Applying to a Job | Student Resources

Applying for a Job

Applying for a job can be intimating (specially because it can be a lengthy process), but the main goal is to find something that will make you happy and feel rewarding at the same time.

Figure out what kind of job you want

Make a short list of jobs you'd be okay doing. Consider your time commitment (while some jobs might offer flexibility to students, others are very consistent on punctuality and attendance) and keep in mind the location (do you have reliable transportation? would your commute time allow you to enjoy the rest of your day?).

Time Commitment

Are you looking for a part-time (10-25 hrs usually), full-time (40 hrs a week), or seasonal (e.g. summer or winter)?

Industry

There are many industries in different sectors (for example Healthcare, Construction, Education, Hospitality, and Retail).

Location

What physical location would you like to work in? (in a store or venue, office, outdoors, online). How far are you willing to commute?

Build or Refresh your Resume

A resume is a summary of a person's education, qualifications and previous experience. It is extremely helpful for employers to compare job applicants, that is why it is very important for you to create a personalized resume that stands out from the rest. A resume is organized in various sections (see examples below), use your criteria to decide which sections to include.

Resume Tips:

Keep your resume to 1 page (one sided)
Proof-read for typos and misspelling
Use an easy-to-read font and 10-14 point size
Organize each section in chronological order
Use bullet-points, underline, and bold to organize your sections
Avoid using "I" (it is implied throughout the document) and use a variety of action verbs to highlight your experience. For instance, instead of saying "I was in charge of arranging bookshelves in alphabetical order" say something like, "Organized bookshelves in alphabetical order".
If you are submitting your resume online, send it as a .pdf file (this will keep the format you intended). Title your .pdf file with your name to make it easier to spot!
Research the company and the job description. Look at the key terms they use and include them in your resume.

Contact Information

Include your full name, phone, a professional e-mail address, home address (only City and zip code) and other pertinent websites/accounts (e.g. LinkedIn, e-portfolio).

Work Experience

List paid & volunteer work in reverse chronological order. List responsibilities, results, leadership, teamwork, and initiative using action verbs. Include the organization name, your title, and dates of employment.

Objective

It is a brief summary of what you want to accomplish. Be specific as to what particular job or career field you want to get into. An objective lets potential employers know your main goal.

Extracurricular Activities

Write these sentences using the "work experience" guides. List community service projects you have participated on, sports, student organizations, church groups, etc.

Summary

It is a brief paragraph highlighting your qualifications for the job you are applying. These include your skills, strengths, and experience. Located at the top of your resume.

Skills

Focus on the skills specific to the job you are applying for. Include whether you have foreign language skills, computer software knowledge (name specific programs). Other training or certification.

Education

Only include high school and above. Write your school's name and City and your (anticipated) graduation date. Indicate whether you had study abroad experience, and if you took coursework or projects that would serve you in the job position. Only include GPA if it is 3.0 or above.

Awards

Add scholarships, academic awards, honor societies, certificates or recognitions.

There are many good examples that can provide insightful information and tips on how to draft your resume and cover letter:

Harvard University Resume Guide

Indeed Career Guide

MSU's Action Verb List

It is okay to have one resume that you can modify but never turn in the same resume to multiple companies/jobs. Make sure that every resume that you turn in is tailored to the position you are applying to.

Create a Cover Letter

Generally, a cover letter should accompany each resume. Some companies require it, and for others, it is optional.

The cover letter allows you to demonstrate your ability to write and offers the first statement of why you should be hired. It can also be a tool to explain in more detail something that you didn't cover in your resume.

Cover Letter Tips:

Use the same letterhead that you use for your resume (Including your contact information)
If possible, address a specific person (add his or her title, the company name, and the company address).
Tailor your letter (highlight strengths, job skills, traits and past work experience that are relevant to the position and meet the employer's needs).
Date and sign the letter

Opening Paragraph

State that you are applying for a specific position and how you learned about it. Personalize the letter by saying why you want to work for this organization.

