Job Search Guide

Job Search Guide
2006- 2007
Table of Contents
Preparing for Your Job Search
University of California Berkeley 2111 Bancroft Way Berkeley, CA 94720-4350 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (510) 642-1716 career.berkeley.edu
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Planning Your Future Researching Jobs & Employers Informational Interviewing Sample Informational Interview Letters Sources for Finding Employment Gain Experience Prior to Graduation Internships Interim Experience after Graduation US Jobs for International Students Resumes How to Develop a Resume Sending Resumes & Letters Electronically Verb List for Resumes & Letters Sample Resumes Cover Letters Sample Letters Preparing for Interviews Etiquette Tips for Interviews Questions Asked by Employers What to Wear? Questions to Ask Employers Types of Interviews Etiquette Tips for Dining Sample Thank You Letter How to Evaluate a Job Offer Salary Negotiations Sample Letters Employer Index
The Job & Internship Search
Resume & Letter Writing
Successful Interviewing
Career Center Mission We prepare undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni to make informed decisions about their futures by providing comprehensive resources, programs and counseling on career development, internships, employment, and graduate school. We fulll our mission through rst-class customer service, partnerships with employers, graduate schools, campus departments, and state-of-the-art technology.
Job Offers
career counseling
internships
jobs
graduate school services
serving freshmen through PhDs & alumni

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t m a y b e d i f f i c u l t, b u t b e f o r e yo u s t a r t y o u r j o b s e a r c h, i t s a g o o d i d e a t o identif y w hat kind o f job you would re ally l i ke. I t m a y s e e m e a si e r t o a p p r o a c h t h e j o b s e a r c h w i t h t h e a t t i t u d e t h a t yo u w i l l t a ke a ny t h i n g t h a t s e e ms g o o d o r f i t s y o u r m a j o r. B u t t h i s a p p r o a c h c a n b e inef ficient and may lead to unsatisf ying career decisions. Knowing what kind of p osi t i o n yo u a r e t a r g e t i n g w i l l h e l p yo u form the most productive job search s t r a t e g y, a n d eve n b a si c i n f o r m a t i o n c a n help you focus your search on options t h at are g o o d f o r you. This guid e p rovid es t o o l s a n d r e s o u r c e s t o h e l p yo u e m b a r k o n a s u c c e ss f u l j o b s e a r c h.
Career Center Resources

Search career.berkeley.edu for details about these resources: Planning Your Future section of the website. Links to self-assessment information and extensive planning resources. Career Exploration. Panels and programs that provide networking opportunities and information about different careers. Details found on the Career Center Calendar. In the Information Lab. Career Exploration section. Reference books with self-assessment exercises. 13 Career Field sections for researching careers and employers. Resources to Research Employers web career.berkeley.edu/ page. Infolab/ResEmp.stm. Many links plus access to CareerSearch, a database of 1.5 million employers nationwide, and free access to Vault.coms online career library. Career Week. Over 35 programs providing insights into careers, delivered by professionals who come to campus in April. Externships. Short-term job shadowing experiences with Cal alumni occurring during winter break. Internships. Learn how to nd an internship on our website and at our internship programs and panels. Career Fairs. Beginning early fall semester, check for career fairs focused on different types of employers with full-time, internship, and summer opportunities. @cal Career Network. Database of Cal alumni who have volunteered to talk about their careers with Cal students and alumni in informational interviews. Career Counselors. Individual help through daily 15-minute MiniAppointments or regular 45-minute appointments.
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE

Identify your best career options
Making a good choice about careers to pursue depends on three things:
1. Improving your awareness and understanding of your interests, skills,

and motivations
2. Learning what kinds of jobs, employers, and career elds exist that t
your interests and abilities
3. Making a decision that combines what you want with available

opportunities. Following is some information on how the Career Centers Planning Your Future resources can help you address these items. For full details check out the puzzle piece sections at career.berkeley.edu/Plan/Plan.stm.
Evaluate yourself
Developing a strong sense of your interests, skills, values, abilities, and preferences is crucial to guring out your initial career direction. The Career Center offers three self-assessment instruments to help you develop self awareness:
Job Search Guide
2006-2007
4:00 pm) or schedule a 45-minute appointment. At the time of referral you will be scheduled to meet with a career counselor to review the results of your self assessment and to discuss next steps.
See a counselor
As you go through the process of evaluating career options, keep in mind that Career Center counselors are available to offer you individual assistance. Your counselor can help you identify criteria to focus your options and recommend additional resources or tools for your specic situation.
Research your options

To nd out more about careers, visit the Career Centers Information Lab and browse through our resource collection. You can also gather information about various career opportunities by checking out our online Career Fields information. see Researching Jobs & Employers on the next page.
Make decisions
Fully consider what you have learned through your selfassessment, career research, and accumulated experiences before making decisions about your next steps. Evaluate the pros and cons of your options against your desired outcomes and then take action. Use the Career Centers decision making models to make thoughtful decisions. c a r e e r. b e r k e l e y. e d u / P l a n / MakeDecisions.stm
Make connections
1. The Strong Interest Inventory
measures your interests in a wide range of jobs, work tasks, leisure activities, and school subjects, and provides information about how your interests can link to majors, campus activities, internships, and part-time jobs. Talking to people who are involved in the type of work you are considering is an extremely helpful tool for making informed career decisions. To get insights into jobs or career paths, use the @cal Career Network to connect with alumni and search directories of employers on the Career Center website to nd organizations where professionals may have careers that interest you. Use the Career Centers online calendar to get a schedule of career panels and networking events where you can get advice on a wide variety of career elds. see Informational Interviewing, p. 5.
2. TypeFocus
concentrates on identifying personality type and related strengths and career preferences. your inherent skills and strengths that are transferable across careers.
3. SkillScan helps you identify
Get experience
Through direct experience you gain the kind of exposure that can educate you about your compatibility with different jobs. You can take on a volunteer position, work during the summer, or nd an internship, all of which will help you learn more about career options as well as enhance your marketability to employers. see Internships, p. 14.
TOP 10 CHARACTERISTICS EMPLOYERS SEEK IN JOB CANDIDATES

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Communication Skills Honesty/Integrity Teamwork Skills Strong Work Ethic Analytical Skills Flexibility/Adaptability Interpersonal Skills Motivation/Initiative Computer Skills
You will need a referral from a Career Center counselor to complete a self assessment; go online to make a MiniAppointment with a career counselor at the Career Center (usually M-F, 1:00-
REALITY CHECK
Many students believe they have to choose the right job after college or their future will be in jeopardy. The truth is most people change careers several times throughout their professional lives, and many people make drastic career changes. So think of your rst job after Cal as just that your FIRST job.
10. Detail Oriented
National Association of Colleges & Employers Job Outlook 2006 Survey
career.berkeley.edu
THINKING ABOUT GRAD SCHOOL?

The Career Center provides comprehensive services about professional and graduate school study. Services include: counseling about graduate and professional school options print and web-based information about law, professional health, and other advanced degree programs graduate and professional school fairs in the fall semester professional and graduate school information sessions hosted by school representatives the Letter Service Online, a repository for letters of recommendation needed for the application process See the Graduate School, Health Careers, Law School and Calendar sections of our website.
RESEARCHING JOBS AND EMPLOYERS

By thoroughly researching employers and jobs you can discover employer expectations, job responsibilities, minimum qualications, and job titles and nd entry-level positions. You can also learn how to communicate intelligently, using appropriate vocabulary and buzzwords. You can approach your research in one or more of the following ways.
Research a specic job title

If you know the kind of job you want, you need to nd organizations that typically offer these positions. What sorts of employers need people to do this job? If you want to do some kind of writing or editing, for example, look for newspapers, magazines or companies that produce training manuals or for large organizations that produce in-house publications. Spend some time reviewing job listings for ideas about possible job titles since different organizations might use several titles to describe the same job. Search online listings by job type and/or keyword. What types of employers hire for these positions? Who are the employers? Are these jobs located in a particular division within an organization (human resources, sales and marketing, administration)? What are the qualications? What is the salary range? Knowing the answers to these questions allows you to construct a targeted resume and gives you a beginning list of organizations to send it to.
Research a career eld

Perhaps you have no idea what type of job you would like, but you are certain you want to do something in the environmental eld. Spend some time looking at what See Informational that might mean. Informational interviews might be useful. Interviewing, p. 5. Again, review job listings for ideas about what is available and who hires entry-level employees. What types of jobs are available in that career eld? What are the positions called? What would you be doing in a particular job? Is this eld geography specic (biotech in the Bay Area, San Diego and Massachusetts; writing in New York; lm in Los Angeles)? Where can you best use your skills and talents within a particular career eld?
Research employer sectors

Your approach to your job search may be inuenced by an interest in working for specic types of employers such as non-prots, government agencies, educational institutions, or business/industry. Within these sectors, you may have a more specic interest, e.g., a nonprot group working with the environment or children; a government agency involved in low-cost housing, agricultural research, or scal policy; a business concerned with consulting, media or software development. Once you have identied types of employers which interest you, develop a list of potential employers.
Job Search Guide
2006-2007
What types of jobs are available in that industry/sector? Who are the large employers? Who are the new small, growing organizations? Which employers are doing well and which are not doing well? What are some major trends and issues in their sector? Are there specic ways people typically begin their careers within that sector?
Research a specic employer

Research employers thoroughly to be well informed before you approach them in your job search. What does the organization do? What is the organizations culture and what type of people work there? How large is it? What sorts of job are available there? Are there advancement? opportunities for
What is informational interviewing?

Often the most current information about a career eld comes from people who are actually working in that eld. An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone working in an area of interest to you who will give you information and advice. It is not a job interview, and the objective is not to nd job openings. You may feel awkward making arrangements to talk about work with people you dont know. However, many people actually enjoy taking a little time out of their day to reect on their professional life and give advice to someone with an interest in their eld.
How to develop a list of potential employers

The Yellow Pages is a great resource for generating a list of employers for your eld. Your area phone book will give you contact information for local organizations and is more comprehensive than the online versions. Online yellow pages such as www.superpages.com or yp.yahoo.com can be very useful when conducting research outside your geographic area. The Career Center Information Lab has a collection of employer directories in a wide range of sectors. The Career Center also offers CareerSearch, a database of over one million employers that allows you to search by employer type and location. The Career Center also provides you with free access to Vault. com Employer & Industry Guides. Every major metropolitan area has a Book of Lists, which contains information on the fastest growing companies for the region as well as the largest employers for various career elds. The Book of Lists for Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, and other California areas are available at the Career Center. Employer directories are also available at campus libraries, in particular the Haas Business and Economics Library. These directories list employers by career elds, rankings (e.g., Fortune 500), ownership (public or private), and size. Talk to professionals in the eld, academic advisors, and professors for suggestions to expand your list of potential employers.
What are the future prospects for the organization? Once you know which specic employers you would like to research, go online to see if they have a website. career.berkeley.edu/Infolab/ResEmp. stm. When reading a potential employers website, try to answer the questions listed above, look at how the organization describes itself, scan the site for a section on career opportunities, and review annual reports if provided. An organizations annual report contains information on their nances, products and services, operations, and trends in growth or decline. You dont have to conduct all your research online. You can also contact the organization for any printed literature they might have. Large employers will have a publicity ofce to handle such requests while the receptionist can usually help you at a small organization. To get a balanced perspective on an organization, it is important to nd out what other people are saying about it. Search newspapers and journals for articles referencing the organization you are researching. Are they gearing up for a new project or announcing lay-offs? Also, talk with personal contacts, such as a current or former employee or a knowledgeable professional in the eld. A few hours of research can help you nd the job of your dreams and avoid a nightmare job situation.
FINDING INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW CONTACTS

A student developed an interest in marketing but wasnt sure how to nd people in the eld to talk to. She had worked as a clerk/typist in the payroll ofce of University Extension for several years. She decided to talk over her career interests with her supervisor, who pointed out that Extension had a marketing department and that shed be happy to introduce her to the director. This right in your own backyard referral led to a great informational interview and a lot of other contacts.
career.berkeley.edu
Five steps for informational interviewing

1. Identify people to interview
Pursue your own contacts. People you already know, even if they arent in elds of interest to you, can lead you to people who are. This includes family, friends, teaching assistants, professors and former employers. Use the @cal Career Network c a r e e r. b e r k e l e y. e d u / CarNet/CarNet.stm to identify Cal alumni who have volunteered to talk to students about their careers. Call organizations directly or search their websites for the name of someone working within your area of interest. Visit the Career Centers Information Lab to review employer directories and other resources. Read newspaper and magazine articles for possible contacts. Contact professional or trade associations. See p. 12.
2. Initiate contact
Contact the person by phone, letter or email. see Requesting an Informational Interview, p. 7. Mention how you got his or her name. Emphasize that you are looking for information, not a job. Ask for a convenient time to have a 15-20 minute appointment.
QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

What do you do as a ...? How did you begin your career? What is a typical day like for you? What are commom entry-level jobs in this eld? What other career areas do you feel are related to your work? How does your position t within the organization/industr y/career eld? What are the rewards/challenges/ frustrations of your work? What are the major qualications for success in this particular occupation? What is the entry-level salary range for this eld? What are some common career paths? What is the prole of the person most recently hired at my level? What kinds of problems do you deal with? What kinds of decisions do you make? How does your job affect your general lifestyle? What are some of the current issues and trends in the eld? Can you recommend trade journals, magazines or professional associations which would be helpful for my professional development? What steps would you recommend I take to prepare to enter this eld? What are the most effective strategies for seeking a position in this eld? May I have your business card? Can you suggest anyone else I could contact for additional information?
3. Prepare for the interview

Do some initial research on the career eld or employer using the Internet and print resources. career. berkeley.edu/Infolab/ResEmp.stm Develop a 30-second overview of yourself, including your reasons for contacting this person. Plan open ended questions that keep the conversation owing instead of questions that call for a yes/no answer.
4. Conduct the informational

interview Dress neatly and appropriately as you would for a job interview. Restate that your objective is to get information and advice, not a job. Take notes if you would like. Always ask for suggestions of other people to talk to.
SAMPLE TELEPHONE SCRIPT FOR REQUESTING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

Hello. My name is Jane Wilson and Im a junior majoring in English at UC Berkeley. I heard you speak at an event sponsored by the Undergraduate Marketing Association last semester. Although I am not currently looking for a job, I have become very interested in public relations and would like to nd out as much as I can about the eld. Would it be possible to schedule 15 or 20 minutes with you at your convenience to ask you a few questions and get your advice on how best to prepare to enter the eld?
5. Follow-up
Keep records. Write down what you learned (including the suggestions or advice given to you), what more you would like to know, and your reactions in terms of how this eld or position would t with your lifestyle, interests, skills and future career plans. Send a thank you note within 1-2 days to express your appreciation for the time and information given. See p. 8. Keep in touch with the person. Mention that you followed up on their advice and tell them how things are going. This relationship could become an important part of your professional network.
Job Search Guide
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Requesting an Informational Interview (email format)
To: From: Subject: Date:
Heloise Jones <hjones@berkeley.gov> James Chan <jc@aol.com> Informational Interview March 11, 2007
Do NOT include a resume with this letteryou are not job hunting at this stage.
Dear Ms. Jones: I am a junior majoring in Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley and spoke with you briey at Cals Nonprot and Public Service Career Fair in February. Although I am not currently looking for a job, I am very interested in learning all I can about typical career paths in the eld of public policy and what skills I might need to develop during my last year at Cal. I would greatly appreciate 15 to 20 minutes of your time to ask you a few questions about your position as Health Policy Analyst with the City of Berkeley, as well as other opportunities in the eld. Thank you for your consideration. I will contact you next week to arrange a convenient time to meet with you.
Immediately introduce yourself and how you identied this person. If you were referred by another person, say so here.
Clearly state that you are not contacting this person about a jobrather, you are seeking advice.
Sincerely, James Chan 1234 Exeter St. Oakland CA 94444 (510) 555-5555 jc@aol.com
Conclude with a politely assertive statement that you will contact the personalso provide your telephone number and email address in case this person wants to contact you.
career.berkeley.edu
Thank You for an Informational Interview

