a

For undergraduate and graduate students

Northwestern Career Advancement

CAREER GUIDE

2014–16

b

NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT (NCA)

Make good use of this guide, but don’t let it take the place of coming to see us.

Main Office: 620 Lincoln Street, Evanston campus

Express Advising Center: Main Library, Core second floor

Phone 847-491-3700

Email nca@northwestern.edu

Web www.northwestern.edu/careers

1

Dear Northwestern student,

The entire staff of the newly renamed Northwestern Career Advancement office is

pleased to present you with the 2014–16 Career Guide. We hope that this guide will

give you the tools needed to successfully prepare

for life after Northwestern. Wherever you are in your

career development, you’ll find information within these

pages that will help you learn more about yourself, set

career goals, construct résumés and cover letters,

secure internship and full-time job opportunities, and,

if desired, pursue graduate school admission.

While the guide covers a wide range of career-

related topics, keep in mind that it represents only a

fraction of our staff’s knowledge and expertise. It is

intended to supplement in-person meetings. I strongly

encourage you to meet with a career counselor or your

school-based adviser as early as your first year to explore your interests and find a

suitable career path.

There are a number of people and organizations I’d like to thank for making this

career guide possible, including the corporate sponsors who generously provided

financial support to create and print it: Accenture, ALDI, Sodexo, AQR Capital

Management, Deloitte, Grosvenor Capital Management, PwC, Strategy&, Goldman

Sachs, L. E. K. Consulting, and Visa. We value their partnership and appreciate the

many opportunities they bring to our students every year. I’m also grateful for the

countless hours guide editor-in-chief Christina Siders and her team, Maggie Heffernan

and Rachel Taylor, devoted to selecting, writing, and editing the content. This resource

would not exist without Christina’s leadership and the hard work of our entire staff.

Finally, University Relations deserves praise for bringing our content to life with a

beautiful professional design.

I hope you’ll refer to this guide often, and I welcome you to visit our office and

attend the many events and programs we host throughout the year. We are here to

help you every step of the way as you advance your career.

Sincerely,

Mark Presnell

NCA Executive Director

CONTENTSCONTENTS2 Career planning

5 Networking

9 Résumés

22 Cover letters

26 Interviewing

32 Finding job/internship

opportunities

2

01. CAREER PLANNING

The four-year plan (next two pages) created by

NCA organizes your career planning while in college

by revisiting the four stages during each of your under-

graduate years. It will help you to translate your aca-

demic and cocurricular experiences into professional

Career planning is a continuous

process, a series of decisions you will

make throughout your life. The four

main stages of the Career Development

Model shown in the diagram on this

page—assess, explore, decide, and act,

with time to reflect at each stage—are

meant to be continuous throughout

your career, not performed only once.

skills and opportunities. Make sure that you work

with your NCA adviser to adapt the plan to your goals

and needs. Not every item will apply to your unique

situation.

Long-term career planning can be daunting, but if

you devote time each year to your career development,

your opportunities will be immense and your goals

will be attainable.

Even though each person’s experience is unique,

the following key points apply to everyone:

Start early. Planning ahead opens up the widest

range of opportunities and gives you time to change

your mind along the way.

Reflect on your skills, values, interests, and strengths

before making any decision.

Don’t be afraid to change your path. No career

decision is irreversible.

EXPLOREResearch and investigate

a range of career options that are of

interest to you.

DECIDEEvaluate your options

and narrow your selections to the few that

are the best matches for you.

ASSESSAnalyze your interests,

values, and skills to identify career fields, work environ-ments, lifestyles, and job functions that you want

to explore.

ACTObtain hands-on experi-

ence through internships, full-time and part-time

positions, and campus or volunteer activities.

reflect

CAREER DEVELOPMENT MODEL

3

First year

ASSESS

Identify how your interests, values, and skills align with

career options by taking a career assessment, such as the

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or Strong Interest Inventory.

EXPLORE

Get involved in one or two student or service organizations

to explore your interests.

Take diverse coursework and talk with different academic

departments to explore various majors, minors, and

certificates.

Research two or three potential careers and industries

through WetFeet, Vault, and the Occupational Outlook

Handbook.

DECIDE

Meet with your career adviser to create a career plan for

your first and second years.

Narrow down summer opportunities (research, study

abroad, internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work).

ACT

Convert your high school résumé into a professional

document and upload it to CareerCat.

Create a LinkedIn profile and build your network by

requesting connections with personal and academic

contacts.

Speak with people you know who have careers of interest.

Pursue summer opportunities with targeted résumés and

cover letters.

01. CAREER PLANNING

Sophomore year

ASSESS

Meet with an NCA career counselor to clarify your career

interests.

Think about what you can offer to employers (strengths,

skills, experiences) and begin to develop a career narrative

and professional introduction.

EXPLORE

Use LinkedIn and Our Northwestern to view profiles of

alumni who studied your major or work in an industry of

interest.

Conduct one or two informational interviews each quarter

with personal contacts, Northwestern alumni, or industry

experts.

Increase your leadership experience in student organiza-

tions by chairing a committee, initiating a project, or running

for office.

Explore options for summer jobs and internships with your

NCA career adviser.

DECIDE

Decide on summer opportunities to pursue.

Narrow down and decide on academic major(s), minor(s),

and certificate program(s); meet with University Academic

Advising if you are considering an interschool transfer.

ACT

Update your résumé in CareerCat, incorporating first- and

second-year experiences.

Update your LinkedIn profile and connect with new

contacts.

Participate in career fairs to pursue internship opportunities.

Apply for summer experiential learning opportunities using

targeted résumés and cover letters.

If considering graduate school, get to know two professors

to increase your chances of getting strong letters of

recommendation.

4

01. CAREER PLANNING

Junior year

ASSESS

Reflect on what you’ve learned from each internship, job,

and student involvement experience.

Identify your skills and values by doing a Motivated Skills

or Values Card Sort with an NCA career counselor.

EXPLORE

Research employers of interest using WetFeet, Vault,

Hoover’s, LinkedIn, and company websites.

Evaluate summer internship options with your NCA

career adviser.

DECIDE

Select a summer opportunity that will provide relevant

experience and skill development for your desired career.

Identify two or three industries to consider for full-time

postgraduate employment and learn their recruiting

timelines.

ACT

Continue to network with Northwestern alumni using the

LinkedIn alumni tool.

Contact the Office of Fellowships for information about

career-related fellowships.

Develop a polished professional introduction to engage

employers and alumni during networking events.

Target employers and industries of interest at career fairs.

Practice your interviewing skills by participating in a mock

interview with your career adviser.

Senior year

ASSESS

Reflect on how your values and interests might determine

your choice of a work setting.

If you don’t have a clear career focus yet, meet with an

NCA career counselor to discuss your options.

EXPLORE

Research employers of interest using WetFeet, Vault,

Hoover’s, LinkedIn, and company websites.

Expand your knowledge of job opportunities, examine

work settings, and prepare for interviewing by networking

at employer information sessions, coffee chats, career

fairs, etc.

DECIDE

Select two or three industries to pursue for full-time

employment and learn about and implement the best

search techniques for them.

If you are interested in highly competitive graduate pro-

grams or fields, develop a postgraduation backup plan.

Accept offers for full-time employment or graduate school.

ACT

Tailor your résumé toward industries and employers you’re

considering.

If applicable, begin preparation for graduate school

by taking admissions tests in the fall and preparing your

application.

Attend career fairs to make full-time employment connec-

tions with specific employers.

Apply for full-time positions as early as possible and tailor

cover letters to each company and position.

Follow up with employer contacts from past career fairs,

information sessions, and informational interviews.

Strengthen your interviewing skills by participating in a

mock interview with your career adviser.

Identify references and request permission to use them

in applications for employment or graduate programs.

5

02. NETWORKING

Speaking with people in your field

of interest to explore career options

and gather information is known as

networking. It is about initiating,

developing, and maintaining profes-

sional connections and relationships.

As you engage in career exploration

and professional development, net-

working will be a robust tool for com-

piling information and understanding

how to market yourself to potential

employers. It is the most effective way

to meet leaders and keep abreast of

major changes in a field.

Networking can take place in

any environment—from a train ride

to a professional conference—and

may range from informal dialogues

to structured exchanges. You may

arrange networking meetings, the

most common of which is an infor-

mational interview. Often the first step

in building a professional network,

informational interviewing provides

an opportunity to have a qualitative

exchange one-on-one with a contact.

Unlike in a traditional interview, you

are responsible for directing the con-

versation and asking the questions.

These interviews are particularly

useful when you have little aware-

ness about a career field and limited

work experience or are considering

a career transition. The goal is to

transition your informational interview

contacts into job search advocates who might advance

your application for a position or identify opportunities

not posted online.

It is important to approach networking with the

genuine intention of learning and connecting, not

simply obtaining a position. Your networking contact

should be a source of information that you cannot

find elsewhere. Be prepared for each networking

experience by researching the industry and the com-

pany, reviewing your experiences, and being able to

articulate your career interests and skills. You’ll then

approach each exchange with greater confidence,

have more memorable dialogues, and leave a positive

impression. Your questions should show genuine

interest and solicit information that can facilitate a

well-informed career decision. Inquire about your

contact’s career story and experiences in the field

and industry. Ask for advice about how to prepare

for a career in the field, relevant courses to take, and

activities that will make you more marketable, as well

as for support for your internship and job searches.

Continued

6

? Once you understand the value of networking for your career exploration and

professional development, how do you start building and engaging a network?

STEP 1: IDENTIFY CONTACTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Your list of contacts may include a broad range of people, both inside and out-

side your chosen field. Personal referrals are people in your current network,

such as friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and professors. You might expand

this network by asking for names of people they know who are employed in

relevant careers. Direct contacts are people you identify through professional

organizations, employer-hosted events, and social networking websites.

Events such as conferences, workshops, panels, and information sessions

also provide opportunities for networking. They happen throughout the year

at a variety of venues, both on campus and off. You could find yourself sur-

rounded by many people with similar career interests and get great insight from

the person seated next to you. Make sure you follow the appropriate protocol

for participation in an event and, if necessary, make travel arrangements. If

payment is required, look for a discounted rate for students.

