The resume is often your first opportunity to show an employer why you are a strong
candidate for a job. The layout and content should make it easy for an employer to
quickly find relevant information, assess your qualifications, and decide to invite
you for an interview.
A strong resume is:
- Concise
- Clearly and consistently formatted
- Focused on your unique contributions, accomplishments, and skills
- Tailored to the position, addressing the qualifications posted on the job description
In deciding what to include on your resume, ask yourself: How can I demonstrate that
I have the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience for the position I want? You
can include a variety of details, such as work/internship experience, relevant coursework
and projects, technical skills, volunteering, and club involvement.
Key Resume Resources:
Resume FAQs
We recommend using Word or Google docs and keeping the formatting simple. Many companies
use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to process applications. Some features, like
text boxes, tables, graphics, cause issues with ATS resume scanning capabilities.
Learn more about ATS.
It depends. We typically recommend a one-page resume. If you have a significant amount
of relevant experience, you may have a two-page resume. Longer resumes also may be
appropriate if you are applying to research positions, government positions, or roles
in the performing arts.
Experience comes in many forms! If you don’t have relevant work experience yet, consider
highlighting class projects, internships, and club involvement. If you have work experience
that is less related to your desired field, include it and emphasize the transferable
elements, such as teamwork, communication, and problem- solving.
Most job applications require you to list the name and contact information of your
professional references. References can be past or current faculty, supervisors/managers,
and co-workers.
Reference information is not included on your resume. Instead, provide this information
in the application (if prompted to do so) or on a separate document.
Prior to listing them on an application, it is important to reach out to the references
you've selected to:
- Confirm that they willing to be a reference for you
- Share a link to the position description along with a copy of your resume
- Ensure you have the correct and preferred contact information for them
The cover letter is your opportunity to explain why you, this role, and this organization
are a good fit for each other. It enables you to expand on the skills in your resume
by providing examples and connecting them to the position you are seeking. A well-written
cover letter will help you stand out as an applicant and increase your chance of getting
an interview.
A strong cover letter:
- highlights why you are an excellent candidate for the role
- explains why you are interested in the role and/or organization
- demonstrates your written communication skills
To learn more about the structure and content of a cover letter, download the template.
Interviewing is a critical step in the job application process. It is an opportunity
for the employer to assess if you are a good fit for the role, and it is also a chance
for you to learn if the role and organization are a good fit for you. Below are some
recommended steps to prepare for an interview.
Gathering information about the organization will help you provide thoughtful answers
for questions like: Why do you want to work for our organization? Why do you think
you are a good fit for this organization?
In addition to answering these questions during the interview, they are also good
reflection questions to evaluate if this organization is a good fit for you.
Here are some recommended research strategies:
- Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Be prepared
to discuss how your skills and experience align with the role.
- Review the employer's website, looking for the following information:
- What products/services does the employer provide?
- How many employees work for the organization?
- What is the organization’s mission and vision?
- Check out the organization’s annual report if they have one posted.
- Where is the organization located? Is there more than one location?
- Search the internet for press releases and other information about the company in the news.
- Check out the organization on LinkedIn: Are they posting about current projects, teambuilding, or work they are doing in the
community?
- Connect with someone who currently works (or has previously worked) at the company.
Responding to interview questions is a skill, which you can develop with practice.
Familiarizing yourself with common questions and practicing possible responses will
help you interview more effectively. Even if you are not asked the exact questions
you practiced, the reflection and practice will help you think on your feet more confidently
during the interview.
“Tell me about yourself.”
The interviewer is asking you to talk about yourself in relation to this opportunity.
What education, skills, and experience make you a great fit for the position? This
is an important question to practice in advance so you feel confident sharing your
story.
“Why are you interested in this position/organization?”
This question is an opportunity to show that you have done your research and understand
what makes the organization unique. Be specific in what excites you about the opportunity.
What about the position, projects, mission/values of the organization, and/or team
interests you? Avoid focusing on elements like pay or convenient location. (While
these are valid reasons for pursuing a job, they are not the most compelling details
to share in an interview.)
Behavioral Questions: “Give an example of a time when...”
Behavioral interviewing is one of the most common techniques. In this type of question,
they will ask for a specific example of when you demonstrated a particular skill that
is important for the job.
When responding to these questions, share a specific example using the STAR method
to structure your answer. This simple storytelling framework will help you include
the key points an interviewer wants to hear. Check out the STAR guide for instructions and examples.
“Do you have any questions for us?”
The answer should always be yes! Asking thoughtful questions shows that you are interested
in the job, have researched the organization, and are excited to learn more. Prepare
3-5 questions in advance and bring them to your interview. Here are some sample questions to help you get started.
- Create custom practice questions: Use the responsibilities and qualifications in the job posting to create practice
questions. Brainstorm your own questions or prompt AI to generate sample questions
based on the posting.
- Practice aloud: Voicing your responses typically feels very different than thinking about them! The
goal is not to memorize your responses word for word. Rather, focus on speaking at
a comfortable pace and sharing examples when possible.
- Make a plan: If your interview is in-person, plan your transportation and parking location (if
application) so you can arrive on time. If your interview is virtual, check for video
platform updates in advance, choose a quiet spot for your interview, and log on a
few minutes early.
