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CareerGuide 2014 16
CareerGuide 2014 16
CareerGuide 2014 16
201416
a
NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT (NCA)
Make good use of this guide, but dont let it take the place of coming to see us.
Main Office: 620 Lincoln Street, Evanston campus
Express Advising Center: Main Library, Core second floor
Phone 847-491-3700
Email nca@northwestern.edu
Web www.northwestern.edu/careers
b
Dear Northwestern student,
CONTENTS
The entire staff of the newly renamed Northwestern Career Advancement office is 2 Career planning
pleased to present you with the 201416 Career Guide. We hope that this guide will 5 Networking
give you the tools needed to successfully prepare 9 Rsums
for life after Northwestern. Wherever you are in your 22 Cover letters
career development, youll find information within these 26 Interviewing
pages that will help you learn more about yourself, set 32 Finding job/internship
career goals, construct rsums and cover letters, opportunities
secure internship and full-time job opportunities, and,
if desired, pursue graduate school admission.
While the guide covers a wide range of career-
related topics, keep in mind that it represents only a
fraction of our staffs knowledge and expertise. It is
intended to supplement in-person meetings. I strongly
encourage you to meet with a career counselor or your
school-based adviser as early as your first year to explore your interests and find a
suitable career path.
There are a number of people and organizations Id like to thank for making this
career guide possible, including the corporate sponsors who generously provided
financial support to create and print it: Accenture, ALDI, Sodexo, AQR Capital
Management, Deloitte, Grosvenor Capital Management, PwC, Strategy&, Goldman
Sachs, L. E. K. Consulting, and Visa. We value their partnership and appreciate the
many opportunities they bring to our students every year. Im also grateful for the
countless hours guide editor-in-chief Christina Siders and her team, Maggie Heffernan
and Rachel Taylor, devoted to selecting, writing, and editing the content. This resource
would not exist without Christinas leadership and the hard work of our entire staff.
Finally, University Relations deserves praise for bringing our content to life with a
beautiful professional design.
I hope youll refer to this guide often, and I welcome you to visit our office and
attend the many events and programs we host throughout the year. We are here to
help you every step of the way as you advance your career.
Sincerely,
Mark Presnell
NCA Executive Director
1
01. CAREER PLANNING
Career planning is a continuous skills and opportunities. Make sure that you work
with your NCA adviser to adapt the plan to your goals
process, a series of decisions you will and needs. Not every item will apply to your unique
make throughout your life. The four situation.
Long-term career planning can be daunting, but if
main stages of the Career Development
you devote time each year to your career development,
Model shown in the diagram on this your opportunities will be immense and your goals
pageassess, explore, decide, and act, will be attainable.
Even though each persons experience is unique,
with time to reflect at each stageare the following key points apply to everyone:
meant to be continuous throughout Start early. Planning ahead opens up the widest
your career, not performed only once. range of opportunities and gives you time to change
your mind along the way.
The four-year plan (next two pages) created by
NCA organizes your career planning while in college Reflect on your skills, values, interests, and strengths
by revisiting the four stages during each of your under- before making any decision.
graduate years. It will help you to translate your aca- Dont be afraid to change your path. No career
demic and cocurricular experiences into professional decision is irreversible.
ASSESS
Analyze your interests, EXPLORE
values, and skills to identify Research and investigate
career fields, work environ- a range of career
ments, lifestyles, and job options that are of
functions that you want interest to you.
to explore.
reflect
ACT DECIDE
Obtain hands-on experi- Evaluate your options
ence through internships, and narrow your
full-time and part-time selections to the few that
positions, and campus or are the best matches
volunteer activities. for you.
2
01. CAREER PLANNING
ASSESS ASSESS
Identify how your interests, values, and skills align with Meet with an NCA career counselor to clarify your career
career options by taking a career assessment, such as the interests.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or Strong Interest Inventory. Think about what you can offer to employers (strengths,
skills, experiences) and begin to develop a career narrative
EXPLORE and professional introduction.
Get involved in one or two student or service organizations
to explore your interests. EXPLORE
Take diverse coursework and talk with different academic Use LinkedIn and Our Northwestern to view profiles of
departments to explore various majors, minors, and alumni who studied your major or work in an industry of
certificates. interest.
Research two or three potential careers and industries Conduct one or two informational interviews each quarter
through WetFeet, Vault, and the Occupational Outlook with personal contacts, Northwestern alumni, or industry
Handbook. experts.
Increase your leadership experience in student organiza-
DECIDE tions by chairing a committee, initiating a project, or running
Meet with your career adviser to create a career plan for for office.
your first and second years. Explore options for summer jobs and internships with your
Narrow down summer opportunities (research, study NCA career adviser.
abroad, internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work).
DECIDE
ACT Decide on summer opportunities to pursue.
Convert your high school rsum into a professional Narrow down and decide on academic major(s), minor(s),
document and upload it to CareerCat. and certificate program(s); meet with University Academic
Create a LinkedIn profile and build your network by Advising if you are considering an interschool transfer.
requesting connections with personal and academic
contacts. ACT
Speak with people you know who have careers of interest. Update your rsum in CareerCat, incorporating first- and
Pursue summer opportunities with targeted rsums and second-year experiences.
cover letters. Update your LinkedIn profile and connect with new
contacts.
Participate in career fairs to pursue internship opportunities.
Apply for summer experiential learning opportunities using
targeted rsums and cover letters.
If considering graduate school, get to know two professors
to increase your chances of getting strong letters of
recommendation.
3
01. CAREER PLANNING
ASSESS ASSESS
Reflect on what youve learned from each internship, job, Reflect on how your values and interests might determine
and student involvement experience. your choice of a work setting.
Identify your skills and values by doing a Motivated Skills If you dont have a clear career focus yet, meet with an
or Values Card Sort with an NCA career counselor. NCA career counselor to discuss your options.
EXPLORE EXPLORE
Research employers of interest using WetFeet, Vault, Research employers of interest using WetFeet, Vault,
Hoovers, LinkedIn, and company websites. Hoovers, LinkedIn, and company websites.
Evaluate summer internship options with your NCA Expand your knowledge of job opportunities, examine
career adviser. work settings, and prepare for interviewing by networking
at employer information sessions, coffee chats, career
DECIDE fairs, etc.
Identify two or three industries to consider for full-time Select two or three industries to pursue for full-time
postgraduate employment and learn their recruiting employment and learn about and implement the best
timelines. search techniques for them.
If you are interested in highly competitive graduate pro-
ACT grams or fields, develop a postgraduation backup plan.
Continue to network with Northwestern alumni using the Accept offers for full-time employment or graduate school.
LinkedIn alumni tool.
Contact the Office of Fellowships for information about ACT
career-related fellowships. Tailor your rsum toward industries and employers youre
Develop a polished professional introduction to engage considering.
employers and alumni during networking events. If applicable, begin preparation for graduate school
Target employers and industries of interest at career fairs. by taking admissions tests in the fall and preparing your
application.
Practice your interviewing skills by participating in a mock
interview with your career adviser. Attend career fairs to make full-time employment connec-
tions with specific employers.
Apply for full-time positions as early as possible and tailor
cover letters to each company and position.
Follow up with employer contacts from past career fairs,
information sessions, and informational interviews.
Strengthen your interviewing skills by participating in a
mock interview with your career adviser.
Identify references and request permission to use them
in applications for employment or graduate programs.
4
02. NETWORKING
Continued
5
02. NETWORKING
?
