Job Search Tool Kit - Amherst College · 2011. 10. 10. · The CONTENT of a résumé Résumés are...

Job Search

Tool Kit

Contents Résumés

Cover Letters

Connecting with Alumni

Internship Guide

Using Experience™

Interviewing

Amherst College Career Center

Call to schedule a meeting with our advisors Drop in from 2-4 pm for Peer Career Advisors

Browse amherst.edu/campuslife/careers

Amherst College Career Center • (P) 413.542.2265 • (F) 413.542.5790 • [email protected]

The Résumé

A résumé is a concise snapshot of your story, tailored to the reading audience. Writing a résumé is like

developing an advertisement to market an interesting and exciting "product"—YOU! Your résumé is often one of

the first things a prospective employer sees; its purpose is to present your skills, achievements, and qualifications

as effectively and briefly as possible.

Typical employers look at a résumé for less than 60 seconds so it‘s important that yours is extremely easy to read

and highlights your best qualifications. This guide will help you get started in the construction of your résumé.

For résumé samples, templates, and an instructional presentation, visit the Career Center website. It will be

mentioned again in this handout, but if you are sending your résumé electronically, be sure to save it as a .pdf as

to lock in its formatting and fonts.

The FOCUS of a résumé

A résumé is NOT a running list of everything you have done since the 3rd

grade. A résumé IS a targeted

compilation of any relevant, recent experiences that will support your candidacy for a given position. Ask

yourself how each of your experiences would contribute to your overall presentation (a good thing to do for

interview preparation as well).

The FORMAT of a résumé

There are three common formats for a college student‘s or recent graduate‘s résumé:

Chronological. This format presents your experience in reverse chronological order, highlighting your titles,

employers, and dates of employment from most to least recent.

Functional. This format presents your experience by skills and related experiences.

Combination. This is the most typical format for college students. Grouping experiences can focus your

résumé for a specific job. However, brief descriptions of your responsibilities and the skills

acquired during that particular experience are also highlighted.

For examples, as well as templates, visit www.amherst.edu/campuslife/careers

The LENGTH of a résumé

As an undergraduate it is best to keep your résumé on ONE page. This is especially true for those interested in

any type of corporate career. Exceptions can be made for students with extensive laboratory and research

experience applying for positions that ask for such qualifications. Typically, they will request a C.V. (curriculum

vitae), which is like a resume, but can be over a page, and should list all pertinent research and publications. Meet

with one of the Career Center Advisors for more information about this kind of document.

The CONTENT of a résumé

Résumés are generally arranged by topics, or headings. What follows are examples of typical headings you might

use on your résumé.

Contact info The first thing on a résumé should be your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Your name should be the boldest part of this heading.

Education List your college education first. State the degree you are a candidate for (BA), your

major(s), concentration(s), expected graduation month/year, and overall/major GPA (if over

3.50). List any study abroad experience in this section, as well as any scholarships and

academic honors you have received. If relevant, you can also include your thesis topic or

relevant coursework.

For underclassmen, include high school information (school, state, awards, scholarships).

Juniors can include exceptional high school information, especially if it is a well known

secondary school; seniors can do so as well, but are generally discouraged from doing so.

Experience The section includes both paid and unpaid experiences; any activity that took considerable

time and produced marketable skills is fit for this section. Summer and school year jobs are

the most typical examples, but significant campus activity/volunteering experiences can also

go in this section.

Give your title, the name of the company/organization, the geographic location, the dates

worked, and a brief description of your responsibilities. Use bulleted statements for

maximum effectiveness, and begin each statement with an action verb (see list of action

verbs on next page). Avoid passive language and ―I.‖

You may want to separate your experience into multiple sections; for example, "Relevant

Experience" and "Additional Experience," or "Work Experience" and "Extracurricular

Experience." Use the combination of headings that reflect your most important experiences

and accomplishments.

Skills & Interests If you have significant computer, language, or technical skills, you may want to create a

section to emphasize them. You can also include any certifications or licenses you have

(CPR, life-guarding, etc.), if relevant. If you have space, mention your personal interests like

travel, hiking or painting, though the more specific you can be, the better (e.g.

‗contemporary American short fiction‘ is better than ‗reading‘) This is not a necessary

section, but adds a well-rounded flair to your résumé.