September 13, 2006
A handwritten note is appropriate if the conversation was informal.
Dear Simone, T hank you so much for staying a few minutes after your campus information session to talk with me last week. You must have been very tired and I really appreciated your time. Your suggestions of additional people to talk with about my interest in corporate communications were great. Ive already visited the websites you mentioned and have an appointment with Kathy Chiang next week. Ill keep you posted about my progress. T hanks again, Jim Spencer
(510) 555-8190
1234 Jane Lane San Francisco, CA 94555 (415) 555-0999 December 12, 2006
Tom Watson Public Relations Director San Francisco Ethnic Arts Center PO Box 121 San Francisco, CA 94555 Dear Mr. Watson: I appreciate your meeting with me yesterday to talk about the work that you do as the Ethnic Arts Centers Public Relations Director. I now have a much better understanding of the eld, particularly within a large nonprot arts organization. It was helpful to hear that an entry-level position often requires some experience with media relations. I have decided to take on those responsibilities for the annual fundraising event sponsored by my student organization. I have also called your colleague, Cindy Jones, at the East Asian Art Gallery to make an appointment to talk with her. It was very helpful to have had the opportunity to talk with you. Thank you again for your time and advice. Sincerely,
Use a business-style letter or email if the conversation was more formal.
Tamar Espinoza
Tamar Espinoza
Job Search Guide
2006-2007

Search career.berkeley.edu for details about these resources: CalJobs. Online searchable site of currently open jobs and internships on and off campus, where local, statewide, national, and international employers specically seek Cal students and alumni. Typically, more than 2000 listings appear on any given day. Job Listing Sites. Online, recommended by our staff and grouped by career elds. Also includes Post-BA Fellowships and Internships. On-Campus Recruiting. Interviews with 350 employers visiting campus to recruit students for full-time and summer employment. Register, review listings, and submit resumes on the website. Employer Information Sessions. See the website calendar for employer hosted sessions on or near campus. Career Fairs. Beginning early fall semester, check for many career fairs focused on different types of employers with full-time and summer opportunities. CareerMail. Email about special events, job openings, employer visits, and other news specic to 26 targeted career elds. Subscribe to as many lists as you like. Grad Students & PhDs. Services and resources for grad students seeking academic positions or positions outside academia. Cal Transitions, UC Berkeleys Workability IV program, includes services and resources for addressing disability employment issues and special recruitment efforts by employers. Career Counselors. Individual help through 15-minute Mini-Appointments or 45-minute regular appointments. @cal Career Network. Searchable database of Cal alumni available for informational interviews.
The Job & Internship Search

h i l e c h e c k i n g o u t j o b l is t i n g s o n t h e w e b c a n y i e l d r e s u l t s, i t s n o t t h e only way to find a job. A variet y of j o b s e a r c h s t r a t e g i e s is a va i l a b l e t o yo u. Consid e r t he m all t o inc r e ase your c h ances o f l a n d i n g a j o b .C o n s u l t w i t h a c a r e e r c o u ns e l o r t o d eve l o p a c o m p r e h e nsi ve j o b s e a r c h p l a n t h a t m e e t s yo u r n e e d s .
HOW CAL STUDENTS OBTAINED EMPLOYMENT 2005
SOURCES FOR FINDING EMPLOYMENT

CalJobs
Dont miss the Career Centers online searchable site of jobs and internships where employers list opportunities because they specically wish to target UC Berkeley students and alumni. You will nd a wide range of short and long term full-time and part-time jobs and internships in many locations, from the campus to international settings. career.berkeley.edu/Jobs/CalJobs.stm
On-Campus Recruiting (OCR)

OCR is the web based interview system used by the Career Center. Last year 350 employers visited campus to recruit new graduates for full-time positions or to interview continuing students for summer jobs or internships. These organizations offered opportunities in a variety of elds for a spectrum of majors.
career.berkeley.edu
Participating in On-Campus Recruiting
IDENTITY THEFT
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, and its largest group of victims fall between the ages of 18 and 29. Thieves often prey on the willingness of job seekers to be as accommodating as possible to an apparent employer listing to collect sensitive information, and it can take years and considerable expense to clear up the resulting mess and confusion. You should be extremely cautious about submitting vital personal information such as your social security number, drivers license number, credit card, or bank account numbers to employers at the time of application - especially over the Internet. Legitimate background checks that might reasonably require such information are rarely performed before an initial interview. For more information on identity theft and how to protect yourself, check out the UCPD guidelines at po
Register in advance to access OCR listings. See career.berkeley. edu/Jobs/CalJobs.stm for detailed information about OCR. Be sure to register earlystarting in September! Prepare for your campus interviews just as you would if you were interviewing at the employers ofces.
Additional employer/ professional websites

Many organizations websites have a careers section where you can see types of positions at the organization and typical job descriptions. career.berkeley.edu/Infolab/ResEmp. stm. Those that actively hire college students often have a separate section describing their campus recruiting process for both long-term/career and internship positions. Many professional associations also have websites with topical information as well as job listings for their members. see Professional Associations, p. 12
1. Research the organizationl 2. Develop a professional resume 3. Hone your interviewing and
self-marketing skills
4. Dress appropriately
If you are successful at these initial oncampus interviews, you may be invited to interview at employers facilities. While many students nd jobs through OCR, it represents only one job search method and only certain segments of the job market typically large employers with multiple positions to ll, organizations with well-established human resource or recruiting functions, and high demand industries or positions. Monitor the job listings on CalJobs regularly while participating in OCR.
Career Fairs
Job seekers go to Career Fairs to meet with several employers in an informal setting. The Career Center hosts many large fairs during the academic year see Career Fairs, p. 11. Employers come to provide information about their organizations and to discuss job and internship opportunities with qualied students. At the fairs you can shop around and meet employers at organizations where you might like to work. Research employers using the fair information available on the Career Center website. Review the list of attending employers, their jobs, and their websites. Conducting research before the fair is very important. Armed with this information, you will be better prepared to get employers interested in your qualications and to ask good questions in the short time you will have with them. Be prepared to take the lead in the conversation when you discuss your relevant skills, interests, background, and career goals at the fair. Think about how to sell your qualications in about 3 to 5 minutes. Take enough copies of your updated, proofread resume to hand to employers and dress appropriately. First impressions count. We recommend dressing in at least business casual attire. see What to Wear, p. 47.
EMPLOYER INFO SESSIONS

Employers host information sessions on or near campus, often in conjunction with their on-campus interviews, participation in job fairs, or sponsorship by student groups. Employers make presentations on topics that include the organizations career opportunities, culture, and products or services. Usually you have an opportunity to speak with the representatives in small groups or individually before or after the presentation. Professional or business casual dress is appropriate, unless indicated otherwise in the publicity. In some cases, employers require that you attend these sessions if you have a scheduled interview with them, but frequently these presentations are open to all interested students. Employer information sessions are publicized on the Career Center website calendar.
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QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A CAREER FAIR

About the Organization I am interested in your organization because.... Can you offer me suggestions on how I can successfully apply to your organization? Could you tell me the types of skills and experience you are seeking? What challenges do you see for your organization? What are the areas of greatest growth in your organization? Describe the usual college graduate entry-level position (for my skills) in your organization. What do you like most about your organization? Are there immediate openings in
your organization? What jobs do you anticipate will open? Do you have internships or summer jobs? Considering my particular career interest, are there additional people in the organization whom I should contact? About the Occupation What are the typical entry-level opportunities? What are the skills that are most important for a position in this eld? Describe the normal career path in your organization. What type of training is given to people entering this eld? What advice would you give to someone who wants to break into this eld?
CAREER FAIRS
Fall 2006
September 7 Investment Banking Forum September 12-14 Cal Career Fair September 20 Big Four Accounting Forum September 26 EECS Career Fair October 4 BioTech Career Fair October 5 Masters & PhD Career Fair November 1 Early Bird Internship Fair November 8 CEE Career Fair
Job & Internship Search
Spring 2007
Get a business card before you leave so you have the necessary information to contact the representative with a thank you note or follow up question. Taking a few notes can also help you follow up.
dont know if the organization is hiring, so you may experience many we are currently not hiring or we will keep your resume on le responses. The key to using this strategy is to be persistent and to not take rejections personally. When you do hear, Sorry, were not hiring, use it as an opportunity to nd out more information. Ask questions such as, If you did have a job available how could I nd out about it? or, Where do you post your job listings? or, How often do you hire people for this type of job? Targeting employers involves more than just sending a cover letter and resume to the Human Resources Department. Here are some steps you can take: Develop a list of organizations you want to target. A reasonable start is to target no more than 25 employers. You can use employer directories, organizational literature, and websites to narrow your choices. see How to Develop a List of Potential Employers, p. 5. Conduct research on the targeted organizations. You can check out their websites for information on types of
January 23-24 Diversity Career Fair January 25 Nonprot/Public Svc Career Fair January 30 Big Four Internship Forum February 21-22 Internship & Summer Job Fair February 28 CED Career Fair February TBD Bioengineering Career Fair April 25-26 Just in Time Job Fair
Off-site career fairs

Professional organizations and employers sponsor many off-site career fairs. They range from the East Bay Career Fair to the Idealist.org Los Angeles Nonprot Career Fair to the Recruit Tokyo Career Fair. Look for other fairs on the Career Center web calendar and on professional associations websites.
Making direct contact with employers

If you know what industry/organization/ location you are most interested in, a more direct approach may work for you. Approaching employers directly is a common strategy that is worth making a part of your job search campaign. Some career elds are so popular that they dont have to actively recruit or advertise for new employees. In this case, the direct approach may be your only choice. The downside of this approach is that you
jobs, products, and locations. In addition, review recent newspaper and periodical articles. Much of this research can be conducted at the Haas Business and Economics Library. see Research a Specic Employer, p. 5. Identify individuals who have hiring authority. This can be accomplished through reading magazine and newspaper articles, networking with alumni, friends, and co-workers, and by checking out organization
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websites for names and email addresses. In larger organizations, having a name may allow you to bypass the human resources department, which may receive hundreds of resumes each week. Use the telephone. If you are comfortable talking on the phone, you can contact any organization directly (assuming you have a contact name) and request an interview. This is usually more successful if you forward your resume to them rst and then follow-up with a phone call. With your resume in hand, it will be easier for them to decide if you have the appropriate skills and background for their organization.
and may be able to put you in touch with a key person there. You can also try making friends by participating in a community or student group, especially professionally oriented ones. Career Center events provide opportunities to make contacts. Career Fairs and Employer Information Sessions are good ways to meet professionals in your elds of interest. see p. 10 & 11. Career and employer panels provide opportunities to meet with professionals in a wide variety of jobs and careers. At these programs, you can learn about a particular job, career path, or organization in a very short period of time. You can also chat with the panelists after the program. Check the Career Center web calendar frequently for these presentations by using the keyword panel. Career Information Nights are usually less formal than the panels and bring as many as 20-30 professionals to campus. Each Career Night focuses on a particular eld environmental or health careers, for example. These are not job fairs, but venues for gathering information that you can only get by talking with people in the eld. Check the Career Center web calendar by using the keyword night.
searchable database of Cal alumni who have volunteered to grant informational interviews to students and other alumni.
Professional associations
Professional associations, many of which offer student memberships at a discounted fee, are an excellent job search resource. Many national associations have local chapters in the Bay Area. They commonly provide career services for their members and publish newsletters containing information about their eld. Attending an association meeting, workshop, or conference can enhance your success in nding a job. You will meet professionals in your eld who can provide job leads, tips, and advice. Use the Search feature of the Career Center website to locate professional associations. For example, type in professional associations and architecture to nd associations connected with architecture.
Networking
When you network, you make contact with people in a career eld or organization in which you want to work. You may get tips on improving your resume, names of more people to contact in your eld of interest, inside information on which organizations are hiring, or an actual job offer. All the information you are gathering will add up, and your big break may be just around the corner. Dont try to turn a networking meeting into a job interview. However, if the person you are talking with initiates a job interview-type situation, be ready to talk about yourself. Many job seekers resist networking because they are afraid of rejection or feel they would be using people. In truth, most people will make time to talk with you. If a person is too busy or unable to meet, dont take it personally. Move on to the next contact. Your network is only as alive and current as you keep it. It is a set of relationships to be nurtured, maintained, and developed. You never know when someone you meet might come across a job opening and think of you as the ideal candidate to ll the position. A strong network can also help make the job search less lonely and more dynamic. How can I make networking contacts? People you already know could connect you with potential networking contacts. For example, a fellow student may have had a summer job in an organization where you think you would like to work
SUGGESTED NETWORKING QUESTIONS

What skills/attributes are important for success in this position? Would you recommend certain classes or training programs for this position? What other organizations are you aware of that hire for this position? Which professional associations or publications would you recommend I consult? What do you think of my resume? How would you suggest I change it? I have read in my research that the salary range for this eld is _____. Is that consistent with your experience? Can you suggest anyone else I might talk to?
Alumni
Cal alumni may be employed at an organization where you would like to work. Check out the following resources to nd Cal alumni here in the Bay Area and throughout the world: Employer Spotlights on the Career Center website employers often list Cal alumni who have joined their companies. The @cal Career Network on the Career Center website is a
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NETWORKING SUCCESS STORY

A student interested in attending law school was walking by the Justice Department building in Oakland. Curious, she walked into the building and struck up a conversation with a woman. They discussed the work of the Justice Department and issues the department was confronting. After a few minutes, the woman told the student, Im the Director of the Ofce of Special Counsel. Im very impressed that a Cal student would come in and ask questions as youve done. Send me a letter and resume and well see what we can do to get you an internship in my department. The student later told her career counselor, I was scared to death to do this kind of thing, but would not hesitate to do it again. As long as youve done a little homework on the subject and dont have your head in the clouds, it really works out.
SOCIAL NETWORK WEBSITES

Are you one of the millions of students building a network of friends on websites like facebook, myspace, friendster, etc.? While these sites can be fun, discretion is advised. What you post on these sites or online journals is not privateit is fair game for employers.
How should I handle a networking meeting?

To set up a networking appointment: Introduce yourself and explain how you got the contacts name. Briey outline your background to provide some context. Explain your purpose for calling or emailing. Ask for a 20-30 minute meeting at the employers workplace. Other Guidelines: Dress as you would for an interview. Come prepared with written questions. Begin your meeting by outlining your background and job search objective. Keep to the time frame you requested. Networking meeting follow-up: Send your contact a note thanking them for their time and any guidance that you found particularly helpful. Ask for referrals to other people in the eld. Indicate that you will inform your contact of your progress.
More sources for obtaining employment

Listservs Joining a listserv is another useful way to learn about job opportunities. Professionals often send emails to listservs when they have an opening in their organization. For example, on the listserv for MCB majors, undergraduate affairs ofcers and MCB professors often post lab openings, summer jobs, and volunteer and part-time positions. Newspapers/professional journals Dont ignore newspaper ads and professional associations career-specic publications in your job search. In many cases the print listings are different from those on websites. Check both media for job listings. General employment agencies Employment agencies are engaged in sales transactions, selling you to an employer and selling the job and employer to you. Be an intelligent consumer. Be clear about the type of job you are seeking and interview accordingly. Ask about the kinds of clients they serve and jobs they offer. Address any concerns you might have about contracts they want you to sign. As with temp agencies, you should not be charged a fee to utilize their services.
According to a fall 2005 ExecuNet survey of 102 executive recruiters, threequarters of them said they search the Internet to look for information about job applicants. More than 1 in 4 dismissed applicants because of what they found on the Internet. Employer use of the Internet as a screening tool is only expected to grow. So, before you post your latest escapades or photos on the web, consider these guidelines: 1. Remember, what you post now may be on the Internet for years to come and can be reposted on various forums. 2. Check your online prole to make sure others havent posted incriminating comments or photos to your site. If your friends have posted questionable information about you on their sites, immediately ask them to remove it. 3. Be careful when chatting online you never know who you may be talking to. Try to avoid posting personal or identiable information online. 4. Learn about and use security options on social networking sites. Be aware that many universities offer alumni email addresses that, in turn, can be used by employers to log-in to facebook. 5. Use common sense: dont post anything on the Internet that you would not want your parents (or potential employers) to see.
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GAIN EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO GRADUATION

