engineering career guide

7/29/2019 Engineering Career Guide

1/58


2/58

ECAC Staff

Michael Powell

[email protected]

Denise R. Briceo

Associate [email protected]

Denise Mendoza

Assistant DirectorRecruiting Coordinator

[email protected]

Christina Peppas

Co-op [email protected]

Monica Choi

Career [email protected]

Amanda Golden

Career [email protected]

Joanne Meziere

Recruiting Associate and Ofce Manager

[email protected]

Engineering Career

Assistance Center

Contact Information

Mailing Address:

The University of Texas at Austin

Engineering Career Assistance Center301 E. Dean Keeton St., Stop C 2102

Austin, Texas 78712-0285

Campus Address:

Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Hall (ECJ)Room 2.400

Phone:

(512) 471-1915

Fax:

(512) 471-9083

ECAC Web Site:

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/

Counselors Available:

Monday - Friday9am - 12pm

1pm - 4:30pm

Ofce Hours:

Monday - Friday

8am - 5pm


3/58

I. IntroductionECAC Staff 2

II. ECAC Services and Career

Planning

Welcome to ECAC 4

Engineering Co-op Program 5

Internships and Externship 6

Undergraduate Career Planning 7

Considering Graduate School? 8

The ECAC System 9

On-campus Interviews and Job Postings 10

Interview Calendar 2012-2013 11

Job Postings and Web Sites 13

Online Social Networking 14

ECAC Library 15

E-books for Career and Job Search 18

III. Resumes and Correspondence

Resume Writing Guidelines 19

Sample Resume - First Year 21

Sample Resume - Undergraduate 22

Sample Resume - Graduate Student 23

Writing a Curriculum Vitae 25

Curriculum Vitae Framework 26

Action Verbs for Your Resume 27

Cover Letters: The Domino Effect 28

Sample Cover Letters 29

The Last Hurdle: References 31

Sample Reference Page 32

E-mail Correspondence 33

Sample E-mails 34

Table of Contents

IV. Networking and Career FairsNetworking and You 36

Making the Most of a Career Fair 37

Fall Engineering Expo 2012 38

Spring Engineering Expo 2013 andBioscience and Biotechnology Career Fair 39

V. Interviewing

Employer Research Guide 40

Interviewing 41

Before the Interview 42

During the Interview 43

After the Interview 44

Sample Interview Questions 45

Interviewing: Dress for Success 46

Professional Etiquette 47

Dining Etiquette 48

Employer Expectations 50

The Behavioral Interview 51

The Art of the Technical Interview 52

For Our International Students 53

VI. After the Interview

The Site Visit 55

Evaluating a Job Offer 56

VII. Employer Reference

List of Typical Recruiters 57


4/58

Your Job Search

Career Counseling

ECAC offers individual career counseling services on a walk-inor appointment basis to engineering students and graduates.

Topics and issues addressed include:

Job search help

Resume and cover letter writing, thank you notes, etc.

Interviewing tips and practice

Dressing for success

Site visit and salary negotiation

Offer evaluation

WorkshopsDuring the academic year, ECAC provides a number of

workshops to help you with various aspects of your jobsearch. A list of workshops can be found on the ECAC Website: http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/events.

Computer and Library Services

There are six computers in the Centers library to access theInternet and ECAC online services.

ECAC has a comprehensive library which is housed in ECJ

2.400. Many of these books are available to UT engineeringstudents for overnight checkout. For more information on the

collection, see p. 15.

Online Subscriptions

ECAC subscribes to several online databases.These databases, such as Plunketts Research

(industry trends, data, and statistics) andWetFeet (industry proles, employer

proles, and career advice), are excellentjob search resources, and may be

accessed through the ECAC System.

Salary Information

A summary of full-time, intern, andco-op salary offers by degree and major is

available to students on our Web site. Jobseekers and employers benet from theUT salary surveys; therefore, we strongly

encourage students to report all salaryoffers received. ECAC keeps individual

and employer reports condential.

Welcome to ECACConnecting with Employers

On-Campus Interviews

Last year more than 300 recruiters came to interview oncampus. Through the ECAC System, students view weekly

interview lists of employers scheduled to interview and submittheir resumes to employers of interest. ECAC has 23 interview

rooms on the third oor of ECJ for the students convenience.

Employer Information Sessions

Many employers interviewing on campus schedule meetingsthe evening before the interview to present information about

the organization and the positions available. For students whoare scheduled for on-campus interviews, attendance is

strongly encouraged unless there is an academic conict.Students who have missed the opportunity to submit a resumeor who were not selected to interview can also attend these

meetings and speak with recruiters. Dress is business casual.

Career Fairs

Each fall semester, the Student Engineering Council (SEC)

hosts the Fall Engineering Expo. Every spring semester, ECACcoordinates the Spring Engineering Expo. Both of these careerfairs provide engineering students with a prime opportunity to

network with employers. Average attendance for the Fall Expois 240 employers, and average attendance for the Spring Expo

is 160 employers.Experiential Education

The Cooperative Engineering Education (Co-op)Program is an academic program in which undergraduate

students obtain full-time work experience directly relatedto their eld of study. Students work either two or three

semesters with one employer and then receive credit towardtheir degree. For more information on Co-op, see p. 5.

Students can choose to seek a summer internship in whichthey work for one summer with an employer. See p. 6 for more

information on internships.

ExternshipAn Externship is an opportunity for engineering students to

spend a day at an employer site related to their major. ECACarranges externships with approximately 20 employers duringthe winter break. Students benet from the opportunity to

visit an engineering employer and speak with professionals inindustry. To learn more about externships, see p. 6.

4


5/58

Engineering Co-op Program

5

Program Application and Requirements

Students should apply to the Co-op Program one or two

semesters before planning to begin work. Applications areaccepted at the beginning of each fall and spring semester.

Applicants must meet the following academic prerequisites:

1. Completion of at least 28 semester hours of basiccoursework, including eight hours each of physics and

calculus

2. Must have an overall UT GPA of 2.5 and a major GPAof 2.0

3. Have at least 12 hours of coursework to complete afterthe nal co-op work term

Students may choose to complete either two or three co-opwork semesters, depending on employer requirements and

academic needs. Co-op work terms may be completed inalternating semesters or two back-to-back semesters (e.g.,

spring/summer or summer/fall). Upon successful completionof the program, the student is eligible to receive letter-gradecredit that may be applied toward the engineering degree as a

technical elective.

Co-op staff administers the program and assists studentsthroughout the co-op experience. Consult the Co-op ofce

for program details and application deadlines.

Whether applying for a full-time job or graduate

school, undergraduate engineering students withpractical work experience in addition to their

classroom knowledge maximize opportunities for post-

graduation success. The Engineering Cooperative Education(Co-op) Program allows students to obtain technical work

experience directly related to their eld of study by alternatingsemesters of on-campus coursework with at least two

semesters of full-time work with the same employer.

Benets of the Co-op Program

Enhance academic experience by applying classroomknowledge to real world engineering problems

Work on more challenging and in-depth projects withincreased responsibilities

Network with and learn from professional engineers inthe industry

Earn a competitive salary, which can be used towardseducational costs or other nancial needs

May fulll a technical elective credit or other degree

requirement

A more marketable resume upon graduation

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/coop


6/58

Internships

With Internships, Students... With Co-ops, Students... Work during the summer Participate in a program with both academic and work components

Commit to work with an employer one summer only Work on extended projects

Can attempt to work in a different company each summer Receive support from Co-op staff to monitor work experience

Earn academic credit

With Internships AND Co-ops, Students... Enhance engineering education with work experience Become familiar with the corporate environment

Participate in on-campus recruiting Learn about employers and organizational culture before graduation

Rene job search skills Assess interest in specic engineering elds and majors

Network with corporate employees and fellow students Earn a competitive salary

Each year over the winter break, engineering students have

the opportunity to participate in Externship - a one-day visit

to an employer site or organization in their area of studyto learn rst-hand what it is like to work in the engineering

industry. The employers set the agendas, which may includepresentations about the organization and what career tracks

are available toengineers; tours of

the site facilities;panel discussionswith recent hires,

current co-opsor interns, and

other professionalengineers; plus, a

free lunch! Last year,nearly 200 studentsparticipated in the

program. Interested students should watch for e-mails andadvertisements regarding Externship from the Engineering

Career Assistance Center, beginning in the fall.

What do students have to say about Externship?

The Externship was so much fun and I would recommendit to any student who is unsure about how their engineeringdegree applies to the real world.

The program was very helpful! I only had a vague idea of

what engineering really was, and through this Externship Inow have a better understanding of what engineers do for a

living.