List of Action Verbs

accomplished decentralized helped performed shaped

achieved decreased hired pinpointed showed

acquired defined identified pioneered simplified

activated delegated implemented planned sold

adapted delivered improved prepared solved

addressed demonstrated improvised presented sorted

administered designated increased prevented specified

advanced designed influenced processed sponsored

advised determined initiated procured staffed

allocated developed inspected produced standardized

analyzed devised inspired programmed started anticipated directed installed projected stimulated

applied discharged instigated promoted streamlined

appointed discovered instituted proposed strengthened

appraised distributed instructed proved stretched

approved documented integrated provided structured

arranged doubled interpreted published studied

assessed earned interviewed purchased suggested

assigned effected introduced realized summarized

attained eliminated invented recommended supervised

audited enforced investigated recruited surveyed

centralized engineered lectured reduced sustained

clarified established led re-established tailored

collaborated estimated liquidated renegotiated taught

combined evaluated located reorganized tested

completed exceeded made reported tightened

composed executed maintained represented traded

conducted exercised managed researched trained

constructed expanded marketed resolved transacted

consulted expedited mediated restored transferred

contributed extended minimized reviewed uncovered

controlled facilitated modernized revised undertook

coordinated formed modified scheduled used

created founded monitored selected utilized

Final Thoughts

Keep your résumé easy to read: use the same font; utilize bold, italicized, and underlined text with

discretion; leave enough white space for your eyes to rest

If you are sending your résumé electronically, be sure to save it as a .pdf file (you can do this through

Microsoft Word on Amherst College computers). This locks in the format and font of the document.

Be clear and concise; be sure there are NO spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

Be professional—packaging counts! If you are submitting hard copies (it‘s always good to have a few

on hand), be sure to use neutral colored bond paper

Always include accurate information; do not misrepresent yourself.

Know your résumé. Anything on it is fair game for an interview.

For assistance, Peer Career Advisors are available from 2-4 in the Career

Center (though hours may vary). To meet with one of our Career Counselors /

Deans, call us at 413-542-2265. Additional résumé writing resources and

résumé samples are available in the Career Center and on our website.

JEFF AMHERST AC# 1234 KEEFE CAMPUS CENTER ∙ AMHERST COLLEGE ∙ AMHERST, MA 01002

123-456-7890 ∙ [email protected]

EDUCATION

AMHERST COLLEGE Amherst, MA Class of 2010

B.A. in English Completed Coursework for Pre-Medical Studies

Cumulative GPA: 3.55 Major GPA: 3.66

TRINITY COLLEGE Dublin, Ireland Fall 2008

Study abroad, course concentration in Contemporary Irish Literature

AMHERST REGIONAL H.S. Amherst, MA Class of 2006

Salutatorian, Indoor Track and Lacrosse Captain

WORK EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE UPWARD BOUND Durham, NH Summer 2009

TEACHER, TUTOR COUNSELOR

Designed and taught a 6-week high school creative writing course (portfolio available on request).

Facilitated team-building exercises with a 14-student group; formally mentored 7 over the course of the summer.

Lived in the dormitory with 60 students and 11 Tutor-Counselors; enforced duties and curfews.

TERBELL PARTNERS, LTD. Westport, CT Summer 2008

EQUITIES INTERN

Researched potential acquisitions of under-performing and growth potential companies in multiple sectors for

private equity fund; presented and defended strategies in meetings with the head decision-makers.

Brainstormed new revenue creation strategies in the form of pricing policies, marketing, and shift of focus.

PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY RICHARD HALGIN Amherst, MA January 2007

RESEARCH & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

One of three undergraduates from Amherst College and UMass Amherst offered employment by Prof. Halgin.

Researched and edited articles on aversive shock therapy for a chapter in the new edition of Prof. Halgin‘s Taking

Sides: Clashing Views in Abnormal Psychology.

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RESEARCH GRANT Chicago, IL Summer 2007

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

Analyzed the long-term effects of cardiovascular health and risk-factors on sleep quality, sleep indices and sleep

disorders under Dr. Phyllis Zee at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Presented work at the Center for Sleep and Circardian Biology at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

AMHERST COLLEGE EMS | CREW LEADER (January 2007 – Present)

Directed 2 EMS personnel on 12-hour shifts; responded to campus medical emergencies.

Obtained EMT-Basic Level license, as well as CPR/AED and First Responder certification.

MEN’S VARSITY LACROSSE | MEMBER (Fall 2006 – Present)

2008, 2009 NESCAC All-Academic

2-year starting midfielder

THE AMHERST STUDENT NEWSPAPER | CONTRIBUTOR (Fall 2006 – Spring 2007)

Covered women‘s varsity field hockey and softball

SKILLS & INTERESTS

SKILLS

Conversational in French

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

Adobe PhotoShop and inDesign

Massachusetts EMT-Basic License

INTERESTS

John Updike and Cormac McCarthy novels The Wire, Mad Men, The Big Lebowski Italian cooking, playing guitar Travelling the American West

ADDITIONAL SAMPLE

RÉSUMÉS ARE AVAILABLE

ON THE CAREER CENTER

WEBSITE





The Cover Letter

A cover letter, also referred to as a letter of introduction, is always sent with a résumé – even if it is not

specifically requested by the employer! It is your opportunity to make connections between your

education, experience, and skills and the qualifications sought by an employer. It also serves as a sample

of your writing skills, so its presentation should be impeccable. This guide will help you get started; for

an in-depth instructional presentation on cover letters, visit our website‘s ‗Tutorials & Workshops‘ page.

