JOB SEARCH

HANDBOOK
 JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES
Searching for a job is something that everyone will do at some point or several points in his or her life. It is the
end result of years of education. It is a visible symbol of reaching goals and individual success. It seems like it
should be a very natural process. But it is not. Mention the term “job search” and the reactions range from a
blank stare to general terror to confusion.

Whether you are looking for your first part-time job or internship or a long-term career position, the concepts
are the same. If you take the time to read and complete this handbook, the process will be clearer to you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Marketing Tools...................................................................................................................................... 3
Resumes, Cover Letters, Recommendation Letters/Reference List, Mavjobs,
Importance of Internships

Job Search Strategies........................................................................................................................... 16

Networking, Informational Interviewing

Interviewing for Success........................................................................................................................ 20

Dressing for Success, Interview Techniques, Questions to Anticipate, Behavior-
Based Interviewing, Thank You Letters, Job Offers

Sample Resumes, Cover Letters, Reference List................................................................................... 28-68

For more information on Self-assessment and Goal-Setting, Job Search Strategies, and Informational
Interviewing, go to the Job Search Handbook section of the CDC website at:
http://www.mnsu.edu/cdc/students/jobsearch/jshandbook.html

Please see advertisements from our sponsors on pages 33-36. Thank you to: ABDO, EICK
& MEYERS, LLP; Aldine Public School District; Eide Bailly LLP; Federated Insurance;
Hickory Tech; and KDV for your generous support!

Career Development Center

Minnesota State University, Mankato
209 Wigley Administration Center
Mankato, MN 56001
507-389-6061
http://www.mnsu.edu/cdc

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 Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success. - Henry Ford

Begin marketing yourself NOW!

Marketing Tools

Selling yourself to employers is like selling a product. You have to market yourself.
How do you do this? You need to identify selling points, decide on a method by
which to communicate them to your target market and compose that communication
effectively.

As a job seeker, there are certain tools you will use to communicate your selling
marketing tools

points. The two most common ways to do this are through a resume and a cover
letter. Your resume is the tool that gives the employer an overview of your education,
experience, skills and accomplishments. The purpose of the resume is to secure an
interview, NOT a job! The cover letter is an introduction to the resume. It allows
you to highlight one or two important talents or achievements that qualify you for the
position you are applying for. The purpose of the cover letter is to generate interest
on the part of the employer, which then leads to him/her wanting to read your
resume to learn more about you. Remember, both your resume and your cover letter
also demonstrate your written communication skills to employers.

The following section will present information on marketing tools including:

✓  Resumes
✓  Cover Letters
✓  Recommendation Letters/Reference Lists
✓  mavjobs.com
✓ Importance of Internships

As you begin to develop these tools, remember who your audience is – the
employer. What benefits do you have to offer an employer? Develop a marketing
campaign that targets the needs of your audience. Also remember that these tools
are works in progress – you will want to continually re-evaluate your approach, and
be prepared to make changes.

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RESUME PREPARATION
A resume is a one or two full page summary that relates your education, experience and skills to your career goal or job
objective. The primary purpose of a resume is to obtain interviews with potential employers. Therefore, a resume should:

•  Present a positive image •  Describe qualifications

•  Detail what you have done •  Provide framework for an interview

A resume should outline your educational background, extracurricular activities, and paid or volunteer work experiences.
Your resume should also summarize your skills. Before you begin your resume, do some brainstorming. Brainstorming is a
very important step in preparing your resume. As you brainstorm, focus on tasks performed, skills and abilities used, and
accomplishments. Use the following outline to assist you in gathering the necessary information to start your resume.

1. Contact Information
How can the employer contact you? Include name, address(es), phone number(s), e-mail, URL address, etc.

Contact Information:
Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________

City:________________________________________ State:_______ Zip Code:_ ______________________________

E-mail Address (should be professional such as dbj@hotmail.com, NOT hotstuff@msn.com):

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Objective
This should be a separate section on your resume. It is a brief, specific explanation of your job search goal. Once
you have defined your objective, the information you provide on your resume should support this goal.

Good examples:
English teaching position at the secondary level utilizing skills in speech and drama

Seeking a Human Resource Generalist position in a corporate setting

Position in Bank Management training program leading to position of Lending Officer

Seeking position utilizing strong research and writing skills. Particular interest in public relations or publishing.

Entry-level natural resources position for a government agency

Full-time Nursing position in a hospital setting. Special interest in Obstetrics.

To obtain an Accounting internship with a public accounting firm in the Twin Cities area

To obtain an entry-level position in the social service field. Special interest in working with children and families.

Poor example:
A challenging position in a growth-oriented organization.

Objective:________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Education
For many new graduates, the bulk of their experience comes from their educational background. When completing
your education section, list your most current institution first, followed by other schools you have attended. If you
did not complete at least 2 semesters at a different school prior to Minnesota State Mankato, you can choose if you
would like to include information about your former institution. The following information should be included
regarding your educational experiences:
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 Example 1:
Bachelor of Science Degree, Accounting May 2011
Business Administration Minor GPA: 3.5
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
Dean’s List, Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Associate of Applied Sciences Degree, Accountant May 2009
South Central College – North Mankato, MN GPA: 3.8

Example 2:
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Spanish, December 2010
• Completed coursework in Spanish and Spanish history at
Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico, Fall 2006

Bachelor of Science Degree, International Business, May 2010

• College of Business is accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance
Collegiate Schools of Business)

Education:
School name:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Location (city, state):_ _______________________________________________________________________________

Degree earned or in progress:________________________________________________________________________

Graduation Date:______________________ Major(s):____________________________________________________

Minor(s):_____________________________ Concentration(s):______________________________________________

Optional: Honors/GPA:____________________________________________________________________________

4. Related Coursework (optional)
As mentioned earlier, education is a major source of experience for most new graduates. For example, graduates
with a technical background may want to detail the courses they completed. An applicant may also want to do this
when the classes taken were of a specialty nature. This may also be very effective for candidates who are applying
for jobs that are not an exact fit with their majors (i.e., an English major who is seeking a career in sales may have
taken a number of communication courses to prepare for this field, but an employer reviewing this candidate’s resume
would not know this based on the education section). Be selective and choose to include only those courses which
are related to your career goals.

Example 1:
  Related Principles of Accounting I, II Microeconomics
  Coursework Business Writing Macroeconomics
Introduction to Business Computing Introduction to Management
Calculus for Business Applications Linear Mathematics

Example 2:
Related Coursework
Promotional Strategies Media Writing II
Editorial Process Consumer Behavior
Mass Communication Law Product and Pricing Strategy

5. Experience
This can be paid OR volunteer. (List most recent experience first and work in reverse chronological order). This
section may include volunteering, internships, field experience, part-time or summer jobs, etc. You may also use a
variety of section headings, depending on the experience you have.

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 General: Specific:
Work Experience Related Experience
Work History Volunteer Experience
Experience Education-related Experience
Employment History Professional Experience

Example 1:
RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Marketing and Promotions Intern February 2010 - present
Infinity Broadcasting Inc. Minneapolis, MN
• Write promotional copy for radio contests and station events for WCCO, WLTE, KCCO, and MIX-104
• Plan and execute promotional events at trade shows, concerts, and other sponsored events
• Organize remote station appearances
• Construct promotional materials

Radio Show Host: KMSU-FM August 2008-January 2010
KMSU-FM Mankato, MN
• Scheduled guests on a weekly basis
• Prepared and wrote script
• Researched guests for interviews
• Oversaw all aspects of production of weekly radio show

Example 2:
RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Child Protection Intern 2010
Carver County Community Social Services Chaska, MN
• Conducted child protection assessment with the traditional response method
• Completed alternative response assessment training
• Screened and assigned maltreatment reports
• Answered social service intake calls and referred clients to appropriate services
• Trained community members in mandated reporting laws

OTHER EXPERIENCE:
Team Leader 2007-2009
Target Burnsville, MN
• Supervised 20+ employees per shift
• Effectively handled guest complaints
• Developed weekly employee schedules
• Promoted from Cashier to Team Leader based on outstanding job performance
Example 3:
Professional Experience
Marketing Assistant, Mediacom, Waseca, MN (8/09 - Present)
• Plan, create, order, and implement new Kiosks
• Create monthly cross channel advertising schedule
• Monitor monthly disconnect data
• Manage sales incentive programs

Lead Service Associate, Mediacom, Waseca, MN (3/07-7/09)

• Assumed responsibilities of supervisor in supervisor’s absence
• Assisted in training new hires on job duties
• Trained and evaluated employees to help improve performance and
productivity in sales and customer service

Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Manager, Volunteer Workforce Program, Mankato, MN (5/08-5/10)
• Assessed staff needs and coordinated necessary volunteer workforce to complete required
citywide community services

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 Volunteer, YMCA, Minneapolis, MN (Summers 08-09)
• Taught children ages 8-12 basic rules and skills in volleyball, basketball and softball
• Encouraged sportsmanship and fair play

Experience:
1. Position title:___________________________________________________________________________________

Employer:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Location (city, state): ________________________________ Dates: from _______ to_ _______________________

Accomplishments/Responsibilities (USE ACTION WORDS!):_ __________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Position title:___________________________________________________________________________________

Employer:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Location (city, state): ________________________________ Dates: from _______ to_ _______________________

Accomplishments/Responsibilities (USE ACTION WORDS!):_ __________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Position title:___________________________________________________________________________________

Employer:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Location (city, state): ________________________________ Dates: from _______ to_ _______________________

Accomplishments/Responsibilities (USE ACTION WORDS!):_ __________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Do not limit your experiences! Add others as necessary and appropriate.

Attach additional pages using the same format.

6. Skills (optional)
This section allows you to emphasize skills you feel will contribute to attaining your career goal. For example, you
may have a number of technology, communication, language or management skills you want to list. If you choose to
include a skills section, there is no specific order in which this section should be placed. The resume examples at the
back of this handbook show a variety of options.

Example 1:
COMPUTER Software: MS Office, SPSS, Adobe Photoshop, MS Project, MS Visio
SKILLS Language: Java, Python, HTML, COBOL, Oracle, C++, SQL
Operating Systems: Windows 98x/2kx/XP/Vista

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 Example 2:
SKILLS
•  Sales: Retail, household appliance, and Internet sales experience
•  Customer Service: Provided effective customer service to a range of ages and needs
•  Leadership: Coaching, motivating, and training
•  Computer: Strong experience with all components of Microsoft Office, some web design
•  Communication: Public speaking, interpersonal, excellent writing skills
•  Management: Supervised, evaluated and trained personnel

Example 3:
Highlights of Qualifications:
•  Experience working with diverse populations.
•  Basic knowledge of Spanish, both verbal and written.
•  Proficient with computers including both Mac and PC.
•  Excellent communication skills, both interpersonal and presentation.
•  Active team player with proven leadership skills.

7. Additional Information
Membership or leadership experience, athletic participation, or scholarships, awards and honor societies are
impressive “additional” items to add to your resume. Quickly read through the following checklist and circle as many
‘yes’ responses as you can. Then come back and fill in specifics. If your experiences appear to need an additional
section, see the examples at the bottom of this section for ideas on how to build this section. If you feel some of your
skills/experiences/abilities fit into another section on your resume, be sure to go back and add them! (Hint: if you
don’t really have much in the way of additional information, find ways to gain some of these great resume builders!)

Yes No Language Abilities________________________________________________________________

Yes No Technology Skills_________________________________________________________________

Yes No Study or travel abroad_ ___________________________________________________________

Yes No Professional memberships__________________________________________________________

Yes No Leadership positions (campus/community)_ ___________________________________________

Yes No Conference attendance____________________________________________________________

Yes No Volunteer activities________________________________________________________________

Yes No Professional recognition_ __________________________________________________________

Yes No Honors, awards__________________________________________________________________

Yes No College Activities_________________________________________________________________

Yes No Interests_________________________________________________________________________

Yes No Community service/service learning_________________________________________________

Example 1:

Activities and Honors

• Women’s Varsity Basketball Team, Co-Captain, Minnesota State Mankato 2008-2010
• Finance Club - President: 2008-2009, Member: 2006-2010
• Maverick Achievement Award 2008

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Example 2:

Achievements
♦ John Smith Academic Achievement Scholarship 2009
♦ Achievement in Natural Sciences Award 2009
♦ Outstanding Biology Student 2008
♦ YMCA Big Brother volunteer 2005-2008
♦ Dean’s List

RESUME STYLE

The most commonly used format for new graduates is the REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL resume format. Information is
listed in reverse chronological order (most recent first and then work backwards by date within each section). Each
position should include the name of the organization, city and state, your job title, dates of employment, the tasks
performed and the skills used. For examples of this type of resume, see pages 27-56 of this handbook.

Starting the Resume Process
Choose a resume style that best fits your goals and experience. After choosing your style, complete a first draft. Schedule
an appointment and have your resume critiqued by a member of the CDC staff or for quick feedback, stop by the CDC’s
“Quick Stop” (call or check our web site for specific hours).

Your resume needs to be concise and catchy as the average time spent on a resume by a future employer is less than 1
minute! The typical resume is 1 or 2 pages long.

Be prepared to write more than one draft and to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. It takes a lot
of effort, but this is effort well-spent as your resume is your most important job hunting tool.

Should you use a resume template?

Many students choose to use a resume template for their first resumes. Resume templates come standard in many word
processing programs and can also be purchased separately. There are several drawbacks to resume templates. First,
recruiters have seen these templates many times and they do not stand out from other resumes. Also, resume templates
can be very difficult to work with. If you experiences are unique or if you want to highlight something in a particular way,
you might not be able to do so. Many templates have settings for font size, spacing, margins, and categories which
cannot be changed. You want your resume to reflect your experiences, not something that is preset.

The staff in the Minnesota State Mankato Career Development Center recommend that you start your resume on your own
in a basic word processing document. We do not encourage the use of templates

Basic Hints
• Be positive. Be honest. Stick to the facts.

• Avoid abbreviations.

• Appearance is important. Do not clutter your page. Generally, 1” margins are used. You can decrease your margins
slightly if you need more room. Use bold print and capital letters to emphasize important items.

• Don’t forget your name, address, phone and e-mail address. Be sure your e-mail address is professional sounding (i.e.
melissa.adams@gmail.com vs. cutiepie@hotmail.com!)

• Personal information such as age, marital status, height, weight should NOT be included on your resume.

• Include activities, travel experience or awards in a separate section or under experience or education only if they are
related to your goal.

• Do not include reference names, addresses, or phone numbers on your resume. List these on a separate sheet. See
page 12 for formatting a reference list.

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• Beware of printing your final copy resume on an ink jet printer! Your resume should be either laser printed or copied
from a laser printed copy at a professional copier.

Prepare Your “Final” Resume
Ask your friends and family, or faculty and professionals in your field of interest to review your resume. Then check, check
and check again for grammatical, typographical and spelling errors. Your resume has to be perfect, with no mistakes!
Remember, a resume is a work in progress. Every day you are adding to your experience, so be sure to update as
needed!

