O f f i c e o f H u m a n R e s o u r c e s

Job Search Resource Guide

1

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Overview of the Steps 3

Getting Started_____ 4

Conduct a Self-Assessment 5

Explore Options_________ 6

Networking

Social Media

Develop a Plan 10

Apply for Positions 11

Writing an Effective Cover Letter

Analyzing a Job Description Worksheet

Sample Cover Letters

Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae

Writing an Effective Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Resume Preparation Worksheet

Action Words Resource Sheet

Sample Sections to Include on a CurriculumVitae

Sample Resumes

Sample Curriculum Vitae

Tips When Applying for Northwestern Positions

External Online Job Search Engines

Local Universities

Job Search Tracking Worksheet

Interview 36

Preparing for an In-Person Interview

Preparing for a Telephone Interview

Sample Interview Questions

Questions to Ask and Avoid During the Interview

Post-Interview Follow Up

Closing 44

Document last updated 8/8/2012.

2

Introduction

Northwestern University is committed to supporting employees with the tools and information necessary

to assist with a career transition. With this in mind, Northwestern’s Office of Human Resources has

developed a resource guide to support staff in the job search process. This guide provides a summary of

the key steps in conducting a job search, along with practical tools and resources for getting started.

Should you have questions regarding your job search, you may contact the Office of Human Resources at

847-491-7507 (Evanston) or 312-503-8481 (Chicago).

3

Overview of the Steps

Conduct a Self-

Assessment

Explore Options

Develop a Plan

Apply for Positions

Interview

Land Your New Position

4

Getting Started

There are many components to conducting an effective job search. Before you begin, consider the

following:

Do you have a good understanding of yourself and the type of employment that interests you?

Have you identified industries, companies, and organizations that interest you?

Have you identified what positions are currently open within your target industries and

organizations?

Have you identified networking opportunities?

Do you have a cover letter and resume prepared?

Have you prepared for interviews?

Are you prepared to track your progress toward finding employment?

Being thoughtful about these components before you begin your job search can help to streamline the

search process and lead to a more successful outcome.

5

Conduct a Self-Assessment

Self-assessment is the first step in an effective job search. It is important to understand early on who you

are and what is important to you in a job. The following are questions to consider when thinking about

your career:

What makes me happy?

What things have I done in the past that I really enjoyed?

What types of things interest me?

What are my skills, abilities, and interests?

What type of work environment do I like?

What things are most important to me in a job on which I am unwilling or unable to compromise?

What type of people do I like to spend time with?

What type of management style do I work best under?

What qualifications and education do I bring to the table?

Do I value work / life balance and what am I willing to trade for it?

As you think about what positions, industries (e.g. manufacturing, higher education, service, technology),

and organizations you plan to target in your job search, consider them in the context of how you

responded to the questions above. For example:

Are they a good fit given my skills, abilities, and interests?

Will I find the work interesting and challenging?

Will they provide me with the things that are most important to me and on which I cannot

compromise?

If you are looking for additional support in determining what career best fits your own skills, interests,

and abilities, there are a number of free self-assessment tools available on the Internet that you may find

useful. Additionally, the Office of Human Resources also has an assessment profile at no additional

charge to University employees called the CareerPortrait, available at Workplace Learning under Career

Planning Tools.

6

Explore Options

The next step in your job search is to explore options. Write down all your ideas for new possibilities.

What types of positions are you looking for? What industries are of interest? What potential paths would

you like to explore? A resource to help you explore various career paths is Beverly Kay’s seminal Up is

Not the Only Way.

If you are considering not only changing jobs, but also changing careers, there are additional

considerations you must address, such as:

What type of experience is necessary to qualify me for a position in my career of interest? If you

lack the requisite experience, consider signing up for volunteer work or enrolling in a course to

gain exposure to this type of work.

What skills do I need for the type of positions I am interested in? Do I possess these skills?

Consider that many skills are often transferable. Explore how to reframe past experiences to

highlight your transferrable skills rather than your specific work activities.

Do I have a compelling story for why I want to switch careers? Since there will undoubtedly be

other job applicants who possess experience more directly relevant to the position, it will be

important that you have a compelling reason for changing careers and that you can clearly

articulate this to potential employers. Develop a brief, minute-long “story” highlighting your

reason(s) for changing careers. Also, ensure that your cover letters describe why you are seeking

to change careers and the ways in which your skills translate to the new career.

A recommended resource that can help you further explore the process of career reinvention is Herminia

Ibarra’s book Working Identity.

7

Networking

Career networking is a very powerful tool to leverage when you are in the midst of a job search. When

thinking about networking, it is important to remember that networking should not be a one-sided

relationship or only about you getting a job. Rather, networking is about creating long-lasting, mutually

beneficial relationships that allow you to tap into career opportunities that might not otherwise be known.

While it is essential that you are honest and relaxed when networking, you also shouldn’t wing it. Before

beginning to network, you will want to develop a list of potential contacts. Think broadly about these

contacts and consider individuals from all different parts of your life. These could include contacts from

Northwestern, previous employers, schools you attended, associations to which you belong, and those

within your community.

Once you have compiled your list of contacts, thoroughly research their backgrounds and work history.

Also consider forums for creating new contacts, such as business conferences, continuing education

classes, and volunteer opportunities.

There are several professional and social organizations within Northwestern that provide excellent

networking opportunities for staff, including:

AHEAD@NU The Association for Higher Education Administrators' Development helps higher education

administrators establish and fulfill their academic, career, personal and social objectives, while

also providing support for navigating the potential challenges encountered.

http://www.northwestern.edu/ahead/

ANUW The Association of Northwestern University Women supports the professional development of

women in administration at the University.

http://www.northwestern.edu/anuw/

GLUU The Gay and Lesbian University Union is an organization for LGBT graduate students, faculty,

staff and alumni at Northwestern University.

http://www.northwestern.edu/gluu/

NURAP Northwestern University Research Administration Professionals supports research administration

professionals at Northwestern University and is open to all members of the Northwestern

University research community.

http://www.research.northwestern.edu/nurap/

NUSAC

Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council is a group of volunteer staff members appointed

by the President to promote a positive work environment and serve as an advocacy group and

communication channel between staff and University administration.

http://www.northwestern.edu/nusac/

8

University Circle University Circle provides opportunities for Northwestern University women to participate in

service, scholarship and social activities that enhance the University community.

http://www.northwestern.edu/university-circle/

The Women's Center

The Women’s Center serves as a gathering place for women students, staff and faculty across

lines of race, class and sexual orientation. It is a safe haven where NU women connect, as well as

an environment suited to enrich personal, professional and academic lives.

http://www.northwestern.edu/womenscenter/

Finally, PlanIt Purple, the University’s events calendar located on the main home page, is also a great

resource for staying abreast of events happening on and around our campuses.