Here are some first tips for writing a great letter:

Write to a specific person when possible. ―Dear Sir/Madam‖ or ―To whom it may concern‖ is very

impersonal. It is worth some research-maybe even a phone call- to learn the name of a real person.

Learn about the company It will impress the reader if you mention some specifics in your letter.

Address your skills Don‘t assume the employer can make correlations between your resume and your

career goals. Call attention to the significant accomplishments! Never address your shortcomings.

Target your letter to the job. Identify the specific attributes that qualify you for the job. Draw

connections between your skills and what the employer is looking for (as indicated in the job

description).

Be brief. Three to four paragraphs is appropriate—don‘t ramble.

PROOFREAD & PEER EDIT A second opinion is invaluable; you should meet with a Peer Career

Advisor (PCA) at least once before submitting your first cover letter.

How is a cover letter structured?

CONTACT INFORMATION

As a business letter, your cover letter will include your mailing information, the date, and the

contact‘s mailing information.

In the salutation, use ―Mr.‖ or ―Ms.‖, following their name with a colon, not a comma.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

State why you are writing. Be specific about the position for which you are applying.

State how you learned about the position, especially if you were personally referred to it.

Give information to show your knowledge of the company and fit for the position.

MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S)

Make connections between your skills and the qualifications sought in the advertisement.

Demonstrate your fit by backing up your statements with specific examples.

Expand on your background by choosing a specific accomplishment to highlight rather than

restating what can easily be read on your résumé.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH

Restate your interest in the position and ask for the opportunity to learn more about the position.

Refer the reader to any documents you have enclosed (résumé, references, writing sample, etc.).

Include your phone number and email address.

If you say you‘re going to follow up, do it! Note: Following up is recommended for media,

advertising, and publishing. It is NOT recommended for consulting and finance.

Ed U. Catur

#1821 Keefe Campus Center

Amherst College

Amherst, MA 01002

4 October 2007

Jonathan Ball

Carney, Sandoe & Associates

136 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02116

Dear Mr. Ball:

I am a senior Economics and American Studies major at Amherst College and am writing to express my

interest in obtaining a teaching or administrative position through Carney, Sandoe Associates. I have

taken every available opportunity to teach while at Amherst and want to become a lifetime teacher.

Employment at an independent school is the ideal incubator, and I believe my extensive background

working with adolescents prepares me for the unique challenges of their classrooms.

At Amherst, I have taken part in multiple activities that have prepared me for life in a school. Through my

work and leadership in the Pipeline Scholars Program, I have learned how to relate to students, manage a

classroom, and provide individualized academic guidance. As a Pipeline tutor, I have helped local 7th and

8th grade students in a variety of academic subjects and observed classroom dynamics under the

supervision of a master teacher. Additionally, I am the sole Teaching Assistant for Introductory

Economics, a class of over 170 first-year students. As the TA, I have learned how to present material in

different and interesting ways to meet the educational needs of each student.

Attending Deerfield Academy taught me the importance and dynamism of a boarding school community.

Directing community service programs and coaching a swim team throughout high school taught me the

importance of student life outside the classroom. I have also participated in multiple fundraisers

throughout high school and college and supervised recruitment for the Amherst College Center for

Community Engagement. Though Development and Admissions experience may not be immediately

applicable in the classroom, they are important knowledge-sets for an employee of a college-minded

independent school.

Thank you for your consideration and assistance in starting my teaching career. I look forward to hearing

from you in the next few weeks. As for my placement, I would like to work in the New York City area. If

you require additional information please contact me directly at 123-456-7890 or

[email protected].

Sincerely,

Ed U. Catur

ADDITIONAL SAMPLE COVER

LETTERS ARE AVAILABLE ON

THE CAREER CENTER WEBSITE





Connecting with Alumni

Networking with Alumni is…

A way to obtain career advice and guidance, as well as industry and company information

A chance to share your story, confirm career/educational objectives, and determine your fit

Receive additional referrals for more informational meetings

Networking with Alumni is NOT…

A job request or financial solicitation

An interview (however, these meetings are evaluative)

To be done hastily or without planning

First Contact: Sending the Email The Amherst College Alumni database is a tremendous resource for alumni and undergraduates alike.

