2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus

Advertiser Index
Across the Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Lehigh Hanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Segars Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Allan Myers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Leidos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. . . . . . . . . . 78
CARE Veterinary Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Lutron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Temple University
University of Charleston Monolithic Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 School of Podiatric Medicine . . . . . . . . . 88
School of Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Moog Components Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Tindall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Deutsche Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 National Geospatial-
Torc Robotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
DISH Network L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Intelligence Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
U.S. Army Christiansburg
Eastern Virginia Medical School/Old Dominion NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) . . . . 81
Recruiting Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
University, Master of Public Health . . . . . 86 NAVSEA (Naval Sea
Systems Command) . . . . Inside Back Cover Varsity Internship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Evonik Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
NET ESOLUTIONS Virginia Tech Program in Real Estate . . . . . . 88
Freeport-McMoRan . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover
CORPORATION (NETE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Gibbs & Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Wake Forest University School of Business . 87
Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of
Hagerstown Community College . . . . . . . . . 78 Huntington Ingalls Industries . . . . . . . . . 80 William & Mary School of Education . . . . . . 86

College Recruitment Media and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University wish to thank
the above participating sponsors for making this publication available to students.

3
Career and Professional Development

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

INSIDE Career and
Professional
Development
www.career.vt.edu
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 WRITING RESUMES Smith Career Center
Meet the Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 The Resume Puzzle: What Pieces Fit You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 45 corner of Washington Street
Peer Career Advisor Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Resume Dos and Donts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 46 & West Campus Drive
Sample Career Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 47 540-231-6241
CAREER EXPLORATION Power Skills for Your Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 48
Career Exploration Action Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Resume Bullet Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 49 Office hours:
REACH: Ready for Career Exploration And Career Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Sample Resumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Curriculum Vitae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62
CAREER-RELATED EXPERIENCE Walk-in advising:
Cooperative Education and Internship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16 CORRESPONDENCE Visit our website for walk-in
Steps to Participate in the Cooperative Five Key Points About References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 63 hours
Education/Internship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Cover Letter 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 64 If you are a person with a d isability and desire
Letters of Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 65 assistance or accommodation, please notify
GLOBAL EXPERIENCE SKILLS Letter of Inquiry About Internship Possibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66 our office.
Incorporate International Experience on Your Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18 Follow-Up Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 66
Include Study Abroad Experience in Your Cover Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19
Create Answers to Interview Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 19 INTERVIEWING
Interviews: Tips, Types, and To Dos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 67
HEALTH PROFESSIONS ADVISING Research Employers Before Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 68
Successful Application to Health Professions School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20 Interviews Are a 2-Way Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 69
Application Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21 Video Interviewing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 70
Sample Health Profession Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24 Use InterviewStream to Perfect Your Interview Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 71
Group Interviews: Are YOU Ready? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 71
GRAD SCHOOL Behavioral Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 72
Researching Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 25 Interview Follow-Up Correspondence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 73
Planning for Graduate School Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 26
Creating a Personal Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28 SALARY
Personal Statement Example With Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 29 Salary Information: What Are You Worth? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 74
Compare Your Offer$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 75
JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES Negotiating Job Offers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 76
Getting Started With Your Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30 Job Offer Letter Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 77
Benefits and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 31
Check Out These Online Products and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 32
A Visual Guide for Hokies4Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 33
The Federal Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34

NETWORKING & RESEARCHING

Get Started Networking! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 35
The Informational Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 36
Career Fairs: Are YOU Ready? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 37
You Need to Be on LinkedIn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 38
What to Wear: Unlocking Dress Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 40 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors for
Are You Career Ready? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 42 Making This Publication Possible
College to Career . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 44
Please refer to their advertisements throughout this Guide.
See Advertiser Index on page 3.
 Dear Fellow Hokies!
Your career journey started before you came to Virginia Tech and will continue well beyond graduation.
Your Virginia Tech experience will give you a great advantage, if you fully embrace your college experience!
As you think of your life-after-Tech, dont assume that your Virginia Tech degree alone will get you places. But you
can assume that your degree PLUS the culmination of engagement in student organizations, leadership roles, internships,
community and international service, class and research projects, study abroad, and teamwork in intramural sports (for
example) will serve you well. You can count on these types of opportunities to develop your character and develop much
sought-after competencies for career success.
Our staff can help you:
EXPLORE yourself, majors, and careers!
EXPERIENCE that matters is at your fingertips!
DEVELOP your professional presence and critical employability skills for success in the workplace!
LAUNCH your career plans through your job search or application for continued education!
We are here for you! Come early and often!
See you soon,
Donna Cassell Ratcliffe (Director) and the Career and Professional Development Team
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Meet
the
Donna Ratcliffe Amy McPherson Jim Henderson Ashley Jaramillo Peter Johnston Jamie Lanter Leigh Anne Leist
Director Senior Associate Director Associate Director Assistant Director Receptionist Applications & Database Programmer Associate Director
Employer Relations

Staff
Katie Baer Beach Lisa Boothe Jonathan Byers Ali Mayer Jenean Meadows Melissa Obenhaus Ashley Roberts
Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Graduate Assistant Cooperative Education & Health Professions Advising Event Planner &
Employer Relations Internship Program Associate Program Coordinator Social Media Coordinator

Tamara Cherry-Clarke Claire Childress Kristen Coffey Catherine Copeland Carol Robinson Becca Scott Kelly Shannon Heidi Thuesen
Assistant Director Associate Director Graduate Assistant Senior Assistant Director Director Associate Director Marketing Manager Assistant Director
Assessment & IT/Web Administrator Health Professions Advising

Lauren Craft Sue Ellen Crocker Vickie Earthman

Employer Relations Assistant Office Manager Receptionist Cathy Wagnon Donna Weikel Steven White
Fiscal Assistant Employer Relations Coordinator Graduate Assistant

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 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

Peer Career Advisor Program

My favorite thing about My favorite thing about
working as a PCA is the working as a PCA is the
opportunity to work with interaction we have
students one-to-one with peers and knowing
and constantly making that we have a positive
connections. I love impact on their futures.
working together to
solve problems and
knowing that our service
makes lasting changes
on students lives,
futures, and their overall
experience at Virginia
Tech.

Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) are undergraduate students who have been trained Were Hiring
Forward Thinkers
to assist with a variety of areas in the career planning process. They have a strong
understanding of resources and can help guide you in the right direction depending on
needs. Major responsibilities include advising, outreach and education, and programming
assistance.

Meet With a Peer Career Advisor LOOKING TO TRANSFORM TOMORROW, TODAY

PCAs are available to assist you during fall and spring semesters through 10-minute walk-in Leidos is hiring forward thinkers. Were a company with over 40 years of elevating careers and
advising, held Monday-Friday from 12-3 pm at Career and Professional Development. No
solving national security, health, and infrastructure problems in ways no one else can. Were
appointment is required for walk-in advising; just check in at our reception desk.
on the cutting edge of cyber network protection, taking on cancer at a genetic level and
PCAs are trained to help with the following: re-engineering Americas critical infrastructure. Leidos offers internships and is currently
Resume and cover letter review and development seeking problem solvers for entry-level positions in:
Internship and job search topics and resources
Career related workshops and presentations
Preparing for career fairs f Computer Science f Aerospace Engineering
Using online resources such as Hokies4Hire and Career Shift
Interview preparation f Computer Engineering f Systems Engineering
Campus outreach promoting Career and Professional Development events and other f Electrical Engineering f Biological Sciences
special projects
f Cybersecurity f Civil Engineering
f Mechanical Engineering f Business

Interested in Becoming a PCA?

Help tackle the biggest problems in national security, health and infrastructure
We recruit and hire new PCAs in late October each year. Please go to today, to transform the world tomorrow and make the world a better place for
www.career.vt.edu in October for more information about how to apply. generations to come.

Apply today.
10 jobs.leidos.com
Leidos. All rights reserved.
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Explore Consider these action items to guide your career journey!

1. Self-Assessment
Self-assessment is about doing a
realistic appraisal of you and is the
starting point for career planning. During
this step you will:
Try This To-Do List!
Take self-assessments
Sign up for a wide variety of
3. Decision Making
Self-assessment and research
provides the foundation for you to
compare and contrast your options
and choose the majors/careers that
Try This To-Do List!
Meet with your academic advisor
Narrow your interest areas
Identify your interests, skills, values, are a best fit for you.
and personality type. classes Now is the time to begin exploring Declare your major,
Determine how these important ways to try out your career congratulations!
Figure out or fine tune your
factors influence your career interests.
decision(s) and satisfaction. strengths and skills Make the most of course projects
Learn those areas in which you Review Admissions List of and assignments
need to improve, gain Undergraduate Majors Explore internship or cooperative
knowledge, or experience.
Get connected with education experiences related to
Career and Professional your major
Developments social media Consider participating in these
pages opportunities:
Explore student organizations Job shadowing
of interest Volunteering
Undergraduate research
Education abroad
Part-time job/summer
employment

2. Career Research
Take the time to gather
information about various
career fields and academic
options that complement
your self-assessment results.
Try This To-Do List!
Research career options
for the majors you are
4. Goal Setting and Action
Plans
Define your career goal(s) and set a
Try This To-Do List!
Create/update your resume and
considering realistic action plan with the steps
Thorough research leads to cover letter
and deadlines to meet your goal(s).
quality decisions.
Check out Goals should be Specific, Attend career fairs and employer
CandidCareer.com Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, information sessions
The Career Resource and Timely. Make certain you
Center in Smith Career include some type of career-related Practice your interview skills with
Center experience! Interview Stream and a mock
interview at Smith Career Center
Browse the Post-Grad Report
Participate in on-campus recruiting
Begin networking with Virginia activities through Hokies4Hire
Tech Alumni on LinkedIn
Conduct informational
interviews

Always include these items on your to-do list!

Meet with a career advisor regularly throughout your time at Virginia Tech.
Explore our website at www.career.vt.edu and the many resources we have to offer.
12 13
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Career Exploration Career Exploration

REACH: Ready for Exploration And Career Help Woofound Reflection

Your Career Personality Blend is the combination of your two primary career personality types. This is an integration of
traits, personality strengths, and your approach to work determined by your responses.
Deciding on an academic major or choosing
among career options for a major you What is your Personality Blend?
love can be some of the most challenging
decisions you will make. Research suggests
that up to 80% of students entering college
are not certain about what they want to
study, and approximately 50% of students
Read the Personality Blend description. Does it sound like you? Why or why not?
change their major at least once before
graduation. Choosing satisfying academic
and career paths can take time and effort.

Through REACH, Career and Professional

Development offers you specific
In your Personality Breakdown, you may hover over the personalities to learn about each one. The entirety of your
opportunities to work through the
career exploration process. You will find personality determines your career recommendations. What traits do you like best and why?
encouragement and support from our career
advisors as you learn more about who you
are and how your unique strengths, talents,
and attributes impact your choice of major
and career options. And, yes, you can get
Under Complements and Conflicts, what other types may you work well with or need to work harder to get along with?
started now. Begin by Imagining Your Future!

First, learn more about yourself by using Woofound. (vt.woofound.me) What is your Best Work Environment?

Watch the short introduction video

Create an account (using your vt.edu email) and

View your Career Matches, and utilize the filter under Best Match to find careers based on level of education. By
begin the visual personality assessment
clicking each career, you will find basic information including salaries, education requirements and job growth (Career
In less than 10 minutes you will have results to begin the discovery of Who am I? and Professional Development has a wealth of additional resources for more in-depth career research.) Which of these
careers interests you and why?

Next, What did you learn?

Use the prompts on the following page to reflect on

what Woofound has shared with you! Want to know more? We would love to talk to you about your Woofound results and share additional resources you may
use in your exploration process! Schedule an appointment with a career advisor by calling (540) 231-6241.

14 15
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Cooperative Education and
Internship Program
One Strategy for Engaged Learning
Volunteer/Service Co-ops & Field
Learning Internships Studies
What is meant by the termsInternship and
Cooperative Education?
Internship usually refers to a one-term work assignment,
most often in the summer, but not always. Internships
can be full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, for credit or not for
credit depending on the employer and the career field.
Co-op usually refers to a multi-work term agreement with
one employer; traditionally with at least three work terms
alternated with school terms, resulting in a five-year degree
program for what would otherwise take four years. Co-ops
are traditionally full-time, paid positions.
However, at Virginia Tech the Cooperative Education and
Internship Program allows more flexibility as it can also be
used for a one semester experience with one employer that
is paid and full time.
Beware: Not all employers use these terms consistently or
with consistent meanings!
16
Externships/ Student Projects/
Research Competitions
Job Shadowing
Why should you get career-related experience?
Gaining career-related experience can have a direct impact
on your professional development, because the majority of
employers who recruit college graduates prefer to hire those
who have some type of related experience. 90 percent of
employers said candidate experience is a factor in hiring
decisions, according to an annual survey by the National
Association of Colleges and Employers. Nearly half of
surveyed employers wanted new graduate experience to
come from an internship or co-op programs.
These experiences help you try out and confirm your career
interests, develop real world skills that enhance your
qualifications for future employment, make contacts in
your field, and possibly gain offers of full-time employment.
How can you get this experience?
Cooperative Education
Internships
Externships
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Career-Related Experience
Volunteering
Job Shadowing
Part-time/Seasonal Jobs
Research Opportunities
Student Activities/Clubs
What are employers seeking when they hire a coop-
erative education or internship student?
Communication: Articulate thoughts and express
ideas effectively using oral, written and non-verbal
communications skills (to instruct, inform and
persuade), as well as listening for meaning to gain
understanding. The ability to deliver information in
person, in writing, and in a digital world.
Teamwork & Interpersonal: Build and maintain
collaborative relationships to work effectively with
others in a team setting through shared responsibility,
empathy and respect. The ability to manage ones
emotions and conflict with others while contributing
towards a common goal.
My participation in the co-op program exposed
me to a professional work environment, assisted
me with public speaking and group dynamics,
helped me decide to pursue a concentration in
spacecraft instead of aircraft, inspired me to
attend graduate school, and provided me with
the finances necessary to support
my own education.
Joe Hickman, Senior
Aerospace Engineering
Leadership: Motivate, organize and delegate work by
leveraging the strengths of individuals. The ability to use
empathetic skills and a positive attitude to guide and
influence other whiles reaching a shared goal through
adaptability and effective decision-making.
Professionalism & Productivity: Demonstrate
integrity, resilience, accountability and ethical
behavior. The ability to take initiative, maintain
effective work habits (prioritize, plans and manage
work) to produce high quality results and project a
professional presence.
Global Perspective: Respect the viewpoints of those
from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions
and lifestyles to build collaborative relationships and
communicate effectively. The ability to appreciate,
value, and learn from other cultures and perspectives
to move beyond tolerance.
Virginia Tech
Creativity & Problem Solving: Exercise sound
reasoning to analyze issues, synthesize information,
make decisions and solve problems. The ability to
think critically and strategically to develop original
ideas and innovative solutions.
How to Get Started?
Steps to Participate in the
Cooperative Education/
Internship Program
1.Attend a Required Orientation for the Cooperative
Education/Internship that includes an overview of job
search strategies, resume services, and interviewing
assistance that the Virginia Tech Smith Career Center
can provide. Work on case study scenarios from
real life situations our students have faced in work
environments and develop the professionalism needed
to be successful. Sessions are offered throughout the
semester. You only need to attend one. Dates and
times for orientations are posted on the Career Center
webpagewww.career.vt.edu
Resume Preparation. Develop your resume and have it
2.
critiqued through walk-in advising.
3. Complete Your Hokies4Hire Registration Profile
& Upload Your Resume. Upload your resume and
search job postings in Hokies4Hire to allow access by
employers.
Job Search and Interviewing. Begin your search
4.
for co-op/internship positions. Utilize Career and
Professional Development advisors, job search tools/
resources, Mock Interview Program, workshops, etc. A
checklist will be given to you during orientation.
Job Offer and Acceptance. Once an offer has been
5.
accepted, stop the job search process and cease
interviewing. Do not renege on your commitment.
Have your employer provide a written job offer and
job description.
Log into your Hokies4Hire account to Report A
Co-op/Internship Hire.
Upload your offer letter and job description to
Hokies4Hire.
6.Meet with your Coordinator and/or the Assistant
Director for the Cooperative Education and Internship
Program (CEIP) to develop your work/school schedule,
go over assignments, and sign the student agreement.
17
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Career-Related Experience Global Experience Skills

Why Should I consider registering for the Co-opera-
tive Education and Internship Class CEP 4084?
Virginia Tech students have the unique opportunity to
register for a zero credit course that will retain their status
as a full time student while also providing
access to best practice methods and ensure
the experience will be highly beneficial. The $75
registration fee (with no other tuition costs) will
help with the following:
Make certain that loans and other forms of financial
aid do not come due because you are away from
campus working
Keep health care status as that of a student on
healthcare plans instead of being viewed as full time
employee
Have your full time Internship or paid full time co-op
experience on your transcript as a permanent part of
your academic transcript.
Provide access to career advisors who will help you
navigate through the semester (s) or summer away
from school if any issues arise
Establish a Partnership Agreement that puts the
student, the employer, and the university in teaching/
learning roles as well as in supervisor/mentor roles
Ensure that meaningful Learning Objectives are
developed that make sure you are working in real
time situations where you can develop new skills and
practice what you have learned in the classroom
Give employers an opportunity to review and support
your work with the Employer Evaluation process
international experience and how those skills relate to the
Provide a Reflection Process when you return
to campus that will assist you in turning those learning
objectives into accomplishment statements for your
resume and practice how to communicate effectively in
oral presentations about your experiences at work.
However, you may find it more beneficial to put your
experience under work experience or volunteer experience.
An example would be:
Intern, Airbus, Hamburg, Germany September 2012 January 2013
Translated technical reports from German to English in order for them to be used in other countries
headquarter offices.
Collaborated with five other team members to improve the wind turbine of the A380 model.
Communicated with clients in seven other countries, learning cultural customs and language skills.
Worked independently to design a propeller for the A350 models.
How Can I Include My Study Abroad Experience in a Cover Letter?
Concisely describe the skills you gained from your Lets say a student spent a summer in Madrid, Spain
studying at a Spanish university. This student is now
position you are applying for. You do not want to repeat applying for editorial internships because she wants to
exactly what is on your resume. You should highlight your find a job as a magazine editor after she graduates. This is
experience while enticing the interviewer to learn more what she may say in her cover letter:
about it.
During my semester in Madrid, Spain, I studied translation for the first time. I translated literary text and
newspaper articles from Spanish to English. This not only improved my Spanish language skills, but also helped
me to understand the nuances of my native language. I learned how word choice, sentence structure, and
grammar can influence meaning, which will help me with the detail-oriented job of copy editing.