This has been the most valuable experience to date that will

help me better choose a professional position.

Do you want to give yourself a competitive advantage and

gain professional engineering experience to complement your

academic studies? As early as the summer after their freshmanyear, students can begin an internship with an employer.

Sophomores and juniors are especially encouraged to build agood resume by gaining internship experience. In addition to

exposure to technical training, interns gain knowledge of anemployers work environment, business etiquette, and typical

day-to-day ofce issues and procedures.

These experiences offer short-term and long-term gains.

Students earn a salary and explore career interests within theirmajors. When they graduate and seek permanent employment,

their resumes reect industry experience. Often, studentswill receive permanent job offers from employers where they

have interned one or more summers. Students should registerearly each academic year with ECAC. Many employers recruitinterns through on-campus interviewing and participate in

career fairs. Some of these employers can also be targeteddirectly to apply for summer internships.

Undergraduate

ResearchAnother way to complement your academics with hands-on

experience is through undergraduate research. Undergraduateresearch may help you determine if graduate school is rightfor you, and can also enhance your resume from an employers

perspective. For more information, visit the Cockrell SchoolsWeb page on undergraduate research opportunities at:

http://web54.cc.utexas.edu/research/undergraduate

Externship

6


7/58

Undergraduate Career Planning

7

Junior:

1. Register early with ECAC2. Update your resume

3. Attend ECAC workshops to rene job search skills4. Participate in career fairs and Externships

5. Consider the Co-op Program for experience (p. 5)6. Apply to the Co-op Program (beginning of the semester)7. Interview on campus

8. Check ECAC online job postings weekly9. Network and maintain professional contacts

10. Seek experience to explore interests and enhance skills11. Consider leadership roles in professional organizations

Senior:

1. Register in August with ECAC2. Update your resume

3. Attend ECAC workshops and career fairs4. Submit your resume for employment

5. Attend employer information sessions6. Use additional job search strategies (job postings, direct

targeting of employers, etc.)7. Prepare for site visits with employers8. Take leadership roles in professional organizations

9. You can use ECAC services after you graduate

Freshman:

1. Consider registering with ECAC2. Create a resume and learn how to use the ECAC System

3. Familiarize yourself with ECAC resources4. Consider your interests, skills, and work values

5. Attend appropriate ECAC workshops6. Go to career fairs for practice and meet employers

7. Participate in Externships8. Attend other workshops at UT, including academic review

sessions and career or interest workshops

9. Consider joining professional organizations in your majoras student member (e.g., AIAA, AIChE, ASCE, ASME,

IEEE, SPE)10. Utilize other student program ofces and their events

(WEP, EOE, Scholarships, Student Life)

Sophomore:

1. Register early with ECAC2. Update your resume3. Attend relevant workshops

4. Network with employers at Expo, other career fairs,workshops, and campus events

5. Consider the Co-op Program (p. 5)6. Attend a Co-op Information Session

7. Apply to the Co-op Program (beginning of the semester)8. Participate in Externships and campus interviews for

intern or co-op positions

9. Use ECAC online job postings and other job sites

10. Seek work experience to explore interests

Your job search starts today. To begin, take a look at the career planning timetable below. Although

everyones path is unique, it will give you ideas about what will benet you at each level. Completing therecommended activities will help you develop valuable experience and skills and make the best career decisions.

ECAC is here to help you every step of the way. Plan your future and engineer your career!


8/58

T

he decision to attend a graduate or professional school can be motivated by many factors. Higherknowledge, expertise, greater employability, better salary, prestige- these are common outcomes that

many seek by obtaining an advanced degree. However, not all advanced degrees necessarily deliver on all thoseoutcomes. Your rst step is to clarify what is motivating you to consider graduate or professional school.*

Your Path to Graduate SchoolECAC offers graduate school planning assistance to studentson a walk-in basis in ECJ 2.400. Counselors are available from

9am to noon and 1pm to 4:30pm, M-F.

ECAC Books on Graduate School

ECAC has a collection of books related to graduate school.These are available to you in the ECAC Library in ECJ 2.400.

Careers in Science and Engineering: A Student Planning Guideto Grad School and Beyond

Get Into Graduate School: A Strategic Approach for Mastersand Doctoral Candidates

Getting Into Medical School

Getting Into Medical School: A Strategic Approach

Graduate Admissions Essays

Graduate Programs in Engineering & Applied Sciences

Great Applications for Business School

Guide to American Graduate Schools

The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions

The Law School Admission Game

Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)

Medical School Essays that Made a Difference

Petersons Graduate Schools in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report Ultimate Guide to Law Schools

U.S. News & World Report Ultimate Guide to Medical Schools

Additional On-campus Resources

The Sanger Learning & Career Center (located in Jester A115)provides all UT Austin students with graduate school planningassistance, offering the following services:

Counseling can address whether or not to go to gradschool, exploring your options, and how to apply

Personal statement critiques by professional staff

Resume or Curriculum Vitae critiques Library resources on graduate school planning

Mock interviews to prepare for an admissions interview Graduate and Professional School Fair (every October)

http://www.lifelearning.utexas.edu/c_graduateschoolplanning.html

Considering Graduate School?

8

Important Questions to Ask Yourself*

1. What are my career goals and is a graduate degree

essential for me to accomplish these goals?

2. Do I need a graduate degree to pursue the career eld ofmy interest?

3. What kind of graduate degree will I need (Masters, PhD,dual-degree program)?

4. Am I willing to invest the time, energy, and money needed

to complete a graduate program?

5. Is entering graduate school immediately after myundergraduate experience right for me?

6. What kind of academic and experiential backgrounddo I need for the program that I am interested in (e.g.,

undergraduate research, internships, volunteering, etc.)?

7. Am I sure about the academic program and/or schoolthat I have chosen?

8. What kinds of criteria do I have for the graduate programand/or school that I wish to attend (e.g., geographic

location, faculty research, funding opportunities, size ofprogram, etc.)?

9. What career prospects do individuals with advanceddegrees in this eld have?

*This information provided by the Sanger Learning & Career Center


9/58

How to Access the ECAC System

1. Register with ECAC (each academic year)- Visit our ofcein ECJ 2.400 to ll out your registration card (must be

done in person).

2. Go to http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/yourcareer and

log in with your UTEID and password.

3. Complete the online orientation.

4. Complete or update your prole.

ECAC System- Resumes

Upload a resume by going to My Account > MyDocuments.

Under the Resumes section, click on Add. You can thenbrowse for the resume you would like to add and name it

under the Document Name heading. Click Save andyour le will upload.

You should have your resume reviewed by an ECAC

counselor. We counsel students on resumes and other jobsearch topics on a walk-in basis. Please note that you will

experience longer waits during busy times, including thebeginning of semesters and during the afternoon.

The ECAC System

9

Essential Sites through the ECAC System

Check out the helpful resource sites below. Plunketts Research

and WetFeet give you access to valuable employer and industryproles as well as information that will help your job search

and career exploration.

Plunketts ResearchA comprehensive site with access to industry trends, data, andstatistics. Note: this site is limited to 5 people being logged in

at the same time. Please be sure to log off the site as soon asyou have the information you need. If you are unable to log

in, it is due to the limit being reached. Please try again a littlelater.

WetFeet

A complete career resource site featuring industry proles,

company proles, career advice, and WetFeet Insider Guidesthat you can download. No limit to the number of people

logged in at one time.

Business Journals

Access the most comprehensive coverage of local businessnews and information from major metropolitan cities across

the country with American City Business Journals.

The ECAC System is the interactive recruiting system where you can: upload a resume, see which

employers are holding on-campus interviews and submit your resume, access the online job board, and getinformation about workshops, information sessions, and more.


10/58

On-campus Interviews in the ECAC System:

How to Apply

Each week, an interview lisit opens for application. Each

Wednesday at 10 a.m. to Sunday at 11:59 p.m. submityour resume for any positions on that weeks list. The

corresponding interviews will be held three weeks later.

By using the Interview Calendar, you can see when interviewlists come out, when to submit your resume, and when to

select an interview time. See the Interview Calendars onpages 11 and 12. To view the interview list for a given week,go to the Campus Interview Schedules tab and click Sign-

up for Interviews I qualify for from the drop-down menu. Sort by Interview Date in the drop-down menu.

Click on the job title to view more about the position. Read the job description under Linked to Jobs. Submit your resume at the top of the page where it says

Request Interview.


How to Select an Interview Time

In the week before the interview takes place, on Tuesday (thisis approximately two weeks after you submit your resume),check your status in the View My Activity section to

see the change from Requested to one of the following:Accepted, Alternate, or Not Accepted. For example, if

you submitted a resume for an interview taking place the weekof October 8-12, then you will check on Tuesday, October 2,to see your status change. This is the Tuesday before the week

of interviews.