Duplication of your resume can be done inexpensively by quality photocopying on quality bond paper, in a neutral
shade. It is a good idea to buy matching stationary and envelopes for mailing resumes and cover letters.

Action Verbs
Action verbs convey accomplishments.
adapt decide interview provide
administer delegate investigative question
advise demonstrate launch recommend
analyze design lead record
anticipate develop lecture recruit
appoint diagnose locate refer
approve direct maintain regulate
appraise display manage reinforce
arrange draft match reorganize
assemble edit measure represent
audit eliminate mediate research
calculate establish monitor revamp
circulate estimate motivate review
classify evaluate negotiate schedule
coach examine observe sell
compile exhibit operate serve
complete expand organize sketch
compose expedite originate solve
conceive facilitate participate speak
conduct formulate perform structure
confront generate persuade supervise
construct hire plan support
contract implement predict talk
control improve prepare train
coordinate increase print translate
correspond influence process update
counsel initiate promote write
create inspire propose

Adjectives
Adjectives enhance descriptions.
accurate conscientious industrious patient
adaptable cooperative intelligent precise
analytical determined logical quick
capable discrete methodical rational
clear-thinking efficient meticulous reliable
competent energetic motivated firm
resourceful competitive open-minded flexible
responsible confident organized strategic

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 Skill Areas
Use
action words to describe your transferable skills.
administering programs editing work overseeing operations
advising people encouraging others persuading others
analyzing data enduring long hours planning
budgeting expenses enforcing rules prioritizing work
collaborating ideas entertaining people programming
communication evaluating programs promoting events
comparing results expressing feelings proposing ideas
compiling statistics handling complaints public relations
conducting meetings handling detail work public speaking
confronting other people interpreting languages raising funds
constructing buildings investigating problems rehabilitating people
coordinating listening to others relating to the public
coping with deadlines maintaining accurate records reporting information
creating making decisions selling products
defining a problem managing people speaking to the public
delegating responsibilities managing use of money supervising employees
designing motivating others teaching
displaying artistic ideas negotiating/arbitrating writing reports
distributing products organizing tasks

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS/REFERENCE LISTS

Many employers request letters of recommendation or a list of references from candidates. Letters of recommendation are
just that, letters written by people you have asked to recommend you for a job or internship. These letters should explain
how the writer knows you, what skills or experience he/she believes you have, and why you would be a good fit for the
position you are applying for. A reference list, however, is a list of people you have asked to recommend you when directly
contacted by a potential employer. It is becoming more common for employers to call a candidate’s references rather than
asking for letters. No matter which way an employer chooses to contact the people you have selected, you should keep
your references informed about what positions you are applying for and give them a copy of your resume to refer to. Use
the reference sheet example on the next page to help you get started.

COVER LETTERS
A cover letter, or letter of application, should always accompany your resume-whether it is mailed, emailed, or faxed. For
specific positions, your cover letter should be tailored to each individual employer and reflect your interest in the organization
or position advertised. You may also want to generate a list of relevant employers and do a general, targeted mailing to all
employers in a certain field and geographic location. A professional cover letter should be typed, with no errors, on paper
matching your resume in a business format. As with your resume, visit the CDC and schedule an appointment for a staff
member to review/critique your cover letter(s).

Use the sample cover letter format on page 13 to help you get started. This is one acceptable format. Remember, the
format of your letter will depend on the amount of information you include, as well as your writing style. Additional samples
can be found starting on page 57 of this handbook.

TIPS FOR WRITING EFFECTIVE COVER LETTERS

• Research the organization and use what you learn to address why you want to work with this employer.
• If you have a job opening with required or preferred qualifications or a job description, use your cover letter to show
how you meet the requirements for a job.
• Use concrete skills and examples. Instead of “I’m a people person and I like technology” say “during my internship in the
Career Development Center, I developed and used strong counseling and customer service skills. At the Mankato Used
Record Store, I utilized my strong technological skills to revamp the inventory system and I also redesigned their website.”
• Don’t start every sentence with “I”. Use some variety in your sentence structure
• Employers use cover letters as evidence of your written communication skills. Errors in spelling and grammar are
not acceptable.
• Keep your letter short and simple. Your letter should not be more than one page.
• Be sure to sign your letter!
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 CREATING A REFERENCE PAGE
Contact Information References for:
(should look like your resume
contact information) Your name

➡
  Your Address
  Your Phone Number(s)
  Your E-mail

Example: Dr. John Doe

Mr./Ms./Dr. Blank Example: Dr. John
Professof of Doe
Psychology
Title Professor of
Minnesota State Psychology
University, Mankato
Organization Minnesota
999 State University,
Any Building
Address Mankato,
999 AnyMN 56001
Building
Phone (507) 555-5555
Mankato, MN 56001
E-mail john.doe@mnsu.edu

➡
Mr./Ms./Dr. Blank
Title
Organization
Address
Phone
E-mail

Your references can be listed in many ways.

Mr./Ms./Dr. Blank The example is flush left, but they can be
centered down the page, put in columns.
Title
There can be 3, 4, 5, or more listed.
Organization ➡
Address
Phone
E-mail

Mr./Ms./Dr. Blank
Title
Organization
Address
Phone
E-mail

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 SAMPLE COVER LETTER/LETTER OF APPLICATION

Your Address
City, State Zip
Your Phone
Date of Writing

Name of person you are writing to

Title
Organization name
Street Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr./Ms. Blank: (Address your letter to a specific person, whenever possible)

Opening Paragraph - Tell why you are writing. Name the position, field, or general area about which you are inquiring.
Tell how you learned of the opening or organization.

Middle Paragraph(s) - Refer to your major, Minnesota State University and graduation date. Using the job posting as
a guide, mention one or two of your qualifications that you think would be of interest to the employer, slanting your
remarks to his/her point of view. Tell why you are interested in the organization, location, or type of work. If you have
had related experience, or specialized training, be sure to point it out. If possible, show the employer how your skills
match those in the job announcement or advertisement. This is the place to ‘sell’ your skills and abilities to the potential
employer. Document your claims with statements that show evidence of your skills. Describe how your skills/experience
fit the position description.

Closing Paragraph - Refer the reader to the enclosed application or resume. Indicate that references and/or credentials
are available upon request. Request an application form or an interview. List a phone number or e-mail address where
you can be reached. Make sure your closing ends on a positive note. Let the employer know that you look forward to
hearing from him/her soon.

Sincerely,

Your handwritten signature - blue or black ink

Type your name

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MAVJOBS
Mavjobs.com is the Minnesota State University, Mankato Career Development Center’s exclusive online system for
connecting students and alumni with part-time and seasonal jobs, internships, and professional employment after graduation.

Benefits for students and alumni

• View all types of positions in a wide variety of fields, including part-time/

seasonal, post-graduation (entry-level and experienced), and internships.
• Upload and store up to 10 resumes and 10 documents of any other type
(cover letter, unofficial transcript, writing sample, etc.) and apply for jobs
directly online. Make your resume available for employer searches.
• Review schedule of on-campus interviews and employer information
sessions—sign up or apply online through mavjobs.
• Track your job search activities for jobs you’ve applied to through the system.
• Receive automated notification of new openings that match your job-search criteria (job search agent).
• Search our database of 3,500+ employer contacts by industry and/or location. Store your “favorites”
for organizations and jobs that you’d like to keep tabs on.
• Search and apply for jobs from other popular national jobs databases – USAJobs and the NACElink
Network - directly from Mavjobs.com.
• Stay informed on career and job search events both on and off-campus.

How to get started

The CDC automatically creates a mavjobs.com account for all new Minnesota State Mankato students based on academic
course registration records provided by the Minnesota State Mankato Registrar. Within 1-2 weeks of your initial course
registration at Minnesota State Mankato, you will receive an e-mail to your University e-mail account indicating that your
mavjobs account is active and providing you with specific instructions on how to use the system. To log-in for the first time,
navigate to the Career Development Center’s homepage and look for the mavjobs.com log-in boxes. Enter your username (your
full University e-mail address) and your password. Click Go. Alumni of Minnesota State Mankato may register for mavjobs at
www.mavjobs.com or by contacting the CDC. There is no charge to alumni for system access.

Questions or Problems?

If you are having difficulty logging into the system, double check your login info and/or utilize the forgot password tool. This will
reset your password and mail you a new one at the e-mail address you use as your username. For help with other mavjobs-related
issues, consult the mavjobs student guide at http://www.mnsu.edu/cdc/documents/student-guide.pdf. If you are still in need of
assistance, contact the Career Development Center at (507)389-6061 or send an e-mail to mavjobs@mnsu.edu.

Important notes: All student/alumni users of mavjobs should review the Mavjobs Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
available on the CDC’s website and also available at the bottom of each page of the system.
Mavjobs.com is part of the NACElink Network, a partnership between NACE (National Association of Colleges and
Employers), DirectEmployers Association, and Symplicity Corporation.

Internships
What is an internship?

Internships are opportunities that allow students to explore their career field of choice. Internships may be paid or non-
paid and applied toward academic credit. Most importantly, internships are a great way for students to gain hands-on
experience in the career field they are interested in while adding value to their resumes!

Why should you complete an internship?

Internships allow college students to apply concepts studied in class to the workplace. The experience and practical skills
gained from on-the-job training often cannot be found in a classroom situation. Experience is the key word. Employers do
not want new graduates to have experience in their career field, they EXPECT it!

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What Students NEED to Know!!

Employers not only feel internships are valuable, they believe their own organizations’ internships to be an important
part of recruiting. Employers consistently rate their internship programs as one of the most effective recruiting methods
they use for hiring new college graduates.

Arranging your internship

If you are planning to earn academic credit for your internship, you MUST speak with the Internship Coordinator
for your academic department. We suggest that you speak with your Internship Coordinator before scheduling an
appointment with the CDC.

If you would like to discuss your internship search with a CDC staff member, please call the CDC at (507) 389-6061
to schedule an appointment. Bring your resume with you!

Resources for your search

Update your mavjobs.com account, set up a job agent, and check back frequently! On the CDC website, under
Students, go to the “Job Search Links” Internship section for a list of Internship Coordinators by College, additional
internship listing sites, and a list of prior sites Minnesota State Mankato students have interned at.

Hints for landing a GREAT internship

• Prepare your resume and have it reviewed as far in advance as possible

• Start researching organizations early! Fall is NOT too early to start thinking about a summer internship
• Be aware of any requirements or guidelines your academic department has if you are planning to earn credit for
your internship
• Be open to location and unpaid opportunities
• Be prepared to “cold-call” organizations and talk to employers about internship opportunities
• Be ready to share with employers what you are hoping to gain from an internship and how the employer will
benefit by having you as an intern!
• Be persistent and realistic

Internship Search Checklist

Students find and attain internships in many ways. Below is a list of suggestions you should consider to make the most
of your internship search!
✔ Spend some time thinking about what type of internship experience you are interested in completing
✔ Brainstorm a list of organizations you would like to intern with
✔ Meet with your academic department’s Internship Coordinator
✔ Write a draft of your resume
✔ Have resume reviewed by a CDC staff member
✔ Update your mavjobs.com account and set up a Job Agent
✔ Upload your resume into mavjobs.com
✔ Consistently check internship listing sites for posted opportunities
✔ Review list of prior internships held by Minnesota State Mankato students
✔ Research specific organizations to see if internship opportunities exist
✔ Attend career and job fairs
✔ Participate in on-campus interviews
✔ NETWORK!!
✔ Decide which internships you will apply for
✔ Write cover letters specific to each internship you are applying for
✔ Submit all of your application materials on time!
✔ Prepare for interviewing by taking part in the CDC’s Practice Interview days and completing Perfect Interview
✔ Follow-up with employers to check the status of your application
✔ Always send a thank you note after every interview
✔ Accept the offer that is right for you and enjoy the experience!

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 Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.
- Katherine Whitehorn

Find opportunities that are a fit for you!

Job Search Strategies

You are now ready for the job search! Before you begin, let’s cover some general
information about the job market. Although we are currently experiencing a tough job
market, jobs do exist. The challenge is finding the one that is right for you.

Many available jobs are not advertised. This is what is known as the hidden job
Job Search Strategies

market. The key to tapping into the hidden job market is networking – utilizing and
developing contacts.

Once you have developed a network of contact people, then what? Let those
people know what you are looking for! What if you don’t know what you are
looking for? Ask for referrals of people who work in the career area(s) you are
interested in. Conduct informational interviews. Investigate different job search
resources. See what jobs/ internships are available. Identify positions you are
interested in. Apply for jobs.

The time to start is now! The place to start is the Job Search Assistance section of the
CDC website. Go to www.mnsu.edu/cdc/students/jobsearch to improve your job
search strategy.

For information on the what, why, who and how of networking and informational
interview guidelines and sample questions, review the following section.

NETWORKING
What is Networking?
Networking isn’t about schmoozing or trying to win someone over. It’s not about
getting something either. It is simply about building relationships—connecting with
someone else. Your goal is not about getting a job, your goal is to find out how
you can benefit that other person. What do you have to offer? Is it your skills,
personality, connections for them perhaps?

One of the most popular and structured ways this interaction can take place is
through an informational interview, which will be described later in this section.

What networking is not:

• Stalking your neighbor who works at the agency of your dreams
• Constantly calling your friend in human resources
• Speaking about your plight in improper situations (funerals, hospital waiting
rooms, etc.)
• Begging strangers for a job

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What networking is:
• Establishing mutually beneficial relationships with others
• Locating and meeting new people every day, everywhere
• Going the extra mile by reaching out to those who can help you in your field
• Understanding what you have to offer and how you can help someone
• Being open and receptive to any opportunities that may be available to you

Why should you network?

Networking is the most effective way to find a job or internship. The more people you know, the more resources you have
for information or opportunities that might interest you.
• 80% of jobs are never advertised. You may only be exposed to 20% of available jobs.
• Most employers would prefer to hire a person referred by a colleague, peer or friend.
• The overall amount of time it takes for you to find a job can be drastically reduced (estimated to be 4-6 months if
you network as opposed to 6-9 months using other job search methods).
• The referral process can put you in contact with key people you might otherwise never meet.
• You learn more about your field of interest and various occupations within it, as well as specific organizations,
which may help you in choosing a major or career path. (Through the process of elimination you may rule
out certain career fields or positions.)
• Your network can be maintained for years to come and be used repeatedly as you go through job changes later
in life.

When should I start?

The earlier you begin, the more resources you will have to call on when you actually need a job. Also, the benefit to
starting the process early in your college career is that informational interviews can help you in choosing a major or
career path.

How can I prepare myself?

Clarify your goals. Write a brief summary of your abilities, interests, and values. Be able to talk intelligently about
yourself. Know why you are networking and be prepared to be honest about that with the people with whom you
network. Are you just exploring majors and careers, or are you interested in their company specifically for possible future
employment? Research the contact’s organization as much as you can prior to meeting them.