However, students must use the database responsibly, giving each alumni the research and attention that a

request on his/her time deserves. Visit the ‘Tutorials & Workshops’ section of the Career Center’s website

for an in-depth, instructional presentation on using the alumni database and contacting alumni.

Your first contact with an alumni should be via email. While there isn’t a set format to these messages, there

are features that should always be present, namely: your name and academic info; how you found the alum; a

request for time; and a thank you. As the examples below show, your tone should be courteous, your writing

concise, and your interest genuine.

Example 1: Hello, name is John Doe. I am a sophomore at Amherst College and obtained your name from the Amherst Career Network alumni database. I understand you work for the Global Finance Solutions department at Deutsch Banque. As an intended economics major and international studies major, I would love to hear about the nature of your work, more specifically, how much your work is driven by financial analysis and how much is driven by international political and cultural developments.

I’m sure your schedule is incredibly demanding, but I was hoping we might be able to arrange a time to talk. Would you be able to spare 20 minutes in the next couple weeks to speak either by phone or Skype?

Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon, John

Example 2: Hello, my name is Jane Doe. I am a junior at Amherst College and was in attendance at the Media & Communications Career Choices panel in January, after which we spoke briefly.

I found your insights extremely interesting, particularly your comments about the rise of ultra-local advertising with mobile internet devices. As I apply for summer internships in advertising, I am doing all that I can to stay abreast of developments in the industry, and I would love to speak with you again to continue our conversation. Is there a convenient time later this week that we could speak for 20 minutes?

Sincerely, Jane

The Conversation: Informational Interviews Informational interviews are conversations with professional, designed to educate you about their career

fields and jobs. An informational interview is usually conducted at the professional’s place of business so

you can get a feel for the work environment; however, it is also possible to conduct these interviews by

phone. Alumni are a great resource to use for informational interviewing. The purpose of this type of

interview is NOT to ask for a job. It is strictly for career exploration, and to make a networking contact in the

field. The key to informational interviewing is that you will be asking most of the questions.

Below are examples of questions that would be useful to ask at an informational interview.

How did you begin in this field?

How much education is required for entry into this type of position?

What personal characteristics do you believe are helpful for success in this career?

What types of extracurricular experiences would be good background for this job?

Are there any professional organizations in the field that would be useful for me to join?

To whom do you report? Who reports to you?

How does your work fit into the organization?

What are the opportunities for advancement?

How do you spend a typical day/week?

What is the range of your responsibilities?

Do you primarily work alone or as part of a team?

Are you required to travel? How often?

What is the employment outlook for this field?

How do you see jobs in this field changing over the next five or ten years?

What is most rewarding about your job? What is the most difficult thing?

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to break into the field?

How can I market myself effectively for a position in this field?

How do people usually learn about job openings in your field?

Do you know of anyone else with whom it may be helpful for me to speak?

Guidelines for a successful informational interview

Make an initial contact through email or by phone, then schedule time for an interview.

Specify that you will only need 20-30 minutes of the person’s time. If you ask for more, the person

may be less likely to accommodate you.

If meeting in person, dress professionally and be on time.

Always send a thank you note promptly after the interview.





Internship Guide

What is an internship?

An internship is a short-term work experience in a professional setting which provides you, the intern,

with a combination of training, supervision, and evaluation. It can be paid or unpaid. Internships may

involve a full-time commitment for Interterm or the summer, or may consist of a few hours of work each

week during the academic year. They may be done through an established internship program or may be

something you create that fits your specific needs and interests, as well as the organization / individual‟s.

Why should I do an internship? In today's competitive job market, internships, or other relevant work experience are usually expected by

prospective employers. An internship gives you the chance to work with professionals in the "real" world.

You will learn new skills and gain professional contacts. It can also help clarify your career goals or even

change them completely. In addition, your supervisor may serve as an important professional reference

when you begin a job search. An internship is just one more step in creating a well-rounded portfolio of

experiences that will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

FINDING AN INTERNSHIP

Here are some resources you can access from the Career Center to help find an internship.

1. Amherst Select Internship Program (ASIP)

The Amherst Select Internship Program is an exciting program that features over 400 internship

opportunities in the Pioneer Valley and around the world. These opportunities are offered by alumni,

parents and friends of Amherst College. Amherst College students apply to the program during the early

fall and then apply for summer internships during the spring semester. First-years, sophomores and

juniors may apply, and should log on to the Amherst Select website for details regarding the application,

timeline, and funding.

