Yale Career Guide

8/10/2019 Yale Career Guide

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Guide

Yale College Undergraduate Career Serviceswww.yale.edu/career


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Yale College Undergraduate Career ServicesP.O. Box 208303, New Haven, Connecticut06520-8303

The text is set in the new Yale typeface, designed by Matthew Carter.

2006 by Yale College Undergraduate Career Services. All rights reserved. The material in this bulletin maynot be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form, whether in print or electronic media, without written per-mission from Yale College Undergraduate Career Services.


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Contents

Letter from the Director 5

1 Undergraduate Career Services 7

2 Getting Started 9

3 Developing Your Rsum 11

4 Cover Letters 23

5 Follow-Up Materials 35

6 Additional Tools and Tips 39

7 Interviewing 41


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Letter from theDirector

On behalf of the entire staff at Undergraduate Career Ser-vices, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Yale UCSGuide. This publication provides you with an explanationof our services, a year-by-year guide to recommended ac-tivities, and a primer to help you construct your rsum,craft cover letters, and prepare for an interview.

There is a great deal of mythology surrounding choosing acareer. Chief among these is the idea that you are makinga lifetime commitment. While it CAN be that significantif you choose to make it so, in most cases a career deci-sion represents a commitment only to the next horizon maybe one to three years ahead at which point a re-assessment takes place, and the next horizon is identified.Students would do well to remind themselves that theyshould not expect to have their entire lives planned out by

graduation!

Even so, choosing your next steps can often be stressful.This is where UCS comes in. We provide extensive servic-es to help you to make informed decisions, and work witheveryone from the self-described totally clueless to thoseevaluating competing offers. However, the responsibilityis YOURS to take advantage of these resources.

We see our role as stress reduction! This is why our yearby-year guide recommends that you engage with us inyour freshman year. By starting early, you may slowly andgradually take advantage of all the programming avail-able, adding interesting internship experiences, attendinguseful programs, and making valuable networking con-nections. Building toward a career decision is much lessstressful than trying to do it all in one year, one semesteror one week.

The collection of sample rsums and cover letters pre-sented here were all written by recent Yale College gradu-ates with whom we have worked. These are NOT tem-plates to be slavishly copied, but are intended to promptyou to consider how you would like your final materials tolook, and how you might want to promote your candidacyin a letter.

We conclude with a strategy for approaching interviewsThis deliberately avoids providing typical questions, fo-cusing instead upon broad categories of questions, sincefor any one category there can be millions of possible per-mutations. However, we are sure that the categories- de-veloped with help from both industry and academics- arerobust, and will repay your attention.

I want to thank the many people who have made this pub-lication possible. Chief among these is Lehman Brotherswhose generosity made the whole project possible. With-in UCS, Melissa Berkey and Donald Henschel (SY 07),have built upon the earlier work of Beth Olsen, StephanieGlover and many others to provide you with what I hope

you will find a most useful resource.

Good luck, and remember early engagement is thekey!

Philip JonesAssistant Dean, Yale CollegeDirector, Undergraduate Career Services


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Undergraduate Career Services (UCS), located at 55Whitney Avenue, offers programs that help students ofYale College further their career goals. Our role at UCSis to help students learn about themselves, to help themexplore the world around them and learn about their ca-reer options, and to help them make informed decisionsabout their futures in order to realize their goals. We dothis through individual and group meetings, through theprovision of research materials, and through the coordi-nation of programs that can put students in direct contactwith professionals and organizations in a wide variety offields of interest. All students are invited to visit UCS tolearn about our programs and resources.

Counseling HoursProfessional staff members and peer counselors are

available each weekday to answer students quick ques-tions on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis. Noappointment is needed for these 15-minute sessions.Check www.yale.edu/career for the schedule of theseOpen Hours. In addition, students can schedule anindividual counseling appointment for more in-depthcareer related discussions. To schedule an appointment,call 432-0800.

Resource LibraryUCS has a resource library where students can obtaininformation on decision making and job hunting, ca-reers and organizations, summer employment and in-ternships, U.S. and international graduate and profes-sional schools, and much more.

WebsiteUCS maintains a website with a wealth of career in-formation in addition to internship and job postingsStudents can explore this site (www.yale.edu/career)on their own, and career counselors may also suggestspecific resources during appointments. Check the siteoften for information on upcoming career-related pro-grams and events.

Email Distribution ListsStudents can receive emails from UCS relevant to theirinterests via several email lists that target specific areasof interest. The distribution lists are: Arts & Communi-

cations; Business; Education; Government; Health Pro-fessions; International Opportunities; Internships; LawLGBTQ; On-Campus Interview Program; Science/En-gineering; and Social Services & Advocacy. To sign upvisitwww.yale.edu/career/newusers.

Meetings, Workshops,and Career PanelsUCS offers workshops, information meetings, and careerpanels on a variety of topics throughout the year. Topics haveincluded Interview Skills, Summer Options, Interna-tional Internships, and Consulting Demystified. The Em-ployer in Residence program brings employers to campus toreview rsums, conduct mock interviews, or speak on topicsrelevant to their industries. In addition, alumni (or other dis-tinguished individuals) often come to campus to participatein career panels. Examples of such panelists include teach-ers, women in finance, journalists, arts administrators, andhealth-care practitioners, among others.

Internship ResourcesWhether a student plans to explore a career or wishes toobtain greater knowledge about a chosen field, an intern-

ship can offer valuable experience. Through internshipsyou have the opportunity to learn more about yourself andto apply your college education in a temporary work settingUCS maintains an online database of approximately 10,000internships available, both internationally and in the US, tostudents interested in a wide variety of fields. The resource li-brary and UCS website both house directories of internshipsand internship evaluations by students, indexed by field ofinterest.

1UndergraduateCareer Services


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On-Campus InterviewProgramThe On-Campus Interview Program provides a uniqueopportunity for undergraduate students to meet, andinterview with representatives from many organiza-tions. This is an excellent way to begin planning forlife after Yale as a sophomore, junior, or senior and totake the first step on the path to a successful career. The

organizations that come to interview on-campus offeremployment opportunities in fields such as finance,consulting, advertising, nonprofit, government, educa-tion, political action, and research. On-campus inter-views take place during both the fall and spring semes-ters.

Career FairsUCS hosts a variety of career fairs throughout the year.Fairs include: Private Sector (Corporate), Nonprofit,Health Professions, Law School/Public Policy, Interna-tional Opportunities, and Federal Government. Several

fairs are collaborative events, such as the spring non-profit fairs in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. An-other collaborative effort is MetroLink NYC and DC.The NYC event focuses on careers in communications,media, advertising, and publishing, while the DC eventfocuses on government, law, think tanks, policy, andsocial-service/advocacy.

Career ExplorationReceptions and PanelsUCS, along with several Yale alumni clubs, hosts sum-mer receptions and panels. These events provide cur-

rent students with the opportunity to listen to a paneldiscussion about a specific career field and also talkwith alumni about career interests. Receptions havebeen held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Ha-ven, New York, and Washington, DC.

Real World ToursUCS sponsors tours to organizations to introducestudents to a wide range of careers in a variety of em-ployment fields. Past tours have included a publish-ing house, advertising agency, and various investmentbanks. Our goal is that students consider internships inthese areas and think about these fields as career choicesupon graduation. Tours are held in the fall and spring.

Medical School andHealth ProfessionsFirst-year students considering careers in medicineshould plan to attend the information meeting for pre-medical students, held during orientation week, and

pick up a copy of our brochure, Preparing to Becomea Health Care Practitioner. Students planning to pur-sue careers in other health professions should also visitUCS their first year for guidance on specific courses re-quired for admission to the various health-related pro-fessional school programs. Beginning in November ofjunior year, the application process begins for studentsseeking admission to medical school immediately upongraduation from Yale College. At that time, premedi-

cal students should register with the Health ProfessionAdvisory Board of UCS. All students interested in ca-reers in medicine and in additional health professionsshould subscribe to the health professions distributionlist atwww.yale.edu/career/newusers. UCS offers a va-riety of workshops, meetings, and individual counsel-ing appointments to assist students interested in pur-suing health-related careers. Dates and times of thesemeetings are listed on the website.

