Guide For MS

IN SEARCH OF REMARKABLE STUDENTS
To be a true explorer is a remarkable quality. After all, how many people are
really prepared to embrace the unknown and to challenge themselves at every
turn? At Shell, were in search of remarkable people.
The ones who are hungry to set out for new frontiers.
The pioneers and the game changers. The ones
who always wonder if theres a better way. Because
remarkable people achieve remarkable things.
Explore the opportunities

at www.shell.us/students
An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.
CENTER FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, Purdue University
2014-2015 Career Planning Handbook
Table of Contents
21st Century Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CCO Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Career Decision-Making Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Career Decision-Making Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Identify Strengths
Resume Brainstorm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Transferable Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Developing a Winning Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Power Verbs for Your Resume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chronological Resume Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Functional Resume Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Cover Letter Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cover Letter Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Developing a Winning CV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CV Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
References Page Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Look Into Majors

Graduate School Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Personal Statement: 10 Easy Steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Personal Statement Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Explore Careers
Networking
The Art of Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Making the Most of a Career Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Researching Companies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Informational Interviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Managing Your Online Reputation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Explore Careers continued

Interview Preparation
Sample Interview Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
S.T.A.R. Method of Behavioral Interviewing. . . . . . . . . 48
Dressing the Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
21st Century Interviewing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Top 10 Etiquette Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Industry Recommendations
Dont Forget the Small Companies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
5 Good Reasons to Pursue a Nonprofit Career . . . . . . . . 53
Federal Jobs: 10 Reasons to Answer the Call to Serve. . . . 54
Federal Resume Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Gain Relevant Experience

The Job Search
Job Search Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
10 Job Search Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Internship Information & Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Job Search Tips for Diverse Populations. . . . . . . . . . . 59
Academic Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Job Search Technology
myCCO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Career Wiki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Social Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Job Search Correspondence
The Job Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Negotiating Job Offers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Negotiation Role Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
21st Century Partners

Building relationships that count!
The Center for Career Opportunities relies heavily on the financial support of our
corporate partners to assist in funding such things as career-related programs
and resources, software programs and our Student Ambassador program. We are
proud to extend our appreciation for their interest in assisting the CCO in our
efforts to connect Purdue students and alumni with prospective employers.
Directors Circle - $10,000 annual gift
Aldi
Cisco Systems
Eaton
Schlumberger
Union Pacific Railroad
Executive Ambassadors - $5,000 annual gift
ADM
The Andersons
ArcelorMittal
Bechtel
Daimler Trucks North

America (includes
Detroit Diesel)
Endress + Hauser
GKN Sinter Metals
Hitachi Automotive
Saint-Gobain
Shell Oil Company
SMART Science,
Mathematics
And Research for
Transformation
Corporate Partners - $2,500 annual gift

Alliant Techsystems (ATK)
Black & Veatch
BP
Caterpillar
CGB Enterprises
Chevron
ConAgra Foods
Cummins
Enterprise
4Center for Career Opportunities
GE
Geico
GM
Interactive Intelligence
John Deere
Koch Industries
Liberty Mutual
Lutron Electronics
Meritor
National Security Agency

NextEra Energy
Northrop Grumman
Oshkosh Corporation
Parker Hannifin
Phillips 66
Raytheon
Schneider Electric
United States Steel
CCO Services
One-on-One Counseling
Career Fairs
Career Services Consultants are available to meet with you

concerning your career needs. Contact the CCO to make an
appointment concerning any of the following:
Major & Career Exploration
-Learn more about your career interests
-Explore majors
-Research information about careers
Internship/Job Search Preparation
-Mock Interview
-Job Search Resources and Strategies
For a complete listing visit the CCO Calendar and Campus

Career Fairs section of the website.
Walk-In Assistance
No Appointments Necessary, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Spend 10-15 minutes with a CCO Representative for:
Resume Review
Cover Letter Review
myCCO Assistance
Career Fair Strategies
Salary Statistics
Job Search Tips
Interviewing Resources
Evaluating/Negotiating a Job Offer
Graduate School Preparation
LinkedIn Profile Review
Clinics & Outreach Presentations

The CCO offers a variety of workshops. Go to www.cco.
purdue.edu. Invite us to speak to your group or class on one
of the 10 clinic categories:
Resumes
Negotiating
Job Fairs
myCCO
Acing the Interview
CCO Services
A-Z of Job Search
Career Exploration
Networking
Other (you choose)
myCCO
myCCO is an online tool that allows employers to post job
positions, view resumes of candidates and schedule interviews
with candidates. In addition, job seekers are able to access
job postings, refer their resumes to potential employers and
schedule interviews with prospective employers. Refer to page
62 for instructions.
On-Campus Recruiting & Job Postings
Employers from around the country visit the CCO to recruit
Purdue University students and alumni for positions in their
organizations. In addition to employers who come to campus,
companies also post job listings online. Find out when
employers are making a visit to Purdue, locate job postings,
submit your resume and meet with employers by registering
for a FREE account on myCCO.
InterviewStream
Need help preparing for an upcoming interview?
InterviewStream is a simulated, interactive job interview in
which you are asked challenging questions and offered valuable feedback. This service is only accessible through myCCO.
Career Spots
Short web video clips (2-5 minutes) addressing key job search
issues such as interviewing, creating and delivering a personal
commercial to an employer, social networking and much
more.
Career Wiki
Online library that provides access to valuable resources to
help you research company information and job search tools.
Refer to page 64 for more information.
Hours of Operation
Purdue CCO
Monday-Friday
8:00 am-5:00 pm, by appointment
10:00 am-4:00 pm, walk-in hours
Purdue CCO
@purduecco
Contact Information
purduecco
(765) 494-3981
Young Hall, Room 132
www.cco.purdue.edu
purduecco
PurdueCCO
www.cco.purdue.edu5
Career Decision-Making Process

C
hoosing an academic major and/or career can be a daunting task. The Career Decision-Making Process, in conjunction with
related activities can help you tackle this challenge. This model reflects a continual process with no specific starting point.
Constant evaluation, planning and action take place between each circle, which represents points in the process that can
happen separately or simultaneously.
Career Decision-Making Checklist

U
se the following descriptions to help you identify where you are in the Career Decision-Making Process.
Complete the relevant activities below in each area to guide you through this experience.
Identify Strengths: Identify your interests, skills, values and personality characteristics
Meet with a CCO Career Services Consultant for any of these services:
Identify your interests, skills, values and personality characteristics
Take career assessments and discuss results
Evaluate major and career options
Develop a personal brand to guide your career decision
Construct a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting skills, contributions and results
Come to the CCO during walk-in hours Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm to have your resume or CV reviewed!
Look Into Majors: Consider academic options by gathering information about a variety of majors
Utilize resources to conduct research concerning academic majors:
Purdue University Office of Admissionswww.purdue.edu/Admissions/Undergrad/
CCO Choosing a Majorhttps://www.cco.purdue.edu/students/holland.aspx
Focus 2www.focuscareer2.com (request User ID at the CCO during career counseling)
Gather information from upperclassmen and academic advisors to learn about prospective academic programs
Identify majors that fit your personality traits, interests, values and abilities
Meet with an academic advisor to develop a plan of study
Explore Careers: Identify future options based on information concerning a variety of careers
Utilize resources to conduct research concerning various careers:
O*NETwww.onetonline.org

Occupational Outlook Handbookwww.bls.gov/oco
Indiana Career Explorerwww.indianacareerexplorer.com
Network by conducting informational interviews with career professionals in your field of interest
Meet with a CCO representative to develop a career plan
Gain Relevant Experience: Explore potential careers and develop skills that are imperative to
achieving success
Obtain relevant experience to test drive potential careers through:
Internship/Co-op/Job experiences
Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities in your field of interest
Involvement in campus, community or professional organizations
Job shadowing a career professional
Volunteer opportunities
Apply for internships, co-ops and/or full-time job opportunities that match your interests:
Create myCCO account
Explore the CCO Career Wiki
Enhance your LinkedIn profile
Expand your job search by considering:
Green jobs (environmentally friendly)
Small companies
Government jobs
Practice interviewing skills:
Use the online program InterviewStream, which is accessible through your myCCO account
Schedule a mock interview with a Career Services Consultant
www.cco.purdue.edu7
Identify Strengths
Resume Brainstorm
Dont forget about efforts like these and more to include on your resume!
Desirable Transferable Skills

What employers want!
dentifying your transferable skills and communicating them to potential employers will greatly increase your success during a job
search.
Working with People
Working with Data
Do you work well within a team structure?

