Seattle University

Career Development Guide

for Student-Athletes

This guide was created, in collaboration, with support from

Athletics and Career Services at Seattle University.

Table of Contents
Introduction

Building a Resume

Resume Content
Conveying a Message
Resume Appearance
Checking Your Work

Writing a Cover Letter

10

Purpose of Cover Letters

Structure
Checking Your Work

Informational Interviewing

12

Identifying People to Interview

Initiating Contact
Preparing for an Informational Interview
Conducting the Interview
Following Up

Networking

14

Activating and Expanding Your Network

Preparing an Introduction
Maintaining Connections

Job Interviews

19

Research
Reflection
Communicate
Follow-Up

Resources

24

Seattle University Resources

Additional Resource

Appendices

26

Sample Resume
Sample Cover Letter
Communication examples for Informational Interviews

Introduction
You have spent a vast majority of your time at Seattle University immersed and engaged in
athletics. You have worked countless hours to hone your skillset as a student-athlete at this
institution. While dedicating time and energy to your sport is important, it is crucial to
begin thinking about what you will do after your collegiate experience concludes. It is
never too early to begin planning for your future after sports. As a student-athlete, you
have many valuable skills to offer employers and this guide aims to aid in your career
development to better prepare you for your future after college.
























Use this guide to get started and made an appointment with a Career Advisor at Career
Services to take the next steps on choosing your path and learning how to talk about your
athletic experiences to potential employers.

Contact Information:
Career Services


Albers Placement Center*




PAVL 110



PIGOTT 331




careerservices@seattleu.edu
apc@seattleu.edu




206.296.6080


206.296.5687









*for business students only

Building a Resume

Four Tips for Creating an Effective Resume

1.
2.
3.
4.

Content Choose material that relates to the position you are applying for.
Message Tailor your resume to highlight your fit for the position.
Appearance Showcase your experiences using a clear, readable format.
Check your work Confirm that your resume is ready to go!

Part 1: Content
Use the sections below to brainstorm the experiences you want included in your resume.
Tip: Consider what skills you build/use in each experience!
Academic Experiences & Special Projects

Work Experiences

Your major, service learning projects, etc.

Jobs, internship experiences, etc.

Athletics & Involvement Experiences

Other Ideas

Athletics involvement, clubs, etc.

Relevant skills, community service, etc.

Developing Section Headings

Now that you have considered the kind of content you plan to include in your resume you can
think about how to best organize your content into sections. Below are common section headings
you may include. Some of these may even spark new ideas for content you could include in your
resume. Typical section headings:

o Objective
o Summary of Qualifications
o Education (may include scholarships, research, significant academic projects)
o Work experience
o Relevant experience
o Leadership experience
o Volunteer experience
o Community involvement
o Research experience
o Skills
o Computer/technical skills
o Trainings/presentations
o Involvement (athletics, professional associations, student club involvements, leadership
o
o

experiences)
Awards/honors
A customized heading (ex: Division I Athletics Experience)

Part 2: Message
Tailor your resume to highlight your fit for a particular position. Tip: This is easier when you
have a job description to reference. This may mean that you have multiple iterations of your
resume that you can use for different job applications.

Organize bullets with the most important or relevant information first.

Use keywords from the job description to describe your experiences.
Start each accomplishment statement or bullet point with an active verb.
o See Action Verb List on Page 8.
Emphasize results, skills, and accomplishments rather than tasks performed.
o See examples of how to translate tasks to skills on Page 7.
Include numbers, percentages, and awards if possible.
Tailor your section headings so they are relevant to the position to which you are
applying.

Follow the model below to generate accomplishment statements. These will serve as bullet
points in your resume:
Experience

What did I do? How did I do this?

What skills did I use?

Results &
Accomplishments

Accomplishment Statement

Example:

Attended
meetings, put
on events for
student-athletes

Became more
involved in
Athletics
department outside
of playing sport,
developed
leadership skills

Participated as member of
Student Athlete Advisory
Committee (SAAC) to serve
as liaison between team and
athletics administration and
to plan events for studentathletes.