9

Social Media

With the Internet buzzing with social media, there are many ways to use this in order to network and

augment your job search. Several of the most prominent social networking sites are included below. As

you use these sites, it is important to appropriately set your privacy settings and be mindful of how posts

and pictures may be perceived. You should represent yourself professionally on social media sites and in

a way that is consistent with your broader job search.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site that allows you to build and maintain

professional connections with colleagues, business prospects, or others within your industry. It

allows you to create a professional profile detailing your professional expertise and work history

and provides a useful forum for seeking employment.

http://www.linkedin.com/

Facebook

While Facebook is a social networking site more popularly used for connecting or reconnecting

with personal friends or other people you know, when used appropriately it can also be an

effective networking tool. It allows you to create a profile of personal information and to share

messages, photos, links, videos, and other information.

http://www.facebook.com/

Twitter

Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables you to send and

read brief text-based posts. From a networking standpoint, Twitter allows you to connect with

other individuals based on a common interest.

http://twitter.com/

10

Develop a Plan

Once you’ve explored some options, set some targeted goals. Targets/goals should be S.M.A.R.T.:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Time-Bound

When setting targets, think about…1

How will you know whether or not you are on the right track?

Can the goal be broken down into a series of sub-goals that can be monitored to assure that you

are moving in the desired direction?

Evaluating Attainability

Is this a logical next step from the present position and salary grade?

What is the competition likely to look like and how will my qualifications compare?

Evaluating Relevance

Is the goal in sync with my recent position, skills, and abilities?

Is the goal a step in the right direction?

Your targets should reflect a match between the realities of the organization, the marketplace, and your

skills and aspirations.

Targets By When

1. _______________________________________________ _______________________

2. _______________________________________________ _______________________

3. _______________________________________________ _______________________

For your top two targets, what actions do you need to take and by when in order to meet your target?

What new skills and education might you need to acquire?

Actions (Sub-Steps to Meet Your Target) By When

1. _______________________________________________ _______________________

2. _______________________________________________ _______________________

3. _______________________________________________ _______________________

1 Adapted from Up is Not the Only Way, Beverly Kaye, 2001

11

Writing an Effective Cover Letter

A cover letter is an introductory letter that accompanies your resume when applying for a position. It is

important to include a cover letter each time you apply for a position, as it can be a great asset in your job

search. The purpose of a cover letter is to demonstrate that you are a viable candidate for the position and

to help you stand out from the other applications that have been received. The best cover letters are those

that are tailored to the specific position to which you are applying. The general components of a cover

letter are as follows:

Begin the letter by indicating why you are writing and to what position you are applying.

Indicate how you learned of the position, particularly if it was through a personal contact. If you

are writing a letter of interest in which you are asking about what positions may be available,

specify why you are interested in working for this particular employer.

In the next one to two paragraphs, outline your qualifications and match them to the requirements

of the position. Demonstrate enthusiasm and a desire to help the organization reach its goals.

Indicate why you stand out relative to the position or organization. Be brief but provide specific

examples, and relate relevant details about the organization so the employer knows you have

done research ahead of time.

Include a brief final paragraph that indicates what action will come next. Direct the employer to

the enclosed resume, make your availability known for an interview and, whenever possible, let

them know that you will contact them to discuss the opportunity further.

Close by thanking the employer for their time and consideration.

Consider the following tips when creating a cover letter: 2

Keep your cover letter brief and simple. A half-page cover letter is ideal and you should avoid

going over one page in length. Steer away from using buzzwords, acronyms, jargon, and overly

personal language. Use a font size that is simple and clear.

Grab the employer’s attention right from the start by pointing out how you can make a difference

in a way no other candidate can.

Rather than simply listing your past accomplishments and titles, position them in terms of how

they benefit the organization. Your cover letter needs to answer the question “What’s in it for the

organization?”

Always use spellcheck and have someone else check your cover letter for proper spelling,

grammar, and overall readability.

After sending in your cover letter and resume for a position, be sure to follow up. You’ll increase

your chances for an interview and demonstrate your enthusiasm if you contact the employer to

follow-up rather than merely waiting for a call.

2 Adapted from http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-cover-letter/1599-1.html.

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Analyzing a Job Description Worksheet3

Three key errors that individuals often make when applying for a position are: a) not thoroughly reading

and analyzing the job posting; b) not including a cover letter; and c) not customizing their cover letter and

resume for each individual job posting. Following these simple steps listed below will assist you in

customizing your cover letter and resume to a specific job posting:

1. Read every single word in the job posting.

2. Identify the key position requirements and write them down (using the left column below).

3. Identify the “implied” position requirements and add those.

For example: You read “minimal supervision” – that probably means they want someone who can hit

the ground running, make accurate decisions quickly, be self-directed without the need for much

structure, and deal with ambiguity. Does that fit you? If so, use those “read between the lines”

phrases that accurately describe you when writing your cover letter.

4. For each position requirement, write down the examples/evidence from your experience and

education that demonstrate your skill and ability to meet those requirements and competencies (using

the right column below).

Position Qualifications, Requirements

and Competencies

(Both stated and implied)

Your Evidence

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

5. Be sure all of your matching evidence for a particular job posting is highlighted in your cover

letter and included within your resume.

Clearly lay out what the hiring manager is looking for – that is, someone whose skills, abilities

and experience match what is needed for the position. Make it easy for the hiring manager to find

that information.

13

The example below demonstrates how you can use this exercise to develop a customized cover letter or

follow-up letter to an organization in which you are interested:

Dear Ms. Smith:

It is my understanding, through a friend who is employed at Northwestern, that your office is

reviewing applications for a Communications Specialist. I have submitted my resume for

consideration and want to reiterate my interest in the position directly to you. The responsibilities of

the position appeal to me, and I am confident that I could meet the challenges presented. For your

review, attached is a copy of my resume that details my key qualifications listed below:

Your Required Minimum Qualifications My Qualifications

B.A. or B.S. in Marketing or related field B.S. in Mass Communications with an emphasis

in Public Relations

3 – 5 years writing experience 3 years as journalist and 1 year as Editor for the

Beloit College newspaper

2 years as staff writer for Grainger, IT

Communications

Experience working in a collaborative, fast- Experience with cross-functional teams meeting

paced environment tight deadlines

Ability to develop and present educational Developed and hosted bi-monthly TechTalk

information to a public audience series to large audiences (averaging 50 – 100

Participants)

I look forward to discussing the position with you in more detail. Thank you.