Law SchoolStudents interested in attending law school shouldbegin by reviewing the law school section of the UCSwebsite atwww.yale.edu/career. Several law school ad-missions officers visit Yale each fall to answer studentsquestions, and UCS conducts several informationmeetings in the spring and fall. UCS also offers pre-lawworkshops that include topics such as: financial aidapplication procedures, letters of recommendation, andpersonal statements. Every fall, UCS hosts the LawSchool and Public Policy School fair. UCS also offersindividual counseling appointments to assist studentsinterested in attending law school. Students interested

in law school are encouraged to subscribe to the Lawdistribution list atwww.yale.edu/career/newusers.

Graduate SchoolThere are a variety of resources available to studentsinterested in pursuing a graduate degree. The resourcelibrary and website include information on graduateprograms throughout the country. In addition, mem-bers of the UCS staff can assist students in locating re-sources and establishing a timetable for applying. Themost helpful source of information available to studentsregarding specific graduate programs is the Yale faculty

in the students academic field of interest.


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experience. Students who do this often have reward-ing, substantive experiences tailored to their individualinterests and goals. However, securing a self-designedinternship involves careful planning, a fair amount ofresearch and resourcefulness, and definitely a measureof initiative. Make an appointment with a career coun-selor at UCS for assistance with your goal setting, plan-ning process, and overall strategy.

Yale College does not award credit for internships.This policy is not unique to Yale; it is shared by all IvyLeague institutions and some selective liberal arts col-leges. However, we encourage you to apply for an in-ternship that requires credit and we will assist you inestablishing your candidacy. Upon your request, UCSwill provide you with a letter explaining the Yale Col-lege policy and the role the internship will play in youracademic career. To request a letter written on your be-half, email [email protected]. There is a forty-eight-hour turnaround period for the completion of aletter request.

JobsThe process of finding a job can be similar to the in-ternship process, but may include additional strategies.Although these are not fixed in stone, several successfulstrategies are submitting applications, sending letters ofinquiry, and setting up informational interviews. Themore research you do regarding your chosen field(s),the better you will be able to appropriately adapt thesestrategies to best realize your goals.

When you identify an appropriate job opening, youshould apply by sending a cover letter and rsum andcompleting the application form if one exists. If youidentify an opportunity through the On-Campus In-terview Program (OCIP), you will probably be send-ing in your application many months ahead of the jobsstart date. Some of the companies and organizationsthat participate in OCIP offer positions that turn overafter a specified period of time (much like a graduatingclass), resulting in their ability to know that they needto hire new employees months ahead. Most other or-ganizations and companies will advertise job openings

when positions are vacated, which happens throughoutthe year and not necessarily with much advance notice.

The Job Search page on the UCS website offers manytips and links for searching job openings. The CareerToolbox includes sites that provide links to job data-bases in specific industries. In addition, the eRecruit-ing job database lists positions in a variety of fields in-cluding many that have been posted specifically to Yale.

Individual organizations websites and online classifiedads should also be perused as part of your overall searchstrategy. A career counselor can help you identify thebest resources for your search. For additional detailsvisitwww.yale.edu/career.

Sending letters of inquiry is an excellent way to be pro-active, especially if your career field of choice does notoften hire for positions more than a month prior to the

start date. A letter of inquiry introduces oneself to a po-tential employer and can include information about thetype of job you desire, when you would be availableand your qualifications. This is especially effective inindustries that do not always advertise job openings.

Informational interviews provide opportunities to makeconnections with professionals, learn more about a spe-cific field, and ask for advice. It is important to remem-ber that in asking for an informational interview, you areasking for a favor of ones time and expertise. Not ev-eryone you approach will be willing or have the time tomeet with you, but some will. You may already know ofpeople who work in a particular field. You might identifynames through organizations websites, your personaand professional contacts, faculty or deans, alumni, fam-ily friends, or panels/presentations on campus.

The informational interview may be quite short or lastan hour or more. It may take place in someones office,informally at a coffee shop, or over the telephone. Asthe interviewer, it is critical that you be prepared by re-searching the field and preparing questions to ask. Focus

on what you want and need to know. What credentialsare necessary for working in that particular field? Whatis the average starting salary? What is a typical day ina particular position? How did the interviewee establishher/his career? Informational interviews do not neces-sarily lead to job openings or offers, but they can lead toprofessional relationships that will be beneficial as youbuild your career. These relationships become part ofyour network and may be helpful in securing a positionSpend time maintaining your network and always followup with a thank-you note.

In addition to these strategies, the On-Campus InterviewProgram (OCIP), mentioned above, is a special resourcefor Yale students. The companies and organizationsthat participate in OCIP solicit applications on-line. Toparticipate, students must attend an OCIP registrationmeeting. (Check the UCS calendar for dates and times.)After on-line applications are submitted, those selectedfor interviews will receive an email notification. The in-terviews take place at UCS.


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3DevelopingYour Rsum

Your rsum is one of many tools to help you express yourinterest in organizations and specific job and internshipopportunities. The purpose of your rsum is to providea snapshot of your education and experiences, giving the

reader a concise picture of what you have to offer. Your r-sum is, in a sense, an advertisement of yourself. It is im-portant to spend time and seek advice creating this docu-ment so that you have the best tool at hand when you needit. Career counselors are available to critique your rsum,as are our peer advisors, during open hours or regular ap-pointments.

Review the accompanying guidelines and examples to as-sist you in developing your own rsum. The examples inthis section should not be copied, and they should not beassumed to be the right or only way to present oneself. The

content, of course, must be specific to you. The written pre-sentation (the actual wording) should represent your writingability. The design (layout) can be whatever appeals most toyou and is appropriate for the career field(s) of interest.

Content and FormatBegin your rsum with an education section. Your Yale de-gree should be front and center! As a first- or second-yearstudent, include your high-school education. Whether or

not to continue including it as a junior or senior depends onits relevance and the amount of available space.

Your professional rsum should be more than a list of thejobs and activities you have done. Regardless of the headings you use (Experience or other), you should providerelevant and thorough (yet concise) explanations of whatyou did in each setting. These definitions should alwaysstart with strong verbs, and you should avoid repeating

those verbs. We have provided a list of action verbs to as-sist you. In addition, a thesaurus always comes in handy! Ineach bullet point, focus on what you do (or did), not whathe organization does.

As you define your experiences, consider how a particulaskill would be transferable to another setting; dont dismissan experience as necessarily irrelevant. If you worked in aclothing store, defining your experience as Ran cash regis-ter would not be an obvious usable or desirable skill outsideof retail, but stating that you Identified and served custom-ers needs may demonstrate a transferable skill that couldbe desirable in a number of settings.

These definitions are particularly important if a rsum isscanned by an employer. Some companies request that allrsums be submitted electronically, or they scan printed r-sums so that they have an electronic version. If scanningthe rsums, a computer does the first reading. If a rsu-m contains a particular number of predetermined verbsphrases, skills, accomplishments required for the positionthe computer approves forwarding the rsum to that par-ticular job opening. A career counselor can help you review

your rsum to see if it will scan well, or you may want toresearch this topic in our library or on the web.

A rsum should be structured in the way that best identifies your skills and experiences in relation to the opportu-nity you are pursuing. Many students create a chronologicarsum (actually in reverse chronology) that features fourprimary sections: Education, Experience, Skills, and Activi-ties. This is the most common rsum. A functional rsumcategorizes the definitions under relevant headings such asLeadership Experience, International Experience, TeachingExperience, and so on. Some rsums are a hybrid of the

two. Most student rsums tend to be one page, though thisis not always the case. Meeting with a career counselor isthe best way to determine the format and length that arebest for you. A career counselor can also assist you with acurriculum vita (C.V.) if such is requested. (A C.V. includesa thorough listing of academic achievements in addition toor even instead of ones activities and non-academic experi-ences.)