2. Career Center Online Resources

The Career Center‟s Online Internship Resources can be accessed by clicking „Internships & Summer

Funding‟ on the Career Center homepage, then clicking on „Find an Internship‟

Experience : Experience is the Career Center‟s online tool to help Amherst College students

manage their career search. You can find the link on the Career Center homepage. The

Experience homepage has instructions on how to log in. For help with searching Experience‟s

internship database, come in to talk to the Career Counselors or the Peer Career Advisors.

Liberal Arts Career Network (LACN): The Liberal Arts Career Network is a collaborative

venture of 25 highly selective liberal arts colleges, which promotes contact between students and

employers. You can find the link on the Career Center homepage. Sign in as a student, enter your

email as your user name, and click Forgot Password to have your password emailed to you.

Other: The Career Center also holds memberships to national internship databases

(Internships.com, InternshipsUSA, Idealist.org), as well as its own compilation of internships for

students of color and those interested in law

3. Books and Binders at the Career Center library

The Career Center has a wide selection of books and binders you can look through to find an internship in

a field that interests you. In the Career Center library, you can take a look at the published internship

books in the Career Center or look through the internship binders for feedback from fellow students about

internships they have found in the past.

4. Network and design your own internship! Design an internship that is tailored to your own interests. Use the Amherst College Alumni Network and

your own contacts to connect with an organization of interest to you. Send a proposal and résumé to the

organization to state your interest. Make sure your proposal clearly states the skills you will bring to the

organization as well as your goals for the internship.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR INTERNSHIP

Be enthusiastic and professional

Show a sincere interest in the organization.

Approach an internship as professionally as you would a “real” job.

Maintain a positive attitude no matter what your duties - never complain.

If possible, be there first - if you arrive a week before other interns, you may get your pick of

assignments, as well as getting more individualized attention.

Expect to work hard, even though you may not be receiving pay.

Show that you are a team player (e.g. go in early when there is a lot to do).

Have a clear sense of what you want to get out of this internship

An ideal internship should include a training/mentoring component and the opportunity to do

substantive work, in addition to the necessary administrative tasks.

You should expect to gain transferable skills, professional contacts, and more knowledge

about that particular field.

To avoid disappointment, get as much clarity about the position as possible before you begin;

write down explicit goals with your supervisor and review them regularly.

Make sure that you accomplish at least a few tasks that will look impressive on your résumé.

Do not be shy to ask for what you want in order to make it a worthwhile experience. They are

trying to please you as much as you are trying to please them. In fact, many companies use

internship programs to help them identify and recruit top talent before another company does.

Make sure that you will not only be getting something from them, but that you are

contributing as well.

Recognize that this is a great opportunity and learn as much as you can

Oftentimes, just paying attention and being inquisitive will be your best teacher.

Keep notes of what you are learning, what you are accomplishing, and any contacts you make.

If you feel up to the challenge, ask for more responsibility. Express an interest in doing more

substantive work and be as specific as possible. Specificity shows thoughtfulness.

Don‟t be afraid to admit when you are in over your head and ask for help.

Don‟t be limited by the department or supervisor you are working for. Think about what you

would most like to do in the organization and get to know the person who does it. Invite them

to lunch and tell them you are trying to absorb as much information as you can and that what

they do is of particular interest to you.

Take every opportunity to talk to/impress the senior people without being obnoxious about it.

Express your opinion, ask questions, talk about other things besides work. Just don‟t be so

zealous in your schmoozing that you ignore your co-workers or turn them off. (Supervisors

may ask your co-workers‟ opinions about your performance and demeanor.)

Once your internship is over, stay on the radar screen. Continue your relationship with the

employer and stay in touch for future job possibilities, networking, or references.





A Guide to Experience™

& the Career Center Website

1. Logging In

Go to the Career Center website, and click on Experience & eRecruiting (under Jobs & Internships)

Follow the instructions to log in (first time users should change passwords after doing so)

2. Creating/Updating Your Profile

Rollover Profile on the gray menu bar and click on View/Edit Profile Data

Click on Edit your Personal Information

Fill out your personal information. Do the same for Academic Info, Career Preferences, Continued

Academics, and Administration. The Career Center will use this information to send you jobs and event

notifications particular to your interests, so keep your profile updated.