Robert Garcia

3 Analyzing a Job Description Worksheet excerpted from Northwestern University’s Managing Your Career Series, Office of

Human Resources.

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Sample Cover Letters

October 14, 2011

Mr. William Jackson

Delaney University

13764 Jefferson Parkway

Roanoke, VA 24019

Dear Mr. Jackson:

I am writing to apply to the Administrative Assistant 3 position with Delaney University advertised on

your organization’s web site.

I have a Certificate III in Office Administration and have spent over nine years working as a personal

assistant in leading companies including Build It Funds Management and Igloo Human Capital

Management. Overall, I have 12 years of experience working in office administration.

In my current role as Personal Assistant to the Vice President at Build It Funds Management, I am

required to manage a range of general administrative and specialized tasks in a timely and accurate

manner. This includes organizing meetings, distributing agendas, managing a complex and ever-

changing executive’s calendar, preparing presentations, and drafting correspondence. I possess advanced

Microsoft Office skills and have used them to help produce the company’s annual report and prospectus

that are available on the company’s web site.

I work effectively both autonomously and in a team environment. While providing high-quality

assistance to the company’s Vice President, I am also required to liaise with and assist 12 other staff

members. This requires excellent time management skills, as well as the ability to communicate

effectively and professionally.

I am confident and friendly and believe that my experience and skills would be an asset to Delaney

University. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to the opportunity

to meet with you and discuss my candidacy for the position.

Sincerely,

Layne A. Johnson

5542 Hunt Club Lane #1

Blacksburg, VA 24060

(540) 555-8082

lajohnson@gmail.com

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November 12, 2011

Mr. Robert Burns

President, Research Management

MEGATEK Research Corporation

9845 Technical Way

Arlington, VA 22207

burns@megatek.com

Dear Mr. Burns:

During my online research, I was more than enthused to find your recent opening for a Research

Technologist 1 at MEGATEK Research Corporation. I have just the right level of experience, training,

and expertise that you request in your advertisement for this position. I have been a Research Technician

for the past nine years at ATR International, Inc. and Precision Research Corporation and have extensive

experience in all aspects of lab work, research, analysis, and troubleshooting. I am proficient with all

tools and equipment related to the field and I am extremely knowledgeable about how to test and review

various specimens.

In both of my most recent positions, I have been responsible for the development and validation of

method testing for pharmaceuticals, and I also have significant experience in the handling, storing, and

distribution of pharmaceuticals. I have a deep understanding of the nature of a Research Technician’s job

and the high level of accuracy, efficiency, and industry knowledge required for success. In addition to my

relevant work experience, I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Eastern University and am

highly analytical, astute, and communicative.

I am confident that my background uniquely qualifies me for success in this position. Thank you in

advance for your review of my enclosed resume. I will contact you next week to discuss the possibility of

meeting in person to discuss this position further. In the meantime, should you need to contact me, I can

be reached at the telephone number below.

Sincerely,

Morgan Stevens

123 Ascot Lane

Blacksburg, VA 24060

(540) 555-2556

mstevens@hotmail.com

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Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae

In addition to submitting a cover letter when applying to a position, you will also need to submit a current

copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, which is often referred to as a C.V. for short. You may be

wondering how these two documents differ.

A resume is a concise one- or two-page written summary of your accomplishments, abilities, skills,

qualifications, and experience. A C.V., on the other hand, is a longer and more detailed account of your

background. In fact, “curriculum vitae” is a Latin expression that can loosely be translated as “the course

of my life.” A C.V. frequently includes a summary of your education and academic background, teaching

and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, fellowships, relevant

coursework, references, and other details. In the United States, a C.V. is frequently used when applying

for academic, education, scientific, or research positions.

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Writing an Effective Resume / Curriculum Vitae

When creating a resume or C.V., it is important to keep the following tips in mind: 4

Use a font and font size that are simple and clear. Standard fonts include Arial, Helvetica,

Universe, Times New Roman, Palatino, Century Gothic, and Courier. Standard font sizes range

from 10 to 14 points.

Ensure the document is grammatically perfect and free of typos. Formatting within the document

should be consistent.

To manage your job search and the correspondence you send and receive, open a new email

account that will only be used for your job search. This will be the email address you include on

your resume and that you use to post your resume or application to any job boards. Ensure the

email address you select is appropriate to include on your resume. Email addresses that are too

personal or that include your birth year should not be used.

To help protect your privacy, consider having two versions of your resume – one that includes

your home mailing address and full contact information and another that includes only your

name, city, state, cell phone number, and email address. The general version can be used more

broadly, such as for applications you post to online job boards, while the more personalized

version can be shared on a more limited basis once you are further along in the selection process.

Place your personal information, such as your name, city, state, phone number, and email address

into the header area of your resume or C.V. so that it prints at the top of each page. This will

prevent employers from losing a page even if they become separated after printing.

Ensure the length of your document is appropriate given your work experience and background.

A resume is typically one to two pages in length. As mentioned previously, a C.V. is typically

longer and frequently spans many pages. With a C.V., it is more important to focus on the

document’s comprehensiveness than its length.

In a C.V., the “education” section should either be the first section you include or immediately

follow a summary statement. In a resume, where you place the “education” section will depend

on the length of your prior work experience. Frequently, recent graduates or those with minimal

work experience will place the “education” section near the beginning of the resume, while those

with more work experience will place it near the end since it requires less emphasis.

18

In a resume, it is important that the descriptions of your past experience are accomplishment-

oriented and frequently they will be listed in a bulleted format. When listing accomplishments,

use action verbs to describe your experience and ensure that each bullet point you include

answers the question “So what?” A C.V., on the other hand, will place more emphasis on who

you worked with, where you attended school, and where you published.

Consider including your grade point average (G.P.A.) for the institution(s) you attended if it

reflects favorably upon your academic history. You may want to leave this information off your

resume if it does not reflect favorably. In any case, after a few years of work experience your

G.P.A. is less relevant and does not need to be included.

When you submit your resume or C.V. online, frequently the prospective employer uses a

program to scan the resume based on keyword content. Therefore, it is important that your

resume or C.V. uses enough keywords to define your skills, experience, education, professional

affiliations, and industry background. You may want to consider including a “keyword

summary” section to increase the likelihood of the computer selecting your resume or C.V. It is

appropriate to use jargon and acronyms specific to your industry in the “keyword summary.”

If your resume or C.V. is going to be scanned or e-mailed, rather than the traditional printed

document on high-quality paper, avoid embellishments such as underlining, bold, or over-stylized

text.