Are you an innovative and motivating leader or manager?
Can you articulate your thoughts and persuade others?
Are you able to conduct presentations to large audiences?
What kinds of written communication can you
demonstrate?
What skills have you implemented in working with diverse
populations?
What kinds of software and technology can you use

proficiently?
Are you able to compile and analyze data?
Can you manage a budget and calculate expenses?
Can you organize information into purposeful and relevant
categories?
Can you observe and evaluate minute details?
Can you evaluate data to minimize cost and maximize
resources?
Working with Ideas

Can you creatively and efficiently problem solve?
Have you ever contributed to a committee to initiate revision and change?
Have you ever developed and implemented an original idea?
Have you rendered interesting results from your research?
Have you worked on projects in which you have made unique
discoveries?
Have you ever contributed to a fundraising campaign or cost
reduction effort?
Working with Things

Have you ever designed or built a structure?
Have you ever improved the quality or efficiency of a
product?
Can you visualize and apply landscape design?
Can you assemble a finished project from raw materials?
Have you succeeded in manufacturing functional structures
outdoors?
www.cco.purdue.edu11
Developing a Winning Resume

A
resume is a written document that is used to highlight the skills, contributions and experiences that represent the personal
brand you want to portray to potential employers to secure an interview.
Resume Types
Decide the resume style you prefer to use, based on the message you want to convey to employers:
o Chronological Highlight information starting with the most recent. Prioritize your sections so you start with the most
important first!
o Functional Highlight information in categories based on commonly grouped skills. This type is useful for those with
gaps in experience or a wide variety in work history, but can demonstrate similar skills.
Format
Keep the following rules of thumb in mind when preparing the resume:
o Margins Top: 0.8 - 1; Sides and Bottom: 0.5 - 1
o Font Size and Style 10-12; simple, readable fonts (e.g., Calibri, Georgia, Arial, Cambria, Times New Roman)
o Balance white space and text space
o Length Undergraduate level - 1 page; Graduate and Ph.D. - 2 pages; Education, Nursing and Medicine can have more
than 1 page
o Templates Refrain from using them! Use resume samples as a guide to create your own document, unique to your skills
and qualifications
o Order Heading, Objective (if included) and Education are listed first, in that order
Content
The makeup of your document should be deliberate and powerful:
oPrioritize Top two-thirds of the page receive priority when highlighting key categories and skills
oOwn the Order Highlight the most relevant categories first; Experience does not always have to follow Education
Heading
Highlight your personal contact information in a way that makes sense for your spacing needs. Include:
oName, which should be bold and in larger print (14-20 font size)
oPermanent and/or current addresses (listing both signals a transition, e.g., graduation)
oOne professional email address without the hyperlink
oOne reliable telephone number
oYou do not need to label contact information e.g., Email: somebody@purdue.edu, just indicate: somebody@purdue.edu
Objective
This optional statement should focus on your desired job title, if you choose to have one:
oUse phrases such as To obtain an internship in accounting or finance or Seeking full-time employment in engineering
design, research or development
oYou can also include specialized interests/areas of focus to help distinguish yourself
oIt is not necessary or expected that you highlight your skills or to extensively express what you want to gain from the
experience in this section
Education
oName of institution and location, e.g., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
oOfficial name of degree and major, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
oConcentrations, Minors- separate line, e.g., Minor: Organizational Leadership
oMonth and year of graduation (future or past); you do not need to indicate expected/anticipated graduation, just indicate
month and year, e.g., May 2014
oOptional overall and/or major GPA and scale, e.g., 3.59/4.0
oOmit high school information, unless 1) freshman or 2) significant or related to field
Experience
Highlight employment, volunteer and school experiences that relate to your desired objective:
oPotential titles for this section: Experience, Professional Experience, Related or Relevant Experience
oUse the core four- company name, position held, month/year of start and finish, city and state. Country, if not in U.S.
oEmphasize relevant skills, specific accomplishments and/or contributions
oBullets formula= Power Verb (Skill) + Demonstrated Accomplishment and/or Contribution
oUse important keywords and hot topics relevant to your field
o Do not mention names of previous supervisors or advisors (Reference Page Only)
Related or Relevant Courses

oList atypical courses to emphasize exposure to related subjects/skills
oConsider courses taken as part of concentration, minor and/or specialized electives
o Do not include required courses for your degree as they do not distinguish you from other candidates
Skills
oPotential titles to consider: Technical/Computer Skills, Language Skills
oAcceptable to categorize or list together if they are all in the same category; just list them, e.g., Adobe Illustrator
oMicrosoft Word and PowerPoint are considered universal skills so you dont need to list them. Only mention Microsoft if
you have extensive knowledge of additional Microsoft Office programs.
oIndicate your level of proficiency and be sure you can use them on the job
oSkills like communication and teamwork should be highlighted within the context of your experiences; use your bullet
statements to provide evidence of these skills
Additional Sections
Depending on your background, you may want to add additional sections to your resume:
Most commonly listed after Education:
oProfessional Affiliations
oStudy Abroad
oNotable Projects or Class Projects or Projects
oCertifications or Licensure
Most commonly used for a CV, but could be used for a
Experience sections:
resume if they are relevant to your career objective:
oLeadership (very impressive to employers!)
oResearch
oActivities or Extracurricular Involvement or Student
oTeaching
Organizations
oPublications
oHonors or Awards
oPresentations
oCommunity Service or Volunteer
Do Not Include
oPhotographs, marital status, salary requirements, age, race, national origin, visa status or references
References Available Upon Request

oReferences should not be listed on a resume. An employer typically only asks for them during or after an interview
oOn a separate page, list 3-5 references, centeredname, position, company, address, phone and email
oCopy and paste the same heading from your resume to the top of the references page
See pages 16 - 26 for resume samples that incorporate the
recommendations provided!
Power Verbs for Your Resume
he following lists are divided into categories to facilitate your ability to identify some great,
active verbs to make your resume stand out. Begin each of your descriptive lines with a power
verb. Keep the tenses consistent using past verbs for past experiences and present verbs for the
current ones.
Working with
PEOPLE:
Communication
Address
Clarify
Collaborate
Communicate
Compose
Correspond
Demonstrate
Document
Edit
Entertain
Exhibit
Explain
Express
Illustrate
Interpret
Interview
Investigate
Lecture
Perform
Plan
Present
Promote
Proofread
Read
Relate
Relay
Report
Review
Revise
Speak
Summarize
Survey
Translate
Transcribe
Write
Teaching/Advising
Advise
Correct
Counsel
Demonstrate
Display
Encourage
Enlist
Ensure
Grade
Guide
Influence
Instruct
Introduce
Lecture
Mentor
Program
Provide
Rate
Steer
Suggest
Support
Teach
Test
Train
Tutor
Public Relations
Advertise
Advocate
Attend
Coordinate
Convince
Dispense
Disseminate
Distribute
Fundraise
Influence
Lobby
Persuade
Poster
Publicize
Publish
Recruit
Screen
Sell
Service
Target
Interpersonal
Relations
Acclimate
Accommodate
Adapt
Answer
Anticipate
Assure
Bargain
Care
Coach
Collaborate
Confer
Confront
Consult
Converse
Critique
Develop
Encourage
Familiarize
Form
Foster
Fulfill
Implement
Inform
Interact
Intervene
Join
Listen
Litigate
Mediate
Model
Motivate
Negotiate
Participate
Provide
Recommend
Reconcile
Rehabilitate
Represent
Resolve
Share
Suggest
Treat
Administrative/
Management
Accelerate
Accomplish
Achieve
Act
Administer
Allocate
Approve
Assign
Assess
Attain
Benchmark
Chair
Commend
Compromise
Consolidate
Control
Delegate
Direct
Enforce
Entrust
Expedite
Govern
Head
Hire
Improvise
Initiate
Institute
Judge
Lead
Maintain
Manage
Moderate
Monitor
Officiate
Order
Oversee
Prescreen
Preside
Prioritize
Produce
Prohibit
Refer
Regulate
Run
Start
Streamline
Strengthen
Supervise
Working with
DATA:
Research/Analysis
Acquire
Analyze
Classify
Collate
Collect
Compile
Conduct
Data
Deliver
Detect
Determine
Discover
Dissect
Evaluate
Explore
Examine
Formulate
Gather
Identify
Inspect
Investigate
Locate
Name
Obtain
Pinpoint
Prepare
Prioritize
Research
Specify
Survey
Test
Trace
Track
Verify
Numbers/Finance
Abstract
Account
Add
Appraise
Audit
Budget
Calculate
Collect
Compute
Decrease
Determine
Divide
Enter (data)
Estimate
File
Finance
Formulate
Increase
Insure
Inventory
Invest
Market
Maximize
Minimize
Multiply
Process
Project
Purchase
Record
Reduce
Solve
Quantify
Organization
Appraise
Apply
Arrange
Balance
Catalog
Categorize
Connect
Coordinate
Define
Edit
Establish
Facilitate
File
Group
Issue
Modify
Orchestrate
Organize
Overhaul
Place
Prepare
Program
Qualify
Reorganize
Rewrite
Schedule
Set
Sort
Working with
THINGS:
Development
Assemble
Build
Customize
Design
Enlarge
Format
Improve
Install
Fix
Function
Manufacture
Navigate
Operate
Propose
Refinish
Renovate
Repair
Restore
Update
Upgrade
Creating/Generating
Construct
Landscape
Produce
Shape
Utilize
Working with
IDEAS:
Development
Adjust
Compose
Develop
Devise
Guide
Implement
Innovate
Invent
Make
Creating/Generating
Activate
Complete
Conserve
Contract
Create
Discover
Draft
Draw
Engineer
Execute
Expand
Generate
Inaugurate
Launch
Modify
Mold
Reconstruct
Synthesize
Transform
Unite
Universal
Act
Apply
Anticipate
Change
Check
Contribute
Cover
Decide
Define
Diagnose
Effect
Eliminate
Emphasize
Establish
Facilitate
Forecast
Found
Give
Navigate
Offer
Perform
Propose
Refer
Referee
Register
Reinforce
Resolve
Respond
Retrieve
Save
Select
Serve
Set
Simplify
Study
Take
Travel
Use
Win
Weak Verbs
Do Not Use
Aid
Assist
Deal
Enhance
Gain
Handle
Help
Learn
Receive
Seek Out
Set Up
Tolerate
Understand
Adapted with permission from Letters & Science and Human Ecology Career Services, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Bullets Formula
Skill Statements
POWER VERB (SKILL) + Demonstrated Accomplishment/Contribution
Consider the following tips:
Purpose
Performed gear mapping for transmissions to optimize shift patterns, fuel economy and available
power
Method
Collected quantitative infrared imaging using a high speed infrared camera
Result
Designed and implemented latches for condensation vents to reduce water leakage creating a safer
work environment
Chronological Resume Sample
Functional Resume Sample
Functional Resume Sample
Cover Letter Guidelines