In todays competitive job market, it is not enough to have a college degreeemployers look for experience. Often, employers consider out-of-the classroom experiences and the skills you learn from them to be more important than your college major. Following are some ways to get experience before you graduate.
advertising right now or you may be able to develop your own opportunity. Use this book to write a draft of your resume. Sign up for a 15-minute Mini-Appointment with a career counselor for a critique. career.berkeley.edu/Info.Counseling.stm Apply to multiple organizations. Internships are competitive and important. Give yourself the best chance of succeeding. Be prepared for your interviews. Explore a variety of options and carefully evaluate the opportunities you nd so that you can choose an internship that will provide you with the best experience. career.berkeley.edu/Internships/Internships.stm See for more internship information. To see a Career Counselor about your internship search, schedule a 45-minute appointment. You can also make a 15minute Mini-Appointment if you just have brief questions, need your resume reviewed, or arent sure how to begin.
Internships
Internships are an extremely important component of your educational experience. They allow you to test-drive career options, develop important career related skills, and establish relationships with people and organizations who may ultimately help you get hired after graduation. An internship is an on-site work experience that may be directly related to your major or your career interest. Opportunities can be found during the academic year as well as during the summer months and may include full-time or part-time work. They may be called internships, co-ops, part-time, or summer jobs. The title is not important; the experience is. Interns in many elds are paid for their time. In other elds this is not the case and you earn academic credit as compensation for your time. It may be that the experience youll gain from such an opportunity is worth your time and money, but be sure to evaluate all your options carefully. For more information on obtaining academic credit for interning, see career. berkeley.edu/Internships/IntAcad.stm. How do I nd an internship? Finding an internship is very similar to nding a job. You should review other parts of the Job Search section of this book as well as other chapters for resources and tips that you can apply to your internship search. Remember that the research and application process entails a large time commitment that includes researching career elds and organizations, searching for opportunities, creating resumes and cover letters, and interviewing. Tips for your successful internship search Use a combination of job search tactics. The best one is the one that gets you hired. Network with professionals, recruiters, fellow students, professors, and family members. Explore CalJobs both for internships and for organizations in your eld that you can approach directly. Search other Internship & Job Listing sites on the Career Center website. Target organizations and approach them directly. They may have internship opportunities that they are not
Externships
An externship provides a chance to get an insiders view of a career eld by shadowing Cal alumni in their workplaces for a day to a week during winter break. For more information, enter Externship in the Career Center websites search engine.
TOP 10 REASONS TO INTERN

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Experience in a eld will help you make more educated career choices. This is your chance to explore careers in different elds or specic areas within your eld. Hands-on experience enhances your academic experience and performance. You can develop career related skills and demonstrate them for future employers. 13.5% of surveyed 2004 graduates reported that they got their current job because they previously worked for their employer! Employers prefer experience. candidates with previous work
6. 7. 8. 9.
Professional contacts in the eld can help you get hired and get ahead in your career. Many organizations use internships as extended interviews for full-time employment. Most organizations will hire successful interns over candidates they have just met.
10. Many internship positions are paid!
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INTERIM EXPERIENCE AFTER GRADUATION

There are many options available to recent college graduates beyond the traditional full-time job. These are viable options if you are approaching graduation without a rm job offer or without a clear idea of what you want to do next. Whether you are looking to work for a year or two before beginning graduate school or you need more career related experience before you will be a competitive candidate for your dream career, there are many opportunities that dont include 40 hours a week or a retirement plan. There are many reasons to consider an interim work experience. It can give you: career related work experience for your resume networking contacts, both within the organization and in the industry at large time to earn money and take a break from school before starting a graduate program a chance to evaluate career choices or graduate school plans now that you have more time. Being willing to work in a part-time or temporary position is a great way to prove to an organization that you are the one they should hire when full-time options become available. Being involved in your eld is a great way to locate opportunities that werent visible right at graduation. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to be exible in a challenging job market. Combining a part-time position or a volunteer position in your eld with one that is unrelated but pays the bills can be a good option. These may not sound as inviting as that 40 hour a week dream job, but a part-time or short-term position may be just what you need to make the successful transition from Cal to career.
While the term fellowship is used by a variety of different programs, generally fellowships: are short-term opportunities lasting from a few months to several years focus on the professional development of the fellow are sponsored by a specic association or organization seeking to expand leadership in their eld. Fellowships are often very competitive with extensive application processes and deadlines in fall or early spring semester. There are great benets to becoming a fellow: access to key professionals as mentors, signicant projects to undertake in your eld, and opportunities to attend conferences, seminars, and training institutes. See career.berkeley. edu/Internships/IntFellow.stm for more fellowship information.
enables you to gain valuable experience and polish your skills. Volunteering is also a great way to make contacts with people in the industry and network your way into paid opportunities. Contact the CalCorps Public Service Center students.berkeley.edu/calcorps or Volunteer Match volunteermatch.org.
Support positions in your eld

You may decide to take a position in your eld that is not an exact match, but provides an opportunity for skill development that would be especially useful for what you ultimately want to do. This would give you experience, allow you to develop contacts, and better evaluate your career and graduate school plans. For example, as a legal assistant for a law rm, you might get the real picture of life as a lawyer.
Temporary work
Many employers utilize temporary employment agencies to ll stafng gaps, meet deadlines, and complete projects. This has created opportunities for professional and technical work assignments throughout a broad spectrum of industries. Working as a temp can help you: gain exposure to a eld earn money as you obtain experience and skills get your foot in the door at a particular organization spend your time productively between graduation and attending graduate school. You should not be charged any fees to register with a temporary organization; they charge the organizations that have contracts with them. In most cases you are the employee of the agency and receive your pay from them, not the organization to which they send you.
BENEFITS OF A FELLOWSHIP
I was matched up with a brilliant and well respected leader in my eld who has had a real interest in my professional growth and development. I was able to think big! I knew that the fellowship would allow me access to organizations and a position that I otherwise might not have had with only an undergraduate degree. I am part of a strong network of former fellows who are leaders in the public and private sector. My fellowship has given me new perspectives on important issues and skills that I can take with me into my public policy graduate program. BA Social Welfare 99 & John Gardner Public Service Fellow 00-01
Fellowships
There are fellowships graduates education, an increasing number of available to recent college in public policy, the arts, and other nonprot elds.
Volunteer positions
If you nd yourself in need of more experience related to your eld in order to get hired in a position that you want, volunteering may be an option. Volunteer experience related to your career interests
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US JOBS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

As an international student seeking work in the US, you will need to be patient, persistent, and familiar with all aspects of the job search that apply to US students. You may nd that you are faced with some additional challenges in a climate that is difcult for all job seekers, but you can be successful if you are willing to put in the extra effort. In order to conduct the most effective job search, take the time to familiarize yourself with the resources available to you, the US job search process, your work permit options, and the issues that may present extra challenges to you. local chapter of a national organization (most offer a student membership rate) and participate in its meetings and conferences. Get to know professional members and ask for their business cards. You can locate professional associations on the Internet. For example, information can be found in the Career Fields section at career. berkeley.edu or at www. yahoo.com under the Business and Economy > Organizations link. see also Professional Associations, p.12. company that you are worth hiring even though they have to negotiate the visa process if you have established rapport with the recruiter. Internships are on-site work experiences related to your eld of study, allow you to gain career related experience and increase your networking contacts. For information on work authorization, contact Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) at 510-642-2818. For more information on internships, see the Internship section of the Career Center career.berkeley.edu/ website internships/internships.stm. Shadowing professionals on the job for a day or two can also provide key insights about careers and expand your pool of contacts. The Career Centers Externship Program provides an excellent opportunity for registered Berkeley students to observe alumni in their jobs over winter break. You can also arrange for this type of opportunity yourself. For more information go to career. berkeley.edu/Externships/Externships.stm. You may wish to target Employers with a history of hiring international employees. Sources such as www.ailf.org can help you get started. Also, US companies with international branches or international companies with US branches may be more familiar with and open to hiring internationals. These companies are familiar with the advantages of hiring international employees and are not deterred by the sponsorship process. Company websites are a good source of information.
Job search strategies

There are many Career Center workshops available to help you familiarize yourself with the US job search process. Below are some important strategies for the job search process in the US. Networking with personal and professional contacts is often the key to nding jobs in the US. See p. 12. Develop an American style commercial that tells a potential contact your name, eld of study, special skills, and career goals in about a minute. Practice your commercial so that you will be comfortable delivering it and then be prepared to modify it as the situation demands. Use your commercial to introduce your career goals into discussions with professors, classmates, people you meet through internships and professional associations, at employer events, and at other networking opportunities that arise on campus. Dont let shyness or modesty get in your way. Finally, make networking a priority in your job search. Having current employees and recruiters on your side increases the likelihood that a company will hire you. Joining a professional association can boost your contacts and keep you upto-date with trends in your eld. Join the
Joining student groups on campus can increase your contacts as well as provide opportunities to assume leadership positions. You can gain valuable transferable skills to build your resume and ne tune your interests. Information on student organizations and leadership opportunities can be found on the Cal Ofce of Student Life website at www.uga.berkeley.edu/sas. Our Career Fairs and employer information sessions are great ways to make professional contacts, to learn about opportunities at various organizations, and to allow employers to get to know you. See p. 10. It may be easier to persuade a
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Writing resumes for the US need to look at everything from how you walk into a room to the position you job search
Resumes used in the US may be different from those used in your home country. A few things to note: US resumes do not include personal information such as health, marital status, date of birth, or photographs. In addition, US resumes tend to be one page long and are very focused on presenting relevant and timely information. When listing overseas experience, it may be helpful to offer a very brief explanation about companies or educational experiences that are unfamiliar to most US employers (for example, the second largest pharmaceutical company in China or one of the top ve universities in Brazil). See Resume and Letter Writing, p. 18.
H-1B Status
The H-1B status is commonly used by students after the Practical Training has expired. The SISS ofce offers workshops on the H-1B Temporary Worker Status once a month for most of the year. For the most recent schedule, check the SISS web site under workshops. www.ias.berkeley.edu/siss
adopt when sitting at a table. Practice your rm, professional handshake and eye contact in order to greet your prospective employer with condence. This form of communication gets easier with practice. The Career Center offers On Camera Interview Practice and Preparing for Successful Interviews workshops throughout the year. See Successful Interviewing, p. 44.
Work permits and visas

To determine your eligibility to work in the US, check with Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) at International House, 2299 Piedmont Avenue, 510-642-2818. University and federal government rules may vary depending on your visa status. You need to be fully informed about these issues so that you can facilitate the hiring process for employers.
Discussing eligibility to work with an employer

Fortunately for employers, there is little paperwork involved in hiring an international student with Practical Training work authorization. However, if an employer is interested in keeping you after the practical training has expired, the process becomes more complex. Employers unfamiliar with the process of sponsoring someones immigration status may be intimidated by the prospect. The best way to prepare for this is to learn as much as you can about the options available to you by speaking to an immigration attorney. You can then present the information in a condent, informed way that will encourage the employer. There is no ofcial time when you are required to tell an employer about your student immigration status. Most employers will ask you either in the rst or second interview. Be forthcoming about your situation, but also be informed. Ideally, the employer will understand that the skills and global perspectives you bring to the company will far outweigh any extra measures needed to sponsor your work status in the US.
Interviewing in the US
It is important to be prepared to conduct an American style interview. In the US, the interview provides the employer with the chance to interact personally with a potential employee. It is seen as an opportunity for job seekers to sell themselves to the employer. You are expected to be comfortable talking about your accomplishments, to demonstrate familiarity with the company and the job description, and to condently persuade the employer that you are the best person for the position. The US style of presenting oneself to a prospective employer may seem brash or boastful, but it will be necessary to adapt to the US norm in order to successfully compete for positions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, communication skills are the top characteristic employers seek in job applicants. The interview is your opportunity to show the employer that you are comfortable using English and that you can communicate effectively. Body language is a form of communication that is extremely important, and you may
Practical Training (post-completion of studies)

Students who are eligible for Practical Training are allowed to work in the US for 12 months (F-1 students) or up to 18 months (J-1 students) after completing their studies in the US. If you are interested in continuing your employment in the US after your Practical Training has expired, you will need to apply for a different kind of immigration status. An immigration attorney is the best person to talk to about the options available for you after your Practical Training period. Ask SISS for a list of attorneys. For information on Practical Training, check the SISS web www.ias.berkeley. site at edu/siss.
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o u o f t e n m a ke yo u r f i rst i m p r essi o n o n an employer wit h your resume, and you want that impression to be outstanding. An effective resume is a succinctly writ ten snapshot of your education and ex p e r i e n c e. B u t i t is m o r e t h a n j us t g o o d writing and a generic list of activities. Fo r a r e s u m e t o b e t r u l y o u t s t a n d i n g, i t n e e d s t o h i g h l i g h t yo u r u n i q u e s t r e n g t hs and be custom tailored to the position yo u wa n t.

Search career.berkeley.edu for details about these resources: Career Counselors. 45-minute appointments for individual help constructing your resume or cover letter or getting feedback about their effectiveness. 15-minute MiniAppointments for individual resume or cover letter critiques. Information Lab, Job Search section. Books and binders with resume and cover letter tips and samples. Curriculum Vitae (CV) Information. For PhD students. See CV and Cover Letter information online at PhD section of website. Resume and Cover Letter Workshops. Especially useful if you have never written a resume and are working on your rst draft. Specialized Resume Writing workshops.Tailored to certain majors or for those pursuing specialized career elds; e.g., Resume Check for Engineering Majors or Resume Writing for Jobs in Nonprots. Resume Critiques with employers. Feedback on your resume from a company representative. Special signup online, usually the rst week of fall classes.
HOW TO DEVELOP A RESUME
1. Analyze the job description.

Read job descriptions and highlight the required and preferred skills, abilities, attributes, and qualications. Use these words in your resume.
2. Create a list of accomplishments

Take some time to think about tasks that you enjoyed doing, did well, and of which you were proud. Include education/training, volunteer experience, jobs, projects, school assignments, travel, and group/team activities. Describe in detail what you did and with whom, the equipment you used, the personal strengths and skills you employed, and the outcome of your efforts. Quantify your results, if possible, and use commonly understood terminology. Dont be humble; this is your chance to promote yourself.
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Resume formats USE A RESUME TO:

Respond to an advertised job vacancy. Send to employers that interest you after you have researched their organizations. Accompany government, graduate school, or other formal application forms. Present at an interview to a potential employer. Reinforce a personal contact you have already established with an employer. Submit to employers before on-campus interviews. Accompany a request to a past or current employer or professor to write you a letter of recommendation. Network for jobs.
Several resume formats are available. Select the kind that best presents your background and qualications. see p. 24 for Sample Resumes. Chronological This type of resume lists your experience in reverse chronological order. Arrange your resume sections based upon aspects of your background you wish to stress, putting the most relevant information rst. It works best when your work, volunteer, and academic experiences relate directly to the type of job for which you are applying. Most on-campus recruiters and business employers prefer a chronological resume. Skills Using headings that reect skills, this resume highlights your most important skill areas and knowledge relevant to a given position. This format focuses less on where and when you obtained and used skills, and lists job titles, employers, and dates of employment in a brief section at the bottom of the page. It works well when your work experience is not directly related to your career goal or when you are making a career change. Hybrid Chronological/Skills This type of resume combines elements from both chronological and skills formats. It allows you to keep the popular chronological format while also showcasing your most relevant skills near the top of the document. A hybrid resume can be organized in a number of ways, but many start with a skills summary followed by a list of experiences with descriptions in reverse chronological order grouped under skill headings. For see p. 26. an example For information about a Curriculum Vitae (CV), used primarily for academic positions at the PhD level, go to career.berkeley.edu/Phds/ PhDCV.stm
RESUME TIPS FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

As a rst or second year student, its okay to include work, accomplishments, leadership experience, and highlights of activities from high school. By your third year in college your resume should contain primarily college experiences and activities. If you dont have much work experience, incorporate other types of information into your resume. see p. 21 for a the list of Resume Components. Include some of the optional components marked with asterisks. If youre creating a resume for the rst time, expect to spend several hours putting it together.
3. Analyze experiences for relevant skill areas

Reviewing each experience, identify the skills you used that t with positions for which you are applying.
4. Write descriptive phrases

Using action verbs see p. 23, write short phrases to describe what you did that illustrates each skill. Be concise and specic. Arrange the descriptive phrases in order of relevance to the position for which you are applying (most relevant at the top).
5. Choose an appropriate format

Avoid using resume templates that come with word processing applications. Not only are employers all too familiar with them, but templates are inexible often they wont allow you to move sections around or to modify headings.
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SENDING RESUMES AND LETTERS ELECTRONICALLY