DEVELOPING QUESTIONS FOR
AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
Once you understand the value of networking for your career exploration and
professional development, how do you start building and engaging a network?
What trends do you see affecting The way you initiate contact will depend on how well you know the person. A
career opportunities? phone call may be appropriate for someone you speak with regularly, an email
for contacts with whom you are less familiar. If you are approaching someone to
How can I become a more competi-
whom you were referred, start by introducing yourself and saying how you were
tive candidate for this industry?
referred. Then say why you are reaching out and what you hope to learn, such
What steps would you recommend as information about his or her position, career field, and career story. Be direct
I take to prepare to enter this field? in requesting 20 to 30 minutes for an exchange. A face-to-face meeting at the
How are hiring decisions made? employment site is ideal, but if thats not possible, another location or the use
of Skype or the telephone may be arranged.
What professional associations do
Give your prospective contact two weeks to reply, and then send a follow-
you recommend I join?
up email if you have not heard back. If your second attempt is unsuccessful,
Can you recommend anyone else
move on to other contacts who may be more receptive.
for me to contact?
STEP 3: PREPARE FOR THE NETWORKING MEETING
You need to be prepared to both ask engaging questions and respond to ques-
tions. Using the many resources available, research the persons industry and
its job categories. Research will result in more targeted questions and more
detailed responses. If you are attending a networking event, conduct research
on the presenters and their backgrounds.
6
02. NETWORKING
SAMPLE PROFESSIONAL
INTRODUCTIONS
Knowing what information or advice you are seeking is essential in maximiz- Hello, my name is Monica Lee. I am
ing your time with contacts. Develop a list of 10 to 15 relevant questions. The a senior in communication studies
type of questions you ask may be perceived as an indicator of your preparation, at Northwestern. This past quarter, I
professionalism, and industry knowledge. interned at a sports analytics company,
It is important to be comfortable articulating your skills, values, and career focusing on translating data into social
interests. Consider how your experiences and activities have influenced your media communications. I was excited
career interests and plan how you will communicate this. Prepare a professional to see you were attending the career
introductiona 30-second summary including your full name (if the person fair and was hoping you could share
doesnt already know you); year in school and major; relevant skills, strengths, more about how data intersect with
and experience; and an engaging question so that youll be ready to present communications, both internally and
your experiences in networking situations. See two sample professional intro- externally, at your firm.
ductions at the right.
Hello, my name is Walter Golden.
STEP 4: CONDUCT THE NETWORKING MEETING I will be earning a masters degree
in counseling psychology from
Regardless of the venue of your networking conversation, dress appropriately.
Northwestern University this June.
Arrive early for face-to-face encounters. Begin with your professional introduc-
A highlight of my program has been
tion. You want to make a positive impression and launch a conversation. With
serving as a counselor to at-risk inner-
the goal of being genuine, consider the other person, the details that are relevant
city students in group and individual
to share, and the value and purpose of your inquiry. A brief introduction sounds
settings. After listening to you on this
more genuine than a long one and allows the conversation to start sooner.
panel, I was hoping you could share
Let the dialogue progress naturally. Dont feel compelled to ask every ques-
more details about what prepared
tion on your list, and keep within the specified timeframe. At the end, express
you to be effective in your role as a
appreciation for your contacts time and contribution to your learning and inquire
residential therapist.
about staying connected.
STEP 5: FOLLOW UP
NORTHWESTERNS
Within 48 hours send a personal thank-you note highlighting the value of the OPPORTUNITIES FOR NETWORKING
meeting and mentioning any suggestion or referral the contact provided that
was helpful. Sending a thank-you note opens the door to further exchanges. These are the most common organized
Because one exchange does not build a relationship, you need to consider venues that Northwestern provides for
ways to maintain the connection. A log with each contact name, date, outcome, career-related networking:
and important notes is helpful. Aim to connect with contacts each quarter. Career fairs
Consider mailing seasonal greeting cards, sending email messages, forwarding Employer information sessions
interesting industry news and journal articles, and inviting them to occasional Industry panels
coffee breaks. Conferences
Employer site visits
Guest speakers
Externship programs
Alumni events and resources
7
02. NETWORKING
Customize your public profile URL using your name or Keep all tweets professional and appropriate.
an abbreviated version of it. (Your username should be
consistent across all social media channels, if possible.) BEYOND LINKEDIN AND TWITTER
Revise your profile regularly, as you do your rsum. Like or add companies of interest or industry experts on
Facebook and Google+.
Join groups relevant to your industry of interest.
Develop a blog using WordPress or Tumblr to respond to
Follow company pages and locate Northwestern alumni.
news of your industry.
Search for jobs or internships by industry, job
function, or location. If youre in the arts, upload samples of your work on
Flickr and Issuu or share videos youve created or a video
Use proper etiquette. Dont contact people you do not
rsum on YouTube.
know without a connection or introduction.
Display work samples or your rsum on Pinterest,
where you can also pin items that reflect your industry
TWITTER
and career interests.
A microblogging service, Twitter allows you to communi-
cate short messages (tweets) of 140 characters or less, follow Follow Northwestern Career Advancement on Twitter,
updates from companies and influencers, and build your Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media sites (a com-
own following. plete list is on the NCA website) to learn about career tips
and news, program and event listings, job opportunities,
and industry trends.
8
03. RSUMS
An overview of your education, experi- Before writing a rsum, review job descrip-
tions in your area of career interest to find out the
ences, and skills, your rsum is used to skills sought. This will provide a frame of reference
market what you offer potential employers and help you align your skills with those employ-
ers want. In general, an undergraduate rsum
by demonstrating your strengths and skills
should be kept to one page in length, though there
and how you would apply them to deliver may be exceptions in certain industries.
value and outcomes. Often the most difficult part of developing a
rsum is learning how to articulate your experi-
ences to impress employers. Every experience,
no matter how trivial it might seem to you, can
ACTION VERB + TASKS + RESULTS
develop skills that can transfer to other settings.
Heres an example of how a student described To identify and adequately describe your skills,
her work as a server at the Main Street Caf: make a list of each experience, whether a volunteer
Awarded Employee of the Month recogni- position, a full-time job, an internship, or a role in
tion based on customer feedback and super- a student organization. Picture what you did on a
visory staff reviews. typical day during a busy week, selecting three to
Trained 15 new hires on restaurant policies, five words from the power verbs list on the next
customer service skills, and problem-solving page to convey the skills you employed that day.
techniques. For each verb, expand your statement by asking
yourself who, what, when, why, and how. Whenever
Created and implemented a comprehensive
possible, quantify your impact on the customers,
marketing plan that resulted in a 30 percent
process, or organization. What difference did your
increase in business from the Northwestern
work make? What were your accomplishments?
community.
Continued
Managed point-of-sale operations and
addressed customer concerns and inquiries
to ensure superior customer service.