A cover letter is a type of job search correspondence that is sent along with your resume
to a prospective employer to indicate your interest in a position.
PURPOSE
RULES
Identifies the position for which you are applying.

Indicates your interest in the position and employer.
States your main qualifications, with supporting
examples.
Refers the reader to your enclosed resume.
Specifies the action(s) that you will take in pursuit of
this employment opportunity.
Use resume paper, preferably white (8.5 x 11) with a

matching envelope (email is also appropriate).
Ensure that there are no grammatical errors in the
letter.
Make sure the letter is typed.
Keep the letter brief and to the pointdefine an
objective.
Avoid negative approachesboastfulness, exaggeration, inconsistency, etc.
Use specific, relatable examples.
FORMAT
Opening paragraph: Pique the interest of the employer.
1)State why you are writing and give information to show your interest in this specific organization.
2)Name the position for which you are applying and how you heard about it.
Middle paragraph(s): Create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you.
1)Explain why you are interested in working for this employer.
2)Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or
requirements.
3)Refer the reader to your general qualifications and highlight important parts of your resume that will appeal to THIS
specific organization.
4)Avoid repetition between cover letter and resume.
Closing paragraph: Pave the way for the interview.
1) Ask for an appointment.
2) State that you will contact the employer in the near future.
3)Thank the employer for the consideration of future employment.
Cover Letter Sample
Developing a Winning
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Curriculum Vitae or CV is a professional document that is used for marketing your background for a variety of purposes,
mostly within academia or research. It can be multiple pages, but should be focused. Use the following tips to help you get
started on your CV.
Common Uses
oGraduate school admission, graduate assistantship, or scholarship application
oTeaching, research and upper-level administrative positions in higher education
oSchool administration positions (superintendent, principal, department head)
oResearch and consulting in a variety of settings
oAcademic departmental and tenure reviews
oCollege or university service appointments
oProfessional association leadership positions
oPublishing and editorial board reviews
oSpeaking engagements
oGrant proposal
Foundational Standards
Use the following information from the Developing a Winning Resume on pages 10 and 11:
oHeading
oObjective
oFormat
oContent
oExperience
oSkills
Education
Include the following information:
oName of institution(s) where obtained or working toward a degree, listed in reverse chronological order
oOfficial name of degree(s) and/or certification(s) obtained or currently working toward
oAdd Masters Thesis, Project and/or Dissertation title(s)
oName of Advisor
Additional Sections
Depending on your background, you may want to add additional sections to your resume:
oTeaching Experience and Interests
oResearch Experience and Interests
oRelated Experience: Internships, Practicum and/or Fieldwork
oGrants Received and Academic Awards
oSpecial Training
oScholarships and Fellowships
Curriculum Vitae Sample
References Page Sample
Look Into Majors
Graduate School
Application Checklist
Janet Beagle, Ph.D., Director, Office of Graduate Admissions, Purdue University Graduate School
Special Considerations for Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary! You may need to adjust this timeline to meet the
deadlines of the programs you apply to, so be sure to note each programs
application deadline. This timeline is based on a January 1 deadline.
If you find more than one deadline for your program of interest, use the
earliest deadline to set your timeline; this is most often the one you must
meet to be considered for fellowships and other financial assistance.
Access more resources at www.gradschool.purdue.edu/prep.
Summer Before Senior Year
September-October
Identify your goals and consider

whether or not graduate school is
right for you.
Take standardized tests and request

that your scores be sent to the
appropriate schools.
Write a draft of your personal

statement.
Complete your personal statement

and have it reviewed at the CCO.
Research program options and

requirements by browsing through
graduate program guides (online
and hard copy), university websites,
and other resources.
Research fellowships and other
types of financial assistance.
Consider government agencies,
philanthropic organizations, the
schools you apply to, and professional organizations or honor
societies as potential sources of
funding.
Meet with faculty members in

your department to discuss your
personal statement, possible
programs to consider, and potential fellowships and other funding
sources.
Determine the schools to which you
will apply.
Requests letters of recommendation from faculty; provide a copy

of your personal statement and
resume/curriculum vitae to each
professor. Give your recommenders
the appropriate information to
submit their letters. Many recommendation letters can be submitted
online and your recommenders will
receive an email with instructions
when you list them on your online
application. If your school requires
hard copy letters, give your recommenders the appropriate address.
Register for required standardized

tests.
Get organized. Create a file for each

school you will apply to and keep all
related application information in
the appropriate file.
Order transcripts from all postsecondary institutions and request

official copies be sent directly to the
schools to which you are applying.
August-September
Prepare for standardized tests.
November
Complete application forms. (Do a
draft first!)
Mail application materials (if not
Web-based) one month in advance
of the application deadline. Pay
close attention to the instructions;
all documents may not go to the
same address.
Remind your recommenders of
when they must submit your
letters of recommendation (i.e.,
the application deadline of each
programconsider telling them a
deadline one to two weeks earlier
than the actual deadline in case
something falls through at the last
minute).
December
April
Check with schools to verify that

your letters of recommendation,
test scores, transcripts, and other
required documents have arrived
to complete your application by the
deadline.
Mail acceptance forms and, if

required, deposits.
Remember that many offices will be

busy at the end of the semester and
over winter break, so do not wait
until the last minute.
Notify schools that you will not

be attending after making your
decision.
Send thank-you letters to the
writers of your letters of recommendation. Be sure to let them
know where youre going to school!
February-March
Schedule campus visits to locations
in which you are interested. Some
programs may have planned visitations for admitted students; inquire
about this.
Prepare questions for each school
to gain more information about
academic programs, student life,
and professional development
opportunities.
Conduct informational interviews
with students in the programs to
which you have applied to gather
their perspective.
Make copies of all application pieces

for your records.
Want to join Purdues

prospective student mailing list
to receive additional tips,
deadline reminders,
and funding information?
Visit www.purdue.edu/grad and
click on Request Info.
Writing Your Graduate School

Personal Statement: 10 Easy Steps
Purdue Online Writing Lab, www.owl.purdue.edu
Answer the questions

asked
Find questions in each application that
are somewhat similar.
Dont be tempted to use the same
statement for all applications.
Customize your answer for each
individual application.
Tell a story
Think in terms of showing
or demonstrating through
concrete experience.
Make your statement fresh,
lively and different to distinguish
yourself and make yourself
memorable.
Find an angle
Figure out a way to make your story
interesting. Finding an angle or a
hook is vital.
Tell what you know

Be specific. Use the language
professionals use to convey
your knowledge of the field.
Refer to experiences such as work,
research, courses and professional
readings, and explain why you are
suited for it.
Grabbing the readers attention in the

opening paragraph is vital. This paragraph is
the framework for the rest of the statement.
Avoid references to experiences or accomplishments in

high school or earlier.
Avoid potentially controversial
subjects (for example, controversial religious or political issues).
Be meticulous. Type and proofread your

essay very carefully.
Express yourself clearly and concisely.
Adhere to stated word limits.
Back up your statements with

specific examples or reasons.
Be sure your desire to obtain your
prospective career is logical, the
result of specific experience that
is described in your statement.
Concentrate on your opening

paragraph
Avoid certain subjects
Write well
Be specific
Do research
Identify and capitalize on the
attributes that set your choice
apart from other universities
or programs. Mention the
values these characteristics
have on your interest in
attending this school.
Avoid clichs
Avoid clich statements such as
stating on your medical school
application that you are good at
science and want to help people. This
is not expressing an original thought.
Personal Statement Sample
Explore Careers
The Art of Networking

Claudine R. Meilink, Career Services Consultant, Center for Career Opportunities, Purdue University
Why Should I Network?