How Can I Create Answers to Interview Questions?

Remember to focus on specific examples, interactions, Also be prepared to answer questions directly about your
moments, people or events instead of the value of the experience:
overall experience. Have three to five specific examples What did you learn about yourself as a result of your

Global Experience Skills

demonstrating the skills you gained to share. international experience?
Why did you choose to study in (country name)? Why
Here are some potential questions that may be asked: was it important to you?
Tell me about yourself. Can you describe a time when you had to change
Identifying Skills Gained and Articulating Your Experience Describe a personal or professional challenge. your behavior to accommodate or adjust to different
Describe an instance in which you communicated local conditions?
effectively.
Examples of skills, identified by employers, you might An understanding of how global issues affect the future. How have you asserted yourself under pressure?
gain through a global experience. Taken from (Hart, 2006) A sense of integrity and ethical behavior. Describe an instance in which you used problem
and (Gardner, Steglitz & Gross, 2009): An understanding of cultural values and traditions of solving skills?
Teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate with the US and other countries.
Example Answer: Describe an instance in which you communicated effectively.
others in a diverse setting. Adapting to new situations.
While I was studying abroad in Chile I had the opportunity to volunteer at a bilingual school. While the children
Ability to apply knowledge in a real world setting. Ability to work independently.
in the school could speak basic English, the parents of the students could not speak any English. So, during
Ability to communicate effectively. Undertaking tasks that are unfamiliar.
parent teacher conferences I had to effectively use my Spanish skills to communicate with the parents of
my students. This experience enabled me to see how important word choice, body language, and tone are in
How Do I Incorporate My International Experience on My Resume? communicating and allowed me to learn to communicate differently depending on my audience.
This will vary based on the kind of international experience If you studied abroad or took classes at a foreign
you had and where you feel your experience fits best. university, one option is to include your experience in the References:
education section of your resume. Here is an example: Hart, P. D. (2006, Dec 28). How should colleges prepare students to
succeed in todays global economy?. The Association of American Colleges
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Minor in Green Engineering May 2015 and Universities, Retrieved from http://www.aacu.org/leap/documents/
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA GPA:3.2 Re8097abcombined.pdf For a sample resume, see page 56.
Gardner, P., Steglitz, I. & Gross, L. (2009). Translating study abroad
Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark June 2013 - July 2013 experiences for workplace competencies. The Association of American
Colleges and Universities, Retrieved from http://catcher.sandiego.edu/
Completed summer unit operations lab. items/cee/Reading7.SA for Workplace Competency.pdf
Conducted seven experiments.
Collaborated with students of various cultures to create and present on Danish Culture.
Took excursions to world-leading chemical production site to see theories learned put into practice.

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 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Health Professions Advising Health Professions Advising

The goal of Health Professions Advising (HPA) at Virginia professional in their field of choice. These professionals
Tech is to advise and mentor students to become will need to know you well enough to write a substantive
competitive and successful candidates at their chosen letter of recommendation when the time comes.
Health Professional schools.
Perhaps most importantly, health professional schools
Any student or alumnus/alumna of Virginia Tech, look for students who have demonstrated that they are
regardless of major, can use the services of HPA. lifelong independent learners. This quality is evident in the
way they approach learning for the sake of learning, i.e.,
HPA assists students and alumni pursuing a health care their intellectual curiosity, and their approach to learning
career in many health professional fields. outside of the classroom. Additionally, students must
provide strong evidence of a firm motivation to pursue
We have students pursuing: a career in health care. Students who can demonstrate
Medical School Pharmacy through their actions that they care about the welfare
Veterinary Medicine Nursing of fellow human beings and can effectively interact with
Chiropractic Athletic Training those of different backgrounds. Through their experiences,
Physical Therapy Optometry students must also understand and be able to articulate
Occupational Therapy Speech Pathology the obstacles and difficulties faced by todays health
Genetic Counseling Or any other graduate professionals. Furthermore, students must develop skills
Podiatry health profession that will allow them to contribute to the health professional
Dentistry school community and their intended profession.
What Is a Committee Letter?
Many health professional schools/programs offer Typically, the following professional programs accept (or
students the option of submitting a composite letter strongly encourage) a committee letter: MD, DO, DDS,
of evaluation (also known as a committee letter) Optometry, Podiatry.
from their undergraduate institution as part of their
admission application materials. As a result, Health Typically, the following professional programs do not
Professions Advising at Virginia Tech offers students expect a committee letter: PT, OT, PA, Pharmacy, Nursing,
the opportunity to participate in our Health Professions and other health professions.
Evaluation Committee (HPEC) interview process. As part
of this process, your committee letter is written. The Each student should look at the requirements of each of
HPEC process is open to all students with a cumulative the schools to which you are applying to know whether to
undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher, who complete consider participating in the HPEC Interview Process.
and submit their application to interview by the posted
deadline. Students and alumni may only sit for the HPEC For more information on the HPEC process, please visit
Interview one time. our website or make an appointment.

Tips on a Successful Health When should I apply? Application Timeline

Professional School Application If you are planning on going directly into your health As we said in previous pages, Health Professions Advising is here to guide you in all the steps of your journey to a health
professional school, this means you need to be applying professional school! From your first time on campus during summer orientation, through your graduation, we will be glad to
What qualities do health professional schools seek during the spring or summer of your Junior year, guide and mentor you! We encourage you to come early and come often! The only requirement for setting up a meeting with
in applicants? depending on the health profession. However, most a health professions advisor is to establish a Scholar eFolder, which can be done by visiting our website at www.career.
Generally, health professional schools want excellent students are not most competitive at that stage. Many vt.edu/hpa. We encourage our students to open the Scholar eFolder as early as they are aware, as this adds you to our list
students with a demonstrated ability in science who: students who are committed to careers in health care of students who receive our regular correspondence.
make the most of the academic opportunities available at delay their application to health professional schools in
Virginia Tech, made efforts to learn about the health care order to pursue other opportunities, and apply when they On the next page, you can see that the application process for most health professional schools span two years, and has
field, and have demonstrated a commitment to serving are most competitive. many small steps along the way. This can seem overwhelming if you try to take it all in at once! Remember, this process
others. Furthermore, professional schools seek students is a marathon, not a sprint, and you have many resources to guide you here at Virginia Tech. As daunting as it may seem,
who portray the qualifications listed below: This would require a year or more between your bachelors however, becoming a competitive applicant actually begins very early in your undergraduate career.
Maturity Trustworthy degree and matriculation at your health professional
Reliability Enthusiastic schools. We call that a Gap or Bridge Year. We encourage our students to:
Culturally competent Service oriented
Intellectually curious Resilient Here are some gap year suggestions:
Capable of Leadership Honest Work in health care
Research
Peace Corps
City Year
EXPLORE EXPERIENCE DEVELOP LAUNCH
Successful applicants, however, must first demonstrate Teach for America Full-time jobs
a mastery of the pre-requisites and requirements for Post-Baccalaureate or
their chosen health professional school. It is encouraged Masters Program
for applicants to show an intellectual breadth by either
We believe that, above all, it is important for parents and
By exploring all the aspects of yourself and by gaining
majoring outside of the sciences, or by taking coursework
in the humanities and social sciences. The ability to read
rapidly and understand dense, sophisticated material in
academic advisors to allow each student to find their own
path and support them along the route. We emphasize
experience, you will have a vision as to what you will need to
to students that a majority of our applicants are rising
the humanities and social sciences is especially important
for success on standardized tests. It is also important for seniors, while others have allowed additional experiences further prepare for your future as a health professional.
successful applicants to build and establish relationships to impact their application by applying as recent graduates
with at least three to four faculty members, as well as a or alumni of one or more years. You can then take some time along the way to develop the
skills and competencies needed for success.

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 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Health Professions Advising

ENHANCE YOUR EXPLORATION
Attend HPA 101
Job Shadowing
Conduct Informational Interviews
Conduct a personality assessment
Visit www.explorehealthcareers.org
Explore Majors
Subscribe to HPA social media
Take StrengthsFinder
Maintain a competitive GPA
Explore coursework options
Develop effective study habits
Identify a mentor
BOOST YOUR EXPERIENCE
Gain a health care certification
Join Pre-health clubs on campus
Gain employment
Volunteer at a health facility
Attend HPA Seminars & Workshops
Volunteer in any capacity
TIPS FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT
Attend HPA Meet the Deans Complete a Mock Interview
Get to know a professional in your field Complete a realistic self-evaluation
Attend Open Houses Attend Graduate School fairs
Become involved on campus Attend HPA 202
Gain Leadership Roles Examine and confirm your career
choice
Get involved in Research
Research school requirements
Develop relationships with professors
or professionals that may be able to
serve as letter writers for you
Meet one-on-one with a health
professions advisor to discuss your
competitiveness and plan
Review the AAMC Core
Competencies and identify areas
upon which you need to improve

Attend the
Spring Pre-Health Begin to talk to professors
Meet the Deans and mentors about
(if applicable) Letters of Recommendation
This timeline
represents the two Meet with an HPA
years leading up to
matriculation into a
advisor to review
Apply to Health Professional
health professional your self-evaluation
School within 45 days of Complete FAFSA for
school. Please and evaluate your Sit for
note that this is application opening (depending upcoming year
competitiveness HPEC
intended to be on health profession)
used as a general Interview If not accepted,
guideline in Accept offer
conjunction with meet with HPA
Be diligent with secondary from your school
regular meetings
Attend Register for your standardized test to discuss
applications from schools of choice
with both your
HPA 202 and formulate a study plan options
academic advisor,
as well as a Health
Professions
Fall of year prior to Spring of year prior to Fall in year of Spring in year of Summer prior to
Advisor. Not Summer
every aspect of application application Application cycle Application cycle matriculation
the application
process is noted
in this description. HPEC Interview Interview at Matriculate into
The timeline may
Application schools Health Professional
vary depending
Due School
on your health
profession of Attend the Fall Attend the Fall Medical School Attend the Spring
choice, as well as Medical School Conduct a Meet the Deans (if applicable) Pre-health Meet the
your own timeline.
To review your Meet the Deans Mock Interview Review Deans (if applicable) LAUNCH
(if applicable) All of our students take different
specific needs, to prepare for information Request official transcripts from ALL
please make an paths on their journey to a
your HPEC and deadlines college work attempted to be sent to health professional school.
appointment with a
health professions Interview for your Centralized Application Services These suggestions are intended
to be used as a guide, and are
advisor. centralized best applied when also working
application regularly with both your academic
service Make a list of all schools/programs advisor, as well as the health
professions advising office.
to which you plan to apply

22 23
24
Sample Health Profession Resume

Taylor Hokies Biological Science Aide June 20XX-August 20XX

(540) 123-4567 Examination of Cartilage Matrix Proteins via Atomic Force Microscopy Average Hours per week
thokies@vt.edu Dr. Joy Jones, National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Permanent Address Current Address National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
123 Spring Street 456 Juniper Lane Analyzed mice joint images of cartilage matrix proteins using an Atomic Force Microscope
My City, VA XXXXX Blacksburg, VA 24060 Measured different dimensions and protein interlocking patterns between normal and
osteoarthritis (OA) afflicted matrix proteins
EDUCATION
EMPLOYMENT
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences May 20XX
College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Copy Editor (total hours) October 20XX-January 20XX
Overall GPA: 3.73, Science GPA: 3.65; GPA in Major: 3.58 The Collegiate Times, Blacksburg, VA Average Hours per week
Fact-checked all stories in database
Edited stories and page layouts for grammar, spelling, appropriate spacing, and aesthetics
Virginia Tech

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Emergency Department Volunteer (total hours) September 20XX-January 20XX
Cashier (total hours) June 20XX-August 20XX
Lewis-Gale HospitalMontgomery, Blacksburg, VA Average Hours per week
West End Dining Hall Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Average Hours per week
Observed fast-paced Level one trauma center Emergency Department
Tended to customers as they were ordering food, paying attention to detail
Responsible for patient intake of blood pressure, pulse, and pulse oxygen content
Handled distribution of money during shift changes
Assisted patient transport throughout hospital, while calming and engaging patients in
Assisted unhappy customers with their order replacements or refunds
conversation
Interacted with family members about condition of loved ones, understanding the importance of
PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
empathy
J. Thomas, S. Jones, T. Hokies, C. Chang, and J. Garcia, 20XX. Cartilage matrix proteins are
Certified Nursing Assistant (total hours) June 20XX-August 20XX elevated in the joints of osteoarthritic compared to normal mice. Journal of Arthritis.
Heritage Hall Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Blacksburg, VA Average Hours per week Submitted for publication.
Provide high-quality patient care as a CNA within nursing-home and sub-acute care setting
Preserve patient dignity and minimize discomfort while carrying out duties such as bedpan AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS
changes, diapering, emptying drainage bags, and bathing Deans List Fall 20XX-Present
Effectively worked on healthcare team, kept accurate charts, as well as consistently delivered University Honors Program Fall 20XX-Present
care with empathy and high spirits. VT Chemistry Department Fall 20XX-Present

Shadowing Student (total hours) January 20XX- February 20XX LEADERSHIP

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA Average Hours per week Honors Colloquium Section Leader September 20XX-Present
Shadowed an internist, Dr. Lisa Smith Honors Program co-teach an intro course to a group of freshmen Honors students
Observed Dr. Smiths interactions with patients while examining them and viewed her interaction
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

and well thought out explanations of diagnosis with patients and their families. Public Relations Chair January 20XX-Present
Gained a greater understating of the strong critical thinking and communication skills needed in Operation Smile
a physician Assist in organizing and/or co-hosting events on campus with other organizations
Organize members to publicize events across campus via listservs, flyers, etc.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Student Volunteer (total hours) January 20XX-February 20XX OTHER
Virginia Tech Community Literacy Corps, Blacksburg, VA Average Hours per week Fluent in Spanish, intermediate Portuguese
Teach local elementary school children how to read Spring semester study abroad in Switzerland
Developed teaching skills, as well as strong communication skills in order to individualize each
childs needs.
Assist students after-school with homework and lessons, as well as became engaged in their Source: Modified from http://www.prehealth.umd.edu
interests and social needs.

Soup Kitchen Volunteer (total hours) January 20XX-February 20XX

So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), Silver Spring, MD Average Hours per week
Cooked a variety of dinner dishes with the staff
Developed organizational skills while cleaning and closing the kitchen after the days meals were Features of this resume:
prepared Two pages is the preferred length for a Health Profession Resume (which differs from a
typical undergraduate resume).
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
List shadowing and any direct patient care experience under CLINICAL EXPERIENCE.
Student Researcher (total hours) January 20XX-February 20XX
Dr. Eric Smiths Lab, Department of Biology Average Hours per week Show memberships in clubs and organizations under COMMUNITY SERVICE (with the
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA appropriate relevant descriptions).
Conduct Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) and run gels Enter leadership positions in clubs or organizations under LEADERSHIP.
Culture Cells; grow mutants and make spheroplasts
Applied correct lab protocol which required a great attention to detail
List any hobbies, interests, or unique facts about yourself under OTHER.
If you currently work as a healthcare provider, you may want to also consider a section
obtain. to list any skills, certifications, or licensures that you hold.
programs.

Is Graduate School for me?

programs in certain fields

RESEARCHING SCHOOLS
Planning for

Before applying to graduate school, give careful

Graduate Education involves obtaining specialized

acquire skills and knowledge needed for a particular

discipline. A professional degree provides training to

requirements necessary for some professions.

Once you have determined that you are on your way to

graduate school, the next step is to begin researching
with most doctoral degrees taking four to six years to
This is the first determination you may need to make.
basic degree levels: masters, specialist and doctoral:

your undergraduate experience. Become familiar with

requirements of the field you plan to pursue. You may

is a means to a professional goal, not a way to extend
degree involves research and scholarship in a particular

research for an academic program or the practical

prepares an individual for certification or licensing

also consider consulting with faculty or mentors to help

application of knowledge and skills in professional
to a masters program and often require additional
knowledge in a concentrated area of study, with two basic

profession (ex. Law and business school). There are three

consideration to your goals. Remember, graduate school

training or internship experience; this type of degree

the working conditions, employment prospects and other

programs will require at least two years of full time study,

Masters degrees are offered in almost every field of
study, although some universities only offer doctoral

Specialist Degrees are usually completed in addition

types of degrees: academic and professional. An academic

estimate your readiness for graduate work. Most Masters

Doctoral studies usually require the pursuit of original
Graduate School

process!
These include:

accreditation

Location and Size

2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

assistance are available?

size? Are you near family?

Services at Princeton University.

Satisfaction of current students
How will you finance your degree?
Virginia Tech

What is the culture of the program?

Quality and Reputation of the Program

and driven? Are the faculty good mentors?

of factors to consider when choosing a program.

the reputation of the alumni, and the program

What does the program cost and what forms of

and print resources. You may also want to attend the
specific schools. There are many resources to review

Ask to speak to students currently enrolled. What

advice do they have? Is there affordable housing?

Source: Modified from Graduate School Planning Career

begun this progression, the next step is the application
Graduate and Professional School fair held in the fall to
and identify programs in your chosen career field. Dont

Are the students friendly and inviting or competitive

Consider the commitment to research by the faculty,

personal exploration into graduate school. After you have

hesitate to talk to faculty members, as well as use online

You may have other criteria that is on the list for your own
speak with school representatives. Once you have a list of

How large is the department? What is the typical class

several programs you are interested in, there are a number

25
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Timeline for Those Considering Graduate Programs

THE GRADUATE RECORD EXAM (GRE)
Most students take the GRE General Test the summer prior to
their senior year, or early in the fall semester of their senior year
The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and
analytical writing skills
For more information on the GRE including registration information
and test preparation, visit the Educational Testing Service
website (www.ets.org/gre) Please note: If you choose to take a Gap year after your graduate, you
can substitute the Junior year for the year prior to application, and
the Senior year to the year of application.
If possible visit
any institutions
of interest
Follow up with
Register for any schools you havent
Ask faculty heard from
Research schools graduate
and mentors Send
and programs in admissions
for letters of thank-you
your field of choice tests and
recommendation, notes to any
create a Check with
as needed letter writers
study plan schools about
Attend Graduate and financial aid and inform
Professional School Apply Wait for them of your
options
Fair on campus Early! admissions plans
decisions

Fall of Junior Year Spring of Junior Year Summer Fall of Senior Year Spring of Senior Year

Begin looking at Begin working on

school deadlines Attend Choose among
application essays
and application Graduate and school offers
and seek help
procedures Consult with faculty Professional
reviewing the Mail completed
and the Career Center School Fair
documents application
regarding your plans on campus
materials to
programs

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 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Creating a Personal Statement Personal Statement

Before you begin writing, it is important to do some reflection and plan your content: Think about any experiences you have
that would demonstrate why you want to enter the program or profession in which you are applying. What are you passionate
Example With Tips
about? What are the major influences of your life? What have you learned about yourself from those experiences? Before you begin, prepare your materials. Gather transcripts, resumes,
applications and other materials that you may need to guide you.
List 3 things the reader MUST know or understand about you:
Ex: 1) I lead by example 2) I want a career that includes research 3) Solving problems energizes me

1)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now, take those three things and phrase them as one sentence:
Ex Personal Thesis: I am an energetic, research oriented, problem solver who leads by example.