3. Uploading Documents (résumés, cover letters, transcripts, etc)

Rollover Documents on the gray menu bar and click on Upload a Document

Select the type of document you would like to upload and click on Next

Upload your documents as a .doc or a .pdf file

To upload an unofficial transcript 1) Log on to ACData and select ‘Request Unofficial Transcript’ 2) copy

the data on the screen and paste it into a Microsoft Word document 3) make formatting adjustments to

make it legible 4) save it as a .doc or .pdf file and 5) upload to Experience as an ‘Other’ document

5. Searching for Jobs and Internships

Rollover Calendar on the gray menu bar and select Career Center Calendar. From this page, go to the

Monthly Overview box and select the month for which you wish to see opportunities

Alternatively, rollover Jobs and Internships on the right side of the gray menu bar and click on

Job/Internship Search Fill in the desired criteria for a “Basic Search.” Use the Keyword field if the other fields do not quite

cover how you want to limit your search (e.g. company, position, job title). Be advised, the way you

categorize a job may not be the way the Career Center or even an employer does, so if you choose to use

this method, keep your search specifications broad. Also consider using the advanced search options.

6. Reviewing a Job or Internship and Applying Online

Once you obtain a list of available jobs and internships (through a job/internship search), click on one of

the jobs. You’ll find detailed information about the position, including deadlines and how to apply.

If you’d like to apply, refer to the How to Apply box at the bottom of the job description. Click on Apply.

Follow the instructions about what documents and credentials you should provide for the position, and

how the employer prefers to receive your application.

If you need additional assistance, see a Peer Career Advisor or contact the Career Center.

You can also view an in-depth instructional presentation on using Experience by visiting

the ‘Workshops & Tutorials’ section of the Career Center website.

Exploring Careers

Explore Different Industries

Vault is the world’s leading industry / company review organization, and has over 100 100-page industry

guides on its website. You can access all of them for free through Amherst; an individual subscription

outside of the College would cost hundreds of dollars.

Spotlight on Careers offers a comprehensive overview of all job industries, including trends in the field,

the largest companies in it, and the kinds of job therein.

Career Search is an enormous employer database that allows you to sort companies by industry, number

of employees, location, and more.

Self-Assessments

Both Do What You Are and Focus are good assessments, and are especially valuable to students who are

unsure of their career interests. To get the most out of an assessment, be sure to meet with a Career

Counselor to discuss your results.

How-To & Samples

Workshops & Tutorials

Instructional and example-driven PowerPoint presentations on resumes, cover letters, networking with

alumni, using Experience, and on-campus recruiting.

Resume/Cover Letter Templates & Samples

Downloadable resume templates (.doc files) have been designed for students of all class years and

aesthetic tastes. They are a great starting point for your first resume and.

Examples of resumes and cover letters are also available for viewing (.pdf files). They represent a range

of career interests and are a good guide for the language of such documents.

Job Skills Tool Kit

This downloadable .pdf file contains handouts on almost everything you need to know about finding,

applying, and interviewing for a job. Its topics include…

o Resumes

o Cover letters

o Alumni Networking

o A guide to using Experience

o Interviewing

There are other handouts available as well in the Career Center, located on the first floor of College Hall

Connect with Alumni

Amherst College Career Network

This page will link you to the Career Center’s definitive guide to connecting with alumni, which will

contain a direct link to the Amherst College Career Network database

Alumni Panels & Video

Includes video from the Career Center’s January Career Choices panels- discussions led by Amherst

alumni in various fields – as well as video of various Career Center presentations and one-on-one

interviews with alumni. Current videos include…

o Careers in Media & Communications

o International Careers

o Careers in Public Policy

o National Fellowships

o Careers at ESPN

o Teaching in Public Education Today

Amherst College Career Center Call to schedule a meeting with our advisors

Drop in from 2-4 pm for Peer Career Advisors Browse amherst.edu/campuslife/careers


The Interview

The interview is a dialogue centered on a subject you know better than anyone else—YOU! It is your opportunity

to discuss your skills, accomplishments, and experiences and relate them to the needs of the organization for

which you are interviewing. There are several types of interviews that you may encounter.

Types of Interviews

1. The Screening Interview 2. The Second Interview or Site Visit

3. The Behavioral Interview 4. Case Interviews

1. The Screening Interview

Usually there are a series of interviews before a job offer is extended. The first, called a screening interview, is

short in duration (typically 30 minutes - 1 hour). If selected for a screening interview, you have made the “first

cut” of the interview process. This is an important step!

Many screening interviews are held over the phone, or on your college campus through the recruiting program.

These interviews are conducted either by a personnel officer or department manager. The questions you will be

asked are generally to query about your past performances and skills. Interviewers are looking for those

candidates who are good communicators, demonstrate leadership, initiative and maturity, and who have a genuine

interest in the company or organization.

Examples of questions asked of Amherst students at screening interviews are:

Tell me about yourself.

Why did you choose Amherst College?

What kinds of jobs have you held?

Where would you like to be in 5 years?

Why do you think you’d like this particular job?

Do you prefer working alone or with others? Why?

What do you feel are your major strengths/weaknesses?

How do you spend your free time?