How Do I Establish My Network?

Generate a list of companies you are interested in learning more about. Generate a list of types of positions you think you
would enjoy. Brainstorm, categorize and prioritize the names of people you think can put you in touch with someone in
those companies or positions.

People in your networks:

• Your Parents • Speakers of Meetings You’ve Attended
• Your Friends • People You’ve Met at Conferences
• Your Friends’ Parents • Faculty/Academic Advisor
• Your Parents’ Friends • Past Supervisors (Work/Internship)
• Classmates (High School and College) • Past Colleagues/Clients/Business Partners
• Neighbors • Local Chamber of Commerce
• Relatives • Career Counselors
• Group and Club Members • Teachers
• Trade Association Members • Alumni
• Professional Organization Executives • Clergy/Church Leaders/Church Members

Making the Initial Contact

1. Commit to a schedule (Calling just 2 people a day is over 500 contacts a year).
2. Make the initial contact (use a well-rehearsed, but not forced, phone script).
• Properly introduce yourself; mention the name of the person who referred you.
• Explain the reason for your call.
• Do NOT ask for a job – ask for a 20 - 45 minute informational interview.
3. Send a resume and cover letter confirming the appointment. Explain in the letter that you have enclosed the
resume only so that he/she might review it and give you suggestions as to your qualifications for the industry.
4. Send a thank-you letter following the appointment.
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What makes a good call?
“Mr. Johnson. Hi. My name is Michael Smith and I am a student of Dr. Jim Jones. Dr. Jones suggested that I
contact you as someone that I could speak with about various career paths in the field of ____________ .
Could I have just 2 minutes of your time?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks. I will be graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato in May with a Bachelor of Science
degree in ______________ ; and at this point, I am trying to gather information about various employers and
the types of positions each employer has so I can better prepare for my upcoming job search. I can appreciate
that you probably keep a busy schedule, but I wondered if you might have between 30 and 45 minutes that I
could sit down and talk with you about your experiences in the field.”

“I’d be happy to Michael, when did you have in mind?”

“Well, I do have classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, but beyond that I’ll be happy to meet
with you at your convenience.”

“Alright, I can squeeze you in next Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.”

“Wonderful, next Tuesday, March 2nd, at 4 p.m. Where shall I meet you?”

“I’m located in the Highland Towers on Broward Street. The directions are...”

“Okay, I think I can find that. In the meantime, I’d like to send you a copy of my resume so you’ll have a chance
to look over my background before we meet and perhaps you can give me some feedback on it. Do you have an e-mail?”

“Certainly, that address is...”

“Wonderful. I look forward to meeting with you next Tuesday at 4 p.m. and I’ll get that resume in the mail to you.”

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING

What is the purpose of an informational interview?

An informational interview is a brief (20-45 minutes) interview (although not an actual job interview) with an individual in
your particular field of interest. It may be an individual in the specific type of job you are looking for, or someone involved
with the hiring and supervision of the position you are interested in. Informational interviews are designed to accomplish
the following:
• To explore careers and clarify your career goals.
• To discover employment opportunities that are not advertised.
• To expand your professional network.
• To build confidence for your job interviews.
• To access the most up-to-date career information.
• To identify your professional strengths and weaknesses.

Be sure that the employer knows from the start that you are looking to gather information, not asking for a job!

Potential Informational Interview Questions

Organization Overview
• What are the functions of your organization/department?
• What does your organization do?
• What products or services does this organization produce?
• Can you tell me about the background/history of this organization?
• Who are your customers?

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 • Who are your competitors? Where do you rank among the competition?
• What unique factors would you say set this organization apart from others?
• Do you have any organizational literature that would help me to learn more about this company?
• What basic assumptions or beliefs would you say are shared and supported by people in this industry or
organization?

Position(s) Overview
• What do you do in a typical work day or work week in your position?
• What positions do you supervise (if any)?
• What are some of the other types of positions in this industry?
• What type of entry-level positions would exist in this field/organization for someone just graduating from
college?
• Do you have a copy of an organizational chart that would show me the progression of jobs from beginning to
the top, as well as the reporting and supervision lines?
• Do you have any information on job specifications or job descriptions that I could have?

Occupational/Organizational Interests
• How did you personally become interested in this field?
• What attracted you to this organization/company in particular?

Working Conditions
• Are there any travel obligations with your position?
• If there is overtime, is it due more to the nature of this field or the nature of this particular organization?
• What is the typical dress code in the industry/at this organization?

Outlook of the Company/Field

• Have there been any noticeable trends in this industry?
• What is the outlook for this field/organization regarding growth, advancement or upcoming changes
in general?

Satisfaction Level
• What do you find most rewarding about your work? Least rewarding?

Job Preparation / Requirements

• What specific skills or aptitudes would someone need to enter this field?
• What personal qualities or attributes (temperament, attitudes, values, beliefs) seem to serve a person well in
this type of work?
• What expectations does this organization have of its employees?
• What special training or specific education (degree or coursework) is required? Is a graduate degree required?
• What kind of part-time work experience could help someone to prepare for this field?
• Are any particular licenses or certifications essential in this field?
• My strongest interests involve _____________. Would this job allow me to use these skills?
• How well suited is my background for this kind of work?
• Are there any special problems or concerns that someone considering this kind of work should prepare for?

Advice/Recommendations and Referrals

• How would you advise people entering into this kind of career?
• What should a person look for in an organization such as this as they consider positions?
• Do you have any suggestions for my resume?
• Do you have any suggestions about my interpersonal skills?
• Are there any questions I didn’t ask you that you feel I should?
• Would you mind if I contacted you / met with you again in the future if I need additional advice or
information?
• Based on our conversation today, is there anyone else you think would be helpful for me to talk with?
Would you be willing to let them know I will be in contact with them?
• May I mention your name as the person who referred me?

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 Interviewing for Success
How you look, how you act, how you answer...
Interviewing is about the whole package.

Interviewing for Success

interviewing for success

Now that you have prepared your resume, worked on your networking skills
and researched the market, you are ready for job interviews. But before the first
interview question is asked, the interview is well on its way. We have all heard the
expression, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to
the job interview, these words could not be more accurate.

In this section, we have included:

• Tips on visual effect – how to dress for the interview
• Basic interview etiquette
• Questions to anticipate
• Suggested questions to ask interviewers
• Information on behavior-based interviewing
• How to write a thank-you letter
• Dealing with job offers

Just like the other areas of the job search that have been covered, preparation is key.
So, let’s consider what you need to do to be an impressive candidate from the first
moment you arrive at your interview.

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YOUR VISUAL EFFECT
A large part of the hiring decision is based on the non-verbal portion of an interview – handshake, eye contact,
posture, listening skills, clothing and accessories. If you come to an interview dressed professionally, you will feel a
sense of confidence and others will sense your self-assurance. Many employers interpret your appearance in terms of
what you know about the world around you and what attention you give to detail.

Guideline for Women’s Interview Attire

• Select a skirted suit or pantsuit.
• Skirts are traditionally knee-length but those slightly shorter or longer are OK.
• Avoid transparent, tight fitting, or low neckline tops and revealing waistlines.
• Always wear hose to interviews. Carry an extra pair in case of snags or runs.
• Use natural-looking makeup and clear or neutral nail polish.
• Do not carry a purse with a briefcase. Choose one or the other.
• Wear low to medium heel pumps. A good investment is a shoe that can be worn with both pants and skirts. Avoid
open-toed shoes.
• Add accessories to express your personality and accentuate your best features. Keep it simple!
• Avoid dangling earrings and wear no more than one ring per hand and a dress watch.

Guidelines for Men’s Interview Attire

• Wear a matching suit in navy, black or gray (pinstripe or solid). A good quality wool suit will cost more, but, if you
purchase a traditional version, it won’t go out of style and will last.
• Wear a white or a light color dress shirt that contrasts with the jacket and/or tie.
• A (silk or silk-like) tie should coordinate with the jacket and pant. Selecting subtle or simple patterns enhances
credibility.
• Socks should be calf-length or above the calf. Choose colors such as dark blue, black or gray.
• Wear conservative, clean, and polished shoes. The best shoes for an interview are leather lace-up shoes. Choose
black or dark brown.
• Select a leather belt that visually blends or matches your shoes.
• A short hair cut and no facial hair is expected.
• A full-length coat can be worn over your suit; avoid casual coats.
• Your briefcase is part of your visual effect; consider a simple portfolio as an effective substitute.

Overview for Women and Men

1. Wear a solid color conservative suit with a coordinated shirt or blouse.
2. Apparel should be clean and ironed.
3. Wear clean, polished shoes.
4. Make sure your hair is clean, well groomed and neat.
5. Don’t overdo the perfume, makeup, or aftershave.
6. Remove facial and body piercings for interview.
7. Visible tattoos should be covered.
8. Limit your jewelry.
9. Make sure to try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview.
10. Your clothes are your image, check the mirror and see what others see.
11. It is better to be overdressed than under dressed.
12. If it’s too tight or too loose, too long or too short – don’t wear it!

When purchasing professional clothing, remember that alterations are often necessary. Alterations may be an additional
cost and often take 1-2 weeks to complete. You may also want to identify a dry-cleaning service for future use. Most
professional attire items are not machine washable.

Make sure to wear your interview attire before the interview to make sure everything is ready. Check that collars are
not too tight, no threads are hanging, all items are pressed well, etc. Be sure to ask at the store you purchase your
clothing at if they can steam and/or press your items for you before you leave the store, or if there are specific care
instructions.

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Dressing On a Tight Budget
• Shop for your interview attire early. Don’t wait until you are pressed for time and have to make a hasty decision or a
choice that is not in your budget. Remember that self-confidence is your primary goal when selecting your professional
interview attire.
• Invest in classic, well-made separates that can be combined for different looks.
• Quality is key. Just think about how much you have spent on your education . . . Your professional wardrobe is an
extension of that investment. Watch for sales, special promotions and discounts, but remember that fit and fabric are
NOT where you want to make compromises!
• Begin by selecting your best “neutral” as a base for a professional wardrobe. Colors like black, dark gray, and navy
are versatile, but gray, stone, and camel are also options.
• Purchase matching components. Having options such as wearing a skirt or pant with jacket multiplies possible
combinations.
• Use shirts/blouses/sweaters to create a variety of looks.
• Consider investing in year-round fabrics that hang and travel well, such as lightweight stretch wool, washable matte
jersey or a cotton/rayon blend.

Specifics
Each industry has its own dress code. Fields such as law, banking and accounting frequently have a stricter set of
guidelines than advertising, education and human services. Some career consultants recommend that the job seeker
should dress for a position two levels higher than the one for which she/he is being interviewed. This may mean dressing
more formally for the interview than you will once you are in the job. Another reason for dressing professionally is that the
level of formality you project shows that you understand the importance of the situation and respect the person you are
meeting. When in doubt, make a conservative clothing choice for your interview.

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
Basic Interview Etiquette
DO:
1. Be fully prepared. Research the organization thoroughly. Practice interview questions verbally and in writing.
2. Dress appropriately.
3. Be on time or slightly early.
4. Bring extra copies of your resume and references.
5. Be ready to fill out application forms. Prepare a list with names, addresses, positions and dates of former employment.
6. Greet the interviewer with a warm smile. Take the cues from the interviewer. Wait until you are invited to sit down.
7. Be ready for “Tell me about yourself.” Prepare your self-presentation in an orderly, organized manner starting with your
educational/experiential background and ending with your goals. Keep it professional! No personal information.
8. Be prepared for behavior-based interviews with specific examples of your skills.
9. Let the interviewer lead the interview. Think before you speak and answer the questions specifically.
10. Ask appropriate questions which reflect that you have prepared for the interview.
11. Remember to TURN OFF cell phones before going in to an interview.
12. Sell yourself. Convey maturity, poise, and a positive attitude. Express a defined interest in the position.
13. Send a thank you.

DON’T:
1. Don’t talk too much or prolong the interview.
2. Don’t tell “hard luck” stories.
3. Don’t inquire about salary/benefits/vacations until an offer has been made.
4. Don’t accept an offer on the spot, unless you are very certain. A response in 24 to 48 hours is appropriate. NACE
expects employers to provide students with a reasonable amount of time to make a decision about accepting an
employment offer.

Questions to Anticipate
Although every interview is different, there are questions that many employers ask of candidates, no matter what the
career field may be. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, as well as some guidelines on how to
approach answering them. In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to be viewed as samples.
Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you
thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.
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Tell me about yourself.
Don’t tell the employer where you were born and raised. Don’t tell the employer that you were a cheerleader. Focus on your
academics and experience. Ask yourself, “what are the top five things I want this person to know about me?”

What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why you’re the best
candidate for this position. So as you answer this question, talk about what you’ve done to prepare yourself to be the
very best candidate for the position. Use an example or two to back it up. Always point back to an example when you
have the opportunity.

What is your greatest strength/weakness?

Don’t just talk about your strength—relate it to the position. Give an example of how you have demonstrated this
strength. As for the “weakness” part of the question, handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your
strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving
my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful.” Or,
say something along the lines of, ‘I have difficulty with this thing, and these are the strategies I use to get around it.” For
example, you could say, “I’m not the most organized of individuals, so I always answer my emails and phone calls right
away. I’m aware of the problem and I have strategies to deal with it.”

Why should I hire you?

The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And don’t be afraid to say so. But then back it up with what
specifically differentiates you. What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits.
Summarize concisely: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer
relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly.”

What salary are you seeking?

It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your
bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a
reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?”

What are your short/long-term goals? What is your long-range objective?

Many people say this question is designed to help the interviewer know if the job seeker will be happy in that position, or
if he or she wants to work in it only as long as it takes to find something “better.” The key is to focus on your achievable
objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives. For example: “Within five years, I would like to become
the very best accountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon.
And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long
term. For example, here is what I’m presently doing to prepare myself . . .”

Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

If I were to ask your past supervisors/professors to describe you, what would they say?
It’s time to pull out your old performance appraisals and supervisor’s quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself
through someone else’s words: “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely
on me, and he likes my sense of humor.”

Why do you want to work here?

The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you’ve given this some thought and are not sending out resumes
just because there is an opening. For example, “I’ve selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with
my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of
desirable choices.”

Why did you leave (or why are you leaving) your job?
If you’re unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: “I managed to survive two rounds of corporate
downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me.”

If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: “After two years, I made the decision to look for a
company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience.”

23
More interviewing tips and an interview preparation timeline can be found at
www.mnsu.edu/cdc/students/jobsearch/interviewing/index.html.

Additional Questions:
1. What is your career objective?
2. Why did you choose this career field?
3. In what type of position are you most interested?
4. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?
5. How do you work under pressure?
6. What is your ideal management style?
7. Define success for me.
8. What did you like the most about your last job? The least?
9. How would you describe your work style?
10. Name a time that your work was criticized and how you dealt with the criticism.
11. Are you willing to relocate? To travel?