Write that sentence in the personal thesis bubble below. This is the basis for a personal statement. All of your examples
and stories in your personal statement should support this thesis. You may not come out and say this sentence, but by the
end the readers should know it to be true about you.

Now, in the supporting experience bubbles, take some time to brainstorm up to three experiences that support this statement.
You may want to consider at least one from your past, one from who you are now, and one of your goals for the future. In the
fourth bubble, discuss your vision of yourself as a future professional.

Congratulations! You now have your essay content. The content you listed may change during the editing process, but
hopefully you have taken the time to think about your past and what experiences led you to where you are now. Finding the
words to discuss who you are now, and who you want to be, will come. Continue to think about how you will you change the
world, or your profession. Be realistic, but dare to dream!
Supporting Experience #1 Supporting Experience #2

Personal Thesis

Avoid unnecessary duplication. Your personal statement should not simply restate what is in other application materials.
Edit your paper and get help! Dont just rely on spellcheck and grammar check!
Be honest, sincere and humble.
Lastly, and most importantly, DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. DO NOT. Start from scratch. A subpar personal statement is better
Your Vision as a Future Professional Supporting Experience #3 than having someone question your integrity.

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 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Getting Started With Benefits and Cautions of Different Job Search Methods

Your Job Search

These are snapshots of the benefits and cautions of each method. See Career and Professional Developments website
www.career.vt.edu for more details.

Method Benefits Cautions

Complete this worksheet to help start your search for an internship or full-time employment. Bring completed worksheet to
On-Campus Employers come to campus to interview Competitive. Not every industry or type of
your advising appointment. To reference industry information visit:
Interviewing Program for internships and jobs. Interviews take job represented. Starts early. Dont miss
http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2013/article/occupational-employment-projections-to-2022.htm place in the Smith Career Center. it!
PLEASE NOTE: THE FALL SEMESTER IS A HEAVY RECRUITING SEASON. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FALL CAREER FAIRS
AND ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWING EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE TO WORK UNTIL LATE SPRING OR
SUMMER! Hokies4Hire Employers list jobs specifically for VT Not every industry or job field is
www.career.vt.edu/ students. Posted jobs typically mean the represented.
I would like to secure employment by this date ________________________. H4H employer needs it filled soon.

Career/Job Fairs Opportunities to speak with many
employers at one time in one space.
Many on the VT campus each year; each
with different sponsors and focus on
varying majors, colleges and types of
hiring.
You need to make a good impression
in person and look prepared. Youre
not necessarily learning about every
opportunity in each organizationyou are
learning about major hiring needs. Not all
employers attend them.

Networking Talking to
Personal Contacts
Its one of the top methods by which VT
graduates, university-wide, found the job
they accepted. Its real. It works. Many
jobs are never advertised; networking is
how you find them. See page 35.
If you are shy it could be somewhat
uncomfortable. You need effective
interpersonal skills and strong
motivation.

LinkedIn VT Networking source VT grads whove If you are shy it could be somewhat
Alumni Group volunteered to help students. What more uncomfortable. You have to search for
could you ask for? Can be helpful to find alumni and take the initiative to contact
contacts for a geographically targeted job them. You need effective interpersonal
search. skills (see above).
The above industries/occupations/companies are of interest to me because: ________________________________________
CareerShift Allows you to bring everything together Avoid solely relying on the job listings.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ to search for jobs in one place. Search Access contacts at target companies and
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ listings from millions of companies posted reach out to them when a listing is not
across the Web and save your searches; posted.
find contacts within target organizations
along with their email addresses; and
The key skills and attributes I can offer an employer are (see Power Skills page 48): ___________________________________
manage your job search all within this
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ site. Also useful for interviews and for
location-specific job searches.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GoinGlobal If you are looking to broaden your horizons There are a lot of details to pay attention
overseas, this is a great place to start. to (i.e., passports, cost of relocating and
NETWORKING is still the No. 1 way VT grads found jobs. Grow your network through: Information includes international job living, language/culture barriers). Not all
Campus Career Fairs postings and tips on relocating to a new countries included in Country Guides.
Employer Information Sessions country. Also has relocation and job search
Extracurricular Activities information for major U.S. cities, including
Virginia Tech Faculty/Staff H-1B Visa information which may be helpful
LinkedIn for international students.
Visit career.vt.edu and search for the job search guide to find online resources for a
wide range of internship and full-time opportunities.

Unsure what all you can do with your major?

Visit career.vt.edu and click explore self, careers & majors.

30 31
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Check Out These Online

Products and Resources
Available on the Career and Professional Development website www.career.vt.edu

With CandidCareer you can watch informational interview

videos from actual professionals working in the field in
order to learn about a variety of careers and industries.
Explore 100s of careers and get an in-depth view of a Day
in the Life of various professions.
CareerSpots allows you to watch 1- to 4-minute
informational videos on a variety of job search and
professional topics. Choose from 52 short videos on
topics such as interviewing, networking, elevator pitches,
and many more.

CareerShift helps you tap into the hidden job market

to identify both internship and full-time positions. Search
for job postings, as well as get contact information for
thousands of organizations. Manage your job search
activity in one place.
GoinGlobal allows you to search for jobs both
internationally and domestically. It provides you with
Country and City Guides, H1B employer information,
and job listings. Updated continually, this tool contains
more than 10,000 resources for finding employment
opportunities.

InterviewStream is a web-based mock interview program

that allows you to record yourself interviewing with your
computers webcam and send it to an advisor to provide
you feedback. There are over 6,000 questions to choose
Hokies4Hire lets students search for co-ops, internships from so you can practice using industry specific questions.
or full-time positions that have been posted by employers
particularly looking to hire Hokies. This is also the system
that is used to manage our On-Campus Interviewing
Program.

32 33
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
The Federal Job Search
The United States federal government is the nations
largest employer hiring tens of thousands of new employees
annually from virtually EVERY field of study and all over the
country with competitive salaries. Contrary to popular belief,
only 8 percent of federal jobs are in Washington, DC.
# of Employees
Occupation Hired in 2011
Administration 9,826
Medical and Public Health 8,782
Business and Finance 7,157
Miscellaneous 4,963
Security and Protection 4,139
Legal 3,033
Personnel Management 2,105
Engineering and Architecture 1,791
Social Science and Psychology 1,263
Physical and Biological Sciences 1,178
Information Technology 1,177
Education 907
The federal government has recently implemented
new hiring reforms and developed three Pathways to
employment that would be of interest to college students:
Other Helpful Resources
Office of Personnel Management: www.opm.gov
USA Jobs: www.usajobs.gov
Go Government: www.gogovernment.org
Handbook of Occupational Groups and Families: www.opm.gov/fedclass/gshbkocc.pdf
Federal Agency Listing: www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a
Pay Scale Information: www.opm.gov/oca/10tables/index.asp
Federal Jobs by College Major: www.usajobs.gov/Content/pdfs/Jobs_By_College_Major.pdf
Best Places to Work: www.bestplacestowork.org
34
Internship Program
Recent Graduates Program
Presidential Management Fellows Program
More information about the Pathways Programs can be
found at www.usajobs.gov.
When applying for positions with the federal government,
it is important to thoroughly read the vacancy
announcement and include all of the required information
on your resume and in your application. Applications
are scored up to 100 points. Scores below 70 are
not considered. Failure to include all of the necessary
information as outlined in the vacancy announcement
will result in a lower score and decrease your chances for
consideration.
Many federal jobs ask you to complete a questionnaire
as part of your application. When completing the
questionnaire, make sure all your answers are reflected
on your resume. Consider a variety of experiences
beyond just employment where you might have done that
particular skill or task. Receiving too low of a score on
the questionnaire or not reflecting your answers on your
resume may decrease your chances for consideration.
It is important to note that the federal resume is different
from the traditional resume. See page 58 for a sample
federal resume.
Stop by Career and Professional Development for
advising on federal resumes and to learn about federal
opportunities for employment. Our office has a number of
resources available to help you in the federal job search
process including copies of Academic Career Guides.
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech
Get Started Networking!
What Is Networking?
Did you know that networking is consistently the number one or two way that Virginia Tech graduates
find jobs? Networking is the process of developing relationships with others. So who is in your network?
Start with those close to youfriends, parents, professors, advisors, supervisors. You are not
trying to get a job from them, but the information for a contact to add to your network who might have
opportunities!
Elevator Pitch/30-Second Commercial
If you were stuck in the elevator with the CEO of your dream company what would you say? This is where
the term elevator pitch came from. An elevator pitch allows you in 30 seconds to tell someone who you
are, why you are qualified, and what you can provide. Elevator pitches can be used while networking, at
a career fair, or to answer the interview question tell me about yourself.
30-Second Commercial Components
Here are some components to consider in developing
your unique introduction; choose a combination of the
following:
Greeting Hello, my name is _____ (include
your first and last name).
Year in School I am currently a _______
(freshman, sophomore, junior,
senior),
Major/Field of Study majoring in ________ (current
major or job-related interest).
Type of Experience I am looking for _______
(internship, co-op, summer, full or
part-time position).
When Youre Available for ________(summer, fall, spring)
of ____________ (year).
Strengths/Abilities My strengths are __________,
__________, and ___________.
Accomplishments I have ____________ and
________________.
Relevant Activities I am involved in ___________ and
_________.
Example of an Introduction:
Hi, my name is Jane Hokie and I am a sophomore
majoring in marketing. I am currently a Resident
Advisor on a hall of 33 students. This past semester
I managed a project where a group of 15 students
provided a two-hour field day for two fourth grade
classes at a local elementary school. I managed the
planning meetings, as well as solving two logistics
problems. The project involved twice as many students
as the one from previous years. I am seeking an
internship this coming summer in marketing to use
my planning and problem-solving skills in service to
your company. Would you tell me more about your
internship program?
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Get Started Networking
The Informational Interview
1. Know What You Want to Accomplish
The primary purpose of informational interviewing is to:
Investigate a specific occupational field.
Gain insights into a career field.
Narrow options.
Solicit advice on where you may fit in.
Learn the jargon and current trends in the field.
Expand your network for future reference.
Note: An informational interview is to request
information, not a time for you to request job listings or
interview for a job.
2. Prepare for the Informational Interview
Before:
Learn as much as you can about the organization.
(See page 67 on Researching Employers)
Dress professionally.
Bring copies of your resume. Only distribute them if
requested.
During:
Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
State your purpose and why you are meeting with this
particular person.
Keep in mind that the informational interview is not
an interview for employment.
Be prepared to lead the conversation, since you are
the interviewer.
Keep to your request of 20-30 minutes.
Ask for referrals to other appropriate individuals in
the field or organization.
After:
Send a thank-you note and keep the individual posted
on your progress.
Always ask if you can keep in touch.
Evaluate your interview. What could you improve
upon? Use what you have learned from this
experience when you conduct future interviews.
Evaluate the information you received. How does it
relate to your goals?
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2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech
Career Fairs: Are YOU Ready?
Do Your Research Leave Backpacks at Home
Find out which employers will attend the theyre cumbersome
career fair. they get in the way
3. Use These Sample Informational Interview they scream student, not
Questions as a Guide Visit www.career.vt.edu for a list of candidate
campus job fairs and links to employer
A) Questions about the career field: websites.
What is your job title? What are the associated duties
and responsibilities of this job? Create your ABC list of employers you
What was your career path prior to obtaining this plan to talk with:
position? A = Wowreally interested. Participate in the Fair
What preparation is required to qualify for a job like B = Good opportunities Be prepared to talk with employers.
yours? C = Not my 1st choice, but okay
What do you like most about your job? Least? ask meaningful questions
Would you describe a typical day/month/ season/ Talk with B and C list employers to practice your develop and practice your
cycle? 30-second commercial 30-second commercial
What other personnel and/or departments work ask recruiters for business
closely with you? Move on to A list employers and deliver your 30-second cards for follow-up notes
What college courses or experience would help commercial with confidence
me gain additional knowledge to prepare me for a
position like this one?
What is a typical career ladder in this field?
What salary range could I anticipate in this field? AttireProfessional or Business Casual
How would someone with my background fit into this Unsure? It is better to be overdressed. First impressions Stop, Look, & Listen
organization? are important. Do some research on the job fair you plan to Listen to questions asked and
Can you refer me to others in this field with whom I attend or the industry itself. answers received by other
might also discuss this career field? attendees. You might:
WomenSee pages 40 and 41 to
B) Questions about the organization: learn more about dress codes pick up valuable information
What is the philosophy of this company? What are its skirt or pants see real-life career search dos and donts
long- and short-term goals? tailored shirts
What are some of the benefits of working for this blouses, sweaters, or blazers
organization in comparison to others?
What types of training programs are available? MenSee pages 40 and 41 to learn more about
How would you rate the working environment in this dress codes
company (physically, socially, professionally)? long-sleeve button-down or polo shirt tucked in Ask Questions Based on Your Goals
What is the outlook for the future of this company? khaki pants or dress slacks Interested in a particular career field?
What are some of the problems faced by this leather belt and shoes, and dress socks Ask questions about working within the
company? industry.
Can you refer me to others in this organization with Attire should be clean, pressed, professional, and fit you
whom I might be able to speak? properly Interested in opportunities with a specific
employer?
Informational interviewing is an effective tool in both Wear professional, yet comfortable shoes because you Ask questions about the application and
career planning and the job search process. It may will be on your feet and walking around the fair. interview process.
be one of your most valuable strategies in gathering
information and establishing a network. Like all other
facets of career planning, informational interviewing
requires prior planning and preparation on your part. Bring These to the Fair
Make the interview open doors for you and your career. copies of your resume
pens, pencils
padfolio with paper
positive attitude
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 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

You Need to Be on

Professional Facebook
Primary tool for online professional networking.

Not a place for social networking.

Connects you to people, jobs, and opportunities. LinkedIn Connection Message

Benefits
+Provides online professional presence.
+Houses electronic business card, resume, cover letter,
and references all in one location.
+Increase the number of people in your network of
contacts, including alumni.
When connecting with someone on LinkedIn
always personalize the connection request. Give
the person context for why you are asking them to
be a connection. Never use the default message.
LinkedIn Student Jobs Portal
Access entry-level jobs and internships at some of
the best companies worldwide at the student and
recent grad job portal:
http://www.linkedin.com/studentjobs

+Access to job listings. Share this URL in your resume and email signature.

+Research companies or people you are going to meet

using company profiles.

Build a Stellar Profile Sample

Approach Dear Ms. Smith,
Profile Heading Gives a short, memorable way to
 Join Groups Link to others with similar experience,
understand who you are in a professional context. Use interests, affiliations, or goals. Start with a university Email My friend Rusty Jones said to contact you about
120 characters to make an employer want to read group. Other groups to add include volunteer
more. Ex: Recent VT Honors grad seeking marketing organizations or professional associations you belong my interest in marketing research. I am a junior
position to. As a group member, you can find exclusive job communications major at Virginia Tech trying to learn
listings and join discussions. more about the field
Appropriate Photo A headshot, professional looking

picture of just you. Recommendations Prove your work adds value and
Besides focusing on academics I am also actively
how you do your job. You can ask for recommendations
Show Off Your Education Provide information about
 from professors, internship coordinators, employers, involved in the Student Government Association where
all institutions attended. Include majors or minors. and professional mentors. Your Profile will reach I serve on the marketing committee and am a member
Highlight your activities, including study abroad completion once you obtain recommendations. A more of the club soccer team.
programs. If you have a strong GPA, share it. complete profile shows up in searches.
I was hoping that you would have a few moments in the
Professional Summary Resembles your cover letter.
 LinkedIn URL Increase the professional results that
 next week or two to discuss your career path, and share
Talk about your goals, qualifications, and experience. appear when people type your name into a search
some knowledge on how to break into the marketing
Emphasize unique skills. Present your summary in engine, set your LinkedIn profile to public and claim a
short blocks of text or bullet points for easy reading. unique URL for your profile. research field. You can contact me at (540) 555-2222
or nlavender@vt.edu. Thank you for considering my
request.

Sincerely,

Nicole Lavender

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What to Wear: Unlocking Dress Codes

When deciding what to wear for an interview, career fair, business meeting or professional event it is always best to
research the organization, industry and event to determine which dress code is expected or most appropriate. Here are SMART CASUAL (sometimes referred to as dressy casual) is appropriate when explicitly mentioned and found in many
some general guidelines about common dress codes for business and professional occasions. office environments.

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL is appropriate for most interviews (particularly in corporate, legal and business settings, as well
as education and health professions), career fairs, formal networking events and some work environments.

Attire should be professional, conservative and timeless. Stay consistent with both your brand and the companys image. Think business appropriate, but with a few casual cues. You should look polished, stylish and neatly put together. Gauge
Suits should be neat, clean, ironed/pressed, stain-free, in good condition, tailored to fit you properly and a current cut what others in the office are wearing.
and style. Mix up shades. This attire allows you to get a bit more expressive.
Choose a dark neutral suit color such as black, navy or charcoal gray. Dress shoes may be exchanged for loafers, booties, or flats.
For skirt suits, skirts should be knee-length and skin-toned pantyhose are encouraged (especially during colder weather). Dark jeans are often acceptable.
White or light colored long sleeved button down shirt, as well as a blouse or shell, should be worn under your suit jacket.
Wear either low-heeled, closed toe pumps/flats or classic leather lace up with dark colored socks that match your pants.
All shoes should be polished and in good condition.
Belts should match your shoe color and choose a tie with a conservative pattern.
Hair should be neatly trimmed or pulled away from your face. Nails should be clean and wear natural make-up and simple CASUAL is appropriate when explicitly mentioned.
accessories. Avoid overpowering perfume and cologne.

BUSINESS CASUAL is the most common office dress code and is appropriate for most business functions, meetings
and other events when indicated. The emphasis is still on business, not casual, and should be a more relaxed version of
business professional. It may be appropriate for some interviews.

