Career Directions 2016 PDF

C A R E E R SERVIC E S 

Bus iness Building • O ffice #128 

215.951.1075 • email: careers@lasalle.edu 

Your guide to beginning your career journey 

Your second two years at La Salle is not only a culmination of your life as a student, it’s also the time you should start 

planning for what will hopefully be a long and successful journey to a fulfilling life after La Salle! That’s what Career 

Directions II is all about: helping you get a head start on your life as a “La Salle alum”. 

The best way to ensure the success of any voyage is careful planning. Ideally, you want to chart your course by having 

some idea of where you want to go. The third and fourth stages of Explore U continue the idea of charting your course 

so as to have a smooth job search to reduce stress and a sense of confusion upon graduation; juniors and seniors, you 

are at either one of those stages. 

Explore U 

Stage 1: Explore your potential – Freshman Year 

Your first step toward defining your academic and career goals will be to accurately assess your skills, interests, and 

values as well as explore your choice of majors and potential careers by: 

Taking a self-assessment such as Focus 2 or the Self-Directed Search 

Speaking with academic advisors about scheduling, available majors, and minors 

Consulting with a career counselor to find out how to make the most of your first two years 

Stage 2: Explore your possibilities – Sophomore Year 

You will continue to explore future career options, confirm your major, and learn about various experiential education 

opportunities. You will be encouraged to: 

Begin to define short, and long-term, career goals 

Talk with upperclassmen, alumni, and faculty about majors or minors 

Write a goals statement describing how your education connects to your future career 

Build your portfolio and resume 

Join on-campus clubs and organizations of personal interest and/or those affiliated with your major 

Stage 3: Explore through performance – Junior Year 

Learning beyond the classroom is a critical component to further defining your career goals, gaining practical 

experience, and enhancing your skills. You can accomplish these goals by: 

Participating in internships, co-ops, and summer jobs 

Participating in Career Services events, job fairs, on-campus recruiting, and workshops 

Considering study-abroad programs or travel/study courses 

Getting involved in volunteer experiences 

Join professional affiliations in accordance with your major 

Stage 4: Explore paths to your future – Senior Year 

As you refine what it means to be successful, you will also need to understand the steps necessary to achieve your postundergraduate 

goals, be they employment, graduate or professional school, or long-term volunteer work. As a senior, 

you will continue to: 

Refine your resume and hone your interview skills 

Connect with employers and investigate further educational options 

Build your network of career and personal contacts 

Prepare for your long-term career goals 

Copyright © 2016 La Salle University. All Rights Reserved.




Explorenet: La salle’s best kept secret 

Explorenet is our job posting and recruiting database. It can help you start your job search, participate in on-campus 

recruiting, search for job openings, and connect with employers and alumni. 

Getting into explorenet is easy! Simply log-in to your MyLaSalle Portal, click “tools” in the upper right-hand corner, and then 

click “explorenet”. You may be asked to complete your explorenet profile before proceeding to use explorenet’s features. 

Don’t worry, it should only take a minute! 

Finding and getting into explorenet 

To log-in to explorenet, first log-in to your MyLaSalle Portal, 

click “tools”, and then explorenet. 

Explorenet tabs and functions 

Home – View your newsfeed, check the status of a job/employer you are following, see upcoming on-campus interviews, 

and a variety of other career-related resources. 

Profile – This page contains your personal and academic information. Complete this sections and keep it updated so that 

we can send you targeted job postings. 

Documents – Upload and store your resumes, cover letters, transcripts, writing samples, and other documents you may 

need to apply to a job. 

Resources – Allows you to research careers using “Career Explorer”, take a short self-assessment to see what careers 

match your personality and strengths using “Career Finder”, view our office handouts in the “Document Library”, or ask 

for “Career Advice”. 

Jobs – Search for jobs, internships, and co-ops; these postings are both regular and on-campus recruiting opportunities. 

You can filter search criteria, use keyword searches, save searches, and favorite jobs – all to make the job search easier! 

You can track your applications and view jobs both within and outside of the Philadelphia region that are posted to the 

“NACElink Network”. 

Employers – Search for employers using the directory and favorite them for quick access. You can also search and favorite 

contacts that work in different organizations. 

Interviews – Allows you to view requested and scheduled interviews. 

Events – Find and RSVP to career-related events on campus. These include workshops, job fairs, information tables, 

information sessions, and more! 

Calendar – View the dates of job fairs, workshops, information tables, information sessions, resume submissions, oncampus 

recruitment/interviews, and more! 





Career counseling and self-assessment 

Career Counseling 

So you’ve heard that there are not any jobs for English majors or that Information Technology is a hot field right now? Do 

you think you need a biology degree to go to medical school? There is a lot of conflicting advice out there to sift through. 

The staff at Career Services is constantly researching new fields, developing new job leads, and talking to human 

resources professionals and graduate school admissions counselors. 

Being a La Salle student, you have the opportunity to meet with a Career Counselor for FREE as often as you need 

throughout your ENTIRE four years. We can help you with resumes, job search prep, cover letters, interviews, and so 

much more. Make an appointment on explorenet that best suits your available day and time! 

FOCUS 2 Self-Assessment 

The FOCUS 2 Self- Assessment is a web-based program that assesses your skills, interests, and values, and provides you 

with career options and information regarding salaries, statistics, and the kind of education needed to obtain such a 

career. Based upon your answers to a few quick surveys, FOCUS 2 statistically determines which fields you may be 

happiest in. 


On-Campus Recruiting 




Our on-campus recruiting brings the jobs to you – literally! Major corporations, companies, social service/non-profit 

organizations, and government agencies come to La Salle to interview students seeking internships and/or employment. 

The program is open to all students, but being able to apply to opportunities depends on what class level the employers are 

looking for. Different companies and industries recruit during different times of the year. Many of the on-campus recruiters 

seek students of any major for open positions. 

Here’s all you need to do 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have your resume reviewed and approved by a Career Counselor 

Sign-in to explorenet and complete your profile as well as upload your approved resume 

Check the link that says, “Campus interviews I qualify for” to see what is available to you 

Apply to each job in which you are interested 

If selected by the employer, select an interview time and show up 

IT’S THAT EASY! No travel, no transportation confusion, and no getting lost inside a giant building 

Interview Feedback 

A special feature of our on-campus recruiting program allows you to meet individually with a Career Counselor to find 

out how well you did during your interview(s). Feedback is provided by recruiters and we can discuss it with you via an 

appointment OR during walk-in hours from 1:00 – 3:00 Monday through Friday. 

The end is in sight: Evaluating and accepting offers 

Like everything else in the process, there are standards and etiquette that the insiders know. How are you supposed to 

learn them? We’ll tell you. 

When you evaluate an offer, take into account the salary, benefits, geography, advancement potential, corporate culture, 

and opportunities for further education. When you accept an offer, you have to let everyone else know that you’re off the 

market. How do you do that with tact? Accepting an offer should not be done lightly. Once you accept, you have an 

obligation to fulfill. So be sure it’s what you really want. Career Services can give you the guidance to handle any situation 

that comes your way. 


How to create your 30-second commercial 




This is a brief synopsis of your academic and work experience. It is the best way to respond to the question, 

“Tell me about yourself”. 

I am a __________________ at La Salle 

Undergraduate/Graduate Student 

University majoring in _______________. 

Major(s)/Concentration/Minor 

I am currently working/interning/have a 

rotation at __________________ as a 

Company 

__________________. 

Role 

You will use it under the following situations: 

• Introducing yourself at a networking event or Career Fair 

• For a Job Interview. (Modify your “commercial” to the 

needs of the job) 

• You unexpectedly meet someone in elevator, office, etc. 

I am responsible for: 

_______________________________. 

Briefly list major accountability expressed in terms of outcome 

Summary of prior experience, if relevant 

I bring three key strengths to each position I 

have held: 

a) _______________________________ 

b) _______________________________ 

c) _______________________________ 

I currently/will be looking for 

_________________________________ 

What do Employers Want 

to see? 

How are you supposed to know what an 

employer wants to see in a potential employee? 

The answer is actually quite easy to find: The job 

or internship posting lists the exact 

qualifications the employer is seeking. Work 

those industry keywords and phrases into your 

30 second commercial, resume and cover letter. 

Also, recruiters in a 2015 survey said they are 

most influenced by these attributes on college 

students’ resumes (in order): 

1. Experience. 60% of recruiters expect an 

internship; 40% expect any work experience (for 

seniors, recent grads) 

2. You held a leadership position. Employers are 

drawn to candidates who have taken the lead 

over people, events, or club operations, whether 

as an RA; club President, etc.; or more broadly, 

as a team leader who organized volunteer 

events, class projects, service trips, etc. 

3. Your major. Some employers require certain 

majors for internships and jobs. 

4. High GPA (3.0+). 

5. Involvement in extracurricular activities 

(sports, clubs, government associations), which 

help show you’ve honed “soft skills” 

(communication, teamwork, time-management) 

through well-rounded involvement outside of 

the classroom. 

Source: 2015 Job Outlook, National Association of 





Job Search Strategies: Step 1: Develop a Job Search 

Plan, Road Map To Success 

Having a solid plan will help you organize your thoughts about what 

you want in your career, what types of positions you are seeking 

and target the specific companies you wish to work for. It is a 

prerequisite to having either networking meeting, a career 

conversation meeting or an informational interview. If you are clear 

and concise when requesting job search assistance, the person you 

are contacting can be more responsive to your needs. They know 

what you are seeking and it makes their job much easier. If you 

approach one of the above meetings, open ended, the other person 

is confused and frustrated and does not know how to help you. 

E X A M PLE: 

I say to my friend, I am very hungry, what 

should I eat? (Open-ended) My friend will 

suggest a million things, not knowing what 

will hit the mark. On the other hand, if I say 

to my friend, I am hungry, I want to eat 

meat and I have limited time, what should I 

eat? (Specific and directional) My friend will 

probably suggest a fast food joint. 