Student Athlete
Advisory
Committee
(SAAC)

Attended bi-weekly
meetings, planned and
implemented studentathlete events

Drafting Accomplishment Statements:

Formula:

Accomplishment Method (quantify, qualify, specify)

Examples:
Instead of went to practice Arrived promptly to all required meetings and practices.
Instead of team captain Exemplified leadership skills as team captain for team of twelve.

Action Verb List

Management Skills
Developed
Organized
Supervised
Assigned
Coordinated
Prioritized
Hired
Analyzed

Administered
Produced
Reviewed
Planned
Executed
Scheduled
Directed

Delegated
Fired
Evaluated
Contracted
Controlled
Determined
Recommended

Financial Skills
Calculated
Computed
Planned
Managed
Budgeted
Audited

Appraised
Allocated
Administered
Developed
Solved

Maintained books
Documented
Analyzed
Initiated
Prepared

Detailed Skills
Approved
Validated
Retained
Executed
Dispatched
Responded

Implemented
Arranged
Collected
Systemized
Inspected
Classified

Obtained
Interpreted
Motivated
Persuaded
Directed
Reasoned
Developed

Teaching Skills

Communicated
Briefed
Encouraged
Coached
Clarified
Evaluated
Adapted
Prepared
Authored
Coordinated

Arbitrated
Mediated
Merged
Wrote
Enlisted
Spoke
Reconciled

Wrote
Developed
Lectured
Supervised
Improved
Interacted
Trained
Conducted
Researched

Interpreted
Isolated
Decided
Recognized
Surveyed
Investigated
Gathered

Examined
Reviewed
Evaluated
Perceived
Wrote
Extrapolated
Extracted

Creative Skills
Innovated
Created
Planned
Conceptualized
Abstracted
Shaped

Tutored
Established
Monitored
Managed
Influenced
Informed
Taught
Instructed
Initiated

Research Skills
Clarified
Interviewed
Inspected
Synthesized
Diagnosed
Organized
Critiqued
Collected

Operated
Recorded
Processed
Compiled
Researched
Reviewed

Communication Skills
Influenced
Helped
Led
Sold
Recruited
Negotiated
Arranged
Created

Directed
Acted
Published
Developed
Designed
Synthesized

Integrated
Fashioned
Wrote
Performed
Produced
Illustrated

Helping Skills
Listened
Intervened
Monitored
Advised
Facilitated
Analyzed
Coordinated
Led

Interviewed
Demonstrated
Collaborated
Administered
Provided
Counseled
Referred
Spoke

Evaluated
Performed
Implemented
Directed
Mediated
Developed
Assessed
Negotiated

**Terms in BOLD are great verbs to use in Athletics Experience section of your resume.

Part 3: Appearance and Format

Most employers will spend approximately 15 seconds reading your resume. Remember to:

Put the most important information in the top 2/3 of the page
Be kind to the reader - make your resume easy to skim with tailored section headings
Balance out text and white space
Choose a legible font size (10-12 point) and style

Reference Resume Samples in Appendix A on Page 26 for additional guidance.

Part 4: Check Your Work

Use the checklist below to make sure your resume meets all of the tips covered in this section. It
is also beneficial to have someone look at your resume and review it, such as an advisor at
Career Services.
Content:
o Your name and contact information is easy to find on your resume.
o All relevant/important information is placed near the top of your resume.
o Resume accurately reflects the experiences you can bring to the position.
o The section headings you used highlight your experiences well.
o Selected content highlights relevant skill sets and your ability to perform the job.
Message:
o The document is free from spelling or grammatical errors.
o All descriptions use action verbs to convey your experiences.
o Unless you currently hold the position, resume is written using the past tense.
o Descriptions are brief and clear.
o The information presented is customized to the field and/or position that you are applying
for.
Appearance/Format:
o Resume is one or two complete pages.
o Resume is easy for a reader to scan quickly.
o Resume has a good balance of white space and text.
o Dates, titles, and locations are listed for every item in a consistent, readable manner.
o Bullets are used effectively, but are not excessive.
o Font, size, and text formatting increase visual appeal.
o If submitting your resume via email, the document is converted to a PDF before sending.

