Stanford University- Resume Guide

CareerPlanning

Handbook

2011-2012

StanfordUniversity

CareerDevelopment

Center

Edited by Kathy Campbell

Cover art by Katharine Matsumoto

Table of Contents

MAP/HOURS/CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

CAREER CENTER RESOURCES/SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES/SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PREPARING FOR THE JOB SEARCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • ResearchYourSkills,InterestsandValues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • ResearchYourOptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • SampleApproachLetters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 • ResearchingEmployers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 • OrganizationalChartsforaTypicalBusinessandNot-for-ProfitOrganization . . . . 9

THE JOB SEARCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 • JobSearchStrategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 • ThePublicServiceJob/InternshipSearch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 • PreparingforaCareerFair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

INTERNSHIPS/SUMMER JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 • InternshipGuidelines/PlanningGuide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR CARDINAL CAREERS ACCOUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

RESUMES/COVER LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 • ResumeInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 • ActionVerbsforYourResume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 • SampleResumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 • SampleElectronicResume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 • SampleReferenceList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 • CoverLetterInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 • SampleCoverLetters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

INTERVIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 • BeforetheInterview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 • TypicalStagesoftheInterview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 • SampleInterviewQuestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 • QuestionstoAskEmployers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 • SendaThank-YouLetter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 • ReasonsforRejection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 • TypesofInterviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 • InterviewAttire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 • GuidelinesonBusinessEtiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 • GuidetoAppropriatePre-EmploymentInquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

EVALUATING/NEGOTIATING JOB OFFERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 • SalaryNegotiation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 • FrequentlyAskedQuestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 • WhenYouReceiveanOffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 • EvaluatingJobOffersWorksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 • SampleOfferRejection&AcceptanceLetters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

LIFE AFTER STANFORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 • YourNewJob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 • LivingonYourOwn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 • BudgetWorksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 • CostofLivingIndex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

ALUMNI RESOURCES/SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

CORPORATE PARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

ADVERTISER INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

2 Stanford Career Development Center

ADDRESSStudentServicesBuilding563SalvatierraWalk

WEBSITEstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc

CONTACT INFORMATIONGeneralInformation (650)723-3963Counseling (650)725-1789CareerResourceLibrary (650)723-1545LetterofRecommendationService (650)723-1548EmploymentServices (650)723-9014

HOURSCounseling Services and Career Resource Library (2nd Floor)Monday-Friday,9am-12noonand1pm-5pm

Letter of Recommendation Service (2nd Floor)Monday-Friday,10am-12noonand1pm-4pm

Employment Services (3rd Floor)Monday-Friday,8:15am-4:30pm

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CAREER COUNSELINGOurcounselingservicesaredesignedtoaddressyourneeds

andconcernsonaone-on-onebasis.A45-minuteappointmentwithacareercounselorcanbescheduledonlinebyloggingintoyourCardinalCareersaccount.Waittimescanrangefromonedaytotwoweeksdependingonthetimeofyear.Fifteen-minutedrop-inappointmentsareavailableMonday-Fridayfrom11am-12noonand2pm-4pm,onafirst-come,first-servedbasis.Thesetypesofappointmentsareperfectforresumeorcoverlettercritiquesortoanswerquickquestions.Wehavecounselorswiththefollowingspecialtyareas:

Arts/Media/Communication–MargotGillilandBusiness–VedaJeffriesEngineering–ChrisPohalski&BevPrincipalInternationalCareers–EspieSantiagoInternships/SummerJobs–KathyCampbellPhDs/PostDocs–YureeSohPublicService–KristinConnerScience/Biotech–LauraDominguezChan

WORKSHOPS/SPECIAL PROGRAMSThereareavarietyofusefulworkshopsandspecialprograms

offeredattheCDCthroughouttheacademicyear.Pleasecheck theCDCCalendarofEventsatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internshipsforschedulingdetails.

Workshops• What Drives You? Offeredfallquarter,thisworkshopwillhelpyouidentifythekeystoyourpersonalitypreferencesandstrengths.Takepartinthisnewworkshopthatwillhelpyouunderstandmoreaboutwhatmotivatesyouandhowparticularstrengthsinformchoicesbothpersonallyandprofessionally.ThisworkshopusestheMyers-BriggsTypeIndicatorandStrengthsQuestassessments.

• Purpose, Meaning & Direction Ifyouarecuriousabouthowyourvaluescanaffectfuturedecisionsorhowyourinterestscomparewithprofessionals,thiswinterquarterworkshopisforyou.ThisworkshopusestheStrongInterestInventoryandValuesCardsassessments.

• Internship/Summer Job Search Strategies Learntipsandresourcestohelpyoulandasummerjoborinternship.

• Key Strategies for the Job Search Learnhowtoconductanindependentjobsearchbyfocusingyourefforts,researchingoptions,buildingasupportnetwork,andusingmultipleresources.

• Using Social Media to Market Yourself and Find a Job SocialnetworkingsitessuchasLinkedIn,Facebook,andTwitterhavebecomeincreasinglypopularjobsearchtoolsintoday’smarket.Inthisworkshop,learnthemosteffectivewaystousesocialmediatomarketyourself,findajob,andbuildandmaintainalastingprofessionalnetwork.

• Cardinal Recruiting Program Orientations Atthebeginningoffallandwinterquarters,informationaland

proceduralorientationsdescribetheon-campusrecruitingprogram.

• Preparing for the Career Fair Learnhelpfulhintsonhowtohaveinteractionswithemployersthathelpclarifyyourcareerdirectionandgettherightjob.

• Quick Networking Tips Makeconnectingnotsoscary,moreeffectiveandFUN!Practiceintroductionsandnetworkingskillsforavarietyofsettingsincludingreceptions,meals,andinformationalinterviews.

• Resume and Cover Letter Essentials Thisworkshopwilltakeyouthroughtheinsandoutsofwritingadynamicresumeandcoverletter.

• Interviewing Strategies Howtoprepareforaninterview,typesofinterviews,andfollow-upproceduresarediscussedinthisworkshop.

• Evaluating and Negotiating Job Offers Thisworkshopisdesignedtohelpyouclarifyyourparametersandpriorities,evaluatewhetheranorganization/jobofferareagoodfit,andlearnskillstonegotiateanoffer.

CAREER RESOURCE LIBRARYTop Resources Online:TheVaultCareerInsiderEmployerandIndustryGuides,Rich’s

DirectoryofHighTechandBioTechCompanies,Lexis-Nexiscompanydatabase,theBIGGuidetoLivingandWorkingOverseas,UniworldDirectoriesofHeadquarterCompanieswithOfficesOverseas,andCaseQuestionsInteractive.Gotostudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-librarytobeginusingtheseresources.IfyouhaveanyquestionscontacttheCareerResourceSpecialistatcarolc@stanford.edu .

Using the Library: AllonlineresourcesareopentoStanfordstudentsandPostdocs.

Allhardcopytitlesinthespecializedcollectionofoccupationaldescriptions,industryinformation,job/internshiplistings,andcompanydirectoriesareavailabletostudents,postdocs,andalumni.Gotostudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-libraryfordetailsandtosearchthecatalog.WiFi,acopymachine,andaprinterareprovidedforyouruse

andreferenceassistanceisavailable.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION SERVICETheLetterofRecommendationServicehaspartneredwith

Interfolio,aweb-basedcredentialfilemanagementservice.Thisserviceisavailabletobothcurrentstudentsandalumniforanominalfee.Theentiresystemisbothsecureandconvenient.VisittheInterfoliowebsiteatinterfolio.comformoreinformation.

CARDINAL CAREERS Thousandsoflistingsforinternships,part-time,full-time,summer

andon-campusjobscanbefoundbyregisteringwiththeCDCandaccessingourjobs/internshipdatabaseatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internships .

CAREER CENTER RESOURCES/SERVICES

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iNET INTERNSHIP NETWORK StanfordUniversityhasjoinedtenotherselectuniversitiesto

offeryouawiderrangeofinternshipopportunities.ParticipatingschoolsincludeDuke,Georgetown,Harvard,MIT,Northwestern,NYU,Rice,UniversityofPennsylvania,USC,andYale.Thisisanadditionalresourceforinternships.Youwillstillfindinternshippostings,exclusivetoStanford,availableonCardinalCareers,studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc.RegisterforiNetatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internships.Afteryouraccountisestab-lished,completeyourprofileanduploadyourresume,coverletter,and/orotherjobsearchdocuments.

CARDINAL RECRUITING PROGRAMTheCardinalRecruitingProgramprovidesstudentswitha

convenientopportunitytointerviewoncampuswithemployersduringthefallandwinterquarters.Interviewsareforfull-timeposi-tionsaswellassummerinternships.LearnmoreabouttheCardinalRecruitingProgramatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/cardinal-overview .

CAREER FAIRSDuringtheacademicyear,theCareerDevelopmentCenter

sponsorscareerfairswhicharedesignedtohelpyoudevelopcontacts,andperhapsfindaninternship,summer,orfull-timejob.ForalistoftheCareerFairsofferedbytheCDCvisitstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-fair-schedule .

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES/SERVICESAsaninternationalstudent,youmayhavequestionsabouthow

topursuejobandinternshipopportunitiesintheUnitedStates.Thefollowingresourcesareavailabletohelpyoumanageyourcareersearch.

CAREER COUNSELING Careercounselorsareexcellentlisteners,problemsolvers,informa-

tionproviders,andmotivators.Counselorscan:• Helpyouclarifyandarticulateyourskillsandinterests• Provideresourcesforexploringoptionsorresearchingindustries• ProvideinformationonUSresumes/CVsandcoverlettersandreviewdrafts

• ProvidetipsoninterviewingintheUSandconductpracticeinterviews

• Strategizeyourjobsearch

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WEBSITEFormoreinformationandresourcesoncareerdevelopment,

jobsearchstrategies,andresourcesforinternationalstudents, checkoutthesectionoftheCDCwebsitespecificallyforInternationalStudents,studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/icareers .

WORKSHOPS AND PROGRAMS SomeoftheCDC’sworkshopsandprogramsarespecifically

designedforinternationalstudents.ChecktheCDCCalendar,https://stanford-csm.symplicity.com/calendar/,forspecificdatesandtimesofthefollowingrecurringevents,additionalevents,andtosignupforworkshops.

• OrientationtotheCDCforInternationalStudents• ResumeandCoverLettersforInternationalStudents• JobSearchStrategiesforInternationalStudents• InterviewingStrategiesforInternationalStudents

CAREER RESOURCE LIBRARYstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-library

RESOURCES OF NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS On the Shelves:Culture Shock USA Living and Working in America Passport USA Global Resumes and CVs International Student Resource BinderOnline at cdc.stanford.edu/library:Uniworld online directories of potential employers: American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries and Foreign Firms Operating in the United States

The Big Guide to Living and Working Overseas

WORK PERMIT AND VISA ISSUES TheCDCdoesNOTprovideinformationregardingworkpermits.

TheBechtelInternationalCenteroffersafullrangeofservicesforinternationalstudentsandtheirspouses,includingimmigration andworkpermitinformationforF-1andJ-1students.Excellentinformationonimmigrationissuesisavailablethroughtheirwebsite,icenter.stanford.edu.Checkouttheirimmigrationsection,attendapracticaltrainingworkshop,ortalkwithanInternationalStudentAdvisorduringwalk-inadvisingorbyemailat [email protected] .TheASSULegalCounselingOffice,assu.stanford.edu/lco,can

alsoprovideinformationorreferralsonimmigrationlawissues,aswellasinformationonotheraspectsofthejobsearch,suchasreviewingemploymentcontractswhenanofferhasbeenmade.AllregisteredStanfordstudentsandtheirspousesanddomesticpartnerswithaStanfordIDareeligibleforcounseling,providedtheyhavenotrequestedarefundofthefeeassessment.Hoursmayvarythroughouttheacademicyearandinthesummer,soitisimportanttocall (650)375-2481toscheduleanappointment.

cdc.stanford.edu



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RESEARCH YOUR SKILLS, INTERESTS, AND VALUES Knowyourself—beginbyassessingyourskills,interestsand

values.It’ssurprisingthatmanyindividualsconsidersalaryandotherfactorsbeforepersonalvaluesandinterests.Wouldn’titbegreatifyoucouldactuallyincorporateyourinterestsintoyourcareerplans?ConsiderutilizingthecareerassessmenttoolsofferedbytheCDC.Thesetoolscanbeusedtohelpyouunderstandandcompareyourpersonalstyleandintereststoindividuals successfullyemployedinavarietyofoccupations.Askyourself:Whatareyourinterests?Whatareyourskills?Whatareyourvalues?Whatisyourpersonalstyle?Whatareyourgoalsanddreams?

WOULD TAKING A CAREER INVENTORY OR COMPLETING SOME WORKSHEETS BE HELPFUL TO YOU? TheCDCofferstheStrongInterestInventory,CampbellInterest

andSkillSurvey,Myers-BriggsTypeIndicator,StrengthsQuest,andSkillsandValuescardsorts.Inaddition,youcanaccessthenewonlineGuidedCareerPathtoolfromourwebpageat www.stanford.edu/dept/CDC/gcp .

RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS AND WHAT’S OUT THERE NETWORKING/INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWSWhatisnetworkingasitrelatestothejobsearch?Networking

meansconnectingwithpeopleinafieldororganizationinwhichyouwishtowork,toask for information, not a job.Networking,includinginformationalinterviewing,isthejobseeker’sequivalentofmarketresearch.Itisessentialinlearningaboutfieldsandjobfunctions,theskillstheyrequire,jobsnotpubliclyadvertised,waystoenteraspecificfield,andinsideinformationaboutaparticularorganization’scultureandexpectations.

FIVE STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING1) DEVELOP A LIST OF POSSIBLE CONTACTS Thinkaboutwhatfieldsyouwanttoexploreanddevelopalistofcontactsrelevanttoyourinterests.Tofindthesecontacts,attendCDCcareerevents,networkingreceptions,etc.,useStanfordCareerConnect, alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career,LinkedIn,Facebook,family,friends,professors,orperhapspeoplewhohavepublishedarticlesinnewspapersorjournalsinyourfield.Becreative,yournetworkisallaroundyou.

2) ASK FOR THE INFORMATIONAL MEETING Youcandothisbyphone,inpersonifapplicable,orbyemailorletterwithafollow-upphonecall.Assumethatthepersonisverybusybutwillenjoygivingyouadvice.Youcanphoneyourcontactdirectly,sendanemailaskingforameeting,orwriteanapproachletter.Informationmeetingsarefarmoreeffectivewhenconductedinpersonratherthanoverthephoneorbyemail.Phonemeetingsarenecessaryinlong-distancejobsearches,orwhenaskingforareferraltosomeonemoreappropriate.Typically,peoplesharereferralstotheirnetworkonlywhentheyknowyouandhaveconfidenceinyourabilities.Thistypeofrelationshipcanbemoredifficulttoestablishonlineoroverthephone,especiallyforthosenotaccustomedtousingsocialnetworkingsites.

Phone Dialogue to Ask for a Meeting Writingyourownscriptoutaheadoftimewillhelpyoufeelmorecomfortableandincontrolofthesituation.Practiceyourscriptuntilitsoundsnaturalandupbeat.Rehearseitwithsomeonewhocangiveyoufeedback.Always check whether the person has time to talk to you, so you have their attention. Offer to call them back . . . don’t expect them to call you.• Introduceyourselfandexplainhowyougottheirname.• Askiftheyarefreetotalkforafewminutes.• Ifthey’renot,askforthebesttimetocallbackandbesureyouactuallycallthen.

• TellthemyouareRESEARCHINGthe________fieldandaskingforADVICE,notajob.

• Askfora20-30minutemeetingattheirconvenience,attheirworksite,andassurethemyouknowtheyarebusyandyouwillbebrief.OPTIONAL:Youcanoffertobuythemacupofcoffeeortakethemtolunch,butthiscanbeexpensive;meetingthemintheirofficeisoftenmoreconvenientforthemandhelpfulforyourresearch.

• Besuretogetcleardirectionstotheirworkplaceandanyspecialproceduresforparkingatthefacility.

Sending Email or Writing a Letter to Ask for a Meeting Youcandothesamethroughemailoraletter,butit’shelpfultofollowupwithaphonecall.Itisusuallybestnottoenclosearesumewithanapproachletteroremail,asitlooksmorelikeyouareapplyingforajob.Describeyourexperienceinyournoteinabrief,naturalway.Ifyoudoencloseyourresume,mentioninyournote:“I have enclosed my resume so you will have some information on my background.”

3) PREPARE YOURSELF Readaboutyourcontact’sfieldandorganizationinordertogetthemostoutofyourmeetingaswellasshowyourinterest.Buildingatargetlistof5-10organizationsinwhichyouareinterestedwilldemonstrateyourfocus.

4) CONDUCT AN EFFECTIVE MEETING Yourgoalsarefourfold: • tolearnmoreaboutthecareerpathyou’reconsidering • topresentyourbackgroundandinterestsclearly • tolearnmoreaboutthecompanyitself • toobtainreferralsPeopletendtobeverybusy,sobesureyoukeepthemeetingtothetimeyourequested.Meetingsinperson,whicharethemosteffective,shouldprobablytakenomorethan30minutes,andphonemeetingsshouldonlylast10-15minutes.

Introduce Yourself and State Your Purpose “Hello.It’sapleasuretomeetyou,andIreallyappreciateyourtakingthetimetoseeme(orspeaktome).AsIsaid inmyemail,Iamexploringdifferentcareerfieldsand opportunities.Iwillbegraduatingin____,andam especiallyinterestedinlearningmoreaboutthe__________field.Iamnotlookingforajobatthispoint, butamresearchingthefield.”Or“Iamresearching possibilitiesforsummerinternshipstogainexperienceinthe_______field,andwouldappreciateyourperspectiveassomeoneinvolvedinthefield.”

PREPARING FOR THE JOB SEARCH

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ASK QUESTIONS DURING THE MEETING Ask Questions and Build the Relationship (Let them be the expert)“Whatkindsofprojectsdoyouworkon?”“Whatledyoutothisposition?”“Whatdoyoulikemostandleastaboutyourwork?”“Whatarethepersonalqualitiesofpeoplewhoaresuccessfulinthisfield?”

“Howwouldyoudescribeatypicalweekintermsofthepercentageoftimeyouspendonthedifferentpartsofyourjob?”

“Whatkindsofbackgroundsdopeopleinthisorganization(field)have?”

“Whatarethemostpressingneedsandissuesforyour departmentwithintheoverallorganization?”

Other Possible Questions to Ask“Whataretypicalcareerpathsinthisfield?”“I’vebuiltatargetlistoforganizationsinthisfieldtoresearch.Wouldyoubewillingtolookatmylistandgivemeanysuggestionsyoumighthave?”

“Whatotherkindsoforganizationsdo(healtheducators)workin?”

“Givenmybackgroundandinterests,arethereother organizationsyoumightsuggestIexplore?”

“Howwouldyouadvisemetogetstartedonbuilding experienceinthisfield?”

“Whatorganizationshireentry-levelpeoplein(advertising)?”“Howdoyouseethenextfewyearsintermsofjob prospectsinthisfield?”

“Arethereconferenceswhichmightbeusefulfornewcomerstoattend?AprofessionalassociationIcouldjoinasastudent?”

“Aretherecertainclassesortrainingprogramsyouwould recommendforbuildingexperienceforthistypeofposition?”

“Whatkindoftrainingisprovidedfornewstaff?”“Howisperformanceevaluated?Whatisrewarded?”“Whatistheworkenvironmentlikeintermsofpressure, deadlines,newprojects,teamworkvs.independentwork,etc.?”

“Whataretypicalworkscheduleshere?Isitcommontoworknights/weekends?”

“Isitpossibletobalancecareerandpersonallife reasonablywellhere?”

Ask for Referrals “You’vebeenverygenerouswithyourtime,andyou’vegivenmeseveralnewideastoexplore.Ihaveafinalrequest.Thejobsyouthoughtmightbeappropriateforsomeonewithmyskillsandbackgroundsoundinteresting,andI’dliketofindoutmoreaboutthesepossibilities.Doyouknowanyoneinthesekindsofjobswhowouldbewilling,likeyourself,to

providemewithadditionaladviceandinformation?”Or,“Doyouknowanyonein(marketresearch)at(AjaxCompany)whocouldgivemeadviceorwouldbewillingtosharetheir knowledgeandgivemeideasforfurthercontacts?”

Say Thank You “Thanksagainfortakingthetimetotalkwithme.I’veenjoyedourmeetingandit’susefultohearaboutyourexperience.IwillletyouknowhowI’mdoing.”Or“Thismeetinghasbeensohelpful;mayIcontactyouinafewmonthswhenIhaveprogressedfurtherinmysearch?”Thenaskfortheirbusinesscard.

5) FOLLOW UP Sendathank-younote,whichcanbetypedorhandwrittenonqualitypaper,includingyouraddressandphone.Emailcanalsobeusedforathank-younotewhenappropriate.Besuretoincludeyouraddress,phone,andemail,sothatyourcontactcangetbackintouchwithyouiftheysodesire.Remembertokeeptrackofyourcontactsbycreatingatrackingsystem.Periodicallyyoumaywanttoupdateyourcontacttoletthemknowhowtheyassistedyou.Letthemknowthatyoufollowedupwiththeadditionalcontactstheyprovidedandwhatoutcomesresultedfromtheseconversations.

Resources for Networking/Informational Interviews Include:

• StanfordAlumniMentoringat:mentoring.stanford.edu

• AlumniAssociationCareerConnectat:alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career

• OnlineNetworkingTipsat:studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/networking

• ProfilesofSuccessat:studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/identify/alumni-profiles

creating a culture of mentorship

• campus-wide,web-based,alumni-studentmentoringprogram

• connectsstudentstoalumniworldwideinongoing,one-on-onementoringrelationships

• providesstudentswithcareerguidanceandinsightsaboutlifeafterStanford

• helpsstudentsnavigategraduateschool

mentoring.stanford.edu


http://mentoring.stanford.edu


PR

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From:[email protected]

To:[email protected]

Subject:requestforadvice

DearM

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IreadanarticleyouwroteinMoneymagazineonJapanesemoneymarketfunds.AsI

amdoingaresearchpaperontheJapanesestockmarket,Iwasespeciallyinterested

inyourarticle,andthoughtyouwouldbeagoodpersontoaskforcareeradvice.

IaminterestedinenteringthefieldofinvestmentbankingwhenIgraduatefrom

StanfordUniversitythiscomingJunewithaB.S.inEconomics.Microeconomicshas

beenespeciallyinterestingtome,andmyworkastheHouseManagerofadormon

campusconfirmedmyinterestinfinancialmanagementandteamwork.Inaddition,I

haveworkedsummersintheFinanceDepartmentofamanufacturingcompanynear

myhome.

Woulditbepossibleforustosetupashort20minutemeeting?Overthenextfew

monthsIwillbeconductingajobsearchandIamcertainyouradvicewouldbe

helpfulasIlookforopportunities.Iunderstandyouareverybusy,andappreciateyour

time.

Sincerely,

JaneSummers

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cdc.stanford.edu




PR

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P.O. Box 9999Stanford, CA 94309(650) 723-XXXX

May 21, 20XX

Dear Mr. Payne:

Donald Green, my roommate’s father, was right when he suggested that you would be helpful to me in offering advice on a career in consumer product marketing.

I appreciated your taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me. Your suggestions were most helpful, and I have already set up a meeting with Sarah Wood, as you suggested.

Again, thanks so much for your assistance. I will keep you posted on my progress, and check back with you in a few months.

Sincerely,

Tom WangTom Wang

SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER

RESEARCHING EMPLOYERSStartwiththeseCDCCareerLibraryresourceswhenyouarereadytoidentifypotential

employers.• Vault Career Insider:Topemployersinadvertising,media&entertainment,manage-mentandconsulting,finance,privateequity,andinotherindustries.YoumaydownloadtheseguidesorsearchthousandsofadditionalcompaniesviayourVaultCareerInsideraccountatcareerinsider.vault.com/wps/portal/careerinsider .

• Foundation Directory Online: Updatedmonthly,thisdirectorycontainsinformationonthelargest10,000publicandprivatefoundationsintheU.S.andlinkstofoundationwebsites.ItishighlyrecommendedtoviewthesearchtutorialsorcontacttheCareerResourceSpecialistforinstruction.Gotofconline.foundationcenter.org .

• Rich’s High Tech and Biotech Companies:Thousandsofcompanyprofileswithcontactinformation.Findcompaniesintheaerospace,lasers/optics/photonics,robotics,biotechnology,lifesciences,medicaldevice,andpharmaceuticalindustries.Searchbyproductcode,location,keyword.Gotorichsdata.com/Admin/Users/CustomEntryPage.aspx?uid=10512

• Research Centers Directory: Aguideto13,000university,government,instituteandothernonprofitresearchorganizations.Inhardcopyformat.

• NOW!Onlineatfind.galegroup.com/grrs/dispAdvSearch.do.Select“ResearchCentersDirectory”(scrolltoview),thenenterkeywordssuchas“biomechanical”,“geometry”,“bioinformatics”,or“atmosphericmodeling”.

• LexisNexis Academic:UseLexisNexistocreateacompanylist.Enterkeywordssuchas“constructionmanagement”,“biotechnology”or“videoproduction”intotheBusinessDescriptionsearchbox.Refineyourlistbystateorcity,andbynumberofemployeesorrevenue.Gotostudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-library,clickon“Lexis-Nexis”.

• Uniworld:Thisresourcecontainstwoonlinedirectorieswith190,000potentialemployers-AmericanFirmsOperatinginForeignCountriesandForeignFirmsOperatingintheUnitedStates.Searchbykeywordinthecompanynamefield.Gotouniworldbp.com/stanford.html .

• The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas: Usetheadvancedsearchoptionandenterdescriptivekeywordssuchas“internationaldevelopment”.Loginatworkingo-verseas.com/user.Thereare2,600organizationsprofiledatworkingoverseas.com/mysearch/profiles .

• LinkedIn Company Search:Enteracompanyname,keywords,orindustrysuchas“urbanplanning”,“interactivemarketing”,or“internationalbanking.”Viewaone-minutevideoatwww.youtube.com/watch?v=1j5VoN_v-Us.Createyourprofileandloginat:linkedin.com/companies .

• The Book of Lists:Asetof43U.S.cities’businessrankingswithcontactinformationforthetop25-50companiesinfieldssuchasbiotechnology,nonprofits,foundations,managementconsulting,andothers.InhardcopyformatintheCDC Career Resource Library .

• Google Maps:Enteryourlocation(zipcodeorcityorstate)intothesearchboxalongwithindustryorcareerfieldterms.Alistingofrelatedcompanieswilldisplayintheleft-handcolumnandthecompanies’locationswilldisplayonthemapontheright-handsideofthewindow.Gotomaps.google.com .

• Google Business Directory:Select“Business”,select“Directories”,selectacategorysuchas“Energy&Environment”.Limitresultsgeographicallybyaddingthenameofastate,azipcode,oracity.Gotodirectory.google.com .


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cdc.stanford.edu

1 0 Stanford Career Development Center

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JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

• Tailor your resume:Evaluatethejobdescription,andorganizetheinformationonyourresumetohighlighttheknowledge,skillsandabilitiestheemployerisseeking.Employersspend30secondstotwominutesscanningyourresume.Makesureyourmostrelevantandimpressive experienceseasilycatchtheattentionofthereader.

• Hone your interviewing skills:Learnhowrespondtovarioustypesofquestionsdirectingtheemployerstoyourstrengthsandrelevantexperiences.Describeyourexperiencesinsuccinctandeffectivewaysincludingtheproblemyoufaced,theactionyoutook,andtheresultsyouachieved.

• Tailor your job search: Researchyourtargetemployersandfindoutthebestwaystosecureemployment.Manyindustriesandsmallorganizations(entertainment,venturecapital,smallnonprofits)donotpostjobsontheinternetandrequireproactivejobsearchstrategies.Otherorganizationsmayrelyoncollegerecruitingastheirprimaryhiringstrategy(consulting,investmentbanking,etc.).