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Articulate Your Skills and Accomplishments Using These

Action Verbs


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ETHAN YALE_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

P.O. Box 232323, New Haven, CT 06520 [email protected] South Main Street, Media, PA 19063 610-777-7777

EDUCATION Yale University , New Haven, CTBachelor of Arts, projected major: Economics. Expected graduation: May 2009.

Penncrest High School, Media, PASalutatorian, diploma 2005. SAT: 780 Math, 750 Verbal.

College Experience

ACTIVITIES Yale Entrepreneurial Society

Co-wrote mid-year financial report for executive board as Finance Department member Co-planned annual educational event in New York City as Events Department member

Yale Investment Club

Member of this organization designed to prepare students for a career in finance

High School Experience

AWARDS National Merit Scholarship

Scored in 99thpercentile on the PSAT, 1 of 2500 students nationwide to receive scholarshipPrincipals Leadership Award

Awarded to senior with best leadership skills, reflected through ability, style, and success

Yale Book Award Awarded to junior who best reflects excellence in academics, extracurriculars, and service

Department Award, French Awarded to senior who best reflects excellence in a specific subject

Perfect Attendance

Achieved perfect attendance during all four years of high school careerOptimist Oratorical Contest, State Competition Competed in state speaking contest after winning local and regional competitions

LEADERSHIP Hi-Q Team, Captain (highest academic or leadership honor available at Penncrest High School) Developed competition strategy, led daily practices, managed budget and schedule for the

oldest continuous academic quiz competition in the United States Award: Won second place in the Hi-Q championship Award: First student selected from high school to join the All-Delco Hi-Q Team

Envirothon Team, Captain Led daily practices, motivated team members, managed oral presentations for the largest

academic science competition in the United States (tests include oral presentations) Award: Team won first place in North America after winning county and state competitions

Award: Personally won first place in North America in individual categoryPhysics Olympics Team, Co-Captain

Led daily practices, motivated team members, managed schedule, coordinated logistics Award: Won first place in Physics Olympics competition to continue longest national record

National Honor Society, President Coordinated service opportunities and events

Led annual induction ceremony and managed monthly meetings Award: Received the NHS Service Award for school and community service

Theatre, Secretary/Treasurer Co-directed fall production for three years: wrote scripts, led daily rehearsals

Award: Awarded 4-Star Thespian in International Thespian Society for dedication to theatreWorld Language Honors Club(French), Co-President

Coordinated service opportunities and events Led annual awards and induction ceremony and managed monthly meetings

ACTIVITIES Philadelphia Inquirer

Wrote for newspapers Neighbors section as a student contributor

The Lions Roar, Penncrest High School Newspaper Wrote for quarterly publications as a staff writer

Assistant Principal Office Aid

Worked in Assistant Principals office during study halls

Print your rsum out- How oes t oo ? Is

t easy to rea an v -sually appealing? Canyou quickly pick outkey information?

T s stu ent e ect ve ys s r sum w t a -

verse, well-grouped rangeof activities.

Margins can be adjusted to fit your needs, though typically range between .5 and 1inch on all sides, leaving your top margin slightly larger than your bottom margin.


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P.O. BOX 200000, NEW HAVEN, CT 06520PHONE (203) 203-2233 E-MAIL [email protected]

ELY YALEEDUCATION

Yale University, New Haven, CTB.A. in Political Science, expected May 2009Coursework includes:Economics, English, Introduction to Ethics, Moral Foundation of Politics

Ithaca High School, Ithaca, NYDiploma: 2005

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

First Ithaca Christian Chinese Church,Youth Group President Fall 2000 to Spring 2005Organized social activities, conference trips, winter and summer retreats. Prepared and taught SundaySchool classes.

New York Boys State, Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals Summer 2004Led campaign for office in a mock New York State, winning the greatest majority for any office.Performed the duties and the functions of the Chief Justice.

New Haven Chinese Church, Sunday School Teacher Fall 2005 and Spring 2006Led worship. Prepared and taught children ranging from elementary school to high school. Identified andresolved problems between the children as well as handled different personalities.

FUNDRAISING EXPERIENCE

Vitamin L, Chorus MemberBoard Member (one of two youth)

Fall 1999 to Summer 2005Fall 2003 to Summer 2005

Wrote grants and other funding applications in order to have a sliding scale scholarship fund for concertsat schools and to cover expenses, such as sound equipment and character education conference fees.

Administered a budget of $150,000. Contributed to organizing fundraising events. Organized socialfunctions such as family pot-lucks for ~60 families together. Created a bookmark so that children couldtake home the lessons of the songs after concerts.

Habitat for Humanity Bike Challenge, North Trip Summer 2006Solicited support of friends, families, neighbors, and local and national businesses to receive funding forthe trip.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Insiders Guide to Colleges, Writer Fall 2005 and Spring 2006Contacted and interviewed students at other colleges about their college experiences over the phone.Supplemented interviews with personal research on colleges.

The History Center, Student Historian Fall 2003 and Spring 2004Researched the ownership of historical objects by searching through archived documents. Interviewedprevious owners about their lifetime in Ithaca, and the history behind the object. Wrote the officialbackground and historical description of the object.

SKILLSComputer: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, Macromedia Dreamworks,Macromedia FireworksLanguage:Proficient French, Fluent Spoken Mandarin (Native Speaker)

ont s ze or to y o your r sum

should be betwe10 and 12 pt.

Ely uses multi-ple categories tohighlight speci

s areas.

Format variations, such as bold,italics, and capitalization, createv sua appea - use t ese too s ut

ont go over oar .

Begin your statements wit actionver s. Ver s s ou e past tenseyou are no onger at t e position orparticipating in the activity.


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4Cover Letters

Cover letters can serve many purposes. The most obvi-ous use is as a cover for your rsum when applyingfor an internship or job. As discussed in the GettingStarted section, a cover letter can also be used to in-quire into the possibility of creating or identifying anunadvertised opportunity, for both jobs and intern-ships, and to request an informational interview.

Your cover letter provides the opportunity to highlightthe skills and experiences that you want a potential em-ployer to notice, and to connect a set of experiences andskills to a position that may not be directly related towhat is on your rsum. It also enables the reader togain a sense of your writing style and ability to focus.

Begin the letter by clearly stating who you are andwhy you are writing. If you are applying to a specificposition, state the position title and indicate how youlearned about the opportunity. For an inquiry letter,state the type of opportunity you are interested in.

The body of the letter should highlight what you have tooffer personal attributes and the skills gained throughinternships and jobs, through coursework, and through

your activities. Do not simply restate explanations pro-vided in your rsum, rather you want to elaborate onthem, focusing on those that are most relevant. Weaveyour experiences and activities into a diverse represen-tation of your skills. Emphasize transferable skills, con-necting your past experiences with the opportunity youare seeking.

Within your cover letter, you should also convey your

interest in the industry, the organization itself, and/orthe position you are seeking. To do this, you will needto personalize your letter for each opportunity or orga-nization. The closing of your letter should focus on thenext steps, such as requesting an interview.

The content of an informational interview request issimilar to that of a standard cover letter. Focus on whyyou are interested in speaking with that person, shareinformation about your career interests and goals, anddiscuss steps for follow-up.

A poorly written cover letter speaks volumes. Plan tohave your cover letter reviewed at least once before yousend it out. This can be done at UCS during open hoursor if you need additional assistance in developing yourcover letter, you may choose to schedule an appoint-ment with a career counselor.

Review the following examples to assist you in develop-ing your own cover letters. There are examples of coverletters used to apply for internships, create internshipsapply for jobs, inquire about job opportunities and ask

for informational interviews.


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January 15, 20XX

Judith WoodSunday Times1 Pennington St.London E98 1XYUnited Kingdom

Dear Ms. Wood:

I write to apply for a summer work-experience position at the Sunday Times. I plan toenter the newspaper industry in London after I graduate, and working at the Times

would be my first choice. I read the Timesas often as possible for its high-quality,original reporting and, given my enthusiasm, diligence, and editorial experience, I wouldprovide a fresh perspective to the newspaper.