Nearly 80% of open positions are
never advertised.
Many employers fill positions
based on recommendations from
colleagues or friendssomeone
in their network.
Extending Your Network

Conduct an informational
interview with an industry
professional.
Join a professional organization
or attend a conference in your
area of study.
Attend company information
sessions and introduce yourself to
the recruiter.
Take advantage of opportunities offered by your college or
the CCO.
Initiate conversations while on a plane, waiting in line, at
the gym, or at the coffee shop.
Maintaining Your Network

Stay in touch with the people in your network by keeping
them informed of your progress.
Have them critique your resume.
Ask for input, and offer feedback when appropriate.
Remember, networking is a two way street.
Using Social Media to Network

Connect with a variety of individuals using sites such as
LinkedIn (professionals from various career industries),
Twitter (family and friends) and others.
Be cautious of what you are posting on these social
networking sitesemployers will view them to gather
information!
4 Simple Steps to
Successful Networking
Know yourself.
Know your skills, professional qualities
and accomplishments, and be confident
in communicating them.
Decide upon three words to describe
yourself.
Brainstorm information you want to convey
to a potential employer or mentor.
Develop your personal elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a concise, carefully
planned, well executed highlight of
your skills that can be delivered in the
amount of time it would take to ride an
elevator.
Visit www.cco.purdue.edu for tips on developing your elevator pitch!
Practice makes perfect.

Get feedback from as many people as
possible.
Walk in to the CCO anytime between
10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, to practice your elevator pitch
with our professional staff.
Master the art of small talk.

Listen carefully when you are in a
conversation.
Catch peoples names and use them in
the conversation.
Rephrase their opinions to show them you
are listening.
Smile and maintain appropriate eye contact
while in conversation.
Be aware of daily networking opportunities.
Making the Most of a Career Fair

Know Your Purpose: Networking
Attend a career fair to:
-Meet and interact with employers
-Gather information about career fields
-Learn about internship, full-time and co-op
opportunities
Before the Fair: Preparation is key

Revise your resume, have it reviewed, and make copies to
distribute to employers.
Review the list of employers planning to attend the fair
and research information about those in which you are
interested.
Practice your 30-second elevator pitch to express your
unique qualities to employers.
Prepare intelligent questions for recruiters based on
your research of the employer or position.
Choose professional business attire to wear to all career fairs.
During the Fair: Display confidence

Take a warm-up lap:
-Walk through the fair to identify the location of employers you are interested in speaking with, and to
observe the interaction between candidates and recruiters.
-Make a game plan of which employers you would like to meet the most, depending on desire and wait
time in lines.
Remember the following when approaching an employer:
-Be confident: know your skills and be prepared to convey them to the recruiter.
-Engage in small talk to break the ice.
-Deliver your 30-second elevator pitch.
-Ask questions about the organization and career opportunities. If you are interested in the position and
company, offer the recruiter your resume to review.
-Ask the recruiter for a business card, thank them for speaking with you, and make plans to
follow up.
After the Fair: Take action

Review company materials received at the fair.
Send follow-up emails within 24 hours.
Request an interview with organizations you are interested in pursuing further.
Researching Companies
Know Yourself
Reflect on your own career interests
and work values to assess whether the
company will support you both professionally and personally.
Develop your resume to reflect skills
and accomplishments specific to the
company so you can better articulate
how youre qualified to work for them.
Know the Staff

Review current staffs biographies,
either on the companys website or
through LinkedIN, to learn about
their academic backgrounds, career
development and strategies for
landing their current position.
Conduct informational interviews with
current staff to gain their perspective
about the company and their position.
Read Kaletras article on page 45 for a list
of possible questions.
Know the Company

Read the companys mission statement, history and values to gain an
understanding of how you match
their goals.
Brainstorm questions related to job
descriptions, work culture and professional advancement to prepare for career
fairs and interviews.
Know the Field

Subscribe to professional publications and organizations so you
have access to current journals and
newsletters relevant to your field.
Talk to people in your professional
network to gain their perspective on
companies.
Know Your Resources

Use career resources to further explore opportunities:

-
Occupational Outlook Handbook- Bureau Labor of Statistics - www.bls.gov/ooh
- ONet Online - www.onetonline.org
- Americas Career INFONET- www.careerinfonet.org
- Salary.com - www.salary.com
CCO Resources:

- myCCO account - Research Employers

- Career Wiki - Employer Research

- Stats and Salaries: First Destination Data
Social Media:

- Use LinkedIN and Twitter to follow companies, groups and job postings
Informational Interviews
Kaletra Dispennett, Career Services Consultant, Center for Career Opportunities, Purdue University
Conducting informational interviews can broaden your professional network and assist you in gaining information about a
specific career field or academic major. Use the following guidelines to help you utilize this valuable resource.
Why Do Them?

Gather advice: Collect information concerning
the academic major or career field in which you are
interested.

Develop your network: Tap your resources to
learn about other individuals you should contact.
Utilize information from LinkedIn, alumni and
professional associations and conferences.

Obtain insight from a professional: Gain valuable feedback concerning your resume and helpful
information specific to your prospective career field.
How Should I Prepare?

Contact the individuals with whom you wish to
meet: Schedule an appointment with someone who
is in the career field or academic major you wish to
pursue.

Make a list: Prepare a list of questions to ask during
the interview.

Respect the interviewers time: Honor the time
agreed upon by moving the conversation to a close
2-3 minutes prior to the end of your meeting.
What Should I Ask?

How did you decide on this career?
Tell me about your career journey. How did you get into
this position?
How long have you been in this career?
How did you find your job (at a career fair, networking,
etc.)?
What specific skills and/or qualifications are required
for someone in your position?
What was your favorite subject in college?
Describe what you do in your job.
What do you like most about your job?
What is the most challenging part about your job?
What steps would you recommend to someone interested

in this career?
About how many hours per week do you spend doing your
job?
What books or journals that are related to your career/
job do you read regularly?
What professional associations are you a part of?
Why are you a part of this association?
What is your role in the association?
What Steps Do I Take After Conducting the

Interview?

Request a business card/contact information.

Send a thank-you note or email to express your
gratitude for their time and information within 24
hours.
Managing Your Online Reputation
ocial media platforms have become popular among young professionals. They are so popular that employers check these
sites to see what young professionals post and how they represent themselves in the social media realm.
How do you keep your social media presence appropriate and professional so it does not hurt your chances of landing a dream
job? Here are a few tips on managing your online reputation on all social media platforms you might use.
1. Photos
2. Language
Photos can be subjective; even

something as simple as a plastic
cup in your hand with friends
could be mistaken as a party
environment. Keep an eye on
the photos you post to your
profile and the ones you are
tagged in by others. Remember
that even if you know that you
were acting appropriately in
the situation, viewers of the
photo dont. Consider deleting
anything that could be seen
as unprofessional and asking
friends to remove photos you
deem inappropriate.
Whether you are posting on your own site or on

friends sites, you should keep your language
professional and appropriate. Remember that
the language you use is not subjective. You
make a conscious decision to post what you
do, so if you represent yourself unprofessionally, there is little room for misunderstanding
or excuse. Your best bet is to refrain from cuss
words, name calling and racist language. Try to
stay upbeat and positive in your status updates
and postings and refrain from complaining
about classes, companies, organizations and
especially any internships or jobs you currently
work. Employers do not want to see you posting
unhappily about your current position because
you could do the same in a position with them.
3. Pages/Groups/
Connections
Consider liking and
joining clubs, organizations, university
affiliations and companies within your field of
interest. Refrain from
joining groups that have
suggestive titles or imply
inappropriate behaviors
on your part.
Connect with the CCO:

Purdue CCO
Purdue CCO
@purduecco
purduecco
purduecco
PurdueCCO
When connecting with companies and

organizations on social media platforms,
consider professional affiliations that can
help you network such as, the Purdue CCO.
Sample Interview Questions

Questions Asked by EmployersWhen providing examples use the S.T.A.R. Method on page 48.
Personal
Tell me about yourself.

What are your hobbies?
Why did you choose to interview with our organization?
Describe your ideal job.
What can you offer us?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths?
Can you name some weaknesses?
Define success. Failure.
Have you ever had any failures? What did you learn from them?
Of which three accomplishments are you most proud?
Experience
What job-related skills have you developed?