Why do you want to work at this company?

What is your greatest accomplishment?

How do you feel about relocating to New York City (or _______)?

Why should I hire you?

2. The Second Interview / Site Visit

If you have been successful in the screening interview then you will be invited for a second interview. This

interview will be held at the site of the company or organization. Here are some things to keep in mind as you are

preparing for the second interview:

Prior to the Interview:

Clarify travel arrangements prior to your visit. Some organizations will reimburse you for travel

expenses, and some will not. Confirm your flight, rental car and/or hotel reservations.

Ask your contact at the organization for an agenda for the day.

Obtain a map of the area and specific directions to the site.

Travel light if you are flying; take carry-on luggage only.

Do your homework on the organization.

If possible, contact an Amherst alumnus/a who works at the organization who may be able to help you

prepare for the interview.

Know the salary range for this type of profession. (Information is available at the Career Center.)

Bring extra copies of your resume and either a briefcase or professional-looking portfolio in which to

carry materials. Bring paper and pens too!

Practice a good, firm (but not bone-crushing) handshake. Be sure to make good eye contact while

shaking hands!

Get a good night’s sleep before the interview and eat breakfast in the morning. Don’t eat anything in the

morning that you are not used to!

During the Interview:

Remember that the interview begins as soon as you arrive-small talk counts.

Site interviews are several hours long. You will meet with many people, either individually or in groups.

Keep receipts for all expenses incurred (including taxis, tolls, parking, meals, etc.), if applicable.

If lunch is part of the agenda, decline any alcoholic beverages and order something easy to eat.

Remember, almost everyone you meet, including the secretaries, will have some part in your evaluation

Make note of your interviewer’s name and title. Collect business cards if possible.

Before leaving, clarify the next step in the process. Restate your interest in the position.

After the Interview:

Promptly write thank you notes to your host and, if appropriate, to others who interviewed you.

If you do not hear from the organization within the previously specified amount of time, call and ask

about the status of your candidacy. Talk with your host if possible.

Complete your expense forms and submit them as soon as possible, if applicable.

If you receive an offer, it’s often best not to accept immediately. Express your interest in the position and

negotiate a date when you will be expected to inform them of your decision. Some organizations will

have some flexibility in waiting, but don’t expect more than a week or so.

If you are not extended an offer, it is acceptable to ask for feedback on your performance.

3. Behavioral Interview

Behavioral Interviewing is based on the concept that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past

performance in a similar situation. A behavioral interview probes much deeper into your experience than the

traditional form of interviewing, so preparation is key.

Tips for Behavioral Interviews: Your preparation should include thinking through examples of situations where you have demonstrated behaviors

for which the company is searching (e.g. teamwork, analysis, creativity, etc). As the interviewee, you will tell

your “story” for a few minutes. The interviewer may probe for more depth or detail such as “What were you

thinking at that point?” or “Lead me through your decision process.” Use the STAR technique:

S Situation....describe the situation

T Task...........what was your task?

A Action........what action did you take?

R Result........what was the outcome of this situation?

Use your resume as a guide when answering questions. Use examples from past internships, summer jobs, class

projects, campus activities, community involvements, and work experience.

Here are some typical behavioral interview questions:

Give me an example of a situation in which you succeeded/failed.

Describe how you deal with criticism.

Tell me about a recent challenge and how you dealt with it.

Tell me about a time you had to use your writing skills to make an important point.

Describe a leadership role you’ve held and tell why you committed your time to it.

Give me an example of a recent good idea you had and what you did with it.

Describe a situation where you had to use your creative abilities.

Tell me how you would work as part of a team.

What would you do in your first day on the job?

Tell me about how you work under stress.

4. Case Interviews

Case interviews are often used by consulting firms and other businesses to assess your problem solving abilities.

At a case interview you will be asked to address a business case, and you will be assessed on the structure and

logic of your thinking as well as your creative problem solving, all under time constraints. The Career Center has

texts in the Business section of its library on case interviewing and alumni regularly provide guidance on

preparing for case interviews.

Even more so than for interviewing in general, practice is the key to cracking a case interview. Though the

scenarios can and will vary widely (though there are discrete categories of questions), the logical thinking and

time management common to each can be practiced and improved.

Tips for All Interviews

Know yourself

Know what you are marketing! The focus of the interview is you, so be able to clearly articulate your

skills, interests, abilities, and goals. Be ready to expand on any item listed on your resume.

Review the job description and think about how your skills and experience match the qualifications

sought by the employer.

Prepare to give concrete examples that demonstrate transferable skills.

Prepare a portfolio of your best work, if possible. This may include writing samples, projects, or

research you have done. Remember, only include this if it is relevant and appropriate.