STEP 2: INITIATE THE CONNECTION

The way you initiate contact will depend on how well you know the person. A

phone call may be appropriate for someone you speak with regularly, an email

for contacts with whom you are less familiar. If you are approaching someone to

whom you were referred, start by introducing yourself and saying how you were

referred. Then say why you are reaching out and what you hope to learn, such

as information about his or her position, career field, and career story. Be direct

in requesting 20 to 30 minutes for an exchange. A face-to-face meeting at the

employment site is ideal, but if that’s not possible, another location or the use

of Skype or the telephone may be arranged.

Give your prospective contact two weeks to reply, and then send a follow-

up email if you have not heard back. If your second attempt is unsuccessful,

move on to other contacts who may be more receptive.

STEP 3: PREPARE FOR THE NETWORKING MEETING

You need to be prepared to both ask engaging questions and respond to ques-

tions. Using the many resources available, research the person’s industry and

its job categories. Research will result in more targeted questions and more

detailed responses. If you are attending a networking event, conduct research

on the presenters and their backgrounds.

02. NETWORKING

Continued from previous page

DEVELOPING QUESTIONS FOR

AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

These questions will start you thinking, but you should tailor your questions to the specific person and industry.

What is your background? What

was your career path?

What are the major responsibilities

of your position?

If there is such a thing as an average

week, what is it like for you?

What are the positive and negative

aspects of working in this field?

What type of person usually suc-

ceeds in this field/organization?

What do you see as the hot issues

in this field?

What trends do you see affecting

career opportunities?

How can I become a more competi-

tive candidate for this industry?

What steps would you recommend

I take to prepare to enter this field?

How are hiring decisions made?

What professional associations do

you recommend I join?

Can you recommend anyone else

for me to contact?

7

”

“Knowing what information or advice you are seeking is essential in maximiz-

ing your time with contacts. Develop a list of 10 to 15 relevant questions. The

type of questions you ask may be perceived as an indicator of your preparation,

professionalism, and industry knowledge.

It is important to be comfortable articulating your skills, values, and career

interests. Consider how your experiences and activities have influenced your

career interests and plan how you will communicate this. Prepare a professional

introduction—a 30-second summary including your full name (if the person

doesn’t already know you); year in school and major; relevant skills, strengths,

and experience; and an engaging question so that you’ll be ready to present

your experiences in networking situations. See two sample professional intro-

ductions at the right.

STEP 4: CONDUCT THE NETWORKING MEETING

Regardless of the venue of your networking conversation, dress appropriately.

Arrive early for face-to-face encounters. Begin with your professional introduc-

tion. You want to make a positive impression and launch a conversation. With

the goal of being genuine, consider the other person, the details that are relevant

to share, and the value and purpose of your inquiry. A brief introduction sounds

more genuine than a long one and allows the conversation to start sooner.

Let the dialogue progress naturally. Don’t feel compelled to ask every ques-

tion on your list, and keep within the specified timeframe. At the end, express

appreciation for your contact’s time and contribution to your learning and inquire

about staying connected.

STEP 5: FOLLOW UP

Within 48 hours send a personal thank-you note highlighting the value of the

meeting and mentioning any suggestion or referral the contact provided that

was helpful. Sending a thank-you note opens the door to further exchanges.

Because one exchange does not build a relationship, you need to consider

ways to maintain the connection. A log with each contact name, date, outcome,

and important notes is helpful. Aim to connect with contacts each quarter.

Consider mailing seasonal greeting cards, sending email messages, forwarding

interesting industry news and journal articles, and inviting them to occasional

coffee breaks.

SAMPLE PROFESSIONAL

INTRODUCTIONS

Hello, my name is Monica Lee. I am

a senior in communication studies

at Northwestern. This past quarter, I

interned at a sports analytics company,

focusing on translating data into social

media communications. I was excited

to see you were attending the career

fair and was hoping you could share

more about how data intersect with

communications, both internally and

externally, at your firm.”

“Hello, my name is Walter Golden.

I will be earning a master’s degree

in counseling psychology from

Northwestern University this June.

A highlight of my program has been

serving as a counselor to at-risk inner-

city students in group and individual

settings. After listening to you on this

panel, I was hoping you could share

more details about what prepared

you to be effective in your role as a

residential therapist.

02. NETWORKING

NORTHWESTERN’S

OPPORTUNITIES FOR NETWORKING

These are the most common organized venues that Northwestern provides for career-related networking:

Career fairs

Employer information sessions

Industry panels

Conferences

Employer site visits

Guest speakers

Externship programs

Alumni events and resources

8

Whether it means building relationships with prospective

employers and career mentors on LinkedIn, tweeting indus-

try knowledge, or showcasing your work on a professional

website, establishing a professional online presence is a

crucial part of the job and internship search today. No

matter where you are in your career development, you can

forge a professional path for yourself on social media using

one or more of these online services.

LINKEDIN

As the world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn helps

you connect with experts in your field, build industry knowl-edge, and showcase your skills and experience.

Your LinkedIn checklist:

Choose a professional profile photo.

Customize your public profile URL using your name or

an abbreviated version of it. (Your username should be

consistent across all social media channels, if possible.)

Revise your profile regularly, as you do your résumé.

Join groups relevant to your industry of interest.

Follow company pages and locate Northwestern alumni.

Search for jobs or internships by industry, job

function, or location.

Use proper etiquette. Don’t contact people you do not

know without a connection or introduction.

TWITTER

A microblogging service, Twitter allows you to communi-

cate short messages (tweets) of 140 characters or less, follow

updates from companies and influencers, and build your

own following.

Your Twitter checklist:

Complete a Twitter profile by adding a professional

photo, a 160-character bio introducing you and your

career interests, and a link to your professional website

or LinkedIn profile.

Follow others who can help your professional develop-

ment, such as companies of interest and industry experts.

Search for career opportunities and relevant infor-

mation using hashtags such as #intern, #career, and

#tweetmyjobs.

Brand yourself as an expert by tweeting or retweeting

industry news.

Share your work through photos, videos, and links to

portfolios and blog posts.

Keep all tweets professional and appropriate.

BEYOND LINKEDIN AND TWITTER

Like or add companies of interest or industry experts on

Facebook and Google+.

Develop a blog using WordPress or Tumblr to respond to

news of your industry.

If you’re in the arts, upload samples of your work on

Flickr and Issuu or share videos you’ve created or a video

résumé on YouTube.

Display work samples or your résumé on Pinterest,

where you can also pin items that reflect your industry

and career interests.

Follow Northwestern Career Advancement on Twitter,

Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media sites (a com-

plete list is on the NCA website) to learn about career tips

and news, program and event listings, job opportunities,

and industry trends.

02. NETWORKING

SOCIAL MEDIA AND JOB/INTERNSHIP SEARCHES

9

An overview of your education, experi-

ences, and skills, your résumé is used to

market what you offer potential employers

by demonstrating your strengths and skills

and how you would apply them to deliver

value and outcomes.

03. RÉSUMÉS

Continued

Before writing a résumé, review job descrip-

tions in your area of career interest to find out the

skills sought. This will provide a frame of reference

and help you align your skills with those employ-

ers want. In general, an undergraduate résumé

should be kept to one page in length, though there

may be exceptions in certain industries.

Often the most difficult part of developing a

résumé is learning how to articulate your experi-

ences to impress employers. Every experience,

no matter how trivial it might seem to you, can

develop skills that can transfer to other settings.

To identify and adequately describe your skills,

make a list of each experience, whether a volunteer

position, a full-time job, an internship, or a role in

a student organization. Picture what you did on a

typical day during a busy week, selecting three to

five words from the power verbs list on the next

page to convey the skills you employed that day.

For each verb, expand your statement by asking

yourself who, what, when, why, and how. Whenever

possible, quantify your impact on the customers,

process, or organization. What difference did your

work make? What were your accomplishments?

ACTION VERB + TASKS + RESULTS

Here’s an example of how a student described

her work as a server at the Main Street Café:

Awarded “Employee of the Month” recogni-

tion based on customer feedback and super-

visory staff reviews.

Trained 15 new hires on restaurant policies,

customer service skills, and problem-solving

techniques.

Created and implemented a comprehensive

marketing plan that resulted in a 30 percent

increase in business from the Northwestern

community.

Managed point-of-sale operations and

addressed customer concerns and inquiries

to ensure superior customer service.

10

Once you’ve given thought to identifying and describing

what you can offer, you can organize your résumé using some

of the categories below. You may choose to vary this typical

sequence to suit your unique experiences. Many examples of

effective résumés are shown on the following pages.

1 Contact information contains your full name, permanent

and/or school address, telephone number, and email

address, usually in boldface, larger type. Include only one

phone number and one email address. Do not include

personal information such as Social Security number,

physical traits, race, ethnicity, or citizenship.

2 The education section includes your institution’s name,

location, degree type, anticipated graduation date,

major(s), minor(s), and GPA. If you have more than one

degree, place the highest or most recent degree first.

Listing relevant coursework and academic honors and

awards is optional.

3 The experience section(s) aligns your experience with

desired opportunities. It may include full-time, part-time,

and summer employment; student teaching; internships;

practicums; academic research; and volunteer work.

Choose headings for the various categories that best

market your experiences. List experiences in reverse

chronological order, providing the company/organization

name and location and your position title and dates

03. RÉSUMÉS

employed. For each experience, include three to five

bullet-point statements about how you applied your skills

and affected a task or project.

4 A leadership section is increasingly important to

recruiters of undergraduates. Include organization name,

positions you held with dates, projects, significant con-

tributions, and skills and abilities demonstrated. This

section is usually formatted similarly to the experience

section, with bullet points.

5 The activities and community involvement section

showcases your contribution to the on-campus and

off-campus communities, usually organized in a list

format. Include position(s) held, organization name,

and dates for each experience.

6 Honors/awards can be a stand-alone section or

included in their respective categories. For each, include

the name of the honor/award and the date granted. A

brief description is optional.

7 Skills is often the final category on a résumé, reiterating

your qualifications or showcasing additional relevant

skills. Language and computer proficiency and training

certifications are among the skills typically listed.

8 Interests is an optional section. Many employers appre-

ciate getting to know you a little better beyond your

formal training and experiences. If you choose to list

interests, be specific, authentic, and appropriate.

Bullet points should be used in the experience and leadership

sections of your résumé and any other section where you can

demonstrate skills that can be transferred to a job. Each bulleted

statement should start with a power verb. Be results oriented.