Writing a Cover Letter

Three Tips for Creating an Effective Cover Letter

1.
2.
3.

Purpose Understand that a cover letter is a powerful marketing tool.

Structure Organize your cover letter in a logical and effective way.
Check your work Confirm that your cover letter is ready to go.

Part 1: Purpose
Understand that a cover letter is a powerful marketing tool that will:
Highlight and connect your skills and experiences to a particular position.
Communicate your motivation and future goals as they relate to the company and
position.
Serve as an example of your written communication ability.
Provide an opportunity to address potential barriers to being considered (i.e. relocation
to another state or no job experience).
Help you prepare for an interview.

Part 2: Structure
Organize your cover letter in a logical and effective way.
Introductory Paragraph:
Identify the position being sought and where you learned of the position (mention a
personal referral if appropriate).
Provide an authentic, enthusiastic statement of why you are excited about the position or
organization and/or how it aligns with your future goals.
Body Paragraph:
State what the employer needs, based on the job description (present).
Describe what you have done (past) that demonstrates your strengths and skills.
Connect the need with what you can do and explain how you would contribute in this role
(future).
Concluding Paragraph:
Summarize why and how you are a good fit for the role.
When appropriate, offer remediation for any barriers (ex. Although I am currently in the
middle of my athletics season and traveling for my sport, I am readily available to
interview via phone or Skype).

10

Part 3: Check Your Work

Use this checklist to make sure your cover letter meets all of the tips covered in
this section.

o The document is free from spelling or grammatical errors.

o If submitting your cover letter via email, the document is converted to a PDF before
o
o

sending.
Signature should be digitally scanned if transmitted electronically.
If sending via email, write a brief introduction of your resume and cover letter and attach
both as PDF documents.

To view a Sample Cover Letter, view Appendix B on Page 28.

11

Conducting Informational Interviews

Informational interviewing involves speaking with people who are currently working in your
field of interest to gain a better understanding of an occupation, industry or organization as well
as to build a network of contacts in the field. This can be a great way to gather insider
information to make more informed decisions about your career goals.

Five Tips for Conducting Informational Interviews

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Identifying People to Interview Utilizing network to identify potential interviewees.

Initiating Contact Reaching out to potential interviewees.
Preparing for the Informational Interview prepare questions that are relevant.
Conducting the Informational Interview show preparedness and general interest.
Following Up be prepared for what happens after informational interviews.

Part 1: Identifying People to Interview

Review and use your networking contacts from the exercise on page 2 of the networking
handout. You can also identify a staff member at an employer of interest or speak with Career
Services and faculty about contacts to which they may be able to connect you.

Part 2: Initiating Contact

Using the above people, make contact via phone, or email. Before you contact them, be prepared
to share the following information:

Tell them about yourself and why you are contacting them.
Explain that you want to learn more about their position and would appreciate the chance
to meet with them or interview them over the phone for approximately 20-30 minutes.
Clarify that you are just seeking information not a job. *Remember that people love to
tell others about who they are and what they do. Most individuals will be flattered to
speak with you about your career interests.

When initiating contact for an informational interview, introduce yourself, let the person know
how you got his/her name, and explain why you are contacting them. Clarify that you are just
seeking information to aid you in your job search or career discernment (not seeking a job from
them). For examples of communication that can be used in informational interviews, see
Appendix C on Page 29.

Part 4: Preparing for the Informational Interview

Do some preliminary research. Read about the occupation of the individual you are interviewing
and their organization. Dress: depends on the occupation, but normally you will not dress as
professionally as you would for a formal interview. (Business casual is usually appropriate.)