• Learn how to effectively search for jobs online:AccessingjobspostedontheInternetisconvenientandeasytodo;however,mostopportunitiesareneverpostedontheInternet.Itisestimatedthatasmanyas80%ofalljob opportunitiesareneveradvertised.Herearesometipsforeffectivejobsearching:

- Big,highlyvisiblejobboardsmakeitdifficultforjobapplicantstodistinguishthemselves.Studiesshowthatonly4%ofusersfindjobsthroughthesesites.Focusonnichewebsitesorgotothecompanywebsitewhenpossible.TheCDC’sjobpostingdatabase,CardinalCareers,issmallbutabout50%ofthejobsare exclusivelypostedtothissite.CDCsurveystatisticsshowthatroughly15%ofthebachelorsandmastersstudentswereabletofindemploymentthroughCardinalCareers.TheCDCalsorecommendsthejobsite,Jobcentral.com.Thissiteindexesjobsoncompanywebsitesaswellasotherjobboards.

- Usekeywordstosearchforjobs,andgraduallyaddmoresearchcriteriatonarrowyourresults.Experimentwitheachsearchenginetogetthebestresults.

- Donotusemajorsassearchcriteria.Exceptforsometechnicalfields,keywordsearchesfocusedon knowledgeareas,skills,andabilitiesarefarmoreeffective.

• Target employers directly:Whetheremployershave openingsornot,contactingemployersdirectlycanbeextremelyeffective.Moststudentsfindthistechnique intimidating,butthosewhouseitreporta47%successrate.Jobseekersneedtoresearchtheorganizationthoroughlybeforeapproachingtheemployerandtailortheirresumeandtheircoverletterformaximumimpact.

• Network for job leads from family, friends and alumni: Connectwithanetworkofindividualsbyconducting informationalinterviews.Whiletimeconsuming,studiesshowthatthisapproachhasasuccessrateof33%.TheCDCsurveyofgraduatingstudentsshowsthat36%ofthebachelorsstudentsfoundjobsthroughthismethod.Learnhowtoconductinformationalinterviewsandgrowanetworkofsupporterswhowillhelpyouidentifyjobleads.Letasmanypeopleaspossibleknowthatyou’relookingforajob/internship.

• Attend Career Fairs:CareerFairsprovideanopportunitytomeetwithemployersinaninformalsetting.Certaintypesofemployersfindcareerfairstobeveryproductiverecruitingvenues.Technical,consulting,andbankingorganizationstendtobestronglyrepresentedatmanyoftheStanfordfairs.14%ofstudentsreportedfindingjobsthroughcareerfairs.Priortoattendingafair,preparea30-secondpitchtoengagerecruiters.

• Participate in Cardinal Recruiting: CardinalRecruitingenablesemployersscheduleinterviewswithstudentson-campus.Employerrepresentationtendstobefairlynarrow—mostlytechnical,consultingandfinance organizations,however,17%ofstudentsreportedfindingemploymentthroughthisprogram.

• Utilize the Stanford CareerConnect, Linkedin.com, and Facebook:Thesearegreatnetworkingtoolsandcanbeusedtoidentifyindividualswithwhomyoumightwanttoscheduleaninformationalinterview.Ifyouhavetargetedanorganization,youcaneasilyfindpeoplewhoworkforthatorganization.StanfordCareerConnecthas11,000alumniwhohavevolunteeredtoconductinformationalinterviews.InLinkedin.comdosearchesonthecompanyname+“Stanford”,thisisagreatwaytoresearchcompanyinfor-mationandidentifyindividualswithwhomyoumighthaveaconnection.

• Schedule time for your job search:Ifyoutendto procrastinate,scheduleregulartimesduringtheweektolookforopportunities.Trytosetasideatleasttwohourseachweektodevotetothejobsearch.Youcanalsoformapartnershipwithafriendandholdeachotheraccountabletoworkonjobsearchingeachweek.

THE JOB SEARCH

Jobcentral.com

Linkedin.com

Linkedin.com

studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc 1 1

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THE PUBLIC SERVICE JOB/INTERNSHIP SEARCHThree Things You Must Know To Be Effective!1. Yourself Withanyjobsearchitisimportantunderstandwhatyouare

interestedin,howyouwanttoapplyyourskills,whatmotivatesyouaboutwork,andyourworkenvironmentpreferences.Ifyouneedhelpfiguringoutyourcareerdirectionusetheseresources:

• Public Service Careers Website— studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/research/public-svc Findinformationonnonprofitandgovernmentorganizations,careerpaths,networkingresources,fellowships,andjobsearchstrategies.

• Stanford Alumni Mentoring Program (SAM)— mentoring.stanford.edu Thisonlinementoringprogramconnectsundergraduatesfromallbackgroundswithalumniinone-on-onementoringrelationshipsforcareerplanningandgoals.

Career Counseling Long AppointmentscanbescheduledviayourCardinalCareersaccount.Meetwithacareercounselorina45-minuteappointmentto

discussyourpublicservicecareerinterests,learnaboutresourcesandassessments,brainstormideasandcreateaplan.AskforKristin,thePublicServiceCareerCounselor.Ifyouneedyourresumereviewedorhaveaquickquestion,stopbytheCDCMonday-Fridayfrom11am-12noonor2pm-4pmfora15-minutedrop-inappointment.

2. Timeline for Nonprofit and Government Hiring Nonprofitstendtoadvertiseopeningsonly2-3monthsbeforethe

jobwillstart.

• Fall:Startresearchingandnetworkingwithorganizations.

• Winter/Spring:Applytopostedjobs/internships/fellowshipsandfollowupwithcontactsmadeinfallastheymaynowknowofavailableopportunities.

• Exceptions:fellowships,largernationalnonprofits,organi-zationsthatalwaysneedhelp(tutors,family/mentalhealthservices)mayhaveearlierfalldeadlines.

Government agenciescantakeseveralmonthstohireifaback-groundcheckisrequiredaspartofthehiringprocess.

• Startinfallforlargeragenciesthatmayhireinvolume.

• Applywhenyouseeaposting.Smallerofficesmayhavemorejobsopeninwinter/spring.

• Followupdirectlywiththeoffice,ifpossible.

3. Strategies For The Public Service Job/Internship Search Thefollowingaresomekeystrategiesandresourcesforfinding

anonprofitorgovernmentjob/internship:

Cardinal Careers—studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/ jobs-internships CreateyourCardinalCareersaccounttolookinthejob/intern-shipdatabasefornonprofitandgovernmentopportunities.Youcanalsoaccesstheemployerdatabase,RSVPtoPublicServicecareerprograms,andsignupforashortappointment.

Networking—studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/research/ public-svc Clickon“NetworkingResourcesandProfessionalOrganizations.”Nonprofitstendtohireonepersonatatimesotheytelltheiremployeesfirst,whowillthencontactothercolleaguesinthefieldandfriends,tospreadthewordaboutajobopening.Don’texpectnetworkingtoresultininstantjobleads.Thelikelihoodofthepersonyoutalktoknowingaboutajobopeningonthatexactdayislow.Thepurposeofnetworkingistogainadvice,tips,andestablishrelationshipssowhenjobseventuallycomeopenyouarealreadyontheir“tocontactlist.”Hereareacoupleofkeywaystoexpandyournetwork:

Stanford CareerConnect—alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career Databaseofalumniwhovolunteertoshareinformationontheircareerpath,aswellasgiveadviceandtipsonsearchingforpublicservicejobs.

Young Nonprofit Professionals Network—ynpn.org 10,000membersinover12cities.Thewebsitelists,jobs,events,andemaillistsubscriptionsfortopicssuchasmentoring.

Career Fairs—Organizationswhocometocareerfairstendtobethosewhohavemoneyandtimetosendstaffoutoftheofficeforanentiredayandknowtheirhiringneedswellinadvance(6-9months).Nonprofitandgovernmentorganizationsthatattendcareerfairswillbethosewhoseservicesrequiremultiplehiresandneedtohirefrequently(teaching-related,family/mentalhealthservices,PeaceCorps,StateDept.,etc.)OneexceptionistheCDC’sannualNonprofitCareerFairinMarch.Marchfitswellwithnonprofits’hiringtimelines.

Online Postings—studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs/ other-job-sites Ifnonprofitsdecidetoposttheirpositionsatall(theymayjustuseword-of-mouth)theywillusetargetedjobsitesliketheCDC’sCardinalCareersdatabase,Idealist.orgorOpportunityknocks.org.FederalgovernmentpositionsarelistedonUSAjobs.gov.Stateandlocalopportunitiesmaybecentral-izedononesite,butmorelikelyyouwillneedtosearchbyagencyorcity/county.

Your career development is unique and specific to you. The best way to create your “game plan” is to talk to the Career Counselors at the CDC. They can help you define and strategize your plan while pointing you to targeted resources.

cdc.stanford.edu


www.stanfordalumni.org/career

www.ynpn.org

Idealist.org

Opportunityknocks.org

Usajobs.gov


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PREPARING FOR A CAREER FAIRWhat is a career fair?Careerfairs,alsoreferredtoasjobfairs,areusuallyonedayevents

setuptoconnectlargenumbersofemployerswithjobfairparticipants.Employersaretheretorecruitemployees,soifyouareinterestedinlookingforajoborfindingoutmoreaboutapotentialcareer,don’tmissout.Careerfairsaretypicallysponsoredbyuniversities,professionalassociations,localemploymentagencies,orbyajobfairpromoter.

Careerfairsareusuallyfreetothoseseekingemployment.Thesefairsareheldatlocaluniversities,hotels,andconferencecenters.Tofindoutaboutupcomingeventscheckyourcampuscareercenter,theradiostations,andnewspapers.TheNational Business Employment Weekly’seventcalendarlistsmanysuchevents.Somefairsaretargetedforentry-level,technical,education,orotherspecifiedgroupsandmaybeadvertisedthroughyourcampusclubsandorganizations.

What can I expect?Youcanexpectanywherefrom10to350employersrepresented

atdifferentboothsortables.Employerrepresentativesareanxioustogiveawaytheirorganizationbrochuresandotherpromotionalmaterials(keychains,pens,notepads,etc.)theyhavebroughtwiththem.TheirjobistomeetasmanyattendeesaspossibleandpromotetheirorganizationstoYOU.Itislikelythatthetableyouwanttoapproachwillbecrowded—bepatientandobserve.Youcanalsoexpectacarnivaltypeatmospherewithlotsofbackgroundnoisewithwhichyouwillhavetocompete.

Sometimesfairorganizerswillofferformalgrouppresentationssimultaneoustothecareerfair.Thisisagreatwaytolearnmoreaboutaspecifictopicandalsohaveachancetointroduceyourselftoanemployer/presenterandgetsomeindividualattention.

Benefits of a career fairConsideracareerfairtobeone-stopshopping.Whataluxuryto

havetheopportunitytotalktonumerousemployersatonetimeandplace.Somedirectbenefitsofattendingacareerfairinclude:• Anefficientandeconomicalwaytomakecontacts• Learningmoreaboutspecificindustries,careers,andorganizations

• Actuallytalkingtoacompanyrepresentativeinsteadofjust mailinginorsubmittinganonlineresume

• Askingsomeoneinthefieldforfeedbackaboutyourresume,education,orexperiences

• Makingacontactwithintheorganization

Ofcourse,ifacareerfairissuchagooddealthentheremaybehundredstothousandsofotherpeoplejustlikeyoutryingtotalktoemployers.ThisiswhyitissoimportanttoBEPREPAREDtogetthemostoutofattendingacareerfair.

Somefairsallowtimeforemployerstoscheduleinterviewson-site,butmanyusethetimetoscreenapplicantsorcollectresumestobringbacktotheirorganization.Itisidealtobeabletoengagetherecruiterinaconversationsothattheywillrememberyouandyourskills.Donotbediscouragedifthisdoesnothappen;therecanbenumerouspeopletocompetewithinthissetting.Useyourtimetocollectvaluablecompanyinformationviaconversationanddistributedmaterialssothatyoucanwriteanincrediblywellinformedcoverletterstatingyourinterestinanorganization.

The career fair can be separated into three stages:1) BEFORE: the preparation stage

Do your homework.Contacttheorganizationsponsoringthefairtofindoutsomeofthefollowingdetails.• Isthereanadmissionfee?• Howmanyorganizationswillberepresented?

• Isthereapublishedlistavailableaheadoftimeoronthedayoftheevent?

• Howwilltheemployersbeorganized?Alphabeticalorder,byindustry,etc.?

• Whatisthestartingandendingtimeoftheevent?• Whatistheappropriatedress?• Arethereanyspecialprocedurestofollowtoparticipate?(i.e.,submitresumeaheadoftime)

Put together your resume.Youmayhaveadichotomyofinter-ests,andinthatcase,itmaybeidealtohavedifferentversionsofyourresume.Berealisticinyourpreparationtimeandrememberthatitismostimportanttohaveawell-polishedresumethatshowsoffyoureducation,skills,andexperiences.Besuretohaveyourresumecritiquedbyatleastthreepeople.ItisbettertoattendwithoutaresumethantoNOTattendthecareerfairatall.Youcanalwayspickuppertinentinformationaboutanorganizationtouseinafollowupletterofinquiryorapplication.

Have a plan.Itisveryeasytofeelintimidatedatsuchanevent.Wanderingaroundaimlesslywillonlyenhancethisfeeling.Haveaplan—evenifyouronlyplanistoexplore.Thiswillhelpyoutohavesomeideaastowhichorganizationsyouwanttoapproach.Anexampleofaplanmaybegeographic,industry-based,orbythemajorsrequested.Manyorganizationswillpublicizethetypesofmajorsorjobtitlestheyareseeking.Beopen-mindedandflexible;youmightbesurprisedatwhatyoufind.• Bringapen,folder,notepadand/orsomesortoflogsheettokeepyouorganized.

• Ahighlightercanbeusefultohelpindicatewhich organizationsyouwanttotargetonyouremployerlist.(Ifyouforgotyours,don’tworry,youcanalwaysfindanemployergivingoneaway.)

Bringyourpertinentquestions.Yourquestionswilldependonyourgoals(careerexplorationvs.jobsearch).Samplequestionsmayinclude:• Whatqualitiesandbackgroundareyoulookingforinemployees?

• IamcurrentlyafreshmansoIhaveIsometimetoplanahead,whatcourseswouldyourecommendsomeonetakebeforebeinghiredasa__________?

• Whatistheapplicationprocessforyourorganization?• DoyouhaveabusinesscardIcanhaveforfuturereferenceandcontact?

Dress appropriately! Professionalisbestunlessit’samore casualevent.

2) DURING: the actual eventHand out your resume.Haveplentyofcopiesofyourpolished

resumeeasilyaccessible(ifyouchoosetodistributeyourresume).Youdon’twanttohavetoputdownallthe“freebies”youcollectedtohandsomeoneyourresume.Ifyouhavetwoversionsofyourresume,color-codingthemcanbeveryhelpful.Gray,whiteandoff-whiteareallgoodchoices.Anewtrendisforemployersnottocollectresumesonsitebuttojustreferyoubacktotheirwebsiteforonlineresumesubmission.Tryandusethefacetimeatthefairtogatherpertinentinformationtoenhanceyourapplication.

Thank employersforanybrochuresorpromotionalmaterialsyouaregiven.Thisisnotatimetopickupstockingstuffersorbirthdaygiftsforyourfamily.Bereasonablewithyourconsumptionofrecruitergiveaways.

Collect business cardsandjotdownafactonthebacktojogyourmemorywhenyouwriteafollow-upletter.


Approach an employer representativeandintroduceyourself.Don’tsitbackandwaittobeapproached.Shakehands,makegoodeyecontact,andtelltheemployeryourname,major,andinterests. Themorefocusedyouarethebetter.Ifyouareunsurehowyouwouldfitintotheorganization,asktheemployeropen-endedyetspecificquestions.What qualities do you look for in employees? What kind of summer internships are available?

Create a one-minute commercialasawaytosellyourselftoanemployer.Thisisagreatwaytointroduceyourself.Thegoalisto connectyourbackgroundtotheorganization’sneed.Inoneminuteorless,youneedtointroduceyourself,demonstrateyourknowl-edgeofthecompany,expressenthusiasmandinterest,andrelateyourbackgroundtotheorganization’sneed.Endwithaquestion.ThisismeanttobeadialogueNOTamonologue.

Other dos and don’ts:• Beassertivewithoutbeingrude• Besensitivetootherswaitingbehindyou• Realizethatrecruitersliketotalktogroups• Maximizeyourtimeatthecareerfair• Observeotherstudents/employersforclues• Don’taskaboutsalaryandbenefits• Don’tmonopolizesomeone’stime• Don’task,“Whatdoyouhaveformymajor?”• Don’texhibitalackofdirectionandfocus

3) AFTER: the follow-upYou are only as good as your follow-up!Keeptrackofthoseorganizationsandrepresentativeswith

whomyouspoke.

Send a thank-you letter tothoserepresentativesyouwishto pursue.Thiswillsetthestageforfuturecorrespondence.

CAREER FAIRS SPONSORED BY STANFORD’S CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTERUnlikemostcareerfairs,Stanford’sCareerFairsareusually

casual.Evenemployerstendtodressdown.Althoughinformal,dorememberthatthesearepotentialemployersanddistastefuldressanddecorumisnotappropriate.Whengettingdressedfortheevent,keepinmindtheindustryandtypeofpositionyoudesire.

Stanford’sCareerDevelopmentCentersponsoredcareerfairsarefreetojobseekers.ParticipatingemployersaremadeavailablepriortotheeventontheCDCwebpage.Theemployerinformationincludesthetypeofpositionbeingsought:technicalvs.non-tech-nical,full-time,part-time,orinternships,andVisastatus.

• FallQuarter—TheFallCareerFair,Energy/EnvironmentalCareerFair,andGraduateSchoolFairareallheldinOctober.

• WinterQuarter—TheLiberalArtsCareerFairandEngineeringOpportunityFairareheldinJanuary.TheMEDesignCareerFairandConstructionManagement/StructuralEngineeringCareerFairareheldinFebruary.TheWinterMedTechCareerFair,EntrepreneurCareerExpo,andSiliconValleyNonprofitCareerFairareheldinMarch.

• SpringQuarter—TheSpringCareerFairisheldinApril.

INTERNSHIPS/SUMMER JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

CDC RESOURCESCDC Job and Internship DatabaseLogintoCardinalCareerstoaccessinternshiplistingsandto

participateinCardinalRecruiting(on-campusinterviewing).studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internships

iNET Internship NetworkStanfordhasjoinedwithtenleadinguniversitiestoformthe

InternshipNetwork(iNet)Consortium,leveragingourcombinedconnec-tionstoofferyouaccesstoawiderrangeofinternshipopportunities.studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internships

Career FairsAvarietyofcareerfairssponsoredbytheCDCareheldthroughout

theacademicyear.Thesefairscanprovideyouwithgeneralcareerinformation,helpyoudevelopcontactsandfindaninternship,summerorfull-timejob.studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-fair-schedule

CDC Resource LibraryTheCDCResourceLibraryhasavarietyofbooks,online

directories,periodicals,careerguides,andmediamaterialstohelp withyourinternshipsearch.InternshipResourcesinthelibraryinclude:• VaultTopInternships• Ferguson’sCareerResourceGuidetoInternshipsandSummerJobs-Vols.1and2

• NationalInternshipsGuide, internships.com• Internships-USAOnline, internships-usa.comFormoreinformationonlibraryresourcesvisit:studentaffairs.

stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-library

International InternshipsIfyouareinterestedinaninternationalinternship,checkoutthe

InternationalCareerswebpageandreadthesectiononShort-TermWorkAbroadPrograms.AlsocheckouttheprogramsandresourcesofferedbytheBingOverseasStudyProgramandtheOverseasResourceCenter.studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/icareers

Reciprocal Career ServicesReciprocalCareerServicesenablesyoutousecareercentersof

universitiesinornearthecitiesinwhichyou’dliketowork.Contacttheuniversitycareercenteryou’dliketouseandaskthemiftheyofferreciprocalservicesforStanfordstudents.Ifyouareeligible,calltheCDCFrontDesk,(650)725-1789tobegintheprocess.

CONTACTING EMPLOYERS DIRECTLYTherearemanyemployersthathaveinternships,butdonot

advertiseorlisttheirpositionsthroughtheCDC.Inthiscase,identifyalistofemployersyou’dliketoworkforandcontactthemdirectly(eitherviaemailand/orphone).Thefollowingresourcescanhelpyouidentifyorganizations:• CardinalCareers(Searchby“Employers”)• CDCPublicServiceCareersWebPage

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• BookofLists(variousU.S.cities),intheCDCResourceLibrary• YellowPagesorYahooYellowPages• YahooorGoogleSearchesbygeographicalregionsand/orinterest

studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs/internships-finding

CREATING YOUR OWN INTERNSHIPIt’spossiblethattheinternshipyouwantdoesnotexist.For

example,youmaywanttointernataspecificorganizationnearyourhometown,buttheydonothaveanestablishedinternshipprogram.Sometimesemployersactuallywanttohireinterns,butforwhateverreason,don’thaveanestablishedprogram.

Thefollowinginformationoutlinesthestepsinvolvedin developingyourowninternshiporsummerjob.Inaddition,youmaywanttoscheduleanappointmentwithacareercounselortoguideyouthroughtheprocess.

Step 1: Assess what you are looking for in an internshipClarifyyourinterestsandobjectivesinparticipatinginaninternship.• Whatdoyouhopetogainfromtheexperience?• Whattype(s)ofworkdoyouwanttodo?• Wheredoyouwanttodoit(locationandtypeoforganization)?• Whatareyourrequirementsregardingcompensation?Time commitment?

Identifyyourabilities(writing,research,analyticalskills,etc.), academicpreparation,previousworkandvolunteerexperiences,hobbies,andextracurricularactivities.Thisiswhatyouhavetooffertheemployer.Takecareerassessmentswithacareercounselortohelpyouclarifytheseskillsandinterests.

Step 2: StrategiesExploreoptionsandidentifyprospectiveinternshipsitesandcontactsutilizingtheCDC’sCareerResourceLibraryandWebresources.• Developalistoforganizationsthatmaybeafitforyou.Thesectionon“ContactingEmployersDirectly”canhelpyoulocateorganizationsrelatedtoyourinterest.

• Researchyourorganizationsofchoicebyvisitingtheirwebsitestolearnabouttheirmission,products/servicesoffered,majordivisions,andlocation.

• Identifyspecificdepartments/individualstocontactwithyourinternshiprequest.Forexample,itmightbetheUniversityRelationsDepartment,Marketing,orFinancedepartment.Tohelpyouidentifyspecificdepartments/individuals,contactalumnifromStanfordCareerConnect,alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career . Alsoaskyourprofessors,TAs,parents,relatives,andanyotheracquaintancesiftheyhavecontactsattheplacesyou’dliketointern.

Step 3: Prepare a quality resume and cover letter• Signuptoattendaresumeandcoverletterworkshopofferedquarterly.

• Makeanappointmentwithacareercounselorforhelpwithyourdraft.

• Sendresumeandcoverlettertocontacts.• Followupwithaphonecalltore-emphasizeyourinterestandtoansweranyquestionsemployersmayhave.Thisisalsoagood

timetotrytosetupanappointmentforaninterview.Ifthe organizationisoutofthearea,youmaysuggestaphoneinterview.

Step 4: Prepare for an interview• Signuptoattendoneoftheinterviewingworkshopsofferedquarterly.

• Setupamockinterviewwithacareercounselor.• Reviewinformationontheprospectiveorganization(website,etc.).

• Designa“jobdescription”foryourself,ifonehasnotbeen provided.Thinkaboutthekindsofprojectsyouwouldliketoworkonthatwouldbeofusetothedepartment/company.Demonstratethevalueyouwillbringtotheorganization.

Step 5: Follow up procedures• Sendathank-youletter.• Respondtoalloffers,eventhoseyoudonotplantoaccept.

SUGGESTED WEBSITESTheCDChascompiledalistofwebsiteswithaspecificfocuson

internships,summerjobs,andvariousfields.studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs/other-job-sites

NETWORKINGNetworkingmeansconnectingwithpeopleinafieldor

organizationinwhichyouwishtoworkinordertogaininformation,nottospecificallyaskajoborinternship.However,networkingcanoftenleadtofindingoutaboutinternshipopportunitiesandequip youwiththeknowledgeofhowtobettermarketyourselfasapoten-tialintern.Fornetworkingtipsvisit:studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/networking/how-toForspecificnetworkingprogramsandresourcesvisit:• StanfordAlumniMentoring,mentoring.stanford.edu• StanfordCareerConnect,alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career

OTHER STANFORD RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS

Undergraduate Advising and Research Programs (UAR),locatedinSweetHall,canhelpyouifyouareinterestedinconductingresearchatStanfordorelsewhere.UARalsohasinformationongrantsandfellowships. ual.stanford.edu

The Haas Center for Public Serviceconnectsacademicstudywithcommunityandpublicservicetostrengthencommunitiesanddevelopeffectivepublicleaders.TheHaasCenteradministersseveralsummerandpost-graduatefellowships.Theyalsooffermanycommunityserviceopportunities.haas.stanford.edu

Stanford in Government (SIG),locatedintheHaasCenter,isa nonpartisan,student-runorganizationthatpromotespolitical awarenessandinvolvementontheStanfordcampus.SIGprovidesopportunitiesforundergrad/gradstudentstoworkinthepublicsectoratthestate,federal,orinternationallevel.sig.stanford.edu

Bing Overseas Studies Programs (BOSP),locatedinSweetHall,offersstudyabroadprograms,someofwhichofferinternship programs.ProgramspresentlyexistinBerlin,Florence,Kyoto,Moscow,andParis.Additionally,theCapeTownandMadridstudyabroadprogramsofferinternshipsandservicelearningcoursestoengagewithlocalpublicserviceorganizations.BOSPalsohasanAsiaInternshipsProgramthatplacesstudentsincompaniesinChina,HongKong,Taiwan,India,Japan,theRepublicofKorea,Singapore,andThailand.bosp.stanford.edu


ual.stanford.edu

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sig.stanford.edu

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Overseas Resource Center (ORC),locatedintheBechtelInternationalCenter,providesadvisingforundergraduates,grad-uatestudents,post-docsandrecentalumnipursuingscholarshipsforstudyandresearchabroad.Over30scholarshipsareadminis-teredthroughthisofficeandincludesuchawardsastheFulbright,Marshall, Rhodes,andChurchill . icenter.stanford.edu/orc

Community CentersThefollowingcommunitycentershaveinternshipresources,

andsometimespostinternshipopportunities:theAsianAmericanActivitiesCenter,theBlackCommunityServicesCenter(BCSC),ElCentroChicano,theLesbian,Gay,Bisexual,TransgenderCommunityResourceCenter(LGBTCRC),theNativeAmericanCulturalCenter,andtheWomen’sCommunityCenter.studentaffairs.stanford.edu .

Academic ResourcesDon’tforgettoseekoutacademicdepartmentsforopportunities

inyourareaofinterest.OnedepartmentofnoteforanystudentinterestedinfieldsrangingfromtheenvironmenttochildadvocacyisHumanBiology.Thedepartmentmaintainsaninternshipboard,informationonalumnicontacts,andhasstudentpeeradvisorstohelpyou.

FRESHMEN Asfreshmen,youmayalsorunintothechallengeofemployers

preferringolderstudentssimplybecausetheyhavemoreexperi-enceandcourseworkcompleted.Thoughthisistrue,therearestillmanyopportunitiesavailabletofreshmen.Agoodwaytogetstartedistomakeanappointmentwithacareerorinternshippeercoun-selor.Additionally,tworesourcesintheCareerResourceLibrary,Vault Top InternshipsandFerguson’s Career Resource Guide,haveindexesthatspecificallylistinternshipsavailabletofreshmen.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSAsaninternationalstudent,youmayhavemanyquestionsabout

theinternshipprocess.BesuretocheckouttheCDC’sInternationalStudentwebsiteatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/icareerstohelpyougetstarted.Youcanalsoscheduleanappointmentwithacareercounselor.