Accepted Status:

Accepted candidates are the primary, or top choice,

students that employers want to interview. Candidates are required to select an interview time. Time selection period begins Wedesday of that week at

10:50 a.m. (this is the week before the interview takesplace).

We strongly recommend that you make your selection assoon after 10:50 a.m. as possible, since times are available

on a rst-come, rst-served basis. Accepted candidates are guaranteed a time slot until

alternate selection begins. The interview time selection period ofcially closes at

midnight on Thursday.

On-Campus Interviews and Job Postings

10

Alternate Status:

Alternate candidates are the next group that

employers want to interview, but candidates are not

guaranteed a time slot.

Time selection period begins Thursday at 10:50 a.m.

(this is the week before the interview takes place).

The interview time selection period ofcially closes

at midnight on Thursday.


Attend the Interview in ECJ 2.400

Many employers host information sessions the evening

before an interview. This gives employers and students theopportunity to interact in a more informal setting and manyemployers wil give additional information about the job,

company, company culture, etc. Please plan to attend thesesessions if you were Accepted to an interview. You can nd

the list of information sessions by logging into the ECACSystem and clicking on the Info Sessions & Workshops tab.

All interviews take place on the 3rd oor of ECJ in the ECACInterview Suites. These are located next to the elevators.

Please wait in the lobby until a recruiter calls your name.

Engineering Job Postings in the ECAC System:

Job board postings are not part of the on-campus interviewprocess. They are separate positions. Please read instructionscarefully. Some employers request that you submit your

resume in the ECAC System. Others request that you e-mailit or upload it to their Web site. To view application status

for job postings, go to View My Activity and select theReferrals tab.

Additional Job Postings Through:

AccessUT, the campus-wide job boardhttps://accessut.utexas.edu/

The ECAC Job Search Web Sites Page

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/yourcareer/search/

ECAC Online Academic Job Postings

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/yourcareer/search/6033-academicjobs

Through the ECAC System, you may apply for on-campus interviews and submit your resume for jobpostings. During the academic year, employers come to campus to conduct interviews with engineeringstudents. Look for positions that interest you, and submit your resume for them during the corresponding

application period.


11/58

Weekly Interview

List

List #1

List #2

List #3

List #4

List #5

List #6

List #7

List #8

Fall 2012

Interview Calendar

11


12/58

Weekly Interview

List

Students Submit

Resumes

Wednesday 10am-Sunday 11:59pm

Students Select

Interview TimesWednesday 10:50am

Interviews During

Week of

List #1 Jan. 16-20 Jan. 30-31 Feb. 4-8

List #2 Jan. 23-27 Feb. 6-7 Feb. 11-15

List #3 Jan. 30-Feb. 3 Feb. 13-14 Feb. 18-22

List #4 Feb. 6-10 Feb. 20-21 Feb. 25-Mar. 1

List #5 Feb. 13-17 Feb. 27-28 Mar. 4-8

Spring Break- No Interviews Mar. 11-15

List #6 Feb. 20-24 Mar. 6-7 Mar. 19-22

List #7 Feb. 27-Mar. 3 Mar. 20-21 Mar. 25-28

List #8 Mar. 6-10 Mar. 27-28 Apr. 1-5

List #9 Mar. 20-24 Apr. 3-4 Apr. 8-12

List #10 Mar. 27-31 Apr. 10-11 Apr. 15-19

List #11 Apr. 3-7 Apr. 17-18 Apr. 22-26

List #12 Apr. 10-14 Apr. 24-25 Apr. 29-May 3

Spring 2013

Interview Calendar

12

Resume Submission and Interview Sign-up Times

Resume Submission Wednesday 10am - Sunday 11:59pm

Accepted Candidates Interview Sign-up Wednesday 10:50am - Thursday 10:50am

All Candidates (Accepted and Alternate)Interview Sign-up*

Thursday 10:50am* - Thursday 11:59pm*

*Students are not guaranteed an interview during this period.


13/58

Job Search Web Sites

13

General Job Search Web Sites

Job search Web sites can be another valuable source for jobpostings. For example, you may want to explore the following

general job search engines.

All Star Jobs http://www.allstarjobs.com/American Jobs http://www.americanjobs.com/

Career.com http://www.career.com/

CareerBuilder http://www.careerbuilder.com/

Collegegrad.com http://www.collegegrad.com/

Defense Systems and http://www.intelligencecareers.com/

Intelligence Careers

Dice.com http://www.dice.com

Flip Dog http://www.ipdog.com/

Get the Job http://www.getthejob.com/

IM Diversity http://www.imdiversity.com/

Indeed http://www.indeed.com/

Job Central http://www.jobcentral.com/

Jobpostings.net http://www.jobpostings.net/

Monster http://www.monster.com/

MonsterCollege http://college.monster.com/

Net-temps http://www.net-temps.com/

Newspapers Online http://www.50states.com/news/

Simply Hired http://www.simplyhired.com/

Web Sites for Your Major

For job search sites specic to your major, visit the ECAC

Web site at:

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/yourcareer/search/websites

T

he more proactive you are in your job search, the more successful you will be. Take the initiative anddiversify your job seeking methods. ECAC encourages students to apply for on-campus interviews and job

postings through the ECAC System as well as taking advantage of AccessUT for job postings. We also suggestseeking out relevant job search Web sites. Below is a list of some job search Web sites to get you started.

Graduate Students

Whether you are looking for a job in academia or industry,ECAC has resources to help you navigate the job search

process. In addition to our online resources, we encouragegraduate students to visit our ofce and speak to a counselor

about ways to improve your job search.

American Council of Engineering Companieshttp://www.acec.org/jobbank/index.cfm/

Research Triangle Institute

http://www.rti.org/

Academic Job Search Web Sites

Academic Job Board (ECAC)

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/yourcareer/search/6033-

academicjobs

Academic Careers

http://www.academiccareers.com/

Academic Keys for Engineering

http://engineering.academickeys.com/

Chronicle of Higher Education

http://chronicle.com/section/Jobs/61/

Faculty for the Future

http://www.engr.psu.edu/fff/

Higher Ed Jobs

http://www.higheredjobs.com/

Jobs in Higher Education

http://www.academic360.com/

PhDs.org

http://www.phds.org/

University of Tennessee Space Institute Jobs

http://personnel.utsi.edu/jobs.html


14/58

14

Social Networking and Your Job Search

Y

ou have done everything right in your job search. You

registered with ECAC, completed a resume, attendedthe career fair, submitted your resume, prepared for

interviews, and impressed the recruiters. Youre sure youllget an offer because you nailed every part of the job search.

But no offer comes and when you ask why, they allude toyour Facebook page... We tend to think of social media as justthat- social. But when you put yourself out there on the Web,

you never know how it may affect your job search. So to avoidmaking negative impressions via the Internet, you should do

the following:

1. Keep all content clean, including prole, photos, videos,comments, postings, and blogs.

2. Be aware of privacy settings and make use of them.

If you are unsure about whether or not to post something,

heres a simple litmus test. Ask yourself, Would I becomfortable with a potential employer seeing this? Forexample, it is unwise to post negative blogs about your

employer or reveal information that may be proprietary. Whenin doubt, its best to err on the side of caution.

For an in-depth article on this subject, visit

CareerBuilder.com :

http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-533-Job-Search-Warning-Social-Networking-Can-Be-Hazardous-to-Your-Job-

Search/

LinkedIn

On the ip side, a professional, positive, and informativeInternet presence can reinforce an employers good impressionof you. Another way to make online media work for you is

through business social networking sites like LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com). Many students successfully use such sites

to connect with employers and professionals in their elds and

expand their networks. Here again, exercise good judgmentregarding appropriate content. Always be truthful about youreducation, skills, accomplishments, work history, etc.

http://www.facebook.com/utecac/

http://www.facebook.com/utengrcoop/

Alec is a fan!

Check ECAC out on


15/58

Exploring Career Success:

10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College

The Career Guide Book for Engineers

Career Success in Engineering

Dont Take the Last Donut

Engineer Your Own Success

The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for BusinessSuccess

Field Work Savvy

Gestures: The Dos and Taboos of Body Language Aroundthe World

Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You

Join the Real World

Is There an Engineer Inside You?

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands

The Play of Your Life

Professional Ethics and Etiquette

Soaring on Your Strengths

What Color is Your Parachute?