Ask yourself who, what, when, why, and how to describe—with

quantification, if possible—the work performed, your contribu-

tions, and the outcomes. The following are power verbs, and

your unique experiences may suggest others:

accomplishedachievedadministeredadvisedanalyzedarrangedassessedcollaboratedcommunicated

expedited facilitatedformulatedfosteredgeneratedguidedhandledidentifiedillustratedimplementedimprovedinitiatedinspectedintegratedinventedinvestigatedmaintainedmanaged

maximizedmotivatednavigatednegotiatedoperatedorganizedoversawperformedplannedpreparedpresentedprocessedproducedprovidedpublishedrecordedregulatedrepaired

reportedrepresentedresearchedresolvedreviewedrevisedscheduledsecuredservedspecializedstrengthenedsupervisedsupportedtaughttrainedvalidatedverifiedwrote

completedconductedconsultedcontributedcoordinatedcorrespondedcreateddesigneddetermined

developeddirecteddraftedencouragedenhancedestablishedevaluatedexaminedexpanded

BUILDING BETTER BULLETS WITH POWER VERBS

Continued from previous page

11

MADELINE WENDLE 66 Emerson St | Evanston, IL 60201 m-wendle@northwestern.edu | (812) 555-7164

EDUCATION Northwestern University Evanston, IL; Expected June 2014

Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Studies | Minor: ArabicCumulative GPA: 3.73/4.00 | Dean’s List: 5 of 6 quarters Relevant Courses: Econometrics, International Finance, Human Rights & Foreign Policy

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

US State Department Critical Language Arabic Immersion Program, Participant Salalah, Oman; June - August 2013• Studied Arabic through immersion and intensive coursework, including 4 hours of daily formal instruction• Mentored by Omani student at Dhofar University; practiced speaking for 1 hours a day• Introduced to local customs and religion; traveled throughout Oman• Received highest grade in class of 34 students

Cook County Juvenile Courts Public Defenders Office, Legal Intern Chicago, IL; June – August 2012 • Researched topics pertaining to juvenile law to become better aware of relevant cases• Interviewed clients prior to trial and obtained valid information for cases• Docketed files and cross-referenced data to the proper cases for future reference• Created Excel spreadsheets to classify and report information to Public Defenders• Responded to client inquires, fielded calls, and maintained database of 350 contacts

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Vice President of Finance Northwestern University; 2011 – Present• Managed finances for 100+ person organization using Quickbooks software, both accounts payable and receivable• Served as the liaison between the chapter and House Corporation; oversee the House Manager• Researched and created $65,000 budget, including alternative means of funds investment • Reevaluated and revised budget, leading to a 20% reduction in dues, the largest in Chapter history

Model Arab League, Member Northwestern University; 2011 – Present• Served as liaison between Northwestern University league and other regional universities to strengthen

collaboration and ensure strategic goals alignment • Represented Saudi Arabia on Palestinian Affairs Council in regional conference in Oxford, Ohio in February 2011 to

simulate Arab League debate and problem-solving

ACTIVITIES

Analytics Team Member, Institute for Student Business Education (ISBE) January 2012 - PresentSponsorship Committee, Dance Marathon September 2013 – May 2014Tutor, Northwestern University Athletic Department September 2012 - Present

HONORS

• Gamma Sigma Alpha Honors Society: Greek life juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher• Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society: Freshman students with GPA of 3.5 or higher & in top 20% of class• Pi Beta Phi Core Values Award: Integrity: Illinois Epsilon Chapter, voted by peers to epitomize integrity • Published in The True Body Project anthology; City Beat newspaper; Queen City Forum magazine; and “Mic & Mia”

website; featured in Cincinnati 20/20 Arts Festival and the Women Writing for Change radio show on WVXU (91.7)

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Modern Standard Arabic: professional working proficiencyEgyptian Arabic dialect: conversationalSpanish: professional working proficiency

INTERESTS: Waterskiing, Historical Fiction Novels, Jazz Performances

03. RÉSUMÉS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

12

03. RÉSUMÉS

Frank Thompson

Campus Address: Permanent Address:

EDUCATIONNorthwestern University

Psychology

3.77/4.00 Honors:Relevant Coursework

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCENorthwestern University Office of Admissions, Tour Guide,

Wildcat Welcome, Peer Advisor,

North Canton High School Swim Team,Captain,

WORK EXPERIENCEBridgeview Day Camp, Lifeguard and Swim Instructor,

Paddington Family Restaurant, Host,

ACTIVITIESParticipant,Volunteer,

SKILLS Computer:Language:

HIGH SCHOOL experiences may be included if they are relevant or convey unique skill sets. They usually are removed after the second year of college.

This DUAL-DEGREE student highlights selected performances, in addition to leadership experiences, to demonstrate unique experience in and passion for MUSIC.

FRANCES HARPER

1500 Chicago Avenue, Apartment 5C, Evanston, IL 60201 (630) 555-7473 francisharper2017@northwestern.edu

EDUCATION Northwestern University, Evanston, ILBachelor of Music in Flute Performance, Bachelor of Arts in French; Expected June 2017Minor in Arts AdministrationGPA: 3.89/4.00

RELEVANT Alumni Relations and Development, Northwestern University, Evanston, ILEXPERIENCE Clerical Aide, Fall 2012-Present

• Enhance office productivity by completing extensive donor mailings, data entry, and prospect research• Edit 800 handwritten thank-you notes for quarterly Thank-a-Thon program and Thank-a-Donor Week• Generate reports and lists, uploaded Contact Reports and Mass Updates to CATracks, analyzed data for

Parent and Family Giving and Direct Mail teams• Organize CATracks IDs, student and parent names, and sports into a contact information spreadsheet

for Athletics programs

The Atlanta Opera, Atlanta, GAArts Administration Intern, Summer 2014• Drafted press releases for each of the Opera’s 3 mainstage performances for the 2014-2015 season• Utilized Tessitura to complete ticket exchanges and create call lists • Identify and research prospective group sales patrons, resulting in a 10% increase in group sales

Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU), Chicago, ILDevelopment Intern, Fall 2013• Oversaw annual Devil’s Ball and Gala events for 500+ attendees each; created auction signs, proofread

materials, wrote thank-you letters to 45 sponsors and donors, completed day-of event tasks• Researched membership programs at 15 similar venues and organizations• Developed new program proposal for ATRU and presented ideas to Board of Directors

South Arts, Atlanta, GAPerforming Arts Exchange Intern, Summer 2012• Utilized event-planning skills to execute PAE conference of 800 attendees• Managed PAE division of YouTube Channel: uploaded videos and exhibitor updates• Effectively communicated with agents and contractors to answer questions and arrange for services

SELECTED Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra, Evanston, ILPERFORMANCES Fall 2012-Present

Northwestern University Bienen School of Music Student Recital, Evanston, ILSpring 2013 and Spring 2014

Atlanta Flute Club Senior High School Honors Flute Choir, Atlanta, GAWinter 2010, Winter 2011, and Winter 2012

LEADERSHIP Zeta Tau Alpha, Northwestern University, Evanston, ILEXPERIENCE Sisterhood Chair, Winter 2014-Present

• Plan, coordinate, and execute bi-weekly events for 120 chapter members based upon member input and expressed need, increasing participation by 20%

• Develop and implement new curriculum and ideas for big-little sister program to encourage development of new chapter members

Bienen School of Music Student Advisory Board, Evanston, ILMember, Fall 2013-Present• Selected by Bienen School of Music faculty to represent 85 members of the Class of 2016• Create community within the Bienen School of Music by promoting communication between students,

faculty, and University administration• Collaborate with 11 students to initiate meaningful conversations among Bienen students regarding

needs, expectations, and desired learning opportunities and present outcomes to faculty each quarter

SKILLS Computer: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Constant Contact, TessituraLanguage: Fluent in French

13

03. RÉSUMÉS

TEJAN COUNT29 Brookstone Way, Evanston, IL 60201 847.555.2929 count@u.northwestern.edu

EDUCATIONNorthwestern University: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Evanston, ILBachelor of Arts Degree, June 2015Major: English Concentration: Literary Criticism and TheoryCertification: Undergraduate Leadership Program GPA: 3.62/4.00RELEVANT COURSES: Interpreting Culture, Language in the Text, History of the Literary Criticism, Contemporary Theory, Language and Culture, Modern Rhetorical Theory, Psycholinguistics, and Phenomenology

ACADEMIC PROJECTModern Rhetorical Theory: Effective Communication in Business Project Fall 2014

Critically analyzed contemporary theory of management and its direct effects on 3 consulting firmsInterviewed 7 Business Analyst Managers to understand the flow of communication Provided recommendations to improve communication practices, leading to a 32% increase in work productivity at 1 firmPerformed extensive research on each consulting firm’s mission, projects, and obstacles

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCEStudy Abroad Participant, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Summer 2014

Analyzed local government and policies surrounding education and contrasted findings against U.S. policiesInteracted with native residents, including Patagonian grasslands inhabitants: Gauchos Gained exposure to the endangered and extinct languages of ArgentinaDeveloped fluency in Spanish language during 2-month experience by living with a Spanish-speaking host family

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCEVice President, Minority Business Association, Evanston, IL Fall 2012-Present

Support President in operations of student-run group focused on minority students interested in businessIncrease student membership by 70% during tenure as Marketing Advocate (Fall 2011-Spring 2012)Foster healthy working relationships with student-run groups, administrators, faculty, and alumni Facilitate bimonthly meetings to ensure efficiency and to create an equal learning forum for all membersResearch and analyze current organizational plans and propose new mission-specific direction

Nominated Participant, Undergraduate Leadership Program, Evanston, IL Spring 2011Acquired and improved leadership skills and experience through a 4-course certificate program Participated in leadership challenges designed to help identify and build strengths and weaknesses Received personal coaching sessions to identify and sharpen personal leadership styleDirected team problem solving assignments designed to simulate a business work-group environment

WORK EXPERIENCESales Associate, Foot Locker, Chicago, IL Fall 2013-Present

Utilize interpersonal and customer service skills to enhance customer shopping experiencesConsistently exceeded monthly sales targets by at least 40%Research newly released products to aid in sales approach to customers

ACTIVITIESOmega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Winter 2012-PresentUndergraduate Black Management Association Winter 2011-Spring 2011

SKILLSLANGUAGE: Fluent in SpanishTECHNICAL: Proficient in Microsoft Package: Word, Excel, Publisher, & PowerPoint

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE, such as study abroad, presents an opportunity to acquire marketable skills for a variety of industries and positions.

