Frequently Asked Career Services Questions

A:  Our Career Services team offers you advice on professional development and help with job searches, practice interviews, and résumé writing. We also invite prospective employers to visit the campus and participate in career fairs, giving you a chance to meet and talk with those employers one-on-one. Early in your program, you should actively participate in Career Services activities and visit our Career Services Department often for help in preparing for your job search.

A:  This question is common among students. Experience is important, but it’s not the only key factor that employers consider when they want to hire someone. Good communication and leadership skills and your ability to work with others and be an effective team member top the list of preferred qualifications for many employers. The extent to which you can demonstrate these skills, in addition to your externship experience, volunteer activities, class projects, and transferable skills from previous employment, are all key indicators that can help you get the job. Our Career Services team can help you identify your transferable skills and help you in your job search process.

A:  It’s important to keep in mind that your résumé should be tailored to the position you’re applying for. Typically, many résumés start with an Objective statement, where you can clearly and succinctly state your current career goal. Career Services can help you with that. Then, you should list your relevant experience. Usually, this is done in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent job (or your most recent project or extracurricular activity, if you don’t have job experience). Again, remember that the jobs or activities you list should indicate knowledge, skills, and abilities that relate to the position you’re applying for. You should also list your educational details, including any certificates or diplomas you’ve earned. Listing any academic or work-related organizations you belong to or any awards or honors you’ve received may also prove helpful.

Try to keep your résumé as concise as possible while making sure to communicate any information that you feel will be helpful for the prospective employer to know. If you’ve built up enough relevant experience and your résumé needs a second page, that’s fine, but a résumé should typically not exceed two pages in length. Some prospective employers may also ask you to provide references (generally, three). If so, you can list your references’ names and current contact information on a separate page. Also, don’t forget to ask your contacts for permission to use them as references for you.

Again, our Career Services team has several resources and examples that you can use in developing an effective résumé.

A:  This question has no right or wrong answer. First, you should always follow the instructions in the job posting or ad. If you are asked to apply in person, make sure that you are neat and clean in appearance and are dressed appropriately, because you will likely be interviewed on the spot! No matter what your initial contact method, always follow up on the status of your application/résumé, preferably by email or phone. Following up ensures that your document was received and shows your continued interest in working for the organization. Our Career Services team can help you with effective follow-up methods.

A:  You should use all available methods and resources for finding employment. This includes using “warm contacts” (employers with whom you’ve had some communication), “cold contacts” (employers with whom you haven’t had prior contact), internet job boards, the newspaper, your family and friends, other networking sources, and our Career Services Department. The Career Services team routinely interacts with businesses, healthcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, and other community members to develop contacts for our graduates. We recommend that you begin using this resource early in your program and take advantage of all the services and activities that Career Services provides.

A:  If you’ve practiced ahead of time and use the interviewing tips provided by Career Services, you should be well prepared! Typically, an interviewer will ask you about your experience and relevant skills. The interviewer may ask why you’re interested in the position and why you believe you’re the best candidate. He or she may also ask specific details about your attributes, characteristics, and strengths (or areas in which you feel you may need development), your likes and dislikes relevant to the position, or your approach to certain circumstances or issues that may be encountered on the job. The interviewer will also describe the job details and benefits to you and will likely ask you about your work availability. If you have any questions about the position that haven’t been covered by the interviewer, now is the time to ask them. Salary discussions are usually reserved for later in the hiring process.

Remember that no two interviews are exactly alike: You may be interviewed by one or more people, individually or together, on one or more occasions, in person or not. But no matter what the circumstance, it’s always important to be on time for the interview and to present yourself honestly, ethically, respectfully, professionally, and with self-assurance and confidence.

A:  As soon after your interview as possible, you should send the interviewer a note expressing your thanks for the interview opportunity and reaffirming your readiness for and interest in the position. This is usually sent via email or regular mail. If several days go by and you haven’t heard anything, it’s always helpful to follow up with your interviewer on the status of your application, as indicated earlier.

If you get the job, congratulations! Make sure that you’re clear about the job details (hours, benefits, salary, start date, etc.) and that all of your questions have been answered before you accept the position.

If you don’t get the job, don’t be discouraged: Consider every interview a learning experience that you can build on as you pursue other possibilities. And continue to use the help of our Career Services team members, who stand ready to help you as you pursue a career opportunity in your chosen field.