General Job Search and Internships:The Almanac of American Employers

Plunketts Companion to The Almanac of AmericanEmployers: Mid-Size Firms

Careers in Engineering

Diversity Internship, Co-op and Entry-level Programs

Enhanced Occupational Outlook Handbook

Getting Your Ideal Internship

Great Jobs for Engineering Majors

Hoovers Handbook of American Business

Hoovers Handbook of Emerging Companies

Hoovers Handbook of Private Companies

Hoovers Handbook of World Business

List of Titles

ECAC Library

15

Industries & Careers for Engineers

International Job Finder

Job Hunting in New York City

Job Hunting in San Francisco

Job Search Handbook for People with Disabilities

Landing the Internship or Full-time Job During College

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Ready for Takeoff! A Winning Process for Launching YourEngineering Career

Salary Facts Handbook

Salary Tutor

Vault College Career Bible

Vault Guide to Engineering Diversity

Vault Guide to Top Internships

Academic Job Search:

The Academic Job Search Handbook

The Academics Handbook

The PhD Handbook for the Academic Job Search

Tomorrows Professor: Preparing for Careers in Science andEngineering

What They Didnt Teach You in Graduate School: 199 HelpfulHints for Success in Your Academic Career

Graduate School:

Careers in Science and Engineering: A Student Planning Guide

Get Into Graduate School: A Strategic Approach for Masters

and Doctoral Candidates

Getting Into Medical School

Getting Into Medical School: A Strategic Approach

Graduate Admissions Essays

Graduate Programs in Engineering & Applied Sciences

Graduate School Companion

Great Applications for Business School

ECAC has a large collection of books on career planning and the job search. Whether youre deciding on amajor or want tips on how to prepare for a job interview, we have the resources you need. Many of thesebooks are available to UT engineering students for checkout at the ECAC front desk in ECJ 2.400 (UT EIDrequired). Visit us to explore the ECAC Library. We welcome your suggestions for additional titles!


16/58

Graduate School (Continued):

Guide to American Graduate Schools

The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions

The Law School Admission Game

The Law School Decision Game

Medical School Admissions Requirements

Medical School Essays that Made a Difference

Petersons Graduate Schools in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report Ultimate Guide to Law Schools

U.S. News & World Report Ultimate Guide to Med Schools

Industry-Specic Resources:

25 Top Consulting Firms

Advancing Healthy Populations: The Pzer Guide toCareers in Public Health

As the Future Catches You: How Genomics & Other Forces

Are Changing Your Life, Work, Health & Wealth

Career Development in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug

Development

Career Opportunities in Clinical Drug Research

Careers in Biotech & Pharmaceuticals

Careers in Information Technology

Careers in Investment Banking

Careers in Nonprots and Government Agencies

Careers in Renewable Energy: Get a Green Energy Job

Careers in Specialized Consulting: Health Care, HumanResources, & Information Technology

Careers in Supply Chain Management

Careers in the Environment

Eco Guide to Careers That Make a Difference:Environmental Work for a Sustainable World

Getting Government Jobs

The Google Handbook: How to Prepare for a Career andLand a Job at Apple, Microsoft, Google, or Any Top Tech

Company

Government Jobs in America

Green Careers: Choosing Work for a Sustainable Future

Green Jobs for a New Economy: The Career Guide toEmerging Opportunities

List of Titles Continued

Guide to Americas Federal Jobs

Industries & Careers for Undergraduates

Industries & Careers for MBAs

Top 20 Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Firms

Information Technology Jobs in America Corporate and

Government Guide

Plunketts Biotech and Genetics Industry Almanac*

Plunketts Consulting Industry Almanac*

Plunketts Energy Industry Almanac*

Plunketts Engineering & Research Industry Almanac*

Plunketts InfoTech Industry Almanac*

Plunketts Renewable, Alternative & Hydrogen Energy

Industry Almanac*

Sales and Marketing Careers in the Tech Sector

Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking

Vault Career Guide to Supply Chain Management

Vault Guide to the Top 25 Technology Consulting Firms

Interviewing:

101 Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions

201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview

301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview

Ace Your Case! Guide to Consulting Interviews

Case in Point: Complete Case Interview Preparation

Competency-Based Interviews

Dress Like the Big Fish: How to Achieve the Image You

Want and the Success You Deserve

Dressing Smart for Men

Dressing Smart for Women

The Essential Phone Interview Handbook

How to Get Into the Top Consulting

How to Say It: Job Interviews

Next Day Salary Negotiation

Vault Guide to the Case Interview

Win Em Over! Get Hired!

*Plunketts most current information is available through theECAC System

ECAC Library

16


17/58

Resumes, Cover Letters, and CVs:

The CV Handbook: A Curriculum Vitae Owners Manual

Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads

The Federal Resume Guidebook

Gallery of Best Cover Letters

Gallery of Best Resumes

How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae

Killer Cover Letters & Resumes

Real Resumes for Engineering Jobs

Resume 101

Resumes for Engineering Careers

Business Journal Books of Lists*:

Austin Business Journal Book of Lists

Dallas Business Journal Book of Lists

Houston Business Journal Book of Lists

San Antonio Business Journal Book of Lists

*Business Journal Books of Lists available for these and manymore cities available online through the ECAC System

List of Titles Continued

ECAC Library

17


18/58

General Career and Job Search:

Best Career and Education Web Sites

Courting Your Career: Match Yourself with the Perfect Job

Job Search Magic: The Ultimate System for Finding a GreatJob Now

Networking for Job Search and Career Success

Over-40 Job Search Guide: 10 Strategies for Making Your Agean Advantage in Your Career

The Ultimate Job Search: Intelligent Strategies to Get the

Right Job Fast

Ultimate Job Search: Invaluable Advice on Networking, CVs,

Cover Letters, Interviews, Psychometric Tests and Follow-upStrategies

The Very Quick Job Search: Get a Better Job in Half the

Time!

Resumes and Cover Letters:

101 Best Tech Resumes

202 Great Resumes

2500 Keywords to Get You Hired

The Everything Resume Book: Create a Winning Resume That

Stands Out from the Crowd

Ready Made Job Search Letters

Real Resumes for Engineering Jobs

Resume Buzz Words: Get Your Resume to the Top of the Pile

Resumes for Dummies

Resumes for Health and Medical Careers

List of Selected Titles

E-books for Career and the Job Search

18

Interviews:

Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the QuestionsThat Will Get You the Job

The Career Cowards Guide to Interviewing: Sensible

Strategies for Overcoming Job Search Fears

The Everything Practice Interview Book: Be Prepared for Any

Question

Instant Interviews: 101 Ways to Get the Best Job of Your Life

Next-day Job Interview: Prepare Tonight and Get the Job

Tomorrow

Ultimate Interview: Make a Great Impression and Get ThatJob

The WetFeet Insider Guide to Negotiating Your Salary andPerks

E-books related to career and the job search are available through the UT Austin Library Catalog. Theyare conveniently accessible 24/7. To access these e-books, go to the online catalog and do a title search:http://catalog.lib.utexas.edu/

You can access

E-books 24/7!


19/58

19

Resume Writing Guidelines

Objective Statement

ECAC cautions students against an objective statement thatis too narrow, as it may limit your options. Do include the

type of work you are seeking, such as full-time, internship, orco-op. Feel free to tailor your objective to the position whenapplying to a specic job.

Education Section

Education identies your professional training by listinginstitution(s) attended with degree(s) conferred, major, and

grade point average. If you have questions as to whether ornot you should include your GPA information, please see

an ECAC counselor for advice. Include your participation in

certicate programs, such as Business Foundations.

Related Courses Section

List those courses that relate to your major and

the position. Juniors and seniors should focus onupper division courses. Also, keep in mind that

employers often run keyword searches on resumes,so words in a course title may pull up your resume.

Experience Section

In addition to paid jobs, internships, and co-ops, this sectionmay include unpaid jobs, volunteer work, research, etc. Itemsmay be listed reverse chronologically, or functionally (in order

of importance to the particular job search), whichever servesbest. When writing job descriptions, we make the following

suggestions.

Begin each phrase with a strong action verb (e.g.,developed, created, monitored)

Avoid lengthy, paragraph-style descriptions

Provide examples of both technical and soft skills (e.g.,

interpersonal and communication skills, leadership,teamwork, teaching ability)

Quantify your achievements whenever possible

Academic Experience Section

Use this section to feature academic projects, research,teaching assistant positions, etc. Begin descriptions with strong

action verbs to describe your accomplishments.

Article continues on page 20

T

he primary function of a resume is to secure an

interview by presenting your unique combination ofeducation, experience, skills, and accomplishments in

an informative and positive light. The resume should highlight

both technical and transferable skills. Your goal is to create astrong resume that makes the employer want to speak with

you about your qualications. This article is intended as aresume writing guide. We encourage you to have your resume

reviewed by ECAC.