Tailor your resume or C.V. to the specific position to which you are applying. Ensure it indicates

your accomplishments related to the experience, skills, and competencies the organization has

listed in the job posting. Each of the requirements listed in the job posting should be included

within your document.

4 Excerpted in part from Ohio University’s “All About Resumes.”

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Resume Preparation Worksheet

Full Name

Home Address and Telephone Number

Email Address

Professional Summary

Include a brief paragraph here that summarizes your professional experience. In this section, it is

appropriate to use either complete sentences or sentence fragments (e.g. “I am an experienced and

polished executive assistant” or “Experienced and polished executive assistant”).

Include bullet points outlining your experience, accomplishments, and skills just below:

Professional Experience

Company Name and Location Month/Year to Month/Year

Description of company/organization

Job Title

Summary of responsibilities and resulting accomplishments/benefits to the organization.

Company Name and Location Month/Year to Month/Year

Description of company/organization

Job Title

Summary of responsibilities and resulting accomplishments/benefits to the organization.

20

Company Name and Location Month/Year to Month/Year

Description of company/organization

Job Title

Summary of responsibilities and resulting accomplishments/benefits to the organization.

Company Name and Location Month/Year to Month/Year

Description of company/organization

Job Title

Summary of responsibilities and resulting accomplishments/benefits to the organization.

Include any additional previous employment history below. Ensure any gaps in employment are covered.

Company Name and Location Month/Year to Month/Year

Company Name and Location Month/Year to Month/Year

Company Name and Location Month/Year to Month/Year

Education and Training

Include a list of your degrees and certifications here, beginning with the most recent. This should include

the degree or certification granted and the name of the granting institution.

Skills

Include a list of your skill sets, including technical, language, and soft skills.

Professional Affiliations

Include a list of your professional affiliations here.

References

Include a list of your references here. This section is optional.

21

Action Words Resource Sheet

Since it will be important for each point on your resume to indicate what action you took and what benefit

to the organization resulted, the following list of action verbs has been compiled to assist you as you

prepare your resume: 5

Management Skills Communication Skills Administrative/Detail Skills Administered Addressed Approved

Analyzed Arbitrated Arranged

Assigned Arranged Catalogued

Attained Authored Classified

Chaired Corresponded Collected

Contracted Developed Compiled

Consolidated Directed Dispatched

Coordinated Drafted Executed

Delegated Edited Generated

Developed Enlisted Implemented

Directed Formulated Inspected

Evaluated Influenced Monitored

Executed Interpreted Operated

Improved Lectured Organized

Increased Mediated Prepared

Organized Moderated Processed

Oversaw Motivated Purchased

Planned Negotiated Recorded

Prioritized Persuaded Retrieved

Produced Promoted Screened

Recommended Publicized Specified

Reviewed Reconciled Systematized

Scheduled Recruited Tabulated

Strengthened Spoke Validated

Supervised Translated

Wrote

Research Skills Technical Skills Teaching Skills Clarified Assembled Adapted

Collected Built Advised

Critiqued Calculated Clarified

Diagnosed Computed Coached

Evaluated Designed Communicated

Examined Devised Coordinated

Extracted Engineered Developed

Identified Fabricated Enabled

Inspected Maintained Encouraged

Interpreted Operated Evaluated

Interviewed Overhauled Exchanged

Investigated Programmed Facilitated

Organized Remodeled Guided

Reviewed Repaired Informed

Summarized Solved Initiated

Surveyed Trained Instructed

Systematized Upgraded Persuaded

Set goals

Stimulated

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Financial Skills Creative Skills Helping Skills Administered Acted Assessed

Allocated Conceptualized Assisted

Analyzed Created Clarified

Appraised Designed Coached

Audited Developed Counseled

Balanced Directed Demonstrated

Budgeted Established Diagnosed

Calculated Fashioned Educated

Computed Founded Expedited

Developed Illustrated Facilitated

Forecasted Instituted Familiarized

Managed Integrated Guided

Marketed Introduced Referred

Planned Invented Rehabilitated

Projected Originated Represented

Researched Performed

Planned

Revitalized

Shaped

5 Adapted from Boston College Career Center with original development by the Employment Development Department of

Palo Alto, California.

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Sample Sections to Include on a Curriculum Vitae6

Education Dissertation

Master's Project

Thesis

Professional Competencies Areas of Expertise

Areas of Concentration in Graduate Study

Internships

Teaching Interests Teaching Experience

Research Interests Research Assistantships

Postdoctoral Experience

Research Appointments

Research Experience

Professional Experience Academic Appointments

Professional Summary

Related Experience

Administrative Experience

Consulting Experience

Academic Service Advising

University Involvement

Outreach

Leadership

University Assignments

Professional Development Professional Association Advisory Boards

Advisory Committees

National Boards

Professional Activities

Conference Participation Conference Presentations

Conference Leadership

Workshop Presentations

Invited Lectures

Lectures and Colloquia

Publications Abstracts

Scholarly Works

Books

Chapters

Editorial Boards

Professional Papers

Technical Papers

Refereed Journal Articles

Editorial Appointments

Articles/Monographs

Book Reviews

Research Grants Funded Projects

Grants and Contracts

Patents

Awards Scholarships

Fellowships

Honors

Activities and Distinctions

Professional Recognition

Prizes

Professional Memberships Affiliations

Memberships in Scholarly Societies

Professional Organizations

Honorary Societies

Professional Societies

Professional Certification Certification

Licensure

Endorsements

Special Training

Foreign Study Study Abroad

Travel Abroad

International Projects

Languages

Language Competencies

6 Excerpted from the National Institutes of Health’s Guide to Writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) at

https://www.training.nih.gov/assets/Writing_a_CV.pdf.