12

Prepare Questions to Ask

It is important to prepare a list of questions prior to your informational interviews so that you are
not scrambling last minute to think of pertinent questions. Prepare questions to ask such as:

How did you get into the field? Please describe your career path.
What do you like most/least about the work?
What does a typical day look like in the job? How does one tend to get promoted in this
type of work?
What is the typical starting salary range?
What education/training/experience would you recommend to get into this position or
field?
What advice do you have about searching for a job/internship in this field?
Could you provide feedback on my resume? (You wouldnt be applying for a position,
but rather getting insight from someone in the industry)
Are there any additional contacts you know who might be helpful to me in exploring this
career path?

Part 5: Conducting the Informational Interview

Be prepared and genuinely interested. Arrive 10 minutes early and bring a pen, portfolio, or
notepad to take notes. Be mindful of the interviewees schedule and plan to stay only 20-30
minutes unless the interviewee suggest otherwise. Listen well and dont be strict about making
sure that each of your questions is asked. Go with the flow of the conversation. At the end of the
interview, ask if you can follow-up with them in the future if you have any questions.

Part 6: Following Up
After the interview, send a thank you note to the interviewee and the individual who connected
you. If you have time to send a hand written thank you note, that is great, but if the follow up is
time sensitive, an email thank you works just fine. Respect the contacts you make through this
process because they are helping you build your professional network. If you get a job,
internship, or volunteer experience in the area, follow up with your contacts and thank them for
their advice. As your network expands, it is recommended that you keep it organized through a
spreadsheet or email filing system.

13

Networking
Three Tips for Expanding your Professional Network
1. Activate and expand your network Create a list of existing contacts in your social
circles and start reaching out in person and online.
2. Prepare your introduction Practice talking about your skills, interests, and career
goals.
3. Maintain connections Keep building strong connections throughout your search and
your career.
Networking is essentially utilizing and building relationships to collect information and expand
upon career and social opportunities. It can help you gather helpful career information, uncover
job opportunities, and provide a support network throughout your career. Networking can seem
intimidating, but you dont have to be a schmoozer to gain results. You can start by talking with
people about your skills, interests, and career goals.

Part 1: Activate and expand your network

So, how do you network? You may think your network is limited right now, but you probably
have more contacts than you realize. The first step is to identify what contacts you already have
in existing social circles, such as teammates, coaches, co-workers, community members,
neighbors, friends and family, and even SU alumni who you havent met yet! (See the next page
for a helpful exercise). There are a variety of ways to build and enhance your professional
network.
Identify who is already in your network. How might they help you gather information, suggest
additional resources, and speak to your strengths? These contacts may eventually serve as a
professional reference and can also provide additional referrals to professionals in your field of
interest.
Get connected to professionals in your desired field. This can be done online or in person,
although making a personal connection, if possible, is usually best. Consider exploring the
following options to grow your list of contacts:
In person:
Get involved in professional associations. Simply search online Professional Association
for ______ and input your industry. These groups usually have networking events or
conferences where you can meet other professionals. Such events can be helpful
opportunities to meet a variety of people, collect business cards, and gather current
information to better navigate the job market.
After creating your list of contacts, set up lunch and coffee appointments or a phone
conversation to ask questions and make a stronger professional connection to your
contacts. See informational interviewing section of this guide for more information.

14

Online:
LinkedIn LinkedIn is like Facebook for professionals. You can connect with
colleagues, join the SU alumni group, and be part of interest and professional groups.
Find online communities relevant to your field, like professional association websites or
discussion boards. Also, utilize the Career Services Weblink Library, found on our
homepage under Online Career Resources.
Blogs Search for blogs that are industry specific and discuss current trends, industry
information, or even blogs specific to employers of interest. If you are a blogger yourself,
you already have connections to other bloggers who you follow or who follow you.
Connect with other professionals in social media forums like Facebook, Meetup, and
Twitter.
Who is in your circle?
Consider your network to be a series of circles, starting with the people closest to you in the
center and expanding out. Fill in each layer with ideas of who might be helpful to you during
your search providing information, advice, connections to your desired field, or even a support
system.
Employers of interest,
professional associations,
volunteer organizations

Community Groups, SU Alumni,

previous co-workers/supervisors,
student clubs

Neighbors, Classmates,
Professors, Co-workers

Family, friends,
teammates

You

15

Part 2: Prepare Your Introduction

Develop a concise 10-15 second introduction that conveys your enthusiasm and relevant skills.