QUANTIFY your accomplishments and include the results of specific projects, when possible.

14

SIENNA PATEL EDUCATION Northwestern University,

Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors,

PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE Northwestern University,

The Freshman MusicaleThe History BoysI Love You Because

Raleigh Ensemble Players Theatre Company, The Last Days of Judas IscariotEukiah

The North Carolina Dance Institute, NCDI Summer Showcase

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCENorthwestern U. Danceworks Dog Sees God Into The Woods God’s Country Bat Boy

WORK EXPERIENCE Carousel Productions, Intern,

North Carolina Dance Institute, Substitute Dance Teacher, Front Desk Staff,

Temple Beth Or, Assistant Music Teacher

HONORSCary Academy Excellence in Drama Award, Johnnetta Camile Overton Scholarship

SKILLSTechnical: Computer:

JOAN GOODMANj-goodman18@northwestern.edu

(319) 555-7452 Current Address: Permanent Address: 1234 Ashland Avenue, Apt. 1N 1234 Dewitt Street Evanston, IL 60202 Cedar Rapids, IA 50662

EDUCATION Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Robert McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science Bachelor of Science in , June 2015 Cumulative GPA: 3.46/4.00

: Engineering Analysis, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer, Kinetics and Reactor Engineering, Chemical Product Design

PROJECTS

EXPERIENCE ABC Corporation, Chicago, ILDecember 2013 – Present

Optimize corrosion inhibition on steel while minimizing raw material costs in an experiment using D.o.E. Fusion® software Design a new piping configuration for more efficient draining of reactors in the production facility Resolve customer problems related to product use by design modification and enhanced user documentation Evaluate experimental raw materials for improvement of product performance (e.g., corrosion protection, wetting, toxicity, foam inhibition, formability) and product cost Generate data for the sales team for use in making product recommendations Analyze finished goods and raw materials for quality control

Lab Tech Research and Services, Bloomingdale, IL June 2012 – August 2012

Developed a company profile database of top 100 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to support industry-based benchmarking initiatives Documented experimental findings for multiple research teams and presented trends to leadership team to inform future decisions

SKILLS – Experienced in metal formability testing, bioluminescence toxicity assay, automatic titration, and other standard laboratory tests; familiar with Design of Experiments and FTIR

–Experienced in MATLAB programming, HYSYS process simulation, and D.o.E. Fusion® statistical software; proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Windows Vista/7/XP

– Conversant in Spanish

03. RÉSUMÉS

Highlighting specific plays, as well as names of the directors, shows experience and knowledge to potential THEATER employers.

COURSE PROJECTS are a great way to demonstrate technical, managerial, and teamwork skills.

15

03. RÉSUMÉS

Qualifications andexperience in the area of interest are highlighted by notingspecific PUBLICATIONS.

Signify the importance and scope of your work by providing SPECIFIC numbers, percentages, and monetary values, if applicable.

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William Carter 700 South Blvd. (847) 555-1500 Evanston, IL 60202 wcarter@northwestern.edu

EDUCATION Northwestern University: Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Evanston, IL Bachelor of Science Degree, June 2016 Major: Economics Minor: Business Institutions Program GPA: 3.1/4.0COURSEWORK: Introduction to Microeconomics; Introduction to Macroeconomics; Statistics for Social Sciences; Applied Econometrics; Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications

ACADEMIC PROJECTS Accounting & Finance: Amazon Analysis Project Spring 2014

Critically analyzed 100-page annual report for Amazon to identify Acid Test Ratio, Inventory Turnover, and Return on Investment in order to increase 2013 profit margin by 87%. Compared quarterly reports with competitor eBay and isolated areas of development for company to address Gained solid understanding of quarterly balance sheets (assets, liabilities, and share holders’ equity) and income statements (quarterly performance for revenues and expenses)

Introduction to Applied Econometrics: Regression Analysis using STATA Fall 2013Utilized internet and other resources to self-teach STATA programming language Analyzed demographic data and created a regression chart correlating demographic data to wages

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Basketball Representative, Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), Evanston, IL Fall 2013-Present

Selected by coaches and academic advisors as representative for men’s basketball teamPresent issues and opportunities around campus and Evanston community to Athletic DepartmentDevelop community service events for 150+ Evanston youthRelay ideas, questions, and concerns from teammates and other student athletes to campus administratorsCreate promotional videos & e-mails to attract peers to SAAC events

Member, Northwestern University Basketball Team, Evanston, IL Fall 2012-Present Elected to be in Leadership Council focused on representing team issues with coaching staff Teach the importance of teamwork and clear communication in a highly competitive environment Balance academics with 20+ hours of athletic commitment each week Critically analyze 350 offensive/defensive plays during the course of a season Assess opponent schemes and provide counter plays in a fast-paced mannerPractice conflict resolution skills to ensure healthy team atmosphere and focus on yearly team goals Earned Academic All Big Ten Honors in 2012 and 2013

Mentor, Peers Urging Responsible Practice through Leadership & Education, Evanston, IL Fall 2012-PresentProvide an equal-opportunity environment for student-athletes to share issues and opportunities in the community Implement new campus resources designed to enhance student-athlete life at Northwestern UniversityChosen by athletic administrators to make influential decisions benefitting student-athletes

WORK EXPERIENCE Counselor, Northwestern Men’s Basketball Camp, Evanston, IL Summer 2014

Provided basketball skills and encouraged campers to achieve goals through strong work ethic and dedication Assessed 25 campers’ skill levels and developed a personalized training module for campers to increase skills

SKILLS & INTERESTS Language: Basic knowledge of French and Spanish Technical: Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; STATA Interests: Athletics, Woodworking, and World Religions

STUDENT ATHLETES should focus on the leadership and transferrable skills gained in their sports and positions.

03. RÉSUMÉS

Experience in NONPROFIT SETTINGS communicates awareness of social issues, initiative in causes, and contributions to your community.

Résumé writing for graduate students

Graduate students applying to positions outside of academia

often must convert their CVs into résumés, which are pre-

ferred in industry and nonprofit settings. A résumé should

be concise and tailored to highlight relevant skills and

experience.

Some graduate students may not have relevant work

experience, however, and must communicate how their

experiences enable them to perform the required duties of

a position. As a graduate student, you have developed a

wide range of skills that have prepared you for multiple career

options. If your background is not an exact match, identify

the skills you have acquired during any activity in your life

that are transferrable and applicable to a particular position.

Think about all of your experiences—including advanced

coursework, research, projects, leadership roles, volunteer

roles, paid positions, and teaching—and note the skills you

developed in each. What were your daily tasks? What equip-

ment did you use? What were your results? Don’t forget about

your “soft” skills—teamwork, collaboration, project manage-

ment, and effective communication—which are highly valued

by employers. From a careful reading of the job description,

as well as your research of the employer and industry, you

will learn the important skills sought as well as the keywords

and terminology of the field and can tailor your résumé

accordingly.

The following pages show examples of graduate student

résumés.

Concise: one to two pages in length

Summary of skills, education, and experience

tailored to a particular industry or employer

Written for employers with a range of

academic and professional backgrounds

Used when applying for positions outside

of academia, particularly in industry and

nonprofit settings

Designed as a marketing tool to highlight

your fit for a position and to obtain an

interview

At least two pages or longer (no page limit)

Comprehensive overview of academic and

scholarly achievements

Written for academic audiences, typically in

your field of study

Used when applying for positions within

academic and research institutions and for

funding and fellowship applications

Categories and formats vary widely by

discipline

CV vs. RÉSUMÉCV vs. RÉSUMÉ

03. RÉSUMÉS

17

03. RÉSUMÉS

IDENTIFY SKILLS related to the job description. Showcasing the skills can help your résumé surface in an employer’s online search.

For nontechnical fields, highlight TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS from your research, such as analysis, modeling, and project management, instead of providing project overviews.

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Bradley J. Oliver 9000 Chicago Avenue #5B Evanston, IL 60202 � (773) 555-4321 � bq-oliver@u.northwestern.edu

EDUCATION

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Anticipated 2015 Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience, GPA: 3.12/4.00, GRE: Q: 790; V: 680; A: 6

Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, ILCertificate in Management for Scientists and Engineers Summer 2013 Selected (50/150) for an intensive 10-week program for doctoral students focused on management and frameworks.

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 2007 B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Minor in Fine Arts, Major GPA: 3.23/4.00

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 2009 – Present Graduate Student � Demonstrated the importance of a novel circadian/metabolism gene in regulating the sleep-wake cycle (1 publication).� Developed a novel application of statistical modeling for the large-scale study of neurobehavior (5 publications). � Initiated and championed technology transition to the RNA-Seq platform, resulting in acquisition of $7.8M award. � Mentored and supervised 8 undergraduates and 5 junior graduate students.

University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 2007 – 2009 Research Technologist III� Assisted in the negotiation of the laboratory's 3-year, $1.6M collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company. � Managed a team of 5 research technicians and a database engineer on a $3M government-funded project. � Redesigned the data analysis pipeline and accomplished rigorous testing targets to merit $1.5M funding for phase 3.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance (ADCA), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 2013 – Present Executive Board Member � Lead 50+ applying members through “Interview Bootcamp” workshop/seminar series. � Co-author and advise on the development of the ADCA Consulting Case Book, the first written by PhDs for PhDs.

Arts Student Council, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 2005 – 2007President and Business Manager � Co-wrote grant applications and budgeted $1,200 in campus funding for student art exhibition. � Recruited exhibition opportunities at local businesses (5-8/year) and managed venue logistics for the group.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, IL 2013 – Present Research Internship, Center for Research in Technology & Innovation � Co-author a case investigating targeting/positioning strategy for a new product launch published in a top business journal. � Analyze industry benchmarking information to determine market conditions and go-to market strategies.

Pottery Barn, Pittsburgh, PA 2006 – 2007Sales Team Member� Achieved record-setting sales numbers through extensive knowledge of 10,000+ products and over 240 hours of training.