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Sample Resumes

Megan Brown 321 N. School

Chicago, IL 60001 Phone: 123.456.7890

someone@example.com

EDUCATION: University of Name, city, state Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, June 2011 Majors: Biochemistry, Spanish Minor: Chemistry GPA: 4.8/5.0 Relevant Coursework: Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry (I, II), RNase Structure and Function, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry (I, II), Experimental Medicinal Chemistry EXPERIENCE: University of Name, city, state Research Assistant, Dept. of Chemistry April 2008 - June 2011

“Identifying nuclear protein targets of Angiogenin” Used protein based techniques (Protein purification, Cell culture, Pull-down

Assay, SDS-PAGE, Co-Immunoprecipitation, 2D Gel Electrophoresis) to identify protein-protein interactions of Angiogenin in cancer cells

Maintained various cell culture lines (e.g. A-549, HUVEC, HeLa) “Identifying novel Cyclooxygenase and Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors based on

structure-activity relationships” Chemically synthesized Celebrex® (anti-arthritic) to modify and test as an

anticancer agent Presented research at various local and regional symposia Trained less experienced research students in laboratory techniques

Nurse’s Assistant, Sumner Health Center September 2008 - June 2009

Performed basic pre-examination procedures Maintained files and patient data

Organic and General Chemistry Content Tutor January 2010 - June 2011

Tutored Undergraduate students in the concepts of General, Organic, and Bio Chemistry through teaching approaches tailored to the individual

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Independent Research, Spanish Department September 2010 - June 2011

“Multi-dimensional bilinguality: A language immersion experience for a future in medicine”

Studied abroad August-December 2009, Granada, Spain Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club Senior Leader/Assistant Director June 2002 - September 2007

Directed a year round sports league for youth ages 6-15 Organized and directed an after school program at a Chicago Public School

HONORS:

Named to Dean’s List all terms September 2007 through June 2011

26

Jane Smith

1234 West School Street Chicago, IL 60000 312-111-1234 someone@example.com

EDUCATION

Green University, College of Biological Sciences

Bachelors of Science in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development

September 2007 – May 2011

GPA: 3.8 / 4.0; Relevant Courses: General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry with Lab, Biochemistry,

Genetics, Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Molecular Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology of Cancer, Immunology,

Endocrinology

EXPERIENCE

Green University, Department of Entomology

Undergraduate Research Assistant - January 2010 – May 2011

Maintained laboratory equipment and greenhouse

Worked in MAES/MDH quarantine facilities which required proper decontamination techniques

Maintained exotic parasitoid and aphid strains in quarantine facilities

Performed DNA Extraction and PCR independently

Green University, Department of Pediatrics, BMT/Hematology/Oncology (PI Dr. Alex Brown, MD.)

Undergraduate Research Assistant - March 2008 – August 2009

Independently maintained a colony of over 60 strains of mice including the daily breeding, weaning, and genotyping in a Specific Pathogen Free environment

Performed laboratory techniques including PCR, Luciferase Assay, FACS, PBL Phenotyping, DNA Extraction on research mice

Administered intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and oral injections to research mice along with irradiation for the study of Graft versus Host Disease

Extensive use of Microsoft Word and Excel to keep track of the entire colony of mice

St. David Home - Chicago, IL

Nursing Assistant - March 2005 – January 2008

Administered personal care for Alzheimer’s residents including activities of daily living

Completed vital signs and charting daily

Dementia training

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Infant, Child, and Adult CPR, AED, and First Aide Instructor, May 2008 – January 2011

American Red Cross – Chicago, IL

Child Life/Nursing Services Volunteer, April 2011 – Present

Children’s Memorial Hospital - Hematology/Oncology Inpatient Unit

SKILLS

Laboratory Techniques – DNA extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, FACS, cell plating, basic microbiology

laboratory techniques (including yeasts and E.coli), reagent preparations, basic chemistry and organic chemistry

techniques, basic statistical analysis, Western Blotting, BLAST (sequence analysis software), computational analysis

27

Lisa Miller

567 Rosewood Lane Colorado Springs, CO 81207 (960) 555-1212 someone@example.com

Profile

Motivated, personable business professional with college degree and a successful 12-year track record of administrative excellence. Talent for quickly mastering technology – recently completed Microsoft Office Suite certificate course. Diplomatic and tactful with individuals at all levels. Accustomed to handling sensitive, confidential records. Demonstrated history of producing accurate, timely reports meeting stringent accuracy guidelines. Flexible and versatile – able to maintain a sense of humor under pressure. Poised and competent with demonstrated ability to easily transcend cultural differences. Thrive in deadline-driven environments. Excellent team-building skills.

Skills Summary

Project Management Report Preparation Written Correspondence

Computer Savvy Customer Service Scheduling

Front-Office Operations Professional Presentations General Office Skills

Professional Experience

COMMUNICATIONS

Prepare complex reports ensuring full compliance with agency requirements and tight deadlines. Author professional correspondence to customers and vendors. Design and deliver series of classes for local businesses and associations, providing ergonomic counseling and

educating employees on proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Conduct small-group sessions on meditation/relaxation techniques. Communicate medical concepts to patients using layman’s terms to facilitate understanding. Rapidly learn and master varied computer programs; recently completed Microsoft Office certificate course.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Oversee front-office operations and provide impeccable customer service. Produced department’s strategic marketing plan. Provide front-line response to all office inquiries and route office customers and visitors to the appropriate

designate within the office.

ORGANIZATION

Effectively manage the President’s complex calendar. Manage the room reservation system for the department ensuring that rooms are not overbooked. Balance multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining the ongoing operations of the office. Maintain files for all study-related materials housed within the office.

Employment History

ABC CHIROPRACTIC – Colorado Springs, CO; Pueblo, CO; Cheyenne, WY Executive Assistant, 1993 to Present

Education

ABC COLLEGE – MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Bachelors Degree in Communication, 1991

GPA: 3.89/4.0

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Sample Curriculum Vitae

Mike Davis 10 School Street

Chicago, IL 60001 Cell : 123.456.7890

Email: someone@example.com EDUCATION Brown College, Brown, MA September 2003-May 2007

B.A. French, *substantial coursework in Biology, Pre-Med, Fine Arts Michigan University Pre-Health Professions Program January 2009-May 2010

Courses to fulfill pre-med requirements Paris College Junior Year Abroad, Paris, France January-May 2006

Attended the Sorbonne, with an art history focus SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Michigan State University Research Projects Manager and Teaching Intern July 2007-present

Assisted Dr. Joseph Rosen in biomedical engineering research, teaching, international medicine, public health, and military government policy work, which included 6 major projects:

o Project I: Organized and planned college-level health care and technology courses at Thayer School of Engineering and hosted visiting lecturers; served as TA

o Project II: Managed the Simulation Committee for Plastic Surgery Education that was composed of surgeons and computer scientists for the Plastic Surgery Association. Contributed to strategic planning, identified funding sources, created presentations, promoted and explained work at conferences, and coordinated logistics

o Project III: Planned and attended government meetings, coordinated logistics and contributed to report-writing for the Defense Science Board Improvised Explosive Device Task Force to provide recommendations for improved medical care for wounded service members

o Project IV: Coordinated a volunteer surgical trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, and managed related telemedicine project, including fundraising and logistics for American medical team and planning with Vietnamese counterparts

o Project V: Assisted in communication and delivery of supplies for Myanmar Relief Effort post-Cyclone Nagris

o Project VI: Planned and managed 2008 Upper Valley Polytrauma Conference, including directing the budget, planning the agenda, inviting speakers, advertising, planning the exhibits