RECEIVING ACADEMIC CREDITSomeemployersmayrequireyoutoreceiveacademiccredit,

particularlyforanunpaidinternshipwiththeirorganization.Itisveryimportantthatyoudeterminewhetheracademiccreditisrequiredearlyintheapplicationprocess.Ifacademiccreditisrequiredandyouarenotabletoobtainacademiccredit,mostlikelytheemployercannottakeyouonasanintern.TheCareerDevelopmentCenterdoesNOTgrantacademiccredittostudentsforinternships.Optionstoreceiveacademiccredit:

Option 1Makearrangementswithanacademicdepartmentandafaculty

sponsorforadirectedreadingorindependentstudy.Pleasecheckwithacademicdepartmentsforspecificinformationonthis.

Option 2Enrollinacoop/internshipprogramatacommunitycollegeor

stateuniversityextendededucationprogramforonesemesterorquarter.TheCSUsystem,FoothillCollege,andCollegeofSanMateoarethreelocalplacestostartyourresearch.IfyourinternshipwillbeoutsidetheBayArea,checkcommunitycollegeandstate universityextendededucationprogramsnearyourinternshipsite.

Option 3 (only after you’ve tried Options 1 & 2)RequestaletterfromtheCDCthatstatesthatyouareastudent

ingoodstandingandtheinternshipexperienceisconsideredrelevantandapplicabletothedegreeprogram.ThisdoesNOTconstituteacademiccreditforaninternship,butMAYsatisfyanemployer’srequirements.

Torequestthisletter,sendthefollowinginformationviaemailtoKathyCampbell,[email protected]:• Yourname• Year• Major(orstate“undeclared”)• Internshipcompanyororganizationname• Companyororganizationaddress• Nameandtitleofacontactpersonattheinternship• Howyouwouldlikethelettersent(byfax,regularmail,oremail,etc.)andtowhom(toyouoryoursupervisor)

TIPS FOR INTERNSHIP SUCCESS1. Communicate Effectively and Often

Knowwhatskillsyoucanoffer,andmeetwithyoursupervisortodiscusswaystoutilizethemandgainmoreskills.Alsoletyoursupervisorknowifyoufeelyourskillsaren’tbeingusedtotheirpotential.

2. Set Goals Sitdownwithyoursupervisorandgooverwhatyouhopetogainfromtheinternship,especiallyifthereisn’tastructuretotheinternship.Followuptomakesureyouaremeetingthosegoalsandsetnewgoalsifnecessary.

3. Observe Gettoknowthecorporateculture,dress,communicationstyle,andhowdecisionsaremade.Thiswillhelpyouavoidsayingthewrongthingoroversteppingyourboundaries.

4. Know Your Role and How You Fit into the Organization Theorganizationistakingtimetoteachyounewskills.Understandwhatisexpectedofyouandperformcompetently.

5. Be Flexible Youmayhavetodosome“grunt”work;that’sthetrade-offfortheskillsthatyouaregaining.Atthesametime,makesurethereisabalanceandifthebalancebecomesuneven,discusswithyoursupervisorhowyoucanbetterapplyyourskillsintheoffice.

6. Be Responsible Beontime,takeyourassignmentsseriously,andmeetyourdeadlines.Companieswilloftenhireinternsforfuturefull-timepositions,andwilllookcloselyatyourperformanceandattitudetodecideifyouareacandidateforafull-timeposition.

7. Take It All In Learnasmuchasyoucanabouttheindustryandorganiza-tionbyreadingwhatisaroundyou,talkingwitheveryone,andgettinginvolvedwithextraprojects.

8. Network Talktoasmanypeopleasyoucan.Introduceyourselfto everyone.Amentormayormaynotbeyoursupervisor.

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10. Have Fun!!!

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYERSBelowisapartiallistofcampusemployerswhotypicallyhire

studentsthroughouttheacademicyearandinthesummer.BesuretochecktheCDC’sjob/internshipdatabaseatstudentaffairs.stan-ford.edu/cdc/jobs-internshipsforadditionalopportunities.(Gotothejobsearchpageandunderpositiontype,selectStanfordon-campusjob.)Youcanalsocontactspecificdepartmentsdirectlytoinquireaboutopportunities.

Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)YoucaninquireaboutpositionsattheASSUoffice,locatedon

the1stfloorofOldUnion.

Athletics DepartmentStopbythedepartmentyouareinterestedinworkingforto

inquireaboutpositionsorchecktheironlinedirectorytoget departmentalcontactinformationandcontactthemdirectly. gostanford.cstv.com/school-bio/stan-directory.html

Dining and Catering ServicesJobopeningsincludestudentmanagementopportunities,cashier,

andservicepositions.Flexiblehoursareavailable,andshiftsareofferedduringbreakfast,lunch,afternoonsnackservice,dinner,andlatenightservice.Formoreinformationvisitstanford.edu/dept/rde/dining/join.htm

EPGY Summer Institutes EPGYofferstwo-tofour-weekresidentialsummerprogramson

theStanfordUniversitycampusforacademicallytalentedandmoti-vatedmiddleschoolandhigh-schoolstudents.EachsummerEPGYhiresStanfordundergraduateandgraduatestudentstoworkfortheSummerInstitutes.ThemainpositionofResidentialCounselorinvolvesthecombinationofcampcounselingandinstructionintheacademicprogram.Formoreinformation,andanemploymentapplication,visittheirwebsiteatepgy.Stanford.edu/summer/employment.html

Stanford BookstorePositionscanbeavailableatTresidderExpress(theconvenience

store),MedicalTechnicalBookstoreindowntownPaloAlto,TheBookshoplocatedintheCantorArtsCenteroncampus,TrackHouse(bythestadium),StanfordShopintheStanfordShoppingCenter,aswellastheCampusBookstore.Visitstanfordbookstore.com formoreinformationorcall725-6136.

Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC)SLACofferssummerstudentemploymentopportunitiesbased

ontheneedsofthedepartmentswithintheLaboratory.Positionshaveincludedunskilledlabor,dataentry,lightindustrialandclericalwork,aswellaselectronics,programming,andresearch.Visittheirwebsiteatwww-public.slac.stanford.edu/hr/jobsandthenclick“SummerStudentOpportunities.”

Stanford TempsHiresstudentsfortemporaryclericalworkatvariouscampus

offices.Call497-8367.

Summer Conference ServicesHiresstudentsforfull-timeandpart-timepositionsinvarious

capacities(suchasofficemanagers,assistantmanagers,andRAs)relatedtoseminarsandconferenceshostedatStanfordUniversity duringthesummer.Toapply,calltheofficeat723-3126.

University LibrariesHiresstudentsforalllibraries,excludingprofessionalschools,

HooverandSLAC.Foralistingofopenings,gotolibrary.stanford.edu/about_sulair/jobs.htmlorstopbytheHumanResourcesofficeinGreenLibrary,Room241.

HOUSING FOR INTERNSSomeinternshipemployersmayprovideyouwithorhelpyoufind

housing,whilemanymaynot.CheckouttheCDC’slistofhousingresourcestohelpyou.studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs/internships-housing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat is an internship? Aninternshipisapre-professionalexperiencewhichcan

provideexposure,training,andmentorshipinagivencareerfield.Individualinternshipsvaryintermsofduration.Forexample,manyStanfordstudentsinternduringthesummerwhenitispossibletoworkfull-time,whilesomestudentsinternduringtheschoolyearonapart-timebasis.Internshipscanbepaidorunpaid,andsometimesofferacademiccredit.

What is the difference between an internship and a summer and part-time job?Muchlikeaninternship,asummerorpart-timejobcanhelpyou

gainavarietyofskillsandexperience.Thoughtheymayormaynotbecareer-relatedexperiences,theycanhelpyoudevelopimportantskillsliketeamwork,communication,ororganizationthatcanbeappliedtoalmostanyworksetting.Typically,summerorpart-timejobsareadvertisedasneedsarisewithinanorganization,andarealwayspaid.

What other types of experiential learning experiences are there?1. Co-ops(cooperativeeducation)areverymuchlike

internships.Co-oppositionsareusuallypaid,highly structuredinnature,anddirectlyrelatetoyourcourseofstudy.Typically,youmustbeenrolledinacooperativeeducationprogramatacollegeoruniversitytoparticipate.Stanforddoesnothaveaco-opprogram,butmanycommunitycollegesandstateuniversitieshavesuchprograms.

2. ExternshiporShadowPrograms.Theseprogramsprovideexperiencesthatallowyoutospendbetweenadayand severalweeksobservingaprofessionalonthejob.Yougainanoverviewofaspecificcareerfieldandgetatasteofthe activitiesinthedayofaparticularprofessional.

3. Volunteer/CommunityService/ServiceLearning.Thesearegenerallyunpaidworkorserviceexperiencesinthehumanservicesornonprofitsector.TheHaasCenterforPublicServiceoncampusoffersmanyservicelearningcourses.

4. Fellowships.Thesetypesofopportunitiesallowstudentstoreceiveincomeanddoworkinaparticularareasuchaspublicpolicy,thearts,oreducation,andaresponsoredbyspecificorganizationsoragencies.

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Why do I need an internship?Internshipshelpyou:1. reinforceacademicandcareerobjectivesandpersonal

valuesrelatedtowork;2. identifytheskillsyouneedtoenteragivenfield;3. gainpracticalworkexperienceinyourfieldofinterestto

balancetheclassroomtraining;and4. getanedgeinthecompetitivejobmarketoverthose

individualswithnorelevantworkexperience.

When is the best time to look for an internship?Itisbesttostartlookingasearlyaspossibleinordertohave

morechoicesavailabletoyou.SomeinternshipprogramshavedeadlinesasearlyasNovemberforsummerinternships.However,winterquarterisgenerallyagoodtimetobeginyoursearchforasummerinternship.Ifyouarelookingforaninternshipduringtheacademicyear,agoodtimetostartmightbeonequarterbeforeyouranticipatedstarttime.

When is it too late to find an internship?Dependingonyourspecificrequirements,itmayneverbetoo

late.However,don’ttakethisasasigntowaituntilthelastminute.Someemployershavedeadlinesduringthefallquarter,whilemanydon’thavedeadlinesuntilwinterorspringquarters.ManyemployersposttheirinternshipswiththeCDCastheirneedsariseandmaynotpostthemuntillateintheschoolyear.

How can I find an internship in or near my hometown?1. ChecktheCDC’sjob/internshipdatabase.Youcandoa

searchbystateorcountryandyoucandoakeywordsearchbydesiredcity.SearchingInternships.comandperformingothersearchesonGoogleMapsorYahooYellowPagescanalsohelpyoulocateorganizationstocontact.

2. NetworkwithStanfordalumni,whoarelocatedthroughouttheUnitedStatesandinternationally,throughStanfordCareerConnectatalumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career .

It is possible to do an internship for a month? Can I negotiate the start or stop date?Dependingontheemployer,theymaybeflexiblewithyouin

termsofthedurationofyourinternship,whileothersmayhavestrict requirements.Ifyouhaveothercommitmentsduringthesummerthatmayconflictwithparticipatinginasummerinternship,considerashort-termproject,workingforatempagency,orfindingsomeothershort-termjobs.

What if I can’t afford to take an unpaid internship?TheCommunityServiceWorkStudyProgram,administeredby

theHaasCenter,maybeabletohelpsubsidizeyourinternshipiftheorganizationisaneligiblenonprofitandyouqualifyforFederalWorkStudy.Formoreinformation,call725-7407.AnotheroptionistoapplyforanUndergraduateResearchProgramGrant,stanford.edu/dept/undergrad/urp .

Can I participate in Cardinal Recruiting while I’m abroad?CardinalRecruitingistheon-campusinterviewingprogram

providedbytheCDC.Toregisterandreadthepoliciesand proceduresgoto,studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/cardinal-overview.IfyouwillnotphysicallybeatStanfordontheCardinalRecruitinginterviewdate,youCANNOTsubmityourresumebecauseyouwon’tbeintheUStointerviewwiththecompany.However,youcanindividuallycontacttheemployers(usingcontactinformationlistedintheCardinalCareerdatabaseunderthe“employers”tab)youareinterestedin,andasktobeconsideredforaninterview(outsideofCardinalRecruiting)bysubmittingyourresumedirectlytothem.Tellthemthatyoucan’tinterviewoncampusthroughthenormalprogram,however,youwouldbehappytodoaphoneinterviewattheirconvenience...ormeetwiththemwhenyougetback.

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INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES/PLANNING GUIDE

Define your summer goals and get acquainted with the CDC’S resources • Exploreandidentifypossiblesummerjob/internshipoptions • CreateaCardinalCareersaccounttoaccessthejob/internshipdatabaseandgetactivatedforCardinalRecruiting

(on-campusinterviews) • EventstoAttend(seeCDCcalendarfordetails):careerassessmentworkshopsandtheFallCareerFair

Explore and research how to achieve your summer goals • ResearchtheCDCwebsiteandvisittheCDCCareerResourceLibrary(focusoninternshipandmajors/careersresources) • ConductinformationalinterviewswithStanfordalumni(throughStanfordCareerConnect)orparticipateintheCDC’s

StanfordAlumniMentoring(SAM)program

Prepare to apply for internships with early deadlines • DeadlineAlerts:U.S.StateDepartment,CIA,FBI,communications&mediainternships,andsomeengineeringopportunities • Attendaresumeandcoverletterworkshopandhaveyourresume/coverlettercritiquedattheCDC • BegintosearchforinternshipsthroughCardinalRecruiting(opportunitiesincludeinvestmentbanking,finance,consulting,

engineering/hi-tech,andothers) • Usetheholidaybreaktoyouradvantage:contactemployers,finetuneyourresume/coverletter,anddoanyoftheabove

stepsasnecessary

Search and apply for opportunities • DeadlineAlerts:CardinalRecruitingpositionsininvestmentbanking,finance,consulting,engineering/hi-tech,andothers

(January);HaasCenterFellowships(February) • EventstoAttend(seeCDCcalendarfordetails):CardinalRecruitingOrientation,summerjob/internshipworkshops,

resume/coverletterworkshop,interviewingworkshop,careerfairs • CreateasearchagenttoreceiveemailnotificationsofpositionsthroughCardinalCareers • Findoutaboutresearchopportunitiesthroughvariousacademicdepartmentsand/orUndergraduateAdvising&Research(UAR) • Prepareandsendinternship,fellowshiporresearchapplications • Scheduleamockinterviewappointmentwithacareercounselor

Continue to look and apply for more opportunities • Networkwithfaculty,friends,family,andalumnitofindoutaboutopportunities;usetheCDC’swebresourcesonnetworking • Usespringbreaktocontactemployersandapplyformoreopportunitiesifnecessary

Follow up with outstanding applications • Contactorganizationstofindoutthestatusofyourapplications

Continue to look, if you have not secured your summer plans • DeadlineAlerts:UARgrantapplications(earlyApril) • Eventstoattend(seeCDCcalendarfordetails):SpringCareerFair • Makenecessarypreparationsforyourinternship(housing,funding,andtransportation)

Develop last-minute strategies • Considervolunteering,short-termshadowing,temporarywork,summercampwork,service-orientedjobs(retail,cafés,

healthclubs,hotels),studyabroadorothersummercourses • Don’tforgettocheckthejobs/internshipdatabaseoftenasnewopportunitiesarepostedeveryday

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What is Cardinal Careers?CardinalCareersisyourkeyresourcetoobtaininginformation

onjobs,employers,CDCservices,workshops,events,programs,employerinformationsessionsandothertopicsofinterest.

WhenregisteredwithCardinalCareers,you’llbeableto:• Scheduleacareercounselingappointment.• AccessjoblistingsforStanfordstudentsandalumni,includingfull-time,part-time,internships,andon-campusjobpostings.

• Set-upjobsearchagents,whichwillworkforyoutodeliverjobsofinterest.

• Includeyourresumeinanonlinebookforemployerstoview.• Getactivatedforouron-campusinterviewprogram,Cardinal Recruiting .

• SignuptoreceiveCDC Weekly Online,oure-newsletter,andothertargetedcareerinformation.

Inaddition,CardinalCareersallowsyoutostoreyourresumes,coverletters,transcriptsandotherdocuments,simplifyingtheprocessofapplyingforjobs.CardinalCareersalsointerfaceswithCardinal Recruitingto

scheduleemployer/studenton-campusinterviews.

What is Cardinal Recruiting?Cardinal Recruitingisaprogramwhereemployerscometothe

StanfordCampustointerviewcurrentstudentstwotimesayear:fallandwinter.Toparticipateintheprogram,studentsmustregisterwithCardinalCareersandcompletetheCardinal Recruiting“IntenttoParticipate”form,availableviaalinkonyourhomepage.OncetheCardinal RecruitingfeatureisactiveinyourCardinal

CareersAccount,youwillhaveanewtab,“Interviews”.ThistabstoresallofyourOCR“interviewrequests”and“scheduledinter-views.”YouwillthenbeabletoviewandapplytoOCRjobs.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR CARDINAL CAREERSToregisterforCardinalCareers,gotostudentaffairs.stanford.

edu/cdcOnthispage,youcancheckoutthevaluableprogramsand

servicesofferedtostudentsbytheCareerDevelopmentCenter(CDC).

New students or students that have never registered for Cardinal Careers• Gotostudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internships• Click“Register/Log-IntoCardinalCareers”• IfyouareanewstudentorhaveneverregisteredforCardinalCareers,clickthe“NewStudent/AlumniRegistration”tabandcompletetheregistrationform

• Youwillimmediatelyreceiveanemailaskingthatyouverifyyouremailaddressbyclickingthehyperlinkintheemail

• Onceyourregistrationisconfirmed,youwillreceiveawelcomemessagewithyourlogin#andpassword

• Fromthe“Register/Log-In”page,youcanalsoregisterforiNet,InternshipNetworkConsortium,toaccessadditionalinternshipopportunities

Students/Alumni that are registered for Cardinal Careers• Gotostudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internships• Click“Register/Log-In”• EnteryourSUIDnumber(withouttheleadingzeros)foryourusernameandenteryourpassword

• IfyoureceiveanerrormessageuponenteringyourSUIDnumberandclickingthe“Go”button,pleaseclickthe“ForgotMyPassword”tab.Thesystemwillgenerateanewpasswordandemailittoyou.Ifyoustillencounterproblems,pleasesendanemailtocrstudents@mailman.stanford.edu.Letusknowyoureceivedtheerrormessageandincludeyourname,SUIDnumber,graduationdateandmajor.

• Onceyouhavelogged-intoCardinalCareersandupdatedyour“profile”,youshoulduploadyourresumebyclickingonthe“Documents”tabandfollowingthedirections.Youcanchangeyourpasswordbyclickingthe“Profile”button,thenclickingthe“ChangePassword”tab.

• Onceregistered,youwillhavefullaccesstoallthefeaturesonCardinalCareers,includingaccessingthejobsdatabase,employersdatabase,workshops/programs,schedulingcareercounselingappointmentsandkeepingyourownpersonalcalendar.

TOP LINKS ON YOUR CARDINAL CAREERS HOME PAGE (SEE FIGURE 1, NEXT PAGE)

• PROFILE: Thisiswhereyourpersonalandacademicinforma-tionisstored.Itisimportantthatyoucompleteyourprofilepagesthoroughlyandaccurately.Yournameshouldappearthesameinyourprofile,resumeandonAxess.Allinforma-tionyouprovideisconfidentialandusedonlybytheCDCtobetterserveyou.EmployersorpartiesoutsidetheCDChavenoaccesstoyouraccountinformation.Allinformationyouprovide,whenregistering,ischangeablebyyou,whenevernecessary;i.e.,address,major,graduationdate,etc.

• DOCUMENTS: Thisiswhereyoucanstoreuptoatotalof10pagesofdocumentsincludingresumes,coverletters,transcriptsandotherdocumentsyoumaywishtosubmittoemployers.

• JOBS / INTERNSHIPS:Therearethreeseparatejobsdatabases.

Jobs for Stanford students and alumniconsistsofjobspostedbyemployersspecificallylookingforStanfordpeople.Job Central: Comprehensivesearchengineforinternships,entry-levelandexperiencedjobs.iNet:StanfordUniversityhasjoinedwithtenleadinguniversitiestoformtheInternshipNetworkConsortium,leveragingourcombinedconnectionstoofferyouaccesstoawiderrangeofinternshipopportunities.

• EMPLOYERS:Up-to-dateinformationonallemployersthathaveregisteredtousetheCardinalCareerssystem.

• INTERVIEWS:WhenactivatedforCardinalRecruiting,yourapplicationsubmissionandscheduledinterviewhistoryareavailablehere.

• WORKSHOPS / PROGRAMS: Acompletecalendarshowingcareerfairs,CDCevents,employerinformationsessionsandemployerpresentations(includinglocationsandtimes).

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR CARDINAL CAREERS ACCOUNT

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• CALENDAR/APPOINTMENTS:Trackandmaintainyourpersonalscheduleandstoreyourcareercounselingappointments.

HOME PAGE FEATURES (SEE FIGURE 1)

AnnouncementsImportantinformationincludingthelinktoactivateCardinal

Recruiting.IfyouareacurrentstudentandwishtoparticipateinCardinal Recruiting,ouron-campusrecruitingprogram,youmustcompletethe“IntenttoParticipate”form.Youmustsubmitthe“IntenttoParticipate”form,onceperacademicyear.

NotificationsAlertlinkswillautomaticallyappearwheneveryouneedto

beawareofanimportantdate.Example:ifyouareaCardinal Recruitingpre-selectoralternateregisteredtoattendaneventor

workshop,youwillberemindedinthisarea.Youcanclickonthelinktogotoyourinterviewtab.

Quick LinksOntherightsideoftheHomePage,isaquickroutetomanyof

themostusedCardinalCareersfeatures.Getting Started, Career Tools and Advising, Find a Job, Land an Interview, Attend Events, More and Jump To.OnceactivatedforCardinal Recruiting,therewillbeaquicklinkto“jobsIqualifyfor”andschedulingyour45-minutecareercounselingappointment.

Connect with FacebookLogintouseyourFacebookaccountwiththeCareerService

ManagementpageandaccessupdatesfromourCareerCounselingarea.

LogoutIt’salwaysagoodideatologout

ofyouraccountinasharedenviron-mentorpublicarea.

Figure 1 • Home Page

Figure 2 • Document Storage Page

Figure 3 • Documents - Privacy


DOCUMENT STORAGE (SEE FIGURE 2)

Uploadacombinationoftendocumentsincludingresumes,coverletters,transcriptsetc.Yourstoreddocumentsarenotview-abletoemployersunlessyouhavesubmittedthemwhenapplyingforajoborrequestingaCardinal Recruitinginterview.Youmayalsodeleteandreplacedocumentsinthisarea.Exception:ifyouhaveindicatedintheprivacyareaofyour

profilethatyouwishtohaveyourresumeincludedinasearch-ableresumebook,employerswithaccesstothebookmayseetheresumeyou’vechosentosubmit.(SEE FIGURE 3)

HOW DO I SEARCH FOR A JOB USING CARDINAL CAREERS? (SEE FIGURE 4)

Under“Jobs/Internships”,youhaveachoiceof“JobsforStanfordStudents/Alumni”,“JobCentral”or“iNet”.Alljobslistedin“JobsforStanfordStudents/Alumni”arepostedbyemployersspecificallylookingforStanfordstudents/alumni.Youmaysearchonavarietyofqualifications.“ShowMe”(dropdownmenu)willdisplay“all job listings”and“career fair postings”only.

Advanced Search and Search AgentsYoucanhavejobsandinternshipsofyourinterestemailedtoyou

bysavingyoursearchesinyourCardinalCareersandiNetaccounts.Logintoyouraccount:https://stanford-csm.symplicity.com/

students/• Clickthe“Jobs/Internships”tab.• Clickthe“AdvancedSearch”tab,andfromthereselectyoursearchcriteria.

• Hit“Submit”.• Click“SearchAgents”andlocatethesearchyoucreated.• Click“Schedule”.• Select“yes”toenableyoursearch.• Programthefrequencyinwhichyouwantyoursearchtooccur(i.e.,onceaweek,onceaday,etc.).

• Hitsubmit.• Youshouldthenreceiveemailsnotifyingyouofpositionsthatfityoursearchcriteria.

APPLICATIONSThisareastoresalljobapplications.Tokeeptrackofjobapplica-

tions,gotoyour“Job/Internships”tabandselect“Applications”.Youcanviewallapplications,withdrawanapplicationorgetjobdescriptioninformationbyclickingonthejobtitle.Togetcontactinformation,clickontheemployer’sname.

SO YOU’VE FOUND A JOB THAT INTERESTS YOU, HOW DO YOU APPLY? (SEE FIGURE 5)

Ontherightside,“WantThisJob”isanareawhereyoucanselecttheresume,coverletterandotherdocumentstheemployerwantsyoutosubmit.Thereisalsoanoptionalnotefieldifyouwanttouseit.Theremaybeadditionalinstructionsforyoutoapplyonthecompanywebsite;thisisinadditiontotheapplicationthroughCardinalCareers.

Figure 4 • Job Search

Figure 5 • Sample Job Posting

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EMPLOYER PROFILES (SEE FIGURE 6)

ThisvaluabletoolprovidesyouwithoverviewandcontactinformationforallemployersthatrecruitatStanford.Currentjobpostings,Cardinal Recruiting,careerfairsandcompanypresenta-tionsaredisplayed.Youalsohavetheabilitytosaveafavoriteslisttotrackemployersyoulike.Youcansearchforacompanybyname,industryorkeyword.

CARDINAL RECRUITING INTERVIEWS (SEE FIGURE 7)

Theinterviewsectiondisplaystwotabs,“InterviewRequests”and“ScheduledInterviews”.WhenyouapplyforaCardinal Recruitingposition,yourstatuswillbelistedinthe“InterviewRequests”tabas“Pending”immediatelyafterapplying.Yourstatuswillchangeonce“Pre-select”signupstarts.Ifyouare“Pre-selected”bytheemployerforaninterview,clickthe“ScheduledInterviews”tabtoviewavailableinterviewtimes;youwillhavetheopportunitytochooseadateandtime.Asidebarwithinformationaboutthepositionislocatedontheright.Youmayalsodeclineaninterviewbyclicking“Decline”.

INTERVIEWS - APPLICATION/INTERVIEW HISTORY (SEE FIGURE 7)

OnceactivatedforCardinal Recruiting,fromthe“Interviews”tabyoucanviewyourapplicationandinterviewhistory,whichisalistofallOCR(on-campusrecruiting)jobsyouhaveappliedforthroughtheCardinal Recruitingsystem.

WORKSHOPS/PROGRAMSTheWorkshops/Programssectionprovidesyouwithanup-to-

datelistofupcomingcareerfairs,informationsessions,andworkshopsavailabletoStanfordstudentsandalumni.

CARDINAL RECRUITING (SEE FIGURE 8)

OnyourCardinalCareershomepageisalinktoactivateCardinal Recruiting.Youshouldcompleteandsubmityour“IntenttoParticipate”formonceeachacademicyear.TheCardinal Recruiting programisonlyavailabletocurrentstudents.Thelinkremainsafteractivation.

SEARCH FOR CARDINAL RECRUITING INTERVIEW (SEE FIGURE 9)

Youhaveseveraloptionsavailabletoyou.• Fromthe“Jobs/Internships”button,select“JobsforStanfordStudents/Alumni”.Youcansearchforjustthejobswhoserequirementsyoumeet,byclicking“InterviewsIQualifyFor”inthe“ShowMe”box.IfyouwanttoseealistofemployersparticipatinginCardinal Recruiting,click“AllInterviews”inthe“ShowMe”box.Ifthereisaparticularemployeryouareinterestedin,typetheemployer’snameintothe“keywordsearch”field.

ToqualifyforanyCardinal Recruitingjobyoumustmeettheemployer’ssetrequirementsfordegree,major,graduationdateandworkauthorization.Ifyoudonotmeetanyoneofthese,thesystemwillnotallowyoutosubmityourresume.Amessagewillappear

Figure 6 • Employer Database

Figure 7 • Application History


under“ApplicationStatus”toletyouknowwhyyoudonotqualifyfortheposition.Itisimportanttokeepyour“Profile”currentsincethisiswherethesystemmatchesyourbackgroundtotheemploy-er’srequirements.

