Office of Career Success

As you grow professionally, so will your resume! The Office of Career Success is your resource in finding opportunities available to you through internships and job placement that will expand your resume and add to your professional skills.

Resources: 

• OWL (Purdue Online Writing Lab)

Your cover letter is your chance to expand upon your resume by highlighting previous experience that directly relates to the position you are applying for. Your cover letter gives your job application personality and, in many instances, determines if a potential employer decides to continue forward and review your resume.

Here are a few fast tips for cover letter success:

• CHANGE your cover letter for EVERY position you apply to.
• Limit your cover letter to one page.
• Include your contact information.
• Use a format and language that directly relates to the industry and job you are applying for.
• Be sure to use proper spelling and grammar.
• Present yourself confidently by using action words.
• Your cover letter is an extension of your resume, give clear examples of experience you have had previously that would be beneficial in fulfilling the expectations of the position you are applying for.
• Finish your cover letter with your signature.

Resources:

• CareerLab (tips for a variety of cover, thank you and internship letters).
• OWL (Purdue Online Writing Lab).

The Office of Career Success can walk you through the steps in developing and reviewing your cover letter.

It is crucial to have a handful of recommenders to call upon during your job application process. Some positions will ask for a list of recommenders to be submitted with your resume and others will ask for the list after they have decided to continue pursuing you as a potential applicant.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Your recommenders should represent a group of professors, previous/current employers, and mentors that you have had positive relationships with.
• Be sure to inform your recommenders that they may be contacted by a potential employer.
• Inform your recommender of the nature of the position you are applying for. This will help them be able to give information to the prospective employer that highlights your abilities as a positive addition to their team.
• It is also a good idea to gather written recommendations from individuals while you are still fresh in their minds!
• Be sure to send your recommender a note stating your gratitude for their recommendation. This is not only good etiquette, but secures that relationship for future recommendations.

Resources:

• How to Ask and What to Expect
• 10 Steps for Preparing Top-Notch References

The interview is your chance to convince a potential employer that you are the right person for the position you are applying to. There are many tricks of the trade when it comes to interviewing, but one thing holds true: “practice makes perfect.” Make an appointment to have a mock interview with one of our staff!

Preparing for the interview:

Know Yourself

This means knowing what your personal career goals, strengths, achievements and skills are. Be sure to have specific examples that demonstrate how your background, skills, and interests make you a perfect fit for the position and the organization’s needs.

Research the Employer

Knowing your employer fully will set you apart during your interview. Research the employer through their website and online resources such as Glassdoor and ReferenceUSA. Know the employers size, age, products and services, reputation, organizational structure, location and accomplishments.

Practice!

Remember: Practice makes perfect! Set up a time for a mock interview in the Office of Career Success by contacting Kim at 970.943.3006 or businesscareers@western.edu.

Be sure to send a copy of your resume and the job description prior to your mock interview appointment. If you do not have a specific position that you are practicing for, please send a description of a position that interests you.

Day of Interview:

Arrive Early

Be sure to be onsite at least 10-15 minutes early.

Dress Appropriately

It is vitally important to dress appropriately! First impressions stick with potential employers and many make their decision to hire you based off of the first 30 seconds of your interview. Not sure what is appropriate? Check out some examples of proper interview attire in the dropdown below.

Body Language

Be sure to offer a firm handshake at the beginning and at the close of the interview. During the interview maintain eye contact and avoid nervous fidgeting. Be sure to keep your arms uncrossed and keep items away from the front of your body. Sit up straight and use a confident tone to communicate.

Listen

Think about the question being presented before answering. Ask for clarification if you are unsure of how to respond.

Ask Questions

Show that you have researched the organization and have an interest in learning more about it.

Be Enthusiastic

Be excited about the opportunity to be interviewed by the organization! Show your gratitude to be offered the opportunity to interview and show how you can be an added benefit as an employee to the organization. Speak enthusiastically and positively about your education and past experience. SMILE!

After the interview

Write a thank you letter to the interviewer.

(Examples coming soon!)

Dress for Interview Success!

1. Business Formal: This is the standard dress code for an interview.

Women’s Business Formal:

• Pant suit (preferably in a dark color), which includes tailored pants and jacket, and solid (or subtle patterned) blouse/top.
• Skirt suit (preferably in a dark color), which includes knee-length skirt, tailored jacket, and solid (or subtle patterned) blouse/top.
• Closed toed shoes with no more than 1-2 inch heels.
• Minimal jewelry such as rings, bracelets, or necklaces.
• Small to medium size purse, along with portfolio, pen, and extra copies of your resume.
• Subtle make-up.
• Avoid perfumes.

Men’s Business Formal:

• Two-piece, single-breasted, and dark (solid color or conservative pinstripes) suit.
• White dress shirt and with a white undershirt underneath and conservative tie (no bowties, bright colors, or bold patterns).
• Dark, polished shoes and matching socks.
• Portfolio, pen, and extra copies of your resume.
• Conservative, short haircut and trimmed or shaved facial hair.
• Avoid cologne.

2. Business Casual: This is the typical attire used once hired. Be sure to discuss office policies with your internship or employment supervisor.

Women’s Business Casual:

• Jacket, blouse, cardigan, or conservative top with pants or a knee-length skirt.
• Simple, knee-length dress (nothing low-cut).
• Closed or open toed shoes (no flip flops).
• No jeans or casual sun dresses.
• Spaghetti straps are not appropriate.

Men’s Business Casual:

• Pants (dark or khaki).
• Collared button up shirt with a white undershirt underneath or a collared knit polo shirt.
• Leather shoes (no sneakers or flip flops).
• No jeans.