Gained an understanding of engineering problem-solving methods and engineering in medicine solutions to healthcare on individual and public health scales; supervised 6 student workers

Chicago University Research Associate and Projects Manager July 2008-September 2011

Administered Years 1-3 of 5-year $50M Department of Defense program, the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM) Rutgers-Cleveland Clinic Consortium. Overall goal was to develop new clinical regenerative therapies for wounded soldiers. Remote work included 4 major responsibilities:

o Responsibility I: Member of COO Management Team: Contributed to overall management of 30 regenerative medicine research projects across 20 institutions nation-wide. Planned review processes and inclusion of new partners. Performed website development, communicated with investigators

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o Responsibility II: Managed CranioMaxilloFacial Program Portfolio of projects, including: bone, soft tissue, and Composite Tissue Allograft and Immunomodulation projects. Aided investigators with seeking leveraged funding, contributed to report-writing, informed investigators of leadership decisions

o Responsibility III: Managed the Clinical Advisory Board for clinical evaluation of planned products and research programs; facilitated product reviews

o Responsibility IV: Engaged synergy communication with colleagues in parallel $50M AFIRM grant (Wake Forest-Pittsburgh Consortium)

Wrote a $1M pre-proposal for nerve regeneration work which was accepted by the Defense Medical R&D Program

Prepared presentations for senior leadership (i.e. Army generals) and internal DOD and public reports

Gained an understanding of translational research projects, learned about the dynamics among government, industry, and academia

Columbia University September 2009- February 2010 Laboratory Assistant

Performed PCR analysis to assist with skin regeneration research such as underlying causes of scar formation

Contributed to writing and submission of grant proposal entitled: "Smart Robotics-based Automation to Tissue-Engineering In Situ"

Wrote animal protocol for skin regeneration testing in the Duroc pig

Learned methods for performing genotyping and histological preservation, including work with mice

Chicago University - Mailman School of Public Health January 2007 Selected Intern

Wrote laboratory protocol for H.I.V. research study on Mother-to-Child transmission and family-based care

Observed H.I.V. care at Harlem Health Clinic

Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator, Division of Rheumatology Summer & Winter 2004

Oversaw clinical trials for Dr. Nancy E. Lane, Principal Investigator

Consulted with glucosamine/chondroitin and parathyroid hormone study patients: recorded vitals, organized questionnaires, dispensed study medication and answered questions

Trained new research coordinator, updated lab data, and maintained files SELECTED LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Brown College Selected Resident Counselor Academic Years 2004-2005, 2006-2007

Provided informal advising & a community-building for dorms of over 30 residents

Planned and led educational and social programs

70 hours of training related to eating disorders, alcohol, diversity, depression, etc. Selected Laboratory Teacher’s Assistant for “Molecules, Genes and Cells” Fall 2005

Encouraged and aided students during weekly biology labs

Prepared and set-up for labs SELECTED CLINICAL EXPERIENCES Shadowing at Institute Arthur Vernes, Paris, France June 2006

Observed surgeries and the medical care system in France

30

Amherst College Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) February 2004-December 2005

Provided on call service, four 12-hour shifts per month

Administered emergency care for urgent medical situations on campus

Shadowing in the Emergency Department, Mills-Peninsula Hospital, CA Summer 2004

Assisted Dr. Christopher White with basic tasks & conversed with patients, total of 40 hours SELECTED COMMUNITY SERVICE Selected Emergency Room Volunteer, General Hospital Summers 2004 & 2005, Winter 2005 & 2006

Advocate for patients (conversing, providing meals and clothes)

Transported patients, ran for lab samples, patient charts, provide equipment

Selected Tsunami Relief Volunteer, Sri Lanka Summer 2005

Planned programs for children orphaned by the Dec. 26th tsunami

Aided in beach clean-up and basic construction

Provided emotional support to families in refugee camps PUBLICATIONS AND INVITED PRESENTATIONS

Include list of publications and invited presentations here

AWARDS & HONORS Charles Hamilton Houston Fellowship - Brown College May 2007

Recognized as the graduating senior who best personifies a commitment to realizing his/her humane ideals

Tom Gerety Fellowship for Action - Brown College January 2005 & 2006, Summer 2005

Three-time award recipient for domestic and international service work

31

Tips When Applying for Northwestern Positions

Although you are already familiar with Northwestern, it is important to prepare for your internal job

search much the same as you would for your external job search. Specifically, consider the following

additional tips when applying for internal positions:

Northwestern is an expansive institution that is engaged in broad and diverse activities. Given

this, it is important to learn more about the specific department or school to which you’ve

applied. Become familiar with the research they are working on, what initiatives or projects they

have underway, and any current news that may help you to understand their business better.

Be aware of general University news and read a local daily newspaper. Regularly visit the home

page for Northwestern University and its Schools.

Ensure that your email signature block and outgoing voice mail message project a professional

image.

While an employee at Northwestern, carry your business cards at all times and always be

prepared to meet new people and make new connections.

Take advantage of Northwestern seminars and associations that provide opportunities for

networking with other members of the University.

Since you never know when you’ll have an opportunity to “sell” yourself, prepare an elevator

speech. As it relates to finding a job, an elevator speech is a brief, but compelling, summary of

your professional skills, interests, and goals. The idea is you should be able to “sell” yourself in

the amount of time it takes to ride in an elevator with someone.

Set up informational interviews with contacts in your field of interest. Use these interviews to

gather valuable information regarding the industry, career planning, and job search strategies.

Project a positive image and dress for the position you want.

Speak with confidence when sharing your professional background and goals with others.

Apply for Northwestern positions as a current employee via Self Service while your Net ID is

active, rather than accessing positions as an external applicant. Regardless of whether your

Northwestern email is still active, it is recommended that you use a personal email address rather

than your Northwestern email address when applying online. This will ensure you continue to

receive communication regarding your applications once your Northwestern email account has

expired.

Submit a cover letter with each application that is customized to the specific position to which

you are applying.

32

Ensure your online applications and resumes have accurate job titles and work dates listed. If you

include more descriptive titles on your resume than those formally approved by the University,

acknowledge your official titles in parentheses.

Identify references who can attest to your professional history, including at least two current or

former supervisors. It is Northwestern University’s practice to notify you if your references will

be contacted. However, it is a good idea to let your references know ahead of time they may be

contacted so they are not surprised if they receive a phone call. If you are selected as a final

candidate, your supervisor will be notified.