9
03. RSUMS
Continued from previous page employed. For each experience, include three to five
bullet-point statements about how you applied your skills
Once youve given thought to identifying and describing
and affected a task or project.
what you can offer, you can organize your rsum using some
of the categories below. You may choose to vary this typical 4 A leadership section is increasingly important to
sequence to suit your unique experiences. Many examples of recruiters of undergraduates. Include organization name,
effective rsums are shown on the following pages. positions you held with dates, projects, significant con-
tributions, and skills and abilities demonstrated. This
1 Contact information contains your full name, permanent section is usually formatted similarly to the experience
and/or school address, telephone number, and email section, with bullet points.
address, usually in boldface, larger type. Include only one
phone number and one email address. Do not include 5 The activities and community involvement section
personal information such as Social Security number, showcases your contribution to the on-campus and
physical traits, race, ethnicity, or citizenship. off-campus communities, usually organized in a list
format. Include position(s) held, organization name,
2 The education section includes your institutions name, and dates for each experience.
location, degree type, anticipated graduation date,
major(s), minor(s), and GPA. If you have more than one 6 Honors/awards can be a stand-alone section or
degree, place the highest or most recent degree first. included in their respective categories. For each, include
Listing relevant coursework and academic honors and the name of the honor/award and the date granted. A
awards is optional. brief description is optional.
3 The experience section(s) aligns your experience with 7 Skills is often the final category on a rsum, reiterating
desired opportunities. It may include full-time, part-time, your qualifications or showcasing additional relevant
and summer employment; student teaching; internships; skills. Language and computer proficiency and training
practicums; academic research; and volunteer work. certifications are among the skills typically listed.
Choose headings for the various categories that best
market your experiences. List experiences in reverse
8 Interests is an optional section. Many employers appre-
ciate getting to know you a little better beyond your
chronological order, providing the company/organization
formal training and experiences. If you choose to list
name and location and your position title and dates
interests, be specific, authentic, and appropriate.
Bullet points should be used in the experience and leadership expedited maximized reported
sections of your rsum and any other section where you can facilitated motivated represented
demonstrate skills that can be transferred to a job. Each bulleted formulated navigated researched
statement should start with a power verb. Be results oriented. fostered negotiated resolved
Ask yourself who, what, when, why, and how to describewith generated operated reviewed
quantification, if possiblethe work performed, your contribu- guided organized revised
tions, and the outcomes. The following are power verbs, and handled oversaw scheduled
your unique experiences may suggest others: identified performed secured
illustrated planned served
accomplished completed developed implemented prepared specialized
achieved conducted directed improved presented strengthened
administered consulted drafted initiated processed supervised
advised contributed encouraged inspected produced supported
analyzed coordinated enhanced integrated provided taught
arranged corresponded established invented published trained
assessed created evaluated investigated recorded validated
collaborated designed examined maintained regulated verified
communicated determined expanded managed repaired wrote
10
03. RSUMS
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
US State Department Critical Language Arabic Immersion Program, Participant Salalah, Oman; June - August 2013
Studied Arabic through immersion and intensive coursework, including 4 hours of daily formal instruction
Mentored by Omani student at Dhofar University; practiced speaking for 1 hours a day
Introduced to local customs and religion; traveled throughout Oman
Received highest grade in class of 34 students
3
Cook County Juvenile Courts Public Defenders Office, Legal Intern Chicago, IL; June August 2012
Researched topics pertaining to juvenile law to become better aware of relevant cases
Interviewed clients prior to trial and obtained valid information for cases
Docketed files and cross-referenced data to the proper cases for future reference
Created Excel spreadsheets to classify and report information to Public Defenders
Responded to client inquires, fielded calls, and maintained database of 350 contacts
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Vice President of Finance Northwestern University; 2011 Present
Managed finances for 100+ person organization using Quickbooks software, both accounts payable and receivable
Served as the liaison between the chapter and House Corporation; oversee the House Manager
Researched and created $65,000 budget, including alternative means of funds investment
4 Reevaluated and revised budget, leading to a 20% reduction in dues, the largest in Chapter history
ACTIVITIES
5 Analytics Team Member, Institute for Student Business Education (ISBE)
Sponsorship Committee, Dance Marathon
January 2012 - Present
September 2013 May 2014
Tutor, Northwestern University Athletic Department September 2012 - Present
HONORS
Gamma Sigma Alpha Honors Society: Greek life juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher
6
Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society: Freshman students with GPA of 3.5 or higher & in top 20% of class
Pi Beta Phi Core Values Award: Integrity: Illinois Epsilon Chapter, voted by peers to epitomize integrity
Published in The True Body Project anthology; City Beat newspaper; Queen City Forum magazine; and Mic & Mia
website; featured in Cincinnati 20/20 Arts Festival and the Women Writing for Change radio show on WVXU (91.7)
LANGUAGE SKILLS
7 Modern Standard Arabic: professional working proficiency
Egyptian Arabic dialect: conversational
Spanish: professional working proficiency
11
03. RSUMS
Frank Thompson
Campus Address: Permanent Address:
EDUCATION
Northwestern University
Psychology
3.77/4.00
Honors:
Relevant Coursework
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Northwestern University Office of Admissions,
Tour Guide,
x
x
HIGH SCHOOL experiences
Wildcat Welcome,
may be included if they are Peer Advisor,
relevant or convey unique x
x
skill sets. They usually are
x
removed after the second
year of college. North Canton High School Swim Team,
Captain,
x
x
x
FRANCESWORK EXPERIENCE
HARPER
Bridgeview Day Camp,
1500 Chicago Avenue, Apartment 5C, Evanston, IL 60201Lifeguard and Swim
(630) 555-7473 Instructor,
francisharper2017@northwestern.edu
x
EDUCATION Northwestern University, Evanston, IL x
x
Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance, Bachelor of Arts in French; Expected June 2017
Minor in Arts Administration
GPA: 3.89/4.00 Paddington Family Restaurant,
Host,
RELEVANT Alumni Relations and Development, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
x
EXPERIENCE Clerical Aide, Fall 2012-Present x
Enhance office productivity by completingx extensive donor mailings, data entry, and prospect research
Edit 800 handwritten thank-you notes for quarterly Thank-a-Thon program and Thank-a-Donor Week
Generate reports and lists, uploadedAContact Reports
CTIVITIES and Mass Updates to CATracks, analyzed data for
Parent and Family Giving and DirectParticipant,
Mail teams
Organize CATracks IDs, student andVolunteer,
parent names,
and sports into a contact information spreadsheet
for Athletics programs
The Atlanta Opera, Atlanta, GA SKILLS
Arts Administration Intern, Summer 2014Computer:
Language:
Drafted press releases for each of the Operas 3 mainstage performances for the 2014-2015 season
Utilized Tessitura to complete ticket exchanges and create call lists
Identify and research prospective group sales patrons, resulting in a 10% increase in group sales
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU), Chicago, IL
Development Intern, Fall 2013
Oversaw annual Devils Ball and Gala events for 500+ attendees each; created auction signs, proofread
materials, wrote thank-you letters to 45 sponsors and donors, completed day-of event tasks
Researched membership programs at 15 similar venues and organizations
Developed new program proposal for ATRU and presented ideas to Board of Directors
South Arts, Atlanta, GA
Performing Arts Exchange Intern, Summer 2012
Utilized event-planning skills to execute PAE conference of 800 attendees
Managed PAE division of YouTube Channel: uploaded videos and exhibitor updates
Effectively communicated with agents and contractors to answer questions and arrange for services
12
03. RSUMS
TEJAN COUNT
29 Brookstone Way, Evanston, IL 60201 847.555.2929 count@u.northwestern.edu
EDUCATION
Northwestern University: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Evanston, IL
Bachelor of Arts Degree, June 2015
Major: English Concentration: Literary Criticism and Theory
Certification: Undergraduate Leadership Program GPA: 3.62/4.00
RELEVANT COURSES: Interpreting Culture, Language in the Text, History of the Literary Criticism, Contemporary Theory,
Language and Culture, Modern Rhetorical Theory, Psycholinguistics, and Phenomenology
ACADEMIC PROJECT
Modern Rhetorical Theory: Effective Communication in Business Project Fall 2014
x Critically analyzed contemporary theory of management and its direct effects on 3 consulting firms
x Interviewed 7 Business Analyst Managers to understand the flow of communication
x Provided recommendations to improve communication practices, leading to a 32% increase in work productivity at 1 firm
x Performed extensive research on each consulting firms mission, projects, and obstacles INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE, such as
Study Abroad Participant, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Summer 2014 study abroad, presents
x Analyzed local government and policies surrounding education and contrasted findings against U.S. policies
x Interacted with native residents, including Patagonian grasslands inhabitants: Gauchos
an opportunity to acquire
x Gained exposure to the endangered and extinct languages of Argentina marketable skills for a
x Developed fluency in Spanish language during 2-month experience by living with a Spanish-speaking host family
variety of industries and
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Vice President, Minority Business Association, Evanston, IL
positions.