So, you need to do your homework and 

research before you have a networking or 

career conversation meeting to convey to 

your contact that you know who you are 

and where you want to go. This will guide 

them in ways they can help you. In other 

words, you have to do all the ‘heavy-lifting’ 

and make it easy for them to help you. 

Refer to Hand out, 

Job Search Strategies: 2: Preparing for 

Your Networking Meeting 

Step 2: Preparing for and conducting a 

networking or career conversation meeting 

and /or an informational interview. 

Provide answers to the categories below, 

and you will have a solid job search plan. If 

you are not clear on your direction, then 

your career counselor can help you along 

your way to self- discovery. 


Networking: Cultivating Your Contacts 

Why Networking? And, why do I have to interview other individuals to find a job? 




One of the most effective ways to land a great job is by tapping the Hidden Job Market. This is a market of jobs that are not 

posted or advertised but ones that your network may know about. About 80% of jobs are not advertised; they are filled 

through networking, inside contacts, and word-of-mouth. Most students just go to Internet job posting sites and think that 

their job-searching is complete. Based on statistics, you need to rely on additional job seeking strategies. 

The key point is to grow your network. Your network is a group of individuals that can help with your job search and may 

know when opportunities in your field of interest become available. 

Top Tactics for Expanding Your Network and Successfully Penetrating the Hidden Job Market 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join industry related groups such as professional organizations, Meet-Ups, Chamber of Commerce, etc. Consider 

taking on a leadership role, join a committee or give a presentation 

Pay attention to the news: Stay on top of what is happening with companies on your target list, and who you 

may know who already works there 

Search Company “Careers” pages. Research and target companies you are interested in—a lot of companies will 

post on their own website and not go to external job boards or recruiters. 

Build and maintain relationships with job recruiters. Update your resume every few months and send them the 

latest version 

Place yourself in an online resume bank. If contacted you are not obligated to accept an interview. However. It is a 

good way to stay on top of your professional game. 

Use LinkedIn. Keep your profile fresh and up to date. Join LinkedIn groups, and participate in relevant LinkedIn 

discussions in your major. Personally invite individuals who you have recently met and /or who are in your desired 

field to connect. 

So now you are meeting new people through the tactics listed above. You are curious about their background, how they 

secured their job, and want to see if they know of any openings in your field, or if they can introduce you to others in your 

field. NEVER ASK ANYONE FOR A JOB! 

Here is a format you can use to conduct a successful informational interview 

- Call them on the phone, if they do not answer, leave a message, then follow- up by sending an email. 

- Introduce Yourself: (This is where your 30 second speech really comes in handy) 

Hello, my name is _____and I am a ____major at La Salle University. I will be graduating ________ and am looking to 

start a career in________. (_______has suggested that I contact you OR, I met you at________ OR, I found your profile 

when I was looking up Alumni who work in this _________ (field). 

Example: 

“I would like to set up an informational interview with you that should take no longer than 30 minutes. I appreciate your 

time and any insights you could provide. We could speak over the phone, in person in your office or meet for coffee. 

What day and time within the next few weeks are you available?” 


Networking: Informational Interview 




1. Attend and Start the meeting 

Repeat your phone intros, and/or use a version of your 30 second-commercial 

2. Begin by making small talk 

Here are several conversation starters: How was your weekend? What are your plans for this week? Provide 

commentary on the weather. If you are in person’s office, you may notice pictures, hobbies, etc. Ask them about 

what you noticed. 

3. Explain the purpose of the meeting 

I am interested in your profession, I would like to know more about your background, how you entered this 

profession, and about your current role. I would like to share my job search strategies (Elements of Your Career Plan) 

with you and get your feedback and suggestions on my next steps. 

4. Explain why you are looking for a job 

Provide a concise description of what you want to do, e.g. I am looking to enter the accounting field 

5. Explain why you are qualified 

Describe your top 3 strengths related to your field, e.g. I am Treasurer for 2 Campus Groups and have had 

accounting internships for the past 3 summers. I have learned to prepare individual income tax returns and fiduciary 

tax returns for estates and trusts, balance budgets, analyze and control inventory and prepare financial reports. 

6. Explain what results you have achieved that sets you apart from others 

What is unique about you? How do you differentiate yourself? E.g. I was the first in three years who balanced the 

budget and increased revenue for my fraternity. E.g. Saved 30% of my tax clients’ money on their returns. 

7. Informational Interview Questions you can ask (These are suggestions. You do not need to ask all these questions at 

once. Assess the pace of the interview and ask the relevant questions at the appropriate times) 

How did you get into this field…obtain your job? 

What is a typical day like in the job your presently hold? 

What are your responsibilities? 

What types of training do companies give to people entering the field? 

What aspects of a career in this field do you consider good….bad? 

What professional associations in this field can I join or visit? 

What is the market demand for people in this field? 

I would like to conduct more informational interviews, would you mind referring me to a few other people with who 

you think it would be interesting for me to talk? 

8. Show them your Career Plan and ask for guidance 

Are you aware of opportunities in my field? Especially the companies I am targeting. Can you provide me feedback 

on my resume and job search strategy. Could you introduce me to others who may know? 

9. Ask what you could do to help them 

During your small talk session listen to what are their needs, refer back to that and see if you could help. OR, just ask 

the question, “How can I be of help to you?” 

10. Close the session 

Thank you for your time and suggestions. Can I check back with you next week or so to see if you have other 

suggestions for me? 

11. PS: Do not leave session without at least contact information of another person that can potentially help you. 





LinkedIn: A Student’s Guide 

How to make your profile pop 

1) Use a Picture 

Upload a professional looking picture (i.e. dressed in business professional attire versus a selfie in your dorm room) and check to make 

sure your profile picture is not: blurry, dark, unflattering or cluttered. (See next page.) 

2) Add Groups 

You can belong to up to 50 groups on LinkedIn. Once you belong to a group, you can 

email any of its members. This will allow you to network with people who work in your 

desired field or in a new industry you’d like to enter. Join the LinkedIn groups of the 

professional organizations you already belong to. Students are also allowed to join the 

“La Salle University Alumni Network,” which will connect you to 6,000+ alumni. 

How do you find Groups? On the top of your profile where it says “People – 

Search”, click on the down arrow you’ll see a list of things for which you can search. 

Select “Groups” off the list. You can type words into the search box and click the 

little magnifying glass. Then you will see a list of groups. 

3) Proofread Your Profile 

Reread your profile out loud and have someone else look it over as a second set of eyes. 

Watch for typos, grammatical errors, and misspellings. 

 

 

 

 

W h y J o i n ? 

To find contacts for informational 

interviews by joining groups, such 

as the La Salle University Alumni 

Network (see next page). 

To discover job leads using 

LinkedIn’s jobs directory 

To research companies and 

connect with their employees 

To stay on top of news and events 

in a career or industry 

4) Invite People to Join Your Network 

Use the “Connect” button to invite coworkers, supervisors, peers, faculty, and family and friends to join 

your network. Write a message to each individual instead of the generic “I’d like to add you to my 

professional network” invite. If you have not been in contact with them recently, you can give them a 

quick update. At the end of your quick update you can note, “I’d like to keep in touch by adding you to 

my network on LinkedIn.” What if you don’t know who to invite? Start with the list that says “people 

you may know” which is located in the “Home” menu at the top of your profile pag e. 

5) Add Skills 

Under the Skills & Endorsements heading, you can add skills you possess. These are words and phrases that are pre-defined by LinkedIn. 

If you select yes to “I want to be endorsed,” your connections can endorse that skill. The more contac ts who backup your skill, the 

better it looks, and the higher that skill will rise to the top of that section. 

6) Ask for Recommendations 

Recommendations help potential employers trust that you are, in fact, that hard-working, trustworthy, and dependable employee you 

say you are. Collect recommendations from one or more of your bosses (from jobs, work-study positions, or leadership activities) on 

LinkedIn. Not comfortable asking your old boss to write you a recommendation? Ask a co -worker who knows your work or a client who 

can speak positively about an experience they have had working with you. 

7) Write a Recommendation for Someone Else 

Give recommendations for other people, but do not expect to always receive one back ( and don’t feel insulted if the person doesn’t 

recommend you as well.) 

“If you Aren’t on 

linkedIn, you 

very nearly 

don’t exist.” 

-- Jenny Foss, TheMuse.com writer, career 

strategist, and author of the popular 

career blog JobJenny.com 

8) Strengthen Your Summary Section 

Make sure to include noteworthy information: A bulleted list of your areas of 

expertise can be helpful for people scanning your profile. What sets you apart 

from other candidates in your field? What special skills or knowledge do you 

possess that will benefit potential employers? 

9) Ask or Answer a Question, or Post Information 

If you are member of groups, you can post a question for discussion, share 

information, or comment on a post. By doing this once or twice a week, you will 

raise your visibility (to employers and recruiters). Remember, if you post a 

question or comment, make sure your comments are relevant, positive, and 

accurate and that there are no typos or misspelled words. 





P i c t u r e & H e a d i n g Tips: 

 

 

 

 

When you create your LinkedIn profile, use 

your full name (no nicknames or first and 

middle name). 

Professional looking pictures are highly 

recommended, i.e. a suit or business 

professional attire. 

If you are interning or working in a relevant 

job, you should include the title and 

organization in your heading. 

Include La Salle University in your Education 

section so that it appears in your heading. 

Informational Interviewing is a helpful way to network with people in your field, as well as get answers to questions about your 

industry, learn more about a typical career path, and receive any suggestions the contact may have. Informational interviewing is not 

asking someone to get you a job. When you identify a LinkedIn member who is working in a position or an organization that you ’re 

interested in, you can send that individual a private message by clicking “Send a message.” 

What Should I Say? 