Give an example of a situation in which you provided a solution to an
employer.
How do you think a former supervisor would describe your work and
attitude?
Give an example of a time in which you worked under deadline
pressure.
Give an example of a time when working with a team led to success.
Education
Why did you choose your major?

Why did you choose to attend your college or u
niversity?
In which campus activities did you participate?
Which classes interest you the most?
Do your grades accurately reflect your ability? Why or why not?
Were you financially responsible for any portion of your college
education?
Career Goals
What other types of positions are you considering?

How do you feel about travel?
How do you feel about the possibility of relocating?
What qualities are you looking for in a boss?
Are you able to work on several assignments at once?
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Questions to Ask EmployersDont forget to research the employer extensively in order to ask intelligent questions.
Bring up employer/market trends, current news and company initiatives during the interview.
Please describe the duties of Position X for me.
What kinds of assignments might I expect the first six
months on the job?
Does your company encourage further education?
What are your growth projections for next year?
What do you like best about your job/company?
Is your company environmentally conscious? In what
ways?
Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?

Is there a lot of team/project work?
Where does this position fit into the organizational
structure?
What is the next course of action? When should I expect
to hear from you or should I contact you?
What is the company culture like?
Read the companys websiteso many candidates simply dont take this very expected
step. Ask questions before the interview. Try
to find out with whom you will be speaking
along with their job title. Look them up on
a professional networking site to view their
profile.
Have a good sense of the company and

how you fit with their culture and position
requirements. Work to sell how well you fit
with the organization during the interview.
Talk to alumni who work at the company.
Ask the CCO about their familiarity with the
organization(s) in which you have interest.
Cory Burke
Hiring Manager
Wolverine Trading, LLC
Angela Heyroth, Senior Manager, Talent

Attraction, Charles Schwab
Clearly and concisely answer interview questions in a way that describes both your work
experience and your accomplishments. Ask
thought-provoking questions (e.g., inquire
about career development, training and
opportunities for advancement).
Beverly Walker
Campus Recruiting Representative
Lockheed Martin
Log on to myCCO to practice interviewing with the InterviewStream program.

S.T.A.R. Method of
Behavioral Interviewing
Behavioral Question and Answer Example: Describe a time
when you demonstrated effective problem-solving skills.
Describe the setting in which your interview response takes place.

What were you doing? Who were you working with? What project were you working on?
Example Answer: During my role as an Event Planning Intern at Company X this past summer, I
managed all of the details and supervised a group of five in order to successfully host certain events.
Explain how the situation changed, and how you were expected to address this change.
What was the goal you were striving to accomplish, or the problem you were trying to solve?
Example Answer: After reviewing the companys annual report, I noticed that the attendance at
our events had dropped by 30% in the past 3 years, and I wanted to find a solution to this problem.
Clarify the specific action steps that you took in order to address the task at hand.
Demonstrate and mention skills that you utilized in each step.
What did you do to resolve the problem or reach the goal?
Present your key strengths confidently in the Action Step.
Example Answer: First, I collected feedback by sending out a questionnaire to past attendees and
partners on ways to improve our events. I gathered this research, and used it to design a new, more
effective promotional packet using Software X.
Explain how your actions contributed to the overall end product.

How did the situation end? What did you learn from this experience?
Include concrete, quantifiable data to provide specific details in your response.
Example Answer: Company X was able to utilize both my solutions and feedback from the community to host even better events. After implementing some of these strategies, we raised attendance to
our events by 20% in the first year. I learned that it is essential to continually adapt strategies through
marketing and research to increase participation.
Interview Rules
1.Research the employer to prepare you for interview
questions and to discover if the opportunity is a good fit.
a.Current News
b.Employer Initiatives
c. Position you are interviewing for
d.Company Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats (SWOT Analysis)
2.Prepare five or more success stories using the S.T.A.R. Method.
3.Image is important: Be on time, dress professionally, make eye
contact, offer a firm handshake, be positive, and listen to what

the representative has to say!
4.Always ask questions about the employer or positionthis
is where good company research can really help (avoid asking
about salary or benefits).
5.Follow up with the interviewer: Send a thank-you letter that
restates your skills and interest in the employer within 24
hours of the interview.
21st Century Interviewing
echnology has opened up many opportunities in the

job search. It also has created potential problems in
adapting standard professional skills to fit the new technologies now commonly used in the job search. Use these
tips as a guide beyond the standard recommendations for
interviews and correspondence.
Email Etiquette
When replying to an email keep the same subject line, and
include salutation and closing.
Email thank-you letters are acceptable. Try to send a
handwritten thank-you note as well.
Never negotiate via email. Negotiations should be
conducted verbally.
Use a professional email, such as your Purdue email
or Gmail. Make sure your username is appropriate.
Refrain from using nicknames or other casual titles, e.g.,
coffeefanatic86.
Always include a signature block. Make sure your email,
title (for example, communications student), phone
number and mailing address are incorporated.
Name your attachments logically for the recipient. A title
of PetePurdueResume.doc is much easier to recognize
than MyResume.doc.
Skype Interviews
Practice before the actual interview. You should be
comfortable with the software and your ability to
communicate through Skype.
Avoid using emoticons and acronyms such as

TTYL.
, LOL,
Phone Interviews
Prepare like you would for an in-person interview
including dress and company research.
Get the computers webcam high enough so that it is eyelevel with you.
Prepare your space ahead of time:
Create a professional username.
o Make sure you leave a glass of water on the desk,

your resume, a pen, blank paper, and if possible,
a copy of the job description.
Smile, it will help you appear friendly and also shows

confidence.
Dress correctly. Shades of blue look better on video, while
reds and hot colors can be too bright. Always try to wear
solid colors and not prints.
Try to have a professional looking background. A clean
wall or bookcase works well.
Have your resume and any notes on the position in front
of you in case you want to refer back to them.
Find a quiet space for your interview so you will not be
interrupted.
o Plan on interviewing in a space that is quiet.
o Bring a mirror or poster with a face on it and

speak while looking at this object. Seeing another
face makes the interview feel more like it is in
person.
Make sure you have a good phone connectionuse a
landline if possible.
Smilethis will help you sound more pleasant and calm.
Take your timedont fret over silences; just give the
conversation time and resist any urge to babble.
Top 10 Etiquette Rules

Anthony Cawdron, Events Coordinator, Westwood, Purdue University
Be on time, a little early is fine.

Arriving too early shows bad time
management skills and puts your
hosts/interviewer at a disadvantage.
Be courteous to EVERYONE. You

never know who they might turn out
to be.
Take as little baggage with you

as possible. Carry a few essentials
and an easy to hold portfolio or
briefcase.
Be open, friendly and polite. Use

active listening and speaking techniques, have a few good conversation
starters prepared and smile!
When offered hospitality, accept

a minimum. Avoid making heavy
demands on support staff.
At a meal, choose wisely. Pick easy

to eat familiar foods, nothing too
pricey and something that will allow
you to be poised, graceful and attentive to your hosts.
Err on the side of caution when it

comes to alcohol. If your host offers
a glass of wine and you are comfortable, accept. Never feel pressured.
Watch your host for cues.

a. Silverware: Work from the
outside in.
b. Bread vs. Beverage: bread is
to the left of your plate, while
beverage is to the right. Eat well
and look good doing it!
Be gracious in your thanks for a

meal. Always be prepared to pay your
way or offer to assist with the check.
If you are the host, expect to pay!
Follow up promptly
with requests for further
information. Send a
handwritten thank-you note
to your host.
Dont Forget
the Small Companies
Adapted with permission from the Career Resource Manual of the University of California, Davis.
About Small Companies
Involvement in the entire organization rather than a specific

department
May be eligible for stock options
and profit sharing
Quicker decision-making process
due to fewer regulations and levels
of management
Starting salaries and benefits may
be more variable
Most new job growth in the U.S.

comes from small businesses
Most Bachelors degree candidates
concentrate their job search on
Fortune 500 corporations or other
large, well-known companies
Any business with 200 or fewer
employees is considered a small
company
Small businesses provide the
economy with nearly two-thirds of
all new jobs
Are You Right for a

Small Company?
Below is a list of common traits found
among those who enjoy working in a
small company atmosphere. If these
describe you, a small company might be
worth considering.

Self-motivated
Generalist with many complementary skills
Strong communication skills (oral
and written)

Enthusiastic

Risk-taker

Quick learner
Independentcan get things
done with minimal supervision
Ability to work effectively with
everyone in the organization
Finding a Small Company

Use the following resources to help you
gain access to small companies:
Is a Small Company
Right for You?
The following characteristics may give
you an idea of some of the things you
may experience in a small company.
Which appeal to you? Which do not
appeal to you?
More responsibility; emphasis
placed on the duties performed
rather than job title
Individual ideas and suggestions
may be heard easily and given
greater attention
Career advancement and salary
increases may be rapid in a
growing company
May have less job security due to
high rate of failure for new small
businesses
Opportunity to be involved in the
creation or growth of something
great

Contact the Chamber of
Commerce in the area you
would like to work: Get the
names of growing companies in
the industry of your choice.