Think about who your audience is What do they value? What characteristics might they
expect in a colleague at their workplace?
Share what you offer Consider what sets you apart from other candidates. What are a
few unique skills or strengths worth mentioning that they would find valuable?
Know what you are looking for Be comfortable sharing an ambition or potential career
direction/path, such as a skill you hope to develop or the type of career you are seeking.
Why is this important or exciting to you?
Be willing to talk about how you would be an asset For example, how you would be a
team player, quick learner, or bring a helpful knowledge base to the workplace?

Sample Pitch
Hi, my name is Rudy Redhawk and I am currently a junior attending Seattle University. I am
pursuing a major in Strategic Communications and a minor in Studio Art. I also play Division 1
womens soccer at SU. Last summer, I volunteered at the Seattle Aquarium and became really
interested in marketing and public relations work. Now I am seeking an internship to learn more
about public relations in the art world. I have always had an interest in the art world. I have
always had an interest in art and would really like the opportunity to apply the skills I am
learning from my major.
Creating a Pitch
My Audience:

My unique skills &

strengths:

My goals &
ambitions:

How I might help this

employer:

My Pitch:

16

Part 3: Maintaining Connections

Keep your contacts organized and continue building strong connections throughout your
internship/job search and your career.
Now that youve made a list of contacts, prepared your introduction, and reached out to connect
(see Informational Interviewing Section), you want to ensure that your efforts are not lost.

Organize your contacts. Create a spreadsheet that details who you spoke with, when, key
information they provided, and how you followed up.
Maintain contact every 2-3 months. Keep the connection fresh by sending them an update
on your search relevant articles or links they may find useful, or connect with them at
career events if possible. Follow contacts on twitter or LinkedIn to stay up to date.
At events, collect business cards and jot down notes on the back of each card to remind
yourself of the conversation and how you would follow up.
Let each contact know how they were helpful. Did they connect you to another
professional or give you a job lead? Thank them and keep them in the loop.
Consider being a mentor yourself. Remember that you can be a helpful resource to others.
Nurture your network by giving back to others who could benefit from your expertise or
connections.

Tips for Successful Networking:

*Dont assume you are being a pest. Keep in mind that at the beginning, you already know
most of your network contacts and if you have a good relationship with them, they should be
willing to help you in your career development process. Also remember that your network
contacts probably had to network at one point in their lives to get where they are today so they
understand the process that you are experiencing.
*Assume that everyone is good at something. Practice active listening in your networking and
be flexible and aware with how someone might be able to assist you that you may not have
expected at the beginning. Someone might spark your interest in something new that you had not
thought of before.
*Follow up. Show your appreciation to your network contact by sending them a personal thank
you note after your conversation. Follow up with your contact and let them know how your job
or internship is going. Consider sending an invitation to connect on LinkedIn. Do what you say
you are going to do.
*Establish new contacts. To build your network, ask your contact if they know of anyone else
you should speak to in relation to what you are trying to accomplish.. Make sure it is okay to use
their name when contacting people they recommend to you.
*Stay motivated, positive, and persistent. Networking can be challenging and you may not get
the results you want right away. Assume that people are busy and it is not that they dont want to

17

talk to you. Try to remain confident and with enough hard work and determination, something
will eventually come along.
*Remember that networking is about building relationships. Be honest and genuine in
networking with people. Seeking out ways to help and support others is a great way to strengthen
and develop your relationships and to build a positive reputation. Networking should not stop
after you secure a job. It should become a part of your daily routine.

18

Job Interviews
Four Tips for an Effective Interview
1.
2.
3.
4.

Research Know as much as you can before the interview.

Reflect Think about your strengths relevant to this position.
Communicate Articulate your message effectively during the interview.
Follow-up Be prepared for what happens after the interview.