Know the organization

Be sure to research the organization! Be familiar with the company history, products, geographic

locations, clientele and plans for growth. Much of this information can be gleaned by reviewing the

company’s literature (like annual reports), talking with an alum who works at the company, or by

checking the homepage.

Ask for material to be sent to you. Companies will often provide information for you to review prior to

your interview. If they do not, be sure to call and request it!

Prepare a list of questions. Be sure not to ask questions that are easily answered in the company

literature. Ask questions about the position, company culture, or about the support and mentoring of

employees.

Practice!

Practice reciting answers to questions outlined in this guide with a friend, or into a tape recorder.

Use the STAR technique to keep your answers short and to the point.

Practicing in front of a mirror is helpful to some people.

Make sure you are prepared to talk about yourself, but also about the employer and what you can offer

them!

Dress for Success

First impressions say a lot about a person, so chose your interview attire carefully. Some fields tend to be more

conservative than others (like business), but to be on the safe side, better to dress up than dress down. Here are

some tips for success.

For Men:

Dark colored suits, a conservative tie, a white or light colored shirt.

Dark socks and dark shoes.

Remove excess jewelry.

If possible, try to wear a top coat or raincoat rather than a parka in colder weather.

For Women:

Dark colored suits with a white blouse, or a conservative, dark colored dress.

Keep make-up conservative and professional.

If you have long hair, it is appropriate to put it up or back neatly.

For Both:

Make sure your outfit is neatly pressed.

Avoid cologne or perfume.

The 10 most common mistakes made during a job interview and how to avoid them

1. Failure to research the company Recruiters say that they expect candidates to spend at least one hour doing

research on their web sites and reading about their companies via other web sites (see Fortune Magazine, the New

York Times, Bloomberg, Wetfeet Press, and Vault Reports). Do your homework before the interview; know what

the company does, and who their competitors are. "If students have not taken the time to review the employer web

site and understand what we are recruiting for, they reduce their chances of continuing on through the interview

process," said one recruiter.

2. Being unclear on which job you are interviewing for Become familiar with the job description so you can

explain how your experiences, talents, strengths, and abilities will connect with company needs. Highlight how

you're suited to that particular job.

3. Not marketing yourself Define yourself. What makes you different from other job candidates? Know your

major strengths and accomplishments as they relate to the job you are applying for and the company.

4. Asking silly questions Have at least three or four intelligent questions to ask the recruiter. It's OK (it actually

leaves a positive impression with the recruiter) to have them written down in advance and to reference them at the

appropriate time. Interviews are an exchange of information, and arriving without questions shows that you did

not prepare for the whole interview.

5. Dressing inappropriately for the interview Professional attire and attention to detail still count. You can

never be too professional. Remember that everything-your appearance, your tone of voice, your conduct-

contribute to the impression (positive or negative) that you make. Be presentable. Wear a pressed suit and shirt

and polished shoes.

6. Trying to wing the interview Practice! Get a list of general interview questions, a friend, a tape recorder, and a

mirror and conduct an interview rehearsal. Practice until your delivery feels comfortable, not canned.

7. Not being yourself Be yourself and be honest! Don't pretend to understand a question if you don’t; it’s totally

fine to ask for clarification. Remember you're interviewing the company, too.

8. Listening poorly Focus on the question that is being asked and don't try to anticipate the next one. It's OK to

pause and collect your thoughts before answering a question. The interviewer may have provided information you

will need to answer the question earlier in the conversation. Employers will be looking for your ability to

assimilate new information, retain it, and, most importantly, recognize that information as useful to you later in

the interview.

9. Offering too little detail When answering case questions or technical questions or solving technical problems,

take the time to "talk through" your thought processes. Recruiters are interested in seeing how your mind works

and how it attacks a problem. Interviewers consistently place a high value on students who articulate their

problem-solving process. These individuals receive job offers more often than those who could solve the problem

but fail to verbalize their thinking.

10. Lacking enthusiasm Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (not too

weak, not too strong), and show common courtesy. Don't be afraid to display your passion for the job/industry and

to show confidence.

Accomplishment Vignette Worksheet

“Tell me about a time that…” There are dozens of interview questions that start this way, and even more that

don’t, but common to all of them is the need for a structured, story response. The common mistake for these

questions is to describe only your actions, forgetting that the interviewer knows nothing about the place where

they occurred or the situation that called for them. The Accomplishment Vignette, sometimes called the STAR

technique, lays out the elements of a story response.

Topic Sentence:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Problem (or background):

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Actions:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Results:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Job Search Tool Kit - Amherst College · 2011. 10. 10. · The CONTENT of a résumé Résumés are...

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