ApplyingforaCardinal Recruitingjoborinternshipwhenyoumeettherequirements:Ontherightside,“ApplicationStatus”isanareawhereyoucanselecttheresume,coverletterandotherdocu-mentstheemployerwantsyoutosubmit.Thereisalsoanoptionalnotefieldifyouwanttouseit.TheremaybeadditionalinstructionsforyoutoapplyontheEmployerswebsite;thisisinadditiontotheapplicationthruCardinal Recruiting .

Ifthelinkisnotactiveandyoumeetalltherequirementslistedinthejobdescription,check“Deadlines”.Youcanonlysubmityourresumeforjobsduringthe“Pre-selectResumeSubmission”dateslistedinthejobdescription.

Pleasebeaware,all resume submission deadlines begin at 12:00 PM (midnight) on the first date and end at 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the last date.

Onceyouhavesubmittedyourapplication,theemployermayselectyouaseithera“Pre-select”oran“Alternate.”

Ifyouare“Pre-selected”,youwillreceiveanemailthedaybeforethestartofthe“Pre-select”signupperiodlistedonthejobdescription.TheemailwillincludeahyperlinktoCardinalCareersandtheemployer’sinterviewschedule.Selectaninterviewtimethatworksforyou.Youonlyhavealimitednumberofdaystoselectatimebeforealternatesareallowedtosignup.Ifyoudecideyoudonotwanttobeinterviewed,donotselectatimeslot.YourCardinalCareershomepagewillalsoincludean“Alert”thatyouareinvited.

Ifyouareselectedasan“Alternate”,youwillreceiveanemailthedaybeforethe“AlternateSignup”datelistedinthejobdescrip-tion.TheemailwillincludeahyperlinktoCardinalCareersandtheemployer’sinterviewschedule.Youwillonlybeabletoselectaninterviewtimeifoneisstillavailable.YourCardinalCareershomepagewillalsoincludean“Alert”thatyouareanalternate.

Ifyouarenotselectedaseithera“Pre-select”or“Alternate”andyoumeetalltheemployerrequirements,youmaystillbeabletosign-upforaninterviewonthe“Open”signupdatelistedinthejobdescription,ifatimeslotisstillavailable.

Note:youwillnotreceiveanemailalertwhenthe“OpenSignup”datestarts.Therewillbean“Alert”onyourhomepagethat“youmaysignupfor1interview”,ifthereareanyremainingtimeslots.

Canceling:Ifyoucannotattendascheduledinterview,youmustcancelitatleast5dayspriortotheinterviewdate.Youcancanceltheinterviewfromyour“Interviews”link.

Ifyouneedtocancellessthen5daysbeforetheinterviewdate,youmustnotifytheCDCandwritealetterofapologytotheemployer,withacopytotheCDC.Youcanreviewthecancel-lationpolicyhere:studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/cardinal-overview#cancellation

When you cancel online at least 5 days prior to the interview there is no penalty or letter of apology you must write.Inaddi-tion,yougiveotherstudentsachancetobeinterviewed.

Formorevaluableinformation aboutCardinal Recruiting,goto studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/cardinal-overview

Figure 8 • Intent to Participate

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RESUMES/COVER LETTERSRESUMESAresumeisabriefsummaryofyourqualifications,education,andexperiencesrelevanttoyourjobsearchobjective.

Thepurposeofaresumeistoobtainaninterview.Employerswillspendlessthan30secondsreviewingyourresume;therefore,theinformationmustbeconveyedinaclear,well-organizedstyle.Thesectionsofaresumearelistedbelow.

Your NameEmail address

Current Address Permanent AddressTelephone number and Telephone number (if applicable)Cell phone numberWeb page address (if pertinent)

ObjectiveThis section is optional. The objective can include the specific position you are seeking, skills you wish to use on the job, field or organization type by which you wish to be employed, or a combination of all of the above.

EducationThis section should include:• Name of the degree-granting institutions; List most recent first.• Degree received and major• Graduation date or projected graduation date, or dates of attendance if a

degree was not completed• Overseas academic experience

Optional:• Any minors, specialization or focus areas• Courses relevant to the position for which you are applying• Honors and GPA (if they are a strong selling point). Indicate GPA based

on a 4.0 scale.• Senior research/honors thesis title and brief description• Freshmen and sophomores can include high school

ExperienceList most recent experience first. You should include:• Title of the position• Name of the organization and location (city and state)• Dates, including month and year• Descriptions of responsibilities beginning with action verbs (avoid phrases such as “duties included”)• Believable, verifiable accomplishments• Paid jobs, internships, volunteer community service, academic/extracurricular projects involving teamwork or leader-

ship, special academic research or honors projects• You may choose to divide your experience into two or more sections. Possible section headers might include Research Experience, Teaching Experience, Leadership Experience or Volunteer Experience

Additional InformationThis section could include computer skills, languages, volunteer work, sports, and interests. If one of these areas is relevant to the job, however, you may choose to put it in the “Experience” section. You may also choose to use more specific section headers such as:• Skills• Activities• Interests• Honors and Awards

Sample Objectives• A position as an editorial

assistant.• Electrical engineering

internship.• To obtain a position in finance.• A program coordinator position in a community organization working with youth.

• Seeking a position in museum administration requiring strong writing skills and a background in art history.

• To apply decision and systems analysis to strategic planning in the telecommunications industry.


TIPS FOR CREATING A SUCCESSFUL RESUMEDo’s• Dodesignyourdescriptionstofocusonyouraccomplish-ments,usingactionverbstoclearlyindicatetheskillsyou’veused.SeeSampleActionVerblistonthenextpage.

• Dotryquantifyingresultsinyourdescriptions,suchas“Createdmarketingcampaignthatincreasedclubmembershipby25%.”

• Dokeepyourresumebriefenoughtofitononepage(ortwopagesifyourexperienceisextensive).

• Doprintyourresumeongoodqualitybondpaper,eitherwhiteorconservativetones.Ifprintedonplaincomputerpaper,copyontogoodqualitybondpaper.

• Doaccompanyyourresumewithacoverletterinmostcases.• Dohaveotherslookoveryourresumeforcontentandgrammar.CareerCounselorsareavailableattheCDCtocritiqueyourresumeduringsamedayappointments.

Don’ts• Don’tmakeyourmarginsandfontsizetoosmall:marginsnosmallerthanoneinchandfontsizenosmallerthan10point.

• Don’tincludepersonalpronouns(e.g.I,me,we).• Don’tincludepersonalinformation,physicalcharacteristics,orphotographsonyourresume.However,individualsfromothercountriesmayincludetheseontheirresumes.

• Don’tincludethelastline:“Referencesavailableuponrequest”(seeSampleReferenceListonpage43).

Other Tips• Itismoreappropriateforfreshmenandsophomorestoincludehighschoolexperiences.However,importanthighschool experiencesthathavesomerelevancetoyourjobobjectivemaybeappropriateforupperclassmen.

• ForInternationalStudentsitissometimesadisadvantagetoincludeyournon-immigrantvisastatusorpermanentaddress(ifoutsidetheU.S.)onyourresume.Usuallyyourvisastatusshouldbediscussedlaterduringtheinterview.IfyouhaveobtainedpermanentresidencyorU.S.citizenship,itmightbetoyouradvantagetolisttheinformationonyourresume.

RESUME FORMATSThereisnosinglewaytoformatyourresume.Theformatyou

chooseshouldpresentyourstrengthsclearly.Seesampleformatsandlayoutsonpages27-41.

Chronological FormatThisformatismostfamiliartoemployersandmostcommonly

usedbyStanfordstudents.Thisstyleofresumepresentsyourexpe-rienceandeducationinreversechronologicalsequence,startingwiththemostrecent.Date,jobtitle,organization’sname,locationandadescriptionofyouractivitiesarelistedaspartoftheexperi-encesection.Thisformatissimple,straightforward,andespeciallyusefulforanyonewithahistoryofdirectlyrelevantexperience.

Functional/Skills FormatThisformatfocusesonareasofskillandcanbeeffectivein

conveyingyourstrengthstoanemployer,althoughmanyemployersarenotasfamiliarwiththisformataswiththechronologicalor

combinationformat.Thisstyleofresumedrawsattentiontoaccom-plishmentsandhighlightsyourskillsbyfunctionratherthanyourworkexperienceandismorecommonlyusedbypeoplewithverylittleformalworkexperienceorarereturningtotheworkplaceafterbeingawayorotherwiseinvolved.

Combination FormatThisformatisappropriatewhenyouhaverelevantwork

experienceforeachofseveralskillareasandcombinesboththechronologicalandfunctionalformats.Thisstyleallowsyoutogroupyourexperiencesorkeysellingpointstogetherbyfunctionalareas(suchasResearchExperienceandTeachingExperience),andthenlistthoseexperiencesinreversechronologicalorderwithineachsection.Itisalsoafamiliarformattoemployers.

SUBMITTING RESUMES ELECTRONICALLYEmailSendyourresumeasanattachedfileandpastethetextintothe

bodyoftheemail.Havingyourresumeinthebodyoftheemailaswellasanattachmentgivestheemployertheopportunitytoseeyourresumeintheeventtheycannotopenyourattachmentordonottakethetime.Useasimpleformatfortheresumeyouputinthebodyoftheemail:leftjustified,nobold,noitalics,nounderlines,notabs.SeeSampleElectronicResumeonpage42.Don’tforgettoincludeacoverletterinthebodyoftheemailtoo.IfyouhaveyourresumeinaPDFfile,youcanalsoattachthatwithyouremail.ThePDFversionwillallowtheemployertheopportunitytoseeyourresumeinanattractiveformat,utilizingboldandunderlines.Whenemailingresumefiles,namethemsotheemployercan

easilyidentifythemasyourresume.Lastname,followedbyfirstnameandtheword“resume”ismosthelpful.

Resume ScanningCompaniesreceivinglargequantitiesofresumesmayscaneach

resumeasanimage,andthensorttheimageintorecognizableletters,words,andsymbols.Thesescannedimagesareenteredintoadatabaseandthensearchedforkeywords,whichindicateskills,educationandknowledgeareastheemployerisseeking.Left-justifyalltextandavoidusingunderlining,italics,bullets,bold,andcolumns.Everyoccupationandcareerfieldhasitsownjargon,acronyms

andbuzzwords—thesearehelpfulkeywordstouse.Ifyouarerespondingtoajoblisting,usewordsfromthejoblistinginyourresumeandcoverletter.

CDC RESOURCESTitles available in the CDC Resource Library:• Resumes by Stanford Students,aBinderofExamples• From College to Career: Entry-level Resumes for Any Major,Asher

• Knock ‘em Dead Resumes: Smart advice to make your online and paper resumes more productive,Yate

• Resumes for Performing Arts Careers• The Global Resume and CV Guide,Thompson• The Smart Women’s Guide to Resumes and Job Hunting,King• Vault Guide to Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviewing, Leifman(availableviayourVaultCareerInsideraccountatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-library)

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SAMPLE ACTION VERBS LISTED BY FUNCTIONAL SKILL AREA

COMMUNICATIONAidedAdvisedArbitratedClarifiedCo-authoredCollaboratedConsultedCoordinatedCounseledDefinedEnlistedFormulatedInfluencedInformedInspiredInterpretedInterviewedMediatedMergedNegotiatedPromotedPublicizedRecommendedRepresentedResolvedSuggested

CREATIVEActedAbstractedAdaptedComposedConceptualizedCreatedDesignedDevelopedDirectedDrewFashionedGeneratedIllustratedImaginedImprovisedIntegratedInnovatedPainted

PerformedPlannedProblemsolvedShapedSynthesizedVisualizedWrote

DETAIL ORIENTEDAnalyzedApprovedArrangedClassifiedCollatedComparedCompiledDocumentedEnforcedFollowedthroughMetdeadlinesPreparedProcessedRecordedRetrievedSetprioritiesSystemizedTabulated

FINANCIALAdministeredAllocatedAnalyzedAppraisedAuditedBudgetedCalculatedComputedDevelopedEvaluatedFiguredMaintainedManagedPerformedPlannedProjected

MANUAL SKILLS

ArrangedAssembledBoundBuiltCheckedClassifiedConstructedControlledCutDesignedDevelopedDroveHandledInstalledInventedMaintainedMonitoredPreparedOperatedRepairedTested

PROVIDING SERVICE

AdvisedAttendedCaredCoachedCoordinatedCounseledDeliveredDemonstratedExplainedFurnishedGeneratedInspectedInstalledIssuedMentoredProvidedPurchasedReferredRepairedSubmitted

ORGANIZINGAchievedAssignedConsultedContractedControlledCoordinatedDecidedDelegatedDevelopedEstablishedEvaluatedNegotiatedOrganizedPlannedPreparedPrioritizedProducedRecommendedReported

LEADERSHIPAdministeredChairedConvincedDirectedExaminedExecutedExpandedFacilitatedImprovedInitiatedManagedOversawProducedRecommendedReviewedSupervised

RESEARCH/INVESTIGATIONCalculatedCatalogedCollectedComputedConductedCorrelatedCritiquedDiagnosed

DiscoveredEvaluatedExaminedExperimentedExtrapolatedGatheredIdentifiedInspectedInvestigatedMonitoredProvedReviewedSurveyedTested

TECHNICALAssembledBuiltCalculatedComputedDesignedEngineeredFabricatedMaintainedOperatedProgrammedRemodeledRepairedSolved

TEACHING SKILLSAdaptedAdvisedClarifiedCoachedDevelopedEncouragedEvaluatedInformedInspiredMotivatedParticipatedProvidedRepresentedSupportedTaughtTrainedVerified


SAMPLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

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JANETTE [email protected] • (650) 555-1234

Present Address Permanent Address:P.O. Box 2738 956 Cherry StreetStanford, CA 94309 San Francisco, CA 94112

EDUCATION: 9/XX-6/XX Stanford University, Stanford, CA.

Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. Course work includes economics, organizational behavior, computer science, statistics, and psychology. GPA - 3.8/4.0

6/XX-9/XX Oxford University, Stanford-in-Oxford, Oxford, England. Studied Comparative Anglo-American Judicial System.

EXPERIENCE: 9/XX-present Resident Assistant, Madera House, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.

Work with a staff of four resident assistants in an 88-student, freshman dormitory. Create, plan and implement academic, cultural and social activities with the students. Encourage and facilitate discussion of social, political and ethical questions among the students. Build community spirit and guide residents in assuming responsibility for their personal and communal lives. Coordinator for “Madera Makes Music,” a weekly educational program during winter quarter. Schedule performances, organize the budget and create publicity.

10/XX-6/XX Visual Display Artist/Salesperson, The Gap, Palo Alto, CA. Designed and assembled window and floor displays. Assisted customers with selection and purchase of merchandise.

1/XX-1/XX Vice President, Delta Gamma Sorority, Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Directed planning and implementation of activities for 95 chapter members. Supervised and approved officer budgets. Increased member participation through innovative motivational techniques. Created prototype for annual chapter retreat and member recognition program. Organized rush activities.

6/XX-6/XX Entrepreneur, The Sewing Studio, Durham, CA. Created business offering fashion design and clothing construction courses to home-sewers. Developed advertising strategies, coordinated class schedules, and taught classes. Has expanded into a business with annual gross sales of merchandise and services of $200,000.

7/XX-9/XX Administrative Intern, U.S. Congressman Eugene Chappie, Chico, CA. Developed computer cataloging system for constituent request files. Researched local, state, and national issues for congressional use.

ADDITIONALINFORMATION: • Goalie, Stanford Women’s Water Polo, Stanford University. • Orchestra Conductor, Dorm Musical, Roble Hall, Stanford University.

Responsible for harmonious interaction of 18-piece orchestra. • Familiar with Macintosh and PC software applications.

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SAMPLE FUNCTIONAL RESUME

BEN PIERCE [email protected]

Present Address: Permanent Address:6756 Ventura, #36 13 Moss LanePalo Alto, CA 94306 Crabapple Cove, WI 55555(650) 555-2190 (612) 555-3520

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position as a paralegal with a corporate law firm.

EDUCATION: Stanford University, Stanford, CA. BA degree in Psychology. Course work has included criminal law, economics, political science, and sociology (9/XX-6/XX).

EXPERIENCE: RESEARCHING/WRITING • Researched language development in infants utilizing both

library resources and experimental data. • Generated written report of research project results.

ORGANIZING/SUPERVISING • As one of four class presidents, planned events and activities for

the Stanford senior class. Contacted businesses targeted for participation in these events.

• Organized and supervised committees to assist in publicizing, promoting and raising funds for various senior class functions.

• Set goals and guidelines for committee meetings.

PUBLIC SPEAKING/COMMUNICATING • Acted as senior class liaison to University officials. Informed

them of senior class activities and enlisted their support and approval.

• Discussed campaign platform and issues at residence halls while running for class office.

• Participated in public relations events to publicize the Varsity Football program to the surrounding community.

• Conducted impromptu interviews with various media representatives.

FINANCIAL PLANNING/BUDGETING • Coordinated a budget of $9,000 for senior class events. • Estimated and quoted prices for a variety of construction

projects.

EMPLOYMENTHISTORY: Crew Member, Pierce’s Asphalt and Seal Coating Service, Crabapple

Cove, WI (6/XX-9/XX, summers).

ADDITIONALINFORMATION: President, Senior Class, Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Running Back, Stanford Varsity Football Team.



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SAMPLE COMBINATION RESUME

Patricia [email protected]

Present Address: Permanent Address:P.O. Box 1234 123 Park CourtStanford, CA 94309 San Carlos, CA 94070(650) 555-0000 (650) 555-5555

SkillS • Extensive program development and motivational skills.Summary: • Proficient with MS Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro, and PageMaker. • Experienced lab technician executing DNA sequencing and gene analysis.EDucation:9/XX-6/XX Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with Honors. Course work includes

biology, calculus, chemistry, and statistics. GPA - 3.7/4.0

ExPEriEncE: rESEarch/Writing

9/XX-6/XX Public Relations Intern, Hoover Institute Public Affairs Office, Stanford, CA Compiled Hoover Fellow articles from an array of journals, magazines and

newspapers. Used PageMaker to create mastheads and retype opinion editorials. Developed efficient proofreading methods and an innovative talent for pasting up difficult articles.

6/XX-9/XX Research Assistant, University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center, Chicago, IL Quickly learned complicated laboratory procedures. Successfully executed

molecular biology experiments involving DNA sequencing and gene analysis. Maintained detailed records for procedural and statistical purposes. Gained significant independent research and writing experience.

9/XX-6/XX Feature Writer, The Stanford Daily, Stanford, CA Developed journalistic writing style and interviewing skills. Successfully met all

deadlines and consistently published front page articles.

tEaching/counSEling

10/XX-present Math/English Tutor, Self-initiated and directed, Palo Alto, CA Tutor two seventh grade students 2-3 hours per week. Employ the Socratic

method to help develop their analytical skills and help them with their homework. Design tests to chart their progress. Create interactive games to increase their understanding of math and grammar. Plan quarterly outings.

9/XX-6/XX Focus Assistant, Stanford’s Environmental Theme House, Stanford, CA Participated on a team of five to develop well organized, thought provoking, and

social programs to familiarize residents with the environmental theme.

lEaDErShiP/managEmEnt

9/XX-6/XX Officer’s Core Member, Black Student Union, Stanford University, Stanford, CA Worked with a team to plan, organize, and publicize a variety of activities

and programs designed to motive and educate Stanford’s African-American community. Chaired a committee to rejuvenate The Real News, an African-American news publication.

intErEStS: Writing short stories • developing culinary skills in African-American cuisine • jazz

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SAMPLE SUMMER RESUME

JOE [email protected]

Present Address: Permanent Address:P.O. Box 123 345 Summer Job LaneStanford, CA 94309 Hometown, IL 66666(650) 555-5555 (312) 555-5555

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a summer position or internship in the field of journalism or communications.

EDUCATION:9/XX-present Stanford University, Stanford, CA BA degree, expected 6/XX. Coursework includes: communication, English and psychology.

9/XX-6/XX ABC High School, Hometown, CA Advanced placement courses in math, science and English. Salutatorian

HONORS/ • National Achievement Scholar • AP ScholarAWARDS: • National Honor Roll • Gates Millennium Scholar Finalist

EXPERIENCE:9/XX-present Student Assistant, Career Development Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA Answer daily telephone inquiries from students and employers. Greet employers visiting

Stanford for on-campus recruiting. Type and file correspondence letters. Manage database of student passwords.

9/XX-6/XX Yearbook Editor, ABC High School, Hometown, CA Supervised a staff of 18. Set timelines for project completion, divided and assigned

tasks, and managed all aspects of publication’s production. Served as liaison between yearbook staff and school administration. Assisted in soliciting over $5000 in funding for publication. Conceptualized new layout and design format for yearbook.

6/XX-9/XX Head Lifeguard, Sink Like a Rock Pool, Hometown, ST Oversaw the safety of 100+ swimmers daily. Assisted in the hiring, training and

supervision of new lifeguards. Organized pool competitions and special events. Developed flyers to publicize events to the community. Promoted from position of lifeguard 6/XX.

SKILLS: Computer: Familiar with Macintosh software including MS Word, PageMaker, Excel. Languages: Fluent in Spanish; working knowledge of basic French.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: • Member, ABC High School Varsity Baseball team • Traveled throughout the United States and Mexico • Eagle Scout • Interests include jazz, basketball, and baseball card collecting • Certified American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Instructor



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SAMPLE BUSINESS RESUME

JOE STUDENTP.O. Box 1234 • Stanford, CA 94309 • (650) 555-1212 • [email protected]

EDUCATION

9/XX-12/XX Stanford University, Stanford, CA BA in Economics; Honors Candidate in Economics. GPA: Major: 3.86/4.00, Cumulative: 3.78/4.00 Relevant Coursework: Econometrics, Multi-Variable Calculus, Micro and Macro Economic Analysis,

Economics and Public Policy, Imperfect Competition, Financial Economics, International Economics.

9/XX-12/XX Oxford University, Oxford, England Completed tutorial on the Political Economy of Trade and Trade Agreements.

Sophomore College: Participated in intensive seminar entitled “Economic Thoughts of Plato and Aristotle.” Academic work focused on economic ideas among major Greek philosophers, and also on assumptions behind modern economic theory. Culminated in a paper critiquing rational choice and preference ranking.

EXPERIENCE

6/XX-8/XX Research Assistant, National Economic Research Associates (NERA), White Plains, NY Worked with a team of four other researchers on cases relating to antitrust, intellectual property and

labor economics. Conducted quantitative and qualitative research, collected and analyzed data, creating and managing spreadsheets.

6/XX-8/XX Summer Analyst, Galleon Group, New York, NY Assigned to track a group of technology companies for the New York based hedge fund, Galleon

Group. Worked with three other analysts in collecting and analyzing relevant financial statistics, Performed qualitative research to form an assessment of the current status of the companies.

5/XX-6/XX Economics Tutor, Undergraduate Advising Center, Stanford, CA Assisted students with understanding concepts and solving problems in micro and macro economics,

econometrics and statistics. Organized review sessions and prepared practice problems for upcoming exams.

7/XX-9/XX Business Intern, American International Group (AIG), New York, NY Developed a business analysis on a foreign company, located in Sri Lanka, with which AIG had

recently formed a joint venture. Wrote a report on Sri Lanka’s insurance sector, focusing on privatization of insurance companies and on a recent merger between two insurance companies.

LEADERSHIP

4/XX-present Staff Editor, Undergraduate Journal of International Relations, Stanford, CA Review and edit articles relating to capital inflows and international trade in emerging economies. Help

with distributing the journal to think tanks, academic institutions, and faculty and students at Stanford.

5/XX-present Program Director, SAT Success, Haas Center for Public Service, Stanford, CA Coordinate all aspects of the tutoring program including recruitment of tutors and tutees. Organize

events to introduce high school students to SAT preparation and the college application process. Conduct training sessions on tutoring the math and verbal sections of the SAT.

1/XX-6/XX Staff Editor, Undergraduate Journal of Philosophy, Stanford, CA Evaluated, edited and helped select and compile papers for Stanford’s undergraduate philosophy

journal, The Dualist. Focused on reviewing papers on political philosophy and ethics.

SKILLS

Computer: Experienced with Macintosh/IBM. Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and FileMaker.Language: Proficient in speaking and writing French

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SAMPLE ARTS ADMINISTRATION RESUME

Kenya RiosPO Box 12345 • Stanford, CA 94309 • 650.123.4567 • [email protected]

EDUCATION:Stanford University—Stanford, CA 9/XX-presentB.A. in American Studies with Mass Media & Consumer Culture focus, expected 6/XX - GPA: 3.7

Stanford-In-Paris Study Abroad Program—Paris, France 9/XX-12/XXLanguage, literature and theatre/cinema courses taken

RELATED EXPERIENCE:Stanford Concert Network—Stanford, CA—Chief of Staff / Publicity Manager 4/XX-present• Liaison between Executive Board and general staff• Lead meetings and planning of concert events• Manage print and media relations, marketing and external promotions

Inphanyte Records—Stanford, CA—Executive Cabinet Member and Recording Artist 11/XX-present• Coordinate campus events to promote records and artists• Write lyrics and work in studio recording and editing

Culture Pub (French television syndicated series)—Paris, France—Research Intern 10/XX-12/XX• Devised new system to catalogue and retrieve film stock• Performed internet and archive research for upcoming specials

Fender Center for the Performing Arts—Corona, CA—Programs Development Intern 6/XX-8/XX• Selected to be Arts for Youth Fellow by Stanford’s Haas Center for Public Service• Implemented three month marketing plan resulting in increase of center recognition and concert

attendance• Developed and designed music camp program for summer 20XX• Produced and directed promotional video as part of Capital Expansion Campaign

Student Organizing Committee for the Arts—Stanford, CA—Selection Team Member 1/XX-4/XX• Chose artists and track listings for Stanford Soundtrack, Vol. 3 and developed record image

Stanford Student Enterprises—Stanford, CA—Account Executive, Advertising 6/XX-9/XX• Met and frequently exceeded weekly sales goals; twice chosen as employee of the term• Designed several advertisements for clients and managed the accounts• Identified leads and used persuasive communication skills to generate advertising prospects

OTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND ACTIVITIES:Vice President / Philanthropy Chair—Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Stanford UniversityProduction Intern—Stanford Film Society short film: “Sold America”Course Instructor—Modern French Cinema, Stanford UniversityPeer Academic Advisor—Stanford UniversityVolunteer Dance Instructor—Bay Area Boys and Girls ClubWriter—contribute to Womenspeak and Black Arts Quarterly publications, Stanford University

SKILLS:Technical: Drupal web design, Photoshop, Excel, PowerPoint, and WordLanguage: Proficient in French



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SAMPLE POLICY RESUME


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SAMPLE PUBLIC SERVICE RESUME

kElly t. VictoryP.O Box 17742 Stanford, CA 94309 555.840.5749 [email protected]

EDucation:9/XX-6/XX Stanford University, Stanford, CA • B.A. degree in American Studies with a concentration in “Urban Society and Social Change” • Coursework includes political science, urban studies, sociology, psychology, writing, calculus, and

Spanish

ExPEriEncE: Public SErVicE 9/XX-present Peer Counselor, 24 Hour Crisis Hotline, Bridge Community Center, Stanford, CA • Counseled students with regard to their personal and academic problems

3/XX-4/XX Co-Chair, 3rd Annual Stanford Dance Marathon, Stanford University, Stanford, CA • Selected to lead organization, planning, and management of philanthropic event • Directed a team of 60 undergraduates • Recruited a record 975 participants (up from 300) • Raised over $215,000 (20XX event raised $58,000) for Partners In Health (nonprofit) • Developed and maintained relationships with outside sponsors, such as Apple Inc. and Kaplan

9/XX-4/XX Selection Officer, Volunteers in Latin America, Stanford University, Stanford, CA • Designed and implemented the recruiting and application process • Managed all advertisement, interview, and selection activities

6/XX-9/XX Volunteer, Volunteers in Latin America, Stanford Student Run Program, Quito, Ecuador • Oversaw 30 children, ages 9-10, daily at a center for street children • Created lesson plans, organized field trips and workshops

lEaDErShiP 9/XX-present Residential Assistant, Stanford University, Stanford, CA • Work with a team of 5 other staff members to design and implement dorm programming activities

around issues of mental health, academic resources, diversity, and career preparation • Oversee the wellbeing of 260 residents

9/XX-present Tour Guide, Visitor Information Services, Stanford University, Stanford, CA • Lead public and private tours with an emphasis on history and student life • Operate front desk for Undergraduate Admissions which involves customer service and light

accounting work

9/XX-present Member, Stanford Women in Business Mentoring Program, Stanford, CA • Learned about the business world through attendance at various panels and workshops • Met monthly with Graduate School of Business mentor

6/XX-8/XX Marketing Intern, SearchRev Inc., Palo Alto, CA • Worked closely with the director of marketing to help increase brand awareness and drive revenue

of this internet marketing start-up • Oversaw trade-show planning and preparation • Managed national ad campaigns

9/XX-6/XX Kitchen Manager, Stanford University Student Organized Services, Stanford, CA • Completed weekly grocery runs and managed $150,000 annual budget • Communicated daily with chefs, in Spanish, regarding menu, supplies, and resident feedback • Managed residents and planned house activities as a member of the staff

9/XX-11/XX Registration Team Leader, Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford, CA • Worked as a member of a 60 person team to plan Reunion Homecoming

aWarDS:4/XX Dean of Students Outstanding Achievement Award • Awarded annually to students who have significantly enriched the quality of student life on campus

SkillS: Computer: Mac and PC platforms; MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiar with website development through HTML coding and JavaScript

Languages: Proficient in Spanish

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SAMPLE HEALTH CAREER RESUME

ESPERANZA NICOLLYP.O. Box 13244 • Stanford, CA 94309 • Mobile: 555-867-8297 • [email protected]

EDucation

Stanford University, Stanford, CA 9/XX - 6/XX BA degree in Human BiologyStanford in Berlin, Berlin, Germany 3/XX - 6/XX

hEalth rESEarch ExPEriEncE

Research Intern, Robert Koch-Institut (RKI), Berlin, Germany 6/XX - 9/XX Conducted research in the Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Unit for HIV/AIDS and STI. Saw

project through from data entry to publication, on the topic of risk factors related to STI incidence in a German study population. Completed statistical analysis and presented findings, in German, at a conference hosted by RKI. Currently seeking publication.