Questions for the Interviewer:

1. What is a typical day like?
2. What are the organization’s plans for the future?
3. How would you describe the management style of the organization?
4. How is an employee evaluated?
5. What would be the typical first year assignments?
6. What characteristics does a successful employee have at your company?
7. What is the timeline for the remainder of the hiring process? When can I expect to hear from you?

After the Interview

First, breathe deeply! You may want to take some time to ‘debrief’ yourself regarding the interview process. Write down
some of the highlights of conversation from the interview that you can refer to in your thank-you letter. Consider what you
might do differently the next time around.

BEHAVIOR-BASED INTERVIEWING
Behavior-based interviewing is a style of interviewing that many organizations are using in their hiring process. The
basic premise behind behavioral-based interviewing is this: The most accurate predictor of future performance is past
performance in a similar situation. This kind of interviewing allows you to show what you have to offer through the use
of specific examples. Although it can be more time-intensive to prepare examples, it is very advantageous as employers
walk away really understanding what you can do for them.

Important Points about Behavior-Based Interviewing

Employers predetermine the skills that are necessary for the job for which they are hiring and then ask very pointed
questions to determine if the candidate possesses those skills (see the job description or announcement).

In the interview, your responses need to be specific and detailed. Tell the interviewer about a particular situation that
relates to the question, not a general one. Utilize the STARR Technique to outline your answers. This will help you tell a
succinct, example-based story.

Situation: Set up your story—what was the situation?

Task: What did you need to accomplish?
Action: How did you contribute to the outcome? What role did you play?
Result: What was the outcome? What happened?
Relate: Show how what you learned in this example relates to the position you are applying to.

Always listen carefully to each question, ask for clarification if necessary, and make sure you answer the question completely.
Your resume will serve as a guide when answering questions. Refresh your memory regarding your achievements in the
past couple of years.

24
Sample Behavior-Based Interview Questions:
1. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
2. Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a difficult situation.
3. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
4. By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.
5. Describe a time on any job that you held in which you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.
6. Give an example of a time, when you had to use your communication skills in order to get an important point across.
7. Give me an example of an important goal, which you had set in the past, and tell me about your success in reaching it.
8. Describe the most significant or creative presentation, which you have had to complete.
9. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
10. Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that
individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
Source: Siena College Career Center

THE THANK-YOU LETTER

The thank-you letter is key to effective interview follow-up! This is an essential piece of the job search and can play a
significant role in the hiring process. Typically a thank you is sent within 24 hours of the interview, and is used to express
your appreciation as well as to strengthen your candidacy for the position. Try to send a thank you to each individual
participating in the hiring process. If this is not feasible, then send a thank you to your interview ‘host’ or to the highest
ranking manager you met with, and include a request to extend your thanks to the entire group.

Thank-you letters can be hand-written (neatly and on professional appearing stationary), typed up and sent in the mail, or
emailed. Hand-written letters may be more fitting for an organization in which you made a very close connection; while
a typed or emailed thank you tends to work better for a conservative organization or if you have poor handwriting. If you
are going to email a thank you, be sure it is as professional as if it were typed and sent through the mail. Emailing a
thank you may also be necessary when hiring decisions are going to be made faster than when a thank you will reach
them via mail. Also, don’t forget to send a thank you to those with whom you have had informational interviews as well
as those individuals who serve as your references. Following is a suggested format for thank-you/follow-up letters, and a
sample letter can be found on page 66.

THANK-YOU LETTER FORMAT/FOLLOW-UP LETTER

Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Date

Name of person you are writing to

Title
Organization or Company name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Blank:

First Paragraph – Express appreciation for being granted the interview and for the courtesies extended to you by the
interviewer. Indicate the job for which you were interviewed, where the interview was conducted, and the date. Perhaps
you will want to recall some pleasant incident that took place during the interview.

Second Paragraph – Reaffirm you interest in the job or position for which you were interviewed. Briefly cover your
reasons for wanting this type of work. Indicate that you are available for further interviewing at their convenience.

Sincerely,

Your handwritten signature – blue or black ink

Type your name

25
Negotiating Job Offers & Salary
Receiving a job offer is such an exciting time! But, with that also comes a big decision—is this the right job for you?
First of all, try not to accept a job offer on the spot. Give yourself some time to think it over, ensure it is a good fit, and
prepare for the negotiation process.

Things to consider when accepting a job offer:

Personal Goals/Priorities
Go back to your original job search goals and revisit your priorities—the core of your job search. Does this job fit with
your core? Does it align with who you are and what you are looking for in a career? Sometimes you need to make
sacrifices in the moment, and that’s okay. Just try to be objective and make the best decision you can right now. If you
are thinking about compromising and taking a job that is less than ideal, just be sure to keep your long-term goals at the
forefront of your mind to direct your future actions.

Career Field/Industry
Look at the history of growth, the future needs and trends to determine if you like the possibilities of where this job can
take you. Also think about if this career field is going to align with your values. Working at an organization that you are
passionate about will make the work much more enjoyable.

Position/Job
Think about the actual tasks that you will be accomplishing day in and day out. Does that motivate you? Do you want to
wake up and go to work in the morning? If this position isn’t your dream job, does it set you up to take a step closer to
your dream job? Are there opportunities to advance and continue to learn and grow?

Supervisor/Coworkers
Are you comfortable with the staff? Does it feel like a good fit? Review the organizational chart and relationships
between the supervisor and staff within the organization to get a better handle on how the organization is structured and
if you would be able to work within that system.

General Lifestyle
The geographical location is an important consideration. Explore the opportunities for recreation, culture, and education
within the region that you will be working. Will the community give you what you need to be satisfied? If not, are there
communities close by that will fulfill those needs? Is there a commute involved? With that work with your lifestyle?

Salary
When negotiating your salary, remember that it is not just about the dollar amount they offer you. Also consider items like
retirement and healthcare benefits, vacation time, childcare coverage, company vehicles and cell phones, reimbursement
programs for professional development, moving expenses, gym memberships, parking permits, etc. These all add up and
contribute to your total compensation package. To better illustrate this:

Company A Company B
Base Salary $30,000 $35,000
Medical $0 $840
Parking $0 $912
401K Match $1,500 $0
10% contribution 10% contribution
Match 1st 5% No Match
Perks $2,000 $0
Taxes $7,290 $8,505
27% taxable income
Actual Compensation $26,210 $24,743

Source: University of Wisconsin-River Falls

(http://www.uwrf.edu/career/assets/documents/handouts/negotiating_joboffer.pdf)

26
Negotiating Salary

Always, always try to negotiate your salary or compensation. It does not hurt to ask if the salary is negotiable.
Sometimes, employers are obligated not to negotiate with you unless you ask. So, they may have a $5,000-10,000
range, but if you never ask for more, they cannot offer you more according to their contract. Therefore, always ask if you
can negotiate!

When do you discuss salary?

It is appropriate to discuss salary when the job offer is on the table or the employer brings it up first. However, you have
the most negotiating power if there is an offer on the table. In this situation, they have chosen you for this position and
now you have the upper hand. Sometimes salary will come up earlier in conversations and in this case, just be prepared
to talk in an educated manner about the subject.

Tips for negotiation:

• Do not be the first person to mention a number. If you can get them to say a number first, that gives you
more leverage. If they ask you how much you are looking to make, respond back by asking the salary
range for the position. This way, they mention the numbers first and you better understand what the
parameters are for negotiating.
• Do research ahead of time! Look at resources such as www.salary.com, www.indeed.com or
http://www.wageproject.org/. Also ask people in the field what an entry-level ____ can expect to make.
If you understand what the fair market value is for a position, you can talk in a respectful way about what
you deserve to get paid.
• Factor in location when researching salaries. Salaries tend to be higher in large metro areas in comparison
to small rural communities. There are resources to compare cost of living as well at the websites above.
• Have a range in mind based upon your research of the market value of your assets, your education, and
experience. Your range should start with the minimum figure acceptable to you and go somewhat higher
than your desired figure.
• Always start with a figure higher than your ideal. This gives you room to negotiate down and still result in
the number you were hoping for.
• Know your bottom line! At what point are you willing to walk away?
• Be creative in your negotiations. Sometimes you cannot negotiate your gross pay, but you can negotiate
when you might receive your first review and a raise, what percentage of a bonus you will receive,
additional vacation time, or professional development funds. Think outside of the box.

Salary Requirements or Salary History

Experts on salary negotiation suggest that you not be the first to name a salary figure. Leave this field blank on an
application, or if asked during an interview, reply “I will consider any reasonable offer.”

Other suggestions for dealing with applications or want ads that request a salary requirement are to ignore the request,
state that the salary is negotiable, or that you expect to earn market value for someone in your field. If an employer insists
that your salary requirements or a salary history be stated in your cover letter, we suggest you give a range with low end
10% higher than your target salary.

For example, a sentence such as “As a new graduate, I do not have a professional salary history at this time.
However, based on the research I have done, I would be willing to start salary negotiations between $____ to $_____”
Or, “As for my salary requirements, I feel a salary in the range of $__ , ____ to $__ , ____ would be acceptable for this
position.”

27
 SAMPLE RESUME – BUSINESS (ACCOUNTING)

MOLLY LUESON
18953 Washington Court  ~  Mankato, MN 56001  ~  507.555.1234  ~  mlue@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE: Seeking an entry-level position in an Accounting firm.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Accounting 12/10

Minor: Business Administration
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN GPA: 3.6
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Associate in Arts 5/08
Coursework in general education and business
Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN GPA: 3.7

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Intern: AgStar Financial Services - Mankato, MN (1/10-Present)
• Code and enter invoices and expense reports into AP system
• Balance reconcilements monthly; prepare daily deposit
• Contact vendors with outstanding invoices; void checks
• Assist with fixed assets; take part in physical inventories and balancing
• Act as contact person for Sam’s Club membership cards
• Communicate daily with coworkers and vendors by phone and e-mail

Tour Guide & Caller: Bethany Lutheran College - Mankato, MN (9/06-5/08)

• Gained communication skills through interaction with prospective students
• Offered advice and information to students

Salesperson: Tradehome Shoes - Mankato, MN (1/05-5/07)

• Promoted and sold shoes on commission basis
• Developed strong people skills through customer interaction
• Operated cash register and assisted in end of day closing procedures

HONORS & ACTIVITIES:

• Dean’s List - Bethany Lutheran College & Minnesota State Mankato
• Member of Minnesota State Mankato’s Accounting Club
• Minnesota State Mankato Intramural sports participant
• Clarence Musselman and Minnesota State Mankato College of Business
Scholarships recipient
• Vice-President and participant in WELS Campus Ministry; lock-in volunteer
• Bethany Lutheran College Academic and Organ Scholarships recipient
• Treasurer of Family Support Network, Mankato Chapter; actively fundraised
• Knowledge of Great Plains Dynamics, MS Word, Excel, Access & Power Point
• Salvation Army Children’s Outreach volunteer
• Member of AgStar’s Finance Department’s Fun Day Planning Committee

28
 SAMPLE RESUME – TEACHING

Brian Buckley 12345 Lilly Lane, Mankato, MN 56001 · (507) 555-1212 · brian.buckley@hickorytech.net

OBJECTIVE:
Elementary teaching position, grades 1-6

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education May 2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato
GPA 3.8, Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List

RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Student Teacher-Second Grade
Eagle Lake Elementary School, Eagle Lake, MN January-May 2010
• Utilized special interest and knowledge in geography and travel to conduct an eight-week unit on Japan,
maps, and globes
• Developed, planed, and implemented weekly units and daily lessons
• Incorporated interactive computer games into lesson plans which resulted in increased student
participation
• Assisted in coordinating and conducting pre and post parent/teacher conferences
• Participated in teacher’s assistant team meetings

Clinical Experience, 195 Hours

District 77, Mankato, MN September 2008-May 2009
• Observed and taught in upper and lower level classrooms
• Continued to volunteer upon completion of clinical experience

Volunteer Teacher Assistant-Fifth Grade

Monroe Elementary, Mankato, MN September 2007-May 2008
• Assisted teacher with lesson preparation and facilitation of small group activities

Coaching Experience
Skating Instructor
All Seasons Ice Arena, Mankato, MN September 2007-Present
• Develop innovative teaching techniques to keep students focused and motivated
• Coach class sizes up to 15 students on basic to intermediate figure skating skills
• Measure students’ progress and ability levels on an individual basis

ACTIVITIES:
• Habitat for Humanity, Campus Chapter 2007-Present
• Vice President
• Charter Member
• Fundraising Coordinator
• Science Fair Volunteer 2009, 2010
• Special Olympics Volunteer 2008-2009

ACADEMIC HONORS:
• Member: Kappa Delta Pi -Honor Fraternity for Educators
• Presidential Scholarship 2007

RELATED SKILLS:
• Microsoft Office Suite
• JMC Grade Book system
• CPR Certified
• Fluent in Spanish and German
29
 SAMPLE RESUME – TEACHING (2 PAGES)

Alexandra Eames
12345 Lilly Lane, Mankato, MN 56001 ∙ (507) 555-1212 ∙ Alex.Eames@hickorytech.net

OBJECTIVE:
Social studies teaching position in a public high school setting

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science Social Studies Education December 2009
Emphasis: Geography
Minnesota State University, Mankato MN
GPA 4.0, Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List

RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Substitute Teacher
St. Clair High School, St. Clair, MN January 2009- Present
• Gained professional classroom experience at all grade levels
• Further developed flexibility and organizational skills in the classroom through
teaching in a variety of departments
• Frequently requested to substitute

Student Teacher
St. Clair High School, St. Clair, MN September- December 2008
• Taught Civics to 9th grade students and U.S. History to 11th grade students
• Developed innovative and interactive lesson plans including a mock election and city
council meeting that engaged students of all learning levels
• Collaborated with fellow teachers on a school-wide initiative called “History and the
Modern Society” which taught children how history affects them in the present
• Consulted with team members and learning specialists to develop enrichment activities
and modifications to students’ programs to increase student understanding
• Effectively implemented classroom management skills and handled problems and
concerns with tact
• Utilized SMART boards to integrate technology into the classroom regularly

Regional Coordinator for Minnesota History Day September 2006- May 2007
• Coordinated Regional History Day event with area schools, Minnesota State University,
Mankato and the Minnesota Historical Society
• Maintained communication utilizing website, emails, phone calls, and written
information to parents, schools, and other invested constituents
• Reserved rooms, equipment, food, and entertainment for the Regional History Day
• Created and submitted news releases about the event to local media

Volunteer Tutor
St. James High School, St. James, MN Fall 2005
• Tutored ELL students in math, science, English, and social studies

Public Achievement Coach

Dakota Meadows Middle School, North Mankato, MN September 2004-May 2005
• Coached a group of 7th graders weekly in a citizenship-project oriented program
• Planned and led group meetings, activities, school assembly with a guest speaker