Introduce yourself and state how you found the person’s profile (through a group, th e organization’s profile, etc.) as well as the 

connection you may have with them (i.e. if it’s an alumni, you would state that you’re a La Salle student). Next, include why you’re 

writing to them. For example, if you’re looking to get an internship in their 

organization, you can state that you noticed they work for the 

organization and that you have a few questions you hope they 

would be willing to answer. 

Your message should be short, as the individual is taking the time to 

help you. You might even suggest meeting in person or talking over 

the phone if that is easier for them. Finally, include a few questions 

that you have, how the person can get in touch with you further 

(phone, email), and thank them for their time. 

How to request an Informational Interview through LinkedIn: 

S a m p l e 

Informational Interviewing 

Good afternoon, Mr. Brown. I am currently a junior at La Salle 

University majoring in Political Science. I recently joined the La 

Salle University Alumni Network, and found your profile when I 

was looking up alumni who work for the City of Philadelphia. 

I am looking to start a career in local government, and am 

impressed by your role in working for the Mayor’s Office of 

Grants. Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain 

experience in the local government? I interned for a local 

congressman’s campaign, and am in the process of applying for 

the Mayor’s Internship program. Also, what is a typical day like 

in your role? 

I sincerely appreciate any insight you can share. If meeting in 

person or speaking over the phone is easier for you, please let 

me know. Thank you again for your time. 

C o m m o n Q u e s t i o n s 

to a s k durin g A n 

i n f o r m a tional 

i n te r v i e w 

• What is a typical day like in your role? 

• Why did this type of work interest you, and 

how did you get started? 

• How did you get your job? 

• What jobs and experiences have led you to 

your present position? 

• Can you suggest some ways a student could 

obtain this necessary experience? 

• What are the various jobs in this field or 

organization? 

• What do you like most about this company? 

• What is a typical career path in this field or 

organization? 

• What part of this job do you personally find 

most satisfying? Most challenging? 

• What were the keys to your career 

advancement? 

• How did you get where you are and what are 

your long-range goals? 





Successful Interviewing 

Every interview follows a rather predictable pattern of 

conversation that proceeds according to this structure: 

Warm-up 

During the first few minutes of the interview, an employer 

will be making a first, lasting impression of you. How you 

greet the employer, the firmness of your handshake and the 

way you are groomed and dressed will all be a part of this 

initial impression. The interviewer may begin with “small 

talk” as a means of putting you at ease before moving into 

information exchange. 

Information Exchange 

This is the main part of the interview when you will be 

asked the most questions and learn the most about the 

employer. If you are prepared for the interview, you will be 

able to promote your qualifications effectively as you 

respond to questions. Practice your answers as much as 

possible so that your responses come easily to you and 

sound natural. If you try to create an answer on the spot, 

you are more likely to use distracting filler words, such as 

“like” and “um.” With practice, you will gain confidence and 

become more polished in your presentation. 

• Don’t be afraid of short pauses. You may need a 

few seconds to formulate an answer. The 

interviewer may need time to formulate an 

appropriate question. It is not necessary to fill up 

every second with conversation. 

• Limit your use of “filler” words and phrases such 

as, “Umm,” “Like,” or “You know what I mean?” 

Practicing your responses helps. 

Wrap-up 

As the interview is wrapping up, the employer will ask, “Do 

you have any questions?” Always ask at least one question 

because this demonstrates your prior research and interest 

in the job (e.g. “When can I expect to hear from you 

regarding a hiring decision?”). Do not ask about salary or 

benefits unless the employer brings them up first. 

The employer may also ask if you have anything you would 

like to add. Use the opportunity to thank the employer for 

the interview, summarize your qualifications, and reiterate 

your interest in the position. The last impression is as 

important as the first impression. 

Interview Tips 

Plan to arrive for your interview 10-15 

minutes prior to the appointed time. If 

you arrive earlier, go for a walk, get a cup 

of coffee, drive around the block, or sit in 

the lobby. Arriving too early confuses the 

employer and creates an awkward 

situation. By the same token, arriving 

late creates a bad first impression. Ask 

for directions when making arrangements 

for the interview, and add the company’s 

number into your cell ahead of time. 

Carry a portfolio notepad or a manila file 

folder labeled with the employer’s name. 

Bring extra resumes and a list of 

questions you need answered. You may 

refer to your list of questions to be sure 

you’ve gathered the information you 

need to make a decision. Do not divert 

your attention by taking notes during the 

interview. 

Be prepared to market your skills and 

experiences as they relate to the job 

described. Employers have problems 

that need to be solved by employees 

with particular skills; work to describe 

your qualifications appropriately. 

After the interview, take time to write 

down your impressions, remaining 

questions and information learned. If you 

are interviewing regularly, this will help 

you keep employers and circumstances 

clearly defined. 

Follow the interview with a thank-you 

letter. Employers regard this as evidence 

of your attention to detail, as well as an 

indication of your interest in the position. 

For tips on how to write a thank you 

letter, see our Job Search 

Correspondence handout (link). 





Co mmuni cate E ffectively . 

Because a job interview is a communication process, your skills will 

become more polished over time. It is helpful to remember the 

following: 

• Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and 

skills. Be professional, but don’t be afraid to let your personality 

shine through. 

• Listen carefully. You will need to remember what you learn about 

the job and make sure you are actually answering the question that 

was asked. 

• Be positive. Employers do not want to hear a litany of excuses or 

bad feelings about a negative experience. If you are asked about a 

low grade, a sudden job change, or a weakness in your background, 

don’t be defensive. Focus instead on the facts (briefly) and what 

you learned from the experience. 

• Pay attention to your nonverbal behavior. Smile when greeted, 

look the interviewer in the eye, sit up straight with both feet on 

the floor, control nervous habits (cracking knuckles, drumming 

fingers, etc.). 

Prepare For the Interview 

Study the job description or job posting. 

Then think about your most important milestones: projects, 

grades, presentations, and work experiences that make you 

proud and align with the job’s requirements. Use your best 

examples to concisely tell the story to the interviewer. 

Additionally, here are common attributes that many 

companies look for. Think through your activities and 

experiences and identify those you can use to show you have 

these attributes: 

Strong communicator 

Adaptable/flexible 

Able to work in teams 

Self-directed/motivated 

Demonstrates honesty 

and integrity 

Goal-oriented 

Strong follow-through 

Practice your answers. 

Employers believe the best predictor of future behavior is 

recent past behavior. Ex: Do you know someone who is always 

late to class? What’s the likelihood she’ll also be late to work? 

That’s the principle of “behavioral-based interviewing,” a 

common interviewing technique. Interviewers want to get a 

picture of how you behaved in a recent situation because it 

will help them determine how you’ll behave in a similar 

situation on the job. Answering such questions requires a good 

deal of preparation and insight into what employers are 

looking for. Think about situations where you performed well, 

achieved positive results, or had a positive impact on the 

situation. Practice these anecdotes until you are comfortable 

with them. 

Information courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers 

S T A R M e thod 

Behavioral questions are the norm in 

most interviews. Prepare and organize 

your response to behavioral questions 

using the STAR method: 

S i tu a t i o n – Explain the situation 

in detail. Was it a class team? What 

was the project? What was difficult 

about the project? Illustrate (briefly) 

the situation or problem that needed 

solving. 

T a s k – Explain the task that needed 

to be completed or goal you were 

working toward. 

A c tion – What did YOU do to pull 

the team together? What specific 

action did you take? Don’t talk about 

what “we” did or “they” did. Talk 

about your role in the situation and 

describe what you specifically did to 

address the situation or problem. 

R e s u l t * – Discuss the outcome of 

the project or team. Did the team 

succeed? How did you know the team 

was successful? Don’t forget to talk 

about the outcomes, whether 

quantitative or qualitative. 

*LEARNING – If you are asked 

about a situation in which you 

weren’t successful, talk about 

what you learned, how you 

modified your behavior, and how 

you’ve incorporated this lesson 

into your routine. 


C o mmon INTERVI E W 

Q UESTI ON S Employers As k 

1. Tell me about yourself. 

2. What do you consider your greatest strengths? 

…weaknesses? Give specific examples of each, when you 

address your weakness discuss how you are working to 

improve it. 

3. What are your long-range and short-range goals or 

objectives and how are you preparing to achieve them? 

4. How has your college experience prepared you for your 

career? 

5. What lead you to select your major (or field)? 

6. *Describe a situation when you went above & beyond 

your assigned tasks to complete a project or assignment. 

7. What does it mean to you to be a member of a team? 

8. *Describe a time when you took a leadership role as a 

member of a group or team. 

9. What have you learned from participation in student 

organizations/volunteer groups/community activities? 

10. What major problem have you encountered and how did 

you deal with it? 

11. *Give me an example of how you convinced your 

supervisor to assign you a specific project. 

12. *Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a 

difficult customer/co-worker/team member. 

*Behavioral questions, which draw upon your real-life 

experiences. 

 

 

 

 




Add i tional Ti p s 

Make sure your responses are clear and 

concise. Watch the interviewer’s body 

language. If he/she seem uninterested, 

wrap up your answer. 

If you can’t think of an answer, say so. 

Don’t try to bluff your way through 

because the interviewer will know it. 

The best candidates are able to speak to 

everything on their resume. 

Use Career & Employment Services to 

practice sample questions and participate 

in mock interview sessions. 

Information courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers 





Job search checklist 

Looking for a job can be stressful and confusing, especially without a plan or course of action in mind. This list is a great 

place to start after you have picked a career direction in which you are interested in. 

I can name two to three job titles/position types that I plan to pursue. 

I have researched potential career fields: typical entry-level jobs, typical salaries, best geographic area 

for my chosen career path, etc. 

I have identified 10 potential employers for the type of work I’m seeking. 

I have had my resume/cover letter reviewed by a Career Services counselor. 

I have developed my 30-second elevator pitch/speech for short encounters with employers. 

I have identified 3 individuals who can serve as professional references. 