Fall 2012-Present
x Support President in operations of student-run group focused on minority students interested in business
x Increase student membership by 70% during tenure as Marketing Advocate (Fall 2011-Spring 2012)
x Foster healthy working relationships with student-run groups, administrators, faculty, and alumni
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x Research and analyze current organizational plans and propose new mission-specific direction
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Nominated Participant, Undergraduate Leadership Program, Evanston, IL
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EDUCATION
Northwestern University,
Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors,
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PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
as well as names of the Northwestern University,
The Freshman Musicale
directors, shows experience The History Boys
and knowledge to potential I Love You Because
Raleigh Ensemble Players Theatre Company,
THEATER employers. The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
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The North Carolina Dance Institute,
NCDI Summer Showcase
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
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Dog Sees God
Into The Woods
Gods Country
Bat Boy
WORK EXPERIENCE
Carousel Productions,
Intern,
North Carolina Dance Institute,
Substitute Dance Teacher, Front Desk Staff,
JOAN GOODMAN
j-goodman18@northwestern.edu
(319) 555-7452
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Permanent Address:
1234 Ashland Avenue, Apt. 1N
1234 Dewitt Street
Evanston, IL 60202 Temple Beth Or, Cedar Rapids, IA 50662
Assistant Music Teacher
EDUCATION
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Robert McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
HONORS June 2015
Bachelor of Science in &KHPLFDO(QJLQHHULQJ,
Cary Academy Excellence in Drama Award,
Cumulative GPA: 3.46/4.00
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Basketball Representative, Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), Evanston, IL Fall 2013-Present
x Selected by coaches and academic advisors as representative for mens basketball team
x Present issues and opportunities around campus and Evanston community to Athletic Department
x Develop community service events for 150+ Evanston youth
x Relay ideas, questions, and concerns from teammates and other student athletes to campus administrators
x Create promotional videos & e-mails to attract peers to SAAC events
Mentor, Peers Urging Responsible Practice through Leadership & Education, Evanston, IL Fall 2012-Present
x Provide an equal-opportunity environment for student-athletes to share issues and opportunities in the community
x Implement new campus resources designed to enhance student-athlete life at Northwestern University
x Chosen by athletic administrators to make influential decisions benefitting student-athletes
WORK EXPERIENCE
Counselor, Northwestern Mens Basketball Camp, Evanston, IL Summer 2014
x Provided basketball skills and encouraged campers to achieve goals through strong work ethic and dedication
x Assessed 25 campers skill levels and developed a personalized training module for campers to increase skills
16
03. RSUMS
Graduate students applying to positions outside of academia coursework, research, projects, leadership roles, volunteer
often must convert their CVs into rsums, which are pre- roles, paid positions, and teachingand note the skills you
ferred in industry and nonprofit settings. A rsum should developed in each. What were your daily tasks? What equip-
be concise and tailored to highlight relevant skills and ment did you use? What were your results? Dont forget about
experience. your soft skillsteamwork, collaboration, project manage-
Some graduate students may not have relevant work ment, and effective communicationwhich are highly valued
experience, however, and must communicate how their by employers. From a careful reading of the job description,
experiences enable them to perform the required duties of as well as your research of the employer and industry, you
a position. As a graduate student, you have developed a will learn the important skills sought as well as the keywords
wide range of skills that have prepared you for multiple career and terminology of the field and can tailor your rsum
options. If your background is not an exact match, identify accordingly.
the skills you have acquired during any activity in your life The following pages show examples of graduate student
that are transferrable and applicable to a particular position. rsums.
Think about all of your experiencesincluding advanced
CV vs. RSUM
At least two pages or longer (no page limit) Concise: one to two pages in length
Written for academic audiences, typically in Written for employers with a range of
your field of study academic and professional backgrounds
Used when applying for positions within Used when applying for positions outside
academic and research institutions and for of academia, particularly in industry and
funding and fellowship applications nonprofit settings
17
03. RSUMS
Bradley J. Oliver
9000 Chicago Avenue #5B Evanston, IL 60202 y (773) 555-4321 y bq-oliver@u.northwestern.edu
EDUCATION
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Anticipated 2015
Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience, GPA: 3.12/4.00, GRE: Q: 790; V: 680; A: 6
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, IL
Certificate in Management for Scientists and Engineers Summer 2013
Selected (50/150) for an intensive 10-week program for doctoral students focused on management and frameworks.
For nontechnical elds, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 2007
highlight TRANSFERRABLE B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Minor in Fine Arts, Major GPA: 3.23/4.00
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
SKILLS from your research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 2009 Present
such as analysis, modeling, Graduate Student
Demonstrated the importance of a novel circadian/metabolism gene in regulating the sleep-wake cycle (1 publication).
and project management, Developed a novel application of statistical modeling for the large-scale study of neurobehavior (5 publications).
Initiated and championed technology transition to the RNA-Seq platform, resulting in acquisition of $7.8M award.
instead of providing project Mentored and supervised 8 undergraduates and 5 junior graduate students.
overviews. University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 2007 2009
Research Technologist III
Assisted in the negotiation of the laboratory's 3-year, $1.6M collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company.
Managed a team of 5 research technicians and a database engineer on a $3M government-funded project.
Redesigned the data analysis pipeline and accomplished rigorous testing targets to merit $1.5M funding for phase 3.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance (ADCA), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 2013 Present
Executive Board Member
Lead 50+ applying members through Interview Bootcamp workshop/seminar series.
Co-author and advise on the development of the ADCA Consulting Case Book, the first written by PhDs for PhDs.
Arts Student Council, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 2005 2007
President and Business Manager
AVERY P. MATTHEWS Co-wrote grant applications and budgeted $1,200 in campus funding for student art exhibition.