30
Alexandra Eames
Page 2
CLINICAL EXPERIENCES
• Waseca High School April 2007
• Humboldt Senior Complex, St. Paul October 2006
• Le Sueur-Henderson High School October 2005

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Cashier
Target, Mankato MN September 2004-May 2008
• Assisted customers in a friendly, quick, and accurate manner
• Trained new cashiers in on policies and procedures, operating the cash register, and
how to provide effective customer service
• Received January 2007 Cashier of the Month Award

Nanny
Westerberg Family, Minneapolis, MN June 2006-August 2007
• Cared for 3 children with ages 3, 4, and 6
• Took children to local library, playground, and museum weekly

ACTIVITIES AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

• St. Peter Playground Project May 2008
• Minnesota History Day Judge April 2008
• Election Judge, City of Mankato November 2007
• Special Olympics Bowling Coach, LEEP Mankato October 2007
• Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Large Group Committee Spring 2007
• Governor-Residential Hall Floor 2005-2007
• Lt. Governor- Residential Hall Floor 2004-2006
• Secretary- McElroy Activities Council 2003-2005

ACADEMIC HONORS:
• Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges 2008
• Scholarship Winner Golden Key Honor Society & Ford Motor Company 2008
• Golden Key International Honor Society 2007-2008
• Kappa Delta Pi Honor Fraternity for Educators 2007-2008
• Gamma Theta Upsilon International Honor Society in Geography 2007-2008
• Junior Honor Marshall for Spring Commencement 2007
• Presidential Scholarship 2004

TECHNICAL SKILLS:
• IBM and Macintosh Computers
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Website creation and maintenance
• JMC Grade Book system

31
 SAMPLE RESUME – COMMUNICATIONS

Crystal Gayle
101 Plum Street • St. Peter, MN 56082 • 507-555-0712 • Crystal.Gayle@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE Event planning position with a non-profit organization

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, Speech Communication May 2010
Minor: Mass Communications
Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN (MSU) GPA 3.8

International Study January-April
Center for European Studies, Madrid, Spain 2007
Studied Spanish language, history, and art
Traveled to Italy, Germany, Austria, France, and England


EVENT Event Planner January 2009-
PLANNING
Minnesota State, Mankato Career Development Center, Mankato, MN Present
EXPERIENCE
• Plan 3 major events with up to 100 employer participants and 1000 student attendees
• Promote events through designing and developing print ads, emails, posters, and flyers
• Supervise 3 student workers on promotional projects
• Develop an innovative marketing plan to attract students to events
• Solicited prizes and support from local businesses

Intern September-
Mankato Chamber of Commerce, Mankato, MN December 2008
• Assisted with planning 2008 Careers event for local sophomores
• Developed and sent registration materials to local businesses, non-profit organizations, and
educational institutions
• Sent out meeting reminders and minutes to planning group
• Solicited support from local businesses

MANAGEMENT/ Shift Manager September 2007-
LEADERSHIP
Perkins, Mankato, MN Present
EXPERIENCE • Supervise up to 10 staff members per shift
• Train new wait staff
• Manage schedule of 28 wait staff members
• Effectively handle customer complaints by listening carefully and offering pragmatic solutions
• Serve customers efficiently and effectively

VOLUNTEER • Event Coordinator, Communication Day Minnesota State Mankato 2009

EXPERIENCE • Big Sister, Mankato YMCA 2007-2009
• Off-Campus Student Senate Representative, Minnesota State Mankato 2007-2008
• McElroy Hall Representative, Minnesota State University, Mankato 2006-2007

SKILLS • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

• Adobe InDesign
• Microsoft Publisher
• Web design including FrontPage and Dreamweaver
• Fluent in Spanish

32
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33
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34
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35
36
 SAMPLE RESUME – DENTAL HYGIENE

Kathryn Davis
1234 South 5th Street • Mankato, MN 56001 • KMDavis@gmail.com • 507-388-1122

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position as a Dental Hygienist. Open to full or part-time.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene 5/2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato GPA 3.64
Mankato, MN
Accredited by Commission on Accreditation, American Dental Association

DENTAL HYGIENE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:

Minnesota State Mankato Dental Hygiene Clinic, Mankato, MN 2/2009- 5/2010
• Demonstrated proficiency in the removal of calculus, plaque and extrinsic stain with the use of
hand and mechanical instruments
• Took and developed diagnostic dental radiographs (FMS, BWS, & PAN)
• Administered local anesthetic and nitrous oxide
• Accurately collected, recorded, and analyzed patient assessment data both on written form and on
dental computer software - Dentrix
• Performed placement of pit and fissure sealants
• Counseled patients in oral health instruction appropriate to patient needs
• Constructed bleaching trays and monitored progress of bleaching process
Open Door Clinic, Mankato, MN 9/2009-5/2010
• Gained insight into care available for the patient population encountering difficulty accessing care
due to financial constraints

Madelia Community Hospital, Madelia MN 9/2009-5/2010

• Increased appreciation for the cultural diversity of MN by performing Dental Hygiene services for a
predominantly Latino population

Prairie Dental Arts, Waseca MN 9/2009-5/2010

• Provided Dental Hygiene services for a patient population who would otherwise encounter difficulty
accessing dental care

Federal Correctional Institute, Waseca MN 9/2009-5/2010

• Performed removal of tenacious supragingival and subgingival calculus on patients with use of
hand instruments and ultrasonics

Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato MN 9/2009-5/2010

• Provided oral health screening for patients
COMMUNITY TEACHING:
LeCenter Head start - oral hygiene education
South Elementary, St. Peter 1st grade - oral hygiene and nutrition education
North Intermediate, St. Peter 6th grade - tobacco education
Hill Crest Health Care Center Special needs patient - oral hygiene instruction
Hill Crest Health Care Center - in-services on oral hygiene care for the elderly

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Registered Nursing Asst./Rehab. Aide, HC Care Clinic, Mankato, MN 2008-present

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION/ACHIEVEMENTS:
American Dental Hygiene Association - Student member 2008-present
Mary Jane Young Scholarship recipient 2008
Southern District Dental Society Scholarship recipient 2007

37
 SAMPLE RESUME – TECHNOLOGY

Jesse L. Cooper
1234 Anyname St.
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 555-1234
jesse.cooper@mnsu.edu

Objective
Seeking a full-time position where web development and customer service experience can be utilized

Education
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems May 2010
Marketing minor GPA 3.5
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN

Skills
Computer
■ Visual Basic, SQL, Assembly, Java, JavaScript, ASP, C, HTML, PL/SQL, CGI Programming,

Windows 98/NT/2000/XP, Microsoft Office 97/2000/XP, Microsoft Visual C++ Developers Studio,
Internet Explorer, Netscape, Oracle

Communication
■ Wide range of experience in customer service, support, assessment, and report writing

■ Developed web pages and systems from customer specifications

■ Led teams and contributed as a valued team member

■ Strong public speaking skills developed through various presentations and activities

Work Experience
Computer Technician 2007 - present
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN
■ Support faculty, staff, and student issues with software and hardware related computer issues

■ Preserve confidentiality

■ Maintain friendly environment

■ Develop helpful relationships with faculty and staff

Engineering Intern June - August 2009

TeamQuest Corporation Clear Lake, IA
■ Developed a web interface for generating Log Analyzer reports on the Unisys 2200 mainframe

■ Implemented web pages with GCI programming using the C programming language, HTML and JavaScript

■ Interacted with other engineers to make the code and interface consistent with company guidelines

Grounds/Maintenance Keeper Summers 2004 - 2008

United South Central Middle School Kiester, MN
■ Provided maintenance of school grounds

■ Managed two school properties plus athletic fields

■ Cleaned inside the school; self-managed work assignments

Activities/Achievements
■ Federated Insurance IT Scholarship recipient

■ Minnesota State Mankato Web Developers Group

■ Minnesota State Mankato Information Systems Club: Secretary 2007-2008; Vice President Spring 2008-2009

■ Intramural sports participant: basketball, softball, football

38
 SAMPLE RESUME – SCIENCE

Kimberly B. Smith
908 Campusview Road #309 Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 555-1455 kimbsmith@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE:
Apply academic and lab experience as a Microbiologist or Chemist.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Emphasis Microbiology, May 2010
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, May 2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
GPA: 3.4 Dean’s List

RESEARCH AND RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Undergraduate Research, Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
♦ Presence of Clostridium botulinum type C/Avian Causative Agent, 9/08-5/09
Using PCR to detect the presence of C. botulinum type C toxin genes in Swan Lake Wildlife Area
sediment samples. Discussed and presented the procedure and data at the 2009
Undergraduate Research Conference (URC), Minnesota State Mankato
♦ Diversity of Culturable Bacteria Isolated from Freshwater Sediment, 8/07-3/08
Identified unknown environmental organisms using traditional microbiological tests, DNA
sequencing, and phylogenic analysis. Presented the results at the 2008 URC and for the Minnesota
State Mankato Fellowship Board.

Laboratory Techniques, Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN 8/07-5/10

♦ Interpret AA, MNR, UV/Vis and mass spectroscopy, perform liquid chromatography,
acid-base titrations, and any general lab practices in chemistry and biology

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Career Assistant, Career Development Center 10/08-5/10
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
Assisted students, faculty, staff, and alumni with career library resources; facilitated the FOCUS
career guidance program; proposed and completed special projects; used Microsoft Word and
Excel to organize and catalog resources

Professional Server, Field’s at the Wilderness (Five-Star), Dells Lake, WI 5/07-8/09

Lifeguard, Family Land Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, WI 6/05-8/07
Pharmaceutical Assistant, Wilz’s Drug Store, Portage, WI 10/05-5/06

SCHOLARSHIPS:
Mankato Area Foundation/Thin Film Technology (2009), Chemistry Department (2008), Microbiology
Department (2007 & 2008), Fellowship Grant for URC (2008), Ann and John Frey (2008), College of
Science, Engineering, and Technology (2007), Minnesota State Mankato Leadership (2006)

RECOGNITION:
Who’s Who (2009 & 2010), The American Chemical Society Outstanding Organic Chemistry Student
Award (2009), Golden Key National Honors Society (2008), Alpha Lambda Delta National Honors
Society (2007), Minnesota State Mankato Honors Program (2006)

ACTIVITIES:
Honors Club, Biology Club (VP ’08 and ’09, President ’10), Pre-Med Club, The Great River Valley
Clean-Up, Rake the Town, MN Regional Elementary Science Fair Judge

39
 SAMPLE RESUME – SOCIAL WORK (2 PAGES)

Sam Turner
2525 Southhaven Road • Mankato, MN 56001• 555-555-5555 • samturner@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE
Seeking employment in the field of social work, focusing on work with children and families

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Degree, Social Work May 2009
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN
• Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• Senior Paper: “The Impact of Childhood Anxiety Disorders on Family Functioning”
• Dean’s list Major GPA: 3.93 Overall GPA: 3.49

Bristol International Credit Earning Programme 2007

Bristol University/Minnesota State University, Mankato Bristol, England
• Studied international social policy in an analytical and open minded manner
• Professionally conducted site visits and interviews with social service agency staff

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Child Protection Intern 2009
Carver County Community Social Services Chaska, MN
• Conducted child protection assessment with the traditional response method
• Completed CornerHouse Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Interviewing Training
• Underwent Alternative Response Assessment Training
• Screened and assigned maltreatment reports
• Answered social service intake calls and referred clients to appropriate services
• Trained community members in Mandated Reporting Laws

Family Advocate Intern 2008

Children’s Home Society Anoka County Crisis Nursery Fridley, MN
• Performed intake interviews in a professional manner
• Answered crisis calls of a sensitive nature
• Responsibly transported children to shelter homes

WORK EXPERIENCE
Server 2006-Present
Champps, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
• Energetically serve clients in a fast-paced environment
• Responsibly maintain large sums of money

Temporary Employee 2008-Present

Office Consultants Golden Valley, MN
• Professionally and efficiently answer switchboard, file documents, and sort mail

Information Desk Staff 2005-2006

Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN
• Provided customer service over the phone and answered walk-in questions regarding the Campus

40
Sam Turner
Page 2

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA)
• Attended MSSA 2008 and 2009

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
American Red Cross Bloodmobile Volunteer: Mankato, MN
• Organized bloodmobile volunteer duties with the Red Cross

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer: Mankato, MN
• Contributed in the building of a home

English as a Second Language Volunteer: Mankato, MN
• Assisted immigrant citizens learning English

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (Minnesota State University, Mankato)
Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity 2005-Present
Offices held include VP Fraternity Relations, VP Education, and Fundraising Chair
• Effectively delegate responsibilities to committee members
• Meticulously maintain records for all offices held
• Present reports orally on a regular basis

Social Work Club 2005-2009

• Participated in various community service projects

Minnesota State Student Association 2005-2006

• Student Senator
• Orally presented reports to the Student Senate

Junior Panhellenic Council 2004-2005
• President
• Coordinated philanthropy and fundraising efforts

AWARDS & HONORS
• Department of Social Work Scholarship 2008-2009
• Minnesota State University, Mankato Vice President’s Award for Leadership 2007
• Panhellenic President’s Award of Excellence 2007

SKILLS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Microsoft Power Point, Word, Excel, Outlook
• Social Service Information System (SSIS)
• Conversational Spanish
• CPR and First Aid Certified

41
 SAMPLE RESUME – RECREATION

Scott Trues Box 1234, McGovern Ave., St. Peter, MN 56023

(507) 555-9876 truescott@hotmail.com

Objective To obtain employment with a state or federal public recreation agency in the Southwestern
United States.

Education Bachelor of Science, Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services May 2010
Resource Management emphasis
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
Overall GPA: 3.4/4.0 Major GPA: 4.0/4.0

Relevant Management of Park and Recreation Facilities Public Land Use Policies
Coursework Wildlife as a Recreation Resource Recreation Vehicular Safety
Commercial Recreation and Tourism Park Systems and Planning
Administration of Leisure Time Programs Legal Processes in RPLS

Experience Geographic Information System (GIS) Intern June-August 2009
Yellowstone National Park, Spatial Analysis Group, CO
• Mapped habitat for endangered species at different spatial scales
• Assessed land cover changes for ranges of endangered species
• Developed a GIS model to determine intact forest tracts using data from large-scale remote
sensing of forests
• Trained wildlife management professionals in application of Global Positioning Systems, GIS,
and remote sensing to daily management

Outdoor Recreation Assistant May - August 2008

Arthur Temple College of Forestry, Nacogdoches, TX
• Developed specific skills and obtained knowledge related to the delivery of recreation and
leisure services
• Helped the agency develop, plan, implement, and evaluate programs
• Mapped state-owned recreational facilities for user-group studies
• Developed a GIS model to determine intact forest tracts using data from large-scale remote
sensing of forests
• Prepared detailed report on recreational use of forested tracts of state-owned land
Assistant Produce Manager September 2005 - August 2007
Al’s Grocery, Le Sueur, MN
• Provided customer service in store’s produce department
• Managed produce department inventory
Technical Skills Microsoft Office software, SPSS
ARC Info & ARC View GIS Software
Trimble Global Positioning Systems hardware and software

Honors/ J.T. George Recreational Studies Scholarship 2009 - 2010
Activities Student Chapter of Society of American Foresters, Treasurer 2008 - 2009
Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity 2006 - 2009
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America 2006

42
 SAMPLE RESUME –ENGINEERING

890 West Grant Street Mankato, MN 56001

Justine Larson (507) 387-1984 JLarsonMSU@gmail.com

Objective
To obtain a Mechanical Engineering position

Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering May 2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN

Related Work Experience

Engineering Technician September 2008 - Present
Minnesota Electric Technology Mankato, MN
• Completed drawings for Engineers with Autodesk Inventor and Mechanical Desktop.
• Carried out Engineering Change Orders on models, assemblies, and drawings.
• Implemented ASME Y14.5m-1994 and other standards for engineering drawings.
• Prepared engineering procedures for ISO 9001:2000 Certification.
• Developed and maintain online catalogue and website.
• Completed UL file update per UL 1004.