I have prepared for interviews by practicing my responses to typical questions and/or made an 

appointment for a mock interview with Career Services. 

I log-on to explorenet, check the site at least once every week for openings, and have uploaded my 

resume. 

I have a LinkedIn profile that I actively use and is completed with up-to-date information. 

I have targeted specific employers and contacted them for informational interviews. 

I have made a networking circle of personal and professional contacts and keep in-touch with them. 

I have a list of websites that I check for job openings. 

I have a system for keeping track of my contacts, interviews, and other job search activities. 

I follow-up each application with a phone-call or email to the employer requesting a job 

interview/application status. 

I send thank-you letters or emails to every person with whom I interview. 

I have reviewed my social media presence to be sure it appropriately represents the professional 

image and brand intend to project. 





Quick tips on how to handle a job fair 

Before the fair 

Have an organized and proofread resume prepared and ready to distribute 

Don’t try to be overly creative – no fancy fonts or language 

Do your research and know what employers will be there 

Identify those you definitely want to meet 

Have knowledge of their services and prepare specific questions related to their organization 

Prepare a 30-second “commercial” or “elevator pitch” about you that will… 

Introduce yourself, your major, the type of position you are seeking, and why you are interested in 

that employer 

Tell all employers how you will help them! 

During the fair 

Target employers you wish to speak to – remember, the more you approach, the better your chances 

of success! 

Don’t limit yourself to just your major area 

Let employers know you’re truly interested by asking follow-up questions such as… 

What is the next step in the process? What does the hiring process look like? 

May I have your business card? 

How can I follow up on opportunities with your organization? 

What courses/opportunities can I invest in to be successful with your organization/industry? 

Make a great first impression! Employers are looking for… 

Professional appearance that projects confidence 

Eye contact and smiles that convey a positive attitude 

Good verbal skills that express enthusiasm 

What you should NOT do during the fair 

Don’t fumble for your resume or chew gum 

Don’t monopolize the employer’s time 

Don’t ask about salary or benefits 

Tip 

Plan your attack 

Review the employer 

directory, index, and 

table layout map 

After the fair 

Send a follow-up (i.e. Thank you) note or email to the reps with whom you spoke 

Don’t be afraid to follow-up by telephone if you have a strong interest in the employer 

Check out employers’ websites for specific openings or to create your personal profile. 





How to create your “brand” 

While you may not be Nike, Disney, or Apple, who you are and how you come across to others are really important in 

being successful. Our personal brands are in the spotlight everyday for everyone to see online. Are you putting your best 

foot forward? Maybe it’s time for some personal branding. 

1. Define your brand and become an expert. Take time to do some soul searching and determine exactly who you are 

and what makes up your brand. Use words such as collaborative, resourceful, flexible, forward-thinking, visionary, 

diplomatic, enterprising, etc., to describe your persona, culture, and outlook. Whether you are looking to garner 

media attention, attract new clients, or build your business, you should focus on becoming an expert in your field. 

Avoid establishing an expertise that’s irrelevant to your mission, goals, and vision. 

2. Generate brand awareness through networking. Networking is one of the best ways to get known in the industry. 

3. Remember the 3 C’s of branding. Clarity, consistency, constancy. Be clear in who you are and are not. Express your 

brand across all communication mediums. Determine where you want to fit in (niche of expertise) and then remain 

visible to your target audience. 

4. Get feedback from those who know you best – at work, home, anywhere. The true measure of your brand is the 

reputation others hold of you in their hearts and minds. Notice how they introduce you to others. Ask them what 

your top brand attributes and core strengths are that make you, you. If they can easily tell you, then you’ve 

successfully branded you. 

Adapted from an excerpt on AICPA’s website: http://www.aispa.org/interestareas/youngcpanetwork/resources/career/pages/ 

Personal Mission Statement, Vision, and Goals 

Most companies and organizations have what is called a mission statement. Mission statements are designed to provide 

directions and thrust to an organization. A mission statement explains the organization’s reason for being. While a personal 

mission statement is different, the core elements are the same. Such a statement helps job seekers identify their beliefs 

and values so that they can identify, and apply to jobs at, organizations with similar beliefs and values. Basically, it’s a 

statement about who you are and what success looks like to you. 

Writing your personal mission statement 

1. Identify past successes 

‣ 4-5 examples of personal success within the past 10 years; these can be at home, work, community, etc. 

2. Identify core values 

‣ List 10-15 of your attributes (need help? Google “attribute list”) that identify who you are and your priorities 

‣ Once you complete that list, narrow it down to 5 to be of the most focus 

3. Identify contributions 

‣ Identify ways in which you made a difference/contributed to the world, family, work, friends, community 

‣ Identify ways in which you can make a difference/contribute to the world, family, work, friends, community 

4. Identify goals 

‣ List your priorities in life 

‣ List 2-3 short term goals (up to three years) 

‣ List 2-3 long-term goals (beyond three years) 

5. Write your mission statement based upon above four steps and answers 

Remember that a mission statement is not meant to be written once and blasted into stone. You 

should set aside some time annually to review your career, job, goals, and mission statement — and 

make adjustments as necessary. 

Adapted from https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/creating-personal-mission-statements 





Graduate & professional school 

You might be wondering...should I go to graduate school? Do I have to take the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, Praxis, or PECT 

(for PA teachers)? When do I take those exams? How do I prepare? How much do they cost? 

Just like applying and analyzing career options, this may seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Career Services isn’t just 

about jobs, it’s about preparing your for whatever you do after you leave La Salle, be it law school, medical school, or some 

other graduate program. Make an appointment to talk about these options. 

We offer FREE practice tests through our partner organizations! 

KAPLAN: sign up for a live online practice test that you can take from home. Test dates are available at various times. They 

offer practice exams of MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE, NCLEX, DAT, OAT, PCAT 

Check www.kaptest.com for details. 

THE PRINCETON REVIEW: sign up for an online or in-person practice test. They offer practice exams of GRE, GMAT, 

MCAT, and LSAT. Registration for both online and in-person tests can be done through www.princetonreview.com. 

Drafting a statement of purpose/personal statement 

Typically, a statement of purpose contains the answers to these questions: 1) why this discipline? 2) why this program? 

3) why this college/university? 4) what do you intend to do with this degree? However, do check the admissions 

requirements as statements can differ from school to school. 

Know what the admissions officers are seeking: Don’t make assumptions about your graduate school personal statements. 

Many programs simply as you to submit a personal statement without any further information. Other programs will tell you 

what to write and ask you questions that they want to be answered by you. Another tip? STICK TO their length 

requirements. Long essays tend to be skimmed instead of read – write the essentials in a succinct manner. 

Personal, personal, personal: Your personal statement should be about you as an individual. Write about issues, thoughts, 

and experiences only if they relate specifically to your personal experiences. 

Keep your anecdotes focused on your life after you began college: Omit stories and experiences from childhood through 

high school if possible. Since graduate programs are for professionals, writing about your childhood is more appropriate for 

an undergraduate essay than one for graduate school. If you feel as though you must include something from your 

childhood, use it as the starting sentence of your concluding paragraph. 

Know your program and make connections: Among applicants who meet the program’s minimum requirements, they’ll 

choose an enthusiastic and informed applicant over one with higher test scores that does not know much about the 

program. In your essay, write about professors in the programs whose work interests you and why. Think about things that 

genuinely draw you to the school and program. Does it have a close-knit college campus? Is it located in the heart of a city? 

Finally, finish with a strong statement about why the school is your top pick (this doesn’t necessarily mean that the school is 

your only pick). 

Adapted from: https://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools/write-graduate-school-essay.aspx 

Brainstorm 

What attracts you to the field? 

What were your biggest successes at work and undergrad school? 

Think of a few stories of your work in the field. How did they go? 

What/who inspired you? 

What were some pivotal moments during your college/working career? 

What motivates you? 


Graduate & professional school timeline 

May (your junior year or 1 year before intended start date) 

Begin researching potential schools; request more information. 

See which admission exam(s) are needed in order to apply. 

Take a free admissions exam practice test – GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT. 

Write drafts of your statement of purpose. 




Summer (before your senior year or 10-12 months before intended start date) 

Sign up for a admissions exam prep course. 

Think money. Check with the schools in which you are researching on their tuition, scholarships and award 

packages, Graduate Assistant positions, fellowships, and more. 

Create a list of 3-4 schools of most interest and visit each campus. Applying to online programs close to home? Still 

try to visit the campus and speak with professors to knock down the Internet barrier. 

August 

 

 

 

Take your entrance exam of choice. At this point, you can take it again if needed. 

Continue going on campus tours and speaking with faculty/staff. 

Check application deadlines. 

September 

Meet with current or old professors that you worked closely with or worked for – make sure they know and 

understand your skills, abilities, and work ethic. Ask them to write letters of recommendation. 

If necessary, register to take the November GRE or other entrance exam. 

Continue drafting and polishing your statement of purpose. Have others read it to give you constructive feedback 

and proofreading tips. 

October 

Request official transcripts from your current or undergraduate institution. 

Send those that will be your references your resume, personal statement, etc.; it will aid them in writing their 

letter of recommendation for you. 

November 

Ensure you have all the materials you need to submit a comprehensive application to the school(s) you chose. 

Create a plan of action as to when you’ll apply to each school in accordance with their application deadlines. 

Winter 

 

 

 

Spring 

 

 

 

Complete and submit all applications (most are due between January and March. Keep all copies and email 

correspondences for your records. 

Verify that letters of recommendation have been sent & received by each school. 

Fill out the FAFSA. Keep in mind that all graduate students are considered independent for federal aid calculations. 

Compare and contrast the offers you receive. This goes for price, academics, and whether or not you can receive a 

Graduate Assistantship or fellow position. 

Look into alternative loan programs if the financial aid package you receive is not enough. 

Accept a school/program and get ready for a higher-level learning experience to further your education and career 

options! 