112 Smithson Drive Chesapeake, VA 23322 (847)
Recruited exhibition
555-4410 opportunities at local businesses (5-8/year) and managed venue logistics for the group.
matthews@u.northwestern.edu
18
03. RSUMS
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CLINICAL AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
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?HH4=0HEH4=0H Counseling Practicum Trainee
0 Complete 80+ hours of face-to-face counseling and receive 100+ hours of group and individual supervision
")%&',0#0""&#'-0!!#"&>HH Provide direct clinical service to 15+ weekly clients aged 15-32 years
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Past 2 Present Project, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA October 2011 May 2013
Research Assistant
Collected data, developed recruitment strategies and corresponded with 45+ participants to measure the effects of childhood
experiences on adult development
Awarded a $2500 grant for a research project entitled Does impulsive personality lead to college binge drinking? Examining
the relationship between impulsivity and binge drinking among college students
WORK EXPERIENCE
Residential Services, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL August 2013 Present
Assistant Residence Director/South Campus Hall Government Advisor
Collaborate with faculty, staff and students to foster vibrant and inclusive residential environments
Serve as primary advisor to 3 hall governments and offer guidance, training, and support to 15 lead members
Coordinate and implement the election process, manage executive board meetings, and facilitate the revision of constitutions
Tufts Summer English Language Programs, Tufts University, Medford, MA June 2013 August 2013
Resident Counselor
Provided supervision and guidance to 19 international students and 3 student leaders
Instructed residents on crisis response, identifying binge drinking behaviors, and active listening techniques
Fostered immersion to life at Tufts University and the United States by creating educational presentations and leading cultural
trips around the greater Boston area
Boston University Orientation, College of Arts & Sciences, Boston, MA March 2012 January 2013
Student Advisor
Served as a peer mentor and leader to a group of approximately 15-18 incoming students at each Orientation session
Conducted small group meetings and discussions with students and families, explaining academic polices and requirements
Listing PROFESSIONAL Billings Office of the Clinical Psychiatry Department, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
Office Assistant
February 2011 December 2012
Verified insurance claims of Boston Medical Center psychiatric patients and processed session billing
AFFILIATIONS AND Managed clinical documents and updated insurance provider information through online office system
MEMBERSHIPS conveys AFFILIATIONS AND SERVICE
a commitment to your eld American Mental Health Counselors Association 2013 Present
Student Support Network, Boston College April 2012
and may help you make UMOJA, Boston College Black Student Union
Cultural Mentorship Program, The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, Boston College
2009 2011
2009 2011
connections with employers.
19
03. RSUMS
MAYA L. SANTIAGO
1915 Maple Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 555-1234 ml-santiago2@u.northwestern.edu
Profile
When converting your CV to Doctoral candidate in Biomedical Engineering seeking a challenging position in medical device development. Six years of
a rsum, highlight your expertise using innovative research methods to build and test prosthetic devices. Strong communication skills developed
through interacting directly with medical patients to collect data and presenting research to scientific and community
direct and transferrable skills audiences. Demonstrated strong leadership ability planning a departmental research symposium and multiple teaching
experiences.
in a CANDIDATE PROFILE. Education
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering, Anticipated June 2015
Dissertation: Neuromechanical Mechanisms of Prosthetic Knee Joint Control: Associations with Prosthetic Alignment
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, December 2011
Thesis: An Investigation of Shock-Absorbing Prosthetic Components for Persons with Transfemoral Amputation
Graduate Teaching Certificate Program, 2012-2013
Searle Center for Teaching Excellence
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
B.S. in M echanical Engineering, May 2008
Magna Cum Laude
Research Experience
Research Assistant, Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center, Chicago, IL Apr. 2009-Present
Propose novel research protocol to investigate the influence of prosthetic alignment on the gait biomechanics of
persons with transfemoral amputation
Build and test innovative EMG electrodes that make it possible to acquire intrasocket EMG signals
Design custom-made alignment adapters to implement and standardize research protocol
Collect quantitative gait data using a Motion Analysis motion capture system, AMTI force plates, Cosmed treadmill,
iPecs load cell, and Noraxon EMG telemetry system
Supervise and train 5 undergraduate students through a summer research project
Program custom Matlab scripts and perform statistical analyses to analyze gait data
Recruit, schedule, and consent subjects for research studies
Teaching Experience Prepare and maintain Institutional Review Board (IRB) paperwork
Undergraduate
Co-Instructor, Northwestern University Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Research
Evanston, IL Assistant, University of Virginia,
Jan. 2013-Mar. 2013 Charlottesville, VA Sept. 2007-May 2008
Studied
Taught an introductory biomechanics course (statics and strength the influence
of materials) of different
to 41 sophomore pH solutions on the dynamic swelling of functional hydrogel structures in
engineers
Implemented challenge-based learning methods microfluidic channels
Developed and refined teaching philosophy and portfolioResearch Fellow, National Science Foundation REU, University of California, Los Angeles, CA May 2007- Aug. 2007
Examined
Teaching Assistant, Northwestern University Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, the biomechanical
Evanston, IL effect
Sept.of2012-Dec.
growth factors
2012 on the repair time of flexor tendons in the human hand
Conducted
Supported professor by teaching an advanced engineering section material
for graduate strength tests of tendon sutures using MTS equipment
students
course
Revised teaching materials and updated information for student Presented research results to academic colleagues and corporate sponsors
packets
Offered students recommendations to improve performance in course
Leadership
Community Service Co-Chair, McCormick Graduate Leadership Council, Northwestern University Sept. 2013-Present
Organize a council of 16 student leaders to foster leadership and community among engineering graduate students
Mentor, Get-a-Grip Middle School Science Program, Evanston, IL Sept. 2012-Present
Manage a $7,000 budget from the Deans Office for academic, social, and professional activities
Teach students basic engineering concepts related to the design of a prosthetic arm
Plan and implement 3 seminars on academic career planning for doctoral students
Mentor middle school students during a prosthesis design competition
Symposium Planning Committee, Chicago Graduate Student Research Symposium Sept. 2010-May 2012
Judge, Chicago Public Schools Annual Science Fair, Chicago, IL Jan. 2012
Collaborated with academic departments, faculty, staff and students at 5 Chicago-area institutions to organize an
Evaluated elementary and high school student projects for city-wide science fair competition
interdisciplinary research symposium with over 200 attendees
Volunteer Science Teacher, Kennedy Elementary, Chicago, IL, & Haven Coordinated
Middle School,
travelEvanston, IL andJune
arrangements 2010-2012
meeting schedules for invited speakers and guests
Instructed classes of 25-30 students in basic science and engineering
Created
concepts on timelines
project a monthlytobasis
ensure appropriate deadlines were met by planning committee members
Collaborated with school faculty to develop innovative projects to engage elementary and middle school students
Created schedules and assigned teaching responsibilities for team of 10 graduate student volunteers
Skills
Technical Software: Matlab, Mathematica, Maple, SPSS, SIMM, OrthoTrak and Cortex for motion capture, AutoCAD,
Mechanical Desktop, TurningPoint, FORTRAN 77
Computer Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Paintshop, Adobe Suite
Languages: Spanish (fluent), French (proficient)
Selected Publications and Presentations
Santiago, M.L., Yarin, S., Mehta, D. Cross Validation of a Portable, Six Degree-of-Freedom Load Cell for Use in Lower-
Limb Prosthetics Research. (In Preparation).
Mentioning SELECTED
Santiago, M.L. An Investigation of Shock-Absorbing Components in Persons with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation. PUBLICATIONS AND
Midwest Chapter Meeting, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, May 15, Atlanta, GA, USA, 2014.
Santiago, M.L. Whats New in Rehabilitation Research. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicagos Annual Nancye B. Holt Rehabilitation
PRESENTATIONS saves
Management Course: Challenges in Leadership and Management, January 10-11, Dallas, TX, USA, 2014. space and implies there
Santiago, M.L., Lewis, D., Fey, T.E. Limb Compliance and Shock-Absorbing Pylons in Persons with Transfemoral
Amputations. International Society for Orthotics, May 19-23, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2013. are more.