My time with publications such as the Yale Recordand especially the Yale Heraldhasgiven me valuable experience in print media. Having worked at theHeraldas a copy

editor, staff writer, section editor, managing editor, and now editor-in-chief, I haveexposed myself to a variety of responsibilities and challenges. I understand the pressuresof writing and editing under deadline, I can give and receive orders, I can write and editarticles in different tones, styles, and genres, and I can work with and lead a group. I alsoknow how to limit myself, such as when to stop working on an article or when not tomake an edit. Most important, I have learned that I love to work in a creative journalisticenvironment, in both an editing and a writing capacity. The two inform each other and,since I enjoy and practice both, I feel in a capable position to pursue them equally.

My studies, too, are preparing me to pursue print journalism. As a member of theWriting Concentration in the English major, I take one writing class each semester, meetwith working writers, and will create an extended final writing project. Theconcentration provides the theoretical counterweight to my practical experience with the

Herald: through writing classes, I can practice the craft of long-form journalism, withmore time, more revisions, and more word length than a weekly newspaper can allow.

For these reasons, I know I would both learn from and contribute to the Sunday Timesas an intern. I would relish the opportunity to work for you this summer. Enclosed is acopy of my rsum for your review. Thank you for your time, and I look forward tohearing from you.

Regards,

E. Lynn YalePO Box 210210New Haven, CT 06520United States(203) [email protected]

Use t e o y oyour cover etter toelaborate on specificexperiences or skillsthat relate to andqua y you or t epos t on.

Dont forget to includeyour contact informa-tion on your cover let-ter in case your cover

letter gets separaterom your rsum.

Address your letter to a specific person.Access the company website to try and find specific contacts.Check the Student Internship Evaluation Database for potential contacts.Contact t e organ zat on to nqu re to w om you s ou rect youretter or the name of the position supervisor/department head.


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February 8, 20XX

E. Stiles, Managing AttorneyE. Stiles & Associates, PC

2000 Woodbridge Avenue,

Edison, NJ 08817

Dear Mr. Stiles,

As a rising junior in the Ethics, Politics, and Economics major at Yale University, I would like to

apply for the law clerk internship at E. Stiles & Associates, PC, which I found through Yales

Undergraduate Career Services internship search engine. I am strongly interested in pursuing a

career in criminal law and I believe that the opportunities and experiences offered with this

internship will help guide me down this path. Furthermore, I believe my own project managing

and leadership skills along with a lifelong interest in legal affairs will help me contribute greatly

to your office this summer.

I have developed and honed strong interpersonal and managing skills throughout my time at Yale.

As the personnel manager of the Saybrook Orchestra, I have recruited for and helped to managethe 90-person orchestra, involving constant collaboration and compromising with various

musicians and people. Furthermore, I served on the Secretariat for the 2006 Yale Model United

Nations Conference, coordinating with over 1300 high school students and 150 faculty advisors

spanning 15 states and 10 countries to run a four-day Model UN conference. Much of my

experience with the Model UN conference involved responding to a myriad of concerns and

being able to troubleshoot problems ranging from fee payments to schedule crises to instances of

student disorderliness. All of these experiences have developed my ability to adapt quickly in

dealing with a vast range of different people, an ability that will come in handy when I will be

expected to deal with the variety of people ranging from clients to judges as a law clerk intern.

Furthermore, my interest in the law has been augmented through my participation in

organizations such as the Yale Mock Trial team. For all of the significant differences between

Mock Trial and the actual practice of the law, my participation has helped me to understand legal

proceedings and rules of evidence more completely. I have also taken classes such as the

political theory class Crime and Punishment that have to do with legal theory and practice, which

has strengthened my determination to work in the field of law to gain firsthand experience thissummer.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I am enclosing my resume and I look

forward to the opportunity to interview for this position. Please let me know if any additional

information is necessary to help you come to a decision. I am sincerely excited about taking

advantage of this opportunity!

Yours,

Eli Calhoun

PO Box 200000

New Haven, CT 06520

(203) 333-4444

[email protected]

E s rst paragrapclearly states who he is,why he is writing and

makes a connection tot e pos t on e s ap-plying for.

I you are unsure ot e contact personsgender, dont guess!Contact the organi-zat on an nqu reas to t e appropr -ate salutation, or,

if unable to obtainthat information,use s er uname n t e sa uta-t on.

se t e conc u ng para-graph to reiterate your inter-est in the position and focuson t e next steps ( nterv ew,o ow-up conversat on).

Eli does an excellent job of providingquantifiable examples of how he has

eve ope s s app ca e to t e po-sition he is seeking.


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ELIASBERKELEY

PO Box 205454 New Haven, CT 06520-5454

cell: (203) 999-9999 [email protected]

July 12, 2006

Harriet HarrisManaging DirectorNew Repertory Theatre200 Washington AvenueBoston, MA 02472

Dear Ms. Harris:

I write to apply for the development assistant position advertised on the HireCulture website. I recentlygraduated from Yale University, summa cum laude, and I would like to put my skills and knowledge towardssupporting an exciting performing arts organization. The New Repertory Theatre strikes me as an especiallydynamic theatre company, and I know that my experiences and skills can help strengthen the developmentdepartments fundraising campaigns and facilitate its daily office activities.

As an intern for Behrman Publishing House, I put my organizational skills to use by crea ting a searchablecomputer database for the companys collection of over 8,000 images. My initiative transformed their imagecollection from a wall of jumbled file cabinets into an accessible, organized tool for the entire editorial anddesign staff. I would apply the same eye for detail in managing the New Repertory Theatres databases,coordinating fundraising efforts, and researching grants opportunities.

During my term as Education Vice-President of the Yale Hillel, I worked with the Hillel staff to design,coordinate and publicize classes for the Yale community in a variety of subjects, from text study to holidaycooking. I also facilitated a lunchtime series where students could join a renowned professor for informalconversation. These experiences taught me how to juggle many different responsibi lities and gave me aninsiders perspective on the administration of a cultural center.

I also have the oral and written communication skills necessary to succeed at the New Repertory Theatresdevelopment department. As a tour manager for a student-run a cappella group, I promoted Magevetsconcerts in various performance locations by sending publicity packets with personalized letters, andcontacting representatives of the venues by phone. Furthermore, my internships at a publishing house and atan international newspaper have honed my writing and editing abilities, as did many writing-intensive coursesat Yale. At graduation, the English department awarded me the Tinker Prize for the outstanding senior in thedepartment.

The development assistant posit ion at the New Repertory Theatre would allow me to learn and achieve at aninnovative and exciting theatre company. I have attached my rsum and would appreciate the opportunityto discuss my experience and qualifications for this position, as well as answer any further questions. Thankyou for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Elias Berkeley

Make the connection.W y are you ntereste

n t at organ zat on,company, or pos t on?

eave your acaem cs, act v t es

and employment together to provide complete picture ow at you can r ng

to t e companyorgan zat on.

Your cover letter should be only one page. Fontshould match your rsum and should be sizedwithin one point. Keep your margins no less than.5 inches. I your cover letter is too long or toodense you run the risk o it not being read.


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February 1, 20XX

Ms. Jane DoeExecutive Director

Old South Meeting House

310 Washington Street

Boston, MA 02108

Dear Ms. Doe:

As a sophomore at Yale University majoring in history, I am interested in the possibility of interning at the Old

South Meeting House this summer. I would value any opportunity to shadow a curator, work on a project, or assist

with the administrative details of the museums operation. Based on my background and experience, I offer

demonstrated project management, organizational, and administrative skills and a strong interest in the history of

colonial and early America.