Resume Format

An employer only spends about 30 seconds reading a resume.

For that reason, present your information logically andconcisely. The document should be well-formatted for visual

clarity. Remember the following general guidelines as youcreate/update your resume.

Undergraduate or recent graduate- one page

Graduate student or alumnus- up to two pages

10-12 point font

Bold print or centering for emphasis

One font style only

Avoid all caps and italics (difcult to read)

Document should be perfectly typed with about a one-

inch margin

Have someone else proofread your resume

Resume Sections

Although every individuals resume is unique, certain sections

are fairly standard. These include: contact information,objective, education, related courses, experience, academic

experience, skills, and accomplishments. Some may alsoinclude a publications section (more common for graduate

student resumes).

Contact Information Section

This heading includes your full name, address information,

and an appropriate e-mail address. Omit personal informationsuch as age, sex, and marital status. Make sure your contact

information is up-to-date.


20/58

ECAC Resume Reviews

One of the many services ECAC provides is resume review.Just bring a hard copy of your resume to ECJ 2.400. A career

counselor will review your resume and make suggestions forimprovement. Counselors are available on a walk-in basis,Monday through Friday, 9am-noon and 1pm-4:30pm.

Books on Resume Writing

Books containing sample resumes and resume writing tips are

available to you in the ECAC Library in ECJ 2.400:

Killer Cover Letters & ResumesReal Resumes for Engineering Jobs

Resume 101Resumes for Engineering Careers

Gallery of Best ResumesBest Resumes for College Students and New GradsThe Federal Resume Guidebook

20

Resume Writing Guidelines Continued

Skills Section

This section can be in a list format. It covers the following skillsets and abilities:

Computer-related skills (e.g., hardware, software,

languages, programming)

Industry-specic skills

Soft skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership)

Foreign language ability

Accomplishments Section

This section is best formatted as a list, with each item on aseparate line. Typical areas include:

Honors and awards

Scholarships

Memberships to student and professional organizations

Volunteer work

Activities and interests

Publications List

Lists of publications are more commonly found on graduate

student resumes. If the number of your publications isextensive, edit the list to include those that are most pertinent.

Should you choose to list publications on your resume, be sureto follow a formal citation style, such as APA.


21/58

Jane E. Chen

Local Address Permanent Address3230 East 32nd Street 2003 Diamond StreetAustin, TX 78751 Akron, OH 44820512-555-9090 [email protected]

Objective Seeking a summer internship in aerospace engineering

Education Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering, May 2016Minor: Mathematics

The University of Texas at AustinOverall GPA: 3.50/4.00

Related CoursesIntroduction to Aerospace Engineering, Introduction to Computer Programming,Engineering Design Graphics, Statics, Differential and Integral Calculus, Sequences,Series, and Multivariable Calculus, Engineering Physics

Experience

06/12 - 08/12 Sales Associate, Bath and Body WorksHelped customers with product selection, providing excellent customer serviceAssisted in creating store displaysSelected by manager for special opening and closing duties

06/11- 08/11 Volunteer Program Assistant, GirlstartMaintained Web services and measurably improved site performance

Redesigned program literature to enhance marketing successLed weekly camp activities

05/10 - 08/10 Crew Member, Taco BellReceived Star Team Member AwardHandled drive-through servicesAssisted manager in special events planning

Skills ProcientinMicrosoftWord,Excel,andPowerPoint

Familiar with Microsoft FrontPage and HTMLStrong interpersonal and communication skillsFluent in Spanish

Accomplishments Member, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), 2012

Recipient, Endowed ScholarshipPresident, Akron High School National Honors SocietySecretary, Akron High School Student CouncilCo-Chair, Akron High School Senior Prom

Sample Resume - First Year

21


22/58

James Undergrad Engineer

Local Address Permanent Address

1111 Crossing Place Lane 10225 City DriveAustin, TX 78741 Houston, TX 77083(512) 555-5555 (281) [email protected]

Objective To obtain a full-time position as an electrical engineer

Education Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, May 2013Minor:BusinessFoundationsCerticateProgram

The University of Texas at AustinOverall GPA: 2.98/4.00 Major GPA: 3.00/4.00

Related Courses

Data Structures, Linear Systems and Signals, Digital Logic Design, ElectromagneticEngineering, Engineering Communications, Solid-State Electronic Devices, Electronic

Circuits, Engineering Economics, Real-Time Digital Signal Processing Lab, ElectricalEngineering Design Seminar, Digital Signal Processing, Power Systems and EnergyConversion, Legal Environment of Business, Finance, Marketing, Management

Experience

06/2012 - 12/2012 Co-op Engineer (Two Terms), Mitchell CompanyDeveloped databases to monitor department development, increasing productivity by 35%Created presentations, company forms, and documentsMonitored department budgetingSupervised and mentored high school intern, developing leadership skillsCollaborated with co-workers on several projects, strengthening team skills

05/2011 - 08/2011 Intern, Engineering Business SolutionsCompleted four-week training course in PL/SQL, Visual Basic, and Crystal ReportsWorked on team developing new version of key software product

Constructedreportsaccordingtoclientspecications

Interacted with team members, supervisors, and client contacts on regular basis

05/2010 - 12/2010 Crew Member, McDonaldsImproved interpersonal and communication skills through working with publicPerformed kitchen duties and handled cashier fundsDeveloped strong sense of responsibility through regular employment

Academic Experience Digital Signal Processing Project, The University of Texas at AustinEstablished background of knowledge in Digital Signal Processing TheoryDesigned, implemented, and tested voiceband modemExplored design tradeoffs in signal quality versus implementation complexity

Skills ProcientinMicrosoftWord,Excel,PowerPoint,VisualBasic,PL/SQL

Familiar with Assembly language, C, C++, VHDL, PSpice, Labview, MultisimStrong organizational and problem-solving skills

Accomplishments University Honors, Spring 2012Recipient, Academic Merit Scholarship, 2010-2011Active Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), 2010- PresentPresident, Citrus Heights High School Computer Club, 2008 - 2009Best Programmer Award, Citrus Heights High School, 2008Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Explore UT

Sample Resume - Undergraduate

22


23/58

Anne Graduate Student

1111 Engineer StreetAustin, TX 78751

[email protected]

Objective A full-time position in chemical engineering with an emphasis on environmental concerns

Education PhD, Chemical Engineering, May 2015The University of Texas at AustinOverall GPA: 4.00/4.00

Master of Science in Engineering, Chemical Engineering, May 2012

The University of Texas at AustinOverall GPA: 3.50/4.00

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, May 2008Texas A&M UniversityOverall GPA: 4.00/4.00

Related Courses

Elements of Modern Control Theory, Robust Process Control, Optimal Control Theory,Nonlinear Control Systems, Nonlinear Programming, Advanced Numerical Methods,

MultivariateStatisticalAnalysis,StatisticalEstimationTheory,ArticialIntelligence

Programming for Engineers, Advanced Computational Fluid Transport

Dissertation

[Title of Dissertation]

[Brief Description of Dissertation Research]Experience

06/08 - 08/10 Engineering Associate, Fowler Chemical CorporationPerformed evaluation of two competing scatterometers for use in measuring the dimensions

oftransistorgateproles.

Developedandmodiedmodelstoimprovetheirabilitytopredictprolesofpatterned

photoresist and etched polysilicon.

06/07 - 08/07 Engineering Intern, Mitchell Chemical CompanyPerformed statistical analysis of systematic variation present in lithography criticaldimension data provided by potential customers.Wrote computer program that allows user to perform similar analysis, utilizing userinterface.

Academic Experience Graduate Research Assistant, The University of Texas at AustinDeveloped a novel method for generating thermoplastic composite materials.Established a set of relations between ratio of dynamic module and relaxation of timedistributions.

Teaching Assistant, The University of Texas at Austin

Served as teaching assistant and grader for Chemical Engineering Process Control course.Supervised undergraduate and post graduate students.Researched on synthesis and characterization of high performance polymers.

