the bridge
Leadership Roles
FCCLA: Secretary of the Lone Tree Chapter
Fall 2012
• Recorded activities completed by the local chapter
• Organized community events to promote personal growth and leadership
Assistant Coach: Fifth and Sixth Grade Girls Softball, Lone Tree, Iowa Summer 2012
• Instructed and supervised participants during activities
Education
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Major: Undeclared Engineering Permanent Address:
rachel-davidson@uiowa.edu
123 Iowa Street
(555) 555-5555
Any City, Iowa 54321
Rachel Linnea Davidson
Sample Resumes
May 2010
August 2010 – Present
Permanent Address:
555 Hawkeye Street
Any Town, IA 54321
Professional Involvement and Leadership
Steel Bridge Team Member: ASCE, Iowa City, IA
August 2011 – Present
• Contributed to project design individually and within a team
• Utilized AutoCAD software to design and present project
Engineers without Borders, Iowa City, IA
August 2010 – May 2011
• Collaborated with a team to build and design a water tower for the needs of a community in
Ghana, Africa
• Drafted, created, and presented the design using AutoCAD
Volunteer Food Pantry Assistant, Hanover Township, Hanover Park, IL August 2009 – August 2010
• Organized and distributed donations
• Developed collection and dispersal process improvements
Work Experience
Restaurant Associate, V & V Paesano, Bartlett, IL
May 2009 - May 2010
• Utilized customer service initiatives while interacting with patrons and training new employees
Leader, Open Gym, Hanover Park, IL
December 2008
• Planned and supervised activities while maintaining a positive environment
Assistant Coach, Little League, Bartlett, IL
Summer 2007
• Instructed and supervised participants during activities
Project Lead the Way (PLTW): Introduction to Engineering Design
Virtual Team Project
January 2010
• Communicated with colleagues via email to modify and redesign a dog toy organizer
• Implemented Inventor to design modified parts and present final product
Helicopter Redesign Project Fall 2010
August 2009
• Developed, modified, and improved design project using Inventor software
• Presented overall product to classmates using PowerPoint
Engineering Problem Solving 1
November 2010
Iowa River Flow Rate and Flood Protection Analysis
• Determined the volume and flow rate of the Iowa River based on current bridge and river
calculations
• Utilized calculations to determine the influence of retaining more flow to the increase in
inundation
Engineering Project Experience
Civil Engineering Practice
August - December 2011
Building Plans
• Designed floor plan, parking lot, electrical, and plumbing plans for a workout facility
• Prepared each component using AutoCAD software
High School Diploma, South Elgin High School, South Elgin, IL
Education
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2014
Current Address:
123 Iowa Drive
Any City, IA 12345
(555) 555-1234
edgar-nunez@uiowa.edu
Edgar Núñez
May 2012
GPA: X.XX/4.00
Fall 2012-Present
Current GPA: X.XX/4.00
PERMANENT ADDRESS
555 Hawkeye Street
West Town, IA 12345
Fall 2012
Fall 2008-Spring 2012
SKILLS
Languages
• Fluent in English and Spanish
Youth Sports Coach, West Liberty, IA
Fall 2008-Fall 2011
• Instructed 15 elementary students fundamentals of flag football during practices and games
• Communicated with parents regarding practice times and game schedules
• Motivated students to stay focused during practice and games
Student Council and Class Officer, West Liberty High School
• Elected Vice-President out of 91 students
• Organized and planned meetings and school events
• Collaborated with other committees to organize school dances
LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Pen Pal Program, Center for Diversity and Enrichment
Fall 2012-Summer 2013
• Wrote periodic letters to fourth grade students at West Liberty Elementary School
• Met with pen pal on campus to encourage them to continue their education
Alternative Energy Project, EPS I
• Investigated the conversion of energy from bikes to electricity
• Collected data from bikers at the Recreational Center
• Collaborated with three other students and presented data
PROJECT AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant, Iowa Biosciences Advantage Program
January 2013-Present
• Presented research at the Summer Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of
Iowa and lab meetings
• Formulated artificial mucus from pigs in pharmaceutics lab
• Tested drug delivery on mucus samples
• Dissected snails in the biology lab for invasive species research
• Analyzed raw data of antenna regrowth to understand meiotic processes
ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Technical Intern, Rockwell Collins, Coralville, IA
June-August 2012
• Evaluated effects of electrostatic discharge in military GPA components
• Presented raw data on ionizing electrostatic discharge
• Cataloged hundreds of microchip parts for book keeping purposes
EDUCATION
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Major: Chemical Engineering
Minor: Spanish
West Liberty High School, West Liberty, IA
Salutatorian, National Honor Society, AP Scholar with Honor
CURRENT ADDRESS
123 Iowa Drive
Any City, IA 54321
Edwin Sagastume
edwin-sagastume@uiowa.edu
(555) 555-5555
Sample Resumes
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 11
Jacob C. Crome
Freeport, IL
May 2012
Highland Community College
Associates of Engineering Science/Associates of Science
12 Engineering Professional Development
Instructor Alan O’Keefe
Iowa City, IA
Boy Scouts of America, Troop 31
Eagle Scout
Stockton, IL
July 2010
Phi Theta Kappa – President, Public Relations Officer2010-2012
Highland Community College
Freeport, IL
Student Senate – President, Treasurer2010-2012
Volunteerism
The University of Iowa
Bridges to Prosperity (Continental Crossings) – Design Team Captain
Dopamine Hydrochloride Absorption Experiment
Instructor John Sullivan
• Studied the absorption of dopamine hydrochloride and neodymium with various solvents
Railgun Construction
• Constructed a miniature railgun powered by multiple capacitors
Project Experience
Highland Community College Honors Program
L-Tyrosine Hydroxylase Extraction Experiment Instructor John Sullivan
• Extracted and isolated L-tyrosine hydroxylase from the adrenal glands of sheep and swine
• Used thin-layer chromatography to confirm results
Chemistry Lab Assistant
August 2011-May 2012
• Created and updated a running inventory of chemicals and equipment in stock
• Researched and executed safe disposal of unnecessary or unsafe chemical compounds
Career Services/Student Resources Student Assistant
July 2010-May 2012
• Communicated with public via telephone and email to solve problems and execute tasks
• Trained new department student workers in job requirements and guiding tours
Highland Community College
Freeport, IL
Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Tutor
July 2010-May 2012
• Worked individually and with groups of students to help them understand class material
DuPont Industrial Biosciences
Cedar Rapids, IA
Engineering Intern
May 2013-Present
• Research and test alternate methods to perform cell kill fermentation step (est. savings of
$300,000/year)
• Generate cost models for new products
• Assist in equipment design planning for plant expansion project (project value of $10 million)
• Act as formulation engineer to troubleshoot customer quality control issues
• Manage the logistics of new product formulations
• Perform data collection and troubleshooting on optical particle size probe in granulation division
(est. savings of $240,000/year, probe value $160,000)
• Implement capital improvement projects, including design, business approval, and contractor correspondence
Work Experience
Iowa City, IA
Graduating May 2015
Education
The University of Iowa
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
• Cumulative GPA X.XX/4.00
123 Iowa Drive
Any City, IA 54321
555.555.5555jacob-crome@uiowa.edu
(555) 555-1234
megan-philipp@uiowa.edu
Any Town, IA 54321
Megan Philipp
Permanent Address:
555 Hawkeye Street
Fall 2007-Spring 2011
GPA: X.XX/4.00
Activities/Service
Participant in the Iowa 24 Hours Dance Marathon
Volunteer for FIRST Tech Challenge
Member of the Women’s Iowa Rowing Team
August 2011-Present
February 2012
August-December 2011
Leadership Experience
Camp Counselor: Fry Family YMCA, Naperville, IL
Summer 2011-Present
• Supervised elementary aged children
• Coordinated with five other counselors in organizing activities, crafts, and games
• Certified for First Aid and CPR
Edible Arrangements: Fruit Design Artist (Holiday Employee) January 2006-Present
• Operated with other employees in fast-learning environment, creating fruit
baskets
Golf Co-Captain, Naperville Central High School
Fall 2010
• Cooperated with coaches and other co-captain
• Co-organized team social events and competitive matches
• Received Red and While Leadership award
Lifeguard and Swim Instructor: Naper Carriage Hill, Naperville, ILSummer 2008-2010
• Supervised the safety of swimmers/Certified in Water Rescue
• Trained groups of 5-6 elementary aged children based on their swim level
Service Chair: National Honors Society
Fall 2010-Spring 2010
• Assisted in organizing fundraising events
• Gave presentations and spoke on behalf of the organization
Engineering Field Experience
Zero-Energy Shelter Project: Engineering Problem Solving INovember-December 2011
• Researched energy-saving materials and determined cost efficiency
• Constructed prototype of a shelter and tested its ability to endure harsh conditions
Cookie Coating Project: Engineering Problem Solving I
September-October 2011
• Design and implemented a cookie and chocolate coating combination
• Evaluated the taste, quality, nutritional value, and consistency of the cookies
Corporate Engineering Intern: Packer Engineering, Naperville IL
Spring 2010
• Developed and constructed a tower built from basic materials
• Analyzed the efficiency of the number of spokes on wind energy towers
• Compiled projects and reports using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Auto CAD
software
• Improved communication and professional skills through PowerPoint presentations
• Collaborated with several other interns and staff on fast-paced projects
Naperville Central High School
Graduated with Honors
Education
The University of Iowa, Iowa City
Fall 2011-Present
Major: Industrial EngineeringGPA: X.XX/4.00
Minor: Spanish and Business
Current Address:
123 Iowa Drive
Any City, IA 12345
Sample Resumes
Anticipated Graduation May 2015
GPA X.XX/4.00
Status: Senior
University Address:
123 Iowa Boulevard, Apt. 111
Any City, IA 12345
6 Sigma Green Belt Certification, Institute of Industrial Engineers
January 2012
Fall 2012-Present
Business/Finance Experience
Marketing Specialist, Unwind Yarn Shop, Burnsville, MN
Study Abroad in London, International Marketing Course
Finance Internship, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN
August 2010-Present
Winter 2013-2014
Winters 2010 & 2011 & Summer 2010
On Iowa!