Santiago, M.L., Horton, J.C., Baldwin, A., Lewis, D. The Effect of Transfemoral Prosthesis Alignment Perturbations on
Gait. Journal of Orthotics and Prosthetics. 68(3):58-64, 2013.
Santiago, M.L. Comparing Shock-Absorbing Prosthetic Components in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees. Abilities
19(3):6-7. Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA, 2011.
Awards
American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists Education Research Foundation Fellowship 2013-2014
Whitaker Foundation Graduate Fellowship 2009-2013
Second Place Departmental Award, Northwestern University BME Research Day Poster Presentation 2012
Award for Progress in Engineering Design and Application 2012
University of Virginia Academic Achievement Scholarship 2004-2008
University of Virginia Distinguished Service Award 2008
University of Virginia College of Engineering Award 2007
20
03. RSUMS
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21
04. COVER LETTERS
22
04. COVER LETTERS
The highlighted
Baxter Rosi sections demonstrate
1234 Chicago Avenue Apt. 2A, Evanston, IL 60201 brosi4@u.northwestern.edu 847.555.3211 how you can tailor
September 29, 2014 your cover letter to
Jack Smith the job description.
Director of Human Resources
The Boston Consulting Group
300 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60654
I am writing to apply for the Associate position at The Boston Consulting Group. Currently, I am a senior at Northwestern
University and a double major in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Business Institutions. The
Boston Consulting Group stands out to me because of its wide range of capabilities in the global market and the customized
approach it takes to address clients challenges. In addition, the opportunity to chart my own course in a supportive and
challenging environment is very important to me. I have spoken at length about this position with Ann Johnson, a current
Associate with BCG, and our discussions have reinforced my enthusiasm for working at your organization upon graduation.
My internship and leadership experiences, as well as my academic performance, have given me the interpersonal and ana-
lytical skills to succeed at BCG. This past summer I worked at Target Corporation as a business analyst intern. My primary
responsibilities included developing a strategic plan to increase Targets sales and cut costs through better product transition
processes and creating a long-term plan to implement my recommendations. I, along with my other teammates, developed
a plan to address the disconnect between the timing and scope of product transitions compared with the customer shopping
trends and frequency, which led to a potential sales increase of $10 million and receipt savings of $9.3 million. Although the
core of the internship involved quantitative work and trend analysis, the knowledge that I gained through the positive rela-
tionships I built with team members across the division was critical to my success.
In addition to my professional experiences, I have served as a leader at Northwestern in both the classroom and other capac-
ities. Currently, I am the chair of the Northwestern program team for campusCATALYST, a student- run organization that
pairs students with a non-profit to carry out a 10-week consulting project. I began my involvement with campusCATALYST
as a sophomore, when I participated in the program as a community analyst during my winter term. I interned at a non-
profit called GlobeMed, where I analyzed its current and prospective media strategies to determine how it could implement
a more effective media campaign for its upcoming expansion. Last year, I was chosen to join the program team for campus-
CATALYST as a non-profit liaison. My responsibilities included recruiting and managing non-profit clients and the MBA
mentors who worked with the students during their projects. In the spring of 2011, I was elected chair of the organization,
and will be managing the 9-person program team as well as serving as the student liaison to our board of directors.
I believe my education, work experience, and leadership abilities make me a strong candidate for the Associate position.
Enclosed is my resume that further outlines my education and work experience. I am excited to learn more about The Boston
Consulting Group and look forward to the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person. Should you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me at 847-555-3211 or brosi4@u.northwestern.edu. Thank you for your time and con-
sideration. I look forward to meeting with you soon.
Sincerely,
Baxter Rosi
Job posting
Associates work closely with BCG teams and the client organization as they conduct interviews,
analyze data, communicate findings, and drive change. You will become adept at helping clients find
answers to their toughest questions and implement necessary changes. No two experiences are the
same but all offer opportunities and challenges. BCG also offers career paths that include promotion
directly to consultant, graduate school assistance, and career transition opportunities worldwide.
BCG offers you an experience that spans many industries, clients, and business issues, with
learning coming in all shapes and sizes, from intensive orientation programs to ongoing training and
on-the-job apprenticeship. As an associate, you will be challenged to develop firsthand knowledge of
clients critical business issues, building client-management, problem-solving, and communications
skills. You will be given ownership of significant segments of client projects, as well as responsibility
for supporting the broader problem-solving effort. You will conduct interviews with key market players
and industry specialists and analyze clients performance. Your findings, and contributions to team
discussions, will help deliver impact for clients.
In addition to a strong academic record, we seek candidates who are team contributors, having
excellent problem-solving skills, exceptional communication skills, strong quantitative and analytical
skills, and are proven leaders.
23
04. COVER LETTERS
Marie Hough
Slivka Hall 2332 Campus Drive Evanston, IL 60201 (309) 555-2323 Mariehough@northwestern.edu
I am a junior majoring in Comparative Literature with a minor in Public Health. Yet, to the librarian at home in
New York, I am still the kid who bribes her friends for library cards each summer in order to evade the 30- books-
per-week-limit. I was also the one who secretly hoped for rainy days in elementary school it meant spending recess
in the library.
Now that I am at Northwestern University, I have had the ability to branch out in my passion for reading. I have
become interested in the legal processes of the literary world, and I am eager to see how a powerhouse publishing
company responds to changes such as the rise in e-books. Since publishing is a field closed off to most students, I am
eager to explore each Penguin Group department in both the Young Readers and Adult divisions, and was excited to
find the posting on CareerCat. I would like to be considered a candidate for your summer internships in the follow-
ing areas: contracts, editorial and subsidiary rights.
My interest in the publishing process began with forays in journalism. During my freshman year, I joined the copy
desk of The Daily Northwestern and studied investigative reporting by editing articles. The following year, I used
what I learned and began working on short clips, an activity culminating in my own investigative article about late-
night dining options in Evanston. I then contacted the editor of Newsday newspaper and he invited me to join its
copy desk that summer as its first undergraduate intern. Although the newspaper industry is a different type of print
publishing, it was fantastic being part of the group revision process. I would walk out of the office each night with
my nose stuck happily in a copy of the next mornings paper.
An internship with Penguin Group would introduce me to a new area of the publishing industryone without which
story pitching and writing would be void. Working in the newsrooms has given me a wider view of research and
writing than any class could have offered. Furthermore, it has given me an irreplaceable set of time-management
skills. I hope to use the skills I have accrued in the long but rewarding journey that goes into introducing a new novel
to the bookshelf.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in more detail. I will be returning to New
York for my Spring Break mid-March and would be available for an on-site interview. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Marie Hough
Mariehough@northwestern.edu
Job posting
Penguin Group (USA) offers paid internship opportunities in various business
areas such as contracts, editorial, finance, graphic design, managing editorial,
marketing, online marketing, production, publicity, sales, subsidiary rights, and
operations. Internship opportunities are available in our Young Readers and Adult
divisions.
Research and writing experience, along with time-management skills are
highly desirable qualities we look for in candidates.
The internship program consists of three 10-week long sessions. During the
spring and fall, interns work 14 hours per week. During the summer, interns work
28 hours per week.
A series of lunch events are planned for summer interns. Brown Bag lunches
give interns the opportunity to learn about different departments, and group
lunches are designed to allow interns to network with each other as well as
employees across the company.