Business professional should imitate the look of a suit using separate pieces.
Ties, blazers, jackets and cardigans may be worn. Sweaters, blouses, button down shirts and polos are also appropriate.
Neatly pressed dark colored or khaki pants, skirts and dresses may be worn.
Heels, flats, booties/boots and loafers are appropriate. Open toed shoes are also considered acceptable.
In a business environment, be sure to keep your casual look polished and office appropriate.
Some companies encourage casual attire on Fridays.
Sweats, yoga pants and shorts are not appropriate in a business environment.
Tennis shoes (if worn) should be clean and in good condition.

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 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Are You Career Ready?

Professional Competency Self-Assessment Tool
Take this self-assessment to see what professional competencies you need to develop and practice to be career ready and
experience workplace success. (see previous page for descriptions of competencies)

COMMUNICATION: Need to Develop Currently DevelopingExcelling

Ways to develop this competency:
Develop and deliver a presentation for a class.
Check for understanding by asking clarifying questions.
Proofread on-line and written communication to avoid errors.
Goal for developing this competency: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TEAMWORK AND INTERPERSONAL: Need to Develop Currently DevelopingExcelling

Ways to develop this competency:
Collaborate with others on a class project where responsibility is shared and not divided.
Handle difficult conversations in person with respect.
Consider others perspectives before making a decision.
Goal for developing this competency: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LEADERSHIP: Need to Develop Currently DevelopingExcelling

Ways to develop this competency:
Take on a leadership role in a group or organization.
Demonstrate initiative at your job/internship by taking on additional responsibilities.
Motivate team members with a positive attitude and leverage their strengths when delegating work.
Goal for developing this competency: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING: Need to Develop Currently DevelopingExcelling

Ways to develop this competency:
Develop an action plan with specific steps to solve a problem.
Brainstorm solutions to a problem before bringing it to a supervisor/professor.
Activate your mindread, do puzzles, write, etc.
Goal for developing this competency: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PROFESSIONALISM AND PRODUCTIVITY: Need to Develop Currently DevelopingExcelling

Ways to develop this competency:
Use a planner or calendar to prioritize work/assignments and meet deadlines.
Reflect on a recent challenge and identify areas of growth and improvement for the future.
Review your social media through the eyes of a future employer and determine appropriateness.
Goal for developing this competency: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE: Need to Develop Currently DevelopingExcelling

Ways to develop this competency:
Attend an event on campus that encourages you to step outside your comfort zone.
Engage in conversation with individuals who have different perspectives than your own.
Participate in a study abroad or volunteer experience to broaden your horizons.
Goal for developing this competency: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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College to Career The Resume Puzzle:

Tips on how to make the transition into the world of work.
10 Ways to Develop and
Practice Professionalism
1. Use your time productively at work. Focus on your
job responsibilities and avoid getting pulled into
social media, web browsing and phone activity while
on the clock.
2. Project a professional presence and dress
appropriately. A good rule of thumb is to dress in the
position you aspire to have.
3. Take the initiative. Ask for more projects to be
given to you or think of assignments that will meet
your organizations goals. You dont want to be
under-utilized.
4. Maintain effective work habits. Prioritize, plan and
manage your assignments and projects.
5. Manage your time efficiently. Establish priorities, set
goals and create action plans to meet deadlines.
6. Be accountable for your work and actions while
behaving ethically at all times.
7. Produce work and results that reflect a sense of pride
and professionalism, often exceeding expectations.
8. When you run into problems and obstacles take the
time to brainstorm a few solutions and alternatives
before you meet with your supervisor.
What Pieces Fit You?
Tips on How to Be Successful at
Your New Job or Internship
Follow the rules at all times. Read through your
employee manual (if there is one) and make sure you
understand all the policies and procedures.
Prove yourself to be dependable and trusted early on
through consistency in your actions.
Pay attention to office culture. Observe how others
behave, interact with others and communicate with
each other. Model those who do this well.
Attend all business functions and participate in office
events and traditions. For example, contribute to
the office pot luck and join in on office games and
activities.
Take your work and assignments seriously, even if it
seems like a menial task recognize how it plays into
the bigger picture of organizational goals.
Ask for feedback and use it. Make it easy for your
supervisor to give you constructive feedback because
this is how you will learn, grow and improve through
your experience.
Own up to your mistakes. Dont make excuses,
Objective
If you have prior experience or are seeking an advanced degree, you may prefer to use a Summary of
Qualifications or Profile rather than an objective. See Sample Career Objectives on page 47.
Education
Provide in REVERSE Chronological order, starting with the most recent degree first. Make sure the name of our
university is correct. List locations for each institution and the Month and Year you graduated or expect to: BS,
Economics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Expected Graduation May 2019
Skills
Skills can be listed in several categories such as Computer Skills, Language Skills, Laboratory Skills, or other
areas. If you lack career-related experience, various skill sets can be shared. If you worked on projects in
classes that are relevant, add a Projects section to your resume.
Experience
Relevant Experience and Leadership Experience are key items employers like to see. Emphasize results and
accomplishments rather than sounding like a job description. Use numbers in your experience descriptions to
add impact.
Honors & Activities
Share academic or other honors you have received including scholarships or other awards. As you list
organizations no need to list the word member, but add the dates of your membership. Add dates, noting the
dates of your membership. Be sure to emphasize leadership roles you have taken.

Top 5 Tips for Applicant Tracking Systems

everyone makes mistakes and we all learn a lot from
9. Be resilient. Develop coping skills to manage our mistakes.
setbacks and challenges with a positive and
constructive attitude.
10. Practice professional on-line, in person and
interpersonal communication skills. Applicant tracking systems are the computer systems
used by organizations to manage the flood of applications
they receive. The ATS will read your resume, and then rank
and score your qualifications vs. the job descriptions. Only
Develop Your Emotional Intelligence those applicants who receive high scores will get a call
Emotional Intelligence is described as your ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself for an interview. If you follow these formatting tips you will
and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships by greatly increase the likelihood that your resume will rise to
Bradberry and Greaves. the top of the list.
The four skills that make up Emotional Intelligence are:
Self-awarenessSelf-managementSocial awarenessRelationship management
Top 5 Tips
Do not use templates: Use a standard Word
1.
The development of your Emotional Intelligence skills can have a huge impact on your career success. document, and save in .doc format: File/Save As/
Word 97-2003. Not all ATS systems can read .docx,
PDF, RTF, and JPG formats.
2.Use simple formatting. Do not use headers
(including for contact information), footers,
Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. templates, borders, lines, symbols, (bullet points
are fine) or shading.
Dennis Kimbro
Customize each resume for the specific position
3.
being sought using language from the job
description. One-size-fits-all does not work with
applicant tracking systems. Incorporate relevant,
targeted keywords and phrases for the position
being sought. Be specific i.e., Adobe Photoshop
instead of image-editing software).
Use keywords and phrases in context. Incorporate
4.
them into descriptive achievement-oriented bullet
points; do not just include them as a list of skills or
competencies.
Edit carefully: The ATS will not recognize misspelled
5.
words. And, if your resume survives the ATS screen,
it will next be reviewed by human beings so it must
be Eror error-free.
Source: careers.uic.edu

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Resume Dos and Donts Sample Career Objectives

Accounting Finance
DOS Staff Accountant; special interest in auditing and tax Management Trainee; interested in working in
Do stick to one page for your resume unless you have an advanced degree or several years accounting. investment and commercial loans.
of experience. Your resume should be a concise and succinct document that summarizes Seek position as Bank Branch Manager.
your background and experiences. However, a curriculum vitae can be used to help describe Agriculture
expansive detail on research or publications, which can allow you to use multi-pages. Broodmare Manager; supervise the breeding and care Natural Resources
Additionally, federal job application resumes are expected to be longer than one page. of Arabian horses. Wildlife Biologist; interest in wildlife census and game
Agronomist; specializing in soil science and plant management.
Do include the following: your full name, cell-phone number, email address, current and propagation. Procurement Forester; emphasis in timber sales
permanent addresses. Quality Assurance Manager for commercial poultry management.
production company.
Do include your major(s), minor(s), list your school(s) name (Virginia Tech) or Virginia Human Resources
Polytechnic Institute and State University), city and state, and expected graduation date. Biology Child/Adolescent Care worker in residential facility for
Laboratory Research Assistant; emphasis on emotionally disturbed/disabled youth.
Do be sure to order your resume in reverse chronological order, meaning from most recent to pathology, immunology, and virology. Retail Merchandise Buyer; with interest in clothing
least recent in regards to dates. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. and textile-related products.
Food and Beverage Hospitality Manager; interest in
Do utilize bullet points to describe the skills and responsibilities you gained during the Chemistry hotel operations.
experience. Additionally, do not forget to use present tense verbs for current positions and Chemical Technician; interest in wet chemical
past tense verbs for prior experiences. analyses in environmental laboratory. Management
Production Supervisor; specific interests in production
Do include your other campus involvement. These could range from being a team captain for Communications scheduling and inventory control.
the Big Event, or playing for the club soccer team. Be sure to include any positions you have Writer/Editor; with interest in educational Management Trainee leading to retail store
held, as well as the dates you have been a part of the organization. publications/materials. management.
Public Relations Assistant; particular interest in Assistant Property Management; interest in
Do use italics, bold and underlining to emphasize different points on your resume. For copywriting and promoting media events for nonprofit retirement communities.
example, bolding your name, major, or titles of significant experiences you have held. organizations.
Marketing
Do be sure to stay consistent with punctuation and formatting throughout the resume. Computer Science Market Researcher; emphasis in consumer goods and
Systems Analyst. services.
Do utilize as much white space as you can on the document. You can go down to 10 point font
if needed, as well as 0.5 margins on each side. Design Political Science
Architect Intern; interest in historical restoration and Legislative Aide; special interest in constituent claims
urban renewal projects. and concerns.
Graphic Designer; emphasis in publication design and Lobbyist; interest in environmental legislation.
DONTS production control.
Dont include references on a resume. A reference list should be on a separate document and Landscape Architect; interest in landscape design for Psychology/Sociology
would be asked for by your inquiring employer. See page 63. zoos, parks, and other outdoor facilities. Probation Officer.
Market Researcher; interest in survey design and
Dont use fonts that are difficult to read. Be sure to stick to fonts like Times New Roman, Education evaluation.
Cambria or Georgia that are easy to read. Secondary Social Studies/History teacher with
additional interest in coaching volleyball and/or Statistics
Dont simply list your duties under experiences. You want to utilize bullet points to emphasize baseball. Desire an actuarial position in an insurance company.
the skills you gained by working and key accomplishments. Seek a teaching position in a corporate-owned Statistician; emphasis in survey planning and
pre-school. analysis.
Dont list soft skills, which may include communication, organization, and listening skills.
You would want to include these soft skills through explanation in your bullet points. You could Engineering
list language skills and technical skills, which would include computer programs or laboratory Electrical Engineer; interest in fiber optics and optical
procedures. fiber transmission applications.
Mechanical Engineer; particular interest in the areas
Dont use the same resume for every application. You want to tailor your resume per of power production and power systems.
application and edit based on what you are applying for.

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Power Skills for Your Resume Power Skills for Your Resume

Working With PEOPLE Working With IDEAS

Administration Management/ Teaching Performing Counseling/Healing Leadership Language Selling Program Marketing Writing Investigating
monitor Supervision educate create listen create translate inform Development review conceive pursue
track coordinate tutor present sense lead interpret educate analyze assess construct interrogate
assess facilitate stimulate play intuit encourage lecture persuade design survey craft question
coordinate plan inform interpret assess manage converse provide construct analyze integrate analyze
organize schedule instruct act analyze organize negotiate assist develop quantify interpret intuit
requisition delegate facilitate sing assist compare compare serve prepare identify capture seek
access mediate awaken dance align inspire understand trade strategize announce abstract search
receive evaluate explore perform coordinate represent comprehend vend coordinate promote express probe
process strategize advise model understand govern proficiency handle formulate advertise inform examine
serve develop counsel read inform direct fluency present recommend advance summarize explore
furnish listen entertain inspire facilitate advise teach sell persuade boost conclude
consult amuse help tutor convince implement improve
monitor monitor

Persuading Public Relations Selling Human Resources Consulting

present assess inform assess troubleshoot
articulate prepare educate analyze problem solve
clarify coordinate persuade recruit assess
challenge present provide survey assist
negotiate
inquire
negotiate
publicize
assist
serve
screen
interview
arrange
guide Resume Bullet Formula Transferable Skills
reason strengthen trade select counsel Critical Thinking
influence promote vend train survey
convince handle handle mediate serve Problem Solving
arbitrate participate present appraise contribute
POWER VERB (SKILLS) +
Decision Making
mediate facilitate sell coordinate motivate DEMONSTRATED ACCOMPLISHMENT/
reconcile troubleshoot convince align train
CONTRIBUTION Active Listening
Technical Skills
Working With DATA Example: Answered phones.
Research & Accounting Finance Analysis Information Editing Organizing/ Communication Skills (Oral and Written)
Development record analyze assess appraise review Logistics 1. Skill: communication skills Interpersonal Skills
identify assess invest observe analyze analyze classify
evaluate audit budget review inventory check organize Structure: I learned communication skills while
2. Detail and Follow-Through
review prepare inventory dissect structure compare assist answering phones.
assess maintain evaluate interpret design comment maintain Taking Initiative
compare forecast appraise discern categorize correct liaison Verb: Developed communication skills while
3.
analyze calculate construct conceptualize document rewrite support answering phones Leadership/ Teamwork
critique estimate develop discover process revise arrange
Clarify: Developed communication skills addressing
4. Instructing/ Guiding/ Mentoring
explain figure acquire infer manage rework systematize
prepare appraise deploy illuminate program amend schedule up to 50 customer billing concerns per shift by phone Planning and Management
recommend examine manage clarify link improve coordinate
conclude measure project quantify coordinate initiate streamline Organizational Skills
determine verify qualify organize investigate simplify
conclude advise Consider the following actions: Analytical/ Evaluative Skills
read
Creativity
Purpose
Working With THINGS Initiated a team of five students to work after hours to
implement marketing demos.
Decision-Making
Craft/Artisan Design Mechanical Innovating Technical Supervision
design organize analyze create conceptualize
create explore design modify design Method Motivating/ Persuading Others
build formulate construct change troubleshoot Created engaging and interactive lesson plans by
entertain sketch craft upgrade inspect using Prezi and PowerPoint.
perform draw troubleshoot improve locate
draw draft create design edit
render layout engineer activate analyze
Result
illustrate create repair restructure implement Organized extensive aircraft article database creating
compose plan manipulate establish construct easy research and file access.
construct style align stimulate modify
conceive pattern coordinate implement operate
choreograph build balance transform
display
This list is continued on the next page.

48 49
50
Resume Makeover
Before After
Many students who are writing a resume for the first time feel as though they have
nothing relevant to put on the paper. This feeling may be especially true for freshmen Juan Ramirez
who are just beginning their college careers. Take a look at the before and after resume
samples below to see how one student, with the help of a Career Advisor in Career and Current Address: Permanent Address:
Professional Development, revised his resume to demonstrate skills and experiences 428 Lee Hall, Virginia Tech 3584 Oakview Lane
gained through activities. Blacksburg, VA 24061 Lavale, MD 21502
(540) 232-1234
jramirez@vt.edu
Juan Ramirez
OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship with an environmental agency.
Current Address: Permanent Address:
EDUCATION B.S., General Engineering, expected graduation May 20XX
428 Lee Hall, Virginia Tech 3584 Oakview Lane
Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Blacksburg, VA 24061 Lavale, MD 21502
High school diploma, June 20XX
(540) 232-1234
Allegany High School, Cumberland, MD
jramirez@vt.edu
RELATED
OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship that will enable me to further enhance my skills EXPERIENCE Envirothon, Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone, MD - 20XX-20XX
and become a stronger professional. One day competition sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources
EDUCATION B.S., General Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
University, Blacksburg, VA expected graduation May 20XX Topics included: Soil, Fish and Water, Wildlife, and Forestry

WORK Certified Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD Eagle Scout Project
EXPERIENCE Nov. 20XX Apr. 20XX Planned and constructed rain garden at local elementary school
Certified Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD Researched proper plants and soil for garden
Nov. 20XX Apr. 20XX Calculated volume of run-off from surrounding area and required area of
Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD garden
Nov. 20XX Apr. 20XX Wrote and distributed information to school informing them of the
SKILLS Computer features and benefits of a rain garden
Windows 7
MATLAB WORK
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

Microsoft Office 2008 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access) EXPERIENCE Certified Ski Instructor, Wisp Resort, Deep Creek, MD Seasonal, 20XX-20XX
ACTIVITIES Soccer 4 years
Team Co-Captain 2 years COMPUTER
Track 4 years SKILLS Windows 7
Team Captain 3 years MATLAB
Envirothon 3 years Microsoft Office 2008 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
Peer Tutoring 2 years
Planned and constructed rain garden at local elementary school ACTIVITIES Galileo Engineering Residential Learning Community, 20XX - present
Youth soccer referee Soccer 20XX-20XX
Helped construct playground for youth in community Team Co-Captain 20XX-20XX
Track 20XX-20XX
HONORS/ Eagle Scout Team Captain 20XX-20XX
AWARDS Order of the Arrow Boy Scouts National Honor Society Peer Tutoring 20XX-20XX
National Merit Commended Student Youth soccer referee
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Honorable Mention Helped construct playground for youth in community
National Honor Society 2 years
AVAILABILITY Summer 20XX HONORS/
AWARDS Eagle Scout
Order of the Arrow Boy Scouts National Honor Society
National Merit Commended Student
Key items to consider when revising this resume:
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Honorable Mention
It is important to keep your objective brief and to the point. Let the employer
know exactly what you are looking for (i.e., full-time employment and in what National Honor Society 20XX-20XX
field). Sometimes it is relevant to tailor your objective to a specific company.
Highlight accomplishments related to your objective. In this example the focus AVAILABILITY Summer 20XX
is on being a ski instructor instead of the activities that show knowledge of and
interest in environmental issues.
To avoid having the name of the university wrap onto a second line, move the
graduation date beside the degree and begin the university name on the second line.
Turn off the table grid lines so that they wont print. (You will still see them on
your computer screen.)