Part 1: Activate and expand your network

What you do before the interview is critical for success. The more you know before going into an
interview, the better you can prepare for the interview. Here are some things you should now
before the interview:

What is the type or format of the interview and who will interview you?
When and where is your interview? How long will it last?
What is the mission and vision of the organization>? How does this position contribute to
that mission?
What current events and trends affect the organization? Who are the organizations key
stakeholders or competitors?

Types of Interviews
You may encounter different types of interviews at different stages of the interview process and
here are the most common types:

Phone Interviews typically shorter, 30 minutes or less, often used for screening
purposes.
Group Interviews multiple applicants with one or more interviewers, often used to
observe group behavior, when teams are being hired and/or when making large hires.
Panel interviews one applicant with multiple interviewers, fairly common, used to
engage a variety of perspectives of people impacted by the hiring decision.

Types of Interview Questions

Be prepared for several different types of interview questions.
Traditional or General Straight forward questions about you, your experience, skills,
abilities, interests in the position and organization, and future goals. Examples may include:

Tell me about yourself.

Why are you interested in this position/our company?
How are you qualified for this role?
Why did you leave your last job?
19

What would be your biggest challenge in this position?

How would you describe your work style?

Behavioral Asks for a specific example of an experience or event that demonstrates a skill or
quality you possess directly related to the position. Examples may include:

Tell me about a specific time you demonstrated leadership.

Describe the most recent time that you encountered a conflict and how you handled it.
When was the last time you demonstrated initiative? How did you accomplish your
goals?
Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker.

Scenario, case study, role play or sample problem you may be asked to participate in a realtime activity to provide evidence and observation of your thinking and problem solving
ability or technical expertise. Prepare by thinking about the tasks involved in the position
you are applying and how you would approach them.
Unexpected/Challenging Sometimes a question does not have a right answer but is designed
to show how you react, think, or reason. Your answer might be challenged by the
interviewer to see how you react or defend your response.
Illegal/Inappropriate questions Although unfortunate, these sometimes come up. Consider
your options:
1. Clarify the question to make sure you understand it correctly and ask how it relates to the
position.
2. Politely decline to answer the question and move on.
3. If you feel threatened or unsafe, end the interview and leave. Consider reporting the
incident to the DOL.
For examples of illegal/inappropriate questions, see our list of sample questions or visit the
Career Services website at www.seattleu.edu/careerservices.

Part 2: Reflect
While you cannot always anticipate exactly what questions will be asked, you can be prepared
with what you want to share during the interview, no matter what. Here are some things to think
about before the interview.

If you were hiring for this position, what key skills and experience(s) would you look
for?
What specific examples can you share to demonstrate your skills and abilities relevant to
tis position?

20

What would success look like if you were in this position in 3 months, 6 months, 9
months from now?
What aspects of this position really motivate you? What aspects would really challenge
you?

After you select the specific examples you want to share during your interview, you should
practice sharing them in a direct, concise way. The STAR method can help you frame your
examples effectively.
Situation
Describe the
situation; set the stage
for the story.

Task
Describe the task at
hand or what you
were trying to
accomplish.

Action
Describe the action
you took in the
situation.

Results
Describe the outcome
or result of your
action; how does that
relate to the position
you are interviewing
for?

Example: If you need to demonstrate team work and your ability to coordinate, you decide to
share an example from a group project in one of your classes.
I was part of a four
I agreed to coordinate
member team that was where the samples
tasked with collecting should be collected.
and testing water
samples for several
locations around
Seattle.

I checked in with my
team members to
assess their access to
transportation and
how much time that
had in their schedules,
and planned out how
we could get the
widest range of
samples.

Based on my efforts,
we received a high
mark and our
instructor specifically
praised our team for
our wide ranging
samples.

You try:

Some additional ways to prepare for an interview:

Schedule a mock interview with Career Services.

Pick out what you plan to wear and make sure it is clean and pressed.
Prepare the things you want to bring to the interview, for example a pad-folio, pen, copies
of your resume, and a portfolio.

21

Most likely you will be invited to ask questions at the end of your interview. Think about what
you really want/need to know and how your questions will be interpreted by the interviewer.