Student Captain
Spring 2013-Fall 2013
Student Leader
Fall 2011 & 2012
• Created the first On Iowa Captain program for years to come
• Trained 25 students to lead 25 freshman, as well as lead own group of 25 freshman
Engineering Student Ambassador, University of Iowa
• Create schedule for each of the five Engineering Visit Days for prospective students
• Organize activities to recruit prospective students and various college events
• Utilize interpersonal skills to relate to students and families on an individual basis
Leadership Experience and Campus Involvement
Institute of Industrial Engineers University of Iowa Chapter
Executive Board Director
Spring 2013-Presen
President & 2013 Regional Conference Registration Committee Head
Spring 2012-Fall 2012
• Organize and coordinate the 2012 IIE Regional Conference Trip to Fargo, ND
• Create standard work and delegate tasks between 5 executive officers and 30+ student chapter members
• Implement a distinguished member program to recognize dedicated chapter members
• Advise and train the new members of the Executive Board of their roles
Industrial Engineering Internship, Analog Technologies Corp, Burnsville, MN
Summer 2011
• Streamlined task completion and improved employee efficiency by documenting procedures for different
departments including: testing, manufacturing, and engineering
• Communicated with co-workers of various departments to document details of specific tasks
Manufacturing/ Foreign Sourcing Engineering Internship, HON Company, Muscatine, IA
Summer 2012
• Evaluated shipping procedures between warehouses and factories to increase efficiency and when implemented will create a cost saving of about $65,000 annually
• Reduced Takt time within a work cell to increase products made per hour by 160%
• Participated in daily leadership meetings and maintained update parts within the warehouse
Engineering Experience
Manufacturing Engineering Associate Intern, General Mills, Albuquerque, NM
Summer 2013
• Formulated a process to predict scrap factors for every ingredient used in approx. 40 cereal products
• Implemented standardization among dryers to maintain high quality product for cereal products
• Restructured a chemical cleaning procedure to save time and resources
Education
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• B.S.E Industrial Engineering, B.A. Dance
• Business Administration Minor
Permanent Address:
123 Iowa Drive
Any Town, IA 54321
(555) 555-5555
courtney-paulsen@uiowa.edu
Courtney L. Paulsen
ATHLETIC/WORK EXPERIENCE
Wrestling
August 2011-Present
The University of Iowa
184 lbs.
• Dedicated member of Big Ten, Division I wrestling team
• Volunteered for community service cleanup project
• Employed leadership skills through team building
Sales Associate
August 2011-Present
GNC
Iowa City, IA
• Applied knowledge about products to satisfy customers’ needs
• Developed great customer relations through personal customer service
Engineering Tutor
August 2011-Present
The University of Iowa College of Engineering
Iowa City, IA
• Tutor first and second year students on engineering core classwork
Security/Bouncer
April 2011-Present
Joe’s Place
Iowa City, IA
• Oversee and protect well-being of Joe’s Place patrons, property, and employees
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Carpet Cleaning Family Business
Summer 2011
America’s Clean Connection
Davenport, IA
• Marketed business and expanded clientele
• Organized daily operations and provided excellent customer service
• Managed equipment, chemicals, waste, and all miscellaneous expenses
ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE
VHDL Microwave Design Project
Fall 2011
Digital Design
Professor: James Maxted
• Analyzed and adapted a VHDL model stopwatch
• Designed and optimized an efficient top-level schematic using Xilinx
• Generated VHDL code to implement design
• Tested final product using LabMate circuit board
AutoCAD Project
Spring 2010
Engineering Problem Solving I
Professor: John Elliff
• Worked with a team on a dynamic collaborative project
• Designed a mold for a bottle cap opener using AutoCAD
• Estimated costs and expenses using present value analysis in Excel
• Presented an Executive Summary to the mock company (classmates)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Engineering Software – Xilinx, AutoCAD, Interactive Thermodynamics
• Programming – C, C++, VHDL , Java
• Other – Excel, Mathematica, MATLAB, Minitab
EDUCATION
The University of Iowa College of Engineering, Iowa City, IA
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Business
Member of The University of Iowa Honors Program
Fall 2010 – Present
Status: Junior
GPA: X.XX/4.00
PHONE • (555) 555-1234
E-MAIL • joshua-haug@uiowa.edu
OBJECTIVE
Obtain an Electrical Engineering Co-op or Internship for summer 2012
ADDRESS • 123 Iowa Drive, Any City, IA 12345
Joshua R. Haug
Sample Resumes
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 13
Lawrence O’Neill
Education:
BSE Industrial Engineering May 2014
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Engineering GPA: X.XX/4.00
Minors: Spanish, Business, Mathematics
Study Abroad: Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain Summer 2012
Engineering/Project Experience:
Team Leader, Operational Systems Design Group Project
Fall 2014-Present
Schneider Electric, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Collaborate with engineers at Schneider Electric to integrate a new product into an existing line
• Conduct capacity analysis of current and projected future production schedules
• Present a final solution to Schneider Electric team and Professional IE panel of judges
Industrial Engineering Co-op January 2013-August 2013
Rockwell Collins, Decorah, IA
• Executed ESD flooring which resulted in a yearly cost savings of $100,000
• Designed new tools and fixtures in AutoCAD for quality and efficiency
• Altered processes to reduce coil inserting time by 60% based on PFMEA results
• Enforced pneumatic presses to improve ergonomics, efficiency, and to reduce variation
• Orchestrated a cross functional team to reallocate 2 operators saving $72,000 per year
Process Engineering Internship, Lead Engineer Winter 2011
Elkay Manufacturing, Aurora, CO
• Coordinated time studies and created standard work in 2 departments
• Reduced value stream mapping by 6 minutes
• Organized/relabeled work area to reduce search time by 1 minute per issue
Process Engineering Internship, Lead Engineer
Summer 2010-Summer 2011
Elkay Manufacturing, Broadview, IL
• Reallocated 7 works saving $350,000 per year from implementation of standard work
• Managed faucet organization, purchased orders, and inventory to assure correct orders were met
• Developed and executed a Coil Line Changeover Time reduction by 4 minutes per operation
• Performed 5S procedures and standard work in 4 departments
• Communicated 3 daily reports on the projected revenue and production status of Elkay
Manufacturing
Leadership/Volunteer Experience:
Iowa Engineering Week Olympics Fall 2013-Spring 2014
• Implemented first collaboration of different discipline organizations within the College of
Engineering
• Hosted a series of 5 events for 10 engineering student organizations
• Raised $500 to award to the winning organization
• Successfully involved engineering students in engineering week
Department of Energy, Better Buildings Case Competition
Fall 2013-Spring 2014
• Established a solution for two case studies revolving around energy reduction
• Presented solutions of the cases to Department of Energy Judges in Washington DC
• Competed against Ivy League Schools
• Worked with students of different ethnicities and educational backgrounds
Alpha Pi Mu Industrial Engineering Honors Fraternity
Fall 2013-Present
• Organize social events and influence new members to join
• Deliver recruitment speeches to classes
Institute of Industrial Engineers Iowa Chapter 2011-Present
Vice President Iowa Chapter Spring 2013-Fall 2013
• Recruited over 15 new members in one semester
• Hosted a Regional Conference for over 150 IIE students
• Led meetings for 30+ peers and scheduled events accordingly
• Awarded distinguished National member
Computer Skills:
• AutoCAD, Pro-E, Rhino, Arena, Minitab, SAS, PHP, HTML, C++, Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft
123 Iowa Drive ∙ Any City, IA 54321 ∙ Lawrence-oneill@uiowa.edu ∙ (555) 555-5555
14 Engineering Professional Development
Sustainability Intern
NTA Inc., Nappanee, IN
January 2012-July 2012
- Developed documentation processes for NTA’s application for LEED certification
- Expanded and refined NTA’s Green Certification program for recreational vehicles
- Motivated fellow employees to take ownership in new sustainable business practices
WORK EXPERIENCE
Environmental Systems Operator
University of Iowa Water Plant, Iowa City, IA
October 2012-May 2014
- Tested water softness, resistivity, pH and chlorine levels for pools, DI and RO
systems
- Monitored and adjusted brine levels and flow rates for RO and well water systems
- Operated a Grade II water distribution system, university pools and spas
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Student Research Assistant
Ward Lab, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
October 2013-May 2014
- Investigated agricultural variable dynamics with Agro-IBIS modeling software
- Analyzed Agro-IBIS data with Excel for water, energy and carbon balance trends
- Developed metrics that can quantify the ecological impact of proposed biofuel
agriculture
CIVIL ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE
Engineering Co-op
McClure Engineering Company, North Liberty, IA
May 2014-December 2015
- Collaborated with CAD technicians, engineers and managers to produce effective
plans
- Tabulated design quantities and create bid tabulations for active projects
- Designed and coordinated existing/proposed utility alignments and locations of
conflict
- Documented and monitored construction progress for transportation projects
- Assisted surveyor in construction staking for highway, airport and drainage projects
TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE
AutoCAD Civil3D, Excel, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, ArcGIS
December 2013
March 2014
December 2011
Anticipated December 2015
AWARDS
Iowa County Engineers Scholarship Recipient
ASCE Daniel W. Mead Student Essay Contest, UI Representative
BA, Physics, Goshen College, Goshen, IN
GC GPA: X.XX/4.00
EDUCATION
BSE, Civil Engineering, University of Iowa
Focus in Hydraulics and Water Resources
President of Chi Epsilon
Member of ASCE, UI Concrete Canoe team
Passed FE Exam in February 2015
UI GPA: X.X/4.00
1234 Any St., Iowa City, IA - 123-456-7890 - isaac-yoder-schrock@uiowa.edu
Isaac Schrock
Sample Resumes
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
The University of Iowa, College of Engineering, Iowa City, IA
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.
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?
If you completed an internship or volunteer opportunity abroad you may want to put your experience under your related experience or volunteering section.
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 the 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.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 15
Global Experience Skills continued
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
Reprinted with permission from Virginia Tech’s 2014-2015 Career Planning Guide.
16 Engineering Professional Development
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHAT IS A CURRICULUM VITAE?
The word “vitae” is derived from the Latin language meaning “life.” Thus, the purpose of completing “vitae” are to describe people’s lives, their
“courses of life, your “course of life,” their professional lives.