24
04. COVER LETTERS
Leah Daniels
2400 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60201 (650) 555- 9292 leah2018@u.northwestern.edu
A passionate dancer since the age of eight, I have experimented with my fair share of false eyelashes and red lipsticks. Before
every stage appearance, I always make sure to apply what I consider to be my secret performance ingredient: Benefits
High Beam. I discovered this magical highlighter when I visited my local Benefit boutique for the first time. After dabbing
a couple of drops onto my face, I felt my cheekbones and confidence brought to light; I was ready to dance my heart out in
the middle of the store. While only High Beam can elicit my inner Shirley Temple, I experience a similar rush of exhilara-
tion when brainstorming creative marketing strategies and designing promotional materials. Passionate about everything
related to beauty and communications, I would be thrilled to combine my greatest interests through Benefit Cosmetics
Brand and Digital Marketing Internship.
I am a freshman at Northwestern University pursuing a degree in Economics and Dance. I first discovered my interest for
marketing while serving as the Officer of Public Relations for Silicon Valley DECA. Unversed in social media before assum-
ing the role, I eagerly taught myself everything related to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr and spent hours creating a new
website for the organization. Through trial and error, I learned how to harness social media to most effectively engage and
connect with our organizations members.
In my subsequent role as Silicon Valley DECA President, I enhanced my communications skills working with 12 student
officers to arrange and promote our organizations first Leadership and Career Development Conference. After surveying
members to determine their professional goals and desired skills, we recruited guest speakers such as Charles Huang,
co-founder of Guitar Hero, to present conference workshops on key career-preparation topics. By expressing the value of
these workshops in creative social media campaigns, we attracted over 1,000 members to our conference. During the event
planning process, I learned how to mass-market a large-scale event, and I realized the importance of leveraging community
support and awareness when promoting a service or product.
As an intern for iCadenza, I gained experience creating strategic social media and product expansion plans. After analyzing
the demographics and social media tendencies of the companys customer base, I created Facebook and YouTube customer
contests to increase market awareness and the companys online presence. In addition, after conducting multiple market,
competitive, and financial analyses, I discovered opportunities for the company to receive an additional profit of $6,150 over
three years by expanding its services to aspiring professional dancers.
I would love to expand my knowledge of the industry by working at Benefit, which presents a uniquely inspiring and
empowering ethos through its product branding. As an intern, I would help Benefit expand its presence among college
students by organizing campus brand events and social media campaigns that would increase customer interaction. I would
value the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Leah Daniels
Job posting
Job Description:
Benefit Cosmetics is looking for an enthusiastic Brand and Digital Marketing Intern for the US team, who is
motivated to obtain real-world experience and exposure within a leading global beauty brand. The intern will
support both the Brand and US Digital Marketing teams in their day-to-day tasks.
As a general overview, the Brand and Digital Marketing department communicates the brand experience
through campaign activations, social media, strategic partnerships, and promotions and facilitates brand expo-
sure to the customer. The Brand and Digital Marketing Intern will be introduced to the inner workings of the
beauty industry and must be prepared to work responsibly in a fast-paced environment. In your cover letter,
please address the goals you plan to achieve with this position and why you want to work for Benefit. Dont
forget to include grade point average, community involvement, and leadership experience on your rsum.
25
05. INTERVIEWING
Interviews are a critical part of the Know yourself. Conduct a thorough self-assessment
of your education, experiences, accomplishments,
hiring process for both employers and strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. Review
candidates. As a candidate, you are able what you said on your rsum about the skills you
developed and contributions you made in each
to obtain information about the job and
experience.
the organization, determine whether Research. Learn everything you can about the orga-
the fit is good for you, and impress nization (e.g., vision, location, size, structure, products
the employer. The interviewer can and services, culture, customers, and competitors) and
the industry. This will help you to respond to interview
promote his or her organization, gather questions and demonstrate that you are interested in
information about you, and assess your the organization.
INTERVIEW TIPS
Prepare for the interview Obtain a business card from each interviewer.
Research the industry and the organization. Send a thank-you note to the interviewer(s) within
Review your rsum. 48 hours.
Prepare questions. Avoid faux pas
Practice with an NCA staff member. Do not chew gum and avoid smelling like smoke or
Bring your rsum, an unofficial transcript, and a list alcohol.
of references. Use moderate hand gestures and maintain appropriate
Dress appropriately for the job, company, and industry. posture.
Arrive early, at least 10 minutes before the scheduled Be mindful of your tone of voice and rate of speech.
time. Let the interviewer finish speaking; avoid interrupting.
Turn off your cellphone. Take time to think before answering difficult questions.
Engage with the interviewer Avoid using acronyms, slang, and filler words like um
Address the interviewer by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last or like.
name unless asked to use the first name. Avoid speaking negatively about anythinga previous
Offer a firm handshake. employer, a professor, a colleague.
Convey enthusiasm for the company and position. Be mindful of not being overbearing, overaggressive,
Maintain strong eye contact. or conceited.
Ask for clarification if you dont understand a question. Avoid discussing salary, holidays, or bonuses unless
Speak specifically about your role in any successes. the interviewer raises these topics.
Be honest and avoid exaggeration.
26
05. INTERVIEWING
The most common interview format employers use today DURING THE INTERVIEW
is behavioral interviewing, which is based on the idea that
Most interviews follow a three-stage pattern:
past behavior and performance are predictive of future behav-
ior and performance. The interviewer will typically ask ques- The introduction. Arriving early shows respect for the
tions that begin with Tell me about a time when you or professional who has reserved time to meet with you.
Describe a or Give me an example of when . Your When the interviewer approaches, rise from your seat in
responses should describe how your specific experiences greeting. The walk to the interview room is an opportunity
relate to the job for which youre applying. to develop rapport by engaging in small talk. Once you are
Developing a strategic approach to behavioral interviewing seated, the interviewer may provide an overview of the time
means taking the preparation steps described above even you will spend together.
deeper. Analyze and identify themes within the job posting. The information exchange. The interviewer will ask ques-
Reflect on your experiences to identify examples of when tions about your experiences, skills, and interest in the posi-
you demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and experience tion. This is your opportunity to prove that you are the best
required for the position. By using the STAR approach, you candidate. Remember that your nonverbal behaviors, such
can structure and organize your responses to behavioral as how you stand, sit, and listen, also influence the impres-
interview questions, succinctly communicating the important sion youre giving.
parts in describing an event:
The wrap-up. It is common for interviewers to ask toward
Situation. Describe the context of the situation. the end of an interview, Do you have any questions for me?
Task. Describe the task at hand and your specific role You may ask for more details about the position and the skills
within it. the organization is seeking, but avoid asking questions related
to salary, benefits, and personal topics. At the conclusion of
Action. Describe the actions you employed.
the interview, express appreciation for the interviewers time
Result. Describe the outcome of your actions. and restate your interest. The interviewer will likely share the
hiring timeline. If you are not offered a business card, ask for
one so that you have the exact email or postal address to
STAR APPROACH IN ACTION which to send a thank-you note.
QUESTION: Please describe a time when you employed AFTER THE INTERVIEW
problem-solving skills. Analyze in writing how the interview went, what you learned,
and what your impressions were of the organization and the
ANSWER: In my internship last summer at the interviewer(s). A written record of each interview will help you
remember and compare positions later.
National Relief Fund, I was asked to devise a better
Within 48 hours, send a personalized thank-you note to
system for tracking donations earmarked for hurricane
each person with whom you met (see page 30).
disaster relief (situation). Because the National Relief
If you do not hear back from the organization within the
Fund is such a large organization, I needed to under-
timeframe discussed, contact the interviewer(s) again to
stand the various ways donations were being tracked express your continued interest and ask about your status.