To send your resume via email, nd out the employers format preference when possible. Although some recruiters accept attachments, others prefer your resume in the text of the email message. If you cant nd out the employers preference, send it both ways in one message. Unless you are told otherwise, include a cover letter. Send both the resume and cover letter in one email message. see p. 37 for an example. When submitting a resume via an organizations website, use the formatting and display style recommended by the website. To send your resume as an attachment: Create your resume using a common word processing program. Give the document a name the hiring manager will associate with you, such as MillerJennifer.doc. This will enable a recruiter to nd your resume once its saved on a computer. Dont name the document Resume.doc. Be absolutely sure your document is free of viruses. Send it electronically to a friend to make sure its easy to open, the formatting stays correct, and the document is virus-free. To send your resume in the text of the email message: The cover letter should appear rst, above your resume. All text should be aligned left. Do not use bold, underlining, bullets, distinctive fonts, colored text, or html codes. Use asterisks (*), plus signs (+), dashes, all capital letters, and combinations of these to highlight text. Save your cover letter and resume as text only or plain text, then cut and paste them into the email. Send it electronically to yourself and to a friend with a different email system to see how it will look. Text resumes look plain and ordinary, but employers are used to this. They are most concerned with the content. To make your resume scannable: Some large employers utilize resume database tracking systems. They scan incoming resumes into a database and when they have openings, they can retrieve resumes using relevant keywords. Its okay to ask an employer if you should provide a scannable resume. Some companies will indicate on their website that they scan resumes and even give formatting tips. Include industry or job-specic keywords, especially relevant skills, understandable abbreviations, major, specic elds of study, and experience (e.g., marketing research, java, html, sales, gel electrophoresis). Use 10 to 14 point font size. Do not use italics, underlining, fancy fonts, or multiple columns. Use spacing or all capitals for emphasis. Not all systems accept boldface, but unless you are instructed not to use it, it is probably ne. Do not center text. Print on white paper with a highresolution laser printer. When submitting a hard copy by mail, do not fold it.
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Resume Components
COMPONENT
Identifying Data
BASICS
COMMENTS
Name, street address, email address and phone Voicemail message, email address, and website content or message number at the top of the page should be appropriate for a potential employer. (include area codes and zip codes). Include personal web page if you want employers to see it. Name of school, major, degree received, graduation date, projected graduation date, or dates of attendance if no degree was completed. Include any course titles relevant to the targeted position. Honors and grade-point average optional; include if among your strong points. If you attended more than one school, list the most recent rst. You dont have to list all the schools you have attended. Do not list high school. Additional training may either go here or under a separate heading.
Education
Experience/Work History
Paid, volunteer or military work. Emphasize Present achievements, contributions, and results or impact tasks, skills, abilities, and accomplishments e.g., streamlined a procedure or made a cost-saving related to the targeted position. Give the job suggestion). Experience does not have to be paid. title, employing organization, and dates of employment.
The components listed below are optional use if appropriate for your background and the employers youre targeting Job Objective
A one-line description of the type of position Follows your name and contact information at the top of you want. your resume. Should be specic rather than a general statement of your interests. Foreign languages, computer skills, ofce Can be combined under this heading or listed skills, lab techniques or transferable skills not separately. mentioned elsewhere in the resume. State if you are uent in a foreign language. If you understand a language but are not uent, still mention it. For example: Fluent in Russian, conversational Spanish, or read and write French.
Skills & Abilities or Summary of Qualications Languages
Activities & Interests
In order of importance or reverse chronological Include activities and interests that show leadership or order, list student activities/ organizations, initiative or that pertain to your career interest. professional associations and committees in which you have participated. List any ofces that you held with the skills you used. List ofces held, organizations, projects, and If the setting is political or religious, you may want to accomplishments. use generic descriptions (e.g., Youth Leader for church, Speech Writer for City Council candidate). If substantial, these may be listed under Experience. Recent graduates and continuing students can Can be listed separately or as a subsection under include academic honors such as Deans List, Education. honor societies and scholarships. Briey describe relevant research projects. List published articles, papers or books. Include if your career interest involves travel or You can also use this as a way of distinguishing yourself knowledge of other cultures. if you have signicant travel experience. You do not need to end your resume with the phrase, References Available on Request, but this is the best place to state that you have Portfolio and/or writing samples available on request. Create a separate page for references. List names, titles and contact information. Always ask permission before using anyones name as a reference. Include people who know about your work related abilities, such as former employers, volunteer project supervisors, and faculty. Do not use relatives or friends.
Community Involvement/Volunteer Activities Honors
Research & Publications Travel References
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Resume Dos & Donts

Do
Use good quality (at least 20 lb. bond) paper Use a readable font and print on a high-resolution printer (laser is best) If you use an objective, make it specic Emphasize results produced or impact made, signicant achievements, and recognition from others Quantify when possible and use specic examples Check the spelling of every word; make sure grammar and punctuation are correct Have someone proofread your resume Get feedback from several people Begin phrases with action verbs such as developed, initiated, etc. Be truthful about your accomplishments Keep your resume to one page unless you have extensive experience related to your job objective
Resume Checklist
Is the resume pleasing to the eye easy-to-read font, good layout?
Are your name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number and email address at the top of the page? Does your objective (if used) state clearly the functional areas in which you seek employment and the level of the job you want? Did you use bullets, bold, or all capitals to highlight key strengths? If you know your resume will be scanned, did you omit columns, underlining, and italics? Is information listed in order of importance and relevance to the position? Does the resume avoid generalities and focus on specic information about experience, projects, products? Did you check the spelling of every word and make sure the grammar and punctuation are correct? Do most phrases begin with action verbs such as developed, initiated, etc.? Have you been truthful about your accomplishments rather than being falsely modest or hyping them too much? If you were the employer, would you call you for an interview?
Dont
Use resume templates that come with word processing software Begin phrases with I or use complete sentences Include personal information such as marital status, social security number, age, or national origin Use ashy graphics or colored paper Mention controversial activities or associations List unrelated, minor duties such as opened mail or led documents Exaggerate your experience Use meaningless words or phrases such as seeking a challenging position or seeking a position working with people Start phrases in the experience section with My responsibilities (or duties) included Use abbreviations
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Verb List for Resumes & Letters

Management
administered analyzed assigned attained chaired consolidated contracted coordinated delegated developed directed evaluated executed improved increased organized oversaw planned prioritized produced recommended reviewed scheduled strengthened supervised promoted publicized reconciled recruited spoke translated wrote
Teaching
adapted advised claried coached communicated coordinated demystied developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated guided informed instructed persuaded set goals stimulated trained
Research
claried collected critiqued diagnosed evaluated examined extracted identied inspected interpreted interviewed investigated organized reviewed summarized surveyed systematized
developed directed established fashioned founded illustrated initiated instituted integrated introduced invented originated performed planned revitalized shaped
Clerical or Detail Oriented

approved arranged catalogued classied collected compiled dispatched executed generated implemented inspected monitored operated organized prepared processed purchased recorded retrieved screened specied systematized tabulated validated
Helping
assessed assisted claried coached counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated expedited facilitated familiarized guided motivated referred rehabilitated represented
Financial
administered allocated analyzed appraised audited balanced budgeted calculated computed developed forecasted managed marketed planned projected researched
Communication
addressed arbitrated arranged authored collaborated convinced corresponded developed directed drafted edited enlisted formulated inuenced interpreted lectured mediated moderated negotiated persuaded
Technical
assembled built calculated computed designed devised engineered fabricated maintained operated overhauled programmed remodeled repaired solved upgraded
More Verbs for Accomplishments

achieved expanded improved pioneered reduced (losses) resolved (problems) restored spearheaded transformed
Creative
acted conceptualized created customized designed
Words in bold are especially good for pointing out accomplishments.
from The Damn Good Resume Guide by Yana Parker, Berkeley:Ten Speed Press career.berkeley.edu
23
Chronological Resume for a teaching position

ALICIA GUTIERREZ
459 Buena Vista Avenue #3 Berkeley, CA 93700 agutier@berkeley.edu 510-345-9876
Objective Education
School district teaching internship (passed CBEST June 2006) B.A. American Studies, concentration in Minority Education, May 2007 University of California, Berkeley
Break the Cycle, Berkeley, CA (September 2006-present) Teaching Intern Improve 1st graders math skills Motivate underachieving students toward success in their annual district exams Design individualized curriculums This chronological version of Alicias resume emphasizes her teaching skills.
Experience
Edna Brewer School, Oakland, CA (September 2006-present) Tutor and Teachers Aide Develop a semester teaching unit on culture, ethnicity, and identity Conceptualize and implement yearlong project for ESL students resulting in a journal of autobiographical works for use as a learning tool and model for other ESL teachers, historical archive, and a source of inspiration for other ESL students Drafted proposal to nance project, which resulted in award of grant support Panoply Corporation, Berkeley, CA (July 2003-December 2005) Salesperson Rened communication skills and marketing techniques Led clothing sales for the months of July and August
Combines paid & volunteer positions under the Experience heading.
National Cheerleaders Association, Garland, TX (May-July 2003 & 2004) Instructor and Camp Leader Instructed students of all ages in cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance Collaborated with a team of ve instructors to create a positive, fun, and lively learning atmosphere
Activities
Rush Chairperson for Chi Omega Sorority (January 2005-December 2005) Directed team of 70 chapter members in planning recruitment Recruited women to join Chi Omega Mu Chapter by implementing marketing strategies Successfully pledged full quota for two semesters Increased chapter unity and spirit by designing team building activities Budgeted spending for Rush preparation week and Rush week Managing Editor for Maganda, a Filipino Literary and Art Magazine (September 2004-present) Designed visual concept for the magazines debut Organized and sought out performers for fundraising and promotional events
Skills
Procient in conversational Spanish Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, SoundEdit Pro, strong Internet skills
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Skills Resume for a marketing position

ALICIA GUTIERREZ
459 Buena Vista Avenue #3 Berkeley, CA 93700 Objective Education Entry-level Marketing position University of California, Berkeley B.A. American Studies, concentration in Minority Education, May 2007 University of Costa Rica, Education Abroad Program
This skills version of Alicias resume emphasizes her marketing/management skills.
agutier@berkeley.edu 510-345-9876
Skills
Good use of numbers to quantify achievement.
MARKETING/MANAGEMENT Coordinated team of ten in planning sorority recruitment, resulting in a chapter membership increase of 35 percent. Implemented a marketing strategy that promoted the benets of membership. Organized fundraising and promotional events for literary/art journal, bringing together Filipino artists from areas throughout California. Achieved highest sales volume while employed at a retail store. Collaborated with team of ve instructors to create a positive, fun, and lively learning atmosphere tailored specically for each client. COMMUNICATION Directed group of 70 sorority members and increased group unity by designing team building activities. Motivated 15 underachieving students toward success in district exams. Drafted proposal for educational project resulting in a $600 grant award. CREATIVITY Conceptualized yearlong project for ESL students culminating in a journal of autobiographical works. Designed visual concept for a magazine debut event. Developed a semester teaching unit on culture, ethnicity, and identity. SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS MS Word, Excel, Adobe PhotoShop, SoundEdit Pro, Dreamweaver, strong Internet skills; designed a web page.
Experience
Project Coordinator and Tutor, Edna Brewer School (9/06-present) Managing Editor, Maganda, (9/04-present) Teaching Intern, Break the Cycle (9/06-present) Recruitment Chairperson, Chi Omega Sorority (1/05-12/05) Salesperson, Panoply Corporation (7/03-12/05) Instructor and Group Leader, National Cheerleaders Association (Summer 2003 & 2004)
career.berkeley.edu
25
Hybrid (Chronological/Skills) Resume for educational software sales position

ALICIA GUTIERREZ
459 Buena Vista Avenue #3 Berkeley, CA 93700
agutier@berkeley.edu 510-345-9876
Objective Education
Educational software sales position University of California, Berkeley B.A. American Studies, concentration in Minority Education, May 2007 Knowledgeable of educational software through academic and personal experience Consistently successful track record in sales Over one year of experience in teaching and education TEACHING Teaching Intern, Break the Cycle, Berkeley, CA September 2006-present Improved 1st grade students math skills. Motivated 15 underachieving students toward success in their annual district exams. Designed individualized curricula. Tutor and Teachers Aide, Edna Brewer School, Oakland, CA September 2006-present Conceptualized and implemented a yearlong project for ESL students resulting in a journal of autobiographical works for use as a learning tool and model for other ESL teachers, historical archive, and a source of inspiration for other ESL students. Drafted proposal to nance project, which resulted award of grant support. Instructor and Camp Leader, National Cheerleaders Association, Garland, TX May-July 2003 & 2004 Instructed students of all ages in cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance. Collaborated with a team of ve instructors to create a positive, fun, and lively learning atmosphere. SALES & MARKETING Managing Editor Maganda, UC Berkeley September 2004- present Designed visual concept for Filipino Literary and Art magazines debut. Organized and brought together Filipino artists from areas throughout California for fundraising and promotional events. Rush Chairperson, Chi Omega Sorority, UC Berkeley January 2005-December 2005 Coordinated team of ten in planning sorority recruitment. Implemented marketing strategies promoting the benets of membership, resulting in chapter membership increase of 35 percent. Budgeted spending for Rush preparation week and Rush week. Salesperson, Panoply Corporation, Berkeley, CA July 2003-December 2005 Rened communication skills and marketing techniques while helping customers select attering attire. Led in clothing sales for the months of July and August.
Skills Summary
Experience
This hybrid version of Alicias resume combines the strengths of both skills and chronological resumes. It focuses on two skill sets teaching and sales/marketing and shows the experiences in which she used them.
Other Skills
Procient in conversational Spanish Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, SoundEdit Pro, strong Internet skills
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Chronological Resume for international business position

JANICE WU
2211 Tenth Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 300-4444 janice@alumni.berkeley.edu
OBJECTIVE Assistant Brand Management position for an International Retailer EDUCATION University of California, Berkeley B.A. Japanese with Honors Thesis, December 2006, GPA: 3.72 Hitotsubashi University - Education Abroad Program, Tokyo, Japan Fall 2003-Spring 2004
GPA is optional, but applicant lists it because it is one of her strong points.
Student Life Achievement Award, 2006, granted to 25 students who have contributed exemplary community service on campus and in the surrounding community Emerging Leader Alumni Scholarship, 2003 & 2004, awarded by Cal Alumni Association for approximately 100 students per year for outstanding leadership abilities PROJECTS Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program, UC Berkeley Fall 2005 Brand Equity Research Assistant Collected and examined cross-cultural brand equity data from various journals & databases Reviewed and summarized literature on brand equity formation, management, & transferability International Marketing Seminar, Hitotsubashi University, Japan Fall 2004- Spring 2005 Class Project Developed strategies to promote sales of instant coffee on team of four for a multinational companys Japanese coffee division Conceptualized and developed four commercials and two public relations events Conducted research on youth segments and current trends to form reference materials for rm EXPERIENCE Deloitte & Touche, LLP, San Francisco, CA Summer 2004 Tax Advisory Intern Researched and wrote articles for Tax Director to highlight implications of tax rule changes Analyzed tax returns and nancial statements to assist with completion of tax returns for corporations, partnerships, and individuals U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Service, San Francisco, CA Summer 2002 International Trade Intern Researched and developed objectives, goals, and budget plans for scal year 2003 for Middle East team consisting of 25 commercial ofcers in the US and abroad Drafted team proposal currently being implemented by the division to promote trade opportunities such as International Buyer Program shows and educational seminars Contacted international trade liaisons to assess export opportunities for small companies ACTIVITIES Beta Alpha Psi, National Honors Business Fraternity Spring 2004 Community Service Coordinator Organized four community service events for over 40 students in local chapter Acted as liaison between Beta Alpha Psi and local community Youth for Understanding International Exchange Fall 2002-Spring 2004 Volunteer Conducted telephone interviews with past participants and enlisted them as volunteers Persuaded approximately 70 prospective students and parents to participate in YFU SKILLS Languages: Fluent in written and spoken Cantonese and Mandarin; conversant in Japanese
career.berkeley.edu

27
Chronological Resume for architecture position

MILES STEVENS
3920 Durant Ave Berkeley, CA 94704 510-547-9230 miles@berkeley.edu
Education
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY B.A. Architecture, May 2006
Relevant Courses
Drawing Studio Design Studio Architectural Acoustics
Construction Process & Method History of Architecture & Urbanism Civil Engineering Material Properties
Energy Design in Buildings Landscape Structures Intro Structural Design
Relevant Experience Bullet format works well to draw attention to action verbs.
BERG JONES ARCHITECTS, Oakland, CA Architecture Intern (6/05-12/05) Conducted site surveys for Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Williams Sonoma stores Prepared as-built drawings using Arris 7.0 Researched code requirements and prepared survey reports Constructed site and building models for client proposals ATKINS PAINTERS, San Bernardino, CA Web Designer/Painter (7/04-8/04) Designed and developed company website Prepared and painted interiors and exteriors of residential and commercial buildings
Leadership Positions
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS (AIAS) UC Berkeley AIAEB Student Representative (12/04-present) Attend monthly AIA board meetings and events on behalf of student chapter PHI SIGMA FRATERNITY, UC Berkeley Vice President (1/05-1/06) Organized venues, security, transportation, music, funding for all social events Managed $18,000 annual budget Executive Vice President (1/04-1/05) Administered nationally recognized pledge training program Evaluated fraternity operations and made critical decisions
Describes campus leadership activities.
House Manager (1/03-1/04) Coordinated 52 residents in routine maintenance and repairs of 10,000 sq ft residence Supervised demolition, purchasing, contracting and scheduling of $12,000 bathroom renovation project BERKELEY EDUCATES ON ALCOHOL AWARENESS SEMINARS (BEARS, UC Berkeley) Student Director (1/04-12/04) Developed and presented seminars promoting social awareness of risks associated with irresponsible alcohol use Skills Technical: AutoCAD 2006, Arris CAD, PhotoShop, Excel,Word, HTML, Java Script Professional: Model making, leadership, teamwork, communication, public speaking American Institute of Architecture Students, UC Berkeley Interfraternity Council, Intramural Softball
Afliations
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Chronological Resume for policy position

