Preparing and Applying For Jobs

Strengthen your resume experience descriptions with strong action verbs:  

Use this resource to help strengthen your bullet points

Other Action Verbs for Resumes

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) & Resumes:

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is the software that you upload your resume and cover letter to when applying for positions. It is how recruiters manage the hiring process. Check out this video to see what happens when you apply for a job: 

Below are some tools that can assist you in making sure your documents are ATS friendly:

JobScan.Co: Assists in optimizing your documents and gives job seekers an instant analysis of how well their documents are tailored to  a particular position and how it can be made even better.

PannaScore: Analyzes your documents using algorithms from a job posting to provide a relevance score that evaluates your documents. 

An Inside Look at iCIMS ATS Job Applications

For more information on ATS, click here

A professional reference is a recommendation from a person who can vouch for your qualifications for a job. References can include;

• former employer
• colleagues
• clients
• supervisors
• professors
• coaches
• college personnel

The key is picking references who have observed you acting in a productive capacity where you displayed your skills and credentials for employment.

A Reference Page Should: (an example is provided here)

• Be formatted with the same heading as your resume, cover letter and thank you letter (name, email, contact information)
• Include at least 3 references (make sure you have their permission first)
• Be a separate document and not included on your resume

All CV's, cover letters, and resumes uploaded in CORE are reviewed by The Exchange to give feedback on content, formatting, and employer perspective. Please see the steps below detailing how to upload a document for review.

1. Log-in to your CORE account with your MU credentials and selecting Continue with Microsoft.
2. Go to your Profile (left-hand module listing), and find the Application Materials tab.
3. Select Add New, and Upload your document*

4. Wait up to 24 hours for emailed feedback from The Exchange. If approved, you will receive email notification.

*Not sure where to start? Take a look at the Resource Library for recommended formatting examples

1. Schedule a Mock Interview

Schedule an appointment with The Exchange for a mock interview in CORE.

2. Research the Organization

Thoroughly research the organization you're interviewing with and look up your interviewer(s) on LinkedIn.

3. Select an Outfit

Select professional attire for the interview (unless otherwise instructed by your interviewer). Visit our Dress to Impress Closet to take a look at our free, gently used closet of professional clothing.

4. Prepare the Proper Documents

Have a padfolio with copies of your resume and notes to utilize during the interview.

5. Bring Questions

Bring a list of questions for your interview team, about the job requirements, and workplace experience.

6. Arrive Early

Leave extra early and plan to walk in 15 minutes before the interview.

Mock Interview -General Guide

Some employers are unable to meet with applicants in person due to distance or time constraints. Therefore, they call the applicant and have an interview with them over the phone. 

Here are some tips on how to make the best of your phone interview:

1. Know When to Take the Call

Sometimes the call comes out of the blue, so if there's a number calling that you're unfamiliar with and you're in the middle of something, don't answer. If it's the interviewer, they will leave a voicemail and you can call back at a more appropriate time.

2. Focus on your Language and Voice

Remember, they can't see your physical engagement, but they can hear it in your voice if you are smiling and confident. Also, it's easy to ramble a little on the phone, so take a deep breath and relax.

3. Be in a Quiet Environment

You don't want background noise or people talking & kids screaming. One great place to set up for a phone interview is in The Exchange. You can reserve a room in our space to ensure a quiet environment.

4. Have the Necessary Information Ready

You do not want to keep the interviewer waiting while fumbling around looking for something. This also shows the interviewer that you're prepared and organized.

5. Focus

Put away any distractions. Turn off any extra electronics, silence distracting app notifications, and place any unnecessary items out of sight,

Below are some recommendations to virtual/video interviews:

Have Suitable Surroundings

• Do not interview in a messy bedroom or where other people are walking around. You can reserve a space in The Exchange to ensure a quiet and well-organized space.

Dress the Part

• Make sure you are dressed the same as if you were interviewing in person

Check your Video and Microphone

• Be sure your microphone and camera are properly working ahead of time, as well as your internet connection

Have a Back-up Plan

• Technology doesn't always work the way we want it to. Be prepared to have to transition to "Plan B" i.e. a phone interview

Like phone interviews, some employers use Zoom/Webex/Google Meet interviews as opposed to in-person interviews for the reason of convenience. Luckily, unlike phone interviews, the employer is able to see you. This can work to your advantage, but be sure to prepare yourself and your surroundings.

Employers are not allowed to ask about aspects of your life/identity that are protected by law: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. (Source: EEOC)

For additional reading, check out:

• How to respond to illegal interview questions
• How to respond to weird interview questions

 

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Salary Research:

Juggling job offers:

Other Tools:

Salary Calculator

How to Calculate your Salary Needs

Get Involved:

• Gain transferable skills through on-campus employment
• Get involved in community service through campus ministry
• Show leadership skills through involvement in athletics
• Explore clubs and organizations on campus
• Study abroad and experience another culture or language

• Engage in micro internships with Parker Dewey
• Gain virtual real world experience with Forage
• Find Internships on Job Boards like CORE, LinkedIn, and Work and Learn Indiana