Danielle W. Silva
CHRISTOPHER P. GIMBLE
Current Address: Permanent Address:
Address: (through May 15, 2015) Permanent Address:
115 Slusher Hall, Virginia Tech 1234 Forest Lane
2343 Blankinship Road 49303 Rolling Road
Blacksburg, VA 24061 Frederick, MD 20872
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Bloomdale, IL 54321
(540) 232-3456
(540) 555-0000
dwsilva@vt.edu
Email: cpgim@vt.edu

OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE Cooperative Education position related to manufacturing
Internship or summer job in the area of criminal justice and law; particular
EDUCATION B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Expected graduation as a coop: May 20XX
interest in working with juvenile delinquents
Minor: Statistics
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
EDUCATION
GPA: 2.8/4.0 Employers skim
Earning and financing 50% of college education and expenses resumes fast: Bachelor of Arts, Sociology; Minor: Human Development, expected August 20XX
skills listed in Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
COMPUTER AutoCAD/Mechanical Desktop C++ columns are GPA: 3.1 Earned 40% of college expenses through summer and part-time work
SKILLS MatLab Visual Basic easier to read
MiniTab MS Office Suite than strings Related Courses
Mathematica MS PowerPoint of words with Content Features:
Deviant Behavior The Family in the Ecosystem
commas. Sociology of Law Adolescence and Early Childhood Relevant college
EXPERIENCE Waiter, Boudreauxs, Blackburg, VA Fall 20XX-present activities detailed like
Families Under Stress Sociology of Corrections employment.
Work 20 hours per week to help fund college education.
Experience includes
RELATED EMPLOYMENT AND COLLEGE ACTIVITIES volunteer work
Self-Employed, Lawncare Business, Frederick, MD Summer 20XX
Other, less relevant
Solicited business through cold calls and visits.
Resident Assistant, Residential and Dining Programs, Virginia Tech employment separated
Increased customer base through referrals for quality work. and not detailed.
Blacksburg, VA, September 20XX - present
Performed all necessary equipment maintenance and repairs. Relevant courses listed
- Develop programs for, advise, and manage 60 residents
Covered all expenses and yielded net profit of $4,000.
- Enforce residence hall policies
- Serve as a liaison between residents and the student affairs administration
Server, Family Restaurant, Frederick, MD, 20XX-20XX, High school & summers
Trained on and used excellent customer service practices in fast-paced work
Panel Member, Honor Court System, Virginia Tech
environment.
Blacksburg, VA, September 20XX - present
Participated in corporate program to increase sales; achieved all sales
- Serve as a student representative on the University Judicial Panel
goals.
- Consider alleged violations of the honor system to determine guilt or
Worked 40 or more hours per week in summer; worked 15 hours per week
innocence
during school year.

Hotline Assistant, (Volunteer), RAFT Community Crisis Center
ACTIVITIES Student Engineers Council (SEC), Membership Committee Chair, 20XX-20XX Format Details:
Blacksburg, VA, January 20XX - present
Symphonic Band, Virginia Tech, 20XX-present Margins:
- Assist, advise, and refer individuals on issues related to personal needs .5 top and
Big Brother, Big Sister Program, 20XX-20XX
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

- Train six volunteers in counseling techniques and procedures bottom, and

High School Varsity Volleyball Team, 20XX-20XX
- Coordinate personnel scheduling .8 on sides.
High School Symphonic Band, 20XX-20XX
Font is
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE Arial 11
HONORS Maryland Distinguished Scholar, Honorable Mention, 20XX
Scholar Athlete Award, 20XX-20XX
Waiter, Backstreets, Blacksburg, VA September 20XX - present (during college)
Merit Award, Honorable Mention, 20XX Media Festival, Photography Division
Sales Clerk, Homeline Department Store, Dover, DE Summer 20XX
Laborer, Walt Construction, Dover, DE Summers 20XX & 20XX
AVAILABILITY January 20XX preferred; also available August 20XX
Virginia Tech

AWARDS & HONORS

Features of this resume:
Includes high school activities, because this student is a sophomore; by junior year, generally Harold T. Smith Scholarship Deans List (two semesters)
remove high school activities unless they are rare or show a long track record of interest or National finalist, Hallmark Award Art Competition Governors State Scholarship
involvement in your chosen field.
Availability is included, because this is for a co-op positionemployers wont automatically know
when you can or could start workso tell them.
When you dont have career-related experienceyetyour other jobs show employers things
like your work ethic and customer service experiencequalities important to all work settings.
51
52
Features of this resume:
n Current address: Address after August 15, 2008:
Table used to format; SET BORDERS TO BE INVISIBLE ON ACTUAL RESUME: Format >
Borders and Shading > Borders = None.
n 
Skills format: skills from work, fraternity, course projects, semester at sea, and activities are grouped
and listed to support objective.
n
Margins = .7 Font = Arial 10 (Okay to fit in essential information, but dont go smaller.)
Taylor A. Kelly Email: takelly@vt.edu
College address: 600 Jackson St., Apt. C, Blacksburg, VA 24060 (540) 555-2121
Home address: 4156 Hawthorne Circle, Reston, VA 12345
OBJECTIVE Sales management trainee position; goal to lead and train a sales staff
EDUCATION B.A., Communication Studies, Public Relations, Marketing Minor, December 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Semester at Sea, Spring 20XX
GPA: In-major: 3.3./4.0 Overall: 2.6/4.0
Earned 50% of educational expenses
SKILLS Marketing/Sales/Promotion
Grossed $15,000 in three months with summer painting business.
Raised $600 in advertising space for fraternity folder project.
Raised $400 for fraternity sponsored car show.
Cold canvassed community for potential clients.
Created informational brochure for apartment leasing company.
Developed advertising campaign for class project.
Management/Training/Organizational Ability
Managed daily activities of own painting business including renting/purchasing
equipment and supplies, hiring assistants, budgeting, payroll.
Arranged client contracts for painting business.
Assisted in organizing talent show and benefit auction for Semester at Sea.
Coordinated sales presentation strategy for fraternity car show and trained others in sales
techniques.
Trained new restaurant employees.
Aided in refurbishing and renovating a restaurant.
Performed restaurant duties ranging from busboy to night manager.
Communications/Language/Creative Projects
Created multimedia presentation using slides, music, and narration to brief incoming Virginia
Tech students during orientation.
Developed sales presentations and assisted with advertising campaigns including radio
spots, newspaper ads, billboards, posters, brochures.
Designed and distributed flyers for painting business.
Traveled around the world with Semester at Sea and used conversational Spanish skills.
WORK Self-Employed, (Partnership) Sunrise Painters, Reston, VA Summer 20XX
EXPERIENCE Wait Staff, Leonards of Washington, Washington, DC Summers 20XX, 20XX, 20XX
ACTIVITIES Pi Sigma Epsilon, National professional fraternity in marketing, sales management and selling
Summer Orientation Leader, 20XX
Theater Arts, Virginia Tech
Several roles in: The Bride, The Monster and Steven, If Men Played Cards as Women.
Elizabeth McWellenemcwellen@vt.edu
College address: Permanent address:
442 E. Roanoke St., Apt J 5683 Alice Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Richmond, VA 23060
(540) 961-3395
Objective Laboratory position utilizing scientific research and laboratory skills
Education Bachelor of Science in Biology, May 20XX
Minor in Chemistry, emphases in Microbiology and Entomology
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: 2.9/4.0
Coursework Biological Statistics Immunology
Microbial Genetics Insect Biology
Food Microbiology Medical and Veterinarian Entomology
Pathogenic Bacteriology Insect Pest Management
Lab Skills Gram Stain Procedure Techniques for Bacterial Identification
Cultured Bacterial and Fungal Colonies Tests for Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Media Preparation Dilutions
pH Calibration Aseptic Technique
Potentiometric Calibration Methods for Nematode Staining
Calorimetry Maintenance of Laboratory Notebooks
Computer Windows 2008 NT Microsoft Excel
Skills Mathematica Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
Research Lab Support Technician
Experience International Research and Development, Virginia Tech June 20XX present
 Conduct research on spores of Metarhizium anisopliae for the control of locusts in
Features of this SubSaharan Africa.
resume: Evaluate production processes utilizing hemacytometer and CFU counts.

LabSkills Work on methods to decrease water activity as to enhance germination at lower
relevant to objective. humidities.
 Trouble shoot hardware and software problems.
Upper level
courses Assist in bioassays to determine the insects mortality and virulence of the insect
(DONT list basic pathogen.
courses obviously
taken because
of your Laboratory Assistant
major). Entomology Department, Virginia Tech May August 20XX

Use table (shown Researched the development and fecundity of Steinernema carpocapsae
here) only for nematodes when exposed to the bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophilus using in vitro
formatting. On your techniques.
 Write articles on campus topics weekly.
resume, set Format > Assisted in an experiment to determine the response of plant pathogenic
Borders and Shading nematodes to X. nematophilus.
> Borders
= None. Applied predatory nematodes for the control of the Tomato Root Knot nematode.
 Font = Arial
10 Aided in a pesticide trial for the control of Japanese beetle grubs.
Margins = .7
Undergraduate Research
Entomology Department, Virginia Tech January May 20XX
 Worked to develop a biopesticide for the control of a plant pathogenic nematode
using the bacteria Xenorhabdus bovienii.
 Responsible for the general set-up and management of experiments as well as the
collection and analysis of data.
Leadership Alpha Chi Omega Womens Fraternity, 20XX-present
Experience Senior Class Representative to the Chapter Relations and Standards Board
Virginia Tech Tae Kwon Do Club
53
MORGAN ELIZABETH NEILSON
5634 University City Blvd., Apt. 56B 2107 Calvin Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Manassas, VA 22221
(540) 961-6666
meneilson@vt.edu
OBJECTIVE Industrial engineer; interests in manufacturing, cost analysis, and
occupational safety
EDUCATION B.S., Industrial and Systems Engineering, August 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: In-major: 3.1/4.0 Overall: 2.68/4.0
Deans List: Fall 20XX, Spring 20XX
Earned and financed 70% of college and living expenses
Virginia Tech
SKILLS Knowledge gained through ISE project work includes:
Cost Analysis Human Factors Inventory Control
Materials Handling Plant Layout Statistics
Computer Skills:
AutoCAD Crystal Ball Opt Quest
Ampl FORTRAN SAS
Arena/ProModel Simulation MS Excel ServiceModel
BlocPlan MS Word Storm
C++ MS Project Visual BASIC
COURSE Project Manager for Senior Design Team, Omega Window Co., Inc., Salem, VA
PROJECT Fall 20XX Spring 20XX
Analysis and evaluation of current layout of the window fabrication facility.
Collection and interpretation of materials handling and flow data.
Developing alternative facility layouts to reduce materials handling.
EXPERIENCE Summer Engineering Intern, Perkins Company, Inc., Cleveland, OH, Summer 20XX
Application of CAD skills to both office layout and curtain wall analysis.
Compiled ANSI structural leading programs using computer knowledge.
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Assisted applications engineers in preparing stamped structural calculations.
Maintenance Administration, Cuyahoga Foods, Inc., Bridgewater, VA, Summer 20XX
Maintained and updated computer cataloguing of machine parts room.
Ordered, received, and distributed valuable machine parts and supplies.
Prepared purchase orders for cost accounting.
Engineering Technician, Naval Air Systems Command, Arlington, VA, Summer 20XX
Developed Close Air Support Effectiveness math model using FORTRAN.
AWARDS & Perdue Farms Inc., National Scholarship
ACTIVITIES Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Marching Virginians & Metro Pep Band
Features of this resume:
Skills not limited to computer skills.
Course project experience detailed just like other work or internship
experience.
Table used to format only borders are set to be invisible on the print
document.
Font = Arial 11; margins at least .5 all sides.
Pat E. Walsh
pwalsh@vt.edu
Current address: Permanent address:
279 Progress Street 428 Logan Circle
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Annapolis, MD 20000
(540) 961-9876
Objective Position utilizing writing and computer skills; special interests in
technical writing and developing training materials for computer use
Education B.S., English with Spanish Minor, May 20XX
15 hours in Computer Science
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Major GPA: 3.6/4.0 Overall GPA: 2.8/4.0
Related Courses Computer Science: English / Communication:
Computers for Business Business Writing
Operating System Tools Technical Writing
Introduction to Programming in C Journalistic Writing
Object-Oriented Software Design Reporting
Human Computer Interaction Literary Criticism
Computer Skills Languages: C++, JAVA, HTML
Software: Windows 7, MS Office Suite, Publisher, Dreamweaver
Language Skills Fluent in Spanish
Traveled in Europe; used conversational French
Technical Student Computer Assistant, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Experience September 20XX present (10 hours/week)
Assist students with computer problems; by phone and in
residence halls.
Make recommendations for hardware upgrades.
Minor installation and repair.
Writing Writer / Editor, Collegiate Times,
Experience Virginia Tech Student Newspaper, 2011-Present
Editor of Events Page, 20XX present.
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Write book reviews.
Schedule interviews with visiting personalities, campus leaders and
members of the university administration; arrange photo shoots.
Activities & Awards New River Valley Cycling Club, 20XX-present
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, 20XX-present
Special Olympics Volunteer, 20XX, 20XX, 20XX
Deans List, last 4 completed semesters: Fall 20XX - Spring 20XX
Virginia Tech
Features of this resume:
Coursework outside the major shows how this student is qualified for the career objective.
Experience can be a student activityrelated to and supports the objective in this example.
6 key items bolded (in addition to headings)select those that best support objective.
Font = Century Gothic 11 Margins = .7
Table used to simplify formatting only; not to print. Set borders to be invisible on print document:
Format > Borders and Shading > Borders = None.
54
Thomas Vandeveer
1105 New Lott Drive
Amber D. Williams amber.williams@vt.edu Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-555-4321
vandeveer@vt.edu
College Address: 209 SPH-A, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060 (540) 232-0000
Home Address: 865 Main Street, Saltville, Virginia 24370 (540) 230-1111 OBJECTIVE Business financial analyst position specializing in economics

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Three years experience in economic & financial Feature of this
Objective
management analysis resume:
To obtain a public relations internship with an Agriculture organization.
Web-based coordination of business & e-commerce strategy Summary of
Statistical, spatial, and econometric modeling and analysis qualifications
Education Database management can be used
B.S. Animal and Poultry Sciences and Dairy Science, expected May 20XX, when you have
Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA GPA: 3.23/4.0 EDUCATION M.S. Applied Economics, May 20XX GPA: 3.8/4.0 professional
Thesis: Framework for Economic Impact Assessment of IPM-CRSP: experience.
Work Experience a GIS application Job title and
Office Assistant, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Academic Programs, January 20XX-Present, B.A. Economics, Minor: Chemistry, July 20XX GPA: 3.0/4.0 employer
Blacksburg, VA Specialization: Macroeconomics & Finance emphasized with
File paperwork, assist Dean on student projects, provide telephone assistance, and answer Vrginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA bold font
questions of prospective and current students.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Orientation Leader, Virginia Tech, July 20XX. Blacksburg, VA Platforms: Windows 7, Vista, XP/server 2009, 2004
Chosen out of 400 students to be one of thirty leaders, served as liaison between the incoming  Software: GIS (ArcView, ArcIMS, ARC/INFO, BusinessMAP Pro, ATLAS GIS, ACT 1.25),
freshman and the University, made presentations to students and parents. Microsoft Office Suite, MINITAB, Mathematica, STATA, SAS, SAS JMP, DREAM, Adobe
 Poultry Lab and Research Assistant, Animal and Poultry Sciences August 20XX-August 20XX, InDesign, Photoshop, and Acrobat.
Blacksburg, VA Programming: C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, and SQL
Assist with lab procedures; help with collection days at barns, provide telephone assistance,
handle paperwork and assist with inventory. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Freelance Web Consultant, Blacksburg, VA, May 20XX present
AGECON.COM | AFRICOMP.COM | IFAF.NET | GUAYLA.COM
Leadership Experience
Generate business leads and design complete web solutions for clients.
Alpha Chi Omega, 20XX - present Formulate e-strategic guidance and conceptual consulting.
Vice President - Chapter Relations and Standards 20XX-20XX Provide interface design; content research, development, and synthesis.
Spring 2011 Outstanding New Member Perform the evaluation, planning, development, deployment and ongoing use of
Community Service, fundraising, sisterhood and leadership activities web-based mechanisms and information.
Build and maintain economic and spatial database.
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

Risk Management Committee

Help with writing grants for the further promotion of our philanthropic activities
Student Alumni Associates, 20XX - present Research Assistant, Blacksburg, VA, January 20XX July 20XX
Virginia Tech Reunion Liaison Office of Institutional Research and Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State
University
Public Relations Committee
Designed a framework for assessing economic impact of USAID-funded
Pep Rallies, College Homecomings and Reunions Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
 Leadership Workshops Performed economic (Benefit-Cost Analysis) and statistical analysis of IPM programs
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador, 20XX - present using database-based computer program called DREAM.
 President- 20XX-20XX Traveled to both sites and collected primary and secondary data and information.
Chairman of Education Committee; editor of college newsletter Examined the transferability of IPM technologies and their adoption beyond the
Volunteer in the Developmental Department primary sites using spatial modeling within a framework of geographic information
Liaison between alumni and prospective students to the college system (GIS) technology.
Dairy Club, 20XX - present
Researcher, Blacksburg, VA, December 20XX August 20XX
20XX Chairman, Womens Basketball Milkshake Sales
Agricultural & Applied Economics Department, Virginia Polytechnic
Recruit prospective students to the Dairy Science Program Institute & State University
Volunteer, Dairy Youth Programs Examined the effects of communication and transport infrastructures on
Team in Training, 20XX - 20XX economic development; reviewed literature and collected relevant data
Raised over $2,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and information.
Trained and ran a Half Marathon in September 20XX. Performed empirical examination using econometric methods on SAS JM.

Honors AWARDS AND ACTIVITIES

20XX Virginia Cattlemens Association Scholarship Recipient
Miss Virginia Farm Bureau-Ambassador for Agriculture 20XX 1st Runner-up
Residential Leadership Community-Pamplin Leadership Award
Outstanding Leadership & Service Award, African Students Association, February 20XX
Certificate of Achievement, U.S. Committee for UNICEF, fall 20XX
President 20XX-XX, Secretary 20XX-20XX, Virginia Tech African Students Association
Captain and Manager 20XX-20XX, San George Intramural Soccer Team

Student Athlete Sample Transfer Student Sample

Jennifer L. Roberts Ima Hokie

700 Fairfax Road, Apt. A4 jrobs09@vt.edu 2345 Baker Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-421-3744 Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-239-9999
OBJECTIVE Entry level position in Human Resources, specific interest in training and leadership development hireme@vt.edu
EDUCATION B.S. in Sociology and Psychology, May 20XX
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Objective Engineering student seeking an internship position with a progressive thinking
Overall GPA: 3.6; Sociology GPA: 3.7; Psychology GPA: 3.9 company requiring engineering knowledge and skills.