Middle Paragraph(s)

Outline the qualifications that make you a strong candidate and relate them to the needs of the job opening. Specific examples demonstrate your skills & experiences.

Closing Paragraph

Discuss your next action step. Repeat your interest in the position and indicate when you will contact the employer to follow up. Thank the employer for reviewing your resume.

Before the Job Interview:

Don't worry, everyone gets nervous on a job interview! The more you practice and prepare, the easier it will be for you.

Learn About The Company

Know what the company does by looking at the organization's website, annual reports, and asking current employees. Research the industry and the job position (be ready to explain why you want this job, even if it’s “to learn” or “to gain experience”).

Bring The Basics

Bring extra copies of your resume (if you have one), a pen and paper, photo ID (if asked), business card, portfolio, etc.

Plan your Outfit

Dress professionally (clean, neat, and appropriate). It is better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Avoid ripped clothes, flip-flops, or distracting graphics.

Practice Interview Questions

Practice out loud with a friend, parent, or mirror. Look up more sample questions on the internet.

Tell me about yourself
Why do you want to work here?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why did you choose to major in _______?
What are your career ambitions?
What motivates you?
Why should we hire you?
How do you handle stress?
Tell me about a time when you were part of a great team.
What was your part in making the team effective?
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Could you share a recent accomplishment of which you are most proud?
How do you deal with a difficult customer?
Tell me about a time when you dealt with a difficult co-worker

During the Job Interview:

Be honest with your responses and finish strong (even if the interview was not what you expected, make a final good impression)!

Be on Time

Be on time (or early!). If it is an in-person interview, aim to arrive 15 minutes early (not sooner). If it’s virtual, test your tech beforehand.

Turn off or silence your cellphone.

Greet your Interviewer

Properly address the interviewer by calling him/her "Mr. ____" or "Ms.____". Use a firm handshake to convey confidence and enthusiasm.

Watch your Body Language

Smile, make eye contact and

sit up straight. Avoid playing with your hands, pens, legs, etc.

Answer The Questions You Are Asked

Do not deviate too much from the topic. If you didn't hear a question correctly, you can ask the interviewer to repeat it. When answering each question, consider describing the context, explaining the action you took to handle the situation, and the result(s).

Even if you don’t have work experience, employers value reliability (“I show up on time”), teamwork ("I am part of sports, clubs, group projects, etc."), and responsibility (school, volunteering, babysitting, helping at home). It’s okay to say you’re new and eager to learn. Don’t pretend to know things you don’t.

Ask Questions And Take Notes

Employers like to see that you have an interest in the company, and it could give you an advantage! Here are some sample questions you can ask:

What does a typical day look like?
What makes someone successful in this job?
What do you like most about your job?
What are some of the challenges that you face in your job?
What training is offered for this job?
Are there opportunities to advance?
Can you tell me more about the culture of the company?
When can I hear a decision from you?
I was looking at your website and found an employee group that caught my eye, can anyone participate?

After the Job Interview:

Thank the interviewer before you leave and send them a short Thank You letter/email later that day. Think about what went well and what you’d do differently next time. Every interview is good practice, even if you don’t get the job.

A thank-you letter can confirm a positive impression of you. Thank you letters show your appreciation and remind the interviewer who you are. By thanking the interviewer, you are helping to build your professional network and you set apart from the other candidates.

Thank You Letter Tips:

Choose the appropriate method of delivery:
- Type the letter if the company is conservative and formal
- Handwrite the letter if the company is less formal, use a simple quality paper note card
- Email is acceptable for many employers
- Texting is too informal and is not an appropriate way to send a thank-you letter
Use formal salutations and ensure that the interviewer's name and title are correct
Express gratitude for the interviewer's time
Express your interest in the position
Be brief and use a professional tone
Send the thank-you letter within 24 hours of your meeting
Proofread for misspellings and grammar