Resume: Purpose & Tips 

A resume is a 1-page highlight of your education, experiences, and skills to 

grab the employer’s attention and get you the interview. With that said: 

Put your best — most relevant — material first 

The purpose of your resume is to convince employers that you are a 

good fit for their job or internship opening and can contribute to their 

company. As you write your resume, ask yourself, “What will the 

employer care to know?” Employers care most about what you can 

offer them. Lead with your best stuff. The top third of your resume 

should include material most relevant to the job or industry you’re 

looking to enter. For college students, this often means starting with 

an EDUCATION section that lists your college and degree, followed by 

an EXPERIENCES heading that includes related internships, jobs, or 

class projects that show you’ve already gained exposure to, or had 

success in executing, the position’s requirements. Beyond that, add in 

leadership roles, activities, or part-time jobs that will give the 

employer confidence in your ability to contribute positively to their 

team or company, as an intern or beyond. (See the box, right) 

Stick to 1 page 

Employers scan each resume in just 6 seconds. It should be a snapshot 

of your best stuff, not your entire life’s bio! Editing to one page allows 

your most impressive work to pop and conveys to the employer that 

you understand what material is most significant to them and the job. 

Can’t make it work? See page 7, How to Format & Get to 1 Page. 

Create multiple versions, tailoring each to the job 

If you are applying to many different job titles at once, create 

different modified versions of your resume. For instance, if you are 

applying to a part-time restaurant job, you would put your Waiter 

position first because that’s what restaurant managers will care most 

about. But if the very next day you applied to an Information 

Technology Internship, you’d create a new resume placing your oncampus 

IT Help Desk role first and bumping down the Waiter position. 

Keep a long-form resume document (titled “Resume-Everything”) to 

collect ALL of your experiences or accomplishments. Then, create targeted 

1 page resumes by pulling out only the most pertinent items—a selection 

that will change based on the job you’re applying to! 

What do Employers 

Want to see? 

How are you supposed to know what an 

employer wants to see on your resume? 

The answer is actually quite easy to find: 

The job or internship posting lists the 

exact qualifications the employer is 

seeking. Work those industry keywords and 

phrases into your resume and cover letter. 

Also, recruiters in a 2015 survey said they 

are most influenced by these attributes on 

college students’ resumes (in order): 

1. Experience. 60% of recruiters expect 

an internship; 40% expect any work 

experience (for seniors, recent grads) 

2. You held a leadership position. 

Employers are drawn to candidates 

who have taken the lead over people, 

events, or club operations, whether as 

an RA; club President, etc.; or more 

broadly, as a team leader who 

organized volunteer events, class 

projects, service trips, etc. 

3. Your major. Some employers require 

certain majors for internships and jobs. 

4. High GPA (3.0+). 

5. Involvement in extracurricular 

activities (sports, clubs, government 

associations), which help show you’ve 

honed “soft skills” (communication, 

teamwork, time-management) through 

well-rounded involvement outside of 

the classroom. 

Source: 2015 Job Outlook, National Association of 

Colleges & Employers (NACE) 

Before you start. 

You will need to submit both a Resume and Cover Letter to apply to 

most jobs and internships. See our Cover Letter handout for guidance 

and to understand the difference between both documents. 

Create or revise an existing LinkedIn profile, and include a professional 

“headshot” photo. Make sure nothing conflicts with the information on 

your resume 

Create your resume 

Record a professional voicemail, such as: “You have reached [Name], 

I’m sorry I cannot take your call right now. Please leave a message, and 

I will get back to you as soon as possible.” 

Delete all negative posts or pics from social media 

(Twitter, FB), such as mentions of drinking or 

complaints about work or a boss, etc. Over 75% of 

employers will Google you, knowing if they hire 

you, everything you post or have ever posted on 

social media will also represent their company! 

Inform your 3 references that you are job searching 

and confirm that you can give out their contact 

information (if the hiring manager asks, usually 

after the interview stage). 





How to Create Your Resume 

#1. Start by opening a blank Microsoft Word page 

• Use a professional and legible font (Times New Roman, Trebuchet MS, 

Calibri, Garamond) at 10-12 point. If your font is too small and 

recruiters struggle to read it, they simply won’t bother. 

• Under Page Layout, select Margins > Normal (1”), or if you need more 

room: Narrow (.5”). 

• Keep it simple! You only need to know how to use the Tab key, create 

bullets, and make easy font changes (bold, italic, all caps). That’s it! 

For more formatting tips, see page 7 How to Format & Get to 1 Page. 

Stick closely to the format we suggest in this handout. Resumes follow a 

common layout for a reason—so employers can easily locate the 

information they need. Don’t make it hard on them! 

D O N O T … 

… use a Word template or tables, as they may 

not be compatible with employers’ online 

application systems. 

… use pronouns (I, me) on your resume, but do 

use them in your cover letter. 

… include high school on your resume after your 

sophomore year of college. 

… list interests or hobbies. 

… include a photo. 

… write “References Available Upon Request” or 

include them. Employers will ask for your 

references at the appropriate time (not until 

after the interview stage). 

YOUR NAME 

1 Ben Franklin Drive • Philadelphia, PA 19104 

name@student.lasalle.edu • 215.123.4567 

linkedin.com/fullname 

EDUCATION 

La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA 

Bachelor of Arts 

Major: Communication; Concentration: Public Relations 

• GPA: 3.74 (Major); 3.65 (Overall) 

• Awards: Dean’s List: Fall 20XX 

EXPERIENCE 

Media Company, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 

Public Relations Intern 

• Assisted in event preparation, registration and ‘day-of’ 

logistics for four signature events 

• Increased Twitter followers by 40% in 1 year 

Other unique headings. While the headings in item #3 are recommended, 

you may add or substitute one or two headings depending on your major or 

the unique experiences you’ve had at La Salle. Some options are: 

#2. Add your name & contact info 

Write your name at the top of the page in all 

caps, bold and/or bigger font (14+ point) to 

stand out. Align left, right, or centered. 

• Include your address, using the one closest 

to the job you’re applying to (if a summer 

job at home, use your parents’ address). 

• Include the best e-mail and phone number 

to reach you. Use your La Salle email or 

create a simple mikejones@gmail.com. Be 

professional; no beerpongchamp@aol.com. 

• Include LinkedIn only if it is updated and 

represents you positively. 

#3. Create 4-5 headings to group items 

To neatly organize your resume, you will group 

your education, experiences, and activities into 

4-5 section headings, explained in detail below. 

To make them stand out, use bold and all caps. 

Popular headings we highly recommend are: 

• EDUCATION 

• EXPERIENCE 

• LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES 

• SKILLS 

• VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE - if you’re dedicated to 

volunteering/service and want to make this section stand out 

• HONORS & AWARDS - if you have a long list of awards to highlight; 

otherwise, put awards in bullets under EDUCATION 

• MEMBERSHIP - if you belong to professional organizations 

• ATHLETICS - if you are a Division I athlete or team captain, or you can 

include under the LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES section 

• RESEARCH EXPERIENCE – only if relevant to your field 

• English/Com majors might have a PUBLICATIONS heading 

• Education majors: FIELD PLACEMENT and PRACTICUM headings 

• Nursing majors: CLINICAL ROTATIONS and CERTIFICATIONS sections 

• Science majors: an optional LABORATORY EXPERIENCE heading 

• Computer science/IT majors: a detailed TECHNICAL SKILLS section 

M o s t relev a n t to 

l e a s t 

Arrange headings so that the 

material most directly relevant 

to your desired job appears 

first, at the top. THEN, within 

each heading, list items in 

reverse chronological order 

(present to past). 


Breakdown of Resume headings 




EDUCATION 

The EDUCATION heading typically comes first for students and recent graduates since it is your degree that has prepared you the most, 

up to this point, for the internship or entry-level job. Use this example to set up your education section. List your degrees in reverse 

chronological order, starting with the most recent (Master, Bachelor, and then Associate) . 



Major: Computer Science; Minor: Business Administration 

• GPA: 3.70 (Major) 3.58 (Overall) 

• Dean’s List: Fall 20XX-Present 

• Alpha Epsilon Honor Society (20XX-Present) 

Relevant Coursework: 

Data Communications Networks 

Data Structures and Algorithms 

LAN Administration 

Computer Architecture 

Operating Systems 

Digital Electronics 

• Know the name of your degree. Are you getting a Bachelor 

of Science or Bachelor of Arts? For instance, business 

students receive a Bachelor of Science in Business 

Administration, Major: Marketing [Accounting, Finance, etc.]. 

• Date: Your future graduation date should be along the right 

margin and worded as ‘Expected May 20XX’. 

• GPA: include only if above a 3.0. You may also list the GPA of 

your major if it is higher than your overall GPA. 

• Awards/Honors: here you can include Dean’s List, honors 

societies, or you can create a new heading. 

• Coursework (include course names, not numbers) is optional 

and only recommended if you do not have relevant 

internship or work experience. 

Experience 

This heading may also be called: RELEVANT EXPERIENCE – or replace the word “relevant” with your industry (ex: MARKETING 

EXPERIENCE, HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE) – INTERNSHIPS, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, WORK EXPERIENCE 

Include all internships (paid or unpaid), jobs (part-time, student worker positions, etc.) AND experiences you have gained that are 

relevant to your major or the industry you’re applying to. Relevant experience includes MUCH more than just paid work, such as: 

Internships paid or unpaid 

Research projects (ex: a semester-long 

research project, business proposal, 

Bankers’ Day) – optional; include only if 

it allows you to display skills you’ve 

gained relevant to your industry 

Volunteer positions related to the 

industry; ex: you volunteered as a Tutor 

and are applying to teaching positions; 

you organized a fundraising event and 

want to go into non-profit fundraising 

Leadership roles and on-campus 

activities can go here if you executed 

responsibilities related to your field (i.e. 

you are a Finance major and managed 

your club’s budget as Treasurer) 

If unrelated to your field, place these in LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES (see below) 

Follow this format for every experience you list: 

Company Name, Philadelphia, PA 

Position Title 

January 20XX – Present 

• Add 3-5 bullets stating what you accomplished in the role, focusing on results. Think about the outcomes of your 

efforts, such as: “Planned fundraiser event that drew 500 people and raised $1,500 for cancer research” and skip the 

part where you “Cleaned up after the event.” Don’t list basic job tasks. 