My role as editor of the Berkeley College Facebook requires me to establish goals and priorities and orchestrate the

details of a major project. Managing the publications and distribution of over 500 books involves coordinating photo

shoots and students and staff, collaborating with the Deans Office to compile student biographical information, and

serving as a liaison to the publisher to ensure a timely and smooth process. This past summer, I worked as an office

assistant in the Office of Public Affairs at Boston University. This position demanded significant multi-tasking andadministrative skills. In addition to updating media contact lists and distributing press releases to national media, I

provided front-line administrative support for a fast-paced office of fifteen professionals, including fielding phone

inquiries, receiving visitors, filing and faxing. The combination of my project management and administrative skills

will allow me to contribute to a wide variety of museum projects as well as administrative needs on a daily basis.

A strong interest in colonial and early American history currently shapes my academic pursuits. As a freshman, I

took Revolutionary American and am presently enrolled in The Colonial Period of American History. Since I was

quite young, I have enjoyed visiting history museums, and was always mesmerized by objects from everyday life in

the eighteenth century. Because the Old South Meeting House played such a pivotal role in the events leading up to

the American Revolution as well as in the cultural history of colonial Boston, the museum and its collections are of

particular interest to me. I visited the museum last summer and especially enjoyed its use of multi-media to engage

visitors and make historic artifacts and events accessible in a modern and familiar context. I would especially enjoy

working with and learning from experienced professionals at the museum who might share their knowledge and

insight with me as I contemplate a career in the museum field.

In closing, I would be delighted to be a part of your team this summer. I am quite flexible as I will be in Boston for

the entirety of the summer and am open to either a part-time or full-time position. If you would like to meet with me,I will be in the Boston area from March 8 through March 21. I will call you during the week of February 16 to

inquire about the viability of scheduling a short meeting at a time that is convenient for you. In the interim, please do

not hesitate to contact me at the number below. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Yale

PO Box 200000

Yale Station

New Haven, CT 06520

(203) 555-2030

[email protected]

This is a strong example o a letter o inqui-ry. E iza et ma es c ear er interest in t e

organization, motivations for pursuing anopportunity, and the skills she has to offer.

Elizabeth does an excellent job of presenting fol-low-up options and setting the stage for a futureconversat on.


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EL L Y

YA L E

P. O. Box 222York, PA 17500

(717) 777-7777

P. O. Box 200000New Haven, CT 06520

(203) 203-2222

EDUCATIONYALE UNIVERSITY, NEW HAVEN, CT

B.A., Literature, 2004 (expected)

GPA 3.88/4.00

NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIPSCHOOL (NOLS),LANDER, WY (SUMMER 2003)

Month-long backpacking course in the Olympic Mountains in Washington State, with an emphasis on rigorous off-trail travelthrough remote sections of the Olympic National Park, outdoor leadership skills, and the Leave No Trace wilderness ethic.

Grade: A, with endorsements from both leaders to apply to be a NOLS leader in the future.

PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNORS SCHOOL FOR THE SCIENCES,PITTSBURGH, PA(SUMMER 1999)

Intensive, college-level coursework in the sciences, mathematics, and computer sciences.

MCALISTER HIGH SCHOOL,York, PA

Graduated 1999; Class rank: 1 in 471; GPA: 3.98/4.00Awards/Honors: President, National Honor Society; National Merit Finalist; Recipient of Taylor Publi shing Company

Scholarship; National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Writing Award

EXPERIENCETHE YALEHERALD (FALL 2000-SPRING 2004)

SENIOR EDITOR (FALL 2003-PRESENT)

Worked as part of the senior advisory board of weekly newspaper, circulation 5,000.Duties included evaluating overall content and design of paper, developing story ideas, training new editors, assisting with

editing and production, revising bylaws, corresponding with faculty and administration, and writing feature articles,

including 2,400-word fronts on such topics as grade inflation at the Ivies and the Teaching Assistant program at Yale.

MANAGING EDITOR (WINTER-SPRING 2003)Devoted approximately 40 hours/week to position on five-person executive board.

Duties included developing story ideas, corresponding extensively with faculty and administration, managing front-page

feature articles, overseeing production, designing and laying out pages, and organizing and running editorial meetings.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR (FALL-WINTER 2002)

Served as one of three editors for the A&E section, working approximately 15-20 hrs./week on editing and layout.

CALENDAR EDITOR (FALL-WINTER 2001)

Redesigned and expanded Calendar section of newspaper.

PSYCHOLOGY TODAYMAGAZINE, EDITORIAL INTERN (SUMMER 2002)

Worked closely with the editorial board on a daily basis as one of four editorial interns, for approximately 30 hours/week.

Published four short articles in the September/October and November/December 2001 issues of a national magazine.

Duties included developing story ideas, interviewing psychology researchers, and conducting internet research and polling.

CASHIER,EAST SIDEBAGEL & APPETIZING, NEW YORK, NY(SUMMER 2001)

FIGURE SKATING COACH, YORK FIGURE SKATING CLUB, YORK, PA (1997-1999)

ACTIVITIESPHI BETA KAPPA, MEMBER (FALL 2003-SPRING 2004)

Elected to the Connecticut Chapter of PBK based on academic placement during first six semesters.

Awarded to only the top 5% of each graduating class in the fall of senior year.

SENIOR CLASS GIFT REPRESENTATIVE (SPRING 2004)

Served as a student liaison between the administration and the student body in order to raise funds for the Yale Alumni Fund.

YALE COALITION FOR PEACE, MEMBER (FALL 2003-SPRING 2004)

Helped to organize activities as part of a student protest group committed to peaceful resolution of global problems.

SKILLS

LANGUAGE: Fluent French and Basic Korean

COMPUTER: Windows 95/98 & XP, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe PageMaker, MS Word, MS Excel, Lotus 123

EMT-Basic training

[email protected]

The corresponding rsum and cover let-ter provided here illustrate how you can useyour cover etter to ig ig t an expanupon speci ic experiences, relating them tothe opportunity you are seeking, withoutsimply restating the information providedin your rsum.


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February 10, 2004

Ann McAlister

Human Resources Recruiter

Random House Publishers

1340 Broadway

New York, NY 10000

Dear Ms. McAlister:

I am currently a senior at Yale University seeking a full-time job at Random House in the Associates Program.

Since my intent is to pursue a career in the publishing industry, I would like to work for Random House, one of

the preeminent publishing houses world wide. Random House owns many of the smaller publishers, such as

Doubleday and Broadway Books, whose books I relish reading. I have grown up amidst the words of Margaret

Atwood and have savored Bill Brysons colorful accounts of his adventures in the woods and in the world. The

Associates Program especially appeals to me since, as a soon-to-be college graduate, I would like to have some

time to explore various facets of the publishing industry before committing myself to a specific department.Eight years of experience in high school and college newspaper journalism have instilled in me a healthy respect

for the printed word and for the work that it takes to transform ideas into finished texts. I have the necessary

experience, ambition, and love of books to contribute significantly to the world of Random House.

My work as an editorial intern at Psychology Todaymagazine, during which I wrote four nationally published

articles, exposed me to the daily routines of magazine journalism. In my amateur newspaper journalism

experience I often devoted as many hours a week to my work as I would have committed to a full-time job.

Through my various editorial positions at the Yale HeraldI have learned how to thrive under pressure, meet

deadlines, communicate with coworkers and business affiliates, function as part of a cohesive team, and conduct

effective interviews with professors, students, researchers, and other professionals. These skills coupled with a

proficiency in word-processing, internet research, page design, and layout make me particularly well suited to

work in the publishing industry.

My leadership experience as a newspaper editor was augmented this past summer by a month-long backpacking

course with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). The curriculum focused on instruction in

wilderness leadership skills, and for the duration of the month I worked closely with the other students on mytrip to accomplish tasks such as planning routes and navigating through off-trail wilderness. Toward the end of

the course I was chosen as one of two student leaders of a three-day-long, off-trail traverse in the Olympic

Mountains, independent of our two instructors. In the mountains I cooperated with others out of inclination,

necessity, and shared purpose. The experience imparted to me invaluable skills both in the task of leading and in

the necessary compromise that is essential to working on a team.