Sample Resume - Graduate Student

23


24/58

Anne Graduate Student Page 2

Skills Experiencewithrst-principlesmodelingofdopantbehaviorinsilicon

Extensive knowledge of ultrashallow junction engineeringOperating Systems: Macintosh, Windows, MS-DOS, UNIX

Software:MicrosoftOfce,NIHImage,Photoshop,SAS,Maple,Matlab,LotusNotes

Strong communication skills- oral, written, and presentationExcellent team skills

Accomplishments Recipient, The University of Texas Continuing Doctoral Fellowship, 2012-2013Recipient, The University of Texas College of Engineering Thrust Fellowship, 2012-2013Recipient, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, 2010-2011Member, Phi Beta Kappa, 2007-2008

Member, Tau Beta Pi, 2006-2007Volunteer, Humane Society, 2007-PresentParticipant, Women in Engineering, 2005-2008

Publications:Student, J.G., Kirichenk, T.A., Edgar, T.F., (2012). Origin of Vacancy and Interstitial andStabilization at the Amorphous-Crystalline Silicon Interface. Journal of Applied Physics,96(4), 443-449.Student, J.G., Siddiqui, M.H., (2012). Interaction between Interstitials and Arsenic-VacancyComplexes in Crystalline Silicon. Journal of Applied Physics, 85(21), 502-504.Student, J.G., Siddiqui, M.G., Briceeto, D.M., (2011). Structure, Stability, Diffusion ofArsenic-Silicon Interstitial Pairs. Journal of Applied Physics, 44(18), 23-34.Student, J.G., Siddiqui, M.H., (2011). Issues in Physical Structure and Dynamics of theDiarsenic Complex in Crystalline Silicon. Paper presented at Chemical Conference,

Houston, Texas, August 14, 2011.

Graduate Student Resume Continued

24


25/58

Writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

25

There are fundamental differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. The main differences are thelength, the content, and its purpose. A curriculum vitae, more commonly referred to as a CV, is longerand more detailed (two pages or more) and is typically used for application to scientic and academic positions.

The curriculum vitae does not usually include an objective statement, although some may include a summary

statement. Publications are typically numbered and mentioning names of professors is more common on a CVthan a resume. Another difference is in format. There is no set format, as the curriculum vitae is a reectionof the individual and his or her own unique background and experience. However, it may benet you to checkwith an advisor or network contact to see what their preferences are.

CV Sections

Typical sections of a CV might include some or all of thefollowing:

Personal/Contact Information

Summary Statement (optional)

Education

Dissertation

Fellowships

Awards

Academic/Teaching Experience

Research Interests

Publications

Employment History

Professional Licenses/Certications

Grants

Professional Memberships

Skills

Languages

Interests

Books on CV Writing

Books containing sample CVs and CV writing tips are availableto you in the ECAC Library in ECJ 2.400:

The Academic Job Search Handbook

The CV Handbook: A Curriculum Vitae Owners Manual

How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae

ECAC CV Review

One of the many services ECAC provides is CV review.

Just bring a hard copy of your CV to ECJ 2.400. A careercounselor will review your CV and make suggestions for

improvement. Counselors are available on a walk-in basis,Monday through Friday, 9am-noon and 1pm-4:30pm. For aCV framework, see page 26.

Sanger Learning & Career Center

For more information on preparing a curriculum vitae, visit

the following site from the Sanger Learning & Career Centerat The University of Texas at Austin:

http://www.lifelearning.utexas.edu/handouts/gradschool/ID_SLLC_curriculum_vitae_writing.pdf


26/58

Jane Student

1001 Longhorn AvenueAustin, TX 78705

[email protected]

Education The University of Texas at AustinDoctor of Philosophy, Chemical Engineering, May 2013Overall GPA: 4.00/4.00

The University of Texas at Austin

Master of Science, Chemical Engineering, May 2010Overall GPA: 3.77/4.00

The University of Texas at AustinBachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, May 2008Overall GPA: 3.88/4.00

Dissertation Supervising professor name and title. May add brief abstract (one short paragraph).

Honors and Awards This section is for honors and awards, including fellowships, grants, and other awards.

Research Interests Listyourareasofinterestbriey.Abulletedlistworksbest.

Research Experience List your research experience/positions, including any Research Assistant positions.

Teaching Areas List the areas in which you have some expertise in teaching. A bulleted list works best.

Teaching Experience List your teaching experience here, including any Teaching Assistant positions.

Professional Describe your experience working in industry, including intern and consulting positions.Experience

Publications ListyourpublicationsfollowingAPAformat(rstauthor,otherauthors,year,title,journal,

volume, inclusive pages). Consider using a numbered list. Some job seekers divide theirpublications into two categories:

Refereed (or Peer-Reviewed) Articles, Conference Proceedings, Book Chapters--Reviewedbyseveralpeersorexpertsintheeldbeforebeingpublished.

Other publications

Presentations List presentations that you have given at conferences and include name of conference,dates, and location. Consider using a numbered list.

Professional This section can include memberships in professional organizations, licenses, andAfliations certications.

Curriculum Vitae Framework

26


27/58

participatedperfected

performedpinpointed

placedplanned

preparedpresentedprioritized

processedprocured

programmedprojected

promotedproofread

proposedprovedprovided

pursuedqualied

quantiedranrated

reachedrealized

recordedrectied

reducedregulated

reinforcedrenderedreported

researchedresolved

respondedrevamped

reviewedsecuredserved

shared

showedsimpliedsimulated

solvedspearheadedspecialized

streamlinedstrengthened

studiedsummarized

supervised

Action Verbs for Your Resume

27

accomplishedachieved

acquiredactedactivated

adaptedaddressed

adjustedadministered

advisedaimedaligned

allocatedanalyzed

answered

appliedapprovedarrangedascertained

assessedassisted

attendedawarded

balancedbeganbolstered

broadened

builtchartedchecked

clariedclassiedcollaborated

commencedcommunicated

comparedcompiled

completedconducted

conrmed

connectedconsolidated

constructedcontributed

convertedcoordinated

correctedcorroboratedcounseled

craftedcreated

critiqueddecided

decreaseddeneddelegated

demonstrateddesignated

designeddetermined

developeddifferentiateddirected

discovereddistinguished

distributed

documenteddraftededitededucated

eliminatedemphasized

employedenabled

encouragedengagedenhanced

ensured

establishedevaluatedexamined

exceededexecutedexhibited

expandedexpedited

experiencedexperimented

exploredfacilitated

familiarized

focusedforecasted

formedfostered

foundedfurthered

gainedgavegenerated

gradedguaranteed

guidedhandled

headedhelpedhighlighted

honedidentied

illustratedimparted

implementedimprovedincreased

innovatedinstalled

instituted

integratedinterfacedinterviewedintroduced

inventedinvestigated

judgedjustied

learnedlecturedled

liaised

machinedmademaintained

managedmasteredmeasured

mediatedmentored

mergedmerited

modeledmonitored

motivated

navigatednegotiated

networkedobserved

obtainedordered

organizedoriginatedoutlined

overhauledoversaw

supportedsurpassed

sustainedtargeted

taughtteamed

trackedtrainedtranslated

updatedupgraded

usedutilized

validatedveried

volunteeredwonworked

wrote


28/58

28

Cover Letters: The Domino Effect

Cover Letter Content

The cover letter typically has three sections. This is youropportunity to share your unique skills and accomplishmentsas they relate to the job, so make the most of it.

Part I: Introductory Paragraph

Create an interest in yourself with a rst paragraph that

explains why you are writing

Refer to the type of position for which you are applyingand how you heard about the opening or organization

Part II: Middle Paragraphs

Explain your interest in this type of position and in thisparticular employer

Relate specic qualications and experience for the

position

Use action verbs to describe your experience

Be specic and condent as you highlight what you have

to offer

Part III: Closing Paragraph

Request action, such as an interview

Make action easy for the reader to take by repeating your

phone number and e-mail address

Close by restating your interest in the employer

Thank them for their time and consideration

Books on Cover Letters

Books containing sample cover letters and writing tips areavailable to you in the ECAC Library in ECJ 2.400:

Killer Cover Letters & Resumes

Gallery of Best Cover Letters

ECAC Cover Letter Reviews

One of the many services ECAC provides is cover letterreviews. Just bring a hard copy to ECJ 2.400. A career

counselor will review your cover letter. Counselors areavailable on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, 9am-noon and 1pm-4:30pm.

See sample cover letters on pages 29 and 30

The goal of the cover letter is a domino effect. With thecover letter, your object is to create strong interest inyou, encouraging the employer to look at your resume.

The function of the resume, in turn, is to gain an interview.The cover letter is a letter of introduction through which you

have the opportunity to make a favorable rst impression. Inaddition to highlighting your qualications, it illustrates your

communication style and conveys professionalism.

Cover Letter Formatting and Style

Format your letter for visual clarity and balance. ECACrecommends one page and block style (see samples on pages

29 and 30) with one-inch side margins. The paper, font typeand size, as well as the heading with your contact information,

should match those of your resume. Select a font that islegible and fairly standard, such as Times New Roman, Arial,

or Calibri. The font size should be 10-12 point. Lastly, makesure your information is evenly distributed on the page.