RELATED COURSES Education Virginia Tech, College of Engineering, Blacksburg, VA

Advanced Developmental Psychology Abnormal Psychology Juvenile Delinquency
Psychology of Trauma Social Research Methods Social Inequality
Bachelors of Science, Mechanical Engineering, expected May 20XX
Honors: Deans List All Semesters
RELATED Volunteer, Raft Crisis Hotline, Blacksburg, VA, June 20XX - present GPA: 3.81/4.0
EXPERIENCE Gain knowledge on suicide prevention and crisis intervention, how to develop empathy skills
and provide referrals to other services to callers.
Have currently worked over 320 hours on the phone lines dealing with crisis and empathy
situations while confidently answering any call with the callers best interests in mind.
Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke, VA
 Assistant, Virginia Department of Social Services, Harrisonburg, VA, Summers and Breaks Associate of Science, Engineering, May 20XX
20XX-20XX Associate of Science, Science - Mathematics Specialization, May 20XX
Worked with the Foster Care unit doing transportation of children, filing and paperwork. Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Learned the public service system protocols and how Foster Care is run through the State of GPA: 4.0/4.0
Virginia.
LEADERSHIP/ Virginia Tech Varsity Softball, 20XX-20XX
DIVISION 1 Competed in the Womens College World Series, 20XX
ATHLETIC Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), 20XX-20XX Relevant Vibrations, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electrical Theory, Heat Transfer
EXPERIENCE Community Outreach Chairman, 20XX-20XX Courses System Dynamics, Mechanical Design and Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
Elected member to represent the softball team to discuss student-athlete issues and promote
open communication between varsity sports teams, coaches and faculty in the athletic
department as well as the Virginia Tech community.
Learned how to help coordinate canned food drives, Relay for Life and organizing fundraising Experience Server, Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill; Roanoke, Virginia 20XX-20XX
events. Attended to restaurant customers drink and food orders,
Athletes in Action, 20XX-20XX Address customer complaints,
Servant Team, 20XX-present Cleaning and maintenance of dining room and server stations
Conduct one-on-one spiritual counseling with younger student-athletes; leading them
emotionally while being an outlet and a liaison for them in the Virginia Tech athletic
community. Carpenters Assistant, Steves Construction LLC; Grand Junction,
Learn how to approach and help people who were struggling emotionally, physically and/or Colorado 20XX-20XX
spiritually so they can best achieve their goals in their respective sports. Built new homes, remodels, and additions to existing homes foundation,
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

framing, drywall, interior/exterior finishing, paint, roofing, shelving,

VOLUNTEER Missionary, Mission trips to Africa and Brazil, Summers 20XX-20XX
EXPERIENCE Worked with people in urban and rural areas without homes and in impoverished conditions by
windows, and door installation
giving them my time, a warm meal and shelter if they needed it. Helped serve them in mind,
body and spirit while encouraging people to empower themselves in their conditions. Cook, Pizza Hut, Inc.; Clifton, Colorado 20XX-20XX
Helped start a hospital in the village town of Kalomo, Zambia. Worked in orphanages with
HIV-positive children and did many activities to build people up in their communities by giving
them the tools needed to enact change.
Builder, Mission trips to Mississippi, Winters 20XX-20XX
Skills Computer: C++, MATLAB, and LabVIEW
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
Virginia Tech

Relay for Life, 20XX-20XX

Appointed Team Captain, 20XX-20XX

ACTIVITIES Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society All-ACC Second Team, 20XX
ESPNs the Magazine Academic All-District Team, 20XX NFCA Second Team All-Northeast, 20XX
All-ACC Second Team Academic Team, 20XX VaSID All-State Second Team, 20XX

Features of this resume: Unsure if you should mention other schools under your Education information? If
you went to a different school for a year or more, it is recommended that you list t he school as part of your
education. List the college/university, city and state where the school is located and the dates you attended.
55
 International Experience

HAYDEN BILLINGS(540) 383-5679hbillings@vt.edu

College address: 315 SW Clay Street, Apt. 10, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Permanent address: 1240 Tahoe Court, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

OBJECTIVE Position as an environmental horticulturist applying my cross-cultural plant knowledge and

experience

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, Environmental Horticulture, May 20XX

Minor in International Agriculture
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
GPA: 3.4/4.0 Deans List 5 semesters
Virginia Tech

INTERNATIONAL International Agriculture The Global Economy and World Politics

COURSEWORK Development and Trade Environmental Law
World Crops and Cropping Systems

INTERNATIONAL International Dairy Judging Competition, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 20XX

EXPERIENCE Participant June 20xx
Gained comprehensive knowledge of worldwide dairy trade by representing the United
States at the Royal Highland Dairy Show

Study Abroad Experience, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, January 20XX

Study Abroad Participant
Developed understanding of tropical horticulture by effectively communicating with
professors, fellow study abroad students, and local citizens

Study Abroad, Monteverde, Costa Rica, August 20XX December 20XX

Study Abroad Participant
Conducted a botany research project to define Passiflora spp. allocation of resources in
metabolite defenses and presented results to the local scientific community at a symposium
Took intensive coursework in tropical biology, ecology, conservation, ecosystem services,
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

botany, Costa Rican culture and Spanish language in locations across Costa Rica

LANGUAGE English: native language

SKILLS Spanish: intermediate (speaking, reading); basic (writing)

CAMPUS Horticulture Club at Virginia Tech, 20XX-Present

INVOLVMENT Event Coordinator
Create and manage events to foster, promote, and encourage closer professional and social
relationships between the faculty, students, and horticulture community.
Promote horticultural interest within Virginia Tech, the community, the Commonwealth of
Virginia, and globally
Intercultural Understanding Club at Virginia Tech, 20XX-Present
Improve interactions in the university community by bridging the dialogue gap among
members of different cultures in the form of conferences, panels, art, performances as well
as outings.
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, 20XX-present
Help Save The Next Girl at VT (HSTNGatVT), 20XX-Present
Alpha Zeta, Virginia Tech, 20XX-20XX
Professional, service, and honorary fraternity for men and women in the College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech.

Features of this resume:

International Experience and Coursework sections
E-Portfolio section to showcase course and work projects
Campus Involvement section with leadership position bullet details

Design Resume
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Virginia Tech

Design resumes are appropriate where the resume showcases a skill that is relevant to a position for
such majors as Art, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Packaging Design, among others.
57
58
Federal Resume

Anna S. Ward Anna S. Ward Page 2

1700 Foxrun Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060 Food Lion (05/20XX - 08/20XX)
Day Phone: 555-948-1404 5500 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24201 United States
Email: asward1@vt.edu Salary: 6.75 USD Per Hour
Hours per week: 25
Citizenship: United States
Cashier
Veterans Status: N/A
Supervisor: Mitch Keys (540-555-1212)
Federal Civilian Status: N/A
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Clearance: N/A Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
Virginia Tech

Work Experience: CUSTOMER SERVICE: Provided fast-paced quality customer service in a high-volume retail grocery store.
Valley View Animal Hospital (05/20XX-08/20XX)
2100 Main Street, Abingdon VA 24210 United States Education:
Salary: 8.00 USD Per Hour B.S., (May 20XX), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA United States
Hours per week: 20 120 Semester Hours
GPA: 3.5 of a maximum 4.0
Veterinary Assistant Major: Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Henry Johnson (555-898-1212) Relevant Coursework, Licenses and Certifications:
Intro to Biology/Lab, Human Biology and Disease, Anatomy and Physiology and Lab, Intro to Animal
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Behavior and Lab
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
Language Skills:
DIAGNOSE, EXAMINE, AND TREAT: Worked directly with veterinarian to diagnose and treat a variety of
domestic animal diseases and conditions. Assisted with routine examinations and treatments. Spanish
Spoken: Advanced
MAINTENANCE: Maintained facility, lab, and equipment. Written: Advanced
Read: Advanced
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Observed veterinary surgical and autopsy procedures on both domestic and
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

farm animals. Provided minor assistance as requested. Affiliations:

Ho Clinic (05/20XX - 08/20XX)
Ho, Ghana
Salary: $0
Hours per week: 55
Medical Assistant
Supervisor: Ariana Logan; contact via Volunteers, Inc., New York, NY (800-222-3333)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER: Three-month international volunteer assignment in a third-world
African nation. Lived in African compound and worked at local veterinary hospital that cared for both
animals and people because of their relatively modern laboratory facilities.
ANIMAL HEALTH CARE: Acquired outstanding hands-on experience in phlebotomy, hematology, routine
and emergency surgical procedures, field autopsies, and general animal health care.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Shadowed a variety of surgical and general animal health care procedures
using the limited medical equipment available in the third-world African nation.
Southwest Chapter 4-H Club, Member (September 20XX-present)
Won Honorable Mention at Virginia State Fair for wood carving (August 20XX)
Pre-Vet Club, Member (September 20XX-present), President (August 20XX-present)
Additional Information:
LABORATORY SKILLS: Basic skills in collecting blood, urine, and feces from over 50 animals and
blood specimens from over 20 humans. Performed red and white blood cell counts. Prepared specimens
for laboratory analysis and testing. Prepared and stained slides for microscopic testing for specific disease
pathogens.
DOG BREEDING (20XX-present) : Breed and raise Yellow Labrador puppies for resale. Raise and care for
pups until they are ready to go to individual homes. Interview owners to place pups in a happy and healthy
home
CLASS PROJECTS:
Intro to Animal Behavior (April 20XX): Researched parental care behaviors in domestic animals. Wrote a 7
page report and presented findings to the class of 50 students.
LEADERSHIP ROLES:
Pre-Vet Club, President (August 20XX-present): Coordinate and lead meetings for 4 executive board
members and 30 general body members. Partner with local veterinarians to speak to organization on a variety
of topics.

Teaching Resume

Lydia Arnez
5606 Harding Road Lydia Arnez Page 2
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-7816 Writing Intern, May 20XX May 20XX
arnez1@vt.edu V Magazine, Roanoke, Virginia
Wrote articles focusing on regional artists, musicians, businesses and events.
OBJECTIVE Secondary English teacher or Language Arts/Social Studies middle school Assisted during monthly production with editing, layout, and design.
teacher. Interested in advising school yearbook, newspaper staff or literary magazine.
ADDITIONAL Part-time Bank Teller, August 20XX May 20XX
EDUCATION M.A.Ed, Teaching and Instruction, May 20XX EXPERIENCE Bank America, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia Transacted consumer and commercial account business.
GPA 3.9
Fraud Prevention Specialist, May 20XX August 20XX
B.A., English, May 20XX Bank of America, Charlotte, North Carolina
James Madison University (JMU), Harrisonburg, Virginia Managed integration of fraud systems project during conversion with First Fidelity
GPA 3.75 Bank.
Earned and financed 80% of college and living expenses Developed training module for new hires and temporary employees.
Performed as senior leader during development of checkcard fraud team.
LICENSURE English Education 6-12 Endorsement: Middle School Served as editor for department newsletter.
Monitored credit accounts for fraudulent activity and analyzed trends in fraud abuse.
TEACHING Student Teacher, January May 20XX
EXPERIENCE James Madison Middle School, Roanoke City Schools, Roanoke, Virginia PROFESSIONAL 1st Vice President, Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA), 20XX present
Taught 8th grade Language Arts during which students were AFFILIATIONS Work closely with Executive Board to develop and implement annual plans.
presented with poetry, drama and young adult novel units. Conduct business meetings.
Co-taught and extensively observed 8th grade American Studies classes. Schedule guest speakers and professional development programs.
For a work Modified assignments for students at different ability levels. National Council of Teachers of English
experience School population is diverse. Virginia Association of Teachers of English

taking place Conducted teacher research on improving grammar and mechanical skills through the James Madison University Alumni Association
at present, or process model of writing. The Sorority of Alpha Sigma Alpha Alumni Association
scheduled for the
Teachers Aide, September November 20XX HONORS Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
future: Use Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Glenvar High School, Roanoke County Schools, Roanoke, Virginia
present or future Golden Key Honor Society
Observed a variety of teaching styles at the middle and high school levels.
tense verbs to Organized and executed lesson plans for a 9th grade English novel unit.
describe current PORTFOLIO http://www.arnez.com or available upon request
Aided in advising the yearbook staff on interviewing, design and editing.
or expected work Fulfilled such tasks as grading, research, and reading inventories.
activities. Update
verb tense when Field Experience, January April 20XX

appropriate. Fallon Park Elementary School, Roanoke City Schools, Roanoke, Virginia
Explored issues of literacy development with academically-challenged 4th graders
Developed creative reading and writing strategies to increase students academic
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

confidence and interest.

Aided in administering standardized testing.
Features of this resume:
OTHER Volunteer, June 20XX present Two pages are acceptable for teaching candidates and for professional positions in
RELEVANT Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New Roanoke Valley, Roanoke, Virginia higher education.
EXPERIENCE Develop weekly educational, social, and cultural activities for 4th grade Little Sister. Place your second page heading in the Header section (View > Header and Footer).
Act as a role model and mentor. DONT simply insert it in your text. For someone else viewing your resume on-screen,
the page break may not fall in the place you intend.
Assistant Editor, September 20XX April 20XX When providing a URL for online information (portfolio, etc.), make sure all your web-
Virginia Tech

The Bluestone Yearbook, JMU, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Selected and supervised staff. site contents are strictly professional.
Developed yearbook layout. Wrote and edited text. See Listing your personal website URL on your resume at www.career.vt.edu/
Worked closely with photographers and sales representatives. JOBSEARC/Resumes/website.htm.
Margins are .5 inch on all sides.
Font = Arial 10
59
60
Education

GPA: 3.7/4.0

functions.`
training of staff.

Relevant Experience
Virginia Tech

throughout the country.

Summary of Qualifications

Intern (Summers 20XX-20XX)

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia

Army Reserve Command, Ayer, MA

George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

Army Reserve Command, Los Alamitos, CA

Bachelor of Science, Management, May 20XX
Master of Business Administration, May 20XX

Interpreted training directives and guidance.

Office of Personnel Management, Washington DC

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Obtained and maintained top secret security clearance.

Supervisor Unit Administrator (January, 20XX-August, 20XX)

Managed personnel, finance, and automated systems activities.

2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

US Army Reserve (USAR) Unit Administrator (June, 20XX-December, 20XX)

Served as key point of contact regarding recruitment and retention for unit.
ERIC R. PETERSEN
Student Veteran Resume

Prepared and processed personnel pay, supply action, and maintenance of records.

Coordinated professional development activities for interns across multiple agencies.

Implemented administrative plans, policies and procedures established by commander.
Assisted the commander with strategic planning and establishment of unit action plans.
Earned three promotions in rank based on accomplishments and overall job performance.

Reviewed completed personnel actions to ensure that procedures were properly followed.

Provided consultation on army reserve program and unit vacancies and conducted interviews.

coordinating duties for USAR Unit Commander in accomplishing overall functions of the unit.
Assisted the commander in establishing and implementing both unit and individual training goals.

Organized hiring documents and coordinated schedules for hiring managers and interview candidates.
1234 Cambria StreetChristiansburg, VA 24073erpeters@vt.edu540-987-6543

Completed numerous management training courses related to goal-setting, conflict resolution and mentoring.
Highly skilled personnel manager with 10+ years of experience hiring, training, and managing diverse teams.

Represented agency, along with full-time recruiters, at career fairs and information sessions on college campuses
Superior written and interpersonal communication skills developed through weekly report writing, supervision and

Served as principal administrator responsible for the performance of a variety of technical, analytical, advisory and
Represented commander by establishing goals/objectives and setting priorities for accomplishing overall organizational

PhD Resume

Ranjith Raghavan Ranjith Raghavan Page 2

123 University City Blvd, Apt K12 Tel: (540) 555-2313
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Email: ranragha@vt.edu Publications Journals/Conferences/Workshop
http://people.cs.vt.edu/~ranragha Raghavan, R., Roberts, C. J., & Farkas, C. (20XX). Dynamic resizing of scientific
simulations. Proceedings of International Conference on Computational Science
Objective Seeking a software engineer position in the field of high performance computing. Raghavan, R, & Roberts, C. J. (20XX). Design and performance of a scheduling
framework for resizable parallel applications. To appear in the Proceedings of IEEE
Summary More than 4 years of experience in parallel programming with MPI and C. Experienced in International Parallel and Distributed Processing Symposium.
designing, implementing, and evaluating runtime systems for parallel applications. Experienced Raghavan, R., & Roberts, C. J. (20XX). Reshape: a framework for dynamic resizing and
in developing parallel algorithms for distributed and shared memory systems. Self-motivated scheduling of homogeneous applications in a parallel environment. In the Proceedings of
researcher with excellent analytical and communication skills. Strong work ethics, good leadership International Conference on Parallel Processing, Xian, China, September 11-15
qualities and interpersonal skills, can work independently as well as a team player. Raghavan, R., & Roberts, C. J. (20XX). Efficient multidimensional data redistribution for
resizable parallel computations. In the Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium
Research Multi-core systems, cloud computing, cluster scheduling and resource management, on Parallel and Distributed Processing and Applications, Niagara Falls, CA, August
Interests application performance prediction, parallel file systems, virtualization, storage systems 29-31
Raghavan, R., & Gray, J. (20XX). Meta-model search: using xpath as a tool for searching
Education Doctor of Philosophy, Computer Science, expected graduation: May 20XX, GPA 3.81 domain specific models. Invited submission to a special issue of the Journal of Research
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA and Practice in Information Technology, Vol. 38, No. 4.
Dissertation Topic: Dynamic Resizing of Parallel Applications Raghavan, R., & Gray, J. (20XX). Meta-model search: using xpath as a tool for searching
Advisor: Dr. Carl J. Roberts domain specific models. In the Proceedings of the International Conference of Software
Engineering Research and Practice, Las Vegas, NV, June 26-30.
Master of Science, Computer Science, 20XX, GPA 3.85 Gray, J., Zhang, J., Wu, H., Roychoudhury, S., & Raghavan, R., Gokhale, A., Neema, S.,
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL Shi, F. and Bapty, T. (20XX). Model-driven program transformation of large avionics
framework. In the Proceedings of Generative Programming and Component Engineering,
Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Engineering, 2007 Vancouver, BC, October.
University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India Shaik, S., Corvin, R., Raghavan, R., Javed, F., Ijaz, Q., Roychoudhury, S. Gray, J., Bryant,
B. (20XX). Speechclipse-an eclipse speech plug-in, in the Eclipse workshop proceedings
Computer Programming languages: C, C++, Python, Visual Basic 6.0 at AMC OOPSLA, Anaheim, CA, October 26-30.
Skills Parallel Programming Models: MPI, POSIX, OpenMP
Technologies: TCP/IP Selected
Masters Thesis
Operating System: Linux, Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP Projects
Ranjith Raghavan, Meta-Model Search: Using XPath for Searching Domain-Specific
Scripting Languages: XPath, HTML Models, M.S. Thesis, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of
Alabama at Birmingham, August 20XX.
Research/ Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA  Two-dimensional Data Redistribution algorithm (Fall 20XX): A library for redistributing
Work Research Assistant August 20XX- present sparse, one- and two-dimensional dense matrices from P processors to Q processors,
Experience Developed a runtime system called ReSHAPE for dynamic resizing of parallel applications. arranged in 1D or 2D topology. The algorithm uses minimum number of steps for data
Implemented cluster job scheduler for parallel applications, plug-in framework to add new transfer and avoids node contention. This algorithm has been included as part of the
scheduling policies. Designed and implemented a parallel application resizing library with efficient resizing library in the ReSHAPE framework.
data redistribution algorithms.  Glips: A Peer-to-Peer Distributed File System (Fall 20XX): Designed a robust, reliable,
highly available, and scalable peer-to-peer distributed file system by combining ideas from
Advanced Research Computing (ARC), Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA Google file system and Kelips P2P distributed hash table.
Research Assistant August 20XX-May 20XX, August 20XX- present Performance Analysis of Matrix Multiplication over a Distributed Shared Memory (Spring
Programming consultant for the Laboratory of Advanced and Scientific Computing (LASCA) and 20XX): A comparative performance analysis of the matrix multiplication routine between
ARC. Ported parallel scientific applications to new parallel architectures. Assisted university-wide executing ScaLA-PACK on a distributed memory system and LAPACK on a distributed
researchers to develop and execute their scientific applications on SystemX cluster and other shared memory system.
smaller shared memory machines. Distributed Shared Memory (Fall 20XX): Simulated a parallel shared memory system over
an underlying distributed system using MPI.
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

Argonne National Laboratory Lemont, IL Integrated Simulation Environment(ISE) (Feb 20XX): ISE is a simulation environment
Summer Intern May 20XX-August 20XX that integrates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Computational Solid Mechanics
Developed a new process manager for MPICH2 library. Implemented centralized and distributed (CSM) and Computational Chemical Modeling (CCM). Developed 2D convergence plot
process managers for large scale systems. Supported faster process look-up using business card for a Hyb3d data file. Integrated the CFD, CSM and CCM modules into ISE using Python
caching and communication using ring processor topology. interface.
Resource Brokering in a Grid Environment (Fall 20XX): Developed a rudimentary
University of Alabama Birmingham, AL resource brokering algorithm for execution of jobs in a Grid computing environment. The
Research Assistant, Department of Computer Science August 20XX-July 20XX algorithm was tested using the GridSim simulator.
Designed and implemented aXPath model search (XMOS) plug-in to provide advanced search  Monte Carlo Simulation (Summer 20XX): Monte Carlo simulation of parallel random
capabilities for domain-specific modeling tools like Generic Modeling Environment (GME 4). number generation using Pthreads, PVM and a hybrid approach by using both Pthreads
Virginia Tech

and PVM on 8 nodes (32 processors) cluster.