I am excited about becoming part of the process by which rough drafts travel to bookstore shelves and finally

into my own hands. I am confident in my ability to contribute to Random House, and I have enclosed my

resume for your review. I look forward to the opportunity for an interview with you at your convenience.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Elly Yale

P.O. Box 200000New Haven, CT 06520

(203) 203-2222

[email protected]


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5Follow-upMaterials

There are a variety of additional letters you may use inyour job or internship search to maintain contact and

reiterate interest in a company/organization or position.The two primary types are networking follow-up let-ters and thank you letters. These are useful in a varietyof situations, primarily, but not limited to, those de-scribed below.

NetworkingFollow-Up LettersNetworking follow-up letters can be used after a phoneconversation with a potential employer, a networkingevent, or other conversation with a person who has in-dicated an interest and ability to assist you in your job

or internship search. These letters give you the opportu-nity to reiterate your interest, highlight specific relatedskills and experiences, and most importantly, remindyour contact about your conversation. Follow-up letterscan be especially helpful when sent to recruiters after acareer fair. Recruiters meet large numbers of studentsat each fair; a follow-up letter sent with a copy of yourrsum will help you stand out from the rest.

Thank You LettersThank you letters should be sent to all those who haveparticipated in your job search or assisted you in reach-ing your career goals. After an interview, plan to sendone to each person who participated, personalizing theletter to mention specific topics that were discussedThank you notes provide you the opportunity to reit-erate interest in the position, briefly and concisely dis-

cuss specific aspects of the company or position thatappealed to you, and thank them for the chance to in-terview. Thank you letters should be sent as soon aspossible after your interview, preferably within 24-48hours. Failure to send thank you letters may be seen as alack of interest and may cost you an opportunity.

Thank you letters should also be sent after informa-tional interviews and to those who serve as referencesto show appreciation and solidify future networkingrelationships.

The following section has examples of a job interviewthank you letter, a career fair follow-up letter, and aninformational interview thank you letter. Use these ex-amples to give you ideas on how to develop your ownfollow-up letters.


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February 2, 20XX

Mr. John Woodbridge

229 West 43rdStreet, 5thFloorNew York, NY 10036

Dear Mr. Woodbridge:

I sincerely enjoyed meeting with you on Monday, February 1stand learning more about

the journalism internship at theNew York Times. Our conversation further solidified my

desire to become a member of an organization that upholds the highest standards of

journalistic integrity and a reputation of excellence in reporting original and wellresearched pieces.

I would relish the opportunity to work side by side with, and receive advice from, highly

regarded journalists whose writing has served as the model from which I haveconstructed my own unique style. In addition I was particularly pleased with the level of

responsibility given to interns and the opportunity to regularly publish full articles, which

is something Ive had extensive experience with through my work at the Yale Press, and

am eager to engage in again. The emphasis on teamwork to share leads, valuablecontacts, and research is one that I feel is unique, yet essential, in the field of journalism;

to find an environment where teamwork is highly valued further indicated to me that the

department philosophies are aligned with my own.

The combination of my educational background and work experiences has prepared me

to take the next step in my career; the Internship Program with theNew York Timesis theideal environment for me to grow professionally. Please contact me if there is any further

information I can provide. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Timothy DwightPO Box 200000

New Haven, CT 06520

(203) 203-2020

[email protected]

T mot y s t anyou etter re ter-ates his interestin the internshipprogram anment ons spec ctop cs scussein the interviewthat were partic-u ar y appea ngto m.

T mot y r e y ment ons past exper ences t atave prepare m or t e respons t es o t e

nterns p, ut oes not rea ress a s s s anexperiences. Thank you notes should be primarilyfocused on your interest in the position and or-

gan zat on w t ess attent on on rev ew ng yourqualifications.

Persona ze your t an you notes w t spec c n orma-t on scusse w t eac nterv ewer. Even scuss onswere the same, your thank you notes should not be. Put-ting the time and effort into personalizing notes showsthat you were paying close attention to the informationconveye y eac nterv ewer an w ene t you w ent e nterv ewers compare notes (w c t ey w o).


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October 10, 20XX

Andre GarciaEl Salvador Childrens Foundation201 Varick Street, Suite 1025New York, NY 10014

Dear Mr. Garcia:

I enjoyed speaking with you at the Yale University International Opportunities Career Fairon October 8thand learning more about the summer internship opportunities available withEl Salvador Childrens Foundation. After our conversation, I further researched theprograms and learned about the efforts to improve the standard of living through educationand health care in rural, economically disadvantaged regions of El Salvador. I am excited bythe prospect of teaching English in El Salvador and assisting families in the Santa Ana region

with accessing medical services.

Through my coursework at Yale University, I have completed in-depth analysis of politicalfactors that contribute to the economic instability in countries throughout Central America,giving me an understanding of the uphill battle people are facing to obtain basic necessitiesand improve their standard of living. My studies and travel to various locations throughoutSouth America have increased my proficiency in Spanish and Latin American culture, andhave given me a first hand perspective of the challenges faced by children and young adults

with uncertain futures and the need for education to help narrow the economic disparitiesamong regions.

My experience managing a fundraising campaign to support international relief agenciesengaging in similar projects has allowed me to refine my interpersonal communication andleadership skills, both of which would be an asset to the advocacy role needed for theinternship. In addition, I have tutored local teenagers in a variety of subjects and am awareof the trials and rewards of teaching, as well as ways to tailor the lessons to meet the diverseneeds of learners.

I feel my skills and experience would lend themselves well to the internship opportunitieswith El Salvador Childrens Foundation. Per your recommendation, I am enclosing a copy ofmy rsum for your review. Please contact me if there are additional materials I need toprovide to complete my application. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I lookforward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jonathan EdwardsPO Box 100000New Haven, CT 06520(203) 222-2222

[email protected]

Begin your career fair follow-up letter byremin ing t e recruiter w en an w ereyou ma e initia contact.

Ma e t e con-

nect on. W y areyou following up?What appealed toyou a out t sopportun ty?

The remainder of the letterollows the format of a cover

letter, elaborating on relevant

s i s an experiences.


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April 15, 20XX

Ezra StilesGoldman Sachs180 Maiden Lane, 23rdFloorNew York, NY 10038

Dear Mr. Stiles,

I sincerely thank you for taking the time to speak with me on Friday, April12thabout your career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and sharing the

knowledge of the field youve gained along the way. Your advice on workexperiences and specific areas of study that most benefited you in building yourcareer has helped direct my summer internship plans; your guidance alsoinfluenced me to evaluate my own skill set and recognize areas where I needfurther development.

I found your insights into future industry trends be intriguing and havesince began supplementing my daily reading with the articles and publicationsyouve recommended. Also, per your recommendation, I have arranged aninformational interview with your colleague, Jon Edwards, and will be meetingwith him next week. Thank you again for that valuable connection and I willfollow up with you afterwards to inform you of the outcome. I look forward toseeing you at the next Yale Networking Reception.

Best Regards,

Elli YalePO Box 200200New Haven, CT 06520(203) [email protected]

or an informa-

tional interviewthank you letter,

scuss ow youene te rom

the experienceand thank yourcontact for anyre erra s or ot ergu ance e s eprovided to you.

Don t orget to prov e your contact n ormat onso t at t e emp oyer or contact can eas y o ow

up with you.


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6AdditionalTools and Tips

Statement of PurposeIn some instances, such as internship program applica-

tions or fellowship applications, you may be asked to sub-mit a statement of purpose. Your statement of purpose isnot a personal statement, nor is it a cover letter. Generallyspeaking, your statement of purpose will not be a bio-graphical sketch, a personal reflection on your choice ofcareer or area of study, or a summary of your activitiesand experiences. The topic and content of your statementof purpose will be tailored to the opportunity you areapplying for, specifically addressing topics or questionsoutlined in the application.

There is not a formula to follow for a successful state-

ment of purpose, nor are examples provided due to theunique and personal nature; however there are generalguidelines that you should review prior to beginningyour statement of purpose.