A Curriculum Vitae is a marketing tool. It is created for the purpose of pursuing career and educational goals. A vitae should thoroughly
describe your experiences and accomplishments in a way that best demonstrates your qualifications for the type of position you are seeking.
Comparison of CV vs. Resume
Curriculum Vitae
Resume
• Overview of academic accomplishments
• Highlights job-related skills, education, experiences
and activities
• Primarily used for academic positions
• Should be frequently updated
• Generally several pages in length
• Constructs a scholarly identity
WHEN WOULD A CURRICULUM VITAE BE
USED?
If you seek a faculty, research, clinical, or scientific position, you
will need a Curriculum Vitae. You may also want to consider this
format when in the fields of healthcare, athletic training, education,
social work, counseling, psychology, philosophy, anthropology,
journalism, or other areas where you may have participated in
various applied, “hands-on” experience and training opportunities
related to your major field of interest.
A vitae can range from 2 to 12 pages or more, depending on experience, and offers an in-depth look into any and all professional
experiences you care to relate to the position you are seeking. For
example: Education, Awards and Fellowships, Teaching Experience,
Research Experience, Computer/ Technical Skills, Honors,
Professional Activities, Presentations, Publications, Professional
Memberships, Travel/Cultural Experiences, and others.
You should begin with a heading that includes your name, address,
telephone number, and email address. If you plan to move, be
sure to provide a way for employers to reach you, such as a family
member’s address. If your email account was established through
the university, make sure you set up an account that will remain
active after you leave school (Always choose an email address that
appears professional).
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
You’ll need a section for your education that highlights the knowledge you have acquired through your university preparation and
professional and educational experiences. At a minimum, the
Education section should include your university, your degree and
major, and when your degree was earned or is expected, as well
as any certifications or credentials you have earned or expect to
earn. Other education-related information which can be included
is: GPA, academic minor (or second major), and related coursework (remember to include those courses in which your potential
employer will be most interested.
• Primarily used for non-academic positions
• Should be targeted and 1-2 pages
• Purpose is to obtain an interview
• Constructs a professional identity
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
Your Experience section is key and it usually is listed directly
following Education. Whatever order you choose for your vitae, you
should use the Experience section to highlight your work-related
accomplishments, whether they are paid or unpaid. Emphasize the
areas related to the position you are seeking. For example, if you are
applying to work in a hospital setting, you may identify a section
called “Clinical Experience” or “Hospital Experience.”
Quantify and qualify what you did—for example, in a clinical position, such as a Physician’s Assistant, include how many rotations
you completed. You can also include experience gained through
participation in organizations and associations in a “Professional
Memberships” section, or “Committee and Administrative
Experience” section, as long as you can relate the experience to the
job for which you are applying.
In Developing a Vitae You Should:
• Remember that vitae vary in format and style—choose
one that suits you and emphasizes your knowledge, skills,
strengths, and abilities.
• Pay careful attention to spelling, punctuation, grammar and
style.
• Organize information in a logical fashion.
• Keep descriptions clear and thorough, yet concise.
• Use a simple, easy-to-read font.
• Clearly number pages, with your name at the top of each. Do
not print pages back-to-back.
• Use good-quality white or off-white bond paper.
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2014-2015
Career Resource Guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 17
Resume vs. CV
Resume
CV Page 1
KESHAV BASNET
Keshav Basnet
123 Hawkeye Street • Iowa City, IA 52246 • keshav-basnet@uiowa.edu • (319) 123-4321
Education:
PhD Civil Engineering (Hydraulics & Water Resources)
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA MS Civil Engineering (Hydraulics) University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY BE Civil Engineering (Structures) Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal 111 Hawkeye Street, Iowa City, IA 52246 - (319) 123-4321 - keshav-basnet@uiowa.edu
Graduating August 2015
GPA: X.XX/4.00
December 2010
GPA: X.XX/4.00
August 2007
GPA: X.XX/4.00
Relevant Experience:
Research Assistant January 2011-Present
IIHR – Hydroscience & Engineering, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Recommended new snow fence design based on 2D RANS numerical simulations and field measurements—
able to reduce snow accumulation length towards the road by about 30% compared to the conventional one
• Developed a real-time webcam system to monitor snow deposits around snow fences, coordinated with Iowa
DOT supervisors, installed it at the field, and tested it’s ability during the adverse weather conditions
• Prepared presentation slides and wrote reports for the Iowa DOT - Snow Drifting Project
• Performed 3D large eddy simulations to investigate fundamental flow physics around solid/porous barriers
Research Assistant January 2010-December 2010
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
• Carried out large-scale experiments in a recirculating water channel to investigate flow around cylinders
resembling hydraulic structures using Large Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) method
• Analyzed methods and recommended procedures for the use of LSPIV technique to capture the wake vortices
Civil Engineer January 2008-August 2009
Care Village Project, Community Support Group, Pokhara, Nepal
• Prepared Contour Map, Base Map, and Master plan after preliminary and detailed survey of proposed land
• Designed and prepared drawing of buildings, roads, and water supply structures using AutoCAD
Junior Engineer
November 1998-August 2009
Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City Office, Pokhara, Nepal
• Performed design, drawing, cost estimate, valuation, and site supervision during construction of buildings,
roads, storm water drainage, irrigation canal systems, river training, and water supply works
• Prepared Land Use Maps using GIS Arcview for Pokhara Environmental Improvement Project
Teaching Experience:
Teaching Assistant
August 2011-Present
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Principles of Hydraulics and Hydrology (includes a project for HEC-RAS & HEC-HMS)
• Experimental Method in Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer
• Engineering Problem Solving I
Technical Skills:
• CFD modeling (both RANS & LES): LES code, STAR-CCM+, Ansys Fluent, ICEM-CFD, Abaqus
• Hydraulic modeling: HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS
• Visualization tools: Tecplot, GIS Arcview
• Programming tools: FORTRAN, Matlab
• Drawing tool: AutoCAD
• Experimental methods: RTK survey, Total station, LSPIV
• High performance computing in Linux
EDUCATION
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
PhD Civil Engineering (Hydraulics & Water Resources)
Graduating August 2015
• GPA: X.XX/4.00
• Dissertation Title: “Flow around Porous Barriers: Fundamental Flow Physics and
Applications”
• Award: Graduate College Post-Comprehensive Summer 2015 Research Award
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
MS Civil Engineering (Hydraulics) December 2010
• GPA: X.XX/4.00
• Thesis Title: “Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry for Resolving Unsteady Flow Features
at Cylinders”
Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal
BE Civil Engineering (Structures)
August 2007
• GPA: X.XX/4.00
• Project Title: “Structural Analysis of Earthquake Resistant Building using SAP 90”
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Diploma Civil Engineering
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE & PROJECTS
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Research Assistant
January 2011-Present
• Investigated how the mean flow and turbulent statistics in the wake of porous barriers
affected by main geometrical parameters (e.g., porosity, bottom gap, hole-size) and main
flow variables (e.g., Reynolds number, bed roughness) using 3D Large Eddy Simulations
• Developed a joint experimental and numerical approach to assess the efficiency and improve
the design of snow fences
• Generated high quality meshes and performed 2D RANS numerical simulations to
investigate wake flow behind porous snow fences
• Validated both LES and RANS models based on experimental data
• Illustrated the capabilities of novel methodology by applying it to improve the design of
plastic snow fences that are commonly used in the states of Midwest
CV Page 2
KESHAV BASNET
CV Page 3
Page 2
• Developed a real-time webcam system to monitor snow deposits around snow fences,
installed at the field coordinating with Iowa DOT supervisors, and tested it’s ability during
the adverse weather conditions
• Applied different surveying tools (e.g., Total Station, LSPIV, RTK survey) during the field
measurements to accurately measure snow profiles
• Proposed, developed protocols and tested Close Range Photogrammetry technique to track
the temporal evolution of snow deposits
• Prepared presentation slides and wrote reports for the Iowa DOT - Snow Drifting Project
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
Research Assistant
January 2010-December 2010
• Carried out large-scale experiments in a recirculating water channel to investigate flow
around various sizes of cylinders using Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV)
• Performed collection, analysis, and post processing of experimental data
• Analyzed methods and recommended procedures for the use of LSPIV technique to capture
the wake vortices
Care Village Project, Community Support Group, Pokhara, Nepal
Civil Engineer
January 2008-August 2009
• Conducted preliminary and detailed survey of the proposed land
• Prepared Contour Map, Base Map, and Master plan
• Designed and prepared drawing using AutoCAD, detailed cost estimates, and valuation of
buildings, roads, water supply and sanitation structures
Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City Office, Pokhara, Nepal
Junior Engineer
July 2003-August 2009
• Utilized Land Use Maps for decision making processes
• Performed design, drawing - using AutoCAD, estimate, and valuation of buildings, roads,
storm water drainage, irrigation canal systems, river training, and water supply works
• Consulted regularly with consumer committees and contractors
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Teaching Assistant
August 2011-Present
• Supported faculty in teaching Principles of Hydraulics and Hydrology, Experimental Method
in Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer, Engineering Problem Solving I and Statics
• Demonstrated lab experiments and hydraulic models for course projects and guided students
during their experiments and hydraulic modeling (HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS)
• Conducted TA office hours to provide support for home works and project reports
• Graded all written work including final exam papers
18 Engineering Professional Development
August 1997
KESHAV BASNET
Page 3
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• High quality mesh generation: Using both LES code and commercial software
• CFD modeling: Both RANS and Eddy resolving techniques (e.g., Large Eddy Simulations)
• Commercial CFD software: STAR-CCM+, ANSYS FLUENT, ICEM-CFD
• Hydraulic/Hydrologic applications: HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS
• Visualization tool: Tecplot 360
• Drawing tool: AutoCAD
• Geographical Information System: GIS Arcview
• FEA software: Abaqus
• Experimental methods: Total station, RTK survey, LSPIV, DigiMap, Close-range
photogrammetry (e.g., ERDAS Imagine, Photoscan)
• Structural applications: SAP 2000, SAP 90
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE & ACTIVITIES
Nepal Metropolitan Employee Association – Pokhara Unit, Pokhara, Nepal
President
May 2008-July 2009
Community Support Group, Pokhara, Nepal
Technical Advisor
Free Student Union, Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal
President
November 2005-December 2007
August 2006-August 2007
PUBLICATIONS
• Basnet, K., Muste, M., Constantinescu, G., Ho, H., and Xu, H., 2015. Close Range
Photogrammetry for Tracking Drifted Snow Deposits. Submitted to Journal of Cold Regions
Science and Technology. Under Review.