(task). By surveying regional offices, I found that only
78 percent of these offices had database tracking sys-
tems that were upgraded to the level of those at the
national office. I included this information in a report
that recommended an upgrade in these databases for
all regional offices (action). As a result, the executive
director made the decision to move forward with
upgrading systems by August 2014 (result).
27
05. INTERVIEWING
INTERVIEW ATTIRE
While your interpersonal skills FOR MEN Hair Make sure your hair is
and ability to formulate responses clean and well-groomed.
Tie Whether stripes or
are the most important elements, Shirt Long-sleeved shirts
small dots, patterns should
appropriate attire supports your are most appropriate year-
be uniform and subtle.
image. The way you dress can round. Choose white, light
Deep red, maroon, blue,
greatly enhance or detract from blue, or conservative stripes.
navy, gray, and black blend
the impression you make. Present
well with dark suits.
yourself in a manner that reflects
a highly polished and professional Belt Select a belt that
image. matches or complements
For both men and women, your shoes and has a
the professional standard is to simple buckle.
wear a matched two-piece suit.
Acceptable colors are darker (e.g.,
gray, navy, or black). Appropriate Socks Socks should com-
size is critical for both comfort plement the color of your
and presentation. Make sure your suit and be long enough for Shoes Lace-up, wing-tip
suit is pressed for each interview. you to cross your legs shoes are the most conser-
without showing bare skin. vative choice and are uni-
versally acceptable. Have
your shoes shined.
FOR WOMEN
colors match with many col- from what you are saying.
28
05. INTERVIEWING
Education Behavioral
Why did you choose your major? Take me through a project where you applied __________
Do you feel your GPA reflects your academic ability? skills.
How has your major helped you prepare for this position? Describe a situation when you displayed your critical
What is the most important lesson you have learned in or thinking skills.
outside of school? Describe a project or situation that best demonstrates
How do you think you have changed personally since you your analytical skills.
started college? Describe a situation where you had a conflict with
Knowing what you know now about your college experi- another person and how you handled it.
ence, would you make the same decisions? Give an example of a problem you solved and the
What has been your favorite or least favorite course? Why? process you used to arrive at the solution.
Describe an idea that you developed and implemented
Employer that you felt was particularly creative or innovative.
What expectations do you have for your future employer? Tell me about a difficult decision you have made.
Why are you interested in this organization? Tell me about a time you set a goal and failed to reach it.
Why are you the best person for this position? Give an example of a situation in which you failed and
What can you contribute to this company? how you handled it.
What challenges are you looking for in a position? Tell me about a time when you had to persuade another
How have your educational and work experiences person to concur with your point of view.
prepared you for this position? Tell me about a project you initiated.
What do you expect from a supervisor? Tell me about a team project that you are particularly
proud of and what your contribution was to the project.
29
05. INTERVIEWING
30
05. INTERVIEWING
1
Thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday for a position as a 2015 Corps
Member of Teach For America. I enjoyed learning more about the positive impact Teach
For America is making across the country, and I look forward to contributing to the
movement.
I left the interview with a heightened interest in the opportunity after learning more
2 about the growth you experienced as a Teach For America Corps Member. During the
interview, you asked what I hope to gain as a Corps Member. Upon further reflection, I
hope to enhance my teaching abilities while also securing my place in history as an educa-
4
tor, motivator, and leader.
Teach For America is where I want to launch my career within education. I am pas-
5
sionate about educational reform, and I am committed to ensuring access to a strong
education for all students. My leadership experiences at Northwestern have prepared me
for the challenges that I will face in the classroom. I am eager to make a real impact on
the world around me, and I am looking forward to utilizing my strengths as a leader to 3
motivate my students throughout their education. I believe that education is the key to our
worlds future, and I hope to instill a love of learning in my students.
Since the interview, my enthusiasm for Teach For America has only continued to grow.
6 Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to interview for this transformative role.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Locke
Thank you for taking the time to interview with me yesterday for the posi-
1 tion of Financial Services Representative with Pacific Insurance.
After speaking with you, I am even more excited about this opportunity
2 and I am confident that I can contribute to the initiatives of the Financial
Services team. Specifically, I am eager to use the skills I have developed in
my role as Vice President of Finance for Alpha Beta Gamma and the knowl-
edge I gained from my internship at Sue Reality. My organizational and 3
interpersonal skills will allow me to deliver the exceptional service that your
clients expect and deserve.
I would like to reiterate my strong interest in the position of Financial
Services Representative and joining your team. Thank you for providing me 6
the opportunity to interview, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Susan Love
847-555-9876
susanlove@northwestern.edu
31
06. FINDING JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The most successful job and internship Niche job boards are maintained by professional
associations, chambers of commerce, regional
seekers employ a variety of strategies. entities, and others. These websites are valuable
They start the process early, focus their because they extract positions aligning with career
interests or geographical preferences.
pursuits, and develop an action plan.
Megasites are clearinghouses for opportunities of all
They commit energy and time to the sorts. These sites extract a large variety of position
search. types and industries in diverse geographic regions.
As a first step, you must define your end goal. You Sites to use include Internships.com, Idealist.org,
will want to find the balance between being too broad and Indeed.com.
and too specific in your interests. When you focus too It is important to visit these websites frequently,
broadly, your search may feel overwhelming, as every- since opportunities are added daily. If a position
thing is a potential opportunity. When you focus too interests you, visit the employers website as well and,
narrowly, your search may feel like finding a needle in if possible, submit your materials directly.
a haystack. Instead, start by reflecting on what you are Do not rely solely on these websites, however;
looking to gain from the experience and what you want many positions are not posted publicly, and for those
in your future job or internship. Once you have defined that are, competition will be great because of the large
these, there are strategies for your action plan: number of applications.
The effectiveness of this common search strategy will Employer sourcing involves researching the potential
increase if you use some of these resources: employers in your desired industry to target and pursue
opportunities. Develop a comprehensive list, including
CareerCat and INET list employment opportunities
employers that you are already aware of and those
exclusively for Northwestern students. Northwest-
that surface in your research. Online resources helpful
erns online search systems allow our students
in developing your target list include Hoovers, Career
to apply for full-time, internship, part-time, and
Search, LinkedIn, and Vault.
summer employment opportunities posted by
Visit the website of each employer on your list to
employers.
learn about current opportunities. If you find an oppor-
tunity, adjust your application materials accordingly
and submit your application. If there are no current
opportunities, network to establish a connection in
anticipation of future opportunities.
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06. OPPORTUNITIES
To effectively plan your search, it is important to know when different industries hire new employees and interns. Hiring
cycles vary by company and industry. Please consult with an NCA staff member to prepare strategies well in advance of
your desired industrys hiring cycle.
The tables below reflect typical hiring timeframes for internships and for full-time positions for June graduates. NCA
receives job and internship postings throughout the year for every industry.
AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL
Finance
Consulting
INTERNSHIPS
Engineering
Education, nonprofit
Government **
*
Advertising, marketing,
media, PR
Start-ups
AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL
Finance
Consulting
FULL-TIME JOBS
Engineering
Education, nonprofit
Government * **
Advertising, marketing,
media, PR
Start-ups
*Several government agencies have early application deadlines due to security clearances.
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We would like to thank the sponsors
of Northwestern Career Advancement:
Wildcat Level
AQR Capital Management
Deloitte
Grosvenor Capital Management
PwC
Strategy&
Rock Level
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