AWARDS National Institutes of Health (NIH) fellowship (4 yrs at $75K/yr) Young Investigator Award (6 of 100+), 1st Sage Bionetworks Commons Congress Carnegie Mellon School of Engineering full-tuition scholarship (4 yrs)

INTERESTS & HOBBIES Arts Education � Introductory Sommelier Training Course Completed � Volunteer Little League baseball coaching � Ultimate Frisbee (founded/captained Carnegie Mellon Intramural Team)

AVERY P. MATTHEWS 112 Smithson Drive Chesapeake, VA 23322 (847) 555-4410 matthews@u.northwestern.edu

EDUCATION Northwestern University, Evanston, IL August 2015

Ph. D., Materials Science and Engineering, GPA: 3.56/4.00

The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA May 2009 Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics Minor Honors: Schreyer Honors College, Keramos Honorary Fraternity

RESEARCH & TEACHING EXPERIENCE Northwestern University, Evanston, IL September 2009-PresentGraduate Research Assistant, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Collaborated in an interdisciplinary center spanning 8 research groups at 3 universities across 4 disciplines to publish advances in transparent electronic semiconductorsCoordinated grant review presentation development and served as a liaison with lead investigatorsDeveloped novel technique to characterize point defects in amorphous thin films using high-temperature, in situ electrical property measurement

Science and Engineering Research and Teaching Synthesis, Evanston, IL March 2010- June 2014Workshop Organizer, Spring 2014

Developed immersive, hands-on experiments to demonstrate process and importance of university-level researchSupervised 18 students in group activities and taught basic research methods and techniques

Student Coordinator, Spring 2012 Rapidly ascertained the essentials of workshop organizers’ research areas to devise custom teaching methods and demosUtilized online forms enhancing the scheduling of 85 students into 15 workshop sessions over three weeks

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCEReady, Set, Go: A Course in Scientific Communication, Evanston, IL January 2014-PresentCo-Founder, Program Administrator

Authored grant application for $10,000 to pilot a yearlong workshop for graduate student researchersCoordinated professionals in theater, journalism, and communication to design intensive 10-week workshopDesigned and maintained a course website to promote the achievements of workshop fellowsAnalyzed program feedback using web-based forms and presented to a board of graduate school deans

Engelhart Graduate Residence Hall, Evanston, IL March 2010-September 2014Community Assistant, 2010-2012; Senior Community Assistant, 2012-2014

Facilitated weekly meetings for a staff of 4 graduate students to plan events and enhance community developmentReviewed, selected, and trained candidates for a community assistant positionPlanned 30 events over 4 years for a diverse community of 300 residents on budget of $8,000 per yearImplemented online duty log to track staff efforts, improving consistency of response and scheduling decisionsEnhanced Engelhart’s social network presence, contributed to improving event awareness and attendance by 50%

WORK EXPERIENCEApple Retail, Norfolk, VA June 2007-August 2009 Apple Specialist

Engaged customers in friendly conversation to assess needs and provide the optimal solution for their budgets Earned Apple Product Professional Gold-Level Certification for product knowledge

HONORS & AWARDS MGLC Art Fair Winner, Photography 2012, 2014

Walter P. Murphy Fellowship (awarded to outstanding first-year Ph. D. students) 2009

MATERIALS SYNTHESIS & CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES SEM, XRD, ToF-SIMS, XPS, Profilometry, Ellipsometry, Hall Probe, UV-VIS Spectrophotometry, Solid-state synthesis, PLD

COMPUTER SKILLSProficient Apple Keynote, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Muse, MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPointIntermediate Adobe Premiere, Adobe Dreamweaver, Google SketchUp 8, LabVIEW 7, Wolfram Mathematica 8

19

03. RÉSUMÉS

Listing PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS conveys a commitment to your field and may help you make connections with employers.

Highlight any GROWTH OR PROMOTION, demonstrating loyalty and potential to future employers.

Roy thompson Roy-thomps@northwestern.edu, (817) 555-3400

19 Orrington Ave. #213, Evanston, IL 60208

EDUCATION Northwestern University, The Graduate School and The Family Institute Evanston, ILMaster of Arts in Counseling, GPA: 3.9/4.0 June 2015Honors/Awards: Harris Scholar, Mental Health Human Rights Clinic Participant

Boston College, College of Arts & Sciences Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, GPA: 3.8/4.0 May 2013 Honors/Awards: Cum Laude; Member of Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology); Student Research Award- Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Fall 2012/ Spring 2013

CLINICAL AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE The Family Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL September 2013 – Present Counseling Practicum Trainee

� Complete 80+ hours of face-to-face counseling and receive 100+ hours of group and individual supervision � Provide direct clinical service to 15+ weekly clients aged 15-32 years� Treat presenting issues of depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, interpersonal relationships and body image

Past 2 Present Project, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA October 2011 – May 2013Research Assistant

� Collected data, developed recruitment strategies and corresponded with 45+ participants to measure the effects of childhood experiences on adult development

� Awarded a $2500 grant for a research project entitled “Does impulsive personality lead to college binge drinking? Examining the relationship between impulsivity and binge drinking among college students”

WORK EXPERIENCE Residential Services, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL August 2013 – Present Assistant Residence Director/South Campus Hall Government Advisor

� Collaborate with faculty, staff and students to foster vibrant and inclusive residential environments � Serve as primary advisor to 3 hall governments and offer guidance, training, and support to 15 lead members� Coordinate and implement the election process, manage executive board meetings, and facilitate the revision of constitutions

Tufts Summer English Language Programs, Tufts University, Medford, MA June 2013 – August 2013 Resident Counselor

� Provided supervision and guidance to 19 international students and 3 student leaders � Instructed residents on crisis response, identifying binge drinking behaviors, and active listening techniques � Fostered immersion to life at Tufts University and the United States by creating educational presentations and leading cultural

trips around the greater Boston area

Boston University Orientation, College of Arts & Sciences, Boston, MA March 2012 – January 2013 Student Advisor

� Served as a peer mentor and leader to a group of approximately 15-18 incoming students at each Orientation session � Conducted small group meetings and discussions with students and families, explaining academic polices and requirements

Billings Office of the Clinical Psychiatry Department, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA February 2011 – December 2012 Office Assistant

� Verified insurance claims of Boston Medical Center psychiatric patients and processed session billing � Managed clinical documents and updated insurance provider information through online office system

AFFILIATIONS AND SERVICE American Mental Health Counselors Association 2013 – PresentStudent Support Network, Boston College April 2012UMOJA, Boston College Black Student Union 2009 – 2011 Cultural Mentorship Program, The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, Boston College 2009 – 2011

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Teaching Experience

Co-Instructor, Northwestern University Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Evanston, IL Jan. 2013-Mar. 2013• Taught an introductory biomechanics course (statics and strength of materials) to 41 sophomore engineers• Implemented challenge-based learning methods • Developed and refined teaching philosophy and portfolio

Teaching Assistant, Northwestern University Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Evanston, IL Sept. 2012-Dec. 2012 • Supported professor by teaching an advanced engineering section for graduate students • Revised teaching materials and updated information for student course packets• Offered students recommendations to improve performance in course

Community Service

Mentor, Get-a-Grip Middle School Science Program, Evanston, IL Sept. 2012-Present• Teach students basic engineering concepts related to the design of a prosthetic arm• Mentor middle school students during a prosthesis design competition

Judge, Chicago Public Schools Annual Science Fair, Chicago, IL Jan. 2012• Evaluated elementary and high school student projects for city-wide science fair competition

Volunteer Science Teacher, Kennedy Elementary, Chicago, IL, & Haven Middle School, Evanston, IL June 2010-2012 • Instructed classes of 25-30 students in basic science and engineering concepts on a monthly basis • Collaborated with school faculty to develop innovative projects to engage elementary and middle school students• Created schedules and assigned teaching responsibilities for team of 10 graduate student volunteers

Skills

Technical Software: Matlab, Mathematica, Maple, SPSS, SIMM, OrthoTrak and Cortex for motion capture, AutoCAD, Mechanical Desktop, TurningPoint, FORTRAN 77

Computer Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Paintshop, Adobe SuiteLanguages: Spanish (fluent), French (proficient)

Selected Publications and Presentations

Santiago, M.L., Yarin, S., Mehta, D. “Cross Validation of a Portable, Six Degree-of-Freedom Load Cell for Use in Lower-Limb Prosthetics Research.” (In Preparation).

Santiago, M.L. “An Investigation of Shock-Absorbing Components in Persons with Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation.” Midwest Chapter Meeting, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, May 15, Atlanta, GA, USA, 2014.

Santiago, M.L. “What’s New in Rehabilitation Research.” Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s Annual Nancye B. Holt Rehabilitation Management Course: Challenges in Leadership and Management, January 10-11, Dallas, TX, USA, 2014.

Santiago, M.L., Lewis, D., Fey, T.E. “Limb Compliance and Shock-Absorbing Pylons in Persons with Transfemoral Amputations.” International Society for Orthotics, May 19-23, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2013.

Santiago, M.L., Horton, J.C., Baldwin, A., Lewis, D. “The Effect of Transfemoral Prosthesis Alignment Perturbations on Gait.” Journal of Orthotics and Prosthetics. 68(3):58-64, 2013.

Santiago, M.L. “Comparing Shock-Absorbing Prosthetic Components in Unilateral Transfemoral Amputees.” Abilities19(3):6-7. Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA, 2011.

Awards

American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists Education Research Foundation Fellowship 2013-2014 Whitaker Foundation Graduate Fellowship 2009-2013 Second Place Departmental Award, Northwestern University BME Research Day Poster Presentation 2012 Award for Progress in Engineering Design and Application 2012 University of Virginia Academic Achievement Scholarship 2004-2008 University of Virginia Distinguished Service Award 2008 University of Virginia College of Engineering Award 2007

03. RÉSUMÉS

MAYA L. SANTIAGO1915 Maple Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 555-1234 ml-santiago2@u.northwestern.edu

Profile

Doctoral candidate in Biomedical Engineering seeking a challenging position in medical device development. Six years of expertise using innovative research methods to build and test prosthetic devices. Strong communication skills developed through interacting directly with medical patients to collect data and presenting research to scientific and community audiences. Demonstrated strong leadership ability planning a departmental research symposium and multiple teaching experiences.