LENARD I. BORGE
lib@berkeley.edu Current Address: 44 Panoramic Way #A Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 555-8798 OBJECTIVE List permanent address if there is a chance you will move before employers can contact you. Permanent Address: 50875 San Miguel Avenue Hacienda Heights, CA 91746 (617) 555-8798
Position in public policy research

EDUCATION
B.A. Political Science, University of California at Berkeley, May 2006, 3.8 GPA UCDC Program: Research, internship, and study in Washington DC, 1/04-5/04 Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 10/04-6/05
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Israeli Ministry of Justice, Human Rights Division, Jerusalem 12/04-4/05 Assistant to Director. Conducted in-depth study of prisoner history. Organized conferences, maintained contact with human rights watch groups, and established relations with families of suspected terrorists held in Israeli jails. The Institute of World Politics, Washington D.C. 1/04-5/04 Research Intern. Monitored and briefed director on daily developments and security issues with an emphasis on Russia, national security, global organized crime, and nuclear proliferation. Wrote extensive research paper on Russian Organized Crime/State Sponsored Corruption in former Soviet Union. ASUC Senate 8/03-1/04 Elected Senator. Represented undergraduate and graduate students in an on-campus political forum. Vice-Chairman, Senate Finance Committee. Helped manage a business budget of over $6 million controlled by the Senate. Dispersed funds to student groups and other interests following votes and committee decisions. U.S. House of Representatives Page 8/00-2/01 Democratic Cloakroom Staff, 104th Congress. Aided members of congress in general cloakroom duties, communication between Chamber and ofces, and delivery of ofcial documents.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Sage Nissan,Walnut Creek, CA 6/04-10/04 Salesperson. Sold an average of 15-20 cars monthly. Received #1 Salesman Award for September.
Brings all of his relevant experience to the top of the resume by breaking his experiences into two categories.
Minolta Business Systems, Tarzana, CA Summer 2003 Sales Representative. Engaged in sales of business copiers and fax machines in assigned territory. Generated over $50,000 in sales.
AWARDS
Phi Beta Kappa, January 2005 Deans Honor List, UC Berkeley, Fall & Spring 2004 and 2005 Golden Key Honor Society Award Recipien, Fall 2005 Kappa Sigma Chapter Leadership Award, May 2003
LANGUAGES/ INTERESTS
Fluent in Hebrew and Spanish Photography, swimming, running, sailing, travel
career.berkeley.edu
29
Chronological Resume for consulting position

Joshua Larson
Makes full use of the page with smaller margins. Margins should be at least 0.75 inch.
2503 Channing Way, Apartment 800, Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 555-8882 walter@berkeley.edu
EDUCATION: WALTER A. HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, May 2007 Major GPA: 3.5, Overall GPA: 3.4; SAT Math: 710 Verbal: 800 Consulting rms usually ask for GPA and SAT scores.
WORK EXPERIENCE Catalyst Partners, Inc., San Francisco, CA (12/05-present) Consultant: Work with a team of ve students and three Accenture professionals to increase awareness of and participation in clients online software. Review software and existing marketing plan by interviews. Conduct basic market research with customer base through interviews and paper-based surveys. Develop updated marketing plan and create implementation plan for local roll out of software. Spherion Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Pleasanton, CA (6/05-8/05, 12/04-1/05) Intern: Gathered and researched leads for account executives. Performed phone interviews with industry executives. Created Excel spreadsheet to track recruiters placements. Psychology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (1/04-5/04) Research Assistant: Managed team of four behavioral coders for project investigating age differences in emotion. Conducted literature searches and library research. Attended weekly team meetings to assess progress, discuss coding methods, and discuss relevant articles. Made over 40 calls to survey, recruit, and schedule potential participants. ACTIVITIES Eggster Hunt & Learning Festival, Berkeley, CA (8/03-present) Co-Director: Manage 11 committee heads to facilitate all aspects of a 60+ member organization with mission to sponsor ve local childrens nonprots nancially and with time and talent and offer a free event consisting of 10 egg hunts and 50+ educational booths geared toward children from disadvantaged and disabled backgrounds. Community Relations Co-Chair: Supervised and developed leadership in 10+ member committee. Screened and selected ve agencies and developed working relationships through community service projects and conference meetings. Assisted organization in raising $26K and attracting attendance of 3500+ people at event. Alumni Scholars Club, Berkeley, CA (8/03-present) Member/Marketing Chair/Freshman Finals Survival Kit Committee: Track and order materials for over 600 kits per semester. Research prices for kit materials and supervise package assembly for distribution. Raised over $15K through extensive mailing to parents of UC Berkeley students. Childrens Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA (6/03-8/03) 100 Hour Volunteer: Assisted in patient care by playing with patients in the fth oor playroom and conducting bedside visits. Created and arranged arts and crafts projects for groups of 10 children. HONORS National Society of Collegiate Scholars, California Alumni Association Leadership Scholarship, Robert C. Byrd Scholarship, won four merit scholarships for college. SKILLS & INTERESTS Computer Skills: Languages: Interests:
Procient in Microsoft Ofce, Adobe PhotoShop, Windows XP, and web design languages (HTML, JavaScript). Spanish (conversational), Cantonese (conversational). Avid vocalist, painter and photographer. Accomplished dancer, performed in Oakland Ballet Companys production of Nutcracker. Shows a broad range of interests.
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Chronological Resume for laboratory position

Anna Liu
Local: 333 Haste St. Apt. 200C, Berkeley, CA 94708 (510) 555-8798 Permanent: 1898 20th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 566-8522 Email: aliu@berkeley.edu
Education University of California at Berkeley Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology, December 2006 Emphasis in Cell and Developmental Biology
Dont use the abbreviations BA or BS if your resume will be scanned by employers.
Laboratory Skills Enzyme characterization, RIAs, ion-exchange chromatography, gel electrophoresis, media preparation, protein, assays, plasma preps, aseptic techniques, use of radioisotopes, HPLC, cell fractionation Coursework Biology Physics Cell Biology Chemistry Human Physiology Microbiology Organic Chemistry Human Anatomy Biochemistry
Experience Laboratory Instructor Vista Community College, Berkeley, CA (8/06-present) Lecture in genetics, immunology, microbiology, and general biology Prepare stock solutions and media Supervise teacher assistants and oversee 35 students in each class Work with a team of professors and teacher assistants in publishing new lab manuals Research Assistant Comparative Endocrinology Lab, University of California, Berkeley (8/05-present) Plan, organize, and carry out long-term and short-term research projects Analyze, research, and study evolution of hormones Develop expertise in metabolic pathways of thyronines Adept in RIAs, enzyme characterization, and handling radioactive materials Student Caseworker Suitcase Clinic, Berkeley, CA (1/05-5/05) Interviewed homeless and low-income individuals to obtain general prole and determine their presenting issues Worked with lawyers, physicians, and social workers to obtain services for homeless individuals English Tutor and Mentor City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (1/04-6/04) Involved with teaching students the complexities of the English language Provided assistance to tutors in subjects such as biology Activities Mentor, Chinatown YMCA (8/05-present) Ofcer, Society of Cal Integrative Biology Undergraduate Students (SCIBUGS) (12/05-6/06) Fundraiser, Recreation Center for the Disabled (8/03-12/05) Additional Skills Corel Quattro Pro, MS Excel, MS Word,WordPerfect, and DOS; uent in Cantonese
career.berkeley.edu
31
Chronological Resume for computer science position

Nancy Lawrence
Good example of showcasing skills and projects that support objective.
1899 Fulton Way Apt. # 333 Berkeley, CA 94528 (510) 555-6565 nlawrence@cory.eecs.berkeley.edu http://www.nlawrence.com
Web page provides opportunity to demonstrate HTML skills.
Objective
Software Engineer
Education
University of California, Berkeley BA Computer Science, May 2007 (GPA 3.1) Design classes: Programming Language & Compilers, Operating Systems, Data Structures, Digital Design, and Database Systems.
Computer Skills
Software: ViewLogic Workview, Oracle, vxWorks Programming: Java, C++ Operating Systems: Windows NT/XP, Unix (BSD, Solaris, Linux)
Projects
Designed and implemented an operating system including thread management, multiprogramming, virtual memory, le systems, and networking capabilities (UNIX, C++) Designed and implemented a disassembler (MIPS RISC assembly language, UNIX, C++) Developed a serial and infrared sender, receiver, and controller (Xillinx FPGA and software)
Experience
WIND RIVER SYSTEMS,Alameda, CA Engineering/QA Co-op Intern: Identied problems of the Real Time Operating System, vxWorks. Communicated with development engineers and recommended solutions. Installed and operated vxWorks. Planned, designed, and implemented regression tests for vxWorks libraries. (5/05-7/06) COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO, San Mateo, CA Computer Lab Assistant: Responded to students questions and helped them resolve problems in C++ and Java. Developed interpersonal skills and problem solving strategies while working with students from a wide range of backgrounds. Worked in the lab 20 hours/week while completing lower division coursework. (2/03-6/04) SATELLITE TV WORLD, Redwood City, CA Technician: Installed and maintained home satellite television systems. Repaired and rebuilt damaged systems. (1/01-8/02)
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Skills Resume for graduate student seeking editorial position

CHRISTOPHER LEWIS
1475 Grand Avenue Apt. 3 Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 555-2217 christol@abc.com
OBJECTIVE Entry level editorial position Good way to bring attention to relevant skills.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Staff Editor for The Archaeological Review Trained in expository, media, and academic writing Developed archival system for museum lm collection Procient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, SASS and Macintosh programs SKILLS Writing/Editing Edited submitted papers for content, coherence, and language usage. Transferred edited copy from print to Quark and formatted material for publication. Completed Masters dissertation; currently synthesizing select chapters for publication. Research Developed, implemented, and interpreted six-page questionnaire. Developed sampling techniques including special variant of standard random sample. Prepared raw data for computer analysis. Organization/Administration
Uses skills format so that he can highlight his writing and editing experiences and de-emphasize his Archaeology background.
Coordinated all aspects of four-day, international professional conference. Developed agenda, scheduled speakers, and organized discussion groups. Catalogued and curated the American Indian Ethnographic Film Collection for the Lowie Museum of Anthropology. Scheduled and coordinated auditions and interviews for performers and technical staff for commercial and industrial lm projects. Evaluated and contacted prospective clients and talent agencies as production assistant in commercial and industrial lm projects. WORK HISTORY Field Archaeologist and Lab Analyst Field Archaeologist and Lab Analyst Field Archaeologist Collections Curator Sales Associate EDUCATION M.A. Archaeology, 2007 University of California, Berkeley B.A. Anthropology, 2001 University of California, Berkeley San Jose State University, CA Enlene and Verberie, France Jefferson Park, MD Lowie Museum, Berkeley, CA Canterbury, San Francisco, CA Spring 2005 Fall 2003 - Summer 2004 Summer 2003 Summer 2002 2000-2002
career.berkeley.edu
33
Chronological Resume for summer position

Janet Jones
jjj47@berkeley.edu Permanent Address 9347 West Bell Inglewood, CA 90301 (213) 555-1212 Campus Address (until 5/22/07) 2222 Dwight Way Apt. #9 Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 556-1212
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Over ve years of customer service experience Experience conducting research and making presentations Outgoing, personable, and enjoy working in teams and on group projects
This summary focuses the employers attention on transferable skills.
EDUCATION
University of California, Berkeley B.A. Political Science, May 2008. Minor: African American Studies
WORK EXPERIENCE
University of California, Berkeley, Career Center 8/06-present Peer Advisor Delivered more than 12 hour-long oral presentations to a variety of student groups Compiled presentation materials on service oriented topics for numerous UC Berkeley student groups and organizations Worked cooperatively on a team of eight to publicize career fairs and workshops Yogurt Park, Berkeley, CA 1/05- present Customer Service Representative Addressed the needs of hundreds of consumers from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds Efciently attended to customer complaints and handled employee conict resolution Old Navy, Inglewood, CA 6/06-7/06 Promotional Assistant Worked cooperatively with a group of fteen individuals to effectively execute 4th of July promotional activities Interacted with hundreds of men, women, and children while giving away items for a statewide 4th of July event Clinical Psychology, UCLA Medical Center 6/06- 8/06 Research Assistant Gathered and processed statistical data from numerous participants that was ultimately used in a nationwide survey Hot Dog on a Stick, Los Angeles, CA 6/02-8/05 Assistant Manager Analyzed and implemented new scheduling system resulting in prot increase and store efciency Kept accurate account of large sums of money and nancial transactions Coordinated and supervised numerous recreational activities and events for sixteen employees
COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint Research experience on GLADIS, MELVYL library databases
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Chronological Resume for summer internship

Jennifer Miller
777 Santa Barbara Ave. Berkeley, CA 94787 (510) 555-5678 jm@berkeley.edu Objective Education Summer internship in Chemical Engineering University of California, Berkeley B.S. Chemical Engineering, Chemistry Minor, May 2008, Junior Standing Chemical Process Analysis Thermodynamics Process Fluid Mechanics Process Control Technical Communication Environmental Biotechnology Chemical Kinetics & Reaction Engineering Heat and Mass Transfer Separation Processes Air Pollutant Emissions and Control Listing coursework is helpful, especially if you dont have related experience.
Relevant Courses
Skills
Lab equipment: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography, Supercritical Fluid Extraction, and Ion Chromatography Computer: MS-DOS/Windows and Macintosh applications including Microsoft Ofce, WordPerfect, Cricket Graph, Kaleidagraph, and Mathcad; FORTRAN programming Other: Strong analytical and problem-solving techniques, excellent communication skills, and ability to work successfully both in groups and independently
Related Experience
University of California, Berkeley, Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Strawberry Creek Management Intern, Jan. 2006 - present Assess water pollution sources in Strawberry Creek Watershed using physical parameter and surface water chemistry measurements Develop a water quality monitoring plan, applying environmental regulatory compliance and urban creek restoration methodologies Prepare a written report documenting assessment Attend EH&S project management and implementation meetings College of Chemistry Instrument Technician for Environmental Chemistry, Aug. 2006 - present Trained to use Perkin-Elmer 3100 atomic absorption spectrometer, Dionex, Basic Ion Chromatography Module DX-300 series, Perkin-Elmer Autosystem Gas, Chromatograph,and Hewlett-Packard 7680T SFE Module Demonstrate and explain instruments to students Prepare laboratory demonstrations and chemical standards College of Chemistry Lab Assistant, Jan. 2005-Aug. 2005 Assisted in development of water quality and led remediation experiments Obtained and analyzed water and soil eld samples Performed contamination-free analytical chemistry and prepared standards Performed extensive library research
Additional Experience
Fatapples Restaurant and Bakery, El Cerrito, CA Waitress, Host/Busser, Cashier, Sept. 2005 - present
career.berkeley.edu
35
Chronological Resume for summer internship - sophomore

Casey Kim
Current Address: 1234 University St. #222, Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 555-0777 Permanent Address: 22222 Sunny Drive, Hemet, CA 92544 (909) 555-9254 Email: caseykim@berkeley.edu
OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship in the eld of Business Administration. EDUCATION University of California, Berkeley Intended Major: Psychology Expected graduation date: May 2009 WORK HISTORY University of California, Berkeley Administrative Intern, Haas Center for Executive Development, February 2006 - present Maintain advertising calendar of events for promotion activities, research prospective companies for programs, coordinate in-house mailings (international and domestic), perform creative advertising editing, data entry, ling and other general ofce work. Hemet Hoopstars Basketball Camp Basketball Coach, June 2005 - August 2005 Trained and instructed children ages 7-11 in basketball fundamentals. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Priestley Dormitory Hall Association Community Board Representative, September 2005 - May 2006 Provided a sense of community by uniting residents of ve dormitory buildings. Planned and executed special events for approximately 1250 residents. Hemet High School Basketball Team Varsity Captain/point guard, Fall 2003 and Fall 2004 Junior Varsity Most Valuable Player, Fall 2002 SKILLS Computer: HTML, Javascript, Microsoft Ofce software Language: Spoken Korean
First and second year students may include high school experience and accomplishments.
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Job Search Guide
2006-2007
Resume Format for Emailing Resume as Text
Dear Ms. Walters, Thank you for meeting with me after the career panel yesterday at UC Berkeley. I am very interested in the entry-level manufacturing engineering position we discussed. The following is a copy of my resume and I have also included it as an attachment. I believe my strong mechanical engineering training and work experience in a manufacturing setting make me an ideal candidate. I am available to begin work after January 2, 2007. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you. John Chang RESUME John Chang 189 Manor Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (510) 555-8975 jc@berkeley.edu OBJECTIVE Manufacturing Engineer EDUCATION University of California at Berkeley BS in Mechanical Engineering, December 2006 Honors: Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering honor society) Regents Scholar RELATED COURSES *Product Development *Measurement Systems *Advanced 3D Modeling *Fluid Mechanics *Applied Fluids *Thermodynamics *Heat Transfer *Properties of Materials PROJECTS *Modeled aluminum tubing framework of a DNA machine and provided cost analysis, vendor information, and component and assembly drawings. *Conceptualized and developed a prototype for a device used to prevent the disastrous effects of household gas leaks. EXPERIENCE RAYTEK, INC., Fremont, CA, May 2005-present Manufacturing Engineering Assistant. Performed daily maintenance and troubleshooting of a manufacturing line. Researched and tested hardware and
NOTE: continue for up to three pages (letter plus resume). career.berkeley.edu Text format is simple and easy to read with no bullets, bold, underlining or tabs. All text is left justied. See p. 20.