• Start each bullet with a strong verb (see page 6 Action Verbs for Bullets). Avoid the dull “Responsible for” and 

lead with the powerful verb. Ex: Responsible for executing a marketing plan Executed a marketing plan. 

• Use numbers to bring your bullets to life. Saying you “Sold products” isn’t impressive, but adding that you 

“increased sales 30%” is. Ask yourself how much, how many, how often and sprinkle in numbers where it makes 

sense. It adds little to say you presented to an audience of 5, but if the audience was 200 people, add that in! 

T O P 1 0 W O R D S 

E M P L O Y E R S W A N T 

TO S E E O N Y O U R 

R E S U M E : 

1. Achieved 

2. Improved 

3. Trained/mentored 

4. Managed 

5. Created 

6. Resolved 

7. Volunteered 

8. Influenced 

9. Increased/decreased 

10. Ideas 

Source: CareerBuilder Survey, 2014 





The Order. 

Within each section, list your positions 

in reverse chronological order, starting 

with your current or most recent 

position, working backward. 

Ideally, your most recent experience 

will also be the most relevant to your 

major or industry. But what if it’s not? 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

What if your current job is unrelated to your field? As 

we discussed earlier, it is imperative to put relevant 

experiences to your major/industry first so they are the 

first thing employers see. But sometimes, arranging 

items in reverse chronological order puts a part-time job 

first and bumps down an important internship. See our 

problem and solution to the right. 

P r o b l e m S C E N A R I O : 

You work part time as a Cashier, but you had a Publishing 

Internship last summer. Reverse chronological order places 

the Cashier job first, but you know editors will care more 

about your publishing experience. You’re stuck! 

T H E s o l u t i o n : 

Split your experiences into two headings. Then within each 

heading, arrange the items in reverse chronological order: 

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE for experiences, activities, or projects 

directly related to the industry you’re looking to enter. You 

might replace the word “Relevant” with the field or industry 

(ex: HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE, NONPROFIT EXPERIENCE) 

WORK EXPERIENCE section for all other paid jobs 

LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES 

This heading can also be called: EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE, ACTIVITIES 

Include leadership roles, activities, volunteer events, and club membership. You are allowed some flexibility in the way you decide to 

structure this section. Here is our suggested layout (the position title in italics, organization name, dates to the right, which can be 

written as semesters, and no spaces in between roles). This section can look different from the sections above, as long as yo u: 

• Stay consistent within each section and list items in reverse chronological order. 

• Use bullets ONLY under titles, positions, or organizations that are relevant to your industry or noteworthy. You do not need 

bullets to explain that you simply attended meetings. 

Secretary of Public Relations, Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania 

Fall 20XX – Present 

• Promote involvement and manage communication between students by creating flyers, portal announcements, and 

sending out emails to members 

• Planned Heart Health week, a university-wide fitness competition that drew 120 participants and motivated them to 

eat healthy, drink water, and walk daily 

Member, La Salle Rugby Club 

Fall 20XX – Spring 20XX 

Fundraiser/Volunteer, Philadelphia Race for the Cure 

Spring 20XX 

• Raised $500 in sponsorship from local businesses and participated in annual race that supports lung cancer research 

SKILLS 

Only add skills that an employer in your industry would care about and that you are very confident with or fluent in. Include a social 

media section only if it’s relevant to your industry (Com, Marketing, DArt) AND you are proud of your personal social media accounts. 

• Ask yourself: “If I had to use this application my first day on the job, could I use it comfortably?” Or “If I am asked in the 

interview to speak in that language, could I do so without hesitation?” 

Computer: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Adobe Photoshop, 

Adobe Premier, Adobe InDesign, Constant Contact, Mail Chimp 

Social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr 

Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish; Intermediate French (reading, speaking, writing) 

S a v e 

& 

S E N D 

Save as a PDF titled: Last Name, First Name, Company Name-Resume (File > Save As > next to “Save as type” scroll down 

to PDF) so that your resume looks consistent whether opened on a PC or Mac. Don’t leave it titled Ge neric Resume. 

If the job posting links to an online application, follow the directions exactly. If it says to email your application materials, 

copy and paste your Cover Letter – starting with Dear [Hiring Manager’s name] – into the body of the email and attach 

your resume (as a PDF). Title the email Subject: Application for [Job Title]. 





Action Verbs for Bullets 

Accomplished 

Achieved*** 

Attained 

Completed 

Developed 

Executed 

Finished 

Gained 

Generated*** 

Implemented 

Improved*** 

Increased/Decreased*** 

Installed 

Launched*** 

Maximized 

Performed 

Prevented 

Produced 

Programmed 

Reached 

Realized 

Resolved*** 

Secured 

Settled 

Simplified 

Solved 

Streamlined 

Won*** 

Communication skills 

Addressed 

Advertised 

Answered 

Briefed 

Clarified 

Corresponded 

Conveyed 

Debated 

Edited 

Explained 

Expressed 

Facilitated 

Interpreted 

Interviewed 

Lectured 

Listened 

Narrated 

Pitched 

Prepared 

Presented 

Promoted 

Recorded 

Responded 

Spoke 

Wrote 

Created/Developed 

Acted 

Adapted 

Authored 

Blogged 

Brainstormed 

Composed 

Conceived 

Corrected 

Created*** 

Designed 

Developed 

Devised 

Discovered 

Drafted 

Eliminated 

Encouraged 

Expanded 

Facilitated 

Formulated 

Generated 

Improved 

Influenced 

Initiated 

Innovated 

Instituted 

Introduced 

Invented 

Launched*** 

Modified 

Originated 

Perceived 

Performed 

Pitched (ideas) 

Proofread 

Publicized 

Published 

Revamped 

Revised 

Shaped 

Solved 

Customer service skills 

Accommodated 

Aided 

Assisted 

Attended to 

Catered 

Delivered 

Eased 

Ensured 

Facilitated 

Fostered 

Furnished 

Helped 

Listened 

Maintained 

Provided 

Serviced 

Waited 

Leadership skills 

Administered 

Advised 

Advocated 

Arbitrated 

Bargained 

Bolstered 

Carried Out 

Coordinated 

Directed 

Encouraged 

Expedited 

Handled 

Influenced*** 

Intervened 

Mediated 

Managed*** 

Motivated 

Negotiated*** 

Operated 

Oversaw 

Persuaded 

Ran 

Reconciled 

Recommended 

Recruited 

Resolved*** 

Solved 

Supervised 

Trained 

Organizational skills 

Administered 

Arranged 

Assembled 

Balanced 

Cataloged 

Classified 

Collected 

Compiled 

Composed 

Coordinated 

Correlated 

Detailed 

Developed 

Directed 

Facilitated 

Gathered 

Identified 

Modified 

Obtained 

Orchestrated 

Ordered 

Oversaw 

Planned 

Prepared 

Prioritized 

Processed 

Programmed 

Ranked 

Recorded 

Revamped 

Revised 

Scheduled 

Streamlined 

Structured 

Tabulated 

Updated 

People skills 

Addressed 

Advised 

Advocated 

Assessed 

Assisted 

Cared for 

Coached 

Comforted 

Conducted 

Consulted 

Coordinated 

Cultivated 

Demonstrated 

Educated 

Enabled 

Encouraged 

Enlightened 

Established 

Exercised 

Explained 

Fostered 

Guided 

Implemented 

Influenced 

Informed 

Inspired 

Instructed 

Interpreted 

Intervened 

Lectured 

Listened 

Maintained 

Mentored*** 

Motivated 

Nurtured 

Observed 

Perceived 

Promoted 

Read 

Reinforced 

Restored 

Saved 

Shared 

Spoke 

Substituted 

Stimulated 

Taught 

Trained*** 

Validated 

Volunteered*** 

Problem-solving skills 

Adapted 

Adjusted 

Analyzed 

Assessed 

Briefed 

Clarified 

Classified 

Compared 

Computed 

Corrected 

Correlated 

Critiqued 

Debated 

Defined 

Delineated 

Detected 

Determined 

Diagnosed 

Dissected 

Eliminated 

Evaluated 

Examined 

Identified 

Inspected 

Integrated 

Interpreted 

Interviewed 

Investigated 

Mapped 

Monitored 

Observed 

Perceived 

Ranked 

Reasoned 

Researched 

Reviewed 

Screened 

Scanned 

Solved 

Studied 

Summarized 

Surveyed 

Verified 

Sales skills 

Canvassed 

Convinced 

Closed (sales) 

Built 

Fundraised 

Generated 

Increased*** 

Pitched 

Persuaded 

Produced 

Prospected 

Raised (funds, money) 

Secured 

Sold 

Solicited 

Won*** 

Teamwork skills 

Advised 

Bolstered 

Collaborated 

Contributed 

Consulted 

Combined 

Cooperated 

Enlisted 

Facilitated 

Fostered 

Joined 

Liaised 

Mediated 

Participated 

Partnered 

Supported 

Sustained 

Worked together 

***These verbs made the top 15 list of words that hiring managers want to see on your resume —additional words include revenue/profits, 

under budget, and ideas. Career Builder, 2014, The Best and Worst Words to Have on Your Resume 





How to Format & Get to 1 Page 

MARGINS. The default is Normal (1”). 

For more space, under PAGE LAYOUT, 

select Margins > Narrow (.05”). 

FONT. Stick with a highly legible font 

(Times New Roman, Calibri) at 10-12 

point. No lower than 10. 