Education

Northwestern University, Evanston, ILPh.D. Candidate in Biomedi ca l Engineer ing , Anticipated June 2015Dissertation: Neuromechanical Mechanisms of Prosthetic Knee Joint Control: Associations with Prosthetic Alignment

M.S. in Biomedi ca l Engineer ing , December 2011Thesis: An Investigation of Shock-Absorbing Prosthetic Components for Persons with Transfemoral Amputation

Graduate Teaching Certificate Program, 2012-2013 Searle Center for Teaching Excellence

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VAB.S. in Mechani ca l Engineer ing , May 2008Magna Cum Laude

Research Experience

Research Assistant, Northwestern University Prosthetics-Orthotics Center, Chicago, IL Apr. 2009-Present• Propose novel research protocol to investigate the influence of prosthetic alignment on the gait biomechanics of

persons with transfemoral amputation • Build and test innovative EMG electrodes that make it possible to acquire intrasocket EMG signals • Design custom-made alignment adapters to implement and standardize research protocol • Collect quantitative gait data using a Motion Analysis motion capture system, AMTI force plates, Cosmed treadmill,

iPecs™ load cell, and Noraxon EMG telemetry system• Supervise and train 5 undergraduate students through a summer research project• Program custom Matlab scripts and perform statistical analyses to analyze gait data• Recruit, schedule, and consent subjects for research studies• Prepare and maintain Institutional Review Board (IRB) paperwork

Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA Sept. 2007-May 2008• Studied the influence of different pH solutions on the dynamic swelling of functional hydrogel structures in

microfluidic channels

Research Fellow, National Science Foundation REU, University of California, Los Angeles, CA May 2007- Aug. 2007• Examined the biomechanical effect of growth factors on the repair time of flexor tendons in the human hand• Conducted material strength tests of tendon sutures using MTS equipment• Presented research results to academic colleagues and corporate sponsors

Leadership

Co-Chair, McCormick Graduate Leadership Council, Northwestern University Sept. 2013-Present• Organize a council of 16 student leaders to foster leadership and community among engineering graduate students• Manage a $7,000 budget from the Dean’s Office for academic, social, and professional activities• Plan and implement 3 seminars on academic career planning for doctoral students

Symposium Planning Committee, Chicago Graduate Student Research Symposium Sept. 2010-May 2012• Collaborated with academic departments, faculty, staff and students at 5 Chicago-area institutions to organize an

interdisciplinary research symposium with over 200 attendees• Coordinated travel arrangements and meeting schedules for invited speakers and guests• Created project timelines to ensure appropriate deadlines were met by planning committee members

When converting your CV to a résumé, highlight your direct and transferrable skills in a CANDIDATE PROFILE.

Mentioning “SELECTED” PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS saves space and implies there are more.

21

03. RÉSUMÉS

The scope and breadth of your TEACHING EXPERIENCES can be quantified; keep track of the number of students in each course, thesections taught, and how you were rated.

When searching for CAREERS OUTSIDE ACADEMIA, think broadly about skills such as leadership, coaching,and course design.

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04. COVER LETTERS

An important marketing tool, a cover

letter introduces you to a potential

employer and should always accom-

pany a résumé. By clearly highlighting

your strengths and credentials, the

cover letter should capture the employ-

er’s interest and ultimately secure you

an interview. You should customize

your cover letter for each employer

and address it to a specific person. If

you don’t know the recruiter’s name,

address your letter to “Northwestern

Recruiting Team” or “Hiring Manager.”

A cover letter is written in a business

letter format. It should be kept to one

page of three to five paragraphs, focus-

ing on specific content in depth and not

repeating your entire résumé.

The opening paragraph introduces

you. State your reason for writing and

how you learned about the organization

or position. If someone referred you,

include the person’s name and affiliation

with the employer. Demonstrate your

level of interest in and knowledge of

the organization in two to three more

sentences.

The middle paragraphs emphasize

and elaborate on your strongest quali-

fications and key relevant experiences.

Address qualifications specifically listed

in the job description. The cover letter

and résumé together should convey a

complete picture of what you want the employer to

know about you.

The closing paragraph is generally used to express

thanks for consideration, to request an opportunity to

discuss the position, and to indicate how you can be

reached. For long-distance searches, let the employer

know of any plans to visit the area, in hope of arranging

an interview then.

If you are using the heading from your résumé, you

needn’t repeat your contact information in the closing

paragraph. Include your name, institution, degree, and

graduation date in the signature.

It is a good idea to solicit feedback on your cover

letter by sharing drafts with NCA staff, professional

contacts, and peers. Ask your reviewers, “What did you

learn about my qualifications and interest in the posi-

tion?” And, of course, you’ll want to proofread it before

sending it.

You’ll see three sample cover letters on the pages

that follow.

23

04. COVER LETTERS

Baxter Rosi1234 Chicago Avenue Apt. 2A, Evanston, IL 60201 ∙ brosi4@u.northwestern.edu ∙ 847.555.3211

September 29, 2014

Jack Smith

Director of Human Resources

The Boston Consulting Group

300 N. LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60654

Dear Mr. Smith:

I am writing to apply for the Associate position at The Boston Consulting Group. Currently, I am a senior at Northwestern

University and a double major in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Business Institutions. The

Boston Consulting Group stands out to me because of its wide range of capabilities in the global market and the customized

approach it takes to address clients’ challenges. In addition, the opportunity to chart my own course in a supportive and

challenging environment is very important to me. I have spoken at length about this position with Ann Johnson, a current

Associate with BCG, and our discussions have reinforced my enthusiasm for working at your organization upon graduation.

My internship and leadership experiences, as well as my academic performance, have given me the interpersonal and ana-

lytical skills to succeed at BCG. This past summer I worked at Target Corporation as a business analyst intern. My primary

responsibilities included developing a strategic plan to increase Target’s sales and cut costs through better product transition

processes and creating a long-term plan to implement my recommendations. I, along with my other teammates, developed

a plan to address the disconnect between the timing and scope of product transitions compared with the customer shopping

trends and frequency, which led to a potential sales increase of $10 million and receipt savings of $9.3 million. Although the

core of the internship involved quantitative work and trend analysis, the knowledge that I gained through the positive rela-

tionships I built with team members across the division was critical to my success.

In addition to my professional experiences, I have served as a leader at Northwestern in both the classroom and other capac-

ities. Currently, I am the chair of the Northwestern program team for campusCATALYST, a student- run organization that

pairs students with a non-profit to carry out a 10-week consulting project. I began my involvement with campusCATALYST

as a sophomore, when I participated in the program as a community analyst during my winter term. I interned at a non-

profit called GlobeMed, where I analyzed its current and prospective media strategies to determine how it could implement

a more effective media campaign for its upcoming expansion. Last year, I was chosen to join the program team for campus-

CATALYST as a non-profit liaison. My responsibilities included recruiting and managing non-profit clients and the MBA

mentors who worked with the students during their projects. In the spring of 2011, I was elected chair of the organization,

and will be managing the 9-person program team as well as serving as the student liaison to our board of directors.

I believe my education, work experience, and leadership abilities make me a strong candidate for the Associate position.

Enclosed is my resume that further outlines my education and work experience. I am excited to learn more about The Boston

Consulting Group and look forward to the opportunity to discuss this position with you in person. Should you have any

questions, please feel free to contact me at 847-555-3211 or brosi4@u.northwestern.edu. Thank you for your time and con-

sideration. I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Sincerely,

Baxter Rosi

The highlighted

sections demonstrate

how you can tailor

your cover letter to

the job description.

Job postingAssociates work closely with BCG teams and the client organization as they conduct interviews,

analyze data, communicate findings, and drive change. You will become adept at helping clients find

answers to their toughest questions and implement necessary changes. No two experiences are the

same but all offer opportunities and challenges. BCG also offers career paths that include promotion

directly to consultant, graduate school assistance, and career transition opportunities worldwide.

BCG offers you an experience that spans many industries, clients, and business issues, with

learning coming in all shapes and sizes, from intensive orientation programs to ongoing training and

on-the-job apprenticeship. As an associate, you will be challenged to develop firsthand knowledge of

clients’ critical business issues, building client-management, problem-solving, and communications

skills. You will be given ownership of significant segments of client projects, as well as responsibility

for supporting the broader problem-solving effort. You will conduct interviews with key market players

and industry specialists and analyze clients’ performance. Your findings, and contributions to team

discussions, will help deliver impact for clients.

In addition to a strong academic record, we seek candidates who are team contributors, having

excellent problem-solving skills, exceptional communication skills, strong quantitative and analytical

skills, and are proven leaders.

24

04. COVER LETTERS

Marie HoughSlivka Hall ∙ 2332 Campus Drive ∙ Evanston, IL 60201 ∙ (309) 555-2323 ∙ Mariehough@northwestern.edu

January 18, 2013

Penguin Group (USA)

Human Resources Department

Attn: Internship Coordinator

375 Hudson Street

New York, NY 10014

Dear Internship Coordinator:

I am a junior majoring in Comparative Literature with a minor in Public Health. Yet, to the librarian at home in

New York, I am still the kid who bribes her friends for library cards each summer in order to evade the 30- books-

per-week-limit. I was also the one who secretly hoped for rainy days in elementary school – it meant spending recess

in the library.

Now that I am at Northwestern University, I have had the ability to branch out in my passion for reading. I have

become interested in the legal processes of the literary world, and I am eager to see how a powerhouse publishing

company responds to changes such as the rise in e-books. Since publishing is a field closed off to most students, I am

eager to explore each Penguin Group department in both the Young Readers and Adult divisions, and was excited to

find the posting on CareerCat. I would like to be considered a candidate for your summer internships in the follow-

ing areas: contracts, editorial and subsidiary rights.

My interest in the publishing process began with forays in journalism. During my freshman year, I joined the copy

desk of The Daily Northwestern and studied investigative reporting by editing articles. The following year, I used

what I learned and began working on short clips, an activity culminating in my own investigative article about late-

night dining options in Evanston. I then contacted the editor of Newsday newspaper and he invited me to join its

copy desk that summer as its first undergraduate intern. Although the newspaper industry is a different type of print

publishing, it was fantastic being part of the group revision process. I would walk out of the office each night with

my nose stuck happily in a copy of the next morning’s paper.

An internship with Penguin Group would introduce me to a new area of the publishing industry–one without which

story pitching and writing would be void. Working in the newsrooms has given me a wider view of research and

writing than any class could have offered. Furthermore, it has given me an irreplaceable set of time-management

skills. I hope to use the skills I have accrued in the long but rewarding journey that goes into introducing a new novel

to the bookshelf.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in more detail. I will be returning to New

York for my Spring Break mid-March and would be available for an on-site interview. Thank you for your time and

consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Marie Hough

Mariehough@northwestern.edu

Job postingPenguin Group (USA) offers paid internship opportunities in various business

areas such as contracts, editorial, finance, graphic design, managing editorial,

marketing, online marketing, production, publicity, sales, subsidiary rights, and

operations. Internship opportunities are available in our Young Readers and Adult

divisions.