Researcher, Water, Health, Environment: Childhood survival in Mozambique, Stanford, CA 5/XX - 9/XX Reviewed relevant studies to establish the relationship between water quality and other health-related risk factors to the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases in Mozambique. Received a $5,500 grant from the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education at Stanford University for research.

hEalth lEaDErShiP ExPEriEncE

Head Teaching Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician Training, Stanford, CA 6/XX - present Plan, organize, and facilitate lesson plans in pre-hospital emergency care for 36-person year-long class designed to certify students as Emergency Medical Technicians. Lead small group sessions for practical training of necessary patient skills. Responsible, within a team of 16 other Teaching Assistants, for developing and presenting lecture material, writing quizzes and exams, and coordinating the application process for students and Teaching Assistants.

Director of Training, Stanford Emergency Medical Service, Stanford, CA 6/XX - present Coordinate training of new EMTs and recertification of current members. Act as on-call volunteer for campus and community events providing Basic Life Support as an EMT-B. Part of a team responsible for starting the Emergency Medical Service on Stanford University campus. Helped develop a constitution, establish member policies and procedures, and create Standard Operating Procedures.

Chair, Unite For Sight, Stanford Chapter, Stanford, CA 2/XX - 3/XX Conducted visual acuity tests and assisted patients in finding eye-care programs at local free clinic. Established

partnerships with clinics and shelters for patient assessment. Established new chapter at Stanford.Campus Coordinator, Students for International Change, Stanford, CA 7/XX- 6/XX Organized and taught more than 20 volunteers in preparation for volunteerism in Tanzania. Prefield preparation

subjects included an introduction to objectives, culture and education systems, the ethics of volunteerism, intensive HIV-related biology, teaching principles, sex education, and social issues.

Volunteer Teacher, Students for International Change, Valeska, Arusha, Tanzania 6/XX - 7/XX Taught HIV/AIDS education in a primary school with 250 students and in local community groups in a rural village of 1200. Helped coordinate community days that included teaching, condom distribution, testing, and counseling.

othEr ExPEriEncE

Peer Counselor, Stanford University Career Development Center, Stanford, CA 3/XX - present Counsel students in their application for internships and on-campus positions. Advise on resumes and cover letters,

and present workshops on career building.

PrESEntationS

Presented research at Stanford University’s Program in Writing and Rhetoric Research Forum I and II Presented at 5th Annual STI Conference hosted by Robert Koch-Institut

aDDitional information

Languages: Proficient in German; working knowledge of Spanish and Swahili Computer Skills: MS Office Suite, Macromedia Suite, EpiInfo, SPSS 15.0 Other experience: Autistic school teacher, vice-president and philanthropy director of Chi Omega Fraternity



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SAMPLE SCIENCE RESUME

DANIEL O. [email protected] 650.555.1212 P.O. Box 1234 Stanford, CA 94309

EDUCATION9/XX-present Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Pursuing BA degree with Honors in Human Biology to be conferred June, 20XX. GPA: 3.72/4.00 Coursework: Biology, Immunology, Organic Chemistry, Pathogenesis, Calculus, Statistics, and

Economics Publications: On Research and Patenting © 20XX Stanford Scientific Review

EXPERIENCE11/XX-present Institute for OneWorld Health-Health Policy Intern, San Francisco, CA • Assist UCSF Professor in researching and writing global pharmaceutical policy articles for publication • Assess challenges of adherence to international standards when conducting clinical trials in developing

countries

9/XX-present Stanford University Center for Teaching and Learning-Oral Communication Tutor, Stanford, CA • Instruct and coach 20 students to perfect their presentation style, in collaboration with Stanford

Professors • Study effective public speaking methods and techniques for teaching those methods

6/XX-8/XX United States of America Department of State-Science and Technology Intern, Washington, DC • Recruited US Government scientists for worldwide Embassy Science Fellowships • Compiled information and briefed State Department officials for meeting with Vietnamese delegates • Analyzed and articulated, in a classified report to the National Security Council, an international

science and technology dilemma in cooperation with two senior State Department employees

6/XX-8/XX Amigos de las Americas-Project Supervisor, Valle Region, Honduras • Insured the health and safety of ten health workers in rural Honduran villages • Worked cooperatively and lived with team of seven project staff members, responsible for 51

volunteers overall • Implemented community-based healthy lifestyle projects while immersed as field volunteer in Paraguay, 6/

XX-8/XX

6/XX-8/XX Robinson & Wood, Inc.-Legal Assistant, San Jose, CA • Conducted legal research focusing on five civil litigation cases; wrote reports for attorneys based on

that research • Contacted expert witnesses and met with clients to gather information

ACTIVITIES4/XX-present Stanford Alumni Mentoring-Student Management Team, Stanford, CA • Collaborate with a team and outside firm to design innovative mentoring software for Stanford students and

alumni • Advocate program to students, alumni and school administrators to ensure participation and financial

support

9/XX-present Stanford Scientific Review-CFO and Staff Writer, Stanford, CA • Research and write articles examining patents on biotechnology products by universities and private

companies • Expand annual operating budget from $3,000 to $18,000 by spearheading funding campaign • Recruit and structure advisory board of Stanford professors, including current editor-in-chief of Science

magazine

3/XX-11/XX Stanford Affordable Hearing Aid Startup-Entrepreneur and Business Developer, Stanford, CA • Collaborate with doctors, professionals and peers to develop and market an innovative hearing solution • Edit final business report and deliver presentation to investors, professors, and professionals

AWARDS • Stanford Center for Latin American Studies Service Fellowship for Honduran Youth Leadership

project, 5/XX • 1st Place, Intel Int’l Science and Engineering Fair and Grand Prize at the Silicon Valley Science Fair, 5/XX

ADDITIONAL • Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, WordPerfect, DreamWeaver, PhotoShop • Proficient speaking and reading Spanish • Interests include social entrepreneurship, travel, academic advising, public speaking, biking, and

swimming

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SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS RESUME

JOSHUA XAVIERPO Box 90484, Stanford, CA 94309 [email protected] 650.555.3999

EDUCATIONStanford University, Stanford, CA 9/XX - 6/XXB.A. International Relations, with Honors. Minor: Languages. GPA 3.5/4.0

Stanford at Sea, Stanford Hopkins Marine Station, Monterey Bay, CA 4/XX - 6/XX

Stanford in Paris Program, Paris, France 9/XX - 3/XX

RESEARCH/ANALYTICAL EXPERIENCEHonors Thesis Research, Baja California, México, and Stanford, CA 6/XX - presentAssess sustainability vs. development issues in energy production, salt production, and tourism. Compile model on effective strategies in large-scale development proposal and opposition.

Researcher, Médecins Sans Frontières, France, Conakry, Republic of Guinea, and Stanford, CA 1/XX - presentEvaluate decision making and donor/recipient country relations in emergency relief organization. Coordinate fieldwork independently.

Researcher, Stanford/NSF Biocomplexity Project, Baja California Sur, México, and Stanford, CA 6/XX - presentDesign research surveys for Mexico’s most productive fishing cooperatives. Collaborate with scientists and fishermen to refine interview process for future research.

Researcher, Stanford Hopkins Marine Station, Republic of Kiritbati, Palmyra Atoll, Monterey Bay, CA 4/XX - 6/XXMonitored trophic cascades in reef ecosystems. Identified and size-estimated 25 different species of herbivorous fish. Surveyed over 3,000 square meters of reef from different islands with varying fishing gradients.

Researcher, Stanford Affordable Hearing Project, Stanford, CA 4/XX - 6/XXCalculated need of hearing aid devices for low-income population in Bay Area. Conducted empathy work and identified gaps in Medicare and Medicaid. Generated business plan presentation to donors.

LEADERSHIP/TEAMWORK EXPERIENCEResidential Assistant, Yost House (Dorm), Stanford CA 9/XX - present Manage staff of seven in 60-student dormitory. Plan events aimed at promoting Spanish and Portuguese language and culture.

Tutor, Center for Teaching and Learning, Stanford, CA 9/XX - presentCounsel peers in Spanish Literature and Composition courses and French language.

Policy Assistant, International Chamber of Commerce, Paris, France 1/XX - 3/XXAssembled data retention agency database and telecom liberalization policy paper. Prepared VoIP technology memorandum in French. Liaison for Latin American National Committees and Paris Secretariat.

Payson-Treat Cross-Cultural Fellow, Volunteers in Asia, Stanford, CA 11/XX - 9/XXDeveloped 2 week series of events on American Culture for visiting Japanese students. Traveled to Asia on cultural exchange.

Intern, The Getty Center, Los Angeles, CA 6/XX - 8/XXSupported logistics operations at Museum and Grounds Department.

Tour Guide, Stanford Visitor Information Services, Stanford, CA 9/XX - 6/XXLed public and private tours through Stanford University campus with emphasis on history, traditions and student life.

Interpreter/Volunteer, Genesis Expeditions, Ensenada, México 6/XX - 6/XXMediated relations between non-profit directors, orphanage officials, and construction managers.

OTHER ACTIVITIESBass, Stanford Symphonic Chorus 9/XX - presentAthlete, Stanford Canoe and Kayak Team. Medaled in USACK Collegiate Nationals, Atlanta, GA 05/XX 12/XX - present

SKILLSLanguages: Native Spanish speaker. Fluent in English, French. Conversational Portuguese.Technical: HTML and JavaScript, MS Office, working knowledge of PhotoShop.Interests: Extensive travel in Mexico, Asia, Europe and South America. Rock climber, scuba diver (NAUI certified)



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SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RESUME

Gui-PinG (Gwen) Zhou659 Escondido Road, Apt. 16E • Stanford CA 94305

(650) 555-5555 • [email protected]

objective

To obtain a position as Product Manager or New Product Strategist in the solar industry

education

9/XX–present Stanford University, Stanford, CA • Pursuing M.S. Management Science and Engineering to be conferred 3/XX • GPA: 3.6/4.0 • Coursework: Strategies in Innovation, New Product Introduction, Technology and

Society, and Strategic Marketing (Winter Quarter)

9/XX–6/XX Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland • License (M.S. degree), with Honors, Materials Science and Engineering • GPA: 9.2/10 • Coursework: Nanofabrication, Semiconductor Devices, MEMS, and Renewable Energy

exPerience

6/XX–8/XX Solar Technology Intern, National Solar Technology Institute, Beijing, China • Translated honors thesis from French to Mandarin • Expanded assessment of technologies to include installation and operating costs spe-

cific to China and to meet varied forecasts of China’s expanding energy needs • Co-authored report and executive summary for Ministry of Energy officials 9/XX–6/XX Independent Researcher (Honors Thesis), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich,

Switzerland • Conducted extensive literature review to assess competing solar energy technologies • Estimated and compared projected efficiency limits and cost per generated kilowatt-hour

of photovoltaic and solar-thermal configurations

6/XX–8/XX Research Assistant, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland(summers) • Characterized electrical and optical properties of amorphous and polycrystalline silicon

photovoltaic devices • Automated test apparatus, reducing data collection time from 2 hours to 20 minutes • Assisted in the fabrication of photovoltaic devices with 50-nm dimensions in a Class 10

nano-fabrication facility • Became familiar with ion beam deposition and directional etching • Helped empirically identify and document process parameters for depositing a new type

of passivation layer

LeadershiP

9/XX–6/XX Founder/President, Chinese Students Association, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland

• Founded organization to support Chinese students and to promote cultural awareness at ETH

• Surveyed students and university officials to assess the need for, and to clarify, the club’s mission

• Persuaded Dean of Student Life to allocate seed funding to launch the club

additionaLinformation

• Fluent in English (TOEFL 273/300) and French; native Mandarin speaker; basic skills in German

• Familiar with PCs, Word, Excel, Access, and Stata 5.0 • Have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Central and North America • Interests include skiing, mountain biking, playing piano, and listening to jazz

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SAMPLE MASTERS RESUME

SUZANNE R. MENCHACA

P.O. Box 2934 • Stanford, CA 94309 • (650) 497-1042 • [email protected]

EDUCATION

Stanford University Stanford, CAMA, Administration and Policy Analysis Expected 6/XXCourse Highlights: Social Conflict: Models and Methods of Mediation; Firms, Markets and States; Urban Youth and their Institutions and Topics in Identity Development.

San José State University San José, CABA, History 5/XX

EXPERIENCE

Stanford University Office of Residential Education Stanford, CAIntern, Academic and Ethnic Theme Houses 9/XX-PresentReview the role of ethnic and academic theme houses for undergraduate students, conduct focus groups with students and staff, assist in development of informational documents for Residential Education Program.

Cañada College Instructional Tutoring Program Redwood City, CATutoring Supervisor 9/XX-9/XXSupervised 8 part-time staff and 60 student tutors, coordinated and directed daily functions of program including tutor training. Coordinated community outreach services for secondary and elementary school students.

Alliance Center for Employment Redwood City, CAAssessment Counselor 8/XX-6/XXCreated personal development and job preparation programs for over 100 youth ages 14-21. Organized basic skills and job search workshops. Established referral services and community outreach activities.

LEADERSHIP/COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES

Member, Cañada College Student Personnel Services Reorganization Task ForceFacilitated discussions on how to realign staffing to address expanded needs and reduced budget.

Student Body Vice President, Cañada CollegeCreated and implemented educational programming. Assessed and presented student preferences and needs at committee meetings.

Volunteer, East Palo Alto Youth at RiskDeveloped lessons and materials to educate students on English and History subjects.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Word, and Excel computer software.Language Skills: Conversational Spanish.



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SAMPLE ENGINEERING RESUME—BACHELORS

juLia enG-bacheLor563 Salvatierra Walk • Stanford, CA 94305 • (650) 723-0000 • [email protected]

________________________________ objective ______________________________To obtain a hands-on position developing and optimizing robots and automated production systems

________________________________ education ______________________________Stanford University, Stanford, CA - B.S. in Mechanical Engineering expected 20xx Major GPA: 3.7/4.0 Cumulative GPA: 3.5/4.0 Stanford in Berlin, Germany – studied German language, history and culture Spring 20xx

___________________________ reLevant coursework _________________________ Robotics Mechatronics Control Systems Machine Vision Product Design Machines and Society

________________________________ Projects ______________________________Integrated Compliant Arm-Wrist Robot Spring 20xx• Worked on a team to simulate and program an existing robot with 6 degrees of freedom• Empirically determined the acceptable gripping pressures for objects of differing shape, weight,

and surface texture • Successfully trained robot to pick up and manipulate a delicate wineglass without damaging it Throw & Catch Robots Winter 20xx• Trained twin robots to repeatedly throw and catch a tennis ball • Worked on a three-person team to simulate and develop the motion and control algorithms • Led the team in rendering and fine-tuning the algorithms into C++

_______________________________ exPerience ______________________________Engineering Intern, Siemens AG, Munich, Germany Summer 20xx • Provided drafting and engineering support at a plant manufacturing drives and motors • Updated and maintained electro-mechanical drawings and documentation• Adhered to best-practice protocols for document control• Observed factory operations employing precision robots and machine vision

________________________________ activities ______________________________Social Chair, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority 20xx - present• Led committee that planned and organized monthly events for all 50 women in the house• Organized a successful benefit dinner that exceeded fundraising goal (>$5000)

Tour Guide, Stanford University 20xx - present• Polished public speaking skills while conducting three campus tours per week

_________________________________ skiLLs _______________________________Design: SolidWorksProgramming: Matlab, C/C++, Java, HTMLFabrication: CNC mill, lathe, brazingLanguages: German (conversational)

__________________________ ProfessionaL affiLiations ________________________ASME • Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society • Society of Women Engineers

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SAMPLE ELECTRONIC RESUME

AUDREY CRENSHAWP.O. Box 12345Stanford, CA [email protected]

OBJECTIVESummer intern position focusing on software development

EDUCATIONStanford University, Stanford, CABachelor of Science, Computer Science, expected June 20XXCoursework: Java, C, LISP, programming paradigms and algorithms, databases, and artificial intelligence

COMPUTER SKILLSC, Java, LISP, Perl, VisualBASIC, Oracle, PL/SQL, ODL/OQL, XML, SQL/CLI, PSM, UNIX, Linux, HTML Web page design, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, Photoshop, GoLive, Illustrator, Acrobat, FileMakerPro, Lotus Notes Databases

EXPERIENCECareer Development Center, Stanford University, Stanford CAComputer Technician and Programmer, 10/20XX-present* Set up and maintain JSP server for connectivity to FileMakerPro databases* Help design and maintain center website

Adobe Systems, Adobe Solutions Network, San Jose, CADatabase Intern, 6/20XX-9/20XX* Set up and maintained JSP web pages for connectivity to MySQL databases* Redesigned and maintained related FileMakerPro, Lotus Notes, and Oracle databases with team of two engineers

City of Orange, Orange, CACivil Engineering Intern, Summers 20XX-20XX * Assisted with organizing road design plans

HONORS/AWARDSBausch and Lomb Achievement AwardNational Society of Women Engineers Award

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCEYouth Science Center, Teacher’s AideCampaign for Congress, VolunteerCampaign for City Council, Volunteer

ACTIVITIES and INTERESTSSociety of Women EngineersIllustration, Writing Poetry

Emailing Resumes

• Don’t forget to include a cover letter in the body of the email.

• When emailing resume files, name them so the employer can easily identify it as your resume. Last name, followed by first name and the word “resume” is most helpful.

Optical Scanning

• Optical or electronic scanning technology allows organizations to handle large amounts of information on incoming job applicants by scanning resumes for key words which indicate skills, education and knowledge areas the employer is seeking. Your resume is scanned into the computer as an image. Optical character recognition (OCR) sorts the image into recognizable letters, words and symbols.

• Left-justify all text and avoid using underlining, italics, bullets, bold, and columns.



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SAMPLE REFERENCE LIST

REFERENCES FOR JOHN AVILA

Dr. Jan SmithDepartment of Biological SciencesStanford UniversityStanford, CA [email protected]: professor

Mr. Jerome TitanSenior ScientistGenentech1204 Lloyd St.South San Francisco, CA [email protected]: past internship supervisor

Ms. Vanessa JamesStore ManagerThe Gap1999 Main St.San Francisco, CA [email protected]: past supervisor

• References should be listed on a separate sheet of paper.

• Typically, references are requested at the point you are considered a finalist for the position.

• It is important to contact your references prior to submitting their names to potential employers.

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COVER LETTERSThecoverletterprovidesyouwithanopportunitytointroduceyourselfandstateyourobjective,personalize

yourresume,andhighlightinformationthataddressestheneedsandinterestsoftheemployer.Bearinmindthatlettersyouwritenotonlyconveyyourinterestandqualifications,butalsogivetheemployeranopportunitytoobserveyourattentivenesstodetail,spelling,grammar,andtheoverallqualityofyourwrittencommunica-tion.Flaws in your letters will often be interpreted as flaws in your qualifications.

AddressCity, ST Zip CodeDate

NameTitleCompany/Organization NameAddressCity, ST Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Opening Paragraph:What is your intent in writing this letter? What position are you applying for and how did you learn about it?Briefly introduce yourself, your major, and the degree anticipated. If you are aware of a specific opening, refer to it. If you are not aware of a specific position, state your area of interest. This paragraph can also be used to refer to the individual who recommended that you contact the organization, or other factors that prompted you to write. If possible, convey why you are interested in the organization and anything you know about their product or service.

Second Paragraph:What are your qualifications? Why do you want to work for this organization? What would you enjoy doing for them? Sell yourself and be brief. Whet the employer’s appetite so that he/she will want to read your resume and schedule an interview.Describe highlights from your background that would be of greatest interest to the organization. Focus on skills, activities, accomplishments, and past experience you can contribute to the organization and its work. If possible, demonstrate that you know something about the organization and industry/field. Use action verbs that describe relevant skills and expertise you can contribute. Mention specific knowledge you may have such as computer applications, foreign languages, lab techniques, writing and editing capabilities. You are attempting to create a match or “notion of fit” between the employer’s hiring needs and your interests, experience, and skills.

Third Paragraph:What is your plan of action? Do you want to follow up with a phone call or do you want them to contact you?Close your letter by stating that you would like to discuss employment opportunities or other information with the individual and that you will call to follow up on your letter. This demonstrates your initiative and follow-through and will help you maintain some control of your efforts.

Other points that can be made in the last paragraph:• Express your willingness to provide additional information• State a specific time when you will follow up by phone or email• Let them know if and when you are going to visit their area• Thank the person receiving your letter for their time and interest

Most importantly, remember to address the cover letter to a person. If you do not have a name, call the department or human resources to find out to whom your letter should be addressed. As a last resort, address your letter to the personnel manager, hiring manager, or recruiting representative.

• Resumes are only as good as the letter accompanying them. So make sure that you spend some time on your letter and direct it to the appropriate person.

• What you write and how you write it tells potential employers a great deal about your professionalism, competence, and personality.

• In a job search aimed at busi-ness and professional circles, proper procedures and commu-nication etiquette are important.

• A cover letter should entice an employer to want to take action on your resume. It should persuade the employer to invite you for a job interview.


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STIPS FOR CREATING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER• Collectyourthoughts.Yourideasmaynotcomeoutlogicallyorsequentially,butwritethemdown.Don’tjudgeandevaluate, simplycollectthem.

• Spendtimeonyourletter.Astheadagegoes,“Withpart-timeeffort,yougetpart-timeresults.”

• Writeadraft,letitcooloffovernight,andthenrewriteif necessary.

• Useastrongclose,e.g.,“Afteryouhavehadanopportunitytoreviewthisletter,Iwillcallyou...”Avoidweakendingssuchas“Ilookforwardtoyourreply”or“Pleasecallmeatyourearliestconvenience.”

• Limityourlettertoonepage;aletterisanopportunitytosell,sosaysomethingaboutyou,whilealsofocusingontheneedsoftheemployer.Writethewayyoutalk.Itshouldbewell-worded,concise,andcontrolledintheuseofthepronoun“I”.

• Whileageneralcoverlettercanbeused,bestresultscome frompersonalizingeachlettertofitthespecificcircum-stances,position,ororganization.

• Askforopinions,advice,andfeedbackfromfriends,acoun-selor,orsomeoneintheprofession.Checkspellingandgrammar.

• Avoidcluttereddesktoppublishing.Businesslettersshouldlookconservative.Ifyouwanttobecreative,dosoinyourchoiceofwords.Ifshouldbeaestheticallyappealingwithcarefulattentiontospacingandformat.Useletter-qualityprinterpaperorhigh-qualitybondpaper.Stickwithwhite,ivory,oroff-white.

• Remembertosignitpersonallyandincludeyourtelephone numberandemailaddress.

• Don’tusesomeoneelse’sletter.Ifyouareusingthesame letterforseveralcompanies,remembertochangethenameinthebodyofyourletter.

• Deviseasystemtokeeptrackofthefollow-upstepsyouwilltakeandtheresponsesyoureceive.Moststudentshavefoundthatbindersorfilefoldersfororganizingthejobsearchandits correspondenceareessential.

• Followup,followup.Peoplewillcallyou,butyou’llimproveyouroddsdramaticallyifyoufollowupyourletterswithaphonecall.

• Don’tmarkletters“personalandconfidential”unlessthereisasolidreasonwhyasecretaryoranadministrativeassistantcan’topenthem.Ifyourletterispersuasiveenough,itwillgetthrough.

COVER LETTERS ONLINEMoreandmorejobseekersareaskedtosendtheirresumes

andcoverlettersonline.Theselettersareabouthalfthelengthofaregularcoverletter.Itisimportanttomentioninyourletterhowyoufoundoutabouttheposition,whatyouarelookingfor,andwhatyouhavetooffer.Youmightalsomentionafewkeywordstheorganiza-tionmightwanttohear.Mostimportantly,besuccinct.Mostexpertsrecommendthatyoucomposeyourcoverletteroff-linefirstbeforeimportingitintoanoutgoingemailmessage.

CDC RESOURCESPublications available at the CDC Career Resource Library:• Resumes and Cover Letters by Stanford Students;aBinderofExamples

• Cover Letters That Knock ‘em Dead,Yate• 201 Dynamite Job Search Letters,Krannich&Krannich• Vault Guide to Resumes, Cover Letters & Interviewing,Leifman,etal.(availableviayourVaultCareerInsideraccountatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-library).

• The ABOUT.com Guide to Job Searching,Doyle

cdc.stanford.edu


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TYPES OF COVER LETTERSSAMPLE #1 - Letter of Application in Response to a Job Listing(Thisletteraccompaniesacompletedapplicationformormaybeusedtorespondtoaspecificjoblistingthatrequestsaletterandresume,andpossiblyotherdocumentation.)

P.O. Box 000033Stanford, CA 94000

October 19, 20XX

Ms. Marian ArmstoneHuman Resources ManagerLEK Consulting9999 Oak StreetPalo Alto, CA 9003

Dear Ms. Armstone:

This letter and the attached resume serve as my application for the Associate position at LEK Consulting. After speaking with Jo Kimmer at Stanford’s Career Fair on October 9, I believe my skills, academic training, and work experience are a good fit for this position.

I will complete a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 20XX. I have developed strong analytical and quantitative skills through coursework in technical, computer science, and economics courses. In addition, my hands-on experience in various internships and student leadership positions supports my qualifications as an Associate.

As an intern at General Motors this past summer, I developed analytical skills by taking measurements on a development vehicle identifying design problems, offering solutions for improvement, and making recommendations in a written report. I was awarded a General Motors scholarship for my exceptional contributions as a member of the S-10 Crew Cab launch team.

At Stanford, I demonstrated leadership ability by serving as the elected president for a service organization with over one hundred active members. In this effort, I honed my ability to make good decisions, plan and organize my time, work well on a team, and have developed sound interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills. Finally, I bring an entrepreneurial spirit and creativity to this position, as evidenced by my experience designing, patenting, and marketing my own product.