Energy Intern Summer 2008

Mckinstry Co. Andover, MN
• Aided senior engineers and project managers with developing solutions for performance contracting.
• Gained experience in building lighting, and heating/cooling; lead construction meetings.
• Assisted in development of potential renewable energy projects and carbon footprint reports.

Engineering Intern Summer 2007

City of Mankato-Engineering Mankato, MN
• Completed infrastructure testing on new projects.
• Inspected underground infrastructure projects.

Related Projects
Senior Design Project September 2009 - Present
• Developing a prototype oil cooler for high power industrial X-ray applications.
• Design is expect to save North Star Imaging a minimum of $2,000.

ASHRAE Student Design Competition Spring 2009

• Competed in the national design competition, which consisted of sizing the HVAC system, determining life cycle
cost analysis, and sustainability options for an office building located in Nashville, TN.

Related Skills
Coursework: Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Machine Elements/Design,
Manufacturing Processes, Engineering Analysis, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Software: Solidworks, Minitab, LabVIEW 8020, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop, Mathematica,
Epicor Vantage ERP, MatLAB, COSMOS, Microsoft Office Suite

Current Professional Organization Membership
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

43
 SAMPLE RESUME – HEALTH SCIENCE

Jessica petersen
1001 Moon Ave. Apt 213 Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 381-8724
E-mail: Jessica.petersen@mail.net

OBJECTIVE Position in field of Health Education where experience in health and wellness
advocacy can be utilized.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Community Health December 2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Dean’s List, GPA: 3.2

RELATED COURSEWORK
Health Communications Women’s Health
Chronic and Infectious Diseases Current Health Issues
Community and Program Development Clinical Health Education
Family Life and Sex Education Critical Topics in Health
Holistic Health and Wellness Worksite Health Promotion

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Community Outreach Intern, MN Department of Health, Minneapolis, MN Summer 2009
• Planned and coordinated child health education programs in 5 metro communities
• Collaborated with community health planners to identify community partners and recruit 15 organizations to participate
in the Partnership for Child Health Education

Health PRO Advocate, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 2007-2008

• Participated in volunteer organization coordinated through the Health Education Office
• Assisted students to make informed decisions in matters affecting health and wellness through education and role
modeling
• Provided outreach and health information on a wide variety of topics, including nutrition, stress management and
alcohol

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Sales Clerk/Merchandiser, Hanson Drug, Willmar, MN Summers 2007, 2008, 2009
• Set up displays and inventoried merchandise
• Helped customers in person and by phone
• Assisted Pharmacist with book work, answering phones, faxing and filing

Student Assistant, Minnesota State University, Mankato Registrars Office, Mankato, MN 2006-2008
• Completed extensive filing of graduation applications
• Copied files and mailed graduation information in a timely manner

Office Assistant, Manor Health Clinic, Willmar, MN Summer 2005

• Pulled patient files for appointments in efficient manner
• Filed lab results, appointment notes and patient files following strict confidentiality policy
• Used basic computer skills for data entry; answered phone and sent faxes

ACTIVITIES
Eta Sigma Gamma Health Science Fraternity member
American Heart Association Volunteer

44
 SAMPLE RESUME – MARKETING

Sally A. Garrett
872 98th Street N 952-212-0809
Shakopee, MN 56379 sgarrett@email.com

Objective
To obtain an entry-level position in the Marketing field.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Marketing Minnesota State University, Mankato
May 2010 Mankato, MN
• Minors in International Business and Business Administration
• 3.36 GPA, Dean’s list

Related Experience
Resource Coordinator IMPACT Team Executive Board, MSU
January 2007 - May 2009 Mankato, MN
• Motivated students to become involved with planning major events on campus.
• Brought students and the community together through organized charitable events.
• Designed creative promotions to increase student attendance at a major event.
• Generated an attention-grabbing newsletter informing students of upcoming campus events.
E-Mentoring Program College of Business, MSU
October 2007 - April 2008 Mankato, MN
• Gained an inside look at what personal future career focus will be.
• Expressed initiative to mentor as to what new ideas could improve business practices.

Work Experience
Retail Coworker/Food Specialist Kwik Trip
September 2008 - present Shakopee, MN
• Provide superior customer service to each individual customer.
• Process transactions in a timely, accurate, and trustworthy manner.
• Maintain a quality store image through cleanliness, merchandising, and product availability.
Library Page Minnesota Regional Library
June 2004 - present Eagan, MN
• Demonstrated dedication to same employer for over five years.
• Exhibited ability to find accurate information at a fast pace utilizing the Internet and library catalog.
• Assist library patrons in familiarizing themselves with computers and the Internet.
Group Sales Assistant Valleyfair Amusement Park
May - September 2009 Shakopee, MN
• Assisted Group Sales Account Executives with preparation of company picnics, event details, and meal
tickets.
• Processed payments and maintained payment information on internal forms and databases for various
consignment ticket programs.
• Computed and distributed daily pre-sold attendance figures.
• Worked as a liaison between the client and Valleyfair’s Food Operations Division.
Awards
• All American Scholar Collegiate Award, 2009
• Marketing Club member
• Marketing Faculty Scholarship recipient
• American Red Cross Volunteer - Marketing Assistant

45
 SAMPLE RESUME – MASTER’S DEGREE (2 PAGES)

Jennifer C. Campbell
1234 James St. St. Paul, MN 56789 (651) 555-8907

S u m m a r y o f Q u a l i fi c a t i o n s
•  Three years of experience providing therapeutic services to clinical populations
•  Graduate education in mental health and therapy
•  Extensive research experience in an academic and hospital setting
• Strong oral and written communication skills honed through years of working with individuals in
counseling, teaching children with special needs, and volunteering in a crisis nursery
•  Solid presentation skills developed through the delivery of over 100 training sessions as an
HIV/AIDS educator
•  Confident in independent and team-oriented tasks

Education
Master of Arts Degree, Clinical Psychology May 2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN GPA 3.8
Thesis – Cue Exposure in Smokers: Evidence with Self-Report and Physiology

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Psychology June 2006
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN GPA 3.3

Related Experience
HIV/AIDS Educator October 2008-Present
University of North Dakota, Counseling Center, Grand Forks, ND
• Developed a psychosocial training module for undergraduate peer educators regarding HIV prevention
as part of a Center for Disease Control grant project
• Delivering the training module in coordination with a consultant specializing in the medical aspects of
HIV/AIDS
• Participating in the marketing and development of related Center for Disease Control projects

Graduate Assistant September 2007-Present

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Career Development & Counseling Center, Mankato, MN
• Conducted behavioral stress management sessions under the supervision of a psychologist in the
topics of deep breathing, muscle relaxation, visualization, and time management
• Guided students in resume development, job search strategies, interviewing skills and career
exploration
• Interpreted Strong Interest Inventories and assisted students in Developed and conducted monthly
workshops on career-related topics
• Designed and gave presentations on various academic and career topics requested by instructors for
individual classes
• Assisted with event planning and marketing; developed newspaper ads, posters, and online marketing
to promote on and off-campus events

Behavior Therapist/Personal Care Attendant July 2007-September 2008

REM Health Incorporated & Private Family, Edina, MN
• Implemented behavior therapy program in individual therapy sessions with a child diagnosed with
autism
• Routinely trained by psychologists, Lovaas therapists, and consultants in behavior therapy for children
with autism
• Attended and participated in bimonthly meetings with a clinical psychologist and therapy team client
regarding the development an individualized therapy program

46
 Jennifer C. Campbell
(page 2)

Related Experience (continued)

Teaching Assistant for Children with Special Needs June 2006-August 2007
Early Childhood Learning Center, Apple Valley School District, Apple Valley, MN
• Monitored behavior of an autistic child; implemented behavior management program
• Facilitated therapeutic social interactions including role-play and sharing

Volunteer Team Leader/Volunteer 2004-2006

Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Minneapolis, MN
• Assisted in child care responsibilities with children aged newborn to 7 years
• Trained in crisis intervention and child abuse documentation
• Supervised five volunteer undergraduate students and served as a facilitator for debriefing discussions
during the academic year

Research Activities
Research Team Member September 2008-Present
Minnesota State University, Mankato, Department of Psychology, Mankato, MN
• Participated in discussion regarding research development and implementation
• Independently developed an original research idea and methodology
• Served as a mentor for undergraduate and graduate students in the pursuit of research

Research Assistant/Intern Summer 2009

Mayo Clinic, Nicotine Research Center & Health Psychology, Rochester, MN
• Contributed to the development of nicotine research protocols as member of a research team of
clinical psychologists, physicians, and biostatisticians
• Independently contributed to the closure of a research project and successfully produced a manuscript
for journal submission
• Actively participated in health psychology evaluations and formulated diagnostic impressions and
treatment plans

Research Assistant February 2004-March 2006

University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry, Minneapolis, MN
• Trained to administer a screen of medical and psychological assessments to potential participants in a
study of alcoholism and anxiety disorders
• Participated in research meetings with doctoral candidates

Additional Work Experience

Assistant Manager/Server/Server Assistant June 2006-July 2009
Ristorante Luci Incorporated, St. Paul, MN
• Maintained superior restaurant functioning; managed finances
• Provided quality service and hospitality to restaurant clientele

Graduate Assistant August 2008-May 2009

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Learning Center, Mankato, MN
• Developed and conducted study skills workshops in time management, note-taking, text-reading, and
test anxiety
• Completed a master’s level national tutor training program and mentored undergraduate tutors in
tutoring skills
• Provided tutoring in Statistics, Psychology, Biology, and Art History

47
 SAMPLE RESUME – NURSING

Michelle Anders
6101 Nickerson Ave. Apt. #101 Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 914-1107 mkthanders@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a position as a Registered Nurse

EDUCATION:
Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing December 2009
Minnesota State University-Mankato-Mankato, MN GPA 3.82

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
Summer III Nurse Intern-Neurology Department
Mayo Clinic-St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN Summer 2009
Along with preceptor:
• Educated patients on medications
• Completed patient intake assessments
• Performed NG tube feedings, trach site care & suctioning, and dressing changes
• Performed PEG, chest tube, and PICC site care

HEALTHCARE WORK EXPERIENCE:

Patient Care Associate-Orthopedics & Cardiac Departments
Mayo Clinic-Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mankato, MN August 2009-Present
• Measure and record vital signs, intake and output May 2008-May 2009
• Assist patients with activities of daily living

Certified Nursing Assistant
Pathstone Living, North Mankato, MN Sept. 2007-June 2008
Bethesda Nursing Home, Willmar, MN March-August 2007
• Assisted Senior Residents in activities of daily living

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:
Medical Surgical Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mankato, MN Fall 2009
Medical Surgical St. Francis Hospital, Shakopee, MN Fall 2009
Mental Health Immanuel St. Joseph’s Hospital-Mankato, MN Spring 2009
Community Health Le Sueur County-Le Center, MN Spring 2009
Obstetrics Waconia Medical Center, Waconia, MN Fall 2008
Pediatrics Fairview Ridges Hospital, Burnsville, MN Fall 2008
Medical Surgical Abbott Northwestern Hospital-Minneapolis, MN Spring 2008

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Student Nurses Association Treasurer
Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN May 2008-May 2009
• Balanced Student Nurses Association account for all credits and debits
• Participated in volunteer activities: Diabetes Walk, “Rake the Town”
• Attended National Student Nurses Association Convention in Nashville, TN

Volunteer
Committees Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) of Mankato, MN January-December 2008
• Participated in fundraising and awareness events in the local community

48
 SAMPLE RESUME – URBAN AND REGIONAL STUDIES

Sally Taylor
2425 Catherine Road · Mankato, MN 56001 · 507-555-8987 · sallytaylor53@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position in city planning or housing administration

EDUCATION
Master of Arts, Urban and Regional Studies/Public Administration
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN  May 2009
GPA 4.0

Bachelor of Science, Urban and Regional Studies & Speech Communications

Minor: Management
Certificate: Nonprofit Leadership
Minnesota State University, Mankato, May 2007
GPA: 3.2, Dean’s List Fall and Spring of 2006-2007

RELATED EXPERIENCE
City Planning Intern, City of Janesville, Janesville, MN (January to June 2009)
• Designed and developed informational packets and marketing materials
• Handled citizen questions and complaints effectively
• Coordinated fundraising for Teen Recreation Center

Graduate Assistant, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN (September 2007-May 2009)

• Updated Urban and Regional Studies department website
• Assisted with classroom responsibilities including grading, office hours, and assisting
with projects
• Assisted Urban and Regional Studies undergraduate students with advising and internships

Volunteer, Salvation Army, Mankato, MN (October 2004-May 2008)

• Coordinated $15,000 fundraiser and 155 volunteers
• Arranged permanent funding mechanism for the homeless shelter
• Fostered community and campus involvement

Office Assistant, Centerpoint Energy, Mankato, MN (January 2004-September 2007)

• Answered incoming calls for customer assistance
• Handled emergency calls calmly and effectively
• Assisted other city utility workers with questions

Volunteer, Partners for Affordable Housing (April 2004-May 2007)

• Planned homeless awareness events and fundraisers
• Recruited and coordinated student volunteers

SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, FrontPage, Access

ACTIVITIES
Students of Urban and Regional Studies Institute Club (2006-Present)
YWCA Mentor (2003-2004)

CONFERENCES
APA (American Planning Association) national conference (2008, 2009)

49
 SAMPLE RESUME – GEOGRAPHY

Juliane Gregory
555 Kitten Lane, Mankato, MN 56001 ~ (511) 555-1111 ~ juliane.gregory@mnsu.edu

Objective To obtain employment in the field of GIS, GPS and/or cartography

Education Bachelor of Science, Geography May 2010

Minor in Geology
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
3.3 GPA, Cum Laude, Dean’s List