37
COVER LETTERS
Always send a cover letter along with an application or resume to an employer. Its purpose is to introduce you and show the prospective employer how your background ts their particular job. Use the cover letter to expand on points from your resume that you feel are especially noteworthy or relevant. You can also let the employer know that you are willing to relocate or that you have a mutual acquaintance. You should demonstrate that you have done your homework on the organization and know how you can be an asset to the employer. Prepare an original cover letter for each job NOT a form letter.
jobs, internships, volunteer experience, extracurricular involvement (on- and offcampus) and travel.
COVER LETTER DOS AND DONTS Do

Use paper that matches your resume Write an original cover letter for each employer and position State in the rst sentence why you are writing Show that you know your career goals and how they relate to the position and the organization Demonstrate originality and enthusiasm Make your points succinctly; every point should support your application Proofread for typos and accuracy of address and telephone numbers Run Spell Check on your computer before you print your nal copy, but remember that it cannot detect the wrong form of the word or a homonym Print envelopes using a computer printer Keep copies of all materials for your records Follow up with the employer if you hear nothing after a couple of weeks. Inquire if any further information is needed and reiterate your interest.
Beyond Advertised Listings

Networking and research leads You will also write cover letters to employers that you identify in your independent job search. Through networking or research, you will learn of specic openings or job titles that interest you. Be sure to indicate in the rst paragraph what position youre seeking. If a specic person alerted you to the job opening, include that persons name and professional afliation (e.g., Professor Jane Seymore in Berkeleys Civil Engineering Department suggested I contact you about your Sanitary Engineer opening). Employers receive many letters and resumes. They are more likely to read letters that mention specic people they know. Prospecting Letters If you are inquiring about possible openings, you are sending an Inquiry or Prospecting Letter. Address your letter to a specic individual, usually the person who supervises the functional area where youd like to work. Be as specic as possible about the type of position that interests you. Ideally, your research will reveal the job titles used by this employer. If not, use commonly understood generic job titles in the eld. The more specic you are, the clearer it will be that youve done your homework and that you know what the employer needs and what you have to offer.
Cover letters for advertised listings

1. Research the employer Research the prospective employers organization to see how your skills and abilities meet the organizations needs, and how well your values match those promoted by the organization. career.berkeley.edu/Infolab/ResEmp. stm Resources to Research Employers. In your cover letter, show why you are a good t. Send the letter to a specic person whenever possible; otherwise, use Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Human Resources Manager. 2. Analyze the job description Take a good look at the job responsibilities and qualications and design your cover letter to match these as much as you can. Often job listings are short and vague. In this case, draw from your research of similar jobs to infer what skills and abilities might be required. For instance, if you were looking for a job with a bank, it would be appropriate to mention courses and past experience related to nance. 3. Analyze your background Think about your background in relation to the job responsibilities and qualications. Ask yourself, What have I done that is similar to what this job entails? Consider courses taken, classroom projects, past work experience, summer
Resumes & Letters
Dont
Make the letter more than one page Use generic, all-purpose cover letters never copy cover letters Exaggerate your skills or experience
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Cover Letter Suggested Content and Layout

The following is intended as a guide. Cover letters should be unique and original.
Your street address City, State Zip Code Email address (Area Code) Phone Number Month Date, Year Mr./Ms./Dr. First and Last Name of Person Position or Title Employer Organizations Name Employer Street Address/P.O. Box City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name of Addressee:
This information may be set at left margin.
Tell the reader why you are writing (i.e., regarding the position in which you are interested; if appropriate, indicate how you learned of the position and/ or organization). Make a general statement about being a good candidate for the job. Explain why you have targeted this particular organization: in so doing, demonstrate your knowledge of its products, services and operations. (This means you must research the potential employer.) Stress what you have to offer, not what you want from, the employer. Identify those parts of your experience (paid or non-paid) which will be of interest to this employer. Students and recent graduates should draw attention to relevant course work, special projects and campus activities. In some cases, you will add detail to items included in your resume. Refer the reader to your enclosed resume for additional information. Demonstrate your understanding of the duties of the position in which you are interested, and state how your unique qualications t the position. Request an interview appointment, or tell the reader that you will contact him/her soon in order to see if you can schedule a mutually convenient appointment. If the employer is some distance away, indicate when you would be available for an interview. (For example, if you will be traveling to the employers location during an academic holiday, indicate the days you will be in that area.) Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration. Sincerely,
This information may also be set at left margin.
Type your name Enclosure
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Cover Letter for existing opening

2121 Elm Street Berkeley, CA 94541 maryjones@berkeley.edu December 28, 2006 Ms. Susan Merrill PricewaterhouseCoopers Dispute Analysis & Corporate Recovery Group 100 Palm Street Los Angeles, CA 90000 Dear Ms. Merrill: As a Business Administration major at UC Berkeley with a strong background in economics, accounting, and nance, I am very excited to hear of a staff consultant position with PricewaterhouseCoopers. For the past eight months, I have been working part-time at Wells Fargo Bank. As part of the Investment Management Group, I participated in facilitating the merger process with First Interstate Bank, creating monthly management reports, collecting and preparing nancial information, and working alongside management on a variety of projects. I am procient at Excel, Access, Lotus 1-2-3, and other computer applications. I believe the qualities you seek are well matched by my track record: Your Needs Accounting Experience My Qualications Currently working with the Investment Management Group at Wells Fargo. Prepared income tax returns for retail businesses and low income households. Led team in preparing income tax returns by determining clients specialized needs. Interact constantly with Wells Fargo managers and vendors. Coursework in intermediate nancial accounting, auditing, economics, introductory nance, and investments. Graduating Business Administration Major with 3.5 GPA. Independently created databases to facilitate expense tracking for IMG Finance and Marketing.
Finance Experience
Strong Communication Skills
Solid Accounting and Finance Education
Professional Accomplishments
Since a resume cannot take the place of an interview, may we set up a time to talk? I can be contacted at (555) 333-1111. I look forward to talking to you soon. Sincerely, Although its better to indicate that you will call them, its okay to wait for a call if they specically state no calls in their listing.
Mary Jones
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Cover Letter for advertised position

Know your audiencebefore you write the letter, review the position description, the organization, and how your experience and interests match the needs of the employer.
8999 Oakland Ave Oakland CA 94611 (555) 588-9999 mabelgutzman@berkeley.edu March 9, 2007
Human Resources-LC The Humanitarian Foundation PO Box 1878 San Francisco, CA 94119-3223
Immediately indicate what you are applying for and how you heard of the opportunity.
Dear Human Resource Manager:
Refer to your resume, drawing attention to the most relevant experience(s) and qualications. Express enthusiasm and share information which may not be on your resume.
I am interested in your Logistics Coordinator position, which I found listed in Opportunity NOCs. My last position was as a Seminar Scheduler for a diversity training company in San Jose, in which I supported people on the front lines (facilitators, teachers, therapists, activists) with the logistical help they needed. I am looking for work in the nonprot sector, and my experience and degree in Ethnic Studies make me a strong candidate for the Logistics Coordinator position. The enclosed resume describes my education and experience. I enjoy seminar coordination and learned a great deal in my last position. I would very much like to continue workshop planning. Most of my negotiations with clients and co-workers took place on the phone, requiring excellent communication and documentation skills. I have been using primarily Macs at the ofce, but I have used PCs off and on since high school. I am not afraid to try new software, and am looking for a position where I can continue to grow and learn. I can bring to the table hard work, commitment, integrity, humor, and fairness. I am drawn to the Humanitarian Foundation because its focus is aligned with my interests, which include diversity issues, ecological awareness, and childrens rights. I want to be in a work environment where people are honored and where I feel that I am making a difference. I believe that your organization provides such an environment. The calendar on the Foundations website indicates that many of your large events are at night and on weekends, which my schedule can easily accommodate. I am available for interviews at your convenience and look forward to learning more about your organization. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
Mabel Gutzman
Mabel Gutzman
Suggest next steps and show appreciation
Demonstrate that you are so interested in this job that you did your homework and learned more about the organization. Show that you understand their needs beyond the written job description.
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Prospecting Letter
Since you dont have a mutual contact, you have to nd another way to form a bond with the reader. Establish that you are interested specically in this company and explain why you are targeting them.
333 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94765 susantdavis@berkeley.edu (555) 223-7777 November 15, 2006
Ms. G. M. Price Hall Corporation 1234 Silicon Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94567 Dear Ms. Price:
Show that youve done your homework and know something about the company. Unless you establish this, you may lose the readers interest.
I have followed your company with considerable interest for some time. I am particularly impressed by the investment communitys high regard for your performance. Recently I read that your earnings are expected to increase as you continue to benet from the introduction of new products and from a growing international presence. These developments have prompted my letter. I will graduate from the University of California, Berkeley in May 2007 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. My experience includes the assembly, conguration, troubleshooting and support of Intel Pentium and PentiumPro-based PCs and servers running Microsoft Windows 2000 and NT. As a systems professional with your organization, I would bring a knowledge of Intel-based computer programs as well as skills in other technical areas such as video, electrical, communications and networking. While I do not know what your stafng plans might be at this time, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you. I will telephone your ofce to arrange an appointment. Sincerely,
Stress what you have to offer, not what you hope to gain.
Susan T. Davis
Susan T. Davis Keep the letter short and to the point. The person reading it is probably very busy, and the letter is just to get her interested in making an appointment. Be assertive in the closing.
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Cover Letter to mutual acquaintance

Peter Cummings 555 Rodeo Drive Berkeley, CA 94532 peterc@berkeley.edu (510) 555-8765
December 17, 2006 Ms. Mary Smith Sony Pictures Entertainment 1000 Picture Blvd., Ste 900 Culver City, CA 90000 Dear Ms. Smith:
Begin with the name of your mutual acquaintancethis creates an immediate connection.
Jane Jones, a friend and Senior Financial Analyst at Sony Pictures, suggested that I forward my resume to you. Based on my conversations with Jane and a review of your website, I believe Sony Pictures is an outstanding match for my educational skills, work experience and professional interests. I am a highly motivated individual with a passion for nance and hope to contribute to the team at Sony Pictures as a Financial Analyst. My interest in nance has grown steadily during my business school studies, driven mostly by my desire to understand how business decisions are made. Beginning with my rst nance class, and continuing with more in-depth study of corporate nance and managerial accounting, I have been able to see how nancial data can be used to make business decisions - whether in launching a new product or acquiring a new company. The classes have also made it evident that the decision-making process does not occur in a vacuum, but requires keeping a big-picture perspective. This appeals to me tremendously as it follows directly from what I have been studying: business with its detailed focus on the company, and economics with its broad perspective on industry and the marketplace. Working as a Financial Analyst with Sony Pictures would be a natural extension of the academic foundation I have gained. My work experiences also reect my desire to become involved with challenging projects such as those offered by your organization. At Boston Scientic, I created numerous forecast and inventory reports for the Global Supply Chain Management team. This required signicant attention to detail and analytical work. I further developed my communication and nancial skills by working on numerous cost efciency projects for the Microbiology department, including the creation of a corporate-wide standing order matrix. It is building from these experiences that I would contribute to Sony Pictures. My educational background, corporate experience, interpersonal and analytical skills, and fascination with nancial decision-making would enable me to do outstanding work as a Financial Analyst. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions, as I would like to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the possibility of full time employment. Sincerely,
Draw attention to relevant skills & demonstrate when and how you used them.
Peter Cummings
Peter Cummings
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i ke exa m s, i n t e r v i e w s r e q u i r e a g r e a t deal of preparation. In order t o do well, yo u m us t a s s e s s yo u r c u r r e n t k n ow l e d g e about the position, study the employer, and ant icip a t e di f f icu l t q u est io ns. Fo l l ow in g ar e s t e p s yo u c a n t a ke t o a c h i eve i n t e r v i ew success.

Search career.berkeley.edu for details about these resources: Preparing for Successful Interviews. Workshop offered periodically. Specialized Interviewing Programs targeting specic populations, e.g., Interview Workshop for Engineering, Computer Science and Physical Science Majors. In the Information Lab. Numerous books about interviewing are in the Job Search section. Ask a counselor in the Lab if recruiting employers have evaluated your interview skills. On Camera Practice Interviews. An opportunity to practice on camera and receive feedback. Advance registration at our website is required. Mock Interviews with employers to practice your interview skills at the beginning of every academic year. Sign-up on our website. Article Archives on our website contain articles about interviewing. Career Counselors. Individual help through a 15-minute Mini-Appointment or 45-minute regular appointment.
PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
Analyze the Position

Always be aware of the typical duties and qualications necessary for any position to which you apply. At a minimum, review a copy of the job description and highlight specic abilities sought. If you are still unclear about the nature of the position, review occupational information and conduct informational interviews to gain a better understanding of the type of work you are pursuing. Keep in mind that employers with lengthy qualications statements rarely nd applicants strong in all areas, so do not get discouraged if you do not meet all of the specied requirements.
Check Out the Employer

Learn as much as you can about the employers purpose, services and/or products, where its branches are located and what its future prospects are. Understand how this organization compares with similar or competing organizations. The best place to start your research is on the employers website. Information can also be obtained from the following sources :
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Article searches Attending company presentations/events Networking with alumni/ company employees see p. 4, Researching Jobs and Employers. Why is this step so important? Research will help you formulate thoughtful questions. Through networking you can learn about key organizations in your eld of interest and pick up difcult to obtain inside information. With this information, you will be better able to explain why you are particularly interested in working for the employer. In some cases, understanding the employer will let you know that you dont want to work for it.
TEN ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR INTERVIEWS

Employers will draw conclusions about the type of person you are and your future potential as an employee based on the impression you make as you walk into the interview: 1. 2. 3. Be on time! Even better, be early. Introduce yourself with a rm handshake. Unless otherwise directed by the employer, dress conservatively for oncampus interviews. Men should wear a dark suit and conservative tie. Women should wear a dark-colored suit. Avoid miniskirts, trendy outts, or loud colors. You may dress in business casual for interviews only if the employer indicates this is appropriate. Search the Career Center website for business casual descriptions. Make sure your clothes are cleaned and pressed. Do not chew gum or wear too much fragrance. Style your hair neatly and keep it off your face. Grooming is always more important than what you wear. Wear dark, polished conservative shoes with closed toe and heel. Men should wear long, dark socks and women should wear dark or nude colored nylons. Minimize jewelry. Women should wear no more than one pair of small earrings. No additional body piercings. Carry a briefcase or portfolio if you like. Women can avoid carrying a purse this way, but do not put your belongings on the interview table. Leave your backpack in the waiting room.
4.
5. 6. 7.
Review Your Qualications

Now that you know all about the position and the employer, its time to assess how your past experiences have prepared you. When reviewing your qualications, consider all experiences valuable even if they do not directly relate to the position. Review the following: Work experience Internships Volunteer experience Class projects Coursework Student group experience Interests and hobbies For each experience, identify the skills and areas of knowledge you developed. Also, be able to say how the experience has prepared you to contribute to an organization.
8. 9.
10. Leave cell phones and pagers out of the interview room or turn them off before you walk in.
So, how do you practice? Try the following methods: Practice saying your responses out loud to interview questions. See p. 46. Answering potential questions in front of a mirror can be useful for assessing your facial expressions. Ask a friend or family member to pretend they are an employer, ask you a list of questions, and give you feedback. Film or tape your responses and review your performance. Ask yourself: how can I improve, did I look/sound relaxed, and did I sound enthusiastic?
REFERENCES
Get your references ready before interviewing. Establish contact and let them know what you are doing and alert them to the possibility of being contacted by an employer. Share your resume with your references. Employers will sometimes phone or email your references after they have interviewed you, so bring your list of references with contact information with you to your interviews.
Practice, Practice, Practice!