Graduate Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering February 20XX-July 20XX
Student research assistant developing and integrating user interfaces and individual modules within Professional IEEE, IEEE Computer Society, ACM, SIAM, Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor society
a software framework called Integrated Simulation Environment. Languages used-Python and C. Organizations
Celetronix India Pvt. Ltd. Mumbai, India
Software Engineer March 20XX-May 20XX
Designed and implemented a system for automated control of digital instruments for quality testing
in the hard drive manufacturing and testing unit.
61
62
Curriculum Vitae

Jonathan O. Benjamin Jonathan O. Benjamin Page 2

Current Address Permanent Address
1200-F University Terrace 5000 Greenbrook Drive Research Assistant, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Norfolk, VA 23703 August 20XX - May 20XX
(540) 555-3000 (757) 555-1000 Performed protein bioassays and prepared tissue cultures
Assisted with DNA preparations for DNA fingerprinting including isolating DNA and gel
electrophoresis
EDUCATION Analyzed data

Doctorate of Philosophy, Microbiology, Expected May 20XX Biology Research Technician, Biotech Research Laboratories, Inc., Roanoke, VA
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA June 20XX - August 20XX
Virginia Tech

Dissertation: Regulation of aerobi gene expression in Escherichia coli Participated in DNA fingerprinting project
Advisor: Thomas W. Kingrea Digested genomic DNA with restriction enzymes
Separated digested DNA fragments by electrophoresis through agarose gels and transferring by
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Minor: Chemistry, May 20XX Southern blotting technique
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA Prepared buffers, photographed gels, developed autoradiographs

HONORS/AFFILIATIONS Teaching

Phi Beta Kappa Laboratory Instructor, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Cunningham Dissertation Fellowship (Virginia Tech research grant), 20XX - 20XX August 20XX - present
American Society for Microbiology, 20XX - present Taught two laboratory sections for undergraduate introductory Microbiology course
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, 20XX - present
National Institutes of Health Pre-doctoral Fellowship, 20XX - 20XX Teaching Assistant, Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
August 20XX - May 20XX, August 20XX - May 20XX
RESEARCH INTERESTS Advised undergraduate biochemistry students during office hours
Graded quizzes and assignments
Regulation of aerobic gene expression
DNA sequencing and determination of DNA binding domains PUBLICATIONS
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

TEACHING INTERESTS Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. Structure of the glp repressor and the determination of DNA binding
domains. (in preparation)
Undergraduate biology and microbiology courses including microbiology, genetics, and microbial
genetics Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. 20XX. Structures of the promoter abd operator of the glpD gene coding
Graduate microbiology courses aerobic sn-glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli K-12. J. Bacteriol. xx: xxxx-xxxx.

RELATED EXPERIENCE Advisor, T.W., J.B. Doctor, A. Colleague, and S. Colleague. 20XX. Purification and characterization
of the repressor for the sn-glycerol 3-phosphate regulon of Escherichia coli K-12. J. Biol. Chem. xxx:
Research xxxx-xxxx.

Pre-Doctoral Fellow/Ph.D. Research, Department of Biology, Virginia Tech ABSTRACTS

Blacksburg, VA, August 20XX - present
Design and conduct experiments for purification and characterization of the repressor for Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. 20XX. Nucleotide sequence of the glpR gene encoding the repressor of
the sn-glycerol 3-phosphate regulon of Escherichia coli K-12 Escherichia coli K-12. Am. Society for Microbiol., Anaheim, CA.
Identified structure of the glp repressor and determined DNA binding domains
Advisor, T.W., J.B. Doctor, A. Colleague, and S. Colleague, A.M. Graduate. 20XX. Tandem operators
Research Fellow, National Institutes of Health, Poolesville, MD control sn-glycerol 3-phosphate glp gene expression in Escherichia coli Gordon Res. Conf., Meriden,
May 20XX - August 20XX NH.
Synethsized and purified hundreds of oligonucleotides
Sequenced DNA Doctor, J.B. and T.W. Advisor. 20XX. Regulation of aerobic sn-glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
Constructed a cosmid library from human blood DNA glpD gene expression in Escherichia coli K-12. Am. Soc. for Microbiol., Miami Beach, FL.




with

needed
supervisors,
recommended.

(540) 953-5553
College Address

shamekac@vt.edu
Blacksburg, VA 24060

Professor
451-L E. Roanoke Street

Supervisor
Mead Paper
Virginia Tech
Dr. Jane Doe
letter, or graduate school essay.

janedoe@vt.edu

Ms. Jane Wilson

(301) 555-8211
(419) 555-2045
(540) 231-5555

Sparks, MD 21152
2705 Market Street
Mr. Walter Randolph

4527 Appleton Drive

Department Manager
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Blacksburg, VA 24061

wrandolph@mead.com

jwilson@employer.com
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
1060 Litton Reaves Hall
addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

References:
search or your graduate school application process is complete.

Sample Reference List

have a CV, references are often included in an academic job search.

SHAMEKA R. CONSTANTINE
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

Make sure the

address header

address header.
matches your resume
(410) 877-8142
Fallston, MD 21047
1302 Marquis Court
Permanent Address
Virginia Tech

faculty members, coaches, or advisors. Family or close personal friends are not

Share the contact information for your references including their job titles, employers, mailing
Keep your list of references in a document separate from your resume. Usually references are not
Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference. As you ask, provide your references

at the initial time of application. Bring copies of your reference page to your interview. If you

Keep your references up to date on your progress and be sure to thank your references after your job
a copy of your resume or CV, and any other materials that may be relevant like a job listing, cover
Three to five people are a good number of references to have. Who should you ask? Current or former
Five Key Points About References

63
64
Title

layout.)
Sincerely,
for a position.
Email Address

Month Day, Year

Your name typed

Virginia Tech

Telephone Number

City, State Zip Code

City, State Zip Code
Your Street Address

Name of Organization
Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name

Street or P. O. Box Address

(Your handwritten signature)

Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. : (Last Name Only)

and basic information about yourself.

Cover Letter 101
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration.
Body: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply

Closing: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the
employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow
Opening paragraph: State why you are writing, how you learned of the organization or position,

employers needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume.

(Note: the contents of your letter might best be arranged into four paragraphs. Consider what you
position. Mention specific qualifications from the job description that make you a good fit for the
stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate

could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer
that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or

need to say and use good writing style. See the following examples for variations in organization and
up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employers location and
Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply

Letter of Application Letter of Application Sent via Email

Dear Mr. Jackson:
E-2 Apartment Heights Dr.
Blacksburg, VA 24060 I am writing to apply for your sales representative position (number
(540) 555-0101
sdr-324-782) for the Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina areas; I found
abcd@vt.edu
the position posted on Hokies4Hire. I am very interested in a position with
February 22, 20XX Acme Pharmaceuticals because I know your reputation through a former
classmate, Joan Abrams, who now works in your Northeast region. I
Dr. Michael Rhodes, Jr. believe that my education and employment background are appropriate for
Principal, Wolftrap Elementary School the position.
1205 Beulah Road
Vienna, VA 22182 While working toward my masters degree, I was employed as a sales
representative with a small dairy foods firm. I increased my sales volume
Dear Dr. Rhodes:
and profit margin appreciably while at Farmers Foods, and hope to couple
I enjoyed our conversation on February 19 at the Family and Child Development seminar on that success with the challenges and rewards of the pharmaceutical
teaching young children and appreciated your personal input about helping children attend industry. I have a strong academic background in biology and marketing,
school for the first time. This letter is to follow-up on the Fourth Grade Teacher position as and think that I could apply that knowledge and my experience to the
discussed at the seminar. I will be completing my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Child health industry.
Development with a concentration in Early Childhood Education at Virginia Tech in May of 20XX,
and will be available for employment at that time. My resume, which more fully details my qualifications for the position, is
attached and below.
The teacher preparation program at Virginia Tech includes a full academic year of student teaching.
Last semester I taught second grade and this semester, fourth grade. These valuable experiences
have afforded me the opportunity to: I look forward to talking with you, and will call you within the next week to
answer any questions you may have.
develop lesson plans on a wide range of topics and varying levels of academic ability,
work with emotionally and physically challenged students in a total inclusion program, Thank you for your consideration.
observe and participate in effective classroom management approaches,
assist with parent-teacher conferences, and Sincerely,
complete In-Service sessions on diversity, math and reading skills, and community relations.
Lynn A. Johnson
Through my early childhood education courses, I have had the opportunity to work in a private day 5542 Hunt Club Lane, #1
care facility, Rainbow Riders Childcare Center, and in Virginia Techs Child Development Blacksburg, VA 24060
Laboratory. Both centers were NAEYC accredited. At both locations, my responsibilities included 540-555-8888
leading small and large group activities, helping with lunches and snacks, and implementing lajohnson@vt.edu
appropriate activities. My work in the Child Development Laboratory provided me with extensive
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide

knowledge of developmentally appropriate activities and materials. Attachment: Resume included below and
attached MS Word document
I look forward to putting my knowledge and experience into practice in the public school system.
Next week I will be in Vienna, and I plan to call you then to answer any questions that you may have
at that time. I can be reached before then at (540) 555-7670. Thank you for your consideration.
In email:
Theres obviously no need
Sincerely, to leave space for your
handwritten signature; not
Virginia Tech

applicable in email.
Your address block follows
Donna Harrington your name, at the end of
the text.
Enclosure
65
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Email Letter of Inquiry About Internship Possibilities

Dear Ms. Range:
Interviews: Tips, Types, and To Dos
I am completing my junior year at Virginia Tech, and am seeking an internship working with high-school age
youth in an outdoor setting. I am double-majoring in Sociology and Family and Child Development and have
a strong interest and experience in outdoor activities. I learned about your Wilderness Challenge program
for troubled juveniles through Internet research, and am writing to inquire about possible internship or
summer job possibilities. What you need to know: Interview Stages:

My background and coursework have supplied me with an understanding of dealing with the adolescent Yourself Introduction
community and with many skills that are a good match for your program. For example:
The Employer Dialogue
I worked as a hotline assistant for a local intervention center. I counseled teenagers about personal Interview Process Closing
concerns and referred them, when necessary, to appropriate professional services for additional help.

I have been active at the university as a resident hall assistant, which requires me to establish rapport
with fifty residents and advise them on personal matters, as well as university policies. In addition, I Types of Interviews to
develop social and educational programs and activities each semester for up to 200 participants.
Prepare For
I have extensive camping, hiking, and canoeing experience.

My attached resume provides additional details about my background.

Phone
Sell the employer Use specific
I will be in the Marion area during my Spring break, March 1 - March 8, and plan to contact you at that on how you fit the Video examples as you
time to inquire about an opportunity to meet with you to discuss your program. opening. How will answer questions.
you add value? Face-to-face No one else has
Thank you for your consideration. your stories.
Sincerely, Group
Stacy Lee Gimble