If you are applying for jobs after your most recent position has been eliminated, account for the

time since you last worked. Identify those ways that you have continued to maintain knowledge

in your field of expertise, such as attending a course or an industry conference.

33

External Online Job Search Engines

Employment web sites are useful in identifying open positions within the job market you are targeting.

Several of the largest employment web sites are listed below, along with those that target job seekers in

non-profit and higher-education.

CareerBuilder.com

CareerBuilder.com is one of the largest employment web sites in the world. It allows users to

find job openings that match their skills and location.

http://www.careerbuilder.com/

Monster.com

Monster.com is another of the largest employment web sites in the world. It allows users to find

job openings that match their skills and location.

http://www.monster.com/

Non Profit Job Board

NPO.net is the leading non-profit job board in Illinois. In addition to posting job opportunities in

the non-profit community, NPO.net also posts opportunities for in-person networking within the

Chicagoland area.

http://www.npo.net/

HigherEdJobs

HigherEdJobs posts faculty and administrative positions at colleges and universities. It is a

leading source for job and career information in academia.

http://www.higheredjobs.com/

34

Local Universities

There are a number of local universities within the Chicagoland area that you may want to explore

regarding any available career opportunities. Listed below are several of these local universities:

DePaul University

http://www.depaul.edu/

Illinois Institute of Technology

http://www.iit.edu/

Loyola University Chicago

http://www.luc.edu/

National Louis University

http://nlu.nl.edu

Northeastern Illinois University

http://www.neiu.edu/

Roosevelt University

http://www.roosevelt.edu/

Rush University

http://www.rushu.rush.edu/

University of Chicago

http://www.uchicago.edu/

University of Illinois at Chicago

http://www.uic.edu/

35

Job Search Tracking Worksheet7

Organization / Company:

Organization / Company Profile:

Contact person and telephone number:

Position(s) applied for:

Date application submitted:

Date of interview:

Follow-up date:

Organization / Company:

Organization / Company Profile:

Contact person and telephone number:

Position(s) applied for:

Date application submitted:

Date of interview:

Follow-up date:

Organization / Company:

Organization / Company Profile:

Contact person and telephone number:

Position(s) applied for:

Date application submitted:

Date of interview:

Follow-up date:

Organization / Company:

Organization / Company Profile:

Contact person and telephone number:

Position(s) applied for:

Date application submitted:

Date of interview:

Follow-up date:

7 Excerpted from Florida International University’s “Outplacement Services Toolkit” at

http://hr.fiu.edu/uploads/file/outplacement/Follow%20Up%20Post%20Interview%20Letter%20Tips%20and%20Tools.pdf.

36

Preparing for an In-Person Interview

While the thought of interviewing is often daunting, interviewing is the primary way that employers and

candidates evaluate each other. Therefore, it’s important to know how to interview effectively. Below

are tips to assist you in preparing for an interview: 8

For each interview, think through and write down responses to the following questions:

What skills are required for the position?

When have you demonstrated those skills in the past? List specific examples, such as

projects, tasks, and accomplishments.

What special knowledge do you possess that would be useful for this position such as

Oracle, budget reconciliation, etc.?

List your self-management skills (that is, how you do your work), such as patience,

dependability, time management, and organization.

What transferrable skills do you possess such as being a good listener, writing, computer

applications, presenting, data analysis, customer service, etc.?

What skills and experience required for the position are you lacking?

How can your transferable skills help to fill in any gaps?

What is your “story”? Your story is the experiences you have had and decisions you

have made that lead logically to the position for which you are applying. Your story

helps the interviewer to know very clearly why you want this position and why you are

the best candidate. It needs to be authentic.

Prepare appropriate responses to especially difficult questions regarding salary requirements,

gaps in employment, short-term employment, and lay off situations:

Review your resume and note any red flag areas that could translate into a difficult job

interview question.

Ensure your responses to these tough questions are positive and professional and are

conveyed in a calm and confident manner.

Be brief but ensure that you have addressed any concerns on the part of the interviewer so

that the interviewer can move on.

Prepare questions that you want to ask the interviewer about the organization, the job, and the

manager.

Be sure that you have appropriate interview attire based on the culture of the organization for

which you are interviewing. Set your clothes out the night before and ensure they are clean and

pressed.

37

Set out the things you will need to bring with you to the interview, including directions, extra

copies of your resume, a nice pen and notepad, your references, and prepared questions that you

would like to have answered.

Practice, practice, practice. Being prepared for an interview and the tough questions you receive

is one of the most important steps.

Research the organization to which you are applying before the interview. Visit the

organization’s web site and read current news about the organization. Learn as much as you can

about the business, industry, current initiatives, and key leaders within the organization.

If you are interviewing for a position involving research, do your homework to ensure you

understand what projects and initiatives are underway and what research has been published from

the area within which you would be working.

Make a practice trip to help you find the interview location and gauge the time it will take to get

there.

Keep in mind that everything and everyone counts. Ensure that you are professional and

courteous to everyone you come in contact with as part of the interview process, whether this is

the interview scheduler, the receptionist, or simply the person who gives you directions within the

building if you are lost.

8 Excerpted from Northwestern University’s Managing Your Career Series, Office of Human Resources and Ohio University’s

“New Job Seekers Resource Guide.”

38

Preparing for a Telephone Interview

Many employers use telephone interviews to screen potential job candidates, particularly during the early

stages of the interview process. While preparing for a telephone interview is similar to preparing for an

in-person interview, there are a few additional points to keep in mind. The simple tips below will assist

you in ensuring you’re prepared when the phone rings:

Ensure you take the call from a room that is free of noise and distraction. Treat the room as you

would your work space and turn off the television and radio. Ensure that pets and children will

not interrupt your call. Keep a copy of your resume by the phone so that you can refer to it during the call. Also ensure

you have note paper and a pen handy so that you can take notes during your call. If you use your cell phone for telephone interviews, ensure that you have adequate reception. If

you have poor reception on your cell phone, you should use a land line instead. Smile during your phone interview so that you project positivity. Do not eat or chew gum during the interview. Answer each question succinctly and ask for clarification if you are unsure of what the

interviewer is asking.