Research and writing experience, along with time-management skills are

highly desirable qualities we look for in candidates.

The internship program consists of three 10-week long sessions. During the

spring and fall, interns work 14 hours per week. During the summer, interns work

28 hours per week.

A series of lunch events are planned for summer interns. Brown Bag lunches

give interns the opportunity to learn about different departments, and group

lunches are designed to allow interns to network with each other as well as

employees across the company.

25

04. COVER LETTERS

Leah Daniels2400 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60201 • (650) 555- 9292 • leah2018@u.northwestern.edu

March 20, 2015

Benefit Cosmetics LLC

Director of Human Resources

225 Bush St.

San Francisco, CA 94104

Dear Hiring Manager,

A passionate dancer since the age of eight, I have experimented with my fair share of false eyelashes and red lipsticks. Before

every stage appearance, I always make sure to apply what I consider to be my “secret performance ingredient”: Benefit’s

“High Beam.” I discovered this magical highlighter when I visited my local Benefit boutique for the first time. After dabbing

a couple of drops onto my face, I felt my cheekbones and confidence brought to light; I was ready to dance my heart out in

the middle of the store. While only “High Beam” can elicit my inner Shirley Temple, I experience a similar rush of exhilara-

tion when brainstorming creative marketing strategies and designing promotional materials. Passionate about everything

related to beauty and communications, I would be thrilled to combine my greatest interests through Benefit Cosmetic’s

Brand and Digital Marketing Internship.

I am a freshman at Northwestern University pursuing a degree in Economics and Dance. I first discovered my interest for

marketing while serving as the Officer of Public Relations for Silicon Valley DECA. Unversed in social media before assum-

ing the role, I eagerly taught myself everything related to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr and spent hours creating a new

website for the organization. Through trial and error, I learned how to harness social media to most effectively engage and

connect with our organization’s members.

In my subsequent role as Silicon Valley DECA President, I enhanced my communications skills working with 12 student

officers to arrange and promote our organization’s first Leadership and Career Development Conference. After surveying

members to determine their professional goals and desired skills, we recruited guest speakers such as Charles Huang,

co-founder of Guitar Hero, to present conference workshops on key career-preparation topics. By expressing the value of

these workshops in creative social media campaigns, we attracted over 1,000 members to our conference. During the event

planning process, I learned how to mass-market a large-scale event, and I realized the importance of leveraging community

support and awareness when promoting a service or product.

As an intern for iCadenza, I gained experience creating strategic social media and product expansion plans. After analyzing

the demographics and social media tendencies of the company’s customer base, I created Facebook and YouTube customer

contests to increase market awareness and the company’s online presence. In addition, after conducting multiple market,

competitive, and financial analyses, I discovered opportunities for the company to receive an additional profit of $6,150 over

three years by expanding its services to aspiring professional dancers.

I would love to expand my knowledge of the industry by working at Benefit, which presents a uniquely inspiring and

empowering ethos through its product branding. As an intern, I would help Benefit expand its presence among college

students by organizing campus brand events and social media campaigns that would increase customer interaction. I would

value the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Leah Daniels

Job postingJob Description:

Benefit Cosmetics is looking for an enthusiastic Brand and Digital Marketing Intern for the US team, who is

motivated to obtain real-world experience and exposure within a leading global beauty brand. The intern will

support both the Brand and US Digital Marketing teams in their day-to-day tasks.

As a general overview, the Brand and Digital Marketing department communicates the brand experience

through campaign activations, social media, strategic partnerships, and promotions and facilitates brand expo-

sure to the customer. The Brand and Digital Marketing Intern will be introduced to the inner workings of the

beauty industry and must be prepared to work responsibly in a fast-paced environment. In your cover letter,

please address the goals you plan to achieve with this position and why you want to work for Benefit. Don’t

forget to include grade point average, community involvement, and leadership experience on your résumé.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Brand campaign support

• Social media and digital campaign support

• Event support

• Competitive analysis

• Product stockroom maintenance

• Administrative duties

Qualifications:

• Organized with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced

environment

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Sees projects to their completion and meets deadlines

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, PowerPoint,

Word

• Must be enthusiastic, motivated, responsible, and have

a sense of humor

26

Interviews are a critical part of the

hiring process for both employers and

candidates. As a candidate, you are able

to obtain information about the job and

the organization, determine whether

the fit is good for you, and impress

the employer. The interviewer can

promote his or her organization, gather

information about you, and assess your

qualifications.

05. INTERVIEWING

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Interview preparation should begin early in your job

search process and will contribute to your success.

Thorough preparation will enable you to speak

confidently about your achievements. Preparation

can be broken down into three main components:

Know yourself. Conduct a thorough self-assessment

of your education, experiences, accomplishments,

strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. Review

what you said on your résumé about the skills you

developed and contributions you made in each

experience.

Research. Learn everything you can about the orga-

nization (e.g., vision, location, size, structure, products

and services, culture, customers, and competitors) and

the industry. This will help you to respond to interview

questions and demonstrate that you are interested in

the organization.

Practice. We encourage you to practice responses out

loud with a friend, family member, or peer to become

more comfortable and confident in talking about your-

self and your accomplishments. Receiving feedback

and constructive criticism is critical to improving

interviewing skills. Mock interviews may be scheduled

with any NCA career adviser and are a great way to

practice. All NCA mock interviews are videotaped to

assess your nonverbal behaviors.

INTERVIEW TIPS

Prepare for the interview

Research the industry and the organization.

Review your résumé.

Prepare questions.

Practice with an NCA staff member.

Bring your résumé, an unofficial transcript, and a list

of references.

Dress appropriately for the job, company, and industry.

Arrive early, at least 10 minutes before the scheduled

time.

Turn off your cellphone.

Engage with the interviewer

Address the interviewer by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last

name unless asked to use the first name.

Offer a firm handshake.

Convey enthusiasm for the company and position.

Maintain strong eye contact.

Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.

Speak specifically about your role in any successes.

Be honest and avoid exaggeration.

Obtain a business card from each interviewer.

Send a thank-you note to the interviewer(s) within

48 hours.

Avoid faux pas

Do not chew gum and avoid smelling like smoke or

alcohol.

Use moderate hand gestures and maintain appropriate

posture.

Be mindful of your tone of voice and rate of speech.

Let the interviewer finish speaking; avoid interrupting.

Take time to think before answering difficult questions.

Avoid using acronyms, slang, and filler words like “um”

or “like.”

Avoid speaking negatively about anything—a previous

employer, a professor, a colleague.

Be mindful of not being overbearing, overaggressive,

or conceited.

Avoid discussing salary, holidays, or bonuses unless

the interviewer raises these topics.

27

05. INTERVIEWING

The most common interview format employers use today

is behavioral interviewing, which is based on the idea that

past behavior and performance are predictive of future behav-

ior and performance. The interviewer will typically ask ques-

tions that begin with “Tell me about a time when you … ” or

“Describe a … ” or “Give me an example of when … .” Your

responses should describe how your specific experiences

relate to the job for which you’re applying.

Developing a strategic approach to behavioral interviewing

means taking the preparation steps described above even

deeper. Analyze and identify themes within the job posting.

Reflect on your experiences to identify examples of when

you demonstrated the skills, knowledge, and experience

required for the position. By using the STAR approach, you

can structure and organize your responses to behavioral

interview questions, succinctly communicating the important

parts in describing an event:

Situation. Describe the context of the situation.

Task. Describe the task at hand and your specific role

within it.

Action. Describe the actions you employed.

Result. Describe the outcome of your actions.

STAR APPROACH IN ACTIONSTAR APPROACH IN ACTION

QUESTION: Please describe a time when you employed

problem-solving skills.

ANSWER: In my internship last summer at the

National Relief Fund, I was asked to devise a better

system for tracking donations earmarked for hurricane

disaster relief (situation). Because the National Relief

Fund is such a large organization, I needed to under-

stand the various ways donations were being tracked

(task). By surveying regional offices, I found that only

78 percent of these offices had database tracking sys-

tems that were upgraded to the level of those at the

national office. I included this information in a report

that recommended an upgrade in these databases for

all regional offices (action). As a result, the executive

director made the decision to move forward with

upgrading systems by August 2014 (result).

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Most interviews follow a three-stage pattern:

The introduction. Arriving early shows respect for the

professional who has reserved time to meet with you.

When the interviewer approaches, rise from your seat in

greeting. The walk to the interview room is an opportunity

to develop rapport by engaging in small talk. Once you are

seated, the interviewer may provide an overview of the time

you will spend together.

The information exchange. The interviewer will ask ques-

tions about your experiences, skills, and interest in the posi-

tion. This is your opportunity to prove that you are the best

candidate. Remember that your nonverbal behaviors, such

as how you stand, sit, and listen, also influence the impres-

sion you’re giving.

The wrap-up. It is common for interviewers to ask toward

the end of an interview, “Do you have any questions for me?”

You may ask for more details about the position and the skills

the organization is seeking, but avoid asking questions related

to salary, benefits, and personal topics. At the conclusion of

the interview, express appreciation for the interviewer’s time

and restate your interest. The interviewer will likely share the

hiring timeline. If you are not offered a business card, ask for

one so that you have the exact email or postal address to

which to send a thank-you note.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Analyze in writing how the interview went, what you learned,

and what your impressions were of the organization and the

interviewer(s). A written record of each interview will help you

remember and compare positions later.

Within 48 hours, send a personalized thank-you note to

each person with whom you met (see page 30).

If you do not hear back from the organization within the

timeframe discussed, contact the interviewer(s) again to

express your continued interest and ask about your status.

28

05. INTERVIEWING

INTERVIEW ATTIRE

While your interpersonal skills

and ability to formulate responses

are the most important elements,

appropriate attire supports your

image. The way you dress can

greatly enhance or detract from

the impression you make. Present

yourself in a manner that reflects

a highly polished and professional

image.

For both men and women,

the professional standard is to

wear a matched two-piece suit.

Acceptable colors are darker (e.g.,

gray, navy, or black). Appropriate

size is critical for both comfort

and presentation. Make sure your

suit is pressed for each interview.

Hair Make sure your hair is

clean and well-groomed.

Shirt Long-sleeved shirts

are most appropriate year-

round. Choose white, light

blue, or conservative stripes.