Attachment

Say thank you. Follow up after

Follow Up to Meetings (information sessions, career fairs, etc.)
Sample Email
Dear [Recruiter/Contact Name],
Thank you for speaking with me at [event name]. I enjoyed
our discussion about [opportunities with company or
memorable portion of conversation]. I am writing to follow
up with you about [the opportunity we spoke about]. I have
read more about the opportunity [or applied online as you
suggested] and I am very excited about the opportunity to
join the team as an [intern/position title]. I would like to
maintain contact with you about this position and/or other
opportunities with [company name]. If there is any additional
information required from me or if there is any additional
information you would like to share with me, please contact
me either by phone at [phone number] or via email, [email
address]. I will also send you a LinkedIn connection request
as another means to maintain contact.
Thanks again for speaking with me and I look forward to
communicating with you further.
Best Regards,
[Your name]
66
Send a note of
thanks after your
Sample Voicemail interview: email,
handwritten or
Hello my name is [your name] leaving a message for both.
[recruiter/contact name]. It is [time] on [day, date]. I am
calling to follow up with you regarding the conversation we
had at [event name/location and approximate time frame
(last week, a few weeks ago)]. I appreciated you taking the
time to talk with me about [opportunity]. I have applied online
as you instructed and I was hoping to talk with you further Interview Dos
about the opportunity. When you have a moment would you Arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled interview
please call me back at [phone number]. Or if email is more appointment.
convenient for you, feel free to email me at [email address Dress appropriately and conservatively.
and then spell out email]. Again this is [your name] calling for Know the exact time and location of your interview;
[recruiter name] following up from our conversation at [event some employers may schedule interviews at other
name and location]. Thank you. locations.
Know the name and pronunciation of your interviewers Portray self-confidence.
name.
Address the interviewer by his/her titleMr., Ms., Interview Donts
Mrs., Dr. Listen closely to the introduction so you will
know his/her title.
Offer a firm handshake at the beginning and
conclusion of the interview.
Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.
Sit still in your seat. Avoid slouching, twisting, and
fidgeting.
Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer.
Research the organization prior to the interview in the
Career and Professional Development and Newman
Libraries or online.
Be concise with your answers, yet be complete.
If you are given an application form, complete it
your meeting.
Find out before
you leave your
interview when to
check in.
factually and neatly.
At the conclusion of the interview, inform the
interviewer that you will be pleased to supply additional
information if needed.
Express your appreciation to the interviewer for taking
the time to talk to you.
Show enthusiasm and initiative.
Do not make negative comments about previous
employers or professors.
Do not falsify your application or answers to any
interview questions.
Do not imply that you will consider only one specific job
with that particular organization.
Do not give the impression that you are interested in
the organization because of its geographical location.
Do not give the impression that you are just surveying
the employment possibilities.
If you choose to use cologne, use it sparingly.
Dont ask about salary/benefits unless the employer
brings it up first.
67
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Research Employers Interviews Are a 2-Way Street
Before Interviews
INTERVIEWER
About the organization Questions Asked by Interviewers
Mission/culture You will be asked many questions during a job interview.
NEWS: valuable source to create questions Below is a list of questions that may help you prepare and
Products or services be more at ease during the interview.
Market share/stock price/number of employees/annual sales
Competitors General Interview Questions:
Financial outlook What are your long-term and short-term goals?
How would this job or graduate program help you to
achieve your career goals?
What was your easiest, most difficult, and most
interesting class? Why?
About the position Why are you interested in this position, our
Job duties organization, or this graduate program?
Career path How do you think a friend or professor who knows
Training you well would describe you?
What are your strengths, weaknesses, and
interests?
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
Tell me about your greatest accomplishment.
What led you to choose your major or field of study?
How has your school and work experience prepared
About the people you for this job or program?
Who is interviewing you? Ask if you dont know Do you think your grades are a good indication of your
Knowing about your interviewer will make you more at ease academic achievement?
Visit CareerShift to find articles mentioning your interviewers
What makes you unique? Why should we hire you?
Use Google and LinkedIn to learn about your interviewers
Job Interviews:
In what ways do you think you can make a
contribution to our organization?
In what work environment are you most comfortable?
About the location How do you work under pressure?
GoinGlobal for information on over 40 U.S. cities and 30 countries In what previous part-time, co-op, or summer jobs
Best places to live: www.bestplaces.net have you been most interested? Why?
What two or three qualities or criteria are most
important to you in a prospective job?
What criteria are you using to evaluate the
organization for which you hope to work?
Graduate School Interviews:
What do you believe your greatest challenge will be if
Resources to tap into you are accepted into this program?
Glassdoor.com What do you plan to specialize in?
LinkedIn.com What are your research interests?
CareerShift and GoinGlobal via career.vt.edu What will you do if you are not accepted into
Google graduate/ professional school?
What skills or abilities are you hoping to gain through
this program?
What are some current trends in your field of study?
What other schools are you considering?
68
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech
CANDIDATE
Questions to Ask Interviewers
The employer will usually provide an opportunity for you
to ask questions. Always be prepared to ask questions.
Prepare questions, recognizing that some of them will be
answered in the literature provided by the employer. If you
are having trouble developing questions, you may want to
consider the following:
Job Interviews:
How much opportunity is there to see the end results
of my efforts?
Who will review my performance? How often?
How much guidance or assistance is made available to
individuals in developing career goals?
Can you describe an ideal employee?
What are the companys strengths and weaknesses
compared to its competition?
What is the organizations plan for the next five years,
and how does this department fit in?
Could you explain your organizational structure?
How will my leadership responsibilities and
performance be measured? By whom?
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
Could you describe your companys management style
and the type of employee who fits well with it?
What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for
someone to succeed in this job?
What is the companys policy on providing seminars,
workshops, and training so employees can keep up
their skills or acquire new ones?
What kind of work can I expect to be doing the first
year?
Graduate School Interviews:
How long does it typically take to complete the
program?
What makes this program different than others in the
same field?
What have recent alumni done after graduation?
What qualities do you look for in a successful
candidate?
What financial assistance is offered? How are
recipients chosen?
What opportunities are there to gain hands-on
experience during the program?
What are some research projects current students are
pursuing?
What does the process look like from here? When can I
expect to hear back?
69
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Video and Phone Interviewing Tips
Tips on Phone and Video Interviews
Be sure to find a quiet place for your interview, where
no one will be able to interrupt. The less distractions
around you, the more likely you will be invested in the
interview. You can reserve a room at the Smith Career
Center to conduct your interview.
Try to sit at a table or desk. This will help you to stay
organized, as well as keep you attentive during the
interview.
Take time to prepare for certain questions. Page 68 in
the Career Planning Guide provides a list of questions
that may help you prepare and be more at ease during
the interview.
Be sure to also have questions prepared to ask your
interviewer. Page 69 in the Career Planning Guide
also provides a list of questions for you to prepare to
ask. Note that some questions you prepare may be
answered during the interview.
For all types of interviews, be sure to do some
research about your company or organization before
the interview. This will show your interviewer your
dedication to the application process and for the
organization.
Be sure to slow down and breathe during your interview.
Take a breath between the interviewer asking you a
question and when you start answering.
Send a thank you email or thank you letter after your
interview. Let interviewers know you appreciated them
taking time to talk to you and that you enjoyed the meeting,
as well as are invested in the application process.
Phone:
Do not write out answers for prepared questions to
read verbatim. You want to have a conversation and not
simply have robotic rehearsed answers.
Have your resume printed out in front of you. If the
interviewer asks about something specifically on your
resume, you can reference it easily and at ease.
You may also want to write out key words maybe on
post-it notes to help you if you are caught off guard.
These key words could include some of your strengths
and weaknesses.
In addition to your tips, you may want to print out
information about the job or application you are
applying for, as well as the company.
When answering questions, be sure to speak clearly
into the phone.
70
Two Basic Types of Video Interviews
Live Interviews: talk to the interviewer from your
video device
Taped Interviews: respond to prompts, written or
in an application
Video
Camera should be at the same height as the top of
your head
You look better when the camera looks down on you. Looking
up gives definition to your chin and that is a visual indicator
of strength and character. Having the camera sit slightly
above your hairline will help you maintain good posture while
giving you the most attractive camera angle.
If you wear glasses, get an anti-glare coating
If they cant see your eyes, they cant trust you. Every
reputable eyeglass retailer offers an anti-glare lens coating
at a modest charge. Without the coating, your eyes look like
a circle of light. With the coating, the interviewers get the
feeling that they are making a connection with you (because
you are looking directly into the camera).
Use anti-shine makeup
People read a shiny face as a sweaty face. They read a
sweaty face as a nervous face. Video amplifies any degree of
shine you might have on your face. It turns into a shiny white
space that distracts from the real message. You want just
enough to eliminate the glare. Too much makeup is a bad
thing.
Look directly into the camera
Make eye contact with the interviewer. This means looking at
the camera and not the screen. Making eye contact with the
camera is critical. People read a lack of eye contact as an
indicator of untrustworthiness.
Watch your posture
Because the interview will be done in some place that
you are comfortable, its easy to forget that its a formal
interaction. You should not slouch, squirm, look away from
the camera for more than a brief moment, look bored, or
yawn. When you are in the interview, you have to act like you
are in the interviewers office, not your bedroom.
Manage the background
The interviewer isnt interested in your books or other
collectibles. Find a simple background and set your camera
up to capture it. The best image is your head and shoulders
against simple backgrounds (not white). The image
shouldnt show any of the table.
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Use InterviewStream to Perfect
Your Interview Skills
InterviewStream is a web-based mock interview program
that allows you to record yourself interviewing with your
computers webcam and send it to an advisor to provide
you feedback. There are over 6,000 questions to choose
from so you can practice industry-specific questions.
1.Access VTs InterviewStream Portal by using your VT
PID and password. Visit career.vt.edu and search for
InterviewStream.
2.Create an account: Click Create Account to create
your free InterviewStream account.
3.Pick the questions youd like to be asked: Select a
pre-built interview, click Choose This Interview or
click Customize Your Own Interview to set or create
your own interview.
Group Interviews: Are You READY?
Some interviews involve multiple interviewers, while other interviews may include multiple candidates in one interview
together. Consider these tips as you prepare for your group interview.
Multiple Interviewers
Before your interview, research your interviewers. Titles
or bios on the company website or LinkedIn can be
helpful.
Include everyone in the conversation. Make eye
contact with each person, not just the person asking
the question.
When you are asked questions, your interviewers will
probably take turns asking questions.
When asking your interviewers questions, make sure to
pause long enough for multiple answers.
With multiple interviewers a variety of experience
and viewpoints will be represented. Use this as an
opportunity to get diverse information about the job,
location, or other important considerations.
Ask for everyones business card at the end of the
interview to help as you send thank you notes. Send a
unique thank you note to each person.
Virginia Tech
4.Conduct your interview: Using the webcam on your
computer, you can conduct a mock interview at any
time in any place. A video interviewer will first ask you
the question, then the camera will begin recording your
response. You can view your answer, retry, or continue
to the next question.
5.Watch and share your video: You can send your
completed interview to a professor, mentor, or an
advisor in Career and Professional Development to
have it reviewed or you can just use this tool to practice
on your own. Visit the VT mock interview website
for instructions on reviewing your InterviewStream
Interview with an advisor, or call Career and
Professional Development at 540-231-6241 to set up
an appointment. You will be directed to send your video
to the advisor youll be meeting with.
Multiple Candidates
Dont let the other candidates intimidate you. Focus on
what makes you a great candidate.
Include everyone in the group discussions. Know when
to lead and when to follow.
Build on other peoples ideas to show that you are
listening.
Be yourself. Dont force characteristics because you
think they are what the company seeks.
Speak with a purpose. Go beyond paraphrasing what
others have already said.
Make your interactions with other candidates
personable and professional. Stick to non-controversial
conversation topics.
You might end up working with some of the other
candidates, so get to know them. However, dont let
getting to know other candidates distract you from why
you are there: to get a job.
71
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Behavioral Interviews
Interview Follow-Up Correspondence
Behavioral Interviewing
Behavioral interviewing is a technique used by employers in Effective Formula for Answering NOTE: Thank-you notes should be sent within 24-48 hours of your interview. However, follow-ups to interviews should be
done if the employer has not responded to you about next steps within the timeframe shared during your interview.
which the questions asked assist the employer in making
predictions about a potential employees future success Behavioral Interviews
based on past behaviors. In behavior-based interviews, Sample Email Sample Voicemail
candidates are asked to give specific examples of when S. Describe the Situation you were in or
they demonstrated particular behaviors or skills. Dear [Recruiter/Contact Name], Hello my name is [your name] leaving a message for
T.the Task you needed to accomplish;
[recruiter/contact name]. It is [time] on [day, date]. I am
The candidate must describe in detail a particular event, A. describe the Action you took and First I would like to thank you again for taking the time to calling to follow up with you regarding the [Title/Position]
speak with me about [Title/Position] during our interview that I interviewed for [date or estimated timeframe]. I would
project, or experience, how he/she dealt with the R.the Results of your experience.
on [date or estimated timeframe]. I am writing because I appreciate an update on the status of the opening as I have
situation, and what the outcome was.
have not received an update since our interview. I would not received an update on the search since our interview. I
like to understand the status of the search. I would also would also like to reiterate my interest in the position. Our
like to reiterate my interest in the position. Our discussion interview discussion has furthered my enthusiasm for the
Prepare for Behavioral Interviews has furthered my interest in the position and increased my position and joining the team at [Company Name]. I believe
Use the STAR formula for responding to behavioral questions: S Situation, T Task, A Action, R Results. To help you enthusiasm for joining the team at [Company Name]. And of that my skills, experiences and values are in alignment with
prepare, use the STAR formula to come up with a story you would tell for each skill area below. course, I would like to be selected for the position [or chosen the requirements of the position and the work culture at
to move forward in the process (if additional interviews are [Company Name]. If you need additional information from me,
SKILL YOUR STAR STORY required)]. I believe that my skills, experiences and values feel free to contact me via email [spell out email address] or
are in alignment with the requirements of the position and by phone at [your phone number]. Again this is [your name]
Teamwork Situation: Action: the work culture at [Company Name]. calling for [recruiter name] following up from our interview.
Thank you again for your time and consideration of me for
Task: Result:
Any update on the search and/or feedback on my interview this position. I look forward to hearing from you.
that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I can be
Decision Making Situation: Action: contacted by phone at [your phone number] or via email,
Task: Result: [your email address]. Thank you so much for your time and
consideration of me for this position. I look forward to hearing
Persuasion from you.
Situation: Action:
Task: Result: Best regards,
[Your name]
Communication Skills Situation: Action:
Task: Result:
Thank-You via Email Handwritten Thank-You Note
Time Management Situation: Action:
Task: Result:
Dear Ms. Smith: Dear Mr. Wright,
Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you and see your
Multitasking Situation: Action: facilities last Wednesday. Both the interview and the tour I enjoyed interviewing with you during your recruiting visit to Virginia
Task: Result:
made for an exciting and complete day. Tech in February. After learning more about the management position,
I was particularly impressed with your warehousing
I think I would find the position both challenging and rewarding and
Leadership Situation: Action: procedures. Mr. Allen was so thorough in explaining your would thrive in the company culture at your office.
Task: Result: process to me, and I will be corresponding directly with him
to express my appreciation. Incidentally, the process you As mentioned during my interview, I will be graduating in May with a
Problem Solving Situation: Action: use is quite similar to one I have been researching through
an independent study this term. Perhaps I can share my bachelors degree in management. Through my educational experience
Task: Result: final report with you and Mr. Allen. I have gained many skills, as well as understanding of how management
works. This plus my two related internships would be an asset to your
Adaptability Situation: Action: The expense report you requested is attached.
company.
Task: Result: Again, thank you for your hospitality. I am quite interested in

Goal Setting/ Situation: Action:

Sheldon Computers and Electronics, and look forward to your Thank you again for taking the time to interview me, I look forward to
decision.
Achievement your decision. Please dont hesitate to contact me if you need anything
Task: Result:
Sincerely, at (540) 555-1111 or at smith@vt.edu.
Jim Richardson
Creativity Situation: Action:
Task: Result:
Sincerely,
Attachment
Marianne Boles
Going above and Situation: Action:
beyond call of duty Task: Result:
72 73
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech

Salary Information:
What Are You Worth? Compare Your Offer$
You can always come Company A Company B Company C Company D
by and talk to a career Position
advisor about job offers!
Company Size

Factors to Consider
Hours
Retirement
Health insurance
Vacation
Moving expenses
Opportunity for advancement
Sick Time
Type of work
Geographical location
Travel
Vacation & Sick leave
Flexible work hours, gym
memberships, and parking Retirement Plan
Future education
Professional development and training Health Insurance

Moving Allowance
Total Compensation
Total compensation refers to the consideration of all
factors in an offer, not just the salary. In order to do this Signing Bonus
you want to know where to do your research and what
factors to think about.
Advancement
Places to research starting salaries and cost of Opportunities
living:
career.vt.edu and search for salary information
 Boss
(personality fit)
www.jobsearchintelligence.com/nace/

salary-calculatorintro/
money.cnn.com/calculator/pf/cost-of-living/
 Location
salary.com or payscale.com
jobstar.org

Salary
www.salaryexpert.com
www.glassdoor.com

www.jobnob.com/salaries
 Other Issues
The Jobs Rated Almanac

American Salaries and Wages Survey

74 75
 Virginia Tech 2016-2017 Career Planning Guide
Negotiating Job Offers
Receiving a job offer, particularly from one of your top
choices, is exciting. However, the process can become
stressful if the offer does not meet your expectations or
match your worth. Negotiating offers, particularly salary, is
becoming more and more common. Yet it is a conversation
that many students and recent graduates are unsure of
how to initiate. Below is a sample negotiation script. If you
would like additional advising, please call 540-231-6241
to schedule an appointment with a career advisor.
IMPORTANT: Before initiating the conversation, be sure
to diligently research the salary range for the position. Be
prepared to cite your sources, and/or other pending offers,
when making the case for an increase in salary.
Student: I want to say thank you again for extending
the offer to join the [company name] team. I am
extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work
with you and this organization. However, I would like
to discuss compensation, as it is less than I expected.
Acknowledging a Job Offer
(neither accepting nor declining)
444 University Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-9876
xyzabc@vt.edu
July 1, 20XX
Grand Hotel Inc.
8899 Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24022
Dear insert name of contact:
I am acknowledging your letter offering me the catering and sales
representative position with Grand Hotel, Incorporated. Thank you
very much for offering me this exciting opportunity. The terms of
your offer are clear, and I am certain I will be able to give you a
response by your requested deadline of July 16. I appreciate your
allowing me ample time to consider your offer so that I can be sure
my decision will be in the best interest of both my career goals
and the needs of your corporation.
In the meantime, should I have any questions, I will call you.
Please do not hesitate to call me if I can provide you with any
needed information.
Yours truly,
Paula Morgan
Paula Morgan
76
2016-2017 Career Planning Guide Virginia Tech
Request for Extension of Deadline for
Accepting or Rejecting a Job Offer
Declining a Job Offer
900 Town Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Company: Sure we can talk about compensation. March 1, 20XX (540) 555-9009
What did you have in mind? myname@vt.edu
Dr. Thomas G. Jones
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife April 20, 20XX5
Student: Before we get into specific numbers, I would
tgjones@xxxyyyzzz.gov
like to understand how your organization structures Mr. John Jones
Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs
salary ranges and how this particular salary was Dear Dr. Jones: 343 Third Street, NW
determined. I would like this to work for both of us. Washington, DC 20201-0343
Thank you for your telephone call and letter of last week offering
me the position of Wildlife Biologist with the Oregon Department Dear Mr. Jones:
Listen to the response (A likely reason will be lack of of Fish and Wildlife. I am excited about the opportunity this
experience). position offers both in terms of job duties and location. Thank you very much for your telephone call and letter offering me the
position of Assistant Project Coordinator with the Citizens Network for
Foreign Affairs. While I believe firmly in the mission of your organization and
Student: I understand the organization prefers to You asked that I make a decision by March 20. This is an appreciate the challenging opportunity you offer, I have had another offer
important decision and I do not have all the information I need which I believe more closely matches my current career goals and interests.
bring recent graduates in at the lower end of the
in order to make this decision by that date. Would it be possible Therefore, although it was a difficult decision, I must decline your offer. I do
range due to a lack of experience. However, my for me to supply you with my decision by March 27? I would very appreciate all the courtesy and hospitality extended to me by your office, and
internship experiences, technical expertise, and much appreciate such an extension, and assure you that I will be I wish you well in your endeavors.
education warrants a higher salary. According to the able to make a firm decision by that date.
In the position I have accepted with Public Policy Watch, I will occasionally
Virginia Tech Post-Grad Survey, graduates within my be on Capitol Hill to attend hearings and monitor legislation, so I hope we
Thank you very much for your consideration of my request.
major make a higher salary than what was offered can get together again and talk about common interests.
for similar work. The National Association of Colleges Sincerely, Best regards,
and Employers (NACE) most recent salary survey also Suzanne George
indicates that the starting salary for similar positions
is higher than what was offered.
343 Jefferson Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060 Martin Chang
540-552-1111
sgeo@vt.edu Martin Chang
Company: I have heard your argument. However,
the most we can offer is XXXXX which is still less than
what you want.
Withdrawing From Job Search, via Email;
Student: Well [company name] is indeed one of my Acceptance of a Job Offer
top choices for employment and based on what I Follow-Up to Phone Call
know about the company and from my interview, I
believe I would enjoy working there, gain invaluable 1234 College Road March 1, 20XX
Blacksburg, VA 24060
experience, and be a contributing member of the (540) 555-0000 Ms. Vera L. Clark
team. I am willing to consider a signing bonus of XXXX email : myname@vt.edu Green Magazine
in lieu of an increase in salary OR additional vacation 1515 New York Ave., N.W.
March 1, 20XX Washington, DC 20006
time OR flexible working hours OR telecommuting vclark@greenmag.com
once per week. Are any of these elements Mr. Johnathon P. Summers
negotiable? Summers Fruit Company Dear Ms. Clark:
1678 Plantation Road
Atlanta, GA 46201 I want to express my sincerest appreciation to you for including me
in the interview process as you seek candidates for your magazines
Dear Mr. Summers: Editorial Assistant position. I have enjoyed meeting with the
members of your staff and think you have an outstanding operation.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a level of risk Thank you for your offer of employment as a grower at your Fruit-
associated with negotiating. Negotiations ville, Florida site. I am delighted to accept your offer and look However, to confirm our telephone conversation of this morning, I
may fail leading to a decline of the offer. forward to beginning work with Summers Fruit Company. respectfully withdraw from consideration for your position. I have
just accepted another employment offer which I believe very closely
Keep in mind though that if research You indicated that I will be receiving a salary of $______ per year, matches my current skills and career goals.
supports your desired salary it is likely
and will have initial duties reporting to Andrea Caruso. As your offer
that you can obtain that salary elsewhere. stated, I will begin work on August 1st. In mid-July, after I wish you and the staff of Green Magazine the best of success. I
However, it is in UNETHICAL to renege relocating to the area, I will call you to see what information or hope we will have the chance to visit at the upcoming Magazine
Writers Conference. Thank you again for the opportunity to explore
materials I may need before August 1st. In the meantime, please
on an offer. If you accept an offer, you let me know if I can provide you with any information. career possibilities with your office.
should stop your job search and cancel
Again, thank you for offering me this exciting opportunity. Sincerely,
any scheduled interviews. If you would
like to continue your job search in hopes Sincerely, Amanda Vonn
of securing a higher salary, you should 1234 College Road
decline the offer and then proceed with Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540) 555-0000
your search.
Rebecca Atkinson avonn@vt.edu
77
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