Participate in the local chapter
of professional trade associations related to your career:
Send prospective employers a
cover letter and resume, follow up
with a phone call.

Read trade publications,
business journals and area
newspapers for leads.
5 Good Reasons to
Pursue a Nonprofit Career
Meg Busse & Steven Pascal-Joiner
Authors of The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for First-time Job Seekers, Idealist.org
For full article and additional resources, visit www.idealist.org/info/Careers
So much potential for change

Working for a nonprofit is a great way to
effect change in local, national and international communities on a range of issues.
Nonprofit workers stated they are very
satisfied with their opportunity to accomplish something worthwhile.
Nonprofit salaries can hold their

own
In industries such as health care and education, nonprofit salaries are identical to or
outpace for-profit pay rates by as much as
30%.
It is still possible to earn a great living while
serving in a wide range of roles and working a
variety of missions.
Theres a mission for everyone

There is a broad range of missions
and causes, allowing opportunity for
everyone to affect change.
Research of organizations that match the
individuals passion will increase the likelihood that they find a cause they are looking
to support.
Its about more than the bottom line

More people than ever are transitioning
from other sectors to nonprofit work.
There is a growing awareness of the importance of finding positions that provide more
than a salary.
Due to costs associated with effectively
recruiting on college campuses, very few
nonprofits visit campus to recruit students
but, a nonprofit could be the right place for
you!
Check out the following resources to start

your research:

Idealist - idealist.org

Nonprofit Opportunities - npo.net

Chronicle of Philanthropy - philanthropy.com

Guidestar - guidestar.org
Adapted with permission from Idealist.org.

Federal Jobs: 10 Reasons to

Answer the Call to Serve
ou probably know something about jobs in the private and nonprofit sectors
and how to apply, but have you ever considered
The Nations Largest Employer

is Hiring!
Half of the nations 2 million
federal employees may be
eligible to retire in the next 5
years; thats a lot of openings.
Unlike some other employers, the
federal government will never go
out of business. It will always need
good people to protect the interests of American citizens.
Theres a Job for Every

Interest
There are federal jobs suited
to every interest and skill,
from architecture to zoology.
You can combine your skills with
your interests; for example, use
your accounting background to
improve the environment, your
engineering degree to improve
airport security, or your biology
degree to conduct cutting-edge
medical research.
The Federal Government Can Help Pay

for School
Federal agencies may help you pay back
your student loans if you work there for a
certain length of time.
Pursue a graduate degree, and your employing
agency may just pick up the tab!
There are Federal Jobs

Around the Countryand
Around the World
Only 15% of government
employees work in the
Washington, DC area.
Over 35,000 federal employees
work abroad.
You Can Advance Quickly

Federal agencies offer excellent training
and development opportunities, and
training can begin your first day on the
job.
There are a number of fast track possibilities for advancement within your field.
The Federal Government

Values Diversity
The federal government has
steadily increased the diversity of its workforce.
Federal agencies actively
encourage minorities and individuals with disabilities to consider
government service through a
variety of internship and fellowship programs.
Flexible Work Schedules and Benefits

Encourage Work-Life Balance
Flexible work schedules are a major upside
for those with busy schedules.
Federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement and vacation, are extremely
competitive within the private sector.
You Can Make a Difference

The work that government
employees do has an impact
on the life of every American.
You can play a vital role in
addressing pressing issues, from
homelessness to homeland
security.
Federal Jobs Pay Better Than

You Think
Average government salaries
are competitive for most
professions.
Pay can increase fairly quickly for
top candidates with strong education and experience.
The Federal Government is a

Career Builder
Advance your career by developing highly marketable skills.
Utilize your federal experiences as a building
block for an exciting and diverse career.
Use these resources to help you research

State of Indiana - in.gov

USA Jobs - usajobs.gov

Go Government - gogovernment.org
Federal Resume Sample
Gain Relevant Experience
Job Search Plan

Initial Steps
Identify and Tailor Your Brand
Create a list of target industries and job titles

Position yourself by determining your main competencies and skills related to the industry/job
Identify advantages and challenges for any company or
job you wish to pursue
Set up a weekly schedule for job search activities,
including networking, researching, resume and cover
letter writing, submitting applications and preparing for
interviews
Develop your personal brand by asking others to describe

your characteristics and values:
-Who do you surround yourself with?
-What do you strive for?
-What do you want others to know about you?
-What would your close friends and family or professors/advisors say you are good at?
Craft resumes and cover letters emphasizing skills that
are specific to jobs and companies
10 Job Search Strategies

Know Yourself
Identify your interests, skills and
values.
Be prepared to communicate your
skills and accomplishments to potential employers verbally and in writing.
Create an Action Plan

Create a list of target companies
that match your interests, skills
and values.
Research each organization and the
available career opportunities.
Set, track and meet short-term goals,
urgent deadlines and small milestones.
Obtain Experience
Non-Profit, federal government and

small-medium sized companies also
have a variety of valuable opportunities and room for advancement.
Contact and conduct informational interviews with various

contacts and companies.
Join professional associations and
alumni clubs, and maintain regular
contact with those you meet.
Read blogs or articles in key interest
areas and comment intelligently.
Utilize social media to connect with
other professionals in your area of
interest.
Be Open-Minded
Consider volunteering, part-time work,

co-ops, or internships.
Investigate teaching, unpaid, research and federal
positions.
Think about Teach for America, City Year,
AmeriCorps, or other projects.
Consider Less
Popular Organizations
Develop a Network
Be open to possibilities outside of your

particular degree field, and focus on developing
valuable skills even if it is not your dream job.
Broaden your search to a variety of geographic locations, part-time or contract work and starting salary
options.
Create a Powerful
Presence
Maintain a Presence
Clearly demonstrate relevant skills in a

resume and cover letter.
Focus on accomplishments rather than
duties or responsibilities performed.
Tailor requested documents to each
job posting or organization.
Ask for Assistance

Dont be afraid to ask your network for leads
and advice.
Talk to your advisor, professors and peers about
possible opportunities.
Visit the CCO at www.cco.purdue.edu or Young
Hall 132; call (765) 494-3981 to speak with a Career
Services Consultant and learn about ways we can
assist your search.
Periodically keep contact with the

employer and individuals in your
network.
Contact employers 11/2 -2 weeks after
submitting your resume to see if they
received your application materials,
ask any questions about the position
and reiterate your interest.
Send thank-you notes within a day of
working with your contacts.
Be Patient and Positive

Expect 6 months or more to obtain a
position.
Adopt 3-4 ways to conduct your job search and
rotate them when you reach a roadblock.
Periodically, focus your energy on other tasks/
hobbies.
Internship Information
& Resources
F
inding an internship that meets your needs as a student and professional is an important process. The following internship
resources and information can assist your search for the perfect fit!
Key Points to Consider:
Tapping Into the

Hidden Job Market:
Full-time or Part-time Internship

Paid or Unpaid Position
Season/Semester for Internship
Geographic Restrictions
Transportation Requirements
Academic Credit
Type of Company/Organization
A majority of professional opportunities are obtained through networking,

and are not publicly posted. Follow
these steps when looking for hidden
opportunities:
Target the type of internship you
want
Develop, manage and pursue active
leads (people, friends, family,
organizations)
Convert raw leads into specific
people who can hire you to do the
work you want
Turn those names into informational
interviews
Sell yourself in an appointment, even
if there are no current openings
Follow up and continue to build a
relationship for future leads
Where to Start:
Center for Career Opportunities,
myCCO, Career Wiki Online Library
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Major/Minor Department
Social Media Sites
oLinkedIn
oTwitter
oFacebook
Career Fairs
Professional Associations
Alumni Office
(purduealumni.org)
Company Websites
Cold Call Contact
Networking
Trusted Websites:
Internships.com
Collegegrad.com
Internshipprograms.com
Internjobs.com
Internweb.com
Urbaninterns.com
Idealist.org
Makingthedifference.org
Mtvnetworkscareers.com
Nih.gov
Summerinternships.com
Indianaintern.net
www.cco.purdue.edu/Student/
Internships.shtml
Complete the Post-Internship Survey on www.cco.purdue.edu

Job Search Tips for

Diverse Populations
For additional resources, please visit the Diverse Populations section of the CCOs website at
https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Student/DiversePopulations.shtml
Students with Disabilities