39

Sample Interview Questions

One of the most important parts of preparing for an interview is to practice. Below are interview

questions that have been complied to help you prepare. It is quite likely in your job search that you will

encounter a type of interviewing known as “Behavioral Interviewing”. The principle behind “Behavioral

Interviewing” is the belief that the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. Typically, during

this type of interview, you will be asked questions that ask for real-life examples of times when you have

demonstrated the skills and competencies required for a position. Behavioral interview questions will

start with phrases like “Can you tell me about a time when…” or “Can you describe a situation where.…”

When responding to these questions, be specific in your responses. One helpful approach to answering

these questions is to use the STAR approach:

S – Situation: Describe the situation

T – Tasks: What task or goal were you working towards

A – Actions: What actions did you take to resolve the issue

R – Results: What happened and what were the positive outcomes

Listed below are a number of sample interview questions to help you prepare for your next interview. 9

You’ll note that many of the questions below follow the Behavioral Interview format.

Can you do the job?

Can you tell me about a time where you worked effectively in an environment in which the

parameters changed frequently?

Have you ever had to go the extra mile to satisfy a customer? What did you have to do?

Describe a situation where you were able to successfully coach an employee to better

performance.

Explain a situation you’ve been in where multiple demands have been placed on you. How did

you handle it?

When working on a project, how do you decide what gets top priority? Can you give me an

example?

Tell me about a significant achievement in your life.

What prompted you to study….?

Tell me about a time when you had to work towards a deadline. Did you meet it? If not, what

would you do differently next time?

Tell me about a time when you were given difficult feedback at work and how you handled it.

What would your current (previous) boss say about you?

Give me an example of a time when you demonstrated initiative.

Tell me about a situation in which you had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no

control.

Give me an example of a project or task for which you were responsible that did not go well,

either in terms of outcome or process.

Tell me about your most difficult management challenge.

40

Do you want the job? Do you want to work in this organization? Are you ambitious?

Why do you want to work for us?

Here and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your

homework so that you can speak in terms of the organization’s needs. Your homework

should include learning enough about the organization to avoid approaching places where

you wouldn’t be able – or wouldn’t want – to function. Since most of us are poor liars,

it’s difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your

prize is a job you don’t really want.

What do you know about our company/organization/business?

Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don’t

overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you want to learn more. You might

start your answer in this manner: “In my job search, I’ve investigated a number of

organizations. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons….”

What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand the industry.

You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or

even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which the

business is heading.

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Do not mention

personality conflicts and never concoct a story for an interview.

What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive

item.

What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Make your answer

oriented toward opportunity rather than personal security.

How long would you stay with us?

Indicate that you are interested in a career with the organization, but that you would have

to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of “as

long as we both feel achievement-oriented.”

Will you fit in?

Can you describe a time when you formed an ongoing working relationship with someone from

another department or organization to achieve a mutual goal when it wasn’t part of the culture or

wasn’t easy to do so?

Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work with someone with whom you

didn’t get along?

Describe a time where you had to work with a group of people to achieve a common goal.

What were the best and worst aspects of your current (previous) position?

What do you think of your boss?

41

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about

him in similar terms at some point in the future.

What is your management style?

You should know enough about the organization’s style to know that your management

style will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented, results oriented,

paternalistic, or participative.

Are you the best applicant for the position?

Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be careful to keep your answer to

a minute or two at the most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and

recent career experience. Remember this is likely to be a warm-up question, so don’t

waste your best points on it.

Why do you think you are the best person for the job?

Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or

your career accomplishments.

What skills and qualities can you bring to this position?

What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

Developing responses to questions such as these can be challenging, but with careful preparation you will

be ready with concise and professional responses when these tough questions come up in a job interview.

9 Excerpted from Northwestern University’s Managing Your Career Series, Office of Human Resources and “Parting Company:

How to Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully” by William J. Morin and James C. Cabrera.

42

Questions to Ask and Avoid During the Interview

A good interview should provide a two-way exchange of information. In addition to the employer

learning about you as a candidate, interviews also provide an opportunity for you to ask questions to learn

more about the organization and its people. The questions you ask during an interview both provide you

with insightful information into the position and how well it fits with your personal objectives, and also

demonstrate your interest in the position to the prospective employer.

The following are a number of questions to ask the hiring manager during an interview, as well as a

number of questions that you want to avoid asking.

Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager:

What skills and attributes are you seeking in a successful candidate?

How is performance measured for this position and within your organization?

What professional development opportunities are available? How is continuous learning

supported?

Why is this position open?

How would you describe the culture of the department?

What is the greatest challenge facing the department?

What is the projected future of the industry?

Where is the department headed? Are there any anticipated changes?

What are the goals of the department and the organization?

Who would my peers be and what are their job functions?

What is your supervisory style? How do you foster teamwork?

What is it about the organization that keeps you here?

What are the work cycles?

Do you have a timeframe in mind for making a hiring decision? What are next steps?

Questions to Avoid Asking the Hiring Manager:

What does this organization do? (You should already know this from your research).

I already have a vacation scheduled. If I get the job, will I be able to take the time off?

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Post-Interview Follow Up10

Following up with thank you letters after your interviews is critical to your job search success. At the

conclusion of each interview, be sure to ask for the interviewer’s business card so that you have the

appropriate information to write a thank you note.

Within two days of an interview or contact with a potential employer, write a letter expressing your

appreciation and thanks for their consideration and/or assistance. Email is appropriate if that has been

your means of contact throughout the process. Otherwise, direct mail is best suited for this type of

follow-up.

A thank you letter or email should follow the general format below:

Your contact information, the date, and the interviewer’s mailing information.

The introductory paragraph should thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.

Mention your interest in the job and your enthusiasm for it.

The second paragraph should include the reasons why you are an excellent candidate for the job.

List specific skills that relate to the job. Include information that you learned during the

interview so the prospective employer knows you were engaged during your time together.

The closing paragraph should mention anything you did not bring up at the interview that you

would like the prospective employer to know. Reiterate your appreciation for being considered

for the job and let the interviewer know you are looking forward to hearing from him or her soon.

Your closing and signature.

Be sure to send a separate thank you note to each of the individuals with whom you interviewed.

Keep in mind, this is also a good practice to follow when networking. Each time an individual spends

time meeting with you, be sure to send a follow-up note thanking them for sharing their time and

expertise with you.

10 Excerpted from Florida International University’s “Outplacement Services Toolkit” at

http://hr.fiu.edu/uploads/file/outplacement/Follow%20Up%20Post%20Interview%20Letter%20Tips%20and%20Tools.pdf.

44

Closing

We hope these materials are helpful to you as you plan your next career step. If you have any questions

regarding the job search process for Northwestern staff positions, you may contact the Office of Human

Resources at 847-491-7507 (Evanston) or 312-503-8481 (Chicago).

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O f f i c e o f H u m a n R e s o u r c e s 2 0 1 2