If you study for your exam, you stand a much better chance of getting a good grade. The same logic applies to interviews. Practicing your responses to specic questions will make you feel more at ease with your responses and, in turn, will make you more condent.
Avoid feeling like you have to be perfect or that you have to memorize answers. The goal is to become familiar with the process of presenting yourself to others
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and to give the impression that you have given thought to important questions. Through practice, you will become more comfortable and you will polish your presentation.
services/products? How do you feel about traveling or relocating as part of your job? In what type of setting do you do your best work?
INTERVIEW ADVICE FROM EMPLOYERS

Being comfortable with yourself is key. You should always be very prepared for the questions you know you will be asked: Why this kind of work? Why this organization? What have you done in the past that would make us want to hire you? If you didnt look at our website, we will not hire you. We expect you to attend our oncampus Employer Information Session. You should make an assertive effort to market yourself, as in, This is what I have to offer you. The depth of your answers and the depth of your questions are both important. You should have examples on the tip of your tongue. We look for times in which you had an idea, pursued it, lobbied for resources, and organized a team to get the work done. We look for high energy, ability to turn on a dime and experience meeting deadlines. We also look for people who we would enjoy hanging out with at an airport during a snowstorm.
QUESTIONS ASKED BY EMPLOYERS

Employers ask applicants questions that help them determine if you are the best t for the position. Their concerns include:
Are You Qualied for This Position?

Do you have the skills and abilities to perform successfully in this position? Do you understand the nature of this position? How do you operate in a work environment; for example, how do you make decisions, get along with co-workers, and communicate? Some examples of questions that address this concern include: Why should I hire you? Tell me about yourself. What have you learned from some of the jobs you have had? Tell me about three accomplishments that you are most proud of. What can you offer us?
Are You Focused?

Can you articulate your career goals and how your skills, interests, and background support your career interests? Do your future plans match those of our organization? Some examples of questions that address this concern include: What are your career plans? What do you see yourself doing in ve years? Describe your ideal job. What other positions interviewing for? are you
Why did you decide to attend the University of California, Berkeley? Why did you choose your major? What have you learned from your failures? Tell me about your greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses. Do you prefer to be directly supervised or to work independently? How does your background relate to this position? What motivates you to do good work? What qualications do you have that make you feel that you would be successful in this position? How would a former supervisor describe you?
Do you plan to return to school for further education? What classes did you enjoy most/ least and why? Why are you pursuing this eld?
Do You Know About Our Organization?

Have you taken the time to learn about this organization? Do you consider the work we do as important and interesting? Some examples of questions that address this concern include: Why are you interested in our organization? Why did you sign up to interview for our organization? Where do you see yourself tting in? What do you know about our
Behavioral Interview Questions

Be ready for these! Behavioral questions are very popular and are based on the premise that past behavior best predicts future behavior. For example, if you have shown initiative in a club or class project, the belief is that you are likely to show initiative when you are working for the employer that is interviewing you. Before an interview, each position is assessed by the employer for the skills and characteristics that relate to job success. Then interview questions are developed
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WHAT TO WEAR?
Business casual attire is often acceptable for employer information sessions and campus career fairs. Is it okay to wear this attire to an interview? If you are absolutely positive the company culture is casual and feel that wearing a suit to the interview would be overkill, you may wear business casual in the interview. But if you have any doubt at all, wear a suit. Dressing too casually can prevent you from getting an offer! The business casual look ranges from slacks or skirts to khakis. It includes a collared shirt and trousers, a shirt or sweater with a skirt, or coordinated separates. Low heeled shoes and loafers are acceptable business casual items. Jeans, tennis shoes, T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts and miniskirts do not qualify as business casual.
How do you know what skills are important for a particular position so you can prepare targeted examples? Read the job description. View prospective employers websites. Read occupational information that describes which skills are used in different functional areas. Ask the question at on-campus Employer Information Sessions. Ask alumni working in the same position. Your main objective, while you are thoroughly researching your eld and specic rms should be to identify the skills, attributes, and experiences highly valued for the particular position you will be interviewing for. Then you should review past experiences for your accomplishments. An accomplishment is a concise statement outlining how you have used your skills and knowledge to accomplish a positive result. Accomplishments can be found in all parts of your life: Academics, including class projects. Sports (Will your goal-orientation transfer to your career? What did you learn about being a team player?) Activities (Have you published a story, given a speech, or marched in the Cal Band?) Volunteer or work experiences (When did your performance exceed past performance? Achieve something new? Make things easier? Saved or made money?) People well trained in this interviewing technique will not let you get away with a general or vague answer. They will keep asking you for specic details on your approach to past situations and the results of your efforts such as: What were you thinking at that point? What did you do next? Tell me more about that. How did you gain support? Lead me through your decision making process. What was the outcome? For example, a skill often mentioned as important for management consulting
is strong analytical or problem solving ability. In a behavioral interview you might be asked: Whats the toughest analytical problem you have faced? How did you solve it? How do you go about gathering information to analyze problems? Give me an example. Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet in order to extricate yourself from a difcult situation. Before the interview, prepare a few illustrative examples of problems you have solved. For each, outline the 57 main steps involved in solving the problem, the alternatives you considered, and the results you obtained.
to determine if you have demonstrated these qualities in your past behavior. The interview will focus on skill areas that are most important to the employer. You should respond to behavioral interview questions by giving a specic example where you have already demonstrated the skill that the interviewer is seeking. You may nd it helpful to remember the mnemonic CAR in composing a concise and thoughtful response to an interviewers question. Heres how it works: Share the Context in which you exercised a desired skill or strength. What was the problem, need, or concern? Include obstacles you had to overcome. Explain the Action you took. This does not mean what the group did, but what you did. Practice I instead of We statements; assume ownership of your accomplishments. Describe the Results and positive benets you achieved. Quantify the results and relate your skills, actions, and results to the employers needs when possible.
Behavioral Interview Question Examples

Interpersonal skills When working on a team project, have you ever had an experience where there was strong disagreement among team members or a team member who didnt do their part? What did you do? Can you share with me your most challenging personal encounter with someone? How did you deal with that individual? Give me an example where you mediated a conict. Tell me about a time when you had to be assertive. Communication skills Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid off. Tell me about a time when you had to present complex information. How did you ensure that the other person understood?
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Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way. Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills in order to get across an important point. Initiative Give an example where you pushed yourself to do more than the minimum. Tell me about projects you have initiated. What prompted you to begin them? Give an example of a situation that could not have happened successfully without you being there. Planning and organization How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? Give me an example. Give me an example of an important goal that you set in the past. Tell me about your success in reaching it. Describe a situation when you had many projects or assignments due at the same time. What steps did you take to get them all done? Flexibility Describe a situation in which you were able to overcome a personality conict in order to get results. Describe a time where you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills. Leadership Tell me about a time when you inuenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role. Describe your leadership style and give me an example of a situation where you successfully led a group. Discuss situations where you have turned ideas into action.
Tell me about a time you had to lead people who did not want to be led. Creativity/innovation When did you provide a solution that was outside the box? What is the most creative thing you have done? Decision making Give an example of a time you had to make a difcult decision. Describe a time you had to defend your decision. Summarize a situation where you had to seek out relevant information, dene key issues, and determine the steps to get a desired result.
CASE INTERVIEW TIPS

Ask questions. Back-translate: hitting the highlights, repeat the question back to the interviewer. Take notes. Ask what the client companys true objective is. Organize your answers and manage your time. Think before you speak. Listen to what is being said between the lines. Brainstorm and be creative. Describe out loud the logic you are following. Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
Case Interview Questions

In case interviews, you will be presented with a complex problem involving issues or situations that are not likely to be familiar. You will be asked to formulate a solution to the problem under tight time constraints. Consulting rms often use the case approach. While primarily an analytical exercise, an interviewer uses a case to gauge your comfort level with problem solving, your curiosity about the problem at hand, and your ability to articulate your insights. There are two primary types of case interviews: 1. Guess the number problem These questions are designed to determine how logically and quickly you can think on your feet and to see whether you think before you speak. An example is: How many disposable diapers were sold in the US last year? There are no right answers. You must work off assumptions. These might include: The population of the US is 250 million. The average household size is 2.5 people. There are 100 million households in the U.S.
The mean household income is $35,000. The US Gross Domestic Product is $6 trillion. 2. Business case problem The second type of case is more analytically focused and tries to gauge your comfort and condence with numbers. To understand these cases, you will often need some understanding of the numbers that validate the hypotheses. An example of a business case problem is: Savannah Janes is a convenience store franchise located in Needham, MA, across the street from the Hersey commuter railroad station. Needham has a population of 28,000. In the town there are four convenience stores. Savannah Janes wants to increase sales and prots. What would you do to help them? Further suggestions for responses to case interview questions are discussed in books in the Business section of the Career Center Information Lab.
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How do companies evaluate your case interview performance?

To get a sense of your level of creativity and common sense the interviewer will be judging your ability to: conceptualize problems develop innovative solutions to business situations make assumptions see patterns generate hypotheses draw conclusions from only partial information. Your analytic ability will be assessed based on how well you: provide structure to unstructured problems simplify problems into their individual components apply transparent and logical thinking to each component synthesize all of the pieces into a logical solution. To score well in the poise and enthusiasm category you must: seem excited by the case not be intimidated by the process assimilate information quickly and effectively ask insightful questions.
Think about products and services that you use on a daily basis; how do they reach the market? What criteria do you use when buying products? Practice cases with friends who have had case interviews.
say, Im comfortable with a salary thats in this range. If the interviewer persists, make sure that they name a gure rst. You can do this by saying, Im sure you have a range in mind. What are you willing to offer?
Tips for Answering Difcult Questions

When encountering a difcult question, pause for a moment and ask yourself, What is the interviewer really looking for? A few examples follow: Tell me about yourself. This is a commonly asked question that often puzzles applicants. Keep your comments focused on information that will help the employer determine your qualications and/or interest in this position. This can include your future career aspirations, what you have gained from your education and/ or experiences, and your enthusiasm for beginning a job in your eld of interest. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Interviewers ask this question to determine how insightful you are and how positive your self-image is. View this as an opportunity to point out strengths that relate to being successful in the position for which you are interviewing. Back up your statements with examples of experiences in which you have demonstrated your strengths. Strategies for addressing a weakness (only mention one) include choosing one you have overcome, or selecting an area/skill that you have not had much time to develop or an area that is not that important to the demands of the work. Employers are impressed by people who can recognize and overcome personal challenges. What are your salary expectations? If you are asked this question during a rst interview, assume that the employer is deciding whether or not they can afford you, or wondering if you will undersell yourself. Research location-appropriate See Job Offers, p. industry salaries 54 so you can quote your ndings and
QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS

By asking employers thoughtful questions, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your interest in working for their organization. Also, if given an offer, you will be more able to make an intelligent decision about whether or not to accept. Formulate your questions while researching the organization and the industry/eld. General knowledge about the career eld and specic knowledge about the employer will impress your interviewer tremendously. Normally you would ask questions when it is appropriate during the course of the interview, and typically the interviewer will ask you if you have questions at the end of the interview. Although questions will vary with each interview, the following are some possible general questions to ask, especially if you do not completely understand the job description: When and how employees evaluated? are
Case interview preparation

Read the Wall Street Journal, The Economist or other business journals; focus on articles discussing specic companies or industries. Familiarize yourself with introductory microeconomics. Read the rst few chapters of Competitive Strategy by Michael Porter. Develop a framework in which to evaluate problems (such as prots = revenue-cost).
What are the best/worst aspects of working in this group/ organization? Whats the biggest challenge facing this group/ organization right now? How would you compare your organization with your major competitors? What are
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EIGHT INTERVIEW TIPS

1. 2. 3.
What kind of training is given to new employees? Do you have any concerns about my background that I can answer now? As a general rule, questions about salary and benets are best left until a job offer has been extended.
Practice good eye contact with the interviewer. Express genuine interest when you answer questions. Listen carefully by focusing and giving your full attention to the interviewer and the question being asked. Be specic and give examples. This adds credibility to statements you make about your qualications. It is better to make a few strong points than many brief, unrelated points. Organize your thoughts, understand issues, and communicate. The employer may not necessarily be looking for the right response to a question but is analyzing how you respond. Its OK to pause to collect your thoughts and if need be, ask for clarication. Avoid uh, like and you know! Do not diminish your past experiences; dont say, I was just a cashier. An apparent challenge to your qualications may not be a rejection, but rather a call for more information.
be some general questions, some behavioral questions, and some case questions (especially for business/analytical positions).
Telephone Interview
Telephone interviews may be used by employers in another part of the country during the preliminary stages of the selection process. Increasingly, employers are using the telephone interview on a local basis. Sometimes, in addition to an on-campus interview, the employer conducts phone interviews as a second screening before inviting you to an on-site interview. Dont underestimate the importance of making a positive impression during the telephone interview. Schedule the interview at a time when you can give it 100 percent of your attention. Take the phone call in a quiet place. Jot down ahead of time key points you want to make and questions you want to ask. Keep a copy of your resume and the job description near the phone. Ask for clarication of questions being asked, if necessary, and think out your responses clearly before you answer. Always present the best of your background and show your enthusiasm for the position.
4.
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW

After you have nished your questions, you will probably hear a comment similar to, Well, if you dont have anything else, that should be all for today. Thanks for coming. This is an opportune time to make a strong closing statement by summarizing your qualications and expressing your interest in the position. Heres a sample script to get you started on your own personalized closing: This sounds like an exciting opportunityjust the kind I am looking for. I believe my (insert your most relevant strengths and experience here) make me a good candidate for this position. I look forward to the next step in the selection process.
5.
6.
7.
8.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
The most typical interview is one-on-one: one interviewer and you, the applicant. Other types of interviews include: Panel: more than one person interviews you at the same time. Group: you are not the only applicant in the room. Usually a group of candidates is interviewed by a panel. Meal: you are interviewed while eating, usually over lunch. Working: you are actually put to work and observed. Most interviews consist of a mix of questions that depends on the position and organization. There will typically
On-Site or Second Interview

You made a good impression during your rst interview and appear to be a good t for the job and the organization. Now you have received an invitation for a second or callback interview at the employers site. Before you go Ideally, plan to visit only one organization per day. If traveling out of the area, will the company make reservations for you (airline, hotel, rental car)?
your plans for expansion in terms of product lines, services, new branches, etc.? How would you describe this organizations management style? How are decisions made? What are some typical rst year assignments? What is the career path for my position? How does this position t into the overall organizational structure? Exactly what kind of background are you looking for?
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If you are responsible for travel arrangements, consult a travel agency or make your own reservations. Verify the time, place and who you should ask for on your arrival. Most medium and large sized companies will pay your expenses; keep receipts. If you are visiting two companies on the same trip, be sure to prorate your expenses so that the companies may share the cost after your trip. Brush up on organization information. Will you be interviewing for more than one job? What are the job titles? Jot down questions you may have. Fill out employer forms and send them in advance as well as bring copies with you. Bring extra copies of your resume, transcripts, and references. Day of your visit You will be provided with a schedule of the days interviews including the name, title and area of responsibility of the persons with whom you will be talking. Understand how each person relates to the other. If you are not provided this information, ask for it and take notes. During the day you will most likely talk to several people: your potential supervisor/ manager, your potential coworkers and a human resources representative. You may be asked many of the same questions throughout the day. Be enthusiastic, honest and consistent in your answers. If you participate in any group activities, your ability to work with people and your t in the organization is being evaluated. Ask questions that will demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the organization. Most rms hire by consensus. You will need to win the approval of each person who interviews you.
Observe company culture and management style. How are decisions made? Do they promote from within? Are they involved in the community? Observe the work environment. What is the atmosphere/physical setting like? Do employees seem relaxed and friendly? Will you be productive here? Some employers require you to pass one or more tests after the initial interview: personality, drug, or psychological tests. You should direct any questions you have about the tests to the employer. Before you leave the interview, make sure you know how long it will be before the employer responds. If the employer does not respond within that time, you may phone or email the person who interviewed you to ask about your status. If you do receive a verbal offer and are not ready to make a decision, ask for written conrmation and tell the rm when you expect to make a decision. Maintain communication with the rm. After your visit Mail or email a thank you letter within one or two days of the interview. Send the letter to the person in charge of your visit with copies to the others involved. You should mention what you particularly appreciated from the days activities and your interests in both the job and the organization. A week after sending the letter, you may contact the employer to show your continued interest and ask if there is any additional information you can provide. If someone else is selected remember that No does not always mean, You were a bad candidate, we do not want you, but may mean, For this particular position we found another candidate who we believe is a better match. Consider calling or writing a letter that will show your continued interest, especially if you felt that you had good rapport with the interviewer.
8. 1.
TEN ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR DINING