Language and Tone

Remember that the cover letter is a formal piece of

correspondence. Address the person in a professional

manner, using the title Mr., Ms., Dr., etc. If you are uncertainof the gender based on the name, then it is appropriate towrite the rst and last name: Dear Terry Martin. Choose a

professional closing, such as Sincerely, and sign the letterusing both your rst and last name.

Strive for a tone that is consistently professional and

respectful, but also engaging. Courtesies such as please andthank you are very important. Never use language that is

potentially offensive or inammatory. Read your letter aloud.How does it sound? Better yet, ask someone who has a knackfor writing to read it over and give you feedback. Visit ECAC

in ECJ 2.400 to have your cover letter reviewed by a counselor.

Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation

Like the resume and all other correspondence with employers,

the cover letter should be an error-free document. Use correctgrammar and avoid contractions. Spell check and remember

that spell check will not catch all errors (e.g., to instead oftoo). Have someone else proofread your letter, since it isvery difcult to catch your own mistakes.


29/58

1111 Crossing PlaceAustin, TX 78741September 20, 2012 (current date)

(balance letter on page by adjusting space here)

Mr. John SmithHuman Resources DirectorRialto Blue CompanyPO Box 122

Houston, TX 77001

Dear Mr. Smith:

I read your job posting on the ECAC Job Board for engineering positions at Rialto Blue Company. Basedon my research into the business and mission of Rialto Blue, I am very interested in a full-time position withyour organization. I will receive my Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from TheUniversity of Texas at Austin in May 2013. I believe that my aptitude and experience are an excellent matchfor your needs.

Ihavemorethanayearsexperienceandarmfoundationinperformingstatisticalanalysisofsystematic

variation within certain data. I am also knowledgeable in ultra shallow junction engineering, an area inwhich your company has excelled. My various academic projects, such as the digital signal processing

project, have allowed me to develop excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills, which I understandwould be valuable for this position.

Thank you for taking your time to review my resume. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how myeducation, practical skills, and background would qualify me to be a member of the Rialto Blue Company.I would be very glad to hear from you to interview for this position. Please contact me at 512-555-5555 [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

(leave 3-4 blank lines for your signature)

James U. Engineer(your name typed here)

Enclosure

(1 inch left and right margins)

Sample Cover Letter

29


30/58

111 University StreetAustin, TX 78727February 11, 2013

Ms. Jane DoeHuman Resources Department

ABC Company200 Yeehah BoulevardDallas, TX 74230

Dear Ms. Doe:

I am currently a graduate research assistant at The University of Texas at Austin and plan to graduate in May2013 with a Master of Science in Structural Engineering. I am genuinely interested in obtaining a full-time

positionupongraduationinyourDallasofce.Dr.JohnSmithrecommendedthatyourcompanywouldbeagood candidate to facilitate my interests. My goal is to use the knowledge that I have received from my studiesand apply it to the challenges presented by your company. I have enclosed a copy of my resume that details myacademicqualicationsandprofessionalexperience.

Iamintheprocessofwritingmymastersthesisonthepotentialapplicationsandbenetsofbersinconcrete

pavements. My research has progressed from a state-of-the-art report to performing laboratory tests tocompletingeldevaluationsthatdocumenttheeffectsofbersinpavements.Ihavealsotakenadvantageof

the diverse courses that are offered in graduate school. This includes several design projects ranging fromcomposite bridge girders to portable grandstands used in large sports arenas as well as irregular buildingssubjected to earthquake loads.

Inadditiontomyacademichistory,Ihavepursuedseveralpositionsatdifferentengineeringrms.Mymost

recentengineeringpositionwasatCriterium-StantonEngineerswhereIgainedvaluableeldexperiencebyperforming structural inspections. My professional experience also includes Zapata Engineering and RalphWhiteheadAssociates,Inc.,whereIdesignedstructuralsystemsandgenerateddrawingsandspecications

required for construction. I would also like to expand my interests to encompass projects of various scales, suchas innovative building and seismic design that require a higher level of technical background.

IamimpressedbythereputationofABCCompanyandfeelcondentthatmymaturity,qualications,and

enthusiasm would enable me to contribute to its continuing success. I plan to visit Dallas during the week ofMarch 15 and would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you and discuss a position. I am excited aboutthe prospect of working for your company and look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, Imay be reached at (512) 555-5555 or [email protected]. Once again, thank you for your time andconsideration.

Sincerely,

Joe Student

Joe Student

Enclosure

Sample Cover Letter

30


31/58

The Last Hurdle: References

31

H

ere is the scenario. You had a great interview, andmade a very positive impression. The employerthinks you would be an ideal t for the position, and

would like to hire you. But what will they do before extendingan offer? In most cases, an employer will contact a potential

employees references before making the decision to hire.

When Should I Contact People and Ask Them

to Be My References?

You should line up your references well in advance, for two

reasons. Number one, you do not want your references to besurprised when the employer contacts them. Secondly, the

more time a reference has to consider what they will say aboutyou, the better. The individual will be more eloquent and

better prepared to speak to your strengths if given adequatetime to prepare. For these reasons, be sure to give referencesas much advance notice as possible.

Whom Should I Ask to Be a Reference?

Your reference list should have at least three professionalreferences including industry supervisors, colleagues, and

professors (three is standard, but some employers may requestmore). As you compile your list of possible references, tryto think of people who know you well, who believe in you

and support your goals, who can attest to your abilities andaccomplishments, and who are articulate and communicate

effectively.

What Should I Ask a Potential Reference?

You want to make sure that each person you select is willing

and able to give you a positive reference. The best way is byasking questions like the following:

1. Are you willing to be one of my references?

2. Given your knowledge of me and my ability, would you

feel comfortable giving me a positive reference?

3. Based on my previous performance would you, as a

supervisor, hire me again?

4. How would you describe my skills and characteristics?

Provide an updated copy of your resume and an academic

transcript. Tell them about the type(s) of positions to whichyou are applying, and include any specic job descriptions. Youmay want to request that they address particular

qualications and experience highlighted in the jobdescription (e.g., teamwork, leadership, work ethic, teaching

ability). Outline your achievements and shareyour goals. Most employers will contactreferences by phone or via e-mail. Ask your

reference for a preferred phone number and e-mail address.

If, after asking your questions, you have any concerns thatthe individual might give you a negative reference, you should

remove him or her from your list. You do not want to list asa reference someone who would paint a picture of you asmediocre. You are looking for a strong recommendation. Be

selective about your choice of references. As one recruitersaid, If you cannot nd three people who will say you walk

on water, I probably dont want to hire you.

Be prepared for the possibility that someone may decline to beyour reference. It may simply be that their schedule does not

allow for being a reference. Or perhaps the individual does notfeel knowledgeable enough about you and your qualicationsto do you justice. Whatever the reason, the important thing

is not to take it personally. Proceed until you nd willing andenthusiastic references.

When Do I Give an Employer References?

A list of references should be available upon request. Waituntil the employer specically requests your references toprovide them.

What Should My List of References Look Like?And What Should It Include?

The list should be a separate page from your resume, butreects the same format and type style as your resume. If it

is a hard copy, the paper should match that of your resume.Please see page 32 for a sample reference page. Each entry

should include the following:

Name and title/positionOrganization nameMailing address

E-mail addressTelephone number

Remember Your Business Etiquette.

Keep your references in the loop by updating them on yourjob search progress. Always thank them for their continued

support and encouragement. A thank you note or e-mail isappropriate. It is a good practice to keep in touch with formerand potential references once your job search is over.

See sample list of references on page 32


32/58

References forJames Undergrad Engineer

Billy Turpin, ManagerEngineering Business Solutions531 Main Street, Suite 6College Station, Texas [email protected](409) 555-3121

Nhanzi Evans, ManagerMcDonalds5555 South Lamar

Austin, TX [email protected](512) 555-4087

Grace Tipton, PresidentTiptons Advertising, Etc.1234 Fly Fishing Lane

Rivercity, Texas [email protected](512) 448-5210

Sample References Page

32


33/58

E-mail Correspondence

33

One of the most frequently used means of

communication in the job search is e-mail, and itsadvantages are many. Delivery of an e-mail is prompt

and assured (as long as you have the individuals correct e-mailaddress). Another positive is that e-mail is less intrusive than

a phone call; the recipient can read the message at his or herleisure. Often, e-mail will be an employers preferred methodof communication. Following are some important suggestions

and rules to remember when composing job search relatede-mails.

Maintaining a Professional Tone

We are so used to communicating with friends, relatives, and

casual acquaintances that we can easily lapse into a tone thatis too informal for communicating with potential employers.

