Resumes & Cover Letters
Name three important components every resume should have.
Three important components every resume should have are: contact information, work experience, and education.
What is an elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief (30-second) summary of who you are, your background, and what you’re looking to achieve professionally.
What does "behavioral interview question" mean?
A behavioral interview question asks about how you handled past situations to predict future behavior. For example, “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.”
What does the term "internship" mean?
An internship is a short-term work experience where you gain skills and knowledge in a specific field, often while in college.
What does CC stand for in an email?
CC stands for carbon copy; it allows you to send an email to multiple people while letting them see all recipients.
How long should a resume typically be for a college student or recent graduate?
A resume for a college student or recent graduate should typically be one page.
Name two platforms where you can connect with professionals in your field.
Two platforms for connecting with professionals are LinkedIn and Handshake.
Name two common behavioral interview questions.
Two common behavioral interview questions are: “Tell me about a time you worked on a team” and “Describe a situation where you solved a difficult problem.”
Name one benefit of participating in a career fair.
One benefit of attending a career fair is networking—you can meet recruiters, explore different fields, and sometimes even secure interviews on the spot.
Name two tips for writing a professional email.
Two tips for writing a professional email are: keep the subject line clear and specific, and use a formal greeting and closing.
True or False: It's acceptable to use a general cover letter for all job applications.
False. A tailored cover letter should be customized for each job to demonstrate specific interests and relevant skills.
True or False: It's inappropriate to reach out to someone on LinkedIn unless you know them personally.
False. It’s acceptable to reach out to people on LinkedIn for networking purposes, especially if you add a personal note explaining why you’re connecting.
True or False: You should always ask questions at the end of an interview.
True. Asking questions shows interest in the role and helps you decide if the position and company are a good fit.
True or False: Job shadowing is only for high school students.
False. Job shadowing can be valuable at any age, including in college, as it helps you observe a career firsthand.
True or False: You should always use "Dear" as a greeting in professional emails.
False. You can use greetings like “Hello” or “Hi [Name],” especially if the company culture allows it, but always start professionally.
Describe what an "action verb" is and why it's important in a resume.
An action verb is a strong verb that describes what you did in a role (e.g., "led," "managed," "created"). It’s important because it conveys skills and achievements effectively.
Describe a follow-up email after meeting a potential employer or mentor.
A follow-up email should be polite and brief—thank the person for their time, mention a memorable part of the conversation, and express your interest in staying connected.
Describe the STAR method and how it helps in answering interview questions.
The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It helps structure answers by giving context, detailing your actions, and highlighting the outcome.
What are transferable skills, and why are they important when exploring career options?
Transferable skills are abilities and competencies that can be applied across different jobs and industries, like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. They’re important when exploring career options because they allow you to transition into different roles more easily, making you a more adaptable and versatile candidate.
Describe the difference between a formal and informal communication style.
Formal communication is structured and polite, often used with colleagues, professors, or employers. Informal communication is more casual, used with friends or close peers.
What are Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and how can you optimize your resume to improve your chances of getting through them?
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by employers to scan and filter resumes for relevant keywords, qualifications, and formatting. To optimize a resume for ATS, use specific keywords from the job description, keep the layout simple (avoiding graphics or unusual fonts), and use standard section headings like "Experience" and "Education." This increases the likelihood that the system will recognize and rank your resume.
What is informational interviewing, and why is it beneficial?
Informational interviewing is when you meet with a professional to learn about their role or industry. It helps you gain insights, build your network, and get career advice without directly asking for a job.
How would you handle a question about a skill you don't have experience with?
If asked about a skill you lack experience with, be honest but express your willingness to learn, and mention any similar skills you do have that could apply.
How can conducting a skills gap analysis help you in career development?
A skills gap analysis identifies what skills you need for a desired job versus the skills you have. This helps you focus on specific areas for development.
How would you respond to feedback that you disagree with in a professional setting?
If you disagree with feedback, acknowledge the feedback and explain your perspective respectfully. This shows that you value constructive criticism and are open to discussion.