Examples include:

How do you promote professional development for the person in this position?
How would you describe the work culture here?
If I work hard and prove my value to the organization, where might I be in five years?
How does this position and the department contribute to the overall company mission and
philosophy?

Part 3: Communicate
What you do on the day of the interview will make a big impact on how well you deliver and
articulate your message effectively. Your first impression can be a lasting one, so present your
best self. Here are a few tips to manage the first impression you make.
Manage your time. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Find out how many questions you will be
asked and how much time you have, and make sure you do not have to be somewhere directly
following your interview (in case your interview goes long).
Dress professionally. As a general rule, it is better to be over dressed than under dressed and in
most cases more conservative than not; but be comfortable and confident. Make sure your
clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well.
Use positive body language. Offer a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and smile to everyone
you meet. Maintain good and open posture, avoid slouching and crossed arms.
Listen carefully. Ask for clarification or feedback when necessary. Note social cues from your
interviewer(s) and respond accordingly.

Here are a few tips in dealing with nervousness during the interview:

A few deep, slow breaths usually help calm you down.

If you tend to fidget with your hands do not hold pens or papers and fold your hands.
Avoid repetitively saying umm like and you know. Choose your words with
intention; you may need to slow down.
Smile. It will help you relax and relax those around you.
Learn what works best for you to release your nervous energy.
Practice presence of mind. Notice anxious thoughts and come back to the present
moment.

22

Part 4: Follow-Up
Follow up after the interview. Write a thank you note to each interviewer. Handwritten is
preferable, and try to include a specific detail from your interaction to make it more memorable
and meaningful. During the interview, find out how long they expect it will be before they get
back to you. If more time passes, a polite call or email is appropriate. If you take another
position, let them know.

If they call to offer you the position: Congratulations!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

It is best to respond with excitement and enthusiasm.

Ask for the details around salary and benefits.
After you get the offer and before you accept the position is the best time to negotiate.
It is a good idea to ask for a few days to consider before deciding.
Consider the following when calculating your counter offer:
Will the pay meet your costs and standard of living?
Is the offer comparable to similar positions at similar organizations? (You can
find salary data online at the Occupational Outlook Handbook or indeed.com)
What is the added value of additional benefits such as subsidized transportation or
parking, retirement and healthcare benefits, wellness programs and flexible
schedules?
Making a counter offer demonstrates confidence in your worth to the organization
and intentional decision making.

If they call you to let you know that you were not selected:

Ask if they are able to offer you feedback on what would have made you a stronger
candidate.
If you are interested in other future opportunities with the organization, let them know
and ask about possibilities.
Stay positive! As Beth Kreitl says rejection is protection, and a better opportunity is
sure to come if you stay active and motivated in your job search.

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Career Resources
Seattle University Resources
Redhawk Network Seattle Universitys Job Search Tool
https://seattleu-csm.symplicity.com/students/index.php
Career Services
https://www.seattleu.edu/careerservices/
Albers Business School Placement Center
http://www.seattleu.edu/albers/programs/placement-center/

Additional Resources
Job Central
www.jobcentral.com
Simply Hired
www.simplyhired.com
Indeed
www.indeed.com
Athletic Training Jobs
http://athletic.trainer.jobs.topusajobs.com/
Athletic Trainer
http://www.athletictrainer.com/
Blue Fish jobs
http://www.bluefishjobs.com/
Team Work Sports Jobs
http://www.teamworkonline.com
Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society: jobs, internships
http://www.pbats.com/
National Athletic Trainers Association- Job opportunities
http://www.nata.org/careercenter/welcome.html
NCAA Employment
http://www2.ncaa.org/portal/employment/

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American Coaching Academy

http://www.americancoachingacademy.com/careers.html
LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/

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Appendix A: Sample Resume

Rudy Redhawk
901 12th Ave. Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206.555.1234 Email: redhawkr@seattleu.edu LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rudyredhawk

Objective
To gain working experience in the education field to improve my teaching skills and my ability
to work with different student populations. Looking to expand experience by working with
students in primary school environment.