What does this mean? The goal is to achieve a tone that isconsistently professional, but also engaging.

The greeting and closing convey your tone. Address theperson in a professional manner, using the title Mr., Ms., Dr.,

etc. If you are uncertain of the gender based on the name,

then it is appropriate to write the rst and last name: DearTerry Martin. Take care not to misspell the recipients name.Choose a professional closing, such as Sincerely, and signthe e-mail using both your rst and last name.

Language, of course, conveys tone. Never use language that is

potentially offensive or inammatory. This is not the place forslang or curse words (not even mild ones).

A professional e-mail is distinctly different from an IMconversation or a text message. Avoid abbreviations such as

u for you, plz for please, etc. Similarly, do not includeemoticons. Sorry :(. Although they are expressive and fun to

send to friends, they are not professional.

Capitalization can indicate tone. For example, if you write inall caps it may appear as though you are shouting. By the sametoken, do not type in all lower case because it may suggest

laziness and a lack of attention to detail.

Lastly, consider your own e-mail address. Does it reect theimage you want to project to an employer? For example,

[email protected] is inappropriate.

Grammar and Formatting

It is all too easy to write an e-mail in haste and send it offwithout much thought to accuracy and appearance. Here are

a few important things to bear in mind before you click thatsend button.

1. Ensure that your message is well-written, and

grammatically correct. Read it over several times aloud.How does it sound? Better yet, ask someone else who hasa knack for writing to read it over and give you feedback.

2. Be vigilant in checking for spelling and punctuationerrors. Run spell check. And remember that spell check

will not necessarily catch all errors (e.g., to instead of

too).

3. Select a font that is legible and fairly standard, such as

Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.

4. Check your font size. Is it so small that it is hard to read?Or so large that it looks cartoonish? A 10-12 point font is

recommended.

5. No colored fonts or backgrounds, please.

6. Look at the overall layout of your e-mail. Is it stylistically

consistent? Are your paragraphs evenly spaced?

Length and Content

As with any written business communication, the goal is to be

courteous but concise and to the point. You want to give therecipient the necessary information without being excessively

wordy or including unnecessary information.1. Be sensitive to the persons time, and include only

essential items. Draft and edit your e-mail.

2. At the same time, be sure that the information you do

include is clear and complete.

3. The subject line should be brief and indicate the contentof the e-mail (e.g., John Doe- Cover Letter/Resume).

4. Courtesies are very important. Remember to include

please and thank you. Express interest, appreciation,and enthusiasm.


34/58

Sample E-mail Cover Letter

To: [email protected]

Subject: Resume Submission for Manufacturing Engineer Position

Dear Mr. Smith:

I read your job posting on the ECAC Job Board for engineering positions at Rialto Blue Company. I will graduate fromThe University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering in May 2013.

Based on my research into the business and mission of Rialto Blue, I am very interested in a full-time position withyour organization.

Ihavemorethanayearsexperienceandarmfoundationinperformingstatisticalanalysisofsystematicvariation

within certain data. I am also knowledgeable in ultra shallow junction engineering, an area in which your company hasexcelled. My various academic projects, such as the digital signal processing project, have allowed me to developexcellent teamwork and problem-solving skills, which I understand would be valuable for this position.

Thank you for taking your time to review my resume. I would be very glad to hear from you with an offer to interview forthis position. Please contact me at 512-555-5555 or [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

James U. Engineer

Sample Follow-up E-mail


Subject: Follow-up Letter

Dear Mr. Smith:

It was a pleasure speaking with you during your recruiting visit to The University of Texas at Austin Fall EngineeringExpo. I enjoyed learning about the current projects at Rialto Blue Company, and the co-op program you outlinedsounds both challenging and rewarding. I also enjoyed meeting Jane Doe and am glad to have her suggestions onhow I can make the most productive use of my junior year in college.

Based on what I learned from our brief meeting and other research I have done, I am very interested in beingconsidered for a design position in the co-op program. As I mentioned to you when we met, I had an opportunity to

work on a design team judged by faculty in which my team received top honors. I gained valuable teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills. I believe my skills would make me an asset to your organization and I have attached acopy of my resume for your consideration.

Thank you for all of your time and assistance. I very much look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Juan Monsalve

Sample Postponement E-mail


Subject: Request to Postpone Offer

Dear Ms. Arnett:

This letter is to acknowledge and thank you for your offer of employment dated Sept. 25, 2012, inviting me to join RialtoBlues Production Management Department at a monthly salary of $5,000.00.

Since this is a very important decision and I do not graduate until May of 2013, please allow me to delay my decisionuntilMarch2013.Yourofferismostattractive,andIthankyouforthecondenceyouhaveshowninme.Thankyoufor

your consideration and understanding.

Sincerely,

Tan Nguyen

34


35/58

Sample Acceptance E-mail

Sample Declination E-mail


Subject: Job Offer Acceptance

Dear Mr. Smith:

Thank you for your letter dated April 1, 20xx, offeringme an engineering position at Rialto Blue Companyat a yearly salary of $_________.

This letter serves as my formal acceptance of youroffer. I understand and accept the conditions ofemployment that you explained in your letter and willbegin work on July 1, 20xx.

I am extremely excited about joining the Rialto Blueteam, and look forward to many new challenges.Thankyouforyourcondenceandsupport.

Sincerely,

Carlos Andres

35


Subject: Re: Job Offer Letter

Dear Lee Jones:

Thank you for your letter of (date) offering me employment with RialtoBlue Company.

After considerable thought I have decided to accept an offer ofemploymentwithanothercompany.Thoughthiswasadifcult

decision, I feel certain that I have made the correct choice for thispoint in my career.

Idoappreciateyourtimeandthecondenceyouhaveshowninme.I

hope you will consider me for future opportunities.

Sincerely,

Lindley Peppas

Sample Thank-You E-mail


Subject: Thank You for Site Visit

Dear Mr. Coleman:

Thank you for the hospitality that you, your staff, and the testengineering department extended to me on my trip to visit yourplant site on May 30. I was impressed with your facilities and ameager to learn more about the work that you are doing with thesuperconducting supercollider in Iowa. I also enjoyed the tour of thecity. River City seems like a perfect place to live and work.

Please extend my thanks to Larry Lyons, who took the time to showme the computer division, and to Judy Cunningham and Roger Stitt,who helped make my visit enjoyable as well as informative.

I look forward to the possibility of becoming part of your team ofprofessionals who will be shaping the future technology of thesuperconducting supercollider. As a result of this visit, I am moreconvinced than ever that my combination of education, experience,and skills would make a positive contribution to your company.

Sincerely,

Your typed name here


36/58

Who Is Your Network?

Family and relatives

Friends

Neighbors (past and present) Social acquaintances (group and club members)

Professors

Classmates (high school and college)

Local alumni and alumni association

Career center

People you consulted or conducted business with duringthe past twelve months

Politicians (local, state, and national)

Chamber of commerce members

Pastors, ministers, church members

Trade association members

Professional organization executives and members

People you meet at conferences or conventions

Speakers at meetings you have attended

Business club members (Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees, etc.)

Direct sales representatives (insurance, real estate, etc.)

What Is Involved in Networking?

Networking involves connecting and interacting with other

individuals. Its purpose is to exchange information and acquireadvice and referrals that will assist you in promoting your

ultimate job search goal of getting job interviews and offers.Through networking, you build, expand, and activate your

networks.

Essential Questions to Ask Your Network

1. Do you know of anyone who might have an opening for

a person with my skills? If no, then,

2. Do you know of anyone else who might know of

someone who would? If still no, then,

3. Do you know someone who knows lots of people? (The

Very Quick Job Searchby Michael Farr)

Points to Remember

Build your network

Expand your network

Activate your network

Remember to follow through on promises made

Continue to network after securing employment

Six Rules of Successful Networking

1. Get started. Call your contacts and tell them you are

looking for a job and ask for help.

2. Present yourself well. Be friendly, well-organized, polite,

and interested in what they have to say.

3. Be open to learn from your contacts and get more leads.

4. From each contact, ask for two contacts.

5. Follow up on referrals. Call the people whose names you

get in the referral process.

6. Show your appreciation to the people who help you.

Networking and You

36

Networking identies the hidden job market by incorporating the assistance of contacts. Research indicates

that more than 50 percent of jobs are gained through the contact network. John Noble in The Job SearchHandbook reports that People are the most important link in the job search process. Want ads, job listings,

career fairs, resume mailings -- all can provide some exposure to the job market. But you will nd that mostopportunities arise once you have begun talking to the people who earn their own living in your chosen eld.


37/58

What to Do BEFORE the Career Fair...