• Basnet, K., Constantinescu, G., Muste, M., and Ho, H., 2014. Method to Assess Efficiency
and Improve Design of Snow Fences. Journal of Engineering Mechanics. http://ascelibrary.
org/doi/abs/10.1061/%28ASCE%29EM.1943-7889.0000871, 04014136.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
• International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)
• Nepal Engineering Council, Registered engineer
• Nepal Engineers’ Association, General member
Letters
Letters and Email Correspondence
Whether you use email or regular mail, your correspondence with
employers creates an impression and illustrates your communication skills. Always use a business-like tone and professional language.
Be sure to adhere to the 3 Cs Rule: all correspondence must be clear,
concise, and compelling. You must state very clearly who you are and
why you are writing. Your message must be concise and get right to the
point. Finally, your goal is to compel your reader to take further action,
such as arranging an interview or extending a job offer.
General Email Guidelines
The preferred way to correspond with employers is
through email. Use the following email guidelines to
create a positive impression:
THANK-YOU LETTERS
• Make sure to get business cards from all recruiters to ensure the
correct spelling of their names and email addresses.
• Send an email thank-you letter within 24 hours after
your interview.
(Subject header: Thank You from ________)
• Your goal is to impress the interviewer with your ­appreciation and
reiterate your qualifications and ­interest in the position.
• If you met with more than one individual, send ­personalized
thank-you letters to each interviewer. Hiring ­decisions are often
made by consensus, and you will want to impress everyone you met
by including something specific that was discussed during your
­meeting.
• Use an appropriate subject header for your email ­
(see samples below).
• Use professional salutations such as “Dear Mr. or Ms.” and
be sure to spell his or her name correctly.
• Always take the time to proofread, spell check, and
­grammar check your message before sending. A poorly
written message or one with spelling errors can end your
chances of being considered for the job.
• Do not use slang terms, emoticons, overly stylized fonts,
graphics, or multi-colored backgrounds.
COVER LETTERS
When sending your resume via email, your email message is your
cover letter. A cover letter introduces your resume when you are not
there to do so in person. The goal is to persuade the reader to review
your resume by providing a brief s­ ummary of your qualifications that
match the employer’s requirements. (See the samples on page 17.)
Sample Email Subject Headers
• Response to a newspaper ad or internet job posting:
Your Ad for a _______
Your Job Posting on Hotjobs.com
• Networking with employers or following up on r­ eferrals:
Met You at the Fall Career & Internship Fair
Referred by_________
• Canvassing employers to explore potential o
­ pportunities:
Strong Applicant for Your____Department
Potential Internship Opportunities at ___________
Cover Letter—Format
Your Present Address (traditional letter only)
City, State, ZIP Code
Date
Name of Contact Person (traditional letter only)
Title
Employer
Street Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Dear Name or HR Manager:
1st Paragraph—Explain why you are writing: you would like to be
considered for a position with ______ (specify the employer by name).
If responding to an ad or internet posting, mention where you saw the
job posted. If following up on the suggestion of a contact person
(e.g., an employee or a professor), mention the person by name.
Finally, indicate that you are a University of Iowa _______ major,
graduating in _________.
2nd Paragraph—Highlight one or two key qualifications from your
resume that you think will be of greatest interest to the employer.
Explain why you are particularly interested in the employer, location,
or type of work. If you have had related experience or specialized
training, be sure to point it out. If your G.P.A. is above 3.0, mention it.
3rd Paragraph—Indicate that your resume is attached. Close by
asking for an opportunity to set up an interview. If you are willing to call
the employer, mention that you will phone within a specified amount of
time. Thank the employer for his or her time and attention.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Type Your Name
Adapted with permission from Rutgers University’s 2014-2015 Career
& Internship Planning guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 19
Cover Letter—Email
Cover Letter—Traditional Mail
Lauren Baumann
123 Iowa Drive
Any City, IA 12345
(Subject Line: Applying for the Communication Internship)
Dear <recruiter’s name>,
In response to your intern posting on the Hireahawk system for a
communications intern, I am enclosing my resume. I am currently
a junior at the University of Iowa, majoring in communication and
economics.
My attached resume outlines the skills I have acquired through my
education and work experience. They include:
-Analyzing and managing reporting between employees and
customers
-Researching and compiling information to create an exhibit to be
put on display for hundreds of people
-Maintaining and updating employee records to ensure compliance
with federal regulations
I look forward to meeting you to discuss in more detail how my
background and qualifications can contribute to your organization.
I can be reached at emailaddress@gmail.com or 732-123-4567 to
arrange an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
Melissa York
Mr. Michael Dover
Executive Editor
American Scientist Magazine
407 Main Street
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
February 17, 2014
Dear Mr. Dover:
I would like to be considered for the position of technical writer for
the American Scientist Magazine. I read about the opening on the
American Scientist website.
I have writing experience in several scientific and technical
areas. Most recently, my article on acid rain and its impact on fish
reproduction appeared in the University’s Extension Bulletin. As
a contributing writer for the College of Engineering, I have greatly
strengthened my technical, investigative, editing, and organizational
skills. I would be happy to send you samples of my writing.
I am enclosing a copy of my resume, which demonstrates my
leadership, administrative, organizational, and writing skills. I look
forward to hearing from you. You can reach me during the day at
732-716-1299 or at laubau@uiowa.edu.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Networking—Email
(Subject Line: Networking Request from a Student)
Dear Mr. Hendrickson:
I obtained your name and contact information from the Hireahawk
system. I am interested in setting up an informational interview with
you—either by phone or in person—to learn more about your career
path since you graduated from the University of Iowa.
I am a senior at the University of Iowa, majoring in journalism
and media studies. I am interested in pursuing a career in print or
electronic journalism. I have had challenging internships at “W”
magazine and MTV. I am well aware of the changes that the field
of journalism is undergoing, but I also see many opportunities for
creativity and innovation in the future. I want to be part of that future.
I will be in New York next Thursday, October 17; could I speak with you
for about 20 minutes? I look forward to meeting you. I am attaching my
resume to provide some background information. Thanks in advance
for your interest and time.
—Sandra Walters
The University of Iowa, Class of 2014
Career & Internship Fair Follow-up—Email
(Note: Ask for a business card at the fair and send a note that
afternoon or evening.
Subject Line: Thank You for Speaking With Me)
Dear Mr./Ms.___________,
I am writing to follow up on our discussion during the recent ____
(specify the event) Engineering Career Fair at the University of
Iowa. I enjoyed speaking with you about the type of positions or
field ­opportunities with _____ (name of organization). Thank you for
sharing your insights on the­recruiting process and the current needs
of your organization.
As we discussed, I will be graduating in _____ (date of graduation)
with a degree in _____ (major or majors). In researching your
organization, I am ­particularly interested in _____ (cite 1-2 facts).
(Next, highlight one or two qualifications from your resume that you
think would be of greatest interest to the employer based on your
career & internship fair discussion). My background in _____ (related
knowledge, skills, or experience) has helped prepare me for the
challenges of the position.
I have attached another copy of my resume for your review. Please let
me know if you require any additional information. Thank you again for
your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you again
soon.
Sincerely,
Type Your Name
Adapted with permission from Rutgers University’s 2014-2015 Career & Internship Planning guide.
20 Engineering Professional Development
Lauren Baumann
1st Interview Follow-up—Email
(Subject Line: Thank You for the Interview)
Dear Ms. Atkins:
Thank you for the interview on Monday, March 24, 2014, for the
position of quality engineer in the manufacturing division.
I enjoyed talking to you and found the interview most informative.
The prospect of joining ABC Product Company is very exciting.
My engineering background, combined with my recent internship
experience as a design intern, will enable me to become a valuable
member of your engineering team.
Please let me know if you require any additional information. Thank
you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you
soon.
Sincerely,
Arjun Kabir
Note: Do not misuse or overuse LinkedIn when following up after your
initial interview. One email message to the interviewer is the best
practice.
2nd Interview Follow-up—Email
(We recommend sending this message about 2 weeks after your initial
follow-up)
Dear Ms. Dermott,
As you consider candidates for Bank of America’s financial analyst
position, I would like to reaffirm my interest in contributing to your
organization’s growth.
Following up on my interview on June 30, I believe my economics
background and internship experience at Merrill Lynch has prepared
me to become a productive member of your audit department. I am
confident that my student leadership at Rutgers would facilitate my
ability to take charge of projects quickly and responsibly.
Again, thank you for your continued interest in my candidacy for your
financial analyst position. I look forward to speaking with you to further
discuss the contributions I could make to Bank of America.
Jessica Lopez
University of Iowa
Accepting an Offer—Email
Declining an Offer—Email
(Subject Line: Accepting Your Offer!)
(Subject Line: Responding to Your Offer)
Dear Ms. Jones:
Dear Mr. Sargeant:
I am writing to confirm my acceptance of your offer of April 7, 2014.
After considerable thought, I have decided not to accept the offer
of employment for the expeditor’s position in the procurement
department of Super Express Company. This has been a very
difficult decision for me because Super Express offers some exciting
opportunities. However, I have accepted a position that more closely
matches my career objectives.
I am excited about the opportunity of joining Caterpillar. I will do my
very best to make a contribution to the company from day one.
As we discussed, my starting date will be June 16, 2014. I understand
that I will work at your Peoria headquarters for the first three months
and then be assigned to a regional office for a six-month rotation
beginning in the fall.
Thanks again for the confidence that you have expressed in me. I look
forward to a long and productive career with Caterpillar.
I appreciate the time you spent with me and the confidence that you
expressed in me.
Sincerely,
David P. Ortiz
Sincerely,
Erica Adams
Adapted with permission from Rutgers University’s 2014-2015 Career & Internship Planning guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 21
Network
Your Way
to a
Job
Many people use
the classified ads
as their sole job
search technique.