Education
Seattle University
Bachelor of Arts, Humanities for Teaching

Expected June 2015

Experience
Teaching Assistant, HUMT 1620 Humanities: Intro to Tutoring
Facilitate small and large group discussion in class
Assist professor in grading assignments and exams
Lead study sessions for class prior to exam periods
Meet with students to discuss course content

September 2014 - Present

Division I Student-Athlete, Seattle University Track & Field

Actively participate in all required meetings and practices
Exemplify leadership skills as team captain
Organize team development activities
Serve as a mentor to first year student on team

September 2013 - Present

Academic Tutor
Provided tutoring services to two high school students
Tutored students in various subject matters including math,
science, reading, and writing
Provided assistance in reviewing college applications and
application essays

July 2012 June 2014

Skills

Experience working with students in high school and college

environments
Working with students in one-on-one capacity
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

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Appendix B: Sample Cover Letter

123 S. Broad Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Until June 10, 2014

Shea Attle
shea.attle@gmail.com
206.555.4848

471 Hastings Street

Baldwin, NY 11510
(After June 10, 2014)

February 18, 2014

Martina Alvarez
World Marketing
555 West 2nd Avenue
Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98195

Dear Ms. Alvarez,
I am excited about the opportunity to hone my marketing and event planning experience through
the Marketing Internship (#1285) with World Marketing, which I learned about through the
Redhawk Network at Seattle University. I am currently a junior at Seattle University, majoring in
Psychology with a minor in Communication Studies. My leadership and academic experiences align
with both the skills of this position and the mission of World Marketing, serving client marketing
needs through the use of innovative public engagement strategies.
A Marketing Intern should be a strong writer, competent researcher, and an organized and self-
sufficient event and logistics coordinator. In my role as Assistant Director of Forums for Seattle
University, I was responsible for writing and designing flyers to promote a series of 12 forum
events to students on campus. In addition, through my academic coursework as a Psychology
major, I developed research skills that I can use to better understand the psychological rationale for
how marketing impacts particular populations. Finally, I have experience promoting events from
my role as lead organizer for Dance Marathon at Seattle University. At this event we had a record
number of volunteer participants to help meet our fundraising goal of $10,000. Additionally, I
supervised 150 volunteers and managed the event planning committee.
As a Marketing Intern I would apply my writing and organizational skills to help World Marketing
and their clients better understand their brand perception and identify smarter ways to engage and
influence clients. I am capable of working independently to delve into deep research questions, but
can also quickly shift gears to coordinate logistics for large-scale marketing events.
I have the writing, research, and event-coordination experience to thrive in this internship, and I
welcome the opportunity to interview for the position. I look forward to growing my skills and
contributing to the mission of World Marketing. I can be reached at shea.attle@gmail.com or 206-
555-4848, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Digital Signature Here]
Shea Attle
Enclosure (1)

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Appendix C: Informational Interview Communications

Example of a Phone Introduction
Hello Ms. Jackson, my name is Shea and I am currently a Senior at Seattle University. I was
referred to you by your former colleague, Anna Collins. I recently had an internship at _______
and realized I am very interested in event planning and public relations. Right now Im trying to
connect with professionals to learn more about entering this career field in the Seattle area after
graduation. Would you be willing to set up a time to answer a few questions I have?

Example of an Email Introduction

Hello Mr./Ms. __________,
My name is (first/last name) and I am a student at Seattle University. (Name of person who
referred you if applicable) gave me your name and encouraged me to contact you. Im in the
process of exploring career options for after graduation and would really appreciate the
opportunity to speak with you about your career and organization. I realize you have a very busy
schedule, but would there be an opportunity to speak with you either in person or over the phone
for about twenty to thirty minutes in the next couple of weeks?
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely, (name)

Example of a Follow Up Thank You Note

Dear Ms. Jackson,
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about seeking event planning jobs in the
Seattle area. I especially appreciated your advice about getting involved in the Seattle Young
Professionals Group. I will keep you updated about my search and have attached my resume as
we discussed. Thank you again, and I look forward to staying in touch!
Sincerely,
Shea

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