When and if you disclose your disability is your choice. You could share information in your
cover letter, resume, during the interview or prior to accepting the job offer.
On your resume, focus on your abilities and accomplishments. You could include additional
skills such as reading Braille or highlight leadership roles in organizations for individuals
with disabilities. If you require special accommodations to conduct an interview or to
perform job requirements, be sure to communicate to the employer in advance so arrangements can be made.
Utilize all your resources to navigate the job search process including: disability-specific associations, disability placement companies and government workforce recruitment programs.
International Students
Purdue International Connections (PIC) LinkedIn GroupJoin this group to stay connected
with other Purdue international students! Be sure to check out our International Career Wiki
on the CCOs webpage for international job search engines.
Highlight technical and soft skills on your resume and cover letter; consider multilingualism,
adaptability, flexibility and understanding of cultural differences. It is recommended that
you avoid stating your visa status on your resume. However, you are required to disclose your
work authorization on your job application.
For more information on working in the U.S., please visit http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/
students/resources. For more information on visa status and work authorization, go to the
International Students and Scholars (ISS) office (Schleman Hall, Room 136) or visit http://www.iss.purdue.edu/
Current/F1/Employment.cfm or http://www.iss.purdue.edu/Current/J1/Employment.cfm.
LGBTQ Students
Disclosing, or coming out, about your identity is completely your choice. How you list information on
your resume can be highlighted or downplayed based on the work environment. You can list the full
name of LGBTQ related groups, their abbreviation or an alternative name, e.g. Diversity and Inclusion
Group or Anti-Discrimination Organization. Be prepared to discuss upon request from an employer.
During the job search process, focus on the skills and values you bring to the hiring organization.
The Human Rights Campaign, www.hrc.org, has information on workplace attitudes and corporate
policies including the Corporate Equality Index rankings of major companies.
The CCO has been certified as Gold Level by Out for Work. Please contact us for additional LGBTQ resources available
through the Out for Work Career Center Library.
Academic Job Search

Patricia Garrott, Retired Senior Career Services Consultant, Center for Career Opportunities, Purdue University
Preparing a Research Statement

A research statement is a clear and concise summary of your research and
dissertation with a focus on the future direction of your research. Think
about how your research and dissertation will fit into your future experiences
and the particular institution for which you are applying for a position.
Guidelines
Include a concise discussion of your dissertation, and
relate previous research into future projects or related
research programsperhaps a connection back to
your teaching statement.
Express the relevance of your work to larger intellectual interests.
Answer the questions, Why does knowing about ___
matter? and What will that project tell us that we
dont already know?
Mention the future direction of your dissertation
research and the important and innovative directions
your research may take.
Additional Tips
Obtain feedback from colleagues and faculty advisors
to ensure that you describe your research at an appropriate level of generality/specificity.
Construct a research plan that provides a balance
between your research interests and the variety of
research that matches the purpose for which you are
writing.
Mention funding organizations likely to support your
research plans to increase credibility.
Write as clearly and concisely as you can with a focus on
the purpose of your statement.
Preparing a Teaching Statement

A teaching statement is a personal mission statement for anyone whose assignment is to help others learn.
Guidelines
Use any specific instructions in the job posting as a guide.
Length: 1-2 pages (must be readable and keep readers engaged while still getting your thoughts across).
Use present tense to reflect your experiences and beliefs.
Include certain discipline specific standards when necessary (avoid technical terms).
Make your statement uniqueset yourself apart from other candidates!
Discuss your philosophy of teaching and learning.
Describe your approach to teaching.
Provide documentation of your effective teaching strategies.
myCCO
S
earch for opportunities, apply for positions and schedule interviews all in one place: login or become a new user at
https://www.cco.purdue.edu/mycco.aspx
Register Your myCCO Account

1.As a first time user, enter your PUID as both your user name and password.
2.Be sure to read the Participation Agreement and Cancellation and Missed Interview
Policy before checking I Agree to Terms.
3.Complete all required fields of the profile
Upload Your Resume, Cover Letter and Transcript

Your myCCO account is not active until you upload a resume.
1.Click Resumes ETC on the top navigation bar.
2.Select Add New.
3.Label your document with a title that will help you
remember each document. Titles are only visible to you, not
employers.
4.Select the document type. Use Other Documents for your
transcript.
Note: You may upload up to 10 documents. All documents must be
under 200KB
Create Job Search Agents

Job Search Agents notify you by email when new jobs matching
your criteria are posted in myCCO.
1.Hover over Jobs & On Campus Interviews on the top
navigation bar.
2.Click myCCO OCR & Job Listings on the drop-down
menu.
3. Click Advanced Search.
4.Check the box in front of save as and give your job search
a name.
5. Select the appropriate criteria for your job search.
6. Click Search Agent and select schedule.
7.Select yes for Enabled and schedule your agent
accordingly.
Apply for Jobs & On-Campus Interviews

1.Hover over Jobs & On Campus Interviews on the top
navigation bar.
2.Click myCCO OCR & Job Listings on the drop-down
menu.
3.Narrow down your search using drop down options, and
click Search.
4.You will see an Apply option if you qualify for the position. Read carefully as the employer may refer you to the
company website to apply.
5.To submit your resume, follow the directions in the
APPLICATION STATUS box.
Note: To apply for on-campus recruitment, you must meet all
screening criteria including major, degree, graduation date and work
authorization.
Schedule On-Campus Interviews

Time slots for on-campus interviews are on a first-come, first
served basis so sign up for your interview time as soon as
possible.
1.From the top navigation bar, click on My On-Campus
Applications to check the status of your applications.
2.If your status is Invited, select the time that works best
for your schedule.
NOTE: Review the CCOs Cancellation & Missed Interview Policy to
be aware of the consequences for missing an interview.
Practice Interviewing
Students must complete an interview on INTERVIEWSTREAM prior
to scheduling a mock interview at the CCO.
1.From your myCCO Desktop, under SHORTCUTS, click
Interview Stream.
2.You will need to use your Purdue University email address
to create an INTERVIEWSTREAM account.
3.Once you have an account, you can conduct an online interview, recording yourself using a webcam. If you choose, you
can then send your results to a CCO staff member to receive
feedback.
Purdue Career Wiki
ccess numerous database venues to compile information on various aspects about a particular employer by
visiting www.cco.purdue.edu and clicking on the Career Wiki - Online Library. Some databases require
Purdue Career Account login.
Key Features:
Career Guides
Relocation Resources
Employment Data
Job Boards
Resources by Major
Internship Resources
Employer Research
1.
Company Information: Annual reports/financials, press releases, company history, product literature
2.
Industry Information: Comparisons of companies, overview of market, detailed market research reports
3.
Business News: Reporting on corporate actions, analysis of strategy and marketing, recent events
Social Media
W
ith social media sites becoming more popular, students are beginning to explore how they can be useful in their job search.
We created a LinkedIn Boot Camp with challenges to help students explore professional networking. When looking for
internships or career opportunities, following these 10 simple challenges will help you stand out in the crowd.
The Job Offer

Job offer correspondence helps to effectively and professionally communicate your career actions and choices.
For All Types of Correspondence:

Heading Format
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip code
Todays Date
Recipients Name
Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip code
Helpful Hints:
Address your letterhead to a specific person
within the company, if possible
Follow-up to your correspondence if you do not
get a response after 2 weeks
Use email to maintain contact and keep track of
correspondence both sent and received
Salutation
Sincerely,
Your signature
Your Name type-written
Dear Mr./Mrs./Miss./Dr. _______
Letter of Acknowledgement
Do not delay your acknowledgement of a received invitation or offerprocrastination makes a bad impression.
Restate the title of the position and salary. Express your appreciation for the offer. Indicate the date that you will let the company know your decision.
Thank-You Letter
Mail within 24 hours after the interview.
Reiterate your interview date and time, as well as your interest in the employer and your strongest selling points.
FORMAT:
Opening sentence: Express your appreciation to the employer for meeting with you. Recall something specific that you discussed such as what you
learned about them, the opportunity you are applying for, or a common interest you share with the interviewer.
Middle sentence: Add any information you failed to mention in the interview. Tell the interviewer about a skill that might further convince him/her of
your value to the organization.
Closing sentence: Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm in the position. State something you are looking forward to in the position. Let the interviewer
know how he/she can contact you.
Letter of Decline
Provide a brief explanation of why you chose to decline the employment offer.
Express your appreciation for the offer and for the time that the company has invested in you.
FORMAT:
Opening sentence: Express your appreciation to the employer for meeting with you. Express your regret that you will not be accepting the offer.
Closing sentence: Extend your sincere best wishes to the organization and those with whom you met. If you are open to being contacted, let the interviewer know how he/she can contact you.
Letter of Acceptance
Indicate your acceptance of the offer of employmentrestate the position, compensation, classification and starting date (if previously established).
Express your appreciation, excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work for the employer.
Inform employer of any travel plans if relocation is necessary.
FORMAT:
Opening sentence: Express your appreciation to the employer for meeting with you. Express your enthusiasm for receiving the job offer. Reveal 1-2 aspects of the
position or organization you are looking forward to experiencing. Identify skills you are looking forward to developing or utilizing.
Closing sentence: Reiterate your continued interest for your upcoming career opportunity. Let the interviewer know how he/she can contact you.
Negotiating Job Offers