Dining with a potential employer may seem more relaxing than the actual interview, but this is still part of the evaluation process so continue to be on your best behavior. When having a casual conversation with company representatives, try to nd easy topics of mutual interest. Avoid controversial topics or careless banter. Turn off your cell phone and pager. Answering the phone or checking your messages is discourteous to your host. The employer will be paying for the meal, so follow their menu recommendation(s) or order a mid-priced meal. Order a meal that is easy to eat. Take small bites, do not talk with your mouth full, and do not gesture with your utensils. Be very cautious about ordering alcohol because you need to remain alert during the entire interview. The Career Center recommends no alcohol and it is always acceptable to substitute mineral water for wine.
2.
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Understand the table setting. Your bread plate is on the left of your place setting and your water glass is on the right. Use your utensils from the outside in. If you are ever in doubt, follow the example of your host or other guests. Place your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. Should you leave the table briey place the napkin on the chair. When you leave at the end of the meal, leave the napkin to the left of your plate. Be sure to talk with other guests at the table.
9.
10. Thank your host for the interview and meal. Be sure you know what the next interview step will be for you.
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Thank you for the Interview (email format)
To: From: Subject: Date:
Donald J. Brown <djb@cengineering.com> James Moore <jsmoore@berkeley.edu> Thank you for the interview April 2, 2007
Dear Mr. Brown: Thank you for the opportunity to spend last Thursday at your manufacturing facility in Sunnyvale. The discussion we had was particularly informative. I found the tour of your plant and the informal conversation with your engineering staff to be quite benecial. I was impressed with the effective manner in which Consolidated Engineering has adapted the management-by-objective system to their technical operations. This philosophy suits my interests and training. The entire experience has conrmed my interest in Consolidated Engineering, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely, James S. Moore 110 Greenvale Road Kensington, CA 94708 (510) 555-0505 jsmoore@berkeley.edu
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Search career.berkeley.edu for details about these resources: Career Counseling 15-minute Mini-Appointments or 45-minute regular appointments. Sometimes due to the time sensitivity of job offers, scheduling a 45 minute appointment is not feasible; in these cases plan to talk to a counselor during MiniAppointments. Job Search Tools online section. Links to salary surveys and information on researching employers. In the Information Lab. Books on job offers and salary negotiation in the Job Search section. Planning Your Future section of the website. Links to occupational information, including salary data and decision making strategies.
Job Offers
n c e yo u r e c e i ve a j o b o f f e r, yo u r j o b search t akes on a new dimension. U n t i l t h e n, t h e p r i m a r y f o c us o f yo u r j o b s e a r c h is t o c o nv i n c e e m p l oye r s t o c h o os e yo u. B u t w i t h a n o f f e r i n h a n d, yo u h a ve t o m a ke a c h o i c et o a c c e p t t h e o f f e r o r n o t. B e l ow a r e s o m e g u i d e l i n e s t h a t c a n h e l p yo u m a ke a n i n f o r m e d d e c isi o n.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I GET AN OFFER?

Typically you will receive a phone call or email followed by an ofcial written offer. Offers usually include the job title, salary, bonuses and stock options (keep in mind fewer employers offer these in sluggish job markets), relocation package if applicable, start date, supervisors name, a deadline for responding, and will let you know if the offer is pending a background check or drug screening. You may also receive detailed information on other benets such as insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), employee assistance, wellness programs, vacation and sick leave, observed holidays, etc. If you do not receive this information and these factors are important to you, ask the employer to send it to you prior to making your decision. If you need more details about the position to help you make a decision, do not hesitate to contact the employer. It is tempting to accept a job offer on the spot, but its better to thank the employer for the offer, indicate that you are highly interested, and ask when they need your decision. Employers know you are interviewing with other organizations and appreciate your honesty and careful consideration.
HOW DO I EVALUATE AN OFFER?

At the beginning stages of your job search, you may have developed criteria you were looking for in a job. Examples of possible criteria include: interest in particular job function, e.g., management, sales, consulting, design, manufacturing, or an interest in a rotational program
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opportunity to work on challenging projects opportunity to use skills and abilities that reect your strengths a setting that will allow you to express your values working independently and/or as part of a team opportunity to travel and/or work in a certain geographic location job security, opportunity for advancement, and professional development a position that will be compatible with a particular lifestyle, e.g., not working more than 40-50 hours per week a position that offers certain perks, incentives, or a certain salary level. Look over your criteria and rank them according to 1) items you denitely want, 2) items you prefer but could do without, and 3) nice extras to have on job. Evaluate the offer by analyzing how well it meets your criteria. In addition, you may want to ask yourself: What are the job duties and responsibilities? Would I enjoy them or enjoy learning how to do them? Is the work challenging? If not, is there variety in the work? Where will this job take me in one or two years? Do I like the working conditions? Do I like my potential supervisor and coworkers? What is the organizations reputation? Is the organization growing or downsizing? Do my values and lifestyle correspond with the organizations values and culture? What is the compensation package? Does the salary meet my nancial needs? If you still need more information after answering these questions, do not hesitate to ask the employer for additional details about what its like to work for their organization.
SHOULD I NEGOTIATE?
Negotiating an offer is not standard practice for all applicants who receive an offer. You can simply accept the offer within the given timeframe if you feel that it meets your needs. But if you believe the offer is not competitive, you may want to negotiate. Keep in mind that entrylevel employees do not usually have a lot of latitude for negotiation and that employers are less likely to negotiate in a slow job market. Some employers have a policy of starting all new employees at the same pay rate while others will allow for some negotiation. For example, government employers offer standard salaries while their private business and tech company counterparts may have more room to negotiate. Below are recent comments from recruiters that illustrate different views on this topic: I think it is good when students negotiate as it shows a little re in them, that they did research on going rates in industry, and that they feel theyre worth it! We can always say no. Our salaries are based on degree, major, and experience. I always try to provide the best offer possible, so I tend to not negotiate. Perhaps if there is a competing offer and it is close to mine, I would be open to negotiations. But it would take a special approval to increase the salary. If I negotiate at all, it would only result in a small increase because we also have to consider equity for the other candidates and for current employees.
HOW DO I NEGOTIATE SALARY?

If you choose to negotiate, approach your prospective employer in a nonconfrontational manner early in your decision making process and maintain a high level of professionalism throughout your interactions with them. You should be prepared to indicate your genuine interest in the position and to present an appropriate salary range for the position. Before you contact the employer, plan what you want to say and practice out loud. Provide reasons to support your request, such as relevant internship experience, special skills, high GPA, or other job offers. It is not enough to tell your prospective employer that you need a higher salary; you must present information about the market rate for comparable positions and skills sets. Information about salaries is available online, but the salaries listed there may not accurately reect entry-level Bay Area salaries. National salary surveys usually reect mid-level, not entry-level salaries, and represent a lower cost of living than that found in the Bay Area. Cost of living comparisons are important if you plan to relocate. You may be surprised to discover how far a low salary stretches in other parts of the country. For example, a salary of $40,000 in Oakland is equivalent to $36,176 in Phoenix, AZ. Use the following resources to nd more salary information: Current job listings on CalJobs provide current, comparable career. salaries. berkeley.edu/Jobs/CalJobs. stm The Career Centers Career Destinations Survey Reports include salary data from recent Cal alumni. career.berkeley.edu/Major/ major.stm Salary.com provides salary information by job type and region. salary.com
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Professional associations often conduct salary surveys. Links to professional associations are provided for different Career Fields on the Career Center website. c a r e e r. b e r k e l e y . e d u / Infolab/CareerFields.stm Cals Business and Economics Librarys Business Guide #13, Wage & Salary Surveys provides information on salaries for a variety of www. professions. l i b . b e r k e l e y. e d u / B U S I / bbg13.html JobStar features a large collection of salary surveys and cost of living formulas. www.jobstar.org/ tools/salary/index.php
IF NOT SALARY, WHAT ELSE CAN I NEGOTIATE?

Performance bonus. Received at the end of the year and based upon your performance or the organizations performance. Early performance review and salary review. If the employer is hesitant about paying you a higher salary without rsthand knowledge of your capabilities, propose an early review date tied to a potential salary increase. Start date. Allow yourself a vacation before you start work; it will be a while before you will be eligible to take a vacation. Vacation. If you want an extended ski vacation in December and you start work in August, you may not be eligible to take vacation time. Negotiate before you start to get the time off you want. Professional development. If you want to stay current or advance in your eld, ask your employer to cover the cost of professional association dues, conference fees, or continued education costs. Relocation expenses. Reimbursement for moving expenses. Flex time. Nonstandard work hours can help lessen commute time and accommodate other interests. Signing bonus. One-time-only cash bonus received when you start working.
CAN I REQUEST MORE TIME?

Most employers want you to make an informed decision about their offer and will allow you time to make your decision. Some employers will give you two weeks, one month, or sometimes more. During the fall semester, employers tend to allow more time than in the spring. By spring, employers feel pressure to nalize their hiring even though they dont expect new hires to start right away. Employers need to know your decision within a reasonable amount of time; if you dont accept their offer, they will extend the offer to another student. Employers prefer that you communicate your needs instead of delaying your response to their offer. Simply asking for more time will not cause them to withdraw their offer, but be prepared to explain why you need it. For example, you may be in the midst of interviewing and want to complete scheduled interviews, or you may need additional information to make your decision. You may receive an offer from one company before a preferred company extends an offer. If you have already completed one or two interview rounds with your rst choice company, let them know you have received another offer, but that you have a preference for their opportunity. If your rst choice company is truly interested in you, they will speed up their decision making process if possible. Ask them when they may be able to make a decision. Then ask the company that made you an offer if theyre willing to extend the deadline for you to make a decision. If your rst choice company is unable to speed up their decision making process, or if the company who made the offer is unwilling to extend your
COMPENSATION PACKAGES (BENEFITS)

After you receive an offer, ask to speak to the benets counselor at the organization for details about benets. When do the benets start? What is included? Are dependents covered? Benets may include: Vacation Sick leave Health plans, medical, dental insurance, vision Disability insurance, short-term Life insurance Relocation/moving expenses Stock options Retirement Prot sharing Educational assistance/tuition reimbursement Training and development Health and tness programs Bonus, signing or performance Commission
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Job Offers
deadline, you need to make a thoughtful decision about what to do. Dont delay accepting or declining an offer simply based on the hope that a better offer will materialize. If you feel uncertain about accepting a job offer, schedule a 15-minute Mini-Appointment or a 45-minute regular appointment with a career counselor.
HOW DO I DECLINE AN OFFER?

Contact the employer formally by email or letter and indicate your appreciation for the offer and the opportunity to interview. State that you are declining. You may tell them why, but it is not required. You may express your continued interest in the organization should another opportunity arise which more closely matches your employment interests. Decline offers as soon as you are no longer interested in them or immediately after accepting an offer from another organization. Declining an offer tactfully in a timely fashion will not offend an organization. You may want to work for that organization in the future, so do not burn any bridges by delaying your letter declining their offer.
ITS HARD TO GET A JOB. SHOULD I ACCEPT ANY OFFER I GET?

If you are offered a position that you feel you should accept because you fear you will not have other options, think carefully before you accept. Do not accept an offer before you are ready. Acceptance of an employment offer should be made in good faith and with the sincere intention to honor the commitment. Once you make a commitment to start a job, it would be viewed as unprofessional and unethical should you renege on your commitment. You are welcome to discuss this dilemma with a career counselor.
HOW DO I HANDLE AN EXPLODING OFFER?

Exploding offers are those with short fuse deadlines. Employers may attempt to pressure you into accepting their offer immediately, thereby lessening the opportunity for competing offers. Examples include: when employers require students to accept an offer within a very short time (24-48 hours) an employer extends more offers than they have openings and tells all students that offers will be accepted on a rst-come, rst served basis an employer will only give signing bonuses to students that accept offers immediately (24-48 hours). In a tight market, employers may use these questionable tactics. If you ask for more time, some employers may extend more time; others denitely will not. If faced with an exploding offer, come into the Career Center and talk to a counseler or to a staff member in the recruiting ofce.
HOW DO I ACCEPT AN OFFER?

Once you decide to accept the offer, call the employer and follow-up with a conrmation letter. Be sure to include the position, start date, rate of pay, and any newly negotiated items in your conrmation letter. Keep a copy of the letter for future reference. It is unethical to continue interviewing once you have accepted an offer. Notify all pertinent organizations that you have accepted an offer and wish to have your name withdrawn from further consideration. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Notify and thank all those who acted as references for you and provided leads and advice. Its a thoughtful gesture and will be appreciated and remembered if you contact these individuals again when you begin your next job search.
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Accepting an Offer
4377 Longview Road Berkeley, CA 94707 kylawilson@berkeley.edu May 10, 2007
Ms. Melissa Cha Newsome & Associates 3001 Dorsey Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027
Dear Ms. Cha: I am delighted to accept the offer to join Newsome & Associates as a Research Analyst. I am particularly pleased I will be able to work directly with you and Mr. Hernandez on the upcoming media campaign. As stated during our telephone conversation on May 5, 2007, I understand the monthly salary will be $________ and the organization will pay for my relocation expenses including moving costs and assistance locating new housing. I received the employment forms sent in the mail, and I will bring them with me when I report to work on July 6, 2007. I look forward to joining you in July. Sincerely,
Kyla Wilson
Kyla Wilson
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Job Offers
Declining an Offer (email format)

To: From: Subject: Date: Peter Williams <p.williams@pis.com> Rob Peters <robp@berkeley.com> Systems Analyst offer April 19, 2007
Dear Mr. Williams: Thank you very much for offering me the position of Systems Analyst with your organization. After careful consideration, I have decided that this particular position does not match my career goals, and so I respectfully decline the offer. I appreciated the opportunity to interview with you, and was especially pleased with the discussion we had about the direction you are taking Parker Information Services. I wish you success with your new ventures. Thank you again for considering me for the position. Sincerely, Rob Peters 743 Parklane Avenue Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 555-1234 robp@berkeley.edu
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Job Search Guide

The Job & Internship Search

Resume & Letter Writing

graduate school services

serving freshmen through PhDs & alumni

Preparing for Your Job Search

Career Center Resources

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE

1. Improving your awareness and understanding of your interests, skills,

3. Making a decision that combines what you want with available

Job Search Guide

Preparing for Your Job Search

Research your options

3. SkillScan helps you identify

TOP 10 CHARACTERISTICS EMPLOYERS SEEK IN JOB CANDIDATES

10. Detail Oriented

National Association of Colleges & Employers Job Outlook 2006 Survey

THINKING ABOUT GRAD SCHOOL?

RESEARCHING JOBS AND EMPLOYERS

Research a specic job title

Research a career eld

Research employer sectors

Job Search Guide

Preparing for Your Job Search

Research a specic employer

What is informational interviewing?

How to develop a list of potential employers

FINDING INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW CONTACTS

Five steps for informational interviewing

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

3. Prepare for the interview

4. Conduct the informational

SAMPLE TELEPHONE SCRIPT FOR REQUESTING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

Job Search Guide

Preparing for Your Job Search

Requesting an Informational Interview (email format)

To: From: Subject: Date:

Thank You for an Informational Interview

Use a business-style letter or email if the conversation was more formal.

Job Search Guide

Career Center Resources

The Job & Internship Search

HOW CAL STUDENTS OBTAINED EMPLOYMENT 2005

SOURCES FOR FINDING EMPLOYMENT

On-Campus Recruiting (OCR)

Participating in On-Campus Recruiting

Additional employer/ professional websites

EMPLOYER INFO SESSIONS

Job Search Guide

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A CAREER FAIR

Job & Internship Search

Off-site career fairs

Making direct contact with employers

SUGGESTED NETWORKING QUESTIONS

Job Search Guide

NETWORKING SUCCESS STORY

SOCIAL NETWORK WEBSITES

Job & Internship Search

How should I handle a networking meeting?

More sources for obtaining employment

GAIN EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO GRADUATION

TOP 10 REASONS TO INTERN

10. Many internship positions are paid!