I would enjoy speaking with you further to discuss, in detail, how I am a match for the Associate position. I will follow up in two weeks to see if there is additional information you would like me to provide or answer questions you may have (another option: I am eager to apply my energy, experience, and enthusiasm to the work of LEK and look forward to hearing from you soon.).

Sincerely,

John DuncanJohn Duncan


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SAMPLE #2 - Letter Accompanying a Resume for an On-Campus Interview(Whilenotalwaysrequired,resumessubmittedforcampusinterviewsareoftenaccompaniedbycoverletters.Thisletterprovidesyouwithanopportunitytodemonstrateyourknowledgeoftheorganization,indicateswhyyouareinterestedintheposition,andhighlightsyourbackgroundandexperienceasitappliestotheposition.)

2468 College Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306

January 10, 20XX

Mr. John Boulton (or if name is not known, “Recruiting Staff”)Director, Technical AdministrationHillview Laboratories22244 Stevens Creek Blvd.San Jose, CA 94000

Dear Mr. Boulton:

I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you this coming Thursday to discuss employment opportunities at Hillview Laboratories and to expand on my qualifications for the (title of position). I reviewed your website and literature at the Career Development Center (or Business School Library) and also spoke with Janet Morris, who works at Hillview. Her comments have given me a clearer idea of your R & D efforts and the work with which I might be involved. In particular, I am impressed by your state-of-the-art laboratories and how Hillview has effectively integrated a participatory management style in its total operation.

As my resume reflects, I have previous research experience in the area of... where I... (explain what you did). You will note my graduate work also directly relates to the type of work currently being done at Hillview (Or highlight previous summer experience, coursework, thesis topic, or special skills that may be relevant to this employer. DO highlight or expand on a relevant entry from your resume, but DO NOT simply repeat what is already on your resume.).

Thank you for your interest in my application and your willingness to come to Stanford University for interviews. I look forward to meeting you and discussing how my background and experience can contribute to your work.

Sincerely,

Jason E. JeffersonJason E. Jefferson

cdc.stanford.edu


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SAMPLE #3 - Letter as the Result of a Phone Conversation


February 2, 20XX

Mr. Scott Campbell, Managing Editor Corpus Christi Caller-Times P.O. Box 9136 Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9136

Dear Mr. Campbell:

As a result of our phone conversation on January 31, I am sending you my resume as you requested. I have also taken the liberty of attaching a sample of my writing. I was encouraged to contact you after speaking with my high school journalism teacher, Mr. Bill Jenkins, who has ties with Ms. Sally Smith of your organization. As I mentioned in our discussion, I am currently a student at Stanford University and am very interested in journalism, advertising, and graphic design. I am seeking an opportunity to develop and utilize my skills and qualifications in a paid summer internship, doing whatever work possible. Growing up in Corpus Christi, the Caller-Times has always been part of my life. Now that I am older I have come to respect it as a professional service vital to our community, and am now eager to enlist and gain insight into the career I dream of holding.

My passion for journalism has only grown with time. As a Managing Editor of Hoofbeat, my high school’s national award-winning newspaper, I collaborated with fellow editors and managed a staff of nearly 30 younger writers as part of the overall process of overseeing production of the newspaper from conception to publication. As my resume indicates, I have demonstrated strong leadership and undergone extensive training through active participation in academic and professional organizations. In my effort to fully develop these important skills, I will continue to serve as a Layout Designer for The Stanford Scientific, the only full-color publication on campus for the duration of this academic year. I hope to gain the position of Head of Production in the years ahead.

In addition to my experience in journalism, my instruction includes coursework in statistics, psychology, and persuasive writing, and experience fielding phone calls and collecting data. My education has honed the writing, planning, organization, and presentation skills that I believe are essential to working in communications.

I am excited about the many aspects of the journalism world and welcome the prospect of discussing opportunities to explore them in your company. I will follow up in a week to answer questions you may have or provide additional information. In the meantime, should you have questions, I can be reached at 650-555-5555 or email: [email protected].

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Sarah JohnsonSarah Johnson



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SAMPLE #4 - Unsolicited or Broadcast Letter (Mailingunsolicitedlettersisanotherwaytotapintothehiddenjobmarket.Whilethe“lettercampaign”isnotthemosteffectivestrategyforeveryjobseeker,unsolicitedlettersmayworkwellforapplicantswithuniqueexpertiseinagivenareaorspecialtechnicalskills,orforthosewhowishtoworkforsmallorganizationsinaspecificcapacity.)


August 7, 20XX

Dr. John Allen, Associate DirectorINT Consulting Company12396 Park Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 93032

Dear Dr. Allen:

I am currently a student at Stanford University pursuing a BA degree in economics. I am very interested in business-related careers and am seeking opportunities to develop and utilize my skills and qualifications. I have researched your company and believe that your commitment to excellence and service is in alignment with my career goals and beliefs.

In addition to economics, my academic training includes extensive coursework in the sciences where I’ve developed very strong analytical, quantitative, and technical skills. My research has honed the writing, planning, and organization, and presentation skills that I believe are essential in a business environment.

As an Investment Banker Summer Intern at Morgan Stanley, I collaborated with brokers to market online investing, consulted with prospective clients and networked through the Internet and other computer software. As my resume indicates, I have demonstrated strong leadership and decision-making skills through active participation in campus organizations. In my effort to continue to develop these important skills, I will serve as a Head Academic Advisor this coming year, teaming with resident assistants and faculty members to plan educational and social programs for freshmen to help them plan their academics and adjust to campus life.

I am excited about the many facets of the business world and welcome the opportunity to discuss opportunities to explore in your company. I will follow up in a week to answer questions you may have or provide additional information. In the meantime, should you have questions, I can be reached at 650-600-0000 or email: [email protected].

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Maria JohnsonMaria Johnson

cdc.stanford.edu



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SAMPLE #5 - Approach Letter or Networking Letter(Approachlettersrequestinformationaboutanorganizationorindustry.Theyaregenerallysenttospecificcontactsyoumayhaveobtainedfromafriend,theStanfordAlumniNetwork,acareerfairrepresentativeorfacultymember.Dependingonyourpurpose,youmayormaynotwanttosendaresumewiththistypeofletter.

P.O. Box 12345Stanford, CA 94309650-999-1212

February 10, 20XX

Ms. Laura ValenciaManagerCreative Services DepartmentPutnam, Blair and Associates12 Front StreetSan Francisco, CA 94108

Dear Ms. Valencia:

This June, I will graduate with a B.A. degree in English from Stanford University. I have a strong interest in advertising and will soon seek a position as a Junior or Assistant Copywriter. Robert Blum encouraged me to contact you, suggesting that you might be willing to meet with me and provide an insider’s view of how I can best identify employment opportunities in this field.

It may be helpful for you to know that I completed a summer internship in the Marketing Department of a small high-tech company and have worked as the Advertising Manager at the Stanford Daily. I believe that both experiences are relevant to future work in advertising. I have strong writing and communication skills and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. In addition, working throughout my Stanford career to finance a substantial portion of my education has strengthened my time management skills and determination to pursue and achieve my goals. These skills, together with my passion for photography, fascination with the consumer market, and personal interest in the creative side of advertising lead to my strong interest in this field.

I will be in touch with you by phone this week. At your convenience, I would like to set up a short 20-30 minute meeting with you at your worksite. Any advice or suggestions for my job search are welcomed.

I understand you are busy, and I appreciate your time.

Sincerely,

Amy ChenAmy Chen


BEFORE THE INTERVIEWResearching Yourself1. Thinkbackonyourpreviousexperiences(work,academic,

extracurricular)todeterminetheskillsandabilitiesusedineach.2. Developalistofyourfivetosevenstrongestskillsfora

particularposition.Also,reviewthework-relatedvalues inventory,selectingtheninetopvaluesasfactorstohelpyoufindtherightorganizationalfit.

3. Workwithacounselortoexploreyourskills,interests,personalitystyle,andvaluesastheyrelatetoyourcareerchoice.

Researching the Position/Field1. ReviewCDCandonlineresourcesdescribingvariouscareer

fields.2. Talkwithpersonalcontactsandalumni—availablethrough

theStanford CareerConnect(alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career)aboutthenatureoftheirworkandtheorganizationtheyrepresent.TheGuidetoInformationalInterviews,avail-ableontheCDCwebsite,willhelpyouprepareforthiskindofinformationalinterview.

3. Whenajobdescriptionisavailable,listthekeyskillsbeingsoughtsothatyoucanmatchyourskills/strengthswiththeneedsbeinglisted.Itishelpfultodevelopanexamplefromyourexperiencestodemonstrateeachskill.

Researching the Organization1. ViewCDCpublicationsandresourceslistinginformationon

specificemployers.2. Visittheorganization’swebsite.3. ReviewtheresourcesintheRosenbergCorporateResearch

CollectionlocatedinJacksonLibraryattheBusinessSchool.4. Preparequestionstoaskabouttheorganizationduringthe

interview(seeQUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERSsection).

Mock or Practice InterviewsPRACTICEMAKESPERFECT!Reviewthecommonlyasked

interviewquestionsandprepareanswersinadvance.Youdon’twanttoappearrehearsed,butyoudowanttosoundprepared.Themorepracticeyouhaveansweringtypicalquestions,thebetterableyouaretoconveyyourideasinaclear,concisemanner.1. AttendoneofthemanyInterviewingWorkshopsconducted

eachquarterattheCDC.2. Haveafriendplaythepartoftheinterviewertoenableyou

topracticeyourresponses;askforconstructivecriticism.3. TalkwithaCDCcounselorabouthowtopresentyourself

mostfavorablyinaninterview.

Preparing for Questions1. Wheneverpossible,answerquestionsusingspecificexamples

tosupportyourresponse.ThinkoftheacronymSTAR (situationortask,action,andresult),asimplethree-step processthatwillenableyoutofocusonspecificexperiencestosupportyourresponses: • SituationorTask—describeataskorprojectforwhich youhadresponsibility • Action—talkabouttheapproachyoutooktodealwith thesituation • Result—discusstheoutcomeofyouraction,makingsure tomentionaccomplishmentsorimprovementsresulting fromyouraction

2. Emphasizethemostrelevantandimpressiveaspectsofyourbackgroundandqualifications(includingpaidandvolunteerwork).

3. Stressthattheskillsyouhavedevelopedinthepastare transferabletotheemployer’sorganization.

4. Speakinpositivetermsaboutpreviousexperiencesandemployers.

5. Don’tbeafraidtotalkaboutaccomplishmentsandskills(assumethatwhatyoudon’ttellaninterviewer,she/hewon’tknow).Also,don’tassumetheyhavereadyourresumeindepth.

6. Ifpossible,includeanexample(eitherextracurricularorinaworksituation)ofyourabilitytoworkasapartofateam.

TYPICAL STAGES OF AN INTERVIEWThe First Impression1. Introductionandgreeting2. Smalltalk(brief,informalconversationonatopicofmutual

interest—keepcommentsshort)3. Employerislookingforafirmhandshake,eyecontact,

appearanceanddressappropriatetotheorganization,ease insocialsituations,goodmannersandpoise

Discussion of Background and Qualifications1. Education a) relevanceofcourseworktocareerinterests b) willingnesstoworkhard2. Workexperience a) relevanceofskillsdevelopedtopositionbeingsought b) motivation,enthusiasm c) initiative d) willingnesstofollowdirections e) abilitytogetalongwithothers,teamplayer3. Extracurriculars a) diversityofinterests b) socialconscience c) leadershiporteamwork/organizingability

Determination of Your Career Goals1. Preparationforemployment2. Knowledgeofopportunities3. Graduateschoolplans(besttodescribeasatleasttwo

yearsinthefuture)

Demonstration of Your Interest in the Organization1. Knowledgeofandgenuineinterestintheorganization2. Anopportunitytoaskinformedandrelevantquestions,to

learnmoreabouttheemployer

Conclusion1. Nextstepsintheinterviewingprocessarediscussed—ask

fortheorganization’stime-lineinthedecision-makingprocessifoneisnotmentioned

2. Volunteertoprovideadditionalinformation(i.e.,references,transcript,etc.)

3. Thanktheinterviewerforhis/hertime4. Askforabusinesscard—thiswillbehelpfulwhensending

yourthank-youletter

Review1. Gooverthepositiveandnegativepointsofeachinterview

andmodifyyourresponses2. Learnfromyourmistakesandbuildonyourstrengths

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SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONSIntroductory• WhydidyouchoosetoattendStanford?• Whataresomeofthegreatestpersonalchallengesyouhavefacedduringyourlifetime?

• Whatmotivatesyou?

Skills and Personal Qualities• Whatskillsorpersonalqualitiesdoyoupossessthatwillhelpmakeyousuccessfulintoday’sjobmarket?

• Tellmeaboutyourself(askwhattypeofinformationtheemployerislookingfor,skills?personalbackground?).

• Whatspecialskillsdoyoupossessthatwouldmakeyoustandoutfromothercandidates?

• Describeafrustratingorchallengingexperienceyou’ve encounteredandtellmehowyoudealtwithit.

• Discusssomeofyourpastleadership/teamworkrolesandyouraccomplishmentsinthem.

• Whyshouldourorganizationhireyou?• Whowasthemostdifficultpersonyouhaveeverdealtwith,andhowdidyouhandlethesituation?

• Canyouthinkofaspecificsituationthatreflectsyourabilitytoshowinitiative?Describeit.

• Whatisyourgreatestweakness,whathaveyoudonetotrytoovercomeit?

Career Goals and Objectives• Whatareyourlongrangecareergoalsandhowareyou preparingtoachievethem?

• Whyareyouinterestedinthisindustry/occupation?• Whydoyouwanttoworkforourorganization?• Whatdoyouseeyourselfdoinginthreetofiveyears?

Extracurricular Activities and College Experiences• Pleasedescribeyourmostrewardingcollegeexperience.• Ifyoucouldreliveyourcollegeexperience,whatwouldyoudo differently?

Academic Programs• Whatfactorsinfluencedyourchoiceofamajor?• Whatwereyourfavoriteandleastfavoritecourses?• Whatisyourgradepointaverageandhowdoyoufeelaboutthis?• Areyousatisfiedwithyouracademicaccomplishments?• Whatcoursesgaveyouthemostdifficulty?• Howhasyourcourseworkpreparedyouforthisposition?

Work Experiences• Whatdidyouenjoymostaboutyourmostrecentjobexperience?• Pleaseelaborateonyourmostrelevantworkexperience.• Whatdoyouseeasyourmajorstrengthsastheyapplytothisposition?

Accomplishments/Achievements• Whatelsewouldyoulikeustoknowaboutyou?• Ofwhataccomplishmentareyoumostproud?

Knowledge of Organization/Industry• Whydidyouselectourorganizationwithwhichtointerview?• Whatattractsyoutothisindustry?• Whatdoyouknowaboutourorganization?• Whydoyouthinkyou’dlikeworkingforourorganization?

Salary and Benefits• Whencomparingonecompanyoffertoanother,whatfactorswillbeimportanttoyoubesidesstartingsalary?

• Whatsalaryrangeareyouexpecting?(Ifpossible,youmaywanttostatethatyouaremoreinterestedinthecontentofthepositionatthispointandwouldbehappytodiscusssalarywhenanofferispresented).

Unusual QuestionsThesequestionsseldomhaverightorwronganswers.Even

thoughthequestionsmaynotseemtobejob-related,employersmaytrytodetermineyourconfidenceandcreativitythroughyouranswers.• Ifyoucouldbeanyfruitwhichwouldyouchooseandwhy?• Thinkaboutyourfavoriteproduct.Nowthinkupfivebetternamesforit.

• Tellmeastory.• Howwouldtheworldbedifferentifyouhadneverbeenborn?• Ifyouhadtochoosetobeoneofthesethreelifeforms;alemming,asloth,oranearthworm,whichwouldyoubeandwhy?

Illegal QuestionsEmployersmayaskquestionstolearnaboutacandidate’s

motivationandpersonality.Suchquestionscanrelatetoformerjobresponsibilitiesandoutsideinterests.Inquiriesintoanapplicant’s:RACE,COLOR,AGE,SEX,RELIGION,NATIONALORIGIN,MARITALSTATUS,PASTARRESTS,ALCOHOLANDDRUGUSE,CREDITHISTORY,CHILDBEARINGPLANSorAGEareillegal.• Aninterviewermaynotaskaboutyourreligion,church, synagogue,parish,thereligiousholidaysyouobserve,oryourpoliticalbeliefsoraffiliations.

• Aninterviewermaynotaskaboutyourancestry,nationalorigin,orparentage;inaddition,youcannotbeaskedaboutthenaturalizationstatusofyourparents,spouse,orchildren.Theinterviewercannotaskaboutyourbirthplace.However,theinterviewermayaskwhetherornotyouareaU.S.citizenoraresidentalienwiththerighttoworkintheU.S.

• Aninterviewermaynotaskaboutyournativelanguage,the languageyouspeakathome,orhowyouacquiredtheabilitytoread,write,orspeakaforeignlanguage.But,he/shemayaskaboutthelanguagesinwhichyouarefluent,ifknowledgeofthoselanguagesispertinenttothejob.

• Aninterviewermaynotaskaboutyourage,yourdateofbirth,ortheagesofyourchildren.But,he/shemayaskyouwhetherornotyou’reovereighteenyearsold.

• Aninterviewermaynotaskaboutmaidennamesorwhetheryouhavechangedyourname;yourmaritalstatus,numberofchildrenordependents,oryourspouse’soccupation.

Illegal questions are often asked unintentionally.Ifyoufeelyouarebeingaskedanillegalquestionduringaninterviewyoucanlegitimately,butpolitely,refusetoanswer.Youmightsay,“I’mnotsureoftherelevanceofthatquestion,canyoutellmehowit specificallyrelatestothisjob?”

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERSItisimportanttohavepreparedquestionstoaskofeach

employer;thesequestionswillindicateyourinterestinthepositionandorganization.Additionalquestionsmayoccurtoyouduringthecourseoftheinterview.

About the Organization• Whatisitaboutthisorganizationthatattractedyouinthefirstplaceandhaskeptyouhere?

• Howwouldyoudescribeyourorganization’sstyleofmanagement?• Howwillindustrytrendsaffectthisorganizationwithinthenext3-5years?

• Howdoestheorganizationdefineasuccessfulindividual?• Whatisthemethodoffeedback/evaluationusedbythisorganization?

• Whatdoyouseeasyourorganization’sstrengthsandweaknesses?

About the Position• Canyoudescriberecentprojectsonwhichapersoninmy positionhasworked?

• Whatisthecommoncareerpathforpeopleenteringthe organizationinthisposition?

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• Howarepeopletrainedorbroughtuptospeedwithregardtotheirresponsibilities?

• Whattypeofpersontendstobesuccessfulinthisposition?Whattypeofpersonareyoulookingfor?

• Howandwhenisperformanceevaluated?

Inappropriate QuestionsInappropriatequestionsincludethosethataskwhattheorgani-

zationwillbedoingforyouifyou’rehired;i.e.,WhatsalarycanIexpect?HowmuchvacationtimewillIaccrue?Areyouwillingtopayforgraduateschool?etc.Youcanfindtheanswerstothesequestionslater,ifemploymentisoffered.

SEND A THANK-YOU LETTERThemostimportantaspectofathankyouistosenditpromptly

withinthreetofourdaysoftheinterview.Ifyoudonothaveaccesstoacomputer,thenhandwriteyourthankyouonanotecard.Itisalsopossibletosenditviaemailiftherecipienthasofferedherorhisemailaddress.Themoretimethatelapses,thelessenthusiasticyouwillbeaboutwritingit,andthelessimpactyourletterwillhaveonitsreader.

Whenyouhaveinterviewedwithanumberofindividualsinoneday,asyoumightinasiteinterview,addressthethankyoutothepersonwhoseemedtocoordinatetheday.Youcanmakementionoftheotherswithwhomyouspokeandaskthecoordinatortoconveyyourthankstothemaswell.Theletterprovidesanopportunitytocontinuebuildingtherapportthatyoubeganduringyourinitialmeeting.

The letter is a vehicle for:• acknowledgingtheindividual’sparticipationinyourinterviewvisit

• thankingthemforinsightsshared• highlightingaspecificaspectoftheorganizationwhichyouadmire

REASONS FOR REJECTION• LACKOFSELF-KNOWLEDGE.Aninterviewercannotdeterminewhereyoufitintotheorganizationuntilyouexplainyourcareerinterestsandapplicableskills.

• LACKOFCOMPANYKNOWLEDGE.Mostemployersmake informationaboutthemselvesreadilyavailable,especiallyiftheyrecruitoncampus.

• LACKOFQUESTIONS.Whenemployersaskifyouhaveanyquestionsforthem,anegativeresponseindicatesalackof interestonyourpart.

• LACKOFENTHUSIASM.Employerswanttohiresomeonewhoisexcitedabouttheprospectofworkingwiththeirorganization.

• LACKOFCONFIDENCE.Ifyoudoubtyourabilitytodothejob,anemployerwillalsoexperiencedoubt.

• POORCOMMUNICATIONSKILLS.Theemployermustbeabletohearyou,understandyourwords,andfollowyourtrainofthought.Otherwise,nomatterhowqualifiedyoumaybeforajobopening,youputyourselfatadisadvantage.

• UNPROFESSIONALAPPLICATIONORAPPEARANCE.Itistruethatyouonlyhaveoneopportunitytomakeafirstimpression.Ifyourresumeissloppyorhastypos,youareatan immediatedisadvantageandmaynotevengetanopportunitytointerview.Additionally,ifyoupresentyourselfatan interviewinappropriatelydressed,anemployermaydecideyouwouldn’tfitintotheirorganization.

TYPES OF INTERVIEWSScreening InterviewsTheseareusuallyshorterinterviewsusedforthepurposeof

conductingabriefevaluationofacandidate.Employersareusually

lookingforreasonstoscreenanapplicantout.On-campusinterviews,typically30minutesinlength,arescreeninginterviews.Jobofferstypicallydonotcomeasaresultofthisinteraction.

One-on-One InterviewsTheseinterviewsarequitecommonandinvolvethecandidate

beingquestionedbyoneperson.

Phone InterviewsUponreceiptofacandidate’sapplicationmaterialssome

organizationswillcalltoconductabriefphoneinterview.Itis importanttoremaincomposedifyougetsuchacall.Ifthetimingofthecallisinconvenient,lettheemployerknow.Askifyoucancallthembackatamoreconvenienttime.Also,whileconductingaphoneinterview,arrangetohaveacopyofyourresumeandcoverletterinfrontofyoutouseforreference.

Panel/Committee InterviewsThisscenarioinvolvesapanelofinterviewerseachwithquestions

toask.Theseinterviewsarecommonforgovernment,academicandsomecorporatepositions.Itisimportanttoestablisheyecontactwitheachmemberofthecommitteeearlyintheinterview.

Case Study InterviewsSomeorganizations,especiallymanagementconsultingfirms

andcompaniesrecruitingforentry-leveltrainingprograms,relyoncasestudyorsituationalquestionstoevaluateacandidate’sanalyticalskills.

Second Round or Site InterviewsOften,theinterviewingprocessentailsseveralroundsof

interviews.Ifyouareconsideredaseriouscandidate,afterthefirstinterviewyoumaybecontactedforasecondon-siteinterviewwithothermembersoftheorganization.Iftravelarrangementsareinvolved,usuallythecompanywillpayforyourexpensesandmakethenecessarytravelandlodgingarrangements.Siteinterviewsusuallyconsistofaseriesofinterviewswithseveralindividualsincludingyourpotentialsupervisor,co-workers,andhigher-rankingstaffmembers.Theseinterviewscanrangefromverycasualtoverytechnical.Youmayspendahalforwholedayinterviewing,whichmayalsoinvolvealuncheon,dinnermeeting,orsocialactivity.

Stress InterviewsAlthoughmanyinterviewscanbenerve-racking,somearedesigned

tocausetheapplicantstress.Theinterviewermayaskconfrontationalorparticularlydifficultquestions.Itisimportanttoremaincalmandthinkcarefullyaboutyouranswers.Don’tbeafraidtotaketimetothinkthroughyouranswersanddon’tgettrickedintolosingyourtemper.Thepurposeofthesetypesofinterviewsistoevaluateyourbehaviorandmaturityindifficultsituations.Stressquestionsaremostcommonlyusedforthosepositionsinwhichyourreactiontostressiscritical.

Helpful Hints• ARRIVEEARLY.Tentofifteenminutescanprovideyouwithacushionshouldsomeunforeseenproblemoccur.

• BRINGALONGEXTRACOPIESOFYOURRESUME.Iftheinter-viewerhasmisplacedyourinformationthiswillassistthemandaddtoyourimageasapreparedperson.

• MAINTAINEYECONTACT.Unwillingnesstolooksomeoneintheeyeisoftentakenasevasiveness.

• ASKFORCLARIFICATION.Ifyou’reconfusedbyaquestion,asktheinterviewertorestateit.Thisshowspoiseonyourpartandallowsyoutoanswerquestionsappropriately.

• BEYOURSELF.Interviewersrespondwelltothosecandidatestheyfeelarebeingsincere.

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INTERVIEW ATTIRE—GUIDELINES FOR WHAT TO WEARWhat kind of suit is appropriate for the interview?AccordingtoJulieKinginThe Smart Woman’s Guide,women

shoulddress“stylishbutconservative.”Optforafashionablebusinesssuitinalow-keycolorsuchasnavy,blackorgray.Patternsareacceptableiftheyareextremelysubtle,suchasafinedresstweedorpinstripe.Thejacketshouldhavelongsleeves,withastraightorpleatedskirt.Acoatdress,withclean,simplelines,isalsoacceptableattire.Again,subtlecolors.Menshouldwearatwo-piece,single-breastedsuitinnavy,blackorcharcoal,woolorwoolblend,andsolidorverythinpinstripes.Ifatallpossible,avoidtheshinypolyester.

What about accessories?Womenshouldcarryasmall,simplepurse.Men,ifyouarenotyet

inthehabitofcarryingawallet,nowisthetimetostart,andtheplaceforitisinoneoftheinnerchestpocketsofyoursuit.Abriefcaseisnotnecessary.However,aleatherportfolioornotebookholderisagoodideaforon-siteinterviews;oncampus,anotebooktoholdafewextraresumeswouldbeappropriate.Nowisthetimetoweanyourselffromyourfaithfulbackpack.

What is the correct skirt length for business?Whateveristhemostflatteringtobothyourlegsandyour

profession.Considerwhathappenswhenyousitdowninashortskirt.Wouldyoubecomfortable?

Does it matter what kind of tie I wear?Yes.Youshouldwearatiethatmatchesyoursuit.Brightyellow,

pinkandthe“powertie”conceptarenolongerthevogue.Weara conservativetiewithasimpleknot.

What do you mean when you say “conservative tie”?Silkinasimplestripeorrepeatingpattern,withnomorethan

threecolors.Thebackgroundcolorshouldbeneutralperhapsnavy,darkgrayorburgundy,apaisleytie,inmuteddarkcolors,ismodernyetconservativeforyoungmen.

Can I wear a pantsuit to the interview?Apantsuitcanbeverysmartandprofessionallookingprovided

thatthejacketistailoredtofitwithmatchingslacksandiswornwithasimpleno-frill,no-tieblouse.However,ifyouareunsureofacompany’spoliciesregardingproperdress,callthepersonnelofficeformoreinformation.

What are the appropriate shoes to wear?Formen,shoesshouldbeleather,blackorbrown,andpolished

withnoworndownheels.Thewingtipandotherplainlace-upshoesarethetraditionalfootwear.Slip-onsworkaswelliftheyaredressyandingoodtaste.Businesssocksshouldbeover-the-calf,neveranklelengthorevenslightlydroopy,andshouldmatchyourpantsorshoes.Whiteathleticsocks—never!

Forwomen,thebestshoesareplainpumpswithone-totwo-inchheels.Youcangohigherifyoudon’tfeeltallenough,butmakesureyoucanstillwalkquicklyandsteadily.Shoesshouldbeofhigh-qualityleatherinblackorthecolorofyoursuit.Wearsheerstockingsinaskintone.Neverwearblackoropaquestockingswithlightorwhiteshoes.