Timothy B. Luzader, Director, Center for Career Opportunities, Purdue University
here are four outcomes for students wanting to negotiate an offer:

1) Offer withdrawn; 2) Confirmation of a non-negotiable
offer; 3) A positive adjustment to the offer, but not all that
was sought; or 4) Obtaining all considerations sought for
adjusting the offer
Having an offer withdrawn, or students receiving everything they

seek in a negotiation, does not happen frequently. Students are much
more likely to not have an offer adjusted or arrange for a relatively
small adjustment to the offer. A common starting point in a job offer
negotiation is typically the deadline for your decision. Rationale that
you employ for the extension may include your contemplation of
other offers and opportunities, consultation with family members
or significant others and dual career couple-related issues. Once the
decision-making deadline has been agreed upon, other potential
negotiating points include signing bonus, moving expenses, starting
date and salary.
To assist you in implementing an effective negotiation strategy,
the following strategies are offered in the form of an acronymBE
COMPETENT.
Behavior Assessment: Representing yourself in a professional
manner during negotiations conveys to a potential employer your

logical resolve, decision making abilities, diplomacy skills, capacity
for team play and a degree of tough-mindedness that can help
create positive impressions of you.
Enthusiasm: Credit the time and effort that employer representatives invested in establishing your offer by exhibiting genuine
appreciation for the opportunity and enthusiastically pursuing a
positive settlement.
Persuasion: Abiding by
such principles such as

knowing and understanding
the employers needs and
resources, as well as tactics
such as offering choices of
two positives (e.g. Would
increasing the signing bonus
or adjusting the relocation
allowance be more feasible?)
can serve you well in a negotiation campaign.
Employer Benefits:
Articulating ways that

your negotiated results can
benefit the organization may
improve your chances for
success. Examples include
graduate school tuition reimbursement resulting in your
increased competence and productivity, or your increased salary
figure providing a new entry-level salary range that is more competitive for future college graduate hires.
Time Awareness: As time passes following the extension of an offer

to an enthusiastic and qualified candidate, employers often begin to
disestablish the candidate search mechanism (e.g. pull vacancy postings, close job requisitions, etc.). Receiving a deadline extension may
result in greater negotiating leverage for you.
Expectations: Organizations flexibility to negotiate varies
will help you to clarify points of the offer, keep track of important
deadlines, and remember the status of terms already decided.
according to the type of work setting, candidate supply/demand

ratios and the economy. Researching both the employer and the
market will help you to develop realistic expectations going into the
negotiation process.
Open Door Opportunity: Periods of personnel transition in the
New Information: Keep abreast of current events and news items
Creating a Message Trail: Documenting your negotiating process
workplace (e.g. initial offers, promotions, reassignments) represent

the best open door opportunity for you to affect decision making
through negotiation.
Master Plan: In the self-assessment phase of your job search
process, you may have considered the attributes that you seek in
your first post-graduation position. This information, along with
any newly considered factors, will be the basis of your master
plan and hopefully provide you with your desired outcome of the
negotiation.
that may affect you or the organization. Recent mergers, expansions, personnel changes affecting the organization is important to
know. Also, receipt of an award or accepting a leadership position on
campus may be news you wish to share.
Thanking Employers for the Offer: Regardless of the outcome,
express your sincere gratitude to employers for the job offer extensionboth verbally and in writing. It is conceivable that an employer
whose offer you reject could play a major role in your futureas a
client, a professional association affiliate, or as a future employer.
Negotiation Role Play

Candidate: Hello, may I speak to Joe Negosh, please?
Company Rep: This is Joe Negosh.
Candidate: Hi Mr. Negosh. This is John Jobs, and I am calling to follow up on the job offer you sent me earlier this week. Do
you have a few minutes to speak about the terms of agreement? I just have a few questions.
Company Rep: Actually, I do have a moment in between meetings. How can I help you?
Candidate: First, I just want to say once again that I am so thankful and excited about the extended offer and the potential
opportunity to be a part of the Dream Job, Inc. team. I am in the process of assessing another job offer and wanted to compare
all the information I can to make a decision. Upon thoroughly reviewing the written offer letter and benefits information,
it seems that the start date, benefits package and relocation reimbursement are quite reasonable and in alignment with our
previous conversations. After researching comparative, marketing industry salaries in the Chicagoland area and the cost of
living, I have discovered that the average salary offering for this position is $55,000 in comparison to the offer of $52,000.
Considering my previous internship experience in corporate marketing, my leadership in AMA and the degree Ive acquired, Id
like to request consideration of a $55,000 salary.
Company Rep: Well, John, I appreciate your thoroughness. However, we are unable to offer anyone coming into this position
more than a maximum of $54,000. Now, with your skill set and degree backing, I think we can increase the salary offering by
$2,000 from the original offer. How does that sound?
Candidate: Thank you! I am grateful for this compromise to increase the salary offer. It really helps me in my decision-making.
Company Rep: Do you have any other questions?
Candidate: Just oneconsidering the significant amount of travel that this position entails, is there a possibility to be reimbursed for gas or mileage or be provided with access to a company car?
Company Rep: Our company does not have access to a fleet, but we can accommodate a monthly, mileage reimbursement and a
$500 contribution per year to wear and tear on your personal vehicle.
Candidate: That sounds reasonable! Is it possible to receive an updated offer letter in writing that can reflect the new terms of
$54,000 and monthly, mileage agreement weve discussed today for my final review?
Company Rep: Sure John, Id be happy to get that out to you within the week.
Candidate: Thank you for your time and willingness to address my questions. What time frame can I work within to provide
you my final answer?
Company Rep: It would be great if you could provide an answer within two weeks.
Candidate: Sure, I can do that. I look forward to being in contact with you, Mr. Negosh.
Company Rep: Great. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Vectren Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer dedicated to diversity and
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To apply, please submit resumes through
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Sierra Lobo, Inc. is the prime contractor for the Test

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Sierra Lobo management is dedicated to excellence in
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Sierra Lobo is an equal opportunity employer (EEO-M/
F/D/V). We offer competitive wages, medical, dental, vision,
and life insurance, a 401K program, tuition reimbursement,
paid holidays, personal time and vacation. NASA also offers
an onsite fitness center, daycare/pre-school and cafeteria!
To view our current job postings go to www.sierralobo.com
and click on Careers and then Employment Opportunities.
Now Recruiting the Following Majors:

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Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities and College Recruitment Media express their gratitude to the advertisers listed above
for their generous support of the 2014-2015 Career Planning Handbook.

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IN SEARCH OF REMARKABLE STUDENTS

Explore the opportunities

An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.

CENTER FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, Purdue University

2014-2015 Career Planning Handbook

Look Into Majors

Explore Careers continued

Gain Relevant Experience

21st Century Partners

Directors Circle - $10,000 annual gift

Union Pacific Railroad

Executive Ambassadors - $5,000 annual gift

Daimler Trucks North

Corporate Partners - $2,500 annual gift

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National Security Agency

Career Services Consultants are available to meet with you

For a complete listing visit the CCO Calendar and Campus

Clinics & Outreach Presentations

Career Decision-Making Process

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Career Decision-Making Checklist

Desirable Transferable Skills

Working with People

Working with Data

Do you work well within a team structure?

What kinds of software and technology can you use

Working with Ideas

Working with Things

Developing a Winning Resume

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Related or Relevant Courses

References Available Upon Request

Power Verbs for Your Resume

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Chronological Resume Sample

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Chronological Resume Sample

Chronological Resume Sample

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Chronological Resume Sample

Chronological Resume Sample

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Chronological Resume Sample

Chronological Resume Sample

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Chronological Resume Sample

Chronological Resume Sample

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Functional Resume Sample

Functional Resume Sample

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Cover Letter Guidelines

Identifies the position for which you are applying.

Use resume paper, preferably white (8.5 x 11) with a

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Cover Letter Sample

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Curriculum Vitae Sample

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References Page Sample

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Look Into Majors

Identifies the position for which you are applying.

Use resume paper, preferably white (8.5 x 11) with a

Identify your goals and consider

Take standardized tests and request

Write a draft of your personal

Complete your personal statement

Research program options and

Meet with faculty members in

Requests letters of recommendation from faculty; provide a copy

Register for required standardized

Get organized. Create a file for each

Order transcripts from all postsecondary institutions and request

Prepare for standardized tests.

Check with schools to verify that

Mail acceptance forms and, if

Remember that many offices will be

Notify schools that you will not

Make copies of all application pieces

Grabbing the readers attention in the

Avoid references to experiences or accomplishments in

Be meticulous. Type and proofread your

Back up your statements with

Use career resources to further explore opportunities:

What steps would you recommend to someone interested

Tell me about yourself.

What job-related skills have you developed?

Why did you choose your major?

What other types of positions are you considering?

Will I have the opportunity to work on special projects?

Describe the setting in which your interview response takes place.