SYMBOLS. To break up text go to 

the INSERT tab, Symbol to the 

right, select one, then click Insert. 

SPELL CHECK. 

And have at least one 

other person read it 

over before sending. 

EDUCATION 

Tab 

YOUR NAME 




Bachelor of Arts Expected May 2017 

Major: Criminal Justice; Minor: Management 

GPA: 3.74 (Major); 3.45 (Overall) 

EXP ERIENCE 

Tab 

Tab, then keep pressing the 

Spacebar until the date hits the 

end and is flush right. 

U.S. Criminal Investigation Department, Ft. Meade, MD 

Intern 

Jan. 2014 – Present 

Discussed ongoing cases with agents and read case files to better understand 

the crime scene environment and the offenders’ actions and motives 

Shadowed agents on crime scene calls to observe the meticulous process 

involved in handling and storing lab samples and crime scene evidence 

Sports Goods Store, Germantown, PA 

Sales Representative April 2012 – Jan. 2014 

Trained new hires on product features and sales techniques 

Balanced the cash register nightly 

DATES. 

Either spell out the 

month or abbreviate — 

just be consistent! 

If you are currently in 

the role, write: 

Month 20XX – Present 

You can use semesters 

(Fall 20XX) to give 

context to only being in 

a job for 3-4 months. 

For seasonal jobs write: 

Summers 20XX – 20XX 

(Seasonal). Don’t put 

future dates, even if you 

intend to work there 

again. 

Within each heading, 

the end dates should be 

in reverse chronological 

order, from present to 

past. 

If multiple jobs end in 

“Present” put the most 

relevant one first, 

followed by the one 

you’ve held the longest. 

INDENT. Use the Tab key or select a block of text and use this Indent button . Create clean lines by 

indenting only 1x across the page. Either a) indent text and bullets once, down the same imaginary 

line (shown here); or b) keep headings and text aligned left and indent only the bullets. 

HEADINGS. 

Put the heading titles in bold, all 

caps, and/or increase the font size. 

BULLETS. 

Use this button to insert 3-5 

bullets for relevant positions. 

To save space, use just 1 

bullet for past jobs that don’t 

add much to your resume. 

START each bullet with a 

strong action verb in the 

correct tense. For jobs you 

are currently in, use present 

tense – ex: Initiate, not 

Initiating – and use past tense 

for jobs that ended. Be 

careful when adding a new 

position to change the job 

you just left to past tense! 

END bullets with or without 

periods (neither is wrong)— 

but pick one and stick with it! 

SPACING. 

Your resume should be single spaced. Highlight all of your 

text, right click, and select Paragraph. Or use this button 

and select Line Spacing Options. It should look like this: 

Lines underneath. Click on this 

Borders button and scroll down to 

Horizontal Line. This will insert a line 

you can move and adjust. For a line 

that stays put, highlight the heading 

(ex: EDUCATION), scroll down to 

Borders & Shading. Under Width, you 

can make the line thicker. In the 

Preview box, click underneath the 

text and a line will appear. Select OK. 

Add a space between text and line. 

Select the heading again with the 

new line. Right click, scroll to 

Paragraph. Under Spacing, change to: 

Before: 12 pt After: 6 pt 

Space out the letters. Select the 

heading, right click, scroll to Font. 

Select the Advanced tab. Where it 

says Spacing: Normal, change to 

Expanded then By: 0.5 pt or higher. 





Sample Resume 

Erika Explorer 



linkedin.com/fullname 

EDUCATION 



Major: Communication; Concentration: Public Relations 

• GPA: 3.74 (Major); 3.65 (Overall) 

• Awards: Founder’s Scholarship, Dean’s List Fall 20XX – Spring 20XX 

Expected May 20XX 

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE 

Media Company, Inc., Philadelphia, PA 

Public Relations Intern 

Sept. 20XX – May 20XX 

• Assisted in event preparation, registration and ‘day-of’ logistics for four signature events, each drawing 

close to 2,000 attendees 

• Updated company Twitter handle (5-10 tweets per week), using Google Analytics to monitor performance 

• Increased Twitter followers by 40% in 1 year 

La Salle University Students’ Government Association, Philadelphia, PA 

Vice President of Publicity 

Sept. 20XX – Sept. 20XX 

• Increased membership of SGA by 25% through new media and recruitment campaign 

• Created and publicized first ever Student Appreciation Day for student body of 7,000 

WORK EXPERIENCE 

La Salle University Office of Financial Aid, Philadelphia, PA 

Office Assistant 

• Organize office documents; process checks into Banner Software System 

• Provide a high level of confidentiality due to services offered in Financial Aid 

Sept. 20XX – Present 

LEADERSHIP & ACTIVITIES 

Student Volunteer Association, Membership Chair 


• Promote involvement and manage communication between students by creating flyers, portal 

announcements, and sending out emails to members 

• Increased membership by 20% in 1 year 

African American Student Alliance, President (Spring 20XX-Present), Member 


• Preside over meetings and liaise with the La Salle community in order to promote diversity and unity 

among peers 

• Coordinate annual MLK Day Event with an approximate attendance of 150+ patrons, which includes 

securing lecturers, hiring vendors, and overseeing event set-up and break-down 

Christmas Wrapping for Kids, Volunteer 

Winter 20XX & 20XX (Seasonal) 

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Volunteer 

Fall & Spring 20XX 

SKILLS 

Computer: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), Google Analytics, Google AdWords 

Language: Bilingual in English and Spanish 


Getting relevant experience before you graduate 




Experiential Education – a “fancy” term for hands-on learning outside of the 

traditional classroom. During Experiential Education 

assignments/placements, you have the opportunity to gain related 

experience before you graduate and apply what you learn in the classroom 

to real-world situations. 

At La Salle some majors require experiential education (Nursing, Education, 

& Social Work), but for most majors an internship (part-time or full-time) or 

co-op is optional. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you participate in one or 

more internships or co-ops prior to graduation. Interning not only puts you 

behind the wheel in your desired industry, it significantly increases your 

chances of finding a job upon graduation. According to Bloomberg, 61% of 

students who had an internship also had a job offer by the winter of their 

senior year. 

Internships and Co-ops may be taken for academic credit once you have 

complete at least 60 credits and meet any prerequisite or GPA requirements 

(ranging from 2.25-2.75, depending upon academic department policies). All 

positions must be approved for credit by a departmental faculty adviser. 

Types of Experiential 

Education at La Salle 

Internship, co-op, externship, 

practicum, clinical, field 

experience 

Guess what? 

Experiential Education usually counts 

towards the “1-3 years of experience” 

written in job descriptions! Now there’s 

no excuse to say, “Need experience to get 

a job, need a job to get experience”. 

Differences between Internships and Co-ops at La Salle 

Internships 

Length of experience: Part-time internships are typically one semester (Fall or Spring), roughly 12 – 15 weeks. 

This may vary depending upon the employer’s needs or academic department requirements. 

Hours per week: You will be expected to work 12-20 hours per week for the duration of the internship. The 

academic department determines the minimum number of hours per week (or per semester). 

Salary: Part-time internships may be paid or unpaid. The employer determines the hourly rate for paid 

internships. 

Grading: All (part-time) internships carry a letter grade. The faculty adviser will require you to complete an 

assignment or project such as a journal, research, reflective paper, etc. In addition the employer will complete 

an evaluation of your performance. 

Credits: Internship courses are 3 credits and take the place of a free elective course. Some departments allow 

the internship course to count as a major elective course. 

Co-ops / Full-Time Internships 

Length of experience: Co-ops are usually 6-month experiences covering a semester plus the summer 

(Spring/Summer or Summer/Fall). Full-time internships range from 10 – 15 weeks during one of our semesters. 

Hours per week: You will be expected to work 35-40 hours per week for the duration of the experience. The 

employer determines the minimum number of hours/week; some may require more than 40 hours per week. 

Salary: All co-ops must be paid experiences with the hourly rate set by individual employers. The majority of 

full-time internships are also paid; however, some may be unpaid. 

Grading: You will receive a pass/fail grade based on assignments or projects required by the faculty adviser. 

Assignments typically include a journal and final paper. In addition the employer will complete an evaluation of 

your performance. 

Credits: Co-op and full-time internship courses are 3 credits and take the place of a free electives, only! Also by 

registering the course during Fall or Spring semesters, you will still be considered a full-time student for 

purposes of student health coverage, student loans, and on-campus housing. 





Cover Letter 

A Cover Letter is a 1 page (3-4 paragraph) letter written in direct response to a job or internship opening that allows you to grab the 

employer’s attention, explain what you have to offer, and convince them as to why they should hire you for that particular role. It’s 

imperative to write your letter with a specific job in mind—either a current opening or a job title you intend to apply to in the future. 

Your cover letter allows you use full sentences to elaborate on your resume, make a 

clear connection between the employer’s needs (listed in the job description) and what 

you have to offer, and display enthusiasm or passion for that job, field, and/or company. 

W ritING Your Co ver Let ter 

Craft a new, targeted Cover Letter for every job you apply to. Your time will be better 

spent creating and sending one personalized letter per day rather than blasting out 50 

generic ones. How do you react to mass emails—delete them? Employers hate spam too. 

Think like the employer. The employer wrote or approved the job description—so 

use it as your guide. Keep the the job description open as you are writing your cover 

letter so that you can show examples of how you meet those needs. Avoid writing a 

generic letter without a job in mind. If you don’t see an opening yet, simply Google the job 

title you hope to apply to in the future (i.e., Financial Analyst, Geologist, Marketing Intern), 

identify common requirements, and target your content to that title. 

Identify 3 key qualities, skills, or responsibilities the employer wants in an ideal 

candidate. Highlight important phrases that make you think “I can do that” or “I have done 

that!” Pull those words into your cover letter. Then back them up with examples from your 

internship, classes, or part-time jobs that shows you have achieved similar results, 

completed related duties, or displayed similar qualities (time management, teamwork). 