Unfortunately, statistics show that only
10% to 20% of jobs
are ever published—
which means that
80% to 90% of jobs
remain hidden in the
job market. For this
reason, networking
remains the number
one job search
strategy.
22 Engineering Professional Development
A NETWORK IS an interconnected group
of supporters who serve as resources for
your job search and ultimately for your
career. Some great network contacts might
include people you meet at business and
social meetings who provide you with
career information and advice.
Students often hesitate to network
because they feel awkward asking for help,
but it should be an integral part of any job
search. Though you might feel nervous
when approaching a potential contact,
networking is a skill that develops with
practice, so don’t give up. Most people
love to talk about themselves and their
jobs and are willing to give realistic—and
free—advice.
By Thomas J. Denham
Social
Networking
Websites
Eight Keys to Networking
1
BE PREPARED First, define what information you
need and what you are trying to accomplish by
networking. Remember, your purpose in networking
is to get to know people who can provide information regarding careers and leads. Some of the many
benefits of networking include increased visibility
within your field, propelling your professional development, finding suitable mentors, increasing your
chances of promotion and perhaps finding your next
job.
Second, know yourself—your education, experience and skills. Practice a concise, one-minute
presentation of yourself so that people will know
the kinds of areas in which you are interested. Your
networking meeting should include the following
elements: introduction, self-overview, Q&A,
obtaining referrals and closing.
2
BE TARGETED Identify your network. For some,
“I don’t have a professional network. I don’t know
anyone,” may be your first reaction. You can start by
listing everyone you know who are potential prospects: family members, friends, faculty, neighbors,
classmates, alumni, bosses, co-workers and community associates. Attend meetings of organizations
in your field of interest and get involved. You never
know where you are going to meet someone who
could lead you to your next job.
Career professionals—and parents—are
warning young job seekers that using
social networking sites, such as Facebook
and Twitter, may be hazardous to your
career. After all, do you want your potential
employer to see photos of you at last weekend’s party? Certainly, those photos could
diminish your prospects of landing a job.
However, more job seekers are using social
networking to enhance their preparation for
interviews, garner an advantage over lesswired peers, and even gain an edge with
recruiters.
One example of a constructive use
of social networking websites is gathering background information about the
recruiters with whom you will interview. By
finding out about topics that will interest the
recruiter, you may gain an upper hand in
the interview process. In addition, stronger
connections with a potential employer can
be made by talking about the clubs he or
she belongs to and even friends you have in
common—information that can be discovered on Facebook.
Research on professional sites like
LinkedIn can also be used to prepare for
site visits. By using the alumni connections
available through LinkedIn, you can gain
added insight into potential employers.
If you are interviewing with a company,
search for alumni who are working there.
You can have conversations with alumni
via LinkedIn that you wouldn’t have in an
interview, such as, “do you like it at the
company” or “can you negotiate salary?”
Networking Rules
When you seek and maintain professional connections via social networking
sites, follow the same etiquette you would
if you were networking by phone and in
person. Remember that every contact is
creating an impression. Online, you might
tend to be less formal because you are
communicating in a space that you typically share with friends. Just as you would
not let your guard down if you were having
dinner with a potential employer, you
must maintain a positive and professional
approach when conversing with networking
contacts online. Ask good questions, pay
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 23
Photo © Lvnel - Fotolia.com
attention to the answers, and be polite—this
includes sending at least a brief thank-you
note anytime someone gives you advice or
assistance.
If It’s OK for Mom, It’s OK for Facebook
The more controversial aspect of the
interplay between social networking and
job searching is the privacy debate. Some
observers, including career counselors,
deans, and parents, worry that students
put themselves at a disadvantage in the
job search by making personal information
available on Facebook and Twitter pages.
More and more companies are using such
websites as a screening tool.
Concern about privacy focuses on two
areas: social life and identity/affiliations.
Parents and career counselors argue that
job-seekers would never show photos
of themselves at a party in the middle of
an interview, so why would they allow
employers to see party photos on a
Facebook page? Students often respond
that most employers do not even use
social networking sites and that employers
already know that college students drink.
While it may be true that senior managers
are less likely to be on Facebook, young
recruiters may be active, and in many
cases, employers ask younger employees to
conduct online searches of candidates. Why
risk losing a career opportunity because of
a photo with two drinks in your hand?
It’s easy to deduce that if an employer is
comparing two candidates who are closely
matched in terms of GPA and experience,
and one has questionable photos and text
on his or her online profile and the second
does not, that the second student will get
the job offer.
Identity—Public or Private?
Identity and affiliations are the second
area where social n
­ etworking and privacy
issues may affect your job search and
employment prospects. Historically,
job-seekers have fought for increased
protection from being asked questions
about their identity, including religious
affiliation and sexual orientation, because
this information could be used by biased
employers to discriminate. Via social
networking sites, employers can now find
information that they are not allowed to ask
you.
Employers can no longer legally ask these
questions in most states, however, some
students make matters like religion, political
involvement, and sexual orientation public
on their web pages.
24 Engineering Professional Development
3
4
BE PROFESSIONAL Ask your networking prospects for advice—not for a job. Your networking
meetings should be a source of career information, advice and contacts. Start off the encounter
with a firm handshake, eye contact and a warm
smile. Focus on asking for one thing at a time.
Your contacts expect you to represent yourself
with your best foot forward.
BE PATIENT Heena Noorani, research analyst
with New York-based Thomson Financial, recommends avoiding the feeling of discouragement if
networking does not ­provide immediate results
or instant answers. She advises, “Be ­prepared
for a slow down after you get started. Stay
politely persistent with your leads and build
momentum. Networking is like gardening: You
do not plant the seed, then quickly harvest.
Networking requires cultivation that takes time
and effort for the process to pay off.”
Photo © naka - Fotolia.com
Social Networking Websites continued
Questions to Ask During Networking Meetings
• What do you like most (least) about your work?
• Can you describe a typical workday or week?
• What type of education and experience do you
need to remain successful in this field?
• What are the future career opportunities in this
field?
• What are the challenges in balancing work and
­personal life?
• Why do people enter/leave this field or company?
• Which companies have the best track record for
promoting minorities?
• What advice would you give to someone trying to
break into this field?
• With whom would you recommend I speak? When I
call, may I use your name?
Social Networking Websites continued
Do’s & Don’ts of Networking
• Do keep one hand free from a briefcase or
purse so you can shake hands when necessary.
• Do bring copies of your resume.
• Don’t tell them your life story; you are dealing
with busy people, so get right to the point.
• Don’t be shy or afraid to ask for what you need.
• Don’t pass up opportunities to network.
5
6
7
8
BE FOCUSED ON QUALITY—NOT QUANTITY In
a large group setting, circulate and meet people,
but don’t try to talk to everyone. It’s better to
have a few meaningful conversations than 50
hasty introductions. Don’t cling to p
­ eople you
already know; you’re unlikely to build new
contacts that way. If you are at a reception, be
sure to wear a nametag and collect or exchange
business cards so you can later contact the
people you meet.
BE REFERRAL-CENTERED The person you are
networking with may not have a job opening, but
he or she may know someone who is hiring. The
key is to exchange information and then expand
your network by obtaining additional referrals
each time you meet someone new. Be sure to
mention the person who referred you.
BE PROACTIVE Stay organized and track
your networking meetings. Keep a list of your
contacts and update it frequently with the names
of any leads given to you. Send a thank-you note
or email if appropriate. Ask if you can follow
up the conversation with a phone call, or even
better, with a more in-depth meeting in the near
future.
BE DEDICATED TO NETWORKING Most importantly, ­networking should be ongoing. You will
want to stay in touch with contacts over the long
haul—not just when you need something. Make
networking part of your long-term career plan.
You would never include religious and
political affiliations as well as sexual orientation or transgender identity (LGBTQ) on
your resume, so do you want this information to be available via social networking
sites? There are two strategies to consider.
One approach is that if you wish to only
work for an employer with whom you can
be openly religious, political, or LGBTQ then
making that information available on your
web page will screen out discriminating
employers and make it more likely that you
will land with an employer open to your
identity and expression.
A second approach though, is to maintain
your privacy and keep more options open.
Investigate potential employers thoroughly
and pay special attention at site visits to
evaluate whether the company would be
welcoming. This strategy is based on two
perspectives shared by many career professionals. First, as a job-seeker, you want to
present only your relevant skills and experience throughout the job search; all other
information is irrelevant. Second, if you
provide information about your identity
and affiliations, you may be discriminated
against by one person in the process even
though the company overall is a good
match.
Strategies for Safe and Strategic
Social Networking
1. Be aware of what other people can see
on your page. Recruiters use these sites
or ask their colleagues to do searches
on candidates.
2. Determine access intentionally. Some
career counselors advocate deactivating
your Facebook or Twitter accounts while
job searching.
3. Set a standard. If anything appears
on your page that you wouldn’t want
an interviewer to see, remove the
offending content.
4. Use social networking to your advantage. Use these sites to find alumni in
the companies that interest you and
contact them before you interview in
your career center or before a site visit.
In addition, use social networking sites
and internet searches to learn more
about the recruiters who will interview
you before the interview.
“Social Networking Websites” written by
Harriet L. Schwartz.
Thomas J. Denham is the managing partner and
career counselor of Careers in Transition LLC.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 25
Your 60-Second Commercial
Use the following guidelines to develop an introduction when meeting employers during interviews, career days and other networking events.
Your goal is to create a positive and lasting impression in a brief amount of time.
Step 1: Research the Employer
1. Preview the list of organizations participating in the event and plan a strategy for the day. Put together an “A” list and a “B” list of
employers you want to target. Contact your career services office to see what employers may be recruiting on campus.
2. Research all the employers on your “A” list. Look for current facts about each employer, including new products, services or acquisitions.
3. Write down some key facts about the employer:
(a) ______________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) ______________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Review job descriptions pertinent to your major for employer requirements. Note specific knowledge, skills, and abilities they seek. List
academic or employment experiences and activities where you demonstrated these skills.
The employer is seeking:
My qualifications and selling points:
(a) ___________________________________________ (a) _____________________________________________
(b) ___________________________________________ (b) _____________________________________________
(c) ___________________________________________ (c) _____________________________________________
(d) ___________________________________________ (d) _____________________________________________
5. Review the employer’s mission statement and look for key words that indicate the personal qualities the organization
values in its employees. List 2 or 3 of your personal qualities that closely match.