I was told to dress casual for my interview—what is casual?Neverwearjeans,T-shirts,tennisshoes,sandalsorbootstoan

interview.Appropriatebusinesscasualisusuallyapairofslacks,shirt,andsportsjacket.

I have only one suit. How can I change my look?Yoursuitshouldalwaysbecleanandprofessionallypressed,

wornwithanall-cotton,well-ironedwhiteorpossiblylightblue,longsleeveddressshirt.Wearingadifferenttiecandramaticallychangethelookofyoursuit.Awomanmayaccentherbasicoutfitwithadifferentblouse,orshemayaddascarforasimplesmallpin.

I do not own a suit and I do not have a lot of money to purchase one. Where can I shop to find an inexpensive one?Youcanfindsuits,dressshirts,blouses,andshoesthatare

veryinexpensiveandingoodtasteatthriftshops,SalvationArmy, discountstores,consignmentshopsandoutletstores.Remember thatthekeyisasimplestyleinaconservativecolor.Ifyoufindadarksuitwithcontrastingbuttons,replacethemwithbuttonsthecolorofthesuit,haveitcleanedandprofessionallypressed,andyouwilllooklikeamillion!

Is it appropriate to wear perfume or cologne?Itisnearlyimpossibletotellhowstrongafragranceyourown

perfumeorcologneisemitting.Whatseemslikeapleasantwhiffofscenttoyoumayoverpowersomeoneelse.Inaddition,yourinterviewermaybeallergic.So,whyriskit?Don’twearanyscentatall,andno,alittledabisnotOK.Themostattractivescentisyournatural,freshsmellafterabathorshower,plusdeodorant.Ifunscentedantiperspirantworksforyou,stopthere!

Ifyousmoke,avoidsmokinginyourinterviewingoutfit.Cigaretteodorsclingtoyourclothesforseveralhoursandsmokingtomostemployersisanundesirablehabit.

What kind of jewelry should I wear?Lessisbetter.Toomuchjewelryorwrongjewelrycanbe

considereddistractingandcanelicitnegativeresponses.

Womenshouldwearpostorsimpleearrings,nodangles,andaplainbracelet,ifany.Adressrulethatpaysoff:neverwearjewelrythatisnotfunctionalandkeepitsimple.

I have worn an earring throughout my college years. Is it okay, as a man, to wear it to my interview?Itisnotinyourbestinterestbecauseitbreakstheruleof

executivedress.Thisstyleofjewelryisallrightwhenyouarewithyourfriendsoreveninsomeworkenvironments,butitisoutofplaceforthejobinterview.

Should I wear make-up?Ifyouchoosetowearmake-up,keepitunderstated.Iridescent

eyeshadow,glossyredlipstickandinch-longlashes(unlesstheyarenaturallylong)shouldbeavoided.Optforahealthy,naturallook.Yournailsshouldbeshortwithclearorpalepolish.

Should I cut my hair to look more professional?Itisnotnecessaryforyoutocutyourhair,butyoushouldwearit

inagroomedstyle,offyourface.Itisdistractingduringaninterviewtoconstantlyhavetopushyourhairfromyourface.Yourhairshouldbeneatandclean,aswellasattractive.Menshouldshaveandtrimtheirmustache.Beardsare

probablybestlefttogrowafteryougetthejob.Youmaywanttocallthepersonnelofficeforinformationregardingthecompany’spolicyonfacialhair.

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Do these guidelines apply to all organizations, or just the corporate world? What if I’m interviewing for a job with a less formal environment?Everyindustryhasitsownrequirements,andknowingwhatto

wearonthedayoftheinterviewisvitallyimportant.Alwaysthinkabouttheimpressionyouwanttomakeandwhatclotheswillmakethatimpression.

Ifyouareinterviewingforajobinalessformalenvironment,thenitmaybeacceptableformentowearslacks,asportscoatandashirtandtie.Womencanwearasimpledressormatchingskirtandblouse.Whateveryoudecideshouldbeclean,pressed,andhelpyoulookyourbest.

Inthefinalanalysis,creatingafirstimpressionismostlyamatterofcommonsense.Payattentiontoyourappearance,yourbodylanguageandmanners,andyouwillgoalongwaytowardsconvincinginterviewersthatyouarethekindofprofessionaltheywanttohire.

GUIDELINES ON BUSINESS ETIQUETTEHow can I make the most of my time at business functions?Thereareseveralthingstokeepinmind.Bothmenandwomen

alwaysstandwhenmeetingsomeoneorbeingintroduced.Remembertomakegoodeyecontact,haveafriendlysmileandagood,firmhandshake.Ifyouareatalargegatheringandyoudonotknowanyone,taketheinitiativetointroduceyourselfbyusingyourfirstandlastnameonlyandprovidesomebriefinformationaboutyourself.Readbodylanguageandbeawareofinfringingonothers.Tenminutesisabouttherightamountoftimetostaywithagroupbeforemovingon.Duringyourconversation,avoidincorrecttermssuchasANYWAYS, YEAH, YOU GUYS,andrepetitivephrasessuchasYOU KNOWandSTUFF LIKE THAT.

If I am invited to dine during the interviewing process, how can I best use this time?Remember—buildingrapportisthemostimportantaspectofthe

meal.Youarestillintheapplicationprocess.

I am unsure of what food I should order.Donotorderthemostexpensiveorleastexpensivefood.Avoid

messyorunfamiliarfoodandthosewithdrippysaucesorbones.Aboveall,donotorderalcoholicbeverages.Butifyourhostordersone,askformineralwaterwithatwistoflemonorlime.Youneedtoremainasalertaspossible.Orderonlythebasicsalad,maincourseandbeverageorfoodsimilartoyourhost.Donotchangeyourorderorsendfoodbackunlessthereisamajorproblem,thenhandleitdiscreetly.

What should I do if my napkin slides off my lap or I drop a piece of flatware?Onceyouareseated,thenapkingoesonyourlap.Shouldyou

leaveforanyreasonduringthemeal,placeitlooselyfoldedonyourchair.Ifyoushoulddropyournapkinorapieceofflatwareonthefloor,askforareplacement.Donotwipetheflatwarewithyournapkin.

Many times, there are several utensils at a place setting. Where do I start?Rememberthatyourbreadplateisontheleftandyourwater

glassisontheright.Whenusingflatware,startfromtheoutsideandworkyourwayin.Forexample,firstyoursaladfork,thenyourdinnerfork.Onceyouuseyourknife,neverplaceitbackonthetable.Placeitdiagonallytotherightofyourplate(unlessyouareleft-handed)oracrossthetopofyourplate.Useonlyyourknifeandforkduringthecourseofthemealandcutonlyonepieceoffoodatatime.Nevertalkwithfoodinyourmouth.Communityfoodssuchasbreadandbutter,ifitisnearestyou,offeritfirsttothepersonseatedatyourleft,thenpassittotherightafterhelpingyourself.Foodisalwayspassedtoyourright.

Should I offer to pick up the check?Ifthecheckisplacedinfrontofyouwhileinterviewing,ignoreit.

Yourhostwillaskforitwhenready.Neveroffertosharepayment,especiallysinceyouaretheinvitedguest.Women,afteryourmeal,donotapplymake-upatthetableorleavelipsticksmudgesontheglassorcoffeecup.Blotbeforeeating.

FINAL CHECKLISTYourappearanceisonlyasgoodasyourgrooming.Youwant

yourexperienceandqualificationstoshine.Yourappearanceshouldenhanceyourpresentation,whileyourbusinessetiquetteshouldhighlightyourprofessionalism,notoverwhelmit:• Makesureyourhairisclean,neatlytrimmed,andwellgroomed.

• Usemake-upconservatively.• Women:norunsinstockings• Men:darksocksthatcoverthecalvesofyourlegs.• Shoespolished.• Womenshouldavoidexcessivejewelry;menshouldrefrainfromwearingearrings.

• Nomissingbuttons,crookedtiesorlint.• Remember,duringlunch,dinner,orsocialfunctionswitha potentialemployer,youarestillintheinterviewingprocesssobeonyourverybestbehavior.

CDC RESOURCES• Knock ‘em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide, Yate• Ace the Technical Interview, Rothstein • The Smart Women’s Guide to Interviewing and Salary Negotiation, King

• 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Kador • Behavior-Based Interviewing, Fitzwater • Power Etiquette: What You Don’t Know Can Kill You, Casperson

• Best Answers to the 201 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions, DeLuca

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ACCEPTABLE SUBJECT UNACCEPTABLE

GUIDE TO APPROPRIATE PRE-EMPLOYMENT INQUIRIES

“Haveyouworkedforthiscompanyunderadifferentname?” “Haveyoueverbeenconvictedofacrimeunderanothername?”

Formernameofapplicantwhosenamehasbeenchangedbycourtorderorotherwise

NAME

Applicant’splaceofresidence Howlongapplicanthasbeenaresidentofthisstateorcity

ADDRESS OR DURATION OF

RESIDENCE

Birthplaceofapplicant Birthplaceofapplicant’sparents,spouseorotherrelatives Requirementthatapplicantsubmitabirthcertificate,naturalizationor baptismalrecord

BIRTHPLACE

“Canyou,afteremployment,submitaworkpermitifunder18?” “Areyouover18yearsofage?” “Ifhired,canyoufurnishproofofage?”orStatementthathireis subjecttoverificationthatapplicant’sagemeetslegalrequirements

Questionsthattendtoidentifyapplicants40to64yearsofageAGE

Applicant’sreligiousdenominationoraffiliation,church,parish,pastororreligiousholidaysobserved “Doyouattendreligiousservicesorahouseofworship?” Applicantmaynotbetold“ThisisaCatholic/Protestant/Jewish/ atheistorganization.”

RELIGION

Statementbyemployerthatifhired,applicantmayberequiredtosubmitproofofauthorizationtoworkintheUnitedStates

Whetherapplicant,parentsorspousearenaturalizedornative-bornU.S.citizens Datewhenapplicant,parentsorspouseacquiredU.S.citizenship Requirementthatapplicantproducenaturalizationpapersorfirstpapers Whetherapplicant’sparentsorspousearecitizensoftheUnitedStates

CITIZENSHIP

Languagesapplicantreads,speaksorwritesfluently Applicant’snationality,lineage,ancestry,nationalorigin,descentorparentage DateofarrivalinUnitedStatesorportofentry;howlongaresident Nationalityofapplicant’sparentsorspouse;maidennameofapplicant’swifeormother Languagecommonlyusedbyapplicant,“Whatisyourmothertongue?” Howapplicantacquiredabilitytoread,writeorspeakaforeignlanguage

NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ANCESTRY

Statementbyemployerofregulardays,hoursorshifttobeworked WORK DAYS AND SHIFTS

Complexion,colorofskinorotherquestionsdirectlyorindirectly indicatingraceorethnicity

RACE OR ETHNICITY

Statementthatphotographmayberequiredafteremployment Requirementthatapplicantaffixaphotographtotheapplicationform Requestapplicant,athis/heroption,tosubmitphotograph Requirementofphotographafterinterviewbutbeforehiring

PHOTOGRAPH

Applicant’sworkexperience Applicant’smilitaryexperienceinarmedforcesofUnitedStates,inastatemilitia(U.S.)orinaparticularbranchofU.S.armedforces

Applicant’smilitaryexperience(general) Typeofmilitarydischarge

EXPERIENCE

Applicant’sacademic,vocationalorprofessionaleducation;schoolsattended

DatelastattendedhighschoolEDUCATION

“Haveyoueverbeenconvictedofanycrime?Ifso,when,whereandwhatwasthedispositionofcase?”

“Haveyoueverbeenarrested?”CHARACTER

Namesofapplicant’srelativesalreadyemployedbythiscompany Nameandaddressofparentorguardianifapplicantisaminor

Maritalstatusornumberofdependents Nameoraddressofrelative,spouseorchildrenofadultapplicant “Withwhomdoyoureside?” “Doyoulivewithyourparents?”

RELATIVES

“Bywhomwereyoureferredforapositionhere?” RequirementofsubmissionofareligiousreferenceREFERENCES

Nameandaddressofpersontobenotifiedincaseofaccidentoremergency

NameandaddressofrelativetobenotifiedincaseofemergencyNOTICE IN CASE OF

EMERGENCY

Organizations,clubs,professionalsocietiesorotherassociationsofwhichapplicantisamember,excludinganynamesthecharacterofwhichindicatetherace,religiouscreed,color,nationaloriginorancestryofitsmembers

Listallorganizations,clubs,societiesandlodgestowhichyoubelongORGANIZATIONS

“Canyouperformallofthedutiesoutlinedinthejobdescription?” Statementbyemployerthatalljoboffersarecontingentonpassingaphysicalexamination

“Doyouhaveanyphysicaldisabilities?” Questionsongeneralmedicalcondition Inquiriesastoreceiptofworkmen’scompensation

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Belowaresomecriteriayoumaywanttoconsiderwhen evaluatingyouroffer.UsetheEvaluating Job Offersworksheetonpage60towritedownandrankyourcriteriaforoneormoreoffers.

Work/Lifestyle ValuesBeforeacceptingajoboffer,reviewwhatisimportantand

fulfillingtoyouaboutwork.Whatvaluesdoyouholdthatyouwanttocarryovertotheworkarena?Alsoconsiderhowyouliketoworkandwhatyouwouldlikeinaworkenvironment?

Industry/OrganizationBeforeacceptingajoboffer,researchthefinancialstability,

growth,andtrendsoftheindustryandorganization.Hasthecompanygonethroughsignificantlayoffslately?Howdoesthecompany’sfinancialstabilitylooknow?Whatistheirpolicyifmorelayoffsareneeded?Ifthecompanyisastartup,aretheyconfi-dentintheirfinancialbackingpasttheinitialphase?Ifthereareanyconcerns,addressthemwiththeorganizationcontact,beforeacceptingtheoffer.ResourcesforresearchingorganizationscanbefoundintheCareerResourceLibraryandontheCDCLinkswebsite,under“ResearchingEmployers”,atstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs/research .

JobWhenyoureceiveajoboffer,itisgoodtoreviewtheresponsibilities

anddailyactivitiesoftheposition.Youmayhavelearnedmoreaboutthepositionwhilegoingthroughtheinterviewprocessanditis importanttoevaluatethisinformation.

Your Next StepAfterevaluatingallaspectsoftheindustryandpositionto

determineyour“fit”withthejob,yournextstepistoevaluateyourentirejoboffertodetermineifyouneedorwanttonegotiate.UsuallynegotiationsaredonewiththeHumanResources representativeyouhavebeenworkingwith,butoccasionallytheyaredonedirectlywithyourmanager.Ifyouareunsure,youcanask.

SALARY NEGOTIATIONThe Organization’s PerspectiveSalarydoesn’tnecessarilycorrelatewiththevalueyouaddor

thecontributionyoumaketosociety.It’ssimplytheamountthemarketwillbeartopurchaseyourservices,whichincludeyourskills,expertise,knowledge,andspecialtalents.

Mostorganizations,bothlargeandsmall,establishsalaryrangesforeverypositionbasedonstandardsandgeneralprac-ticesforthefield.It’sintheorganization’sbestinteresttohireyouforfairmarketvalueforseveralreasons.First,thehiringprocesscanbelongandexpensive.Itwouldbeinefficientforanorganiza-tiontomakelowoffersonlytoberejectedandhavetobegintherecruitingprocessalloveragain.Second,organizationswanttohireandretaingoodemployees.It’sunproductivetopayyoulessthanotheremployers.

Organizationsdeterminewhereanemployeefallsinthesalaryrangebasedonexperienceandspecialexpertiseorknowledge.Therefore,arecentcollegegraduatehiredforanentry-levelposi-tionwithlimitedexperiencewillbepaidsomewherebetweenthelow-tomid-range,reservingthemidpointsalariesformoreexperi-encedindividuals.

The What, Why, and When of Salary NegotiationWhat Is It?Salarynegotiationistheprocessofreachinganagreementon

whatanorganizationwillpayforyourskills,knowledgeand experience.Contrarytopopularbelief,thisisnotanadversarialprocess.Itisinboththeorganization’sandyourbestinteresttocometoamutuallybeneficialagreement.

Why or Why Not Negotiate?Theonlyreasontonegotiateistogetfairmarketvaluefor

yourskills,experienceandknowledge.Therefore, it is unwise to negotiate for negotiation’s sake.Forexample,sometimesjobseekersthinkahiringmanagerexpectsthemtonegotiate,orthatsalariesshouldbenegotiatedasageneralprinciple.Although organizationsrespectemployeeswhocanarticulatethevalue theyadd,recentgrads(oranyoneelse)canquicklyalienate potentialemployersiftheyareinappropriateandoverzealousintheirapproachtonegotiatingtheirsalaryto“getafairdeal.”

When Should You Negotiate?Twothingsneedtohappenbeforeyounegotiate.First,begin

discussingsalaryonlyafteryouhaveareceivedaformaloffer, preferablyinwriting(refertotheFrequentlyAskedQuestionssectionforwhattosayifaskedthe“money”questionbeforeaformaloffer.)Initiatingadiscussionregardingsalarybeforethispointcouldeliminateyouprematurelyfromhiringconsideration.Second,negotiateonlyafteryouhaveevaluatedtheentirejobofferpackageandresearchedwhatthemarketwillpayforyourservicesinthisfield.Thisresearchwillprovideyouwiththeevidenceyouneedtodetermineifthesalaryofferedisreasonableorwhetheryoushouldmakeacaseforahighersalary.Thefactthatyourfriendhasreceivedahighersalaryforasimilarjobatadifferentcompanyisinsufficientdatafornegotiationpurposes.Additionally,somecompaniesthatcan’tofferahighersalarymaytrytooffsetthisbyofferingother“perks”suchasextravacationdays.Althoughyoumaystillchoosetonegotiateyoursalary,befamiliarwithyourentirejobofferbeforeapproachinganorganization.

The Salary Negotiation ProcessBefore NegotiatingWhenyoureceiveajobofferyoucaneither:acceptit,reject

itornegotiateforsomethingelse.Ifyoudecidetonegotiatefor somethingelse,youneedtoknowthreethingsbeforeyoubegin: 1)yourmarketvalue;2)whatyouwant;and3)thejob.

1) KNOW YOUR MARKET VALUE

Yoursuccessinnegotiatingahighercompensationpackage(andtheonlyreasonyoushouldbenegotiating)iscontin-gentondatayouhavewhichsuggestsyourmarketvalueishigherthanthatreflectedintheoffer.Todetermineyourmarketvalue,reviewsomeoftheresourcesintheCDCCareerResourceLibrary,andthesalarylinksintheCDCLinkswebsite,studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs/salary.Oftennewcollegegradsdon’thavetheexperienceorexpertisetowarrantahighersalary.However,thereareexceptions.Belowaresomesalarynegotiation“positionsofstrength”fornewcollegegrads:

• Youhavegainedrelevantworkexperiencethrough internshipsorsummerjobswhichpositivelyimpactsyourabilitytodothejob.

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• Youhaveaparticulartechnicalexpertisewhichisinhighdemand.

• Youhaveanadvanceddegreeinaspecificandsought-afterareaofexpertise.

• Youhaveawrittenofferfromanothercompanythatstatesahighersalary.

2) KNOW WHAT YOU WANT Inadditiontoknowingyourmarketvalue,youalsoneedtoknowwhatyouwantandwhereyouarewillingtocompromise.Salaryisonlyonepartofatotalcompensationpackage.Apackagemightincludeanyofthefollowing:

• basesalary • stockorstockoptions • 401(k)orotherretirementtypeplans • medical,dental,andvisionbenefits • lifeinsurance,accidentaldeathinsuranceanddisability

benefits • signingbonus • bonusesbasedonperformanceand/orprofitsharing • vacationtimeand/orsabbaticals • educationreimbursement • relocationcosts • extrassuchascommutingallowanceorcompanycar,

healthclubmembership,technicalequipment,pretaxdollarsforchildoreldercare Forsomeorganizationstheaboveitemsarenot negotiableandthesalarymaybeinafixedclassificationscale.However,otherorganizationsmaybewillingtonegotiateonsalary,bonuses,stockoptions,dateofsalaryreview,relocationcostsorextras. Duringtheprocessofevaluatingjoboffers,someoftheseelementsmaynotseemasimportantasannualincome,buttheycanmakeabigdifferencetoyouinthelongrun.Forexample,compareoneofferof$35K,plusmedicalbenefits(only)fromanorganizationlocatedinSanFrancisco,andanotherofferinAnnArbor,Michiganfor$28K,plusfullmedicalbenefits(includingdentalandvision)andasalaryreviewwithinsixmonths.Inordertoevaluatetheseoffersyouneedtoconsideralltheirelements,includingcostoflivingexpensesforthetwoareasandanticipatedout-of-pocketcostsforthingsnotcovered.Youneedtodoacost/benefitanalysistodeterminewhichisthebestopportunityforyou.Also,askyourhiringcontactanyquestionsyouhaveaboutthebenefitspackagebeforeyoumakeadecision.

3) KNOW THE JOB Beforeyoustartnegotiating,youwanttobeclearonhowyourskillsbenefittheorganization.Thiscanbedifficulttoassessifyoudon’thaveagreatdealofworkexperience.However,hereisatechniquethatmighthelp.Trytoidentifytheneedsofeachpersonwhointerviewsyouandhowyouareasolutiontotheirproblems/challenges.Then,whenyou’renegotiating,youhavespecificdataabouthowyouwilladdvalue.Youwillbeabletoconfidentlystatethatyouareworth$5Kmorebecauseofyourabilitytocreatespecificsoftware,designthenewmanual,orwritethenecessarygrantproposal.

What to Say and Do During a NegotiationSTEP 1: RECEIVE THE OFFERThankthepersonwhoextendedtheofferandexpress

enthusiasmfortheposition.Thenreiteratehowimportantthis decisionisforyouandaskforsometimetothinkitoverinorderto

makeagooddecision.Ifitisaverbalofferonly,askwhenyoucanexpecttoreceivetheofferinwriting.

STEP 2: EVALUATE THE OFFERIfyouhaveanyquestionsaboutbenefits,etc.,askyourcontact

persontowhomyoushoulddirectyourquestionsforclarification.EvaluatethecompensationpackagebasedontheelementslistedintheKnow What You Wantsection.Identifyseveralbackupoptionsshouldyourfirstrequestbedenied.

STEP 3: NEGOTIATEAfterevaluatingandresearchingtheoffer,youarereadyto

negotiate.Theimportantaspectsduringthisphaseareto:ask questionsabouthowthesalarywasdetermined,berealisticaboutwhatyouwant,stateyourevidenceclearlyandsuccinctlyforwhyyoufeelyoursalaryshouldbehigher,thenlisten.Belowisasamplescriptforthenegotiationprocess: Student: “I want to say again how extremely pleased I am to have the opportunity to work with you and this organization. However, I would like to discuss the compensation, as it is less than I had expected.” Company: “What did you have in mind?” Student: “First, I’d like to know how your organization structures salary ranges to understand how this salary was determined. I want this to work for both of us.” Listen to the response. Student: “I understand the organization prefers to bring recent college graduates in at the lower end of the range for this position because they typically lack the experience which warrants a higher salary. However, I feel my three years of summer internship experience within this industry plus my leading edge technical skills warrant a higher salary.” (If you have other hard salary data from your research, diplomatically mention it here.)

Ifthecompensationisnotnegotiable,youhaveadecisiontomakebasedonthecurrentoffer,oryoumaysuggestthenextoptionfromyourbackupplan(suchasahighersigningbonus,ifapplicable,orearlyperformancereview,)thenmoveontoanyotherpartofthejobofferthatyouwouldliketonegotiate.

Other Elements to NegotiateWhilesalaryisthemostnegotiatedaspectofthejoboffer,

thereareotherelementstoevaluateandpossiblynegotiate.Itmaybethatyouhavevacationplansthatcannotbechanged.Negotiatingyourstartdateorextratimeofftotakethisvacationcouldbeveryimportant.Ifyourcommuteisgoingtobelong, negotiatingfortelecommuting(workingfromhome)foroneormoredaysaweekcouldsaveyoucommutingexpensesandrelievestressassociatedwithlongcommutes.Becreativeinyournegotiationprocess.Salaryisimportant,butthereareotherelementsofthejobofferthatcanbenegotiatedaswell.

Accepting and Rejecting OffersIfyouandthecompanyhavecometoamutuallysatisfying

agreement,askforsomethinginwritingthatreflectsyourmutualunderstanding.Thisusuallywillbeintheformofanamendedofferletter.Whenreturningtheamendedofferletter,itisgoodtoincludeashortjobacceptanceletter.Asampleisincludedinthispublication,aswellasinmanyoftheresourcesintheCDCCareerResourceLibrary.

Ifyoucannotreachamutuallysatisfyingagreement,ordo, buthaveotheroffersyouneedtorejectorwithdrawfrom,aformalwrittenletteroremailshouldbesenttothehiringcontact.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What do I say if asked for my salary requirements before the organization makes a formal offer?

A: Theruleofthumbisthatyouwantthecompanytomentionasalaryamountfirst.Youwanttoavoiddiscussingyourspecificrequirementsuntilaformalofferhasbeenmade.Ifyouareaskedaboutsalary,replywith,“Ifit’sokaywithyou,I’dliketosetthatquestionasidefornowandfocusonthecontentofthework.I’minterestedinknowingmoreaboutthespecificdutiesandresponsibilitiesofthejob.”Ifthehiringmanagerinsists,youmightsaysomethinglike,“Iassumearangehasbeenestablishedforthispositionandwonderwhattheorganizationhadinmind?”or“Asalary competitiveforthispositionandindustry.”

Q: What do I do if all my requests are rejected in the negotiation process?

A: Yourdecisiontoacceptorrejecttheoffermustthenbebasedontheoriginaloffer.

Q: How committed am I to a job offer I have accepted, if a better offer comes along?

A: First,ifyouareunsureaboutacceptingajoboffer,itisbettertonegotiateformoretimetomakeyourdecision,thantoaccepttheofferprematurelyandlaterrescindyouracceptance.Second,itisimportanttohonoryourcommitmentonceyou’vemadeit;backingoutoftheagreementishighlyunprofessionalandmightlaterreflectnegativelyonyouinyourchosenfield.Anotherconsiderationshouldbethejoboffercontract.Ifyouweregivenasigningbonus,examinethecontractforclausesthatstateyoumustpaybackthefullsigningbonusifyouleavetheorganizationbeforethestatedduration.Thesigningbonusamountthatyoureceivewillbethetotalamount,minustaxes,buttheamountyoumustrepaywillbethefullamountofthebonus.

Q: How do I request an offer in writing?A: Ifaverbalofferismade,aresponsecouldbe,“I’mvery

excitedabouttheopportunitytoworkforyouandthis organization.Sincethisissuchasignificantdecisionforbothofus,I’dbemorecomfortableiftheofferwas formalizedinwritingandIcouldlookitover.”

Q: What if I don’t understand something on the employment offer letter?

A: Companiesareusuallyhappytoclarifyoranswerany questionsaboutthejoboffer.Studentsmayalsoseeklegaladviceregardingbindingjoboffersorotherprofessional commitmentsthroughASSULegalCounselingOfficeforStudentsat(650)375-2481.

CDC RESOURCESCareer Resource LibraryIfyouhavetimeforonlyonebook,theverybestis:• Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute,Chapman.

Othertitlesinclude:• The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Quarterly Starting Salaries Survey

• Perfect Phrases for Negotiating Salary & Job Offers, DeLuca • Next-Day Salary Negotiation, Wegerbauer

CDC Salary ResourcesTheCDCLinkswebsiteconnectstosalaryinformationinawide

varietyofcareerfields.Visitstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs andclickon“SalaryandSearchStatistics”and“SalaryStatistics.”

WHEN YOU RECEIVE AN OFFERManyofyoureadingthismaybeinthejob-offer-and-acceptance

stageofyourjobsearch,orsoonwillbe.Whiletheprocessof interviewing,weighingprosandcons,andacceptingajoboffermay beexhilarating,itcanalsocreateanxietyandacertainamountof confusion.Weofferthesebriefguidelinesinresponsetocommon concernsstudentshavesharedwithus.