Related Cartographic Techniques GPS Digital Field Mapping

Coursework Introduction to GIS Computer Science
Advanced GIS Various Geology courses

Related Skills ArcGIS 9.1 GPS Pathfinder Office 3.0 Adobe Illustrator
ArcView 3.3 Trimble GPS hardware & software GRASS GIS
ArcPad 6.0 Garmin GPS hardware & software MS Office

Related GIS Technician Intern, Public Works May-August,

Experience City of Wells, Wells, MN January 2008-2009
• Collected data, mapped, maintained and updated the GIS inventory and
documentation of the City’s storm water system and city utilities using GPS,
photography, and ArcGIS software
• Created street annotation for entire department use
• Conducted city utility research and database maintenance
• Gained experience in the GIS field

Work Food Service Team Member May-August,

Experience Cub Foods, Shoreview, MN December 2004-2005
• Developed strong communication skills through daily customer interaction
• Energetically served guests in a fast paced environment
• Formed a strong independent and collaborative work ethic

Activities Association of American Geographers

Minnesota State Mankato Geography Club

50
 SAMPLE RESUME – CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

507-384-7799
John Hammond 355 Larson Ave.
johnghammond@gmail.com Mankato, MN 56001

OBJECTIVE To obtain employment in the area of Construction Management

EDUCATION
August 2006 –May 2010 Bachelor of Science, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN
Major: Construction Management
Minor: Management

RELATED EXPERIENCE
May – October 2009 POET Design and Construction, Sioux Falls, SD
Site Engineer Intern at North Manchester, IN - 65MGPY Ethanol Plant
• Assisted the Site Superintendent
• Helped track Change Requests and Change Orders
• Assisted in helping answer sub-contractor questions
• Organized and tracked 1,500 punchlist items
• Helped with the Plant Start-up

Summer 2008 Laue Remodeling and Roofing, Marshall, MN

Carpenter
• Handled many different hand tools
• Worked on decks, roofing and siding
• Completed interior demolition

Summers 2006-2007 Rogers & Sons Builders, Marshall, MN

Laborer
• Performed general labor on residential construction sites
• Assisted construction crew with pick-up and delivery of materials to
multiple sites

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
1993 – Present (seasonal) Hammond Farms, Marshall, MN
Farmer
• Drove tractor, semi-tractor, skid-steer, tandem trucks
• Worked with dairy cattle and hogs
• Shoveled corn and soybeans

2006 – 2008 McGowan Water Condition Inc. Mankato, Minnesota
Salt Deliverer
• Delivered salt and checked softener timers
• Built and maintained strong relationships with multiple customers
• Trained five new employees on job duties

COMPUTER SKILLS Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, AutoCAD, MS Project,
Primavera (P3) and Microsoft Project Scheduling Software, Timberline Precision
Estimating Software

ACTIVITIES • Construction Management Student Association member
• Intramural hockey, golf, and football participant
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer

HONORS & • Minnesota State University, Mankato Dean’s List

CERTIFICATES • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Card
51
 SAMPLE RESUME – AVIATION

Richard Grant
5825 Winding Road
North Mankato, MN 56003
507-388-5555
richardgrant@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE Employment as a pilot with Flying Airlines

CERTIFICATES Commercial Pilot: Airplane Single/Multiengine Land, Instrument

AND RATINGS Instructor Ratings: Airplane Single Engine
Radiotelephone Operator Permit: Restricted
FAA Class I Medical Certificate: Issued with no Limitations

FLIGHT TIMES Total 679

Pilot-in-Command 609 Total Instruments 63
Second-in-Command 52 Simulator 152
Instructor 246 Night 22
Multiengine 56 Cross Country 91

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Aviation May 2009

Minor in Aviation Safety GPA 3.0
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN

Related Coursework
Aviation Safety Advanced Flight Operations
Flight Engineers Ground School Aviation Management
Regional Airlines Operations Multi-Engine Flight Lab

EXPERIENCE Flight Instructor June 2006-Present

Smith’s Mill Aviation, Smith’s Mill, MN
■ Conducted primary and commercial training for single engine

aviation students under FAR Part 61

■ Scheduled and refueled aircraft

Intern January-May 2009

Alma City Crop Dusting, Alma City, MN
■ Scheduled crop dusting flights in Southern Minnesota

■ Marketed services in local media

■ Ordered supplies

Management Trainee April 2005-June 2006

Beauford Flights, Beauford, MN
■ Managed and scheduled air crew

■ Completed full motion flight simulator training

ACTIVITIES Minnesota State Mankato Aviation Club Secretary

IMPACT Team
YMCA Big Brother

52
 SAMPLE RESUME – LAW ENFORCEMENT

Bob Thomas
111 St. Clair Street • St. Clair, MN 56080 • 507-245-5555 • bobthomas@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE: To provide assistance to the public as a licensed police officer

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement December 2009
Minnesota State University, Mankato – Mankato, MN
GPA: 3.09

Law Clinical Component - Skills Certificate Anticipated May 2010

Hibbing Community College, Hibbing, MN
PPCT, Radar, E.V.O.C. and SFST

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING:
• Red Cross - Emergency Response Certificate Exp. April 2011
• Red Cross - CPR/AED/O2 for the Professional Rescuer Exp. April 2010
• ROTA - E.D.P./Officer Survival Course October 2009
• ROTA - Traffic Direction and Control School April 2009
• Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office - Police Reserve School April 2009

RELATED EXPERIENCE:
Community Service Officer June 2009 - Present
City of Sioux Falls, SD
• Investigate housing/property complaints
• Respond to non-criminal and minor criminal calls for service
• Enforce parking regulations and animal ordinance violations

Police Reserve Officer April 2009 - Present

City of Kasota, MN 400+ Hours
• Respond to medicals, animal/parking complaints, traffic hazards and assists
• Assist sworn officers in the course of their duty
• Provide service at community events

Police Explorer June 2008 - October 2009

City of St. Clair, MN 200+ Hours
• In-service training in law enforcement topics
• Awarded 2nd Place Traffic Stop in 2006
• Assisted in traffic direction at community events

Alcohol Compliance Agent June 2007 - October 2008

City of Minnesota Lake
• Worked undercover to identify liquor stores that were selling alcohol illegally to minors

Ride-a-longs: Participated in 250+ hours of ride-a-long time with officers from the cities of Eagle Lake,
St. Clair, Mankato, Roseville, Blue Earth County, and the MN State Patrol

SKILLS/INTERESTS
PC and Macintosh Experience, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Quark Express

53
 SAMPLE RESUME – HUMAN PERFORMANCE

  Jane W. Peterson
1234 90th St., Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 555-0000 jwpete@hotmail.com  

OBJECTIVE: Seeking a Sport Management Internship with an emphasis on marketing.

EDUCATION:
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management May 2010
Marketing Minor GPA 3.7/4.0

Iowa State University Ames, IA

General Education courses August 2005-May 2007

RELATED COURSEWORK:
Sports Administration Public Relations
Sport Promotion and Marketing Principles of Marketing
Event Management in Sport Marketing Research & Analysis
Leadership and Management in Sport Distribution Strategy
Organizations Professional Selling

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Assistant Fitness Manager, YMCA, Mankato, MN January 2008-Present
■ Work with Director to create and implement fitness programs

■ Assist Fitness Coordinator in developing and maintaining youth programs

■ Help staff with facility management tasks

Marketing Intern, MSU Athletic Department, Mankato, MN August - December 2009

■ Demonstrated excellent sales and communication skills while selling tickets for various athletic events

■ Developed social networking site advertising for athletic events

Student Assistant, Iowa State University Recreation Center, Ames, IA September-May 2007
■ Managed the weight room and equipment use

■ Prepared facilities for athletic events, such as basketball, tennis, lacrosse, and football

Membership Assistant, YMCA, Blakely, IA May 2005-August 2007

■ Enrolled new members and assisted members with questions

■ Ensured facilities were in safe and orderly condition

■ Trained new staff members on rules, policies, procedures, and equipment

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Assistant Manager, Kwik Trip, Mankato, MN November 2008-Present

Sales Assistant, Herberger’s, Mankato, MN June 2007-August 2008

Shift Leader, Subway, Ames, IA June 2005-May 2007

ACTIVITIES AND HONORS

Human Performance Award, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato Intramural participant: Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, 2007-2010
Leaders in Action Scholarship, YMCA, Mankato, 2009
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, Mankato, 2008-2009

54
 SAMPLE RESUME – ECONOMICS

Juliana Maverick
8332 D’Onofrio Way Apartment 5
Mankato, MN 56001
(507)931-6411
juliana.maverick@mnsu.edu

OBJECTIVE A full-time position in the financial industry utilizing strong analytical skills

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, Economics May 2010
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN
Minor: Political Science GPA: 3.4

RELEVANT Econometrics Macroeconomics
COURSES Financial Economics Managerial Economics
International Political Economy Microeconomics

RELEVANT Money and Banking Fall 2009
PROJECTS • Developed and presented and in-depth analysis of a commercial bank as part of a
team project
• Explored credit, treasury and monetary policies
• Completed a variety of projects on Group Analysis, MN Banking structure, the
Federal Reserve System and ISLM calculations

EXPERIENCE Summer Analyst Intern May-August 2009

Wells Fargo, Minneapolis, MN
• Analyzed client financial portfolios to determine asset allocation
• Contacted prospective customers to provide information about savings and
retirement plans
• Assisted in developing new client accounts

Assistant Manager May 2007-May 2009
Holiday Inn, Mankato MN
• Controlled daily operations, including arrivals, departures and room reservations
• Supervised staff of five front-desk associates, including weekly schedules and
bi-monthly performance meetings
• Negotiated rates to ensure full occupancy
• Completed 20 hours of training on sales, customer service, and management

SKILLS Technical: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), HTML, JAVA, C++
Language: Intermediate Spanish (oral and written)

CAMPUS Treasurer, Student Senate May 2009-Present
LEADERSHIP • Manage annual budget of over $5,000 for campus events
• Raise campus awareness of all activities through marketing efforts

President, Economics Club September 2009-Present
• Increased membership by 65%
• Planned and held weekly meetings
• Scheduled alumni speakers for 2 career events

Resume adapted from Rutgers University Sample
55
 SAMPLE RESUME – WOMEN’S STUDIES

Suzy Quatro
5150 Van Halen Circle E • Janesville, MN 56048 • 763-785-9750 • SuzyQuatro@hotmail.com

SUMMARY OF • Solid event planning and promotion experience

QUALIFICATIONS • Highly organized with the ability to multi-task as seen through attending school full-time and
attaining a 3.75 GPA
• Sensitivity with ethnically diverse and underserved communities gained through
diversity coursework, international experiences, and volunteering with multicultural
populations
• Excellent communication skills gained through 4 years of customer service experience
• Experience securing funding for the Community Assistance for Refugees program as
an active board member
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork qualities through service as a Big Sister

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science Women’s Studies May 2010

Non-Profit Leadership Certificate
Minnesota State University, Mankato MN
GPA 3.75, Dean’s List

International Study January-April 2007

Center for European Studies, Madrid, Spain
Studied Spanish language, history, and art
Traveled to Italy, Germany, Austria, France, and England

RELATED Internship January 2009-Present
EXPERIENCE International Festival, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN
• Planned and promoted community festival with 50 displays, 20 performances
and 1000 attendees
• Coordinated and guided student group participation
• Promoted event through press releases, print ads, posters, and emails
• Ensured participants had supplies and support needed

Internship September-
YMCA Big Brother/Big Sister Program November 2009
• Promoted program to college students and community members
• Matched volunteers with area youth
• Developed and planned training for volunteers
• Planned a celebration for volunteers and youth

ADDITIONAL Lead Server, June 2006 to Present

EXPERIENCE Tuscadero Deli, Mankato, MN

COMMUNITY Volunteer, CADA House, Mankato, MN July 2007-Present

INVOLVEMENT Board Member, Community Assistance for Refugees Mankato, MN June 2007-May 2009
Volunteer, Echo Food Shelf, Mankato, MN March 2006-May 2008
Volunteer, Family Resource Center, Mankato MN June 2006-May 2008

CAMPUS The Vagina Monologues, Director 2010
INVOLVEMENT Students for Sustainability 2008-2010
• President 2009-2010
SAGE (Sexuality and Gender Equality) 2008-2010
Japanese Intercultural Association 2006-2010
Ultimate Frisbee Organization 2006-2010

TECHNOLOGY • Fluent in Spanish and Japanese

LANGUAGE SKILLS • Strong technology skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher &
Adobe InDesign

56
 SAMPLE RESUME – COUNSELING

Emil Skoda
555 SVU Way • Mankato, MN 56001 • 507-555-1988 • EmilSkoda@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE A position providing counseling and advising to middle school students in a public school
setting

EDUCATION Master of Science in Professional School Counseling May 2009
Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN
GPA: 3.8, Dean’s List
Major Paper: The Effects of Alcohol Use on Social Skills in Middle School Students

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology May 2006

University of St. Thomas St. Paul, MN
GPA 3.75, Dean’s List

RELATED Middle School Counselor Intern – Smith’s Mill Middle School January 2009-
EXPERIENCE Smith’s Mill, MN Present
• Provide individual counseling to students regarding academic performance, personal and
social development and crisis situations
• Facilitate group counseling sessions
• Advise academically at-risk students
• Develop and present classroom guidance lessons appealing to various learning styles
• Mediate conflicts between students
• Assist students with course selection and registration

Graduate Assistant – Minnesota State Mankato Career Center August 2007-

Mankato, MN December 2008
• Counseled college students regarding career and major selection
• Interpreted Strong Interest Inventories in individual and group settings
• Critiqued resumes and cover letters for students and alumni
• Presented to high school students at admissions events
• Developed an online workshop on choosing a major

Director – YWCA After School Program May 2006-

Mankato, MN August 2007
• Planned and led structured recreational and art activities for students in grades 6-9
• Supervised and trained 2 volunteer group leaders
• Communicated with parents regarding student behavior and needs
• Coordinated year-end celebration for staff, volunteers, students, and parents

VOLUNTEER Big Sister – YMCA Mankato , 2005 to present

EXPERIENCE History Day Judge – Minnesota State Mankato 2007
Volunteer – Pan African Conference Minnesota State Mankato 2007
Tutor – St. Clair High School, 2004-2006

MEMBERSHIPS American School Counselors Association (ASCA)
Minnesota School Counselors Association (MSCA)

SKILLS Proficient in Spanish and American Sign Language
Excellent technology skills including SchoolView, Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint,
Word and SPSS

57
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – HEALTHCARE

Ryan Smith
Current Address: Permanent Address:
555 State Street 320 Marshall Street
Mankato, MN 56001 Austin, MN 55912
(507) 371-1234 (507) 372-5555
ryan.smith@mnsu.edu

August 10, 2009

The Children’s Mercy Hospital

Human Resources Department
2401 Gillham Road
Minneapolis, MN 55400

Dear Human Resources Director:

I am interested in exploring opportunities for employment with The Children’s Mercy Hospital
upon graduation. In December 2009, I will receive my Bachelor of Science degree in
Chemistry and Biology. Using my knowledge of chemistry and biology as a scientist in the
medical field is what I desire. I am particularly interested in the Research Assistant position
in your Cancer Pharmacology Lab, which was recently advertised in the Minneapolis Star
Tribune, on August 5, 2009.