My personal qualities:
(a) ____________________________ (b) ___________________________ (c) ____________________________
Step 2: Develop Your Introduction
Review the sample below. Using the information above, prepare and practice a brief 60-second commercial or introduction to use when
meeting employer representatives.
Hello, my name is _______. I am currently a junior, majoring in economics and working part-time as a supervisor at Campus
Information Services. This role has enhanced my communication, management, and leadership skills. In addition, I had an
internship over the summer with ABC Company where I worked in a team environment on a variety of marketing and website
development projects. I recently read an article about your company’s plans for business growth in the Northeast, and I’m
interested in learning more.
Notes:
Practice your introduction with a friend or career counselor so it sounds conversational rather than rehearsed.
You may want to break your opening remarks into two or three segments rather than delivering it all at once.
Good luck with your all-important first impression!
Adapted with permission from the Office of Career Services at Rutgers University, New Brunswick Campus.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 27
Interviews
How to Succeed in a Professional Interview
Hiring managers say that one of the biggest mistake candidates make is coming to interviews unprepared. The candidates don’t know the
simplest of details: what the position entails, what the company provides, and what benefits they would bring to the company. You can
greatly increase your chances of interview success by researching and practicing beforehand.
Prepare
Know the job, the company, and your value.
Analyze the Position
• What is the primary function of the position? Sales?
Service? Products? Planning?
• Who uses the services or products?
• What are the basic tasks?
• What are the required skills, abilities and education?
• Does the position function independently or as part of a
team? Does it do both?
Research the Company
• Explore the company website and familiarize yourself
with size, location, customers, products, services, names of
decision makers, competitors, etc.
• Uncover needs, problems, and challenges, missions, and
values.
• Where is the position located? What is the typical salary
for the position in the geographical region?
• Research the company further: contact anyone you know
in the business, read current or recent articles, visit
Hoover’s Guide and Career InfoNet.
Identify What You Have to Offer
• Inventory your skills and abilities and identify all the areas
in which you have relevant strengths and experiences.
• Reflect on your successes and your experiences in previous
jobs, group and individual projects, volunteer activities,
and campus involvement.
• Develop a written list of examples that demonstrate your
readiness to meet the needs stated in the job description.
• Review your resume and prepare to answer questions
about anything that is mentioned.
• Think of stories and examples to tell to demonstrate your
ability to handle various situations that might come up in
your job. Use the STAR model described on page 29.
28 Engineering Professional Development
Practice
Analysis and research alone are not enough. Practice is vital.
• Obtain a list of potential interview questions and decide how
you would answer them. Take the time to write the answers
down and practice saying them out loud. See page 29 for likely
questions.
• Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer that show
off your research and professional interest. See page 29 for
examples.
• Write a 60-second commercial and practice saying it aloud
until it sounds and feels natural to you. See page 26 for more
information.
• Practice talking about how you have successfully completed
activities that demonstrate the skills and experiences employers
seek.
• Practice shaking hands. A handshake should last no more than
a few seconds and the grasp should be firm.
• Review common illegal questions and decide how you would
answer them. Plan how you would respond if asked to provide
your Facebook password.
Perform
You were invited to interview because the recruiter was impressed by
your resume. Now, demonstrate that you are the best person for the
job.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
• Carry a briefcase or professional portfolio, not a bookbag.
• Bring several extra copies of your resume.
• Maintain a professional image and treat everyone you meet
with politeness and consideration. You never know who might
be in the elevator or parking lot next to you or who might be
asked for an opinion.
• Express a positive attitude; greet your interviewer(s) with a
warm smile, direct eye contact, and a firm handshake.
• Be mindful of non-verbal communication. Maintain eye
contact, sit up straight, and avoid crossing your arms across
your chest.
• Keep your answers brief; no more than two minutes per
question.
Interviews
How to Succeed in a Professional Interview continued
Perform (continued)
• Most interviews begin with: “Tell me about yourself.” This is
not a request for personal information; it is your first opportunity to highlight your education and experiences as they relate
to the position in a well-prepared Power Greeting. See Your
60-Second Commercial found on page 26.
• Don’t try to memorize “the right answer” to interview questions. Instead, answer with the idea in mind that each question
is a version of “Why are you the right person for the job?”
which is best answered by giving examples of successes that
align with the job needs.
• Answer questions to demonstrate what you can do for the
company, not what the company can do for you.
• If you are interested in the position, say so. Surprisingly, many
interviewees neglect to let the interviewer know that they truly
want the position. “Thank you for inviting me to meet with
you today. After meeting with you and learning more about the
position I am sure that I would like to be a part of your team.”
• At the end of the interview, summarize why you are the best
match for the position and thank the interviewer(s) for the
opportunity to meet with them. Ask for business cards.
Follow Up
• Send a thank you within 24 hours of the interview. You may call
or phone, but a handwritten note or card is especially effective.
• Call within the week to ask if additional information is needed
and to re-express your interest.
Navigate Phone and Skype Interviews
While face-to-face interviews are still the preferred interview model
for final hiring decisions, some recruiters utilize phone and skype
interviews to narrow the interview pool to a short list.
Phone Interviews
• Schedule your phone interview at a time when you can be in a
quiet space without interruption.
• Be available at the interview time to which you agreed.
• Speak clearly and maintain a reasonable volume and pace. If you
are asked more than once to repeat an answer, you are probably
speaking too softly or quickly, or both. Slow down and speak up.
• Your voice should convey energy and confidence. Some people
find that smiling when answering questions helps them sound
upbeat and positive.
• You might find it helpful to have your written answers handy,
and/or the company’s website open on the computer. If you
choose this route, glance at the answers now and again, but do
not read the responses verbatim. Also, avoid using the keyboard
as the keying will be obvious to the listeners.
• Dress as if you were meeting face to face. Wear a suit or professional business attire. You will be more likely to speak, move,
and act professionally if you are professionally dressed. When
you are lounging around in your sweats, your demeanor is likely
to come across as too casual.
Skype Interviews
• Create a professional Skype username.
• Practice operating the technology in advance until you are
comfortable with it. Have a backup plan in place should the
technology fail.
• Wear a suit or professional business attire.
• Be mindful of the background and location of your interview.
The area should be uncluttered, quiet and project a professional image.
• Practice interviewing in front of the camera and utilize practice software like Interview Stream.
• Be careful not to fidget or bob in and out of the camera’s view.
Opportunities for Practice Interviewing
Engineering Professional Development offers a wide range of opportunities for you to prepare and practice interviewing. Try one or try them all.
OPTIONS
Practice by phone or face to face with professional staff
Mock interviews with industry professionals
AVAILABILITY
HOW TO SCHEDULE
M-F
9 am – 4 pm
Call (319) 335-5763 to schedule an appointment
24/7 - Online
Visit: www.uiowa.interviewstream.com
Various dates
Visit hireahawk for details on companies, dates
and sign-up
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2014-2015 Career Resource Guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 29
Sample Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions
Many recruiters use a technique known as “behavioral interviewing” as part of the interview process. Instead of, or in addition to asking
hypothetical questions about how you would behave in various situations, behavioral questions ask what you did or how you handled a
particular situation.
Typically behavioral interview questions revolve around work experiences, initiative, planning, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and
collaboration. Anticipate that you might be asked to explain or talk about times when you demonstrated these behaviors and prepare and
practice your answers in advance.
The STAR Model
Use the STAR model (Situation, Tasks, Actions, Results) to set up a situation, describe the tasks needed to be completed, the actions you
took, and the favorable result or outcome. Be specific; don’t forget that you should be the hero of the story.
Example: Tell me about a time that you had to work with a difficult person.
S. Last semester I was working on a group project. When we were at an important stage, one of the teammates stopped coming to
meetings and doing his part. We called and texted and emailed him over and over but he never responded.
T. We needed this teammate to help us contribute to the assignment and the group asked me to address him in person.
A. One afternoon I went to his house to talk to him in person. I told him that the team was concerned about him and frustrated because
we were counting on him. He said that he was sorry to let us down but he was failing Chemistry and was preoccupied. I got him in
touch with one of my friends who is a chemistry major, and they set up some tutoring sessions.
R. Once my teammate started working with my friend and doing better in class he returned to the group and did his part and even more.
The project was finished on time, we all got a good grade, and our teammate passed Chemistry.
Opening Questions
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you choose to interview with our organization?
• What do you know about our organization’s products or
services?
• Why are you interested in this industry?
Experience
• What job-related skills have you developed?
• Did you work while going to school? In what positions?
• What did you learn from these work experiences?
• Why should we hire you rather than another candidate?
• What did you enjoy most about your last employment? Least?
• Have you ever quit a job? Why?
• How do you think a former supervisor would describe your
work?
• Can you tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple
deadlines?
• Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution to
an employer.
• Give an example of a time in which you worked under deadline
pressure.
Education-Oriented Questions
• How does your college education relate to this job?
• Why did you choose your major?
• Why did you choose to attend your college or university?
• Describe how your campus activities helped prepare you for this
position.
• Which classes in your major did you like best? Least? Why?
• Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?
• What concepts from your academic program could you apply to
this position?
Additional Questions
• Describe your ideal job.
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and
weaknesses?
• Of which three accomplishments are you most proud?
• Who are your role models? Why?
• What motivates you most in a job?
• Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?
• Do you prefer to work under supervision or on your own?
• Describe your preferred style of supervision.
• Would you be successful working with a team or independently?
• Do you prefer large or small organizations? Why?
• Tell me about a time when you worked in an unstructured
environment.
• Have you had difficulty getting along with a former professor/
supervisor/co-worker? How did you handle it?
Questions to Ask Employers
Specific questions about the job are better asked during second
meetings or with Human Resources staff. Ask more general questions that show your interest in the industry or organization.
• What is the biggest challenge the industry will face over the next
six months?
• Is there a service or product that you would like to offer your
customer that is not currently being offered?
• What products are in the development stage?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What are the ideal qualities you are looking for in the candidate
for this position?
• What do you enjoy about working here?
• What are the next steps in this hiring process?