Shoes Lace-up, wing-tip

shoes are the most conser-

vative choice and are uni-

versally acceptable. Have

your shoes shined.

Jewelry/accessories

Limit jewelry and accesso-

ries to five pieces. You do

not want them to distract

from what you are saying.

Skirt/pants A dress, skirt,

or pants may be worn with

a blazer. A dress or skirt

should cover your thighs

when you are seated; a

good rule of thumb is that

it reach at least the middle

of your knees when you

are standing.

Hosiery Always wear

hosiery in a neutral shade

or a shade that coordi-

nates with your suit.

FOR MEN

Tie Whether stripes or

small dots, patterns should

be uniform and subtle.

Deep red, maroon, blue,

navy, gray, and black blend

well with dark suits.

Belt Select a belt that

matches or complements

your shoes and has a

simple buckle.

Socks Socks should com-

plement the color of your

suit and be long enough for

you to cross your legs

without showing bare skin.

FOR WOMEN

Shirt/sweater Wear a con-

servative blouse or a knit

shell underneath your suit

jacket. White or off-white

colors match with many col-

ors. Tops that are revealing,

are high around the neck,

or have many ruffles or frills

are not recommended.

Handbag Carry a small,

simple purse or handbag

that coordinates with your

shoes. It is also acceptable

to bring a small briefcase

or business tote bag.

Shoes Choose close-toed

pumps of leather or fabric/

microfiber that allow you to

walk comfortably.

29

05. INTERVIEWING

Although you can’t predict exactly what an interviewer will

ask, questions about decision making, analysis and problem

solving, initiative, interpersonal skills, teamwork, communica-

tion, and leadership are among the most common. Use the

following list as a general guide as you prepare.

Personal

Tell me about yourself.

What short-term and long-term goals have you set for

yourself? How are you planning to achieve them?

Who or what has had the greatest influence on the

development of your career interests?

What two or three things are most important to you in

a position?

What two or three accomplishments have given you

the most satisfaction?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

What has been your greatest challenge?

Are you willing to relocate or travel as part of your job?

Education

Why did you choose your major?

Do you feel your GPA reflects your academic ability?

How has your major helped you prepare for this position?

What is the most important lesson you have learned in or

outside of school?

How do you think you have changed personally since you

started college?

Knowing what you know now about your college experi-

ence, would you make the same decisions?

What has been your favorite or least favorite course? Why?

Employer

What expectations do you have for your future employer?

Why are you interested in this organization?

Why are you the best person for this position?

What can you contribute to this company?

What challenges are you looking for in a position?

How have your educational and work experiences

prepared you for this position?

What do you expect from a supervisor?

Experience

What are your team-player qualities? Give examples.

Describe your leadership style.

What is your approach to handling conflict? Solving

problems?

How do you motivate others?

Describe a leadership role of yours and tell why you’ve

committed time to it.

What work experience has been the most valuable

to you?

What was the most useful criticism you received, and

who provided it?

How did you decide which extracurricular activities to

join? What did you gain from these experiences?

What contributions have you made to a group project?

What types of situations put you under pressure? How

do you deal with pressure?

What have you found most frustrating in your work

experience?

Behavioral

Take me through a project where you applied __________

skills.

Describe a situation when you displayed your critical

thinking skills.

Describe a project or situation that best demonstrates

your analytical skills.

Describe a situation where you had a conflict with

another person and how you handled it.

Give an example of a problem you solved and the

process you used to arrive at the solution.

Describe an idea that you developed and implemented

that you felt was particularly creative or innovative.

Tell me about a difficult decision you have made.

Tell me about a time you set a goal and failed to reach it.

Give an example of a situation in which you failed and

how you handled it.

Tell me about a time when you had to persuade another

person to concur with your point of view.

Tell me about a project you initiated.

Tell me about a team project that you are particularly

proud of and what your contribution was to the project.

Common interview questions

30

05. INTERVIEWING

POSTINTERVIEW THANK-YOU NOTES

A personalized thank-you note is your final chance to stand

apart from other applicants and to have additional contact

with the employer before a hiring decision is made. Send a

thank-you to each interviewer within 48 hours of the interview.

A thank-you note may be handwritten or emailed. When

determining which is more appropriate, consider the employ-

er’s hiring timeline and the culture of the organization. If

the interviewer indicated that you would hear back within

the week, email a thank you. A handwritten note is best if

the organizational culture is conservative. Write the note on

good-quality paper or stationery, keeping to one page, and

make sure your writing is legible.

The content is as important as the format. In addition to

expressing your appreciation for the interviewer’s time, a

thank-you note gives you another opportunity to summarize

your strengths, talk about highlights of the interview, confirm

your continued interest, and cover anything you did not

mention during the interview. Although your thank-you note

should center on professional content, you can reference a

personal topic that was discussed during the interview that

may help you stand out from other applicants. There is

no shame in name-dropping in your correspondence with

recruiters and interviewers. Whether emailed or handwritten,

your note should be proofread to ensure there are no errors.

Do not be surprised if an employer does not reply to a

thank-you note. A thank-you note is a professional courtesy

on your part and not a call to action for an employer.  

A thank-you note should accomplish the following:

1 Show your appreciation for the interviewer’s

time and information.

2 Recap specific conversational highlights.

3 Reiterate your relevant skills and qualifications.

4 Follow up on a question that you weren’t pre-

pared for or confident about answering during

the interview, if applicable.

5 Highlight especially relevant or interesting

aspects of the organization; this is a great

opportunity to reflect on the organization’s

mission.

6 Communicate your continued interest and

enthusiasm for the opportunity.

31

05. INTERVIEWING

Dear Mr. Smith,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me yesterday for a position as a 2015 Corps

Member of Teach For America. I enjoyed learning more about the positive impact Teach

For America is making across the country, and I look forward to contributing to the

movement.

I left the interview with a heightened interest in the opportunity after learning more

about the growth you experienced as a Teach For America Corps Member. During the

interview, you asked what I hope to gain as a Corps Member. Upon further reflection, I

hope to enhance my teaching abilities while also securing my place in history as an educa-

tor, motivator, and leader.

Teach For America is where I want to launch my career within education. I am pas-

sionate about educational reform, and I am committed to ensuring access to a strong

education for all students. My leadership experiences at Northwestern have prepared me

for the challenges that I will face in the classroom. I am eager to make a real impact on

the world around me, and I am looking forward to utilizing my strengths as a leader to

motivate my students throughout their education. I believe that education is the key to our

world’s future, and I hope to instill a love of learning in my students.

Since the interview, my enthusiasm for Teach For America has only continued to grow.

Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to interview for this transformative role.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Locke

1

4

3

5

2

6

Dear Ms. Wilde,

Thank you for taking the time to interview with me yesterday for the posi-

tion of Financial Services Representative with Pacific Insurance.

After speaking with you, I am even more excited about this opportunity

and I am confident that I can contribute to the initiatives of the Financial

Services team. Specifically, I am eager to use the skills I have developed in

my role as Vice President of Finance for Alpha Beta Gamma and the knowl-

edge I gained from my internship at Sue Reality. My organizational and

interpersonal skills will allow me to deliver the exceptional service that your

clients expect and deserve.

I would like to reiterate my strong interest in the position of Financial

Services Representative and joining your team. Thank you for providing me

the opportunity to interview, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Susan Love

847-555-9876

susanlove@northwestern.edu

1

2

3

6

32

06. FINDING JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The most successful job and internship

seekers employ a variety of strategies.

They start the process early, focus their

pursuits, and develop an action plan.

They commit energy and time to the

search.

As a first step, you must define your end goal. You

will want to find the balance between being too broad

and too specific in your interests. When you focus too

broadly, your search may feel overwhelming, as every-

thing is a potential opportunity. When you focus too

narrowly, your search may feel like finding a needle in

a haystack. Instead, start by reflecting on what you are

looking to gain from the experience and what you want

in your future job or internship. Once you have defined

these, there are strategies for your action plan:

IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES ONLINE

The effectiveness of this common search strategy will

increase if you use some of these resources:

CareerCat and INET list employment opportunities

exclusively for Northwestern students. Northwest-

ern’s online search systems allow our students

to apply for full-time, internship, part-time, and

summer employment opportunities posted by

employers.

Niche job boards are maintained by professional

associations, chambers of commerce, regional

entities, and others. These websites are valuable

because they extract positions aligning with career

interests or geographical preferences.

Megasites are clearinghouses for opportunities of all

sorts. These sites extract a large variety of position

types and industries in diverse geographic regions.

Sites to use include Internships.com, Idealist.org,

and Indeed.com.

It is important to visit these websites frequently,

since opportunities are added daily. If a position

interests you, visit the employer’s website as well and,

if possible, submit your materials directly.

Do not rely solely on these websites, however;

many positions are not posted publicly, and for those

that are, competition will be great because of the large

number of applications.

SOURCE EMPLOYERS

Employer sourcing involves researching the potential

employers in your desired industry to target and pursue

opportunities. Develop a comprehensive list, including

employers that you are already aware of and those

that surface in your research. Online resources helpful

in developing your target list include Hoover’s, Career

Search, LinkedIn, and Vault.

Visit the website of each employer on your list to

learn about current opportunities. If you find an oppor-

tunity, adjust your application materials accordingly

and submit your application. If there are no current

opportunities, network to establish a connection in

anticipation of future opportunities.

MOBILIZE YOUR NETWORK

Networking, the most important strategy in finding

employment opportunities, is discussed in detail in the

networking section. Establishing genuine networking

relationships is a constant process that should begin

well before your job or internship search and continue

even after you have secured a job.

33

06. OPPORTUNITIES

AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

Finance

Consulting

Engineering

Education, nonprofit

Government **

Advertising, marketing, media, PR

Start-ups

*

AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

Finance

Consulting

Engineering

Education, nonprofit

Government **

Advertising, marketing, media, PR

Start-ups

*

Hiring activity cycles by industry

INT

ER

NS

HIP

SF

UL

L-T

IME

JO

BS

*Several government agencies have early application deadlines due to security clearances.

To effectively plan your search, it is important to know when different industries hire new employees and interns. Hiring cycles vary by company and industry. Please consult with an NCA staff member to prepare strategies well in advance of your desired industry’s hiring cycle.

The tables below reflect typical hiring timeframes for internships and for full-time positions for June graduates. NCA receives job and internship postings throughout the year for every industry.

© 2014 Northwestern University.

Produced by University Relations.

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