SuggestionsWrite well and make your statement flow.

Have a strong introductory sentence.

Allow yourself time for revisions and rewrites.

Stay focused on your topic and make sure to fullyanswer the questions that are asked.

Pay attention to statement criteria, including length andformat specifications.

Proofread! Use your spell-checker, but dont rely on itcompletely.

Be yourself dont write what you think the reader

wants to hear.Give specific information and details that are relevant.

Accurately represent yourself.

What to avoidAvoid fluff or information that does not add meaningor value.

Avoid writing a summary of what you have done withyour life and your past achievements (unlessspecifically asked for).

Avoid being overly confident or egotistical.

Avoid catch phrases and clichs; dont overuse thethesaurus.

Avoid using the third person.

Avoid false flattery or false sincerity.

Submitting Materials Helpful TipsMany organizations will provide you with specific in-structions on applying; pay special attention to their pre-ferred format, method of delivery, and necessary materi-

als. If mailing your materials, you may consider printingyour documents on high-quality linen or cotton rsumpaper. This paper can be purchased at most office supplystores. Though not essential, rsum paper does add anadditional touch to your materials that may help themstand out. When e-mailing materials as attachmentssend them in the format requested. Your attachmentsshould be appropriately named, typically including yourlast name and an indication of document type (rsumcover letter, etc).

References and Letters ofRecommendationYou may be asked to provide names of references or lettersof recommendation as part of the application process forjobs, internships, fellowships or other opportunities. Askpeople who know you well and can speak to your abili-ties. You may choose to ask professors, deans, advisorssupervisors, or others who know you in a professional oracademic capacity; family members should not be asked toserve as references or to write letters of recommendation.


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7Interviewing

If you have successfully applied for a job or internship,your potential employer will want to meet you in aninterview setting. The interview is an opportunity foran employer to determine if you would be able to dothe job, if you are prepared to work in that field, if youare truly interested in working for that firm, and if youwould be a good fit. When selected for an interview,be sure that you know exactly when and where the in-terview will take place, approximately how long it willbe, and which position you are being considered for.Following the interview, do follow up with appropriatethank-you notes to those you met. To lessen the anxietysurrounding the interview, read through the followingchapter so that you are not caught off guard during the

interview process. You are also welcome to schedule acareer-counseling appointment at UCS.

AttireThis is a source of much confusion and anxiety. Thebasic rule is, dress appropriately for the field and, if un-sure, dress up. This means that one dresses conser-vatively (business suits) not only for conservative in-dustries, but also for fields that are a little more casual.

For example, most faculty at Yale do not wear suits tothe classroom or lab, but most wore suits when theywere being interviewed! Some fields may appear verycasual, but in fact require their staff to wear suits at cer-tain timessuch as charities that have to meet with do-nors or advertising agencies meeting with clients. Sinceit is true that you only get one chance to make a firstimpression, how you dress sets the initial tone for theinterview before a word is spoken. As such, it is essen-

tial that you dress in a way that will set the tone youare looking for. The best advice here is to talk to UCScounselors or to mentors in the particular field in whichyou will be interviewing. Again, if ever in doubt, youwill never be caught out if you dress up or more conservatively than you think you really need.

Dining andCocktail ReceptionsYou may find yourself eating or socializing in the courseof an interview process. It is imperative that you exercisegood judgment, regardless of what those around youare doing. The biggest issue here involves alcohol. Gen-erally, the recommendation is to not drink alcohol whenmeeting or socializing with those who may be evaluat-ing youwhich is basically anyone you meet throughthe interview process. You need your wits about youand alcohol dulls your witsperiod. If, however, yourinstinct is that having an alcoholic drink in your handwould be socially appropriate for the situation, thenkeep that one drink with you throughout the event. Ifyou dont drink, you should never feel any compunc-tion to do sobut dont make a big deal of it. It should

go without saying that consuming alcohol is illegal ifyou are under the age of twenty-one.

As for meals, there are certain foods that are best avoid-ed for the potential unfortunate results they can pro-duce. Soups, salad dressings, and pasta sauces have anuncanny capacity to attach themselves to your clothingespecially when you are in no position to change. Avoidthese dishes. Equally, stay away from anything particu-larly pungent, such as garlic. You are not there to have agreat mealyou are there to get a job offer! Dont orderanything with the likelihood to be messyorder the

whole lobster after you get the job! If you are unfamil-iar with a menu item, or a particular cuisine, dont beashamed to ask your interviewers, or a waiter, for theirrecommendations. Beyond this, remember that mealsare often interviews in a different location. You maywell be peppered with questions during a meal, perhapsby more than one person. If lunching with three peopletwo of them can eat while one asks a question, but thereis only one respondent: you! Though you may be lucky


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do not expect to eat a full mealanswering their ques-tions is far more important. However, to prevent hun-ger or low blood sugar, it may be a good idea to keep agranola or candy bar conveniently close, as this can bequickly consumed (in private) during a quick break inthe schedule. A final thought about your breath. Havea travel-size mouthwash or breath mints on you for useafter a meal or after drinking coffee or tea.

Types of InterviewsMock InterviewsThese are practice interviews, often conducted bycounselors at UCS or by other university faculty oradministrators. Students can request these mocks inorder to prepare themselves for the real thing and canreceive valuable feedback on their performance and tipsfor improvement.

First-Round InterviewsThese may take place at UCS or at an organizations fa-cility. They are usually relatively brief (typically thirty tosixty minutes). They may include some form of assess-ment appropriate to the industry (e.g., a case, a teach-ing demonstration, etc.), although this is not commonin most fields. Questions tend to be of a general nature(see below for typical categories), and the goal of theinterviewer is usually to determine if the candidate issomeone who merits a second-round interview. Sincemost first-round interviews do not lead directly to joboffers, your goal should be to secure your place in thesecond round. The key to success is thorough prepa-

ration (not scripting) and practice. Interviewing is alearned art for most of us, and just as you wouldnt gointo an exam without reviewing all your materials, youneed to work at preparing for this practical test.

Second-Round InterviewsThese will usually be held at an organizations facility.They typically last longer than first-round interviewsoften a full day and possibly even longer. Be prepared!Second-rounds are commonly more about fit thanabout your capacity to do a particular job. Your poten-tial new bosses and colleagues are interested not only in

your abilities but also in whether or not you are some-one they want as part of their team. Since you are likelyto meet with several people in the course of a day, itis probable that some of them will ask the same ques-tions. Look interested. It may be the third time youveanswered it, but its the first time theyve asked it. Ifyou seem bored or testy, that is the impression you willleave, and their conclusions may seal your fate. Yourtask is not only to impress people with your knowl-

edge of the industry and the responsibilities of the jobbut also with your enthusiasm, your commitment, andyour personality. Show them that you are someone theywould enjoy working with. For most organizationstwo interviews are enough to lead to an offer, but this isnot a given. Four or more interviews are not unknownso be prepared for some processes to take significantlylonger than others.

Case InterviewsUsually confined to the consulting and financial indus-tries (see the section on employer questions below)cases may occupy a part of an interview or may fill allthe allotted time. A situation, problem, or data set ispresented, and you will be asked to comment upon itanalyze it, offer proposals, or come up with a solutionThis is a very specialized form of interview and needsto be approached in a very specific way. UCS sponsorspresentations on case interviews every year; counsel-ors can provide mock case interviews; and there aremany web and hard-copy resources available that deadirectly with the subject. The key is practice. Familiar-ity will breed confidence, and well-founded confidenceis essential in this situation.

Behavioral InterviewsBehavioral interviews are quite common and essentiallyrequire you to select an example from your past thatindicates how you might perform in a given situationHow did you handle a difficult person? Give me anexample of when you had to tell someone somethingthey didnt want to hear. What approaches did you

use? Explain how you managed a difficult projectwith minimal supervision.

A good answer will have three elements: providing aclear context for the situation; a concise description ofthe actions taken; and an analysis of the outcomes, in-cluding your thoughts on why your approach did (ordid not) work.