Be concise—only offer examples relevant to the job you are applying to, and write 

in a professional tone, matching your industry’s vibe. For conservative fields, keep 

it formal. For creative fields (writing, graphic design, advertising), sell yourself in 

the same language you’d pitch a story or idea. Either way: be professional. 

DO 

Stick to 1 page. Keep it concise. 

Use pronouns (I, me) 

Use full sentences 

D o N o t … 

… address it “To Whom it May 

Concern”—do your best to find the 

correct contact person. 

… start with: “My name is …” as the 

employer can see your name in your 

sign-off. 

.. repeat your resume word-for-word. 

Use your cover letter to elaborate. 

… talk about what the job can do for 

you. The employer is interested in 

what you can uniquely offer. 

… write “I’m probably not the best 

candidate” or “Even though I don’t 

have experience.” Why talk them 

out of hiring you? Focus on the 

positive: what you can offer. 

… be casual, sarcastic, or immature. 

Avoid “Ever since I was a kid, I 

dreamed of…” Keep it professional. 

Use your C over Letter to 

Co n n ect t he Dots for t he emp lo yer 

Scenario: You are 

a senior applying 

to a Public 

Relations job. You 

identify this 

responsibility from 

the job description 

as one you want to 

highlight. 

J o b D e s c r i p tion: 

“The ideal candidate will have 

public speaking experience and 

should be comfortable in front of 

large audiences.” 

You have a 

similar 

experience 

on your 

resume, 

but the 

employer 

might miss 

the 

connection. 

R e s u m e : 

Activities Club, Jan. 20XX-Present 

Public Relations Chair 

• Presented an educational 

workshop to 800 college 

students on how to engage in 

responsible social behaviors. 

C o v e r L e t ter: 

“I am very comfortable speaking in front of large audiences. My 

public speaking experience includes having presented an 

educational workshop to 800 students on the risks of binge 

drinking and tips on how to safely engage in social activities. 

Attendees rated the presentation a 4.5/5 for effectiveness. 

Use your Cover Letter to make a clear connection for 

the employer between what the job requires and 

what you can offer. 

Pull a few key phrases from the job description while 

blending in your own examples to prove that you can 

meet the job requirements. 





Cover Letter Format 

YOUR NAME 



LinkedIn: linkedin.com/fullname 

Date 

Chad Brooks, MPH 

Vice President of Public Health Operations 

City Health Organization 

123 Ben Franklin Dr. 

Philadelphia, PA 19102 

Dear Mr. Brooks, 

I was very excited to learn of your opening for a Public Health Intern at City 

Health Organization, which I saw advertised on idealist.org. As a junior pursuing a 

B.S. in Public Health at La Salle University with several years of leadership, 

community service, and outreach experience, I am confident that I would offer a 

great contribution to your company. 

Throughout my college experience, I have been heavily involved in community 

projects that allowed me to develop strong advocacy and leadership skills. As a 

Zipcar Brand Ambassador in Philadelphia, I had the opportunity to interact with 

people from various socio-economic backgrounds and to learn how to convey an 

organization’s vision to the public. In addition, as a member of the Violence 

Against Women Act, I advocate on behalf of students on how to increase 

awareness about assault on campus. In addition, for the past 3 years as Resident 

Assistant, I have served as a peer mentor to 80 college students and implemented 

educational activities around diversity, campus safety, and academic performance. 

By holding this leadership position, I have learned to focus on others’ needs and 

find ways to help students thrive in the community. My ability to connect with and 

relate to people should prove to be an asset to your organization. 

I am particularly interested in your public health program in light of the dire need 

for health improvement in the United States. CHO’s innovative approach to 

creating a team of Health Educators to conduct site visits and personally work to 

repair the needs of the community is one that amazes me. 

I would appreciate the opportunity to share more with you about the ways I can 

contribute to your company. I have attached my resume, and please do not hesitate 

to contact me at (215) 123-4567 or name@student.lasalle.edu if you have any 

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

Sincerely, 

Your Name 

Use the same header 

as your resume to 

create a uniform look. 

If sending via email, copy from here down 

and paste the content into the body of the 

email; attach your resume as a PDF 

P e r s o n a l Touch 

Be sure to address your cover letter to 

a specific contact person. If not 

offered, search the internet to find the 

name of the hiring manager. Writing 

“To whom it may concern” or “Dear 

Hiring Manager” looks like junk mail. 

1 st Para. Intro 

State your interest in applying to the job 

or internship (using the exact job title 

and company name) and how you found 

out about the job (website, personal 

referral). Next, describe who you are 

(year, major), and offer a brief “thesis 

statement” with the top three reasons 

you are a strong fit for this role. Be 

prepared to back these up with examples 

in the following paragraphs. 

2 nd Para. I can offer what you need 

Elaborate on each of the three reasons 

you believe you are a strong fit to the 

job. Intertwine key phrases from the job 

description that you feel you can meet, 

and use EXAMPLES from your work or 

college history to show the employer 

what you are capable of. Examples can 

include ways in which you have achieved 

related results, executed similar duties, 

or exhibited the desired qualities 

(communication, team work, etc.). Use 

keywords or jargon common to that 

industry or field. 

3 rd Para. Why this company/role? 

Employers, not surprisingly, are drawn to 

candidates who express a genuine 

interest in their company or position. 

Google the company and browse its 

website and social media to ensure that 

you know the services or products it 

offers. Ask yourself: why is this company 

one you’re interested in applying to? 

What separates it from competitors— 

what does it do better or uniquely? 

H o w t o 

f i n d the 

R i g h t 

c o n t a c t 

p e r s o n 

1. Use Explorenet, La Salle’s job database—it is password 

protected for students only, so employers list their full contact 

info (a major perk over public job boards like Monster.com)! 

2. Use the email address as a clue for your search (Ex: 

jsmith@mercyhospital.com, Google “J Smith, Mercy Hospital”) 

and you’ll find Julie Smith, Nurse Recruiter. Address it to her. 

3. Call the company and ask! 

4th Para. Closing 

Politely request that the employer invite 

you for an interview. Include the exact 

ways to get in touch with you (phone, 

email) in case your resume gets 

separated. Thank the employer for their 

time and say that you look forward to 

hearing from them soon. 





Additional Resources 

Aside from face-to-face networking, the Internet is a goldmine when it comes to looking at various careers, organizations, and 

positions. Another great place to look for positions and research a potential career is by browsing, even joining, a professional 

affiliation in relation to your major/industry. The lists below are just suggestions. There are MANY more out there! 

For Career Research 

Career Insider – accessible via your MyLaSalle portal under Campus Resources > Employment Services. It’s an online career 

library for info on occupations, industries, and tons of job search advice. 

Wet Feet (www.wetfeet.com) – career/employer research and job site. They also have multiple industry/career specific 

resources one can use for writing a resume, job interview, strategy questions, etc. 

The Riley Guide (www.rileyguide.com) – reliable Internet source for employment opportunities and resources. 

Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/oco) – online occupational info from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 

For Job Searching 

Campus Philly (www.campusphilly.org) – insider guide to local internships, jobs, and career events. Campus Philly also 

hosts virtual internship fairs, gives you details on popular spots in various Philly neighborhoods, and a lot of other fun 

information to follow. 

PA Civil Service Commission (www.scsc.pa.gov) – Civil Service jobs located in Pennsylvania. These jobs are in various 

industries from business, retail, outdoor/science, criminal justice, and more. 

PhillyJobs (www.phillyjobs.com) – open job listings in Philadelphia and throughout the Tri-State area. 

Indeed (www.indeed.com) – a search engine that finds jobs listed on ALL the major job boards, newspapers, associations, 

and company career pages. 

USA Jobs (www.usajobs.gov) – THE job site for ALL US government job openings. 

Idealist (www.idealist.org) – jobs, career events, and information in the non-profit sector. 

Professional Affiliations by Major 

Accounting & Finance 

The American Finance Association, American Society of Women Accountants, National Association of Black 

Accountants, American Bankers Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 

Marketing 

American Marketing Association, eMarketing Association, Social Media Club 

Human Resources 

The Society for Human Resource Management, National Human Resources Association 

Management 

American Management Association, National Management Association 

Communication 

National Communication Association, Association for Business Communication, Broadcast Education Association 

Education 

National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, American Educational Research Association, 

National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association of Bilingual Education 

Computer Science/Information Technology 

Association for Information Science and technology, Association of Information Technology Professionals 

Geology/Earth Science 

Geological Society of America, American Geological Institute, Association for Women Geoscientists 

Biology 

Association of Applied Biologists, Public Library of Science, The Wildlife Society, American Medical Association 

Criminal Justice 

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, International Association of 

Women Police, American Probation and Parole Association 





Dress for success 

Upon meeting a recruiter or a professional contact, your attire and look says a lot about you before words leave your mouth. 

While each company may have it’s own dress code, it is always appropriate, and necessary, that you wear professional attire. 

Men 

Dress business professional -- wear a suit – for interviews and 

job fairs. 

• Solid colored, conservative suit 

• Conservative tie 

• Polished shoes (not scuffed) 

• Match your shoes, belt, and socks – no athletic socks! 

• Portfolio or briefcase 

• Short, well-styled hair 

• Clean shaven face is best or well-groomed facial hair 

• Go light on the cologne! 

Women 

Dress business professional -- wear a suit – for interviews and job fairs. The goal is to look polished and professional: 

• Conservative suit 

• If wearing a skirt, it should hit at your knee (about 24” in length) and be sure to wear stockings (no bare legs) 

• Shoes should be close-toed, and you can either wear flats or heels at no higher than 3” (no stilettos) 

• Conservative, high-cut shirts 

• No dangly earrings or gaudy jewelry 

• Nails: make sure they are not chipped and wear a color that is muted (like a nudish-pink) 

• Don’t over-do the perfume

Career Directions 2016 PDF

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