My enclosed resume defines the qualifications and skills I will bring to your hospital. In addition
to my strong academic background, I have three years of research experience, including
pharmacology research at The University of Minnesota. Please note that I have experience
with cell culture techniques and have had classes in Cell Biology and Molecular Biology. I
have the ability to organize and direct activities effectively, and am willing to accept all the
responsibilities associated with a research position.

Next week, I will contact you to verify receipt of this letter and resume. I look forward to the
possibility of my association with your hospital.

Sincerely,

Ryan Smith

58
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – TARGETED MAILING

Minnesota State Mankato Student

555 State Street Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 371-1234

January 21, 2010

Name, Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr./Ms. (Last Name):

I read about Company X’s retail management training program in College Graduate
Magazine. A career in retail management is what I am interested in, and I am planning to
relocate to the New York City area in the near future. I would be interested in learning
more about the company and about available opportunities.

In December 2009 I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing

from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I have over four years of retail experience as
a Sales Associate and a Sales Floor Supervisor. In addition, I completed two internships
focusing on retail management.

My resume, which is enclosed, contains additional information on my experience and

skills. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the training program with you and to
provide further information on my candidacy. I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555-
555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this
exciting opportunity.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

59
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – MBA

Laura Haley
300 Broadway, Apt. 15 Mankato, MN 56001
507-663-8965 lbethhaley@hotmail.com

February 1, 2010

Kimberly Sharpe, Recruiting Manager

Hexagonal Consulting
111 Avenue of the Americas
15th Floor
New York, NY

Dear Ms. Sharpe:

I am a first year MBA student at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I was extremely
impressed with Hexagonal Consulting’s approach to management consulting after attending
the presentation given by your firm earlier this semester. I also learned more about your firm
by talking with William Field and several other summer interns. My discussions with them
confirmed my interest in Hexagonal Consulting, and I am now writing to request an invitation to
interview for a Summer Associate Consulting position.

After graduating from Northern College with a degree in accounting, I worked as an associate
in the Finance department of AutoCo, a well-known automotive manufacturer. I gained solid
analytical and problem solving skills there. I was responsible for identifying and resolving
financial reporting issues, as well as generating innovative methods to improve our processes.
I also fine-tuned my communication and consensus building skills, as I often needed to
present and market my work to middle and upper management. Finally, during my last year of
employment, I took on a team leadership role, managing the daily work of five junior members
of our team and taking an active role in our training for new hires.

I am excited by the strong potential fit I see with Hexagonal Consulting. I feel that the
analytical, leadership and teamwork abilities gained through my employment and academic
experience have provided me with the tools and skills necessary to perform well in a consulting
career, and will allow me to make a significant contribution at your firm. I am particularly
intrigued by the shareholder value focus of Hexagonal Consulting’s methodology, since it fits
well with my experience in finance.

I have enclosed my resume for your review. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you when
you recruit at Minnesota State University, Mankato for summer interns later this fall, and I
would greatly appreciate being included on your invitation list.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Laura Haley

60
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – TEACHING

Brian Buckley 12345 Lilly Lane, Mankato, MN 56001 · (507) 555-1212 · brian.buckley@hickorytech.net

February 14, 2010

Dr. Abram Maras, Superintendent

ISD #321
555 South Broadway
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218) 445-1122

Dear Dr. Maras:

In May 2010, I will receive my Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Teaching from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
I am looking forward to entering the education profession and am seeking a position as a social studies teacher at the
secondary level. The position available in your district is especially interesting to me because of the innovative ways
your staff has used technology to teach students across the curriculum. I believe that my student teaching experience,
abilities to utilize technology, leadership involvement, and extensive coaching experience qualify me for the position
open with your district.

Throughout my student teaching experience, I enhanced my classroom management skills, excelled at adapting the
curriculum to varying learning styles, and honed my abilities to create an engaging lesson plan which increased student
participation. In fact, my student teaching supervisor told me that I have a natural talent for introducing students to an
innovative and active learning atmosphere that sparks their natural curiosity.

In terms of technology, I am confident in my abilities to contribute to your advanced teaching methods utilizing
integrated technology. Recently, I developed and implemented a web conferencing unit which allowed 9th grade civics
students to interview and interact with state legislators. The lesson was a complete success and I received positive
feedback from both the students and my supervising teacher.

In addition, my involvement in numerous leadership opportunities and volunteer activities on campus and in
the community will allow me to contribute to your school’s core value of community involvement and leadership
development for students. In the classroom, I am dedicated to demonstrating a passion for social studies and learning. I
have tutored at-risk students in history, geography, and political science through the Student Support Services program
on campus, and I’ve volunteered as History Day judge and a local election judge.

During the past year in particular, I have developed key leadership capabilities as I have served as president of the
campus Civics Club and have visited over 15 school districts to present to high school classes on civic engagement.
Also, as a swim coach for over the past six years, I have worked with over 50 students in developing their techniques,
perfecting their diving, and providing encouragement to help them reach their greatest potential. This experience has
allowed me to strengthen my coaching abilities and help me understand the characteristics of a successful coach.

Overall, I am confident that my skills and experiences will be a great fit for your district. Thank you for reviewing
my application and considering me as a candidate. I look forward to meeting you in person to further discuss my
qualifications.

Sincerely,

Brian Buckley

61
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – SOCIAL SERVICES INTERNSHIP

Minnesota State Mankato Student

4321 West Main  •  Springfield, MO 65802  •  417.873.4433  •  msustudent@hickorytech.net

July 7, 2009

Ms. Jane Smith, Director

Girl Scouts of Minnesota
345 South Main Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55337

Dear Ms. Smith:

I am currently enrolled as a junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato double majoring in

psychology and sociology, and am interested in participating in an internship with the Girl Scouts of
Minnesota this fall. After speaking with Dr. Luka Lyons in the Psychology Department at Minnesota
State Mankato, I learned of the internship qualifications and requirements for your organization. My
experiences show that I am an ideal candidate for this internship.

As you can see from my enclosed resume, I have volunteered with numerous non-profit organizations
such as the Family Violence Center, Victim Center, and Boys and Girls Town of Minnesota. In these
organizations, I performed numerous tasks including assisting in planning, organizing and carrying
out major events such as the Boys and Girls Town “Ride for Life”. Through these experiences, I have
gained a solid understanding of the inner workings of a non-profit organization which will be beneficial
as an intern working with the Girl Scouts of Minnesota.

In the position description, you indicated that you are looking for someone who will be able to lead
group activities, keep an organized schedule, and can effectively communicate with coworkers. As
president of the Minnesota State Mankato Psychology Club, I have developed excellent communication
and organizational skills and leadership abilities. In addition, I have completed three courses in the
areas of interpersonal communication and presentation development.

I am very excited about this opportunity to intern with the Girl Scouts of Minnesota. My qualifications
and experiences will allow me to be a successful contributor to your team and I look forward to meeting
with you in person to talk more about this opportunity. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Minnesota State Mankato Student

62
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – SOCIAL SERVICES

Sam Turner
2525 Southhaven Road  •  Mankato, MN 56001  •  555-555-5555 (Cell) • samturner@hotmail.com

July 10, 2009

Ms. Delores Director

Ramsey County Social Services
555 South Second Street
Minneapolis, MN 55337

Dear Ms. Director:

Please review my qualifications, summarized in the enclosed resume, for the position of Social Services
Worker II with Ramsey County. As a native of Ramsey County, I know about the innovative services
provided by your organization and I’m excited to apply for this position.

My psychology degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato gives me an excellent background
for this position. This includes coursework in social and community psychology, personality theory,
cultural psychology and human development. Specifically in the cultural psychology class, I enhanced
my understanding of divergent mentalities and the capacity for humans to create psychological diversity.
Working with diverse clients is a large portion of this position as a Social Services Worker and I am
certain that I have the skills necessary to excel.

Beyond my coursework, I have had some great hands-on experiences. In particular, my two internships
provided opportunities for both group and one-to-one interaction and gave me insight into the
organization of social service agencies. Each of these experiences allowed me to develop rapport with
staff and clients and to work effectively in a team environment.

In addition, during my volunteer activities at the Echo Food Shelf, I utilized my technical skills to
implement a new inventory system. Also, while volunteering at the Mankato House, I redesigned
a website for the organization. In both of these instances, I found that my organizational skills and
attention to detail helped me to successfully manage the large amounts of data I was working with and
create effective and efficient tools.

As you can see, my experiences have adequately prepared me for this position with Ramsey County.
Thank you for considering me for this position and I will be contacting you within two weeks to follow up
on my application.

Sincerely,

Sam Turner

63
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – COMMUNICATIONS

George Costanza
555 20th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 555.1212
george.costanza@mnsu.edu

March 21, 2010

Mr. Mark Rogers, Marketing Manager

Creativity Plus Publishing Inc.
555 South Avenue
Burnsville, MN 55337

Dear Mr. Rogers:

This May, I am graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and am very enthusiastic about entering
the communications field. Creativity Plus Publishing attracted my attention through the article on your company’s
expansion in the South American and Asian markets in a recent edition of Publishing Forum. When I found out
about your Public Relations and Marketing Associate position through mavjobs.com, I was very excited to find
that I meet or exceed all of your qualifications and would bring a number of additional valuable skills to your
organization. Please allow me to outline how my qualifications meet your requirements:

Strong analytical and presentation skills

• Through my educational background and coursework in Technical Communication, Research and Writing
Technical Reports, Public Speaking, and Communication in Theory and Research, I’ve developed strong
analytical and presentation skills.

Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)

• During my community and campus involvement experiences in the YMCA and the Impact Team as well
as my internship at Twilight Publishing, I demonstrated my writing skills by developing solid and effective
marketing materials and press releases.

Ability to multitask
• I completed full-time courses, maintained a 3.5 GPA, worked 20+ hours/week at my internship, and
volunteered monthly with the YMCA exemplifying my excellent multitasking abilities.

Very organized and detail-oriented

• My work experience in the Minnesota State Mankato Registrar’s Office required me to be detail-
oriented as I was charged with accurately updating over 500 student records. In addition, I enhanced my
organizational skills as I worked independently on a project to transform all of the paper records
to an online format.

In conclusion, I am confident that I could both contribute and learn a great deal about the public relations and
marketing fields working with Creativity Plus Publishing. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to
meeting you to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,

George Costanza

64
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – MARKETING INTERNSHIP

JANE SMITH
1701 Westy Lane Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 373-5555 janesmith@gmail.com

November 3, 2009

Ms. Lilly Hernandez, Marketing Manager

Arrow Corporation
365 Luka Court
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Dear Ms. Hernandez:

I am interested in applying for the Marketing Internship your company listed with mavjobs.com. I have
enjoyed Arrow Corporation’s cutting edge marketing efforts and am impressed with your reputation as a
leading retailer. An internship at Arrow Corporation is an ideal opportunity for me to apply and enhance
the skills I am developing as a third year marketing student at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

As a full-time student, I have worked an average of 20 hours per week as an Assistant Manager at Dewey
Department Store in Mankato while maintaining a 3.75 GPA. My strong work ethic, my experience
in retail, and my excellent academic background make me a strong candidate for the internship at
Arrow Corporation. As president of the Minnesota State Mankato Marketing Club, I have also had the
opportunity to develop important leadership and communication skills.

I am looking forward to discussing this opportunity with you. I will call you early next week to see
when we can schedule a time for us to discuss this opportunity in person.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith

65
 SAMPLE COVER LETTER – ENGINEERING

890 West Grant Street Mankato, MN 56001

Justine Larson (507) 387-1984 JLarsonMSU@gmail.com

April 1, 2010

Mr. Nick Michael, Human Resources Manager

Superior Engineering
787 Lydia Lane
Duluth, MN 55805

Dear Mr. Michael:

My advisor, Dr. Katelyn Powers, told me that there is currently an entry-level Mechanical Engineer
position open at Superior Engineering. I will be graduating this May with a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Minnesota State University, Mankato and am excited about the
opportunity to work with your company.

My internship at Anderson Engineering has allowed me to develop my skills in AutoCAD and project
management, as well as increase my knowledge of HVAC systems. I have also completed coursework
in thermodynamics and design for manufacturability and assembly. As you can see from my resume, I
have a strong work history and have maintained a 3.8 GPA while being a Student Senate Representative
for the College of Science, Engineering & Technology and volunteering as a calculus tutor.

I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about the entry-level Mechanical Engineer
position. If you need any additional information, please contact me at (507) 375-5555 or via e-mail at
JLarsonMSU@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Justine Larson

66
 SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER

Michael Sellars
555 20th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 555.1212
michael.sellars@hotmail.com

October 19, 2009

Dr. Joan Nagle

Technical Design Group Director
Casey Engineering Systems Inc.
81796 Gulick Road
Charlotte, NC 28235

Dear Dr. Nagle:

I want to thank you for interviewing me on October 18, 2009 for the Associate Engineer
position. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your research and design work.

The interview strengthened my enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working for
Casey. I believe my education and cooperative education experiences fit nicely with the job
requirements, and I am certain I could make a significant contribution to your firm over time.

I would like to reiterate my strong interest in the Associate Engineer position and in working
with you and your staff. You provide the kind of opportunity I seek. Please call me at the
telephone number listed above if I can provide you with any additional information.

Again, thank you for the interview and for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(signature)

Michael Sellars

67
References for:

Dave Smith
1111 Market Road #178  •  Shakopee, MN 55379  •  952.567.8900  •  dave.smith@mankato.msus.edu

Mr. John Doe

Student Relations Coordinator
College of Arts and Sciences
Minnesota State University, Mankato
100 Johnson Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 555-1234
john.doe@mnsu.edu

Ms. Jane Johnson

Assistant Director
Experiential Learning Office
Minnesota State University, Mankato
333 Student Center
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 555-9876
jane.johnson2@mnsu.edu

Dr. Michael Peterson

Professor
Agriculture Department
Minnesota State University, Mankato
215 Agricultural Science Building
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 555-6565
michael.peterson@mnsu.edu

Ms. Diane Larson

Manager
Food-N-Fun Restaurant
1001 Mason Street
James, MN 56908
(507) 555-4260
dianel@hotmail.com

68
 Guiding • Informing • Supporting • Connecting
Minnesota State Mankato Students and Employers

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

209 Wigley Administration Center • Mankato, MN 56001 • 507-389-6061 • www.mnsu.edu/cdc