Another form of this approach may be to give you a taskto see how you respond. For example, an interview for acreative position in advertising might include a reques

to come up with a slogan for a certain product on thespot. There is no fudging in this situationyou haveto do it. This is precisely what might happen with aclient, especially one who did not care for your care-fully prepared pitch. What else have you got? needs aresponse. If you cannot respond, perhaps this isnt theright field for you.


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Stress InterviewsStress interviews are less popular now than theywere in the mid 90s, but it is still possible to encounterthemalbeit rarely. The essence here is to put the in-terviewee (you!) under pressure to see how you react.So, you went to Yale. You must think youre pretty hotstuff is not intended to be insultingit is intended togoad you into a reaction. Depending on your response,

the interviewer may attack again, and again. You mustkeep your composure, realize what they are doing, andplay the game. Ultimately, thats all it isa test of yourability to handle stress.

Telephone InterviewsMost people will have a telephone interview at somepoint or another. They can be both easier and moredifficult than face-to-face interviews. Easier, in thatyou may be able to surround yourself with your notesor other useful resourcesand you dont have to getdressed up. But they can be much more difficult, since

most of communication is based in body language andvisual cues, which are entirely absent with telephoneinterviews.

Be prepared for awkward pauses, as well as for momentswhen both parties are talking. Listen very closely andask to have a question repeated if you are not certainyou heard correctly. It is far easier to tell what someoneis looking for if you can see one another. Speak a littlemore slowly and enunciate your words a little morethan you would in person as this will help your listener.If using notes, do not write out your answers, as it will

almost certainly sound like you are reading them. Youneed guidelines, not a script.

Finally, if you think there is even a remote chance ofa potential employer calling you on your home or cellphone number, you must have a professional greetingon your voicemail system. Get rid of any cute greet-ings. Otherwise, you will at the least be embarrassed,and at worst look a fool. The same goes for custom-ized email addresses. Also, if you share a number withroommates, make sure to tell them you are expectingimportant calls, and leave a notepad and pen next tothe phone, clearly marked for your attention, so thatyour roommates can record messages for you if neces-sary. My roommate didnt give me the message car-ries about as much weight with an employer as my dogate my homework did with your teacher.

Group InterviewsThe challenge with the group interview is to know to

what extent to be a team player versus trying to setyourself apart from the group. Students often make themistake of trying to assume the leadership of a groupor to be the most noticeable contributor to a discussionThese are often the people the evaluators are lookingto exclude, rather than select. In a position dependentupon group dynamics (e.g., consulting), one may belooking for a facilitator, a supporter or a coordinatorrather than a leader or a dominator. Equally, one is un-

likely to be looking for a wallflower. Hence, if someoneelse makes a good point or has a good idea, it is rea-sonable to acknowledge this rather than try to best itThis doesnt mean one cannot adapt or improve anoth-ers idea, but it suggests that merely trying to showcaseyour own gifts may leave you showing your inadequa-cies. Be a participant. Recognize the good work of oth-ers and support it. Offer critique where you feel it ismerited. As much as possiblebe yourself.

AuditionsThe ultimate practical test, auditions obviously tend tobe limited to fields involving performance of a particu-lar physical skill. Where one has control of the subjectmatter, it is typically important to show versatility andrange, rather than necessarily the extremes of ones abil-ities. Ones extreme, by definition, is a point that onemay or may not be able to reach on a given day, and anaudition is the wrong time to have an off day. It iscritical to seek advice in the preparation for an auditionfrom those best able to advise youmentors, facultyartists, etc. Since the possibilities are broad these notesare necessarily general, but certain themes pervade

prepare thoroughly, practice, seek advice and feedbackstay within your range, and be yourself.

Illegal QuestionsThis is a difficult subject. Sometimes questions entergray areas, but the standard ultimately depends uponthe degree to which the question relates to your capac-ity to do the job. Hence, questions about a disabilitymarital status, children (or intentions to have them)race or ethnicity, or sexual orientation are generallydeemed illegal unless they can be shown to have directrelevance to the job. You should also realize that, while

we need to cover this subject here, it is very rare thatone encounters illegal questions.

Do not immediately presume that someone who asksan illegal question is doing so deliberately. In mostcases, they simply do not realize this is what theyhave done. Hence, do not overreact. The best way torespond may be to inquire how the question pertainsto the job. This is often enough to help the inter-


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the merger with XYZ impact the company? Where doyou see the industry headed in the next five years? Bythe way, dont use these examples. You need to come upwith questions that matter to you.

8. Case questions/hypothetical scenariosIn their pure form, these are almost exclusively con-fined to the consulting and financial sector interviews.Typically, a situation is described or a problem posed,

and you are asked to comment on it, provide analysis,or suggest a proposed course of action/solution. Spaceprecludes an adequate explanation here. You should beaware, though, that there are many books and otherresources on this topic and that UCS annually spon-sors presentations on how to address these kinds ofquestions. While the pure version of a case is usu-ally confined to certain industries, any interview caninclude something similar. It is not at all unusual tobe presented with a hypothetical scenario appropriateto the field and to be asked to comment. How wouldyou deal with an unruly child in a classroom? Whenshould a reporter disclose a source? What would youdo if a colleague wasnt pulling his weight? The trick isto stop, breathe, and think before saying anything. Askclarifying questions, if you need to. Remember, there ishardly ever a right or wrong answer. Just think throughthe situation and talk it outthe interviewer is usuallymost interested in hearing how you come to your an-swer. Logical, intelligent thinking is what they are look-ing for, not right answers.

Negotiating Job

Offers/SalaryDo not attempt to do this before you have a writtenoffer of employment in your hand. In fact, most stu-dents have less room to maneuver here than they some-times imagine. Salaries are generally set within fairlydefined limits. Staff at UCS can help you to determinewhat the likely range may be, depending on the posi-tion, the geography, or other relevant factors. Most im-portantly, you do need to know what your bottom lineisthe salary below which you are unwilling or unableto settle. You also need to evaluate an offer not strictlyin terms of salary, but also in terms of the value (ex-

periential and financial) of the training and knowledgeyou will acquire, and the other benefits that are pro-vided. Most importantly, you need to factor in the fit.Is this organization where you feel most comfortable?Depending upon your values, it might be consideredfoolish to accept an offer strictly based upon the sal-

fi Y h i l di

interviewsit makes sense that they would want ananswer as soon as possible. However, it is quite appro-priate to ask for some time to consider the offer. If theorganization wants an answer the next day, ask if youcan respond within the week. If you feel a great deal ofpressure to respond before you are ready, consult witha career counselor.

Regarding the actual offer, start dates are the most like-

ly area for negotiation. Again, do not do this withouta definite offer. That said, most organizations can bereasonably flexible. The major exceptions are those thathire a group to commence a training period on a setdate. As always, you may wish to talk to the counselorsat UCS before launching into the negotiation of yourstarting date.

Declining an OfferIf you find yourself in a position where you need to turndown a job offer, do so with care. It is essential to avoidburning bridges and to leave the door open for futureopportunities.

The key is to be professional and courteous. Let theemployer know that you are declining as soon as pos-sible so they can continue their search. When speakingwith the employer, express appreciation for the offermentioning specific aspects of the company that mostimpressed you. Avoid discussing negative aspects of theposition or employer that may have influenced yourdecision, and dont feel as though you need to providedetails as to why you have chosen to decline.

Reneging on an OfferIt is considered unethical to accept a job offer and laterchoose to decline; doing so reflects poorly on you, onYale, and on UCS. Do not accept an offer unless youare committed. After you accept an offer, inform otheremployers you have applied to or interviewed with thatyou are withdrawing your name from their pool of can-didates.

Final ThoughtsOnce you have successfully completed your job or in-

ternship search, it is important to thank all those whohave assisted you in the process. Those who you haveused as references and for networking contacts generallywant to hear about your success and know they were oassistance. Maintaining these relationships will benefityou in the long run as your personal network grows.

Yale Career Guide

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