Examples of Behavioral Questions are written in italics above.
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2014-2015 Career Resource Guide.
30 Engineering Professional Development
Attire for the Interview
What Should I Wear?
Wear a suit. When you wear a suit you communicate that you are
serious about the position and that you respect the process, the position, the company, and the interviewer. If the company or position
is casual, you may be tempted to dress down. However, for the interview, you should dress up. Once you have been offered the position,
you can adjust your attire to the company culture. If you feel strongly
that wearing a suit would be inappropriate, call the company in
advance to inquire what is considered proper interview attire.
Males
• Dark suits (black or navy) in natural fabrics (wool or cotton) are
safe bets.
• Polished dress shoes (solid heels, complete soles, and no scuffs).
• Dark suit, dark socks. Light suit, light socks (not white).
• Ties should be conservative, limited to small patterns or solid
colors.
• Pockets should be free from bulging wallets, tobacco products, or
jingling coins.
• Remove earrings and other piercings; cover up visible tattoos.
• Facial hair and nails should be clean and cut short.
Females
• Pant suit or dress suit in conservative colors—black, navy, grey.
• Skirt lengths that are not revealing (no higher than 2 inches
above knee).
• Makeup should be minimal and hair neatly styled and away from
your face.
• Avoid flashy, excessive jewelry, remove body piercings, and cover
visible tattoos.
• Wear polished pumps or dress flats.
• Non-textured, neutral hose or socks that complement your attire.
• Clear or conservative nail polish on an appropriate nail length.
• Small purse
• Avoid low-cut tops
Tips and Reminders
Don’t forget the little details. If you are expecting to receive calls for
interviews, make sure that your outgoing phone message conveys
a professional image. Record the message in your own voice and
use your first and last name. Speak slowly and clearly. The message
should be free of background noises, and should not include jokes
or music.
• Call the day before to confirm the interview time.
• Take a trial drive beforehand to make sure that you know the
way and travel time; your GPS is not fail proof.
• Bring a list of questions, extra copies of your resume, and pen/
paper to make notes.
• Take a last glance in the mirror. Check that your tie is spot free
and your teeth are free of lipstick or food.
• Turn off your phone.
• No gum.
Adapted with permission from East Carolina University’s 2014-2015
Career Resource Guide.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 31
Cooperative Education and Internship Program:
The Advantage of Engineering Experience and Education
Field Experience
Paid Positions
Professional Licensure
Interviewing Experience
Professional Interaction
Career Satisfaction
Ever wonder what it’s like to apply your knowledge in a “realworld” environment with professional engineers as supervisors
and mentors? The University of Iowa College of Engineering
Cooperative Education and Internship Program helps interested
engineering students participate in supervised engineering field
experiences. Our students have worked with over 200 organizations
in industry, government, and education. Talk with Engineering
Professional Development to find out how you can gain work experience relating to your field of study.
The program provides you with the academic and experiential ammunition you need to help secure the job and salary you want. Co-op/
Internships give you the opportunity to hone your communication
skills in a professional environment, as well as “use” the theories you
have been “studying” in class. Recruiters use successful co-op/intern
experiences as predictors of future success in professional environments requiring similar academic and communication skill sets.
Graduates with co-op experience on their resume, transcripts, and
portfolio have an edge during interviewing and hiring. This edge can
translate into faster career growth and job satisfaction.
The program is open to students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and at
least sophomore standing. You can graduate with experience on your
resume, co-op coursework on your transcript, and money in your
pocket. Most engineering co-ops/internships are paid positions, in
addition to being an excellent opportunity to apply your engineering,
communication, and leadership skills. The experience sets you apart
from other graduates, increases your marketability to employers, and
gives you additional leverage in salary negotiations. Plus, many states
allow you to use the time spent in a university-registered engineering
work experience toward the requirements for professional licensure.
Co-ops/internships are short-term reflections of the full time search.
You will be able to improve your resume and interviewing skills, and
most importantly, begin and/or build on your network of professional
contacts. Most career positions are acquired through contacts with
professionals in your field. The Engineering Cooperative Education/
Internship Program provides a framework on which you can build
your professional network.
Hoping to Gain Valuable Industry Experience?
Consider Doing a Co-op
W
hen considering how to obtain real-world experience
while in college, many students immediately think of
internships. While internships are valuable and fit easily
around students’ class schedules, co-op positions offer the opportunity to become more deeply involved in an organization, do more
substantive work, and gain work experience that may make one
more employable after graduation.
Co-op experiences typically involve multiple and/or longer work
terms. For example, a co-op student may work for a company
from May until December, and then return to school in January
for the winter semester. Typically, students participating in a
co-op will not be taking classes and will instead be gaining realworld experience by working full-time for a company during
the length of the co-op. Participating in a co-op may delay your
graduation date. Before committing to a co-op, you should create
an academic plan with your academic advisor that details which
courses you plan to take each semester to make sure you are on
track to graduate.
32 Engineering Professional Development
Consider how a co-op will fit into your schedule, but don’t skip
out on participating in a co-op just because you are in a rush to
graduate. Co-op opportunities are a great way to learn more about
your field and translate what you have learned in the classroom
into work assignments. While on co-op, you may learn about a
new area of interest that will influence what courses you will take
in the future. Co-op experience will also make you more attractive
to companies when you begin to apply for full-time opportunities.
Many companies understand that co-ops typically involve more
learning and hands-on experience than internships, and so value
candidates with co-op experience accordingly. Furthermore, taking
a co-op position will allow you to earn money that could help to
defray college expenses. Most co-op positions pay very well!
After you have received a co-op offer, contact Engineering
Professional Development to register your experience so that you
can retain your student status while you are away from the university on a co-op. To learn more about co-op, including how to find
co-op opportunities, schedule an appointment.
Make an Impact at
Your Internship or Full-Time Job
M
aking an impact at your internship or first full-time position comes down to simply understanding and following
workplace etiquette. Workplace etiquette is nothing more
than the behavior and manners that are acceptable at your work
site. The tricky part is that each site is different and the rules are
different from the rules that apply to you as a student. People don’t
expect you to be a student. Rather, they expect you to act the way
they do, as a professional in their line of work. Often times, the
rules are seldom spelled out for you, and are not the same for any
two organizations. If you don’t figure out the rules, you may have
a poor experience and a poor evaluation. So what do you do? Here
are a few guidelines and ideas to help you get on track:
1. Dress the Part
Yes, this is important! When you walk in the door of your
work site, even if it is on campus, you are no longer a student.
Appropriate attire is different for every organization. Look around
you. What are others wearing? What about their hairstyles? What
kind of accessories are the norm, including earrings for men?
Model your dress and grooming after that of your supervisor and
other professional staff, and you cannot go wrong.
2. Follow the Chain of Command
It is important for you to know the formal and informal reporting
structures within your organization. Once you understand them,
follow them! The unspoken rule is this: do not go around, behind
or over anyone. Follow the chain of command in all your communications and actions. That means go to your site supervisor first.
Also, identify the second in command or the person you can go to
in your supervisor’s absence.
3. Respect Confidentiality
You can talk about issues, projects, and the work environment, but
refrain from talking about people. Gossip can get back to people
and wind up hurting you. Don’t be hurt if you are left out of certain
discussions—some issues are for staff eyes and ears only. Finally,
don’t take sides; steer clear of interoffice politics. Remember that
you are there to work on your project.
4. Respect the Support Staff
They have been there longer than you, and they know more than
you. They can be terrific allies in helping you break in, helping
you understand the unspoken rules, and helping you accomplish
your goals if you treat them with the respect they are due. Wipe
the thought “just a secretary” out of your mind. Remember this:
without support staff, the organization would not run.
5. Learn Basic Social Skills
This might seem rather silly, but if no one ever taught you such
rituals, you are well advised to learn them quickly! Go to the library
and read some etiquette books, or pattern your behavior after those
around you. How you handle hellos, goodbyes, and basic courtesies
of speech and action can win friends or turn people off. For
example, don’t sit down in someone’s office until you are invited to
do so. Keep your feet off the furniture. Hats off inside! Don’t chew
gum.
6. Attendance and Promptness are Expected
As a student, some faculty may not penalize you if you fly into class
five minutes late or if you miss class. In the work world, that just
won’t cut it. Tardiness and absenteeism signal disrespect for others’
time and a lack of interest in the work. Promptness signals eagerness, responsibility, and respect for others. At the beginning of the
day and at all your meetings, be on time or five minutes early. The
only reasons that may justify an absence from work are serious
illness or family emergencies. It is important to call immediately
and speak directly with your supervisor if you have a problem,
which will keep you from work.
7. Learn to Make a Positive First Impression
Practice until you acquire a firm handshake. Learn how to make
introductions and how to introduce yourself to those you don’t
know. Be friendly, smile and extend yourself. These are all parts of
those important first impressions, which really can earn you points.
Picture this: the Executive Director of your organization is coming
down the hall toward you. You are alone. She is a valuable person
to know. Are you ready to introduce yourself?
8. Take Initiative
Offer to help on projects and assist others in the office.
9. Turn Off Your Cellphone and Don’t Open Facebook
Your employer expects you to work during the work day, not
conduct personal business or be distracted by texting friends or
checking social media. These things can be done during lunchtime
or other breaks, but don’t jeopardize your position because you
couldn’t wait until after work to text your friends about dinner
plans.
10. Be a Good Ambassador
Be aware that you reflect the institution. How you perform and
behave at work will establish your professional image, for better
or worse, and also, the future of other Rutgers interns or full-time
candidates.
Think about the long-term benefits of good work place etiquette.
You might want to ask your previous supervisors for job recommendations or contacts. You may apply for full-time or summer
jobs at a previous work site. Have you proven that you can make
it in that type of environment? Have you earned a positive recommendation? What you do today can stick with you for a long time.
Make it count!
Adapted from Muhlenberg College and Seattle University.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 33
Don’t Forget the Small Companies
M
ost students concentrate their job search on Fortune
500 corporations or other large, well-known companies
with defined and approachable personnel departments.
And in an economic climate that has proved challenging for small
business, it would be easy to follow the path of “most students.”
There are fewer limitations, and it’s up to you to make the best
or worst of that freedom. A small business often has a strong
company culture. Learn that company’s culture; it will help you
on your way up the corporate ladder.