Studentsandemployershaveajointresponsibilitywhen acceptingorextendingajoboffer.WeencouragerecruiterstoabidebytheethicalstandardsnotedintheNationalAssociationofCollegesandEmployersguidelines,whichstatethatemployers“willrefrainfromanypracticethatimproperlyinfluencesandaffectsjobacceptances...includingunduetimepressureforacceptanceofemploymentoffers.”Similarly,weencouragestudentstoobserveethicalpracticesaswellandwerecommendthefollowingcodeofconduct.

• YoushouldNOTacceptanofferifyouwanttocontinue interviewingwithotherorganizations.IfyouDOacceptanoffer,youhavemadeacommitmenttothatemployeranditisyourethicalresponsibilitytodiscontinueinterviewingwithotheremployers.Afteryouacceptanoffer,youarenolongereligibletocontinueinterviewingthroughtheCDC’sCardinalRecruitingProgram.

• Ifyouacceptanoffer,andlateranotherofferwhichyoupreferisextendedtoyou,rememberthatyouhavemadeasignificant personalcommitmenttothefirstemployerandthatyoushouldhonorthatcommitment.Ifyouareunsureaboutacceptinga joboffer,itisbettertonegotiateformoretimetomakeyour decision,thantoaccepttheofferprematurelyandlaterrescindyouracceptance.Suchconductishighlyunprofessional. Ifthisreasoningseemsharsh,considerthereverse: anemployeroffersyouajobandlaterastrongercandidate comesalong;theemployercallsyouandsayss/heiswith-drawinghis/heroriginaloffertoyou.Theprocessrunssmoothlyonlywhenallpartiesobservetherulesofcommoncourtesyandprofessionalbehavior.

ThestaffattheCDCrecognizethatjugglingjoboffersandemployerdeadlinescanbedaunting.Sinceeachstudent’s situationisunique,thestaffencouragesstudentswhohavequestionsorconcerns(e.g.,acceptinganoffer,multipleoffers,negotiatingfortimeoradditionalcompensation,etc.)tomakeanappointmentwithoneofourcounselors.Iftimeisoftheessence,wesuggestashort(15minute)appointment.LogintoyourCardinalCareersaccounttosetupa45minuteappoint-ment.StudentswhoseeklegaladviceregardingbindingjoboffersorotherprofessionalcommitmentsmaycontacttheASSULegalOfficeat(650)375-2481.

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EVALUATING JOB OFFERS1. Recordyourcriteriaforafulfillingjobinthelefthandcolumn.Considercriteriasuchasyourtopvalues,interests,skills,workstyle,and

workenvironmentpreferences.2. FillinJobOption1and2withtwojoboffersyouareconsidering,ifapplicable.3. Rankthedegreetowhichyourcriteriaarefulfilledbyeachoption.

Useascaleof1-5with1beinglowand5beinghigh.

Job Option1.________________ 2._________________

Criteria Rank

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

______________________________________________________ ________ ________

HowconfidentamIthatIcansucceedwiththisjob? ________ ________

Howwelldoesthispositionfitwithmylongertermgoals? ________ ________

Totals ________ ________

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SSAMPLE JOB OFFER REJECTION LETTERS

Dear Mr. Smith,

Thank you for your employment offer to be an Assistant Director with XYZ, Inc. Unfortunately, I am writing to inform you that I am unable to accept the offer. After evaluating all opportunities available to me for the best fit at this point in my career, I have decided to accept another position in a different field.

I truly enjoyed meeting and speaking with you and other representatives from Score and learning firsthand about your experiences. Best wishes for the continued success of XYZ, Inc.

Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Laura Craft

Dear Michelle,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I will unfortunately not be accepting the generous offer of Management Trainee, from ABC. I really appreciate the care and friendliness extended to me during this time. Foremost, I am grateful that ABC granted me an extension so that I could fully consider my options. At this time, I feel that ABC is not the best fit for me. It was an extremely tough decision for me to make, as evident in my request for a month long extension. I again want to thank you and everyone else at ABC for this great opportunity and for your help and support through this time period.

Sincerely,

Irwin Jones

Dear Mr. Cline,

I enjoyed meeting with you and your colleagues last week regarding the position of Assistant Researcher. Thank you for you time and consideration during this process.

While I am not sure where you are in the hiring process, I wanted to let you know that I would like to withdraw my application from consideration for this position. I have accepted a similar position at another organization.

Thank you again for you consideration and best of luck in your search.

Sincerely,

Anne Green

SAMPLE WITHDRAWAL FROM CONSIDERATION LETTER

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Dear Mr. Smith,

It is with great excitement that I accept the offer for the position of Legal Assistant. I have included the signed offer letter.

I have been communicating with the relocation company and am currently in the process of moving to Seattle. I expect to be settled in by the end of the month and ready to start in early August.

I will contact you as my start date approaches. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to my new position at LMN.

Sincerely,

Mary Barton

SAMPLE JOB ACCEPTANCE LETTERS

Dear Jane,

Thank you for your employment offer for the position of Program Coordinator. I would like to reconfirm my acceptance of this position. I look forward to joining the ZZZ and am confident in the contributions I will make to your organization. I am excited to apply my passion and skills to this position.

Per our phone conversation, I will start work on Monday, August 22nd. I will be out of town until mid-July but can be reached by cell phone, (555) 465-1834. Thank you again for this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Jesse Lewis

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YOUR NEW JOBSupervisorDuringthefirstyearinanynewexperience,the“learningcurve”

willbegreat.Whileyearlyorbi-yearlyperformancereviewsarestandardinmanyorganizations,itisuptoyoutoactivelyseekoutfeedbackregardingyourperformance.Communicatewithyoursupervisorfromthebeginningthatyouwanttolearnandgrowwithyourpositionandthereforewantopenfeedback.Donotexpecttogetfeedbackeverytimeyoumeetwithyoursupervisororforeveryproject.Youwillneedtoevaluateyourselfandgrowinyourjobwithoutbeingtoldwhattodoeverystepoftheway.Atthesametime,itdoesn’thurttocheckinwithyoursupervisorregardingyourprogresseveryfewmonths.

Whileyouwerehiredbecauseyourskillsmatchedtheposi-tion,youaren’texpectedtoknoweverythingimmediately.Keepopencommunicationwithyoursupervisor,askingforclarifica-tionwhenaresponsibilityinyourjobisunclear.Establishwithyoursupervisorwhatexpectationsheorshehasofyou.Whenyoumakeamistake,arecriticizedorembarrassedinthework-place,listentoanyfeedbackprovidedbyyoursupervisor.Takeresponsibilityandsetgoalstoaddressyourchallenges,keepingapositiveattitude.Discusswithyoursupervisorwhatyouwilldodifferentlynexttimeandhowyouareworkingonimprovingthe“weak”area.Ifthesituationwasnot“yourfault,”don’tcomplainorhaveanegativeattitude.Itwillnothelpyouinyourcareerpath.Alternately,ifyouareboredbytheprojectsgiventoyou,donotcomplaintoyoursupervisor;rather,askformore“chal-lenging”assignments,identifyingwhichskillsyouwouldliketoutilizemoreeffectively.

Tocommunicatemosteffectivelywithyoursupervisor,discussthelogistics.Shouldyoumeetregularly,orisemailcorrespon-dencesufficient?Howmuchdoesyoursupervisorwanttoknowaboutyourgivenresponsibilities?Doyouneedtoprovideastatusreportoronlythefinalproduct?Whatkindofsupervisordoyouwant?Communicatingyourneedswillalsobehelpfulforthesupervisor.

Finding a MentorInadditiontoyoursupervisor,youmayfinditusefultofinda

mentorasanaddedsourceofsupportandguidance.Someorgani-zationshavementoringprogramsalreadyestablishedwithintheirorganization,whileothersencouragetheirneweremployeesbutdon’thaveanyofficialprocessformentoring.Thisdoesn’tmeanyoucan’thaveamentor,itjustmeansyouhavetoseekoneoutforyourself.Thefirststepinfindingamentoristodeterminewhatyourgoalsareinhavingamentor.Whatwouldyouliketolearn?Whatdirectionwouldyoulikeyourcareertotake?Whatqualitiesdoyouadmireandwouldyouliketoembodyyourself?Ifyoucan’tanswerthesequestionsatthispointintime,thinkaboutareasinwhichyouaren’tthestrongestandlookforamentorwhocanhelpyougrowinthoseareas.

Thinkcreativelywhenlookingforamentor.Itisn’talwaystheCEOorsupervisorthatmakesthebestmentor.Anexperiencedco-workercanalsoprovideyouwithexcellentgrowthpotential.Lookforapersonalityfitaswellasacareergoalmatch.Also,makesurethatthepersonyouhaveinmindhastimeforyouinreturn.

Althoughbothpartiesmayhavethebestintentionsinmind,ifyouoryourpotentialmentoristoobusyforameaningfulrelationship,youmayneedtorethinkyourchoiceofmentororyourtiming.Onceyouhavedecidedonapotentialmentor,setupameeting

withthatpersontodiscusswhyyouwouldlikethemtobeyourmentor,thequalitiestheyhave,andyourgoalsforwantingamentor.Also,discussthetimecommitmentyouhaveinmindfor thatperson.Iftheyagree,setupregularmeetings,shadowingopportunitiesandgoalstoworktowardsoveradesignatedtimeperiod.Re-evaluatetherelationshipatregularintervalstomakesureitisfulfillingandeffectiveforbothyouandyourmentor.

Seek Training and Professional Development OpportunitiesSomeorganizationshavestructuredtrainingprogramsfor

newemployees,whileothersdonot,althoughmostorganizationsprovideforsometypeoforientationthatcanincludetraining.Structuredtrainingprogramsarefoundprimarilyinorganizationsthathavelargegroupsofnewemployeesstartingatthesametime.Itdoesnotmaketheorganization“better”thanonethatdoesnot.Ifyourorganizationdoesnotprovideapre-settrainingprogram,evaluatewithyoursupervisorwhereyouneedmoreinformationandcreateyourownindividualizedtrainingprogram.

Atthestartofyournewposition,investigatewhatprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesexistforemployeesandwhentheyareavailable.Iffreeworkshopsorseminarsexistatyourorganiza-tion,gotothem!Ifastipendisgivenforprofessionaldevelopment,investigateopportunities,createabudgetanddiscusstheopportunitieswithyoursupervisor.Ifmoneyisallottedonacase-by-casebasis,discussopportunitiesandcoststoseewhatmightbepossible.

Work Effectively With Your Co-WorkersAsastudentyouaretrainedtoexamineandquestioninformation

putinfrontofyou.Whilethisisanexcellenttrait,asanewworkeryoumaywanttoobserveyourco-workersandlearnfromthemfirstbeforeimmediatelyquestioningorcritiquing.Observingandlearningfromco-workerscanbeoneofthebestwaystogrowandsucceedinyourfield.Theyhaveawealthofexperienceandknowledgetoshare.Learnthegroupdynamicsofyourco-workerstodetermineifthegroupwouldwelcomeyourimmediatecomments,ormayneedalittlemoretimeto“warmup”toyou.Setforthapositiveattitude,andvolunteerforgroupprojectsaboveandbeyondyourregularresponsibilities.Thiswillallowyoutoworkwithmoreco-workersandsetsthetoneofyouasa“teamplayer.”Getinvolvedinothergroupopportunitiesifofferedbyyourorganization,suchassportorhobbygroups,exercise,healtheducation,orpublicservice.Also,inviteco-workerstohavecoffee,orlunch,orgoforamid-afternoonbreak.Youdon’thavetowaittobeasked.

Tokeepthepeacewithyourco-workers,it’susuallybesttoadheretocommonofficecourtesy.AsurveyreleasedbyRandstadUSAregardingofficeannoyancesreportedthesetop7results:

1.Gossip2.Poortimemanagement(includingmakingpersonalphonescallsorsurfingtheInternetduringwork)

3.Messinessincommunalspaces,suchasunwasheddishesinthekitchensinks

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4.Potentsmellslikeperfume,food,orsmoke5.Loudnoisessuchasradios,speakerphones,raisedvoicesorobnoxiousringtones

6.Overuseofcellphones,BlackBerrysorPCsduringmeetings7.Misuseofemaile.g.hitting“reply-all”unnecessarilyorputtingpeopleintheBCCline

Clarify Work PoliciesIt’seasyasastudenttoknowwhenandwheretoshowup.Class

startsat10amandendsat11am.Inmanyworkingenvironmentsyouarepaidmonthlyorbi-monthly,ratherthanbythehour.Itcanbeconfusingtofigureoutworktimeexpectations.Startbyaskingwhatthestandardworkhoursareintheoffice.Youmayhearsomesurprisinganswers.Asupervisormaytellyouthattherestofthecompanyworks8am-5pm,butaparticulardepartmentworks 9am-6pm.Observeandfollowtheleadoftheworkersaroundyou.Atotherorganizations,youworkuntilyourprojectisdone,showingupandleavingonyourowntimeschedule.

Itisalsogoodtoknowcompanyanddepartmentalpolicyabouttimeoff.Someorganizationsareverystrictaboutusingvacationorsicktime(howmuchandwhen)whileothersaremuchmoreflexible.Again,askyoursupervisorfordepartmentalpolicyandco-workersforunstatedcompanypolicyformoreinformation.Becomefamiliarwiththepoliciesforrequestingvacationtime, definitionofsicktime,andhowandwhotonotifyifusing sicktime.

Otherofficepoliciestoclarify:theuseofpersonalemail,“web surfing,”romanticrelationshipswithco-workers,supervisors,or supervisees,andcompanycreditcardusage.

Identify Company Culture Ittakestimetoknowthe“personality”ofanorganization

anddepartment.Whilemostnavigatethisprocesssuccessfully,don’tworryifyoumakeacompany“fauxpas.”Itisallpartofthelearningprocess.Visiblecompanycultureiseasytopickupon;i.e.,mostcommunicationisdonethroughemail.Hiddencompanyculturecantakemoretimetoabsorb;i.e.,itisbesttoinitiateanewideabydiscussingitwithasmallgroupofco-workersorsupervisorbeforebringingittotherestofthedepartment.Observegroupdynamicstodeterminewhoholdsthe“power”ingroupmeetings,aswellasotherroles.Understandingthecompanyculturewillbeimportantwhenitcomestimeforyourinitiativeorprojecttomoveforward.

Manage Your Work DayDependingonyourpositionandorganization,youmayhave

tolearnnewtoolsfortimemanagement.Yourstyleoftime managementmayormaynotworkforthiscompany.Youmaynot begiventheamountoftimeyouwouldliketofinishacertainproject,oryoumayneedtoreportbackontheprogressofaprojectwhenyouhaveneverbeenrequiredtobefore.Manystudentsfindthattheirstandardof“pullingall-nighters”doesn’tworkinsomeenvironments.Whengivenanewproject,discusswithyoursupervisorhowmuchinformationtheywouldliketoknowabouttheprojectasithappens,ifatall,andwhentheywantit.Thiscanhelpyouplanoutyourprojectandmanageyourtimemosteffectively.Likewise,timemanagementofsimpledailytaskssuchasemailandphonecallsmaybecomeoverwhelming.Forexample,youmaybereceivingupwardsof50ormoreemailsaday,20phonecallsandtryingtomeetadeadline.Testout

whatmethodsworkbestforyouandcreateastrategythatwillhelpyoumanagetheconstantcommunicationflowinanofficesetting.

Be Aware of StressJustasyousoughtoutextracurricularactivitiesduringyour

academicstorelievestress,itisimportanttoremembertodothesameasyoutransitiontotheworkworld.Identifyactivities,hobbiesorintereststhatcanhelpyou“takeyourmindoffofwork.”Workdoesnotnecessarilyhavetobe“bad”inorderforittobestressful.Theexcitementandamountofknowledgeyougainfromthisnew experiencecancause“positivestress”whichisstillstressandneedstobereleased.

What If You Find More Challenges Than Accomplishments in Your New Job?Whenstartinganewjob,youmayfindmorechallengesthan

accomplishments.Thisisnormal.Giveyourselfayearatanorganization.Ittakestimetotransitionintoanewenvironmentwithdifferentpoliciesandpersonalities.Ifyouleavebeforetheone-yearmarker,youmay“burnabridge”withyourcurrentemployer,becauseittakesagooddealofmoneytotrainandorientanewemployee.Trytotalkwithyoursupervisororco-workersaboutyourchallenges.Doyourresponsibilitiesneedtobechanged?Isyourcommunicationstyleeffective?Trytopinpointthechallengesandworkonthemspecifically.Afteroneyear,ifyouarestillunhappy,evaluate“whatwentwrong.”Ifitisorganizationalorpersonalityrelated,couldyouhaveidentifiedthischallengebeforetakingthejob?Ifyes,howwillyouinves-tigatethesefactorswhensearchingforanewjob?Ifyouhavetroublepinpointingyourdissatisfaction,setupanappointmentwithacareercounselorattheCareerDevelopmentCenter.Acounselorcanhelpyouidentifywhat“didn’tfit”foryouandtheorganizationanddiscussstrategiestoidentifyandavoidthisinfutureorganizations.

LIVING ON YOUR OWNCreate a Budget Thismaybethefirsttimeyouhavehadtosupportyourselfand

liveonyourown.Familiarizeyourselfwithhowmuchyounormallyspendannuallyandhowmuchyou“should”spendgivenyourannualsalary.Livingonyourownalsocreatesnewexpensesyoumaynothaveconsideredbefore,suchasapartmentinsurance,commutingexpenses,andfurnishingyournewplace“likeanadult.”Utilizetheworksheetattheendofthispublicationtodeterminewhatyouregularlyspendandifyouneedtoadjustitgivenyourannualsalaryorotherfinancialgoals.

Agoodwaytostayoutofdebtandstillhaveacomfortablelifestyleistofollowspendingratioswhencreatingabudget.Thefollowingguidelinesprovidesuggestionsonthepercentageofyourmonthlysalaryallocatedtokeyexpenses.

Forexample,tocalculateyourhousingspendingratio,addupallyourhousingcostsforamonth.Thisincludesrentandinsur-ance,butnotutilities.Divideitbyyourmonthlyincome.Thegoalistohaveyourhousingexpensesbe.28(28percent)orsmaller.Sincehousingcostsincertaingeographicareas,suchastheSanFranciscoBayAreaandNewYorkareveryhigh,ifyourspendingratioisafewpercentagepointsabove28,you’reOK.Whenitstartsclimbingover45percent,youshouldprobablyreevaluatewhereyoulive.

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Expense PercentageofMonthlyIncomeHousing 28Food 15Transportation 15Leisure 10Clothing 10Personal 10Debt 5Savings 7

* SpendingratioinformationforcollegestudentsandgraduatessuggestedbyConsolidatedCreditCounselingServices.

Start Your Financial PlanningIt’snevertoosoontostartplanningforthefuture,whetheritbe

tosaveforanewcar,house,retirementorallthree.Taketheinitia-tivetolearnasmuchaboutyourpersonalfinancesaspossible.Someorganizationsprovideinformationandassistancetotheiremployees.Therearealsoavarietyofcoursesavailablethroughprivateorganizations,colleges,andcommunityorganizations.Askfamilyandfriendsforadviceorrecommendationsforacertifiedfinancialadvisor.

Connecting with the Community Asastudentyouweresurroundedbypeopleandopportuni-

tieseveryday.Nowthatyouareonyourown,youmayneedtobeproactiveinconnectingwithothers.Remembertokeepupwithactivitiesyouenjoysuchassportsorotherhobbies.Continuetotakeclassesthroughextendededucationprogramsorprofessional

developmentseminars.TherearealumniclubsthroughouttheUnitedStatesandinmanyothercountriesthatoffernetworkingandsocialactivities.Tofindthealumniclubnearestyou,gototheStanfordAlumniAssociationwebsite,alumni.stanford.edu,andclickon“Community.”

ConnectwithcurrentStanfordstudentsbybeingonpanelsor participatinginotherprogramsthroughtheCareerDevelopmentCenter.Thereareopportunitiestospeakonpanels,beamentor,talkwithstudentsindividuallyorhaveyourcareerprofiledontheCDC website.ContactMarleneSchererStern,[email protected],formoreinformation.

CDC RESOURCESCareer Resource CenterTheCareerResourceLibraryhasavarietyofbooksand

materialsontransitioningfromstudenttoprofessional,findingandworkingwithamentorandotherworkplaceissuesyoumaycomeacross.Belowisaselectionofmaterialsrelatedto“lifeafterStanford.”Tobrowseourfullcollection,gototheCareerResourceLibrarydatabase,cdc.stanford.edu/library,orcomeintouseourresources.

• Backpack to Briefcase: Steps to a Successful Career• How to Network and Select a Mentor• Life After School. Explained.: The Definitive Reference Guide• Reality 101: The Ultimate Guide to Life After College• Life After Graduation: Financial Advice and Money Saving Tips• Handling Diversity in the Workplace: Communication is the Key• Gradspot: Guide to Life After College (visitwww.gradpsot.com/)

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COST OF LIVING INDEXThefollowingisaselectionofcitieswheremanygraduatingstudentsacceptoffers.Thecostoflivingindexisbasedonthecompositepriceofgroceries,housing,utilities,transporta-tion,healthcare,clothingandentertainmentineachcitylisted.Usethecalculationtocomparesalariesindifferentcities.Forfurtherinforma-tionaboutthedatabelow,pleaserefertohttp://www.bestplaces.net/html/col1.asp .Tocompareinformationfromothersources,refertothesewebsites: http://www.salary.com and http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc/ salcalc.html?type=to.

Average City, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

AlabamaBirmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

AlaskaAnchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

ArizonaFlagstaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91Tucson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

ArkansasLittleRock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

CaliforniaFresno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Irvine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158LosAngeles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144Sacramento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106SanDiego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133SanFrancisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206SanJosé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

ColoradoBoulder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133ColoradoSprings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94Denver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

ConnecticutHartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97NewHaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110Stamford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

DelawareWilmington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

FloridaMiamiBeach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113Orlando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

GeorgiaAtlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

HawaiiHonolulu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

IdahoBoise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

IllinoisChicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Springfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

IndianaBloomington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Indianapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80SouthBend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

IowaDesMoines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82IowaCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

KansasKansasCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

KentuckyLexington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Louisville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

LouisianaBatonRouge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89NewOrleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

MainePortland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

MarylandBaltimore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

MassachusettsBoston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

MichiganAnnArbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Lansing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

MinnesotaMinneapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104St.Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

MissouriKansasCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87St.Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

MontanaBillings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

NebraskaLincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Omaha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

NevadaLasVegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

New JerseyAtlanticCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Princeton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Newark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

New MexicoAlbuquerque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 SantaFe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

New YorkAlbany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96Buffalo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78NewYorkCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167Syracuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

North CarolinaChapelHill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Charlotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101Raleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

North DakotaFargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

OhioCincinnati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Cleveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Dayton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

OklahomaOklahomaCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83Tulsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

OregonPortland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

South CarolinaCharleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

South DakotaSiouxFalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

TennesseeChattanooga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Nashville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

TexasAustin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91SanAntonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

UtahSaltLakeCity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Vermont Burlington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

VirginiaRichmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 VirginiaBeach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Washington Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Washington, DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

West VirginiaCharleston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Wisconsin Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

WyomingCheyenne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Salary Comparison EquationCity#1 xSalary=$_______City#2

WhatistheNewYorkCityequivalentofa$40,000salaryinOrlando?

NewYorkCity 167 x $40,000=$70,316Orlando 95

http://www.bestplaces.net/html/col1.asp

http://www.bestplaces.net/html/col1.asp

http://www.salary.com

http://www.homefair.com/homefair/calc

salcalc.html


CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER RESOURCESCardinal CareersRegisterwithCardinalCareers,theCareerDevelopmentCenter’s

(CDC)onlineemploymentserviceatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/jobs-internshipsandreceive:- Joblistings—jobsspecificallyforalumniandjobsfromtargetedcompanies.

- Electronicnewslettersandupdatesaboutupcomingevents,jobopportunities,CDCresources,tipsandadvicefromourteamofcareercounselors,andotherusefulinformation.

Career Counseling ServicesAlumniwhoarewithintheirfirstyearaftergraduationare

eligibleforcareercounselingappointmentsattheCDCatnocost.AlumnimorethanayearoutshouldcheckwiththeStanfordAlumniAssociationofficeregardingcareercounselingservices.

Career Resource Library Anextensivecollectionofresourcesisavailabletohelpyou

explorecareeroptions,researchemployers,andenhanceyourjobsearchskills.Searchstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/career-libraryforacompletelistofresources.

Job Search Workshops and PanelsAllprogramsareopentoalumniwiththeexceptionofthe

assessmentworkshopsthatareonlyopentoalumniwithintheirfirstyearofgraduation.ViewthecurrentCDCCalendarofEventsat studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/services/event-calendars .

Letter of Recommendation ServiceTheLetterofRecommendationServicehaspartneredwith

Interfolio,aweb-basedcredentialfilemanagementservice.Theentiresystemisbothsecureandconvenient.VisittheInterfoliowebsiteatinterfolio.comformoreinformation.

STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CAREER RESOURCES CareerresourcesforalumnicanbefoundatStanford

CareerConnect,theonlinecollectionofallthecareerservicesofferedbytheStanfordAlumniAssociation:alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/career

Alumni Job BoardAlums—andstudentswhohavecompletedatleastthreequar-

ters—canfindorpostjobsonthisexclusiveStanfordjobboard.

Alumni DirectoryEligiblestudentscansearchthe200,000-strongStanford

alumnidirectorytofindhelpwithjobsearchesandprofessionalnetworking.

Alumni Career ToolsCareer-relatedsocialmedia,alumnicareergroups,user-guides,

videos,andmore,canbeaccessedbyalumsandstudentswhohavecompletedatleastthreequarters.

CONNECTING WITH STANFORD STUDENTSPosting Jobs/Internships Ifyou’reinterestedinourfreeserviceforpostinginternships,

part-timeorpermanentjobstohireStanfordstudentsoralumni,gotostudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/employer .

Cardinal Recruiting Ifyouwishtorecruitstudentson-campusthroughtheCDC’s

CardinalRecruitingProgram,gotostudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/employer .

Resume ServicePurchaseresumesofstudentsandalumnibyvisiting

studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/employer .

Career Fairs Toparticipateinourcareerfairs,gotostudentaffairs.stanford.

edu/cdc/employer/career-fairs .

Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM)Volunteerforthisworld-widementoringprogramthatconnects

youtoStanfordstudentsinaone-on-onementoringrelationshipforcareerguidance,advice,andadvocacy.HelpstudentsdeveloptheirgoalsandgainarealisticperspectiveonlifebeyondStanford.mentoring.stanford.edu

Profiles of SuccessJointhealumnivolunteersinthisdatabasewhosharetheir

storiesofhowtheydecidedtochooseamajor,howtheydecidedwhatcareertopursueandhowtheircareersevolved.Samplesoftheseprofilescanbefoundatstudentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/ identify/alumni-profiles.Ifyouhaveaprofileyouwouldliketoshare,[email protected] .

ALUMNI RESOURCES/SERVICES

ALU

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I RESO

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cdc.stanford.edu


Advertiser Index

The Aerospace Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Box .net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75California Institute of Integral Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Dominican University of California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72ESSEC Business School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Medill at Northwestern University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Merck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back CoverNational College of Natural Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Oliver Wyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76UCLA Engineering Online Masters Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72U .S . Air Force, Scholarships for

Biomedical Sciences Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71USC Annenberg School for

Communication & Journalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Verizon Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

CollegeRecruitmentMediaandStanfordUniversity wishtothanktheaboveparticipatingsponsors formakingthispublicationavailabletostudents.

cdc.stanford.edu

http://www.oliverwyman.com

http://www.airforce.com/healthcare

http://www.msol.ucla.edu

http://www.medillgradprograms.com

http://www.dominican.edu

http://www.annenberg.usc.edu

http://www.essec.edu

http://www.ncnm.edu

http://www.aero.org/careers

http://www.sgh.com

http://www.ciis.edu

http://www.careersatverizonwireless.com

http://www.merckcareers.jobs/5772

http://www.crmpubs.com

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