But don’t count out the small companies just yet. Small businesses have been at the forefront of innovation, economic growth
and job creation, and there’s no reason to doubt they’ll continue
to find themselves in this position in the future.
One of the biggest hurdles to finding a job in a small business is
contacting a hiring manager. Good timing is critical. The sporadic
growth of many small companies can mean sporadic job openings, so you need to network. A small b
­ usiness tends to fill its
labor needs informally through p
­ ersonal contacts and recommendations from employees. Job hunters must find their way into the
organization and approach someone with hiring authority. This
means you must take the initiative. Once you have someone’s
attention, you must convince him or her that you can do something for the company. How do you find information on small
companies? Try these techniques:
• Contact the chamber of commerce in the area you would
like to work. Get the names of growing companies in the
industry of your choice. Peruse the membership directory.
• Participate in the local chapter of professional trade associations related to your career. Send prospective employers a
cover letter and resume, then follow up with a phone call.
• Read trade publications, business journals and area newspapers for leads. Again, follow up.
• Speak with small business lenders such as bankers, venture
capitalists and small business investment companies listed in
directories at local libraries.
Keep the following differences between large and small companies in mind as you conduct your job search:
Generally, any business with 200 or fewer employees is considered a small company. Whether the business has 20 employees
or 20,000, the research you do in preparation for an interview
opportunity will be the best gauge of the company’s outlook. As
we’ve seen, large companies can be just as shaky as small ones, so
the questions really come down to; “Is a small company right for
you?” and “Are you right for a small company?” There are several
things to consider when deciding between working in a large
versus a small company.
Is a Small Company Right for You?
Small companies tend to offer an informal atmo­sphere, an allfor-one camaraderie and require more versatility and dedication
on the part of the company and w
­ orkers. Small companies are
usually growing so they are constantly redefining themselves
and the positions within them. Look at the following list of small
company traits and consider which are advantages and which are
disadvantages for you.
• You are given more responsibility and are not limited by job
titles or descriptions.
• Your ideas and suggestions will be heard and given more
attention.
• Career advancement and salary increases may be rapid in a
growing company.
• You have less job security due to the high rate of failure for a
small business.
• You have the opportunity to be involved in the creation or
growth of something great.
• You may be involved in the entire organization rather than
in a narrow department.
• You may be eligible for stock options and profit sharing.
• The environment is less bureaucratic; there are fewer rules
and regulations and thus fewer guidelines to help you determine what to do and whether you’re succeeding or failing.
• Successes and faults are more visible.
• Starting salaries and benefits may be more variable.
• A dominant leader can control the entire organization. This
can lead either to more “political games” or a healthy, happy
atmosphere.
• You must be able to work with everyone in the organization.
Are You Right for a Small Company?
Because most small companies do not have extensive training
programs, they look for certain traits in potential employees. You
will do well in a small company if you are:
• Self-motivated
• A generalist with many complementary skills
• A good communicator, both oral and written
• Enthusiastic • A risk-taker • A quick learner
• Responsible enough to get things done on your own
34 Engineering Professional Development
Finding a Job in a Small Company
Large Company
Small Company
Centralized Human Resources������������������������������������������������ No HR
Formal recruiting program���������������������������� No full-time recruiters
Standardized
hiring procedures ��������������������������� No standard hiring procedures
Keep resumes on file���������������������������� Usually won’t keep resumes
Interview held with
Interview often held with
recruiters and managers�������������������������� the founder or direct boss
Career section
on Web site������������������������������� Little/no career section on Web site
Hiring done months in
advance of starting date ����������������������� Hired to begin immediately
Formal training programs �������������������������������� On-the-job training
Predetermined job categories��������������������� Jobs emerge to fit needs
Always do your homework on the company, and persuade them
to hire you through your initiative and original thinking. If you
haven’t graduated yet, offer to work for them as an intern. This
will give you experience, and if you do well, there’s a good chance
that a job will be waiting for you on graduation day.
Adapted with permission from the Career Resource Manual of the
University of California, Davis.
Negotiating the Job Offer
M
ost employers agree that there is an implicit assumption that an initial job offer will be negotiated. Failure to negotiate can have a
variety of negative implications such as leaving money on the table. If the initial offer is presumably not the best offer the employer is
willing to offer, then accepting that offer is an immediate loss. Additionally, accepting the initial offer and failing to attempt negotiation is acquiescence, which is a form of compromise. Some employers view compromise as lazy, which is not the initial impression you want to
make with your new employer!
How should I negotiate?
Best Practices in Negotiating:
• Do your research, know your value.
• Ask questions—Understanding what the company wants and
values will help you negotiate more effectively.
• Negotiate in person or over the phone, avoid email
negotiations.
• Negotiate more than just salary—the more variables negotiated, the higher likelihood that you and the employer will
reach an agreement both are satisfied with.
How do I initiate negotiations?
• Find out if negotiation is even an option.
• Ask the crucial question: “What, if any, parts of this offer are
negotiable?”
• Be prepared for the question: “What did you have in mind?”
Why don’t people negotiate?
Myths and Fears
• Fear of losing the job—Most employers expect to negotiate, so asking to negotiate is unlikely to cost you the
offer.
• Fear of conflict and emotion—Conflict is an inherent
part of human interaction, overcoming this fear will
benefit you throughout your career.
• Fear of employer’s superior power—Contrary to
popular belief, once the employer has made you the
initial offer the balance of power has shifted in your
favor.
• Fear of negotiating poorly—Practice! Schedule
an appointment with Engineering Professional
Development to discuss your negotiation strategy.
Why is negotiation so important?
It’s important to understand that your starting compensation
package has many long-term consequences. All future raises and
promotions are likely to be affected by the initial package, as well
as potentially new job opportunities with other companies. Making
sure that you and your new employer come to an arrangement that
both are satisfied with is extremely important!
Adapted with permission from the ECS Career Guide of the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Engineering Career
Services Office.
Negotiation Facts
• Only 25% of applicants attempt to negotiate.
• 100% of employers feel that negotiating is appropriate.
• 90% of employers do not offer best compensation
package initially.
• In one study, 57% of male MBA students attempted to
negotiate while only 7% of females did so.
• Males in the previous study ended up making $4,000
more per year.
• In another study, recent male graduates who negotiated their salary earned an average increase of $975 per
year; females earned an additional $1,778.
• In a third study, participants who opted to negotiate
earned an average increase of $5,000 in annual salary,
which ultimately led to an additional $600,000+ in lifetime
earnings.
www.engineering.uiowa.edu/epd 35
Graduate School for Engineers–
Factors to Consider
A
t some point in your college career, you must decide
what you would like to do after graduation—and that
includes whether or not to attend graduate school. If
you’re trying to determine whether graduate school is right for
you, here are some pointers to help you make an enlightened
decision.
1. Should I consider going to graduate school?
Going to graduate school might be a good idea if you…
• Wish to develop additional expertise in a particular subject
or field to maximize your future earning potential and
opportunities for career advancement.
• Are deeply interested in a particular subject and wish to
study it in-depth.
• Want to be a professor, lawyer, doctor, or work in any
profession that requires a post-secondary education.
Going to graduate school might not be a good idea if you…
• Are trying to delay your entry into the “real world” with real
responsibilities and real bills.
• Are clueless about your career goals.
• Aren’t prepared to devote the time and hard work needed to
succeed.
• Want to stay in school longer to avoid a poor job market.
2. Is it better to work first or attend graduate school
immediately after I complete my undergraduate
degree?
Work first if…
• You would like to get some real-world work experience.
• You haven’t applied for any scholarships, grants, fellowships
and assistantships, which could pay for a great deal of your
education.
Go to graduate school now if…
• You are absolutely sure you want to be a college professor,
doctor, lawyer, etc., and need a graduate degree to pursue
your dream job.
• You have been awarded grants, fellowships, scholarships or
assistantships that will help pay for your education.
• You’re concerned that once you start earning real money,
you won’t be able to return to the lifestyle of a “poor”
student.
• Your study habits and mental abilities are at their peak, and
you worry whether you’ll have the discipline (or motivation)
to write papers and study for exams in a few years.
3. I am broke. How will I pay for tuition, books, fees
and living expenses?
The good news is that there are great opportunities for financial
support and many engineering students go through graduate
school without added debt.
36 Engineering Professional Development
• Fellowships/Scholarships: A free education is always the
best option. The catch is you need a high GPA, good GRE/
GMAT/LSAT/MCAT scores and the commitment to search
out every possible source of funding.
• Teaching/Research Assistantships: Many assistantships
include tuition waivers plus a monthly stipend. It’s a great
way to get paid for earning an education.
• Employer Sponsorship: Did you know that some companies
actually pay for you to continue your education? The catch
is they usually expect you to continue working for them
after you complete your degree so they can recoup their
investment.
4. What are the pros and cons of going to graduate
school full-time vs. part-time?
Benefits of attending graduate school full-time:
• You’ll be able to complete your degree sooner.
• You can totally commit your intellectual, physical and
emotional energy to your education.
• Ideal if you want to make a dramatic career change.
Benefits of attending graduate school part-time:
• Work income helps pay for your education.
• You can take a very manageable course load.
• You can juggle family responsibilities while completing your
degree.
• Allows you to work in the function/industry/career of your
choice while continuing your education.
• Employer will often pay for part (or all) of your graduate
degree.
5. Assuming I want to go to graduate school in the
near future, what should I do now?
a. Identify your true strengths, interests and values to help you
discover what is right for YOU—not your friends or parents.
b. Keep your grades up and sign up (and prepare) to take the
required standardized tests.
c. Talk to faculty, friends and family who have gone to graduate school to get their perspective about the differences
between being an undergraduate and a graduate student.
d. Talk to faculty, friends and family who are in your targeted
profession to get a realistic sense of the career path and the
challenges associated with the work they do.
e. Investigate creative ways to finance your education—by
planning ahead you may reduce your debt.
f. Research graduate schools to help you find a good match.
g. Investigate the admissions process and the current student
body profile of your targeted schools to evaluate your probability for admission.
h. Have faith and APPLY! Remember, you can’t get in unless
you apply.
Adapted with permission from an article by Roslyn J. Bradford.
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