Job Search

Before you can begin looking for a job, you have to know what kind of job you want and are qualified for. It would be difficult to find something that was "just right," meaning it would give you career satisfaction, meet your financial and physical needs, and provide you with an opportunity to make valuable contributions and gain important experience. An analogy would be that you are trying to make a special dish for a dinner party. If you went to the grocery store without the recipe, you would probably have a very long and frustrating shopping trip. You would wander up and down the aisles hoping to stumble across exactly what you needed, even though you didn’t know exactly what you were looking for. Think of your job search as this recipe: you will need to identify all the ingredients or factors that, when combined, create the right job for you. Save yourself time and aggravation when looking for a job!

Consider the following questions in identifying those factors most important to you:

What are your career goals?
In what geographic area do you want to work? Are you willing to relocate?
Would you prefer to work for a small company or large corporation? Public or private?
Do you like to work closely with others or to work independently?
Do you want to work in the same office, with the same people everyday or do you want more day-to-day variety?
What skills do you enjoy using most? Least?
How would you describe your work style? Do you like to have a structured schedule or a flexible, "anything could happen" day?
What type of work environment do you see yourself working successfully in?
What kind of "client" or "customer" do you see yourself working with or for? Children? The general public? People of a special population (educators or engineers, etc.)?
What kind of salary do you (reasonably) expect to earn? What types of benefits are important to you?

These are just a few questions to ask yourself; it would be a good investment of your time to think of even more relevant questions. Check career development books (available in the Career Services library), ask people you know who have recently conducted a job search, and see what other decisive factors you can identify. It may be helpful to keep a list of each of the items most important to you. When scanning the classifieds, researching on the Internet, or attending a job fair, you can refer to your list and make sure you are staying on track. You may come across a position description or company information that reminds you of other essential ingredients!

As soon as you know specifically what kind of job you are seeking, you will be more effective and successful in finding a job that will bring you career satisfaction.

Once you have determined what you want to do, there are a variety of vehicles you can utilize to help you obtain that job. The most successful job seekers try several avenues simultaneously, giving them a broad exposure to the job market. You should cover all your bases!

JOB LISTINGS: Advertisements of current or anticipated openings are often a good starting point. You can find job listings in the Career Services Office, newspaper classifieds and various Internet sites (see section V, page 13). Additionally, the Human Resources or Personnel offices at most medium- to large-sized companies list all position openings in a central location. Some offer a "jobs hotline" and/or website bulletin boards indicating current openings. When applying for a job through any of these listings, it is necessary to send a cover letter, your résumé and, if requested, a list of professional references.

CAREER FAIRS: This is a popular choice for employers and job seekers. For more details on career fairs, see section V, page 17. You can find out about upcoming job fairs through the Career Services Office, newspaper advertisements, and career-related Internet sites (see section XII, page 39).

ON CAMPUS INTERVIEWS: The Career Services Office works closely with employers and professional associations to arrange on-campus interviews for students and alumni. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to have face-to-face contact with a hiring authority. In order to sign up, you will need to submit several copies of your résumé, laser printed on high-quality paper.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS: This is an increasingly popular method employers use to hire qualified staff and personnel. Some agencies specialize in a particular field or industry; others are "generalist" firms. Before signing up with a recruiter, be sure you do some research about the general practices of the agency, any fees you may be expected to pay and how they operate. It is recommended that you sign up with several different recruiters/agencies to give you more exposure. You will probably be asked to complete an application and submit a copy of your résumé when you meet with the recruiter.

NETWORKING: You may find out about job openings by word of mouth or through personal contacts. This can be a very successful way to find a job! Be sure your friends, co-workers, professors and previous supervisors know that you are looking for a job. Give out copies of your résumé to anyone you know who may be able to give it to a hiring authority!

PERSONAL INITIATIVE: If there is a company or organization that you have researched and would like to work for, take the initiative! Send a cover letter and your résumé, even if you aren’t aware of any current openings. More and more companies realize the intelligence of hiring good people when they find them, not just when there is an opening. If you are able to talk to an employer who cannot hire staff at this time, ask for a referral. Perhaps s/he knows a colleague who is interviewing candidates for a similar position. Persistence pays off!

There are additional resources available to you in the Career Services library. Be sure to browse the "Job Search," "Job Opportunities" and "Career Development" sections or ask one of the career counselors for a specific recommendation. The Internet section (page 35) of this booklet also suggests particular sites that may be helpful.

Career Fairs are held annually in the Chicago area for the purpose of bringing together local, regional and national employers with students/job-seekers. The emphasis is on networking: making good impressions and developing contacts that will hopefully lead to formal job interviews. Employers may simply collect résumés or they may actually conduct interviews at the fair. Students must, therefore, be prepared for anything!

You can expect hustle and bustle! Most career fairs host large numbers of employers (in booths or at tables) and attract hundreds of students. The atmosphere is "energized" by all the activity and conversations. You will register upon your arrival (receive a name tag and "map" of the room) and then you are on your own.

Target several opportunities and present yourself to them. Listen attentively and gather information. Learn as much as you can about the various openings available. Collect business cards for future reference; this will also help you with follow-up after the fair. Your "mini-interview" should be a dialogue, not a monologue. Because you have limited time to make an impression and gain valuable information about the company, you should have several questions ready. These questions help you figure out if the company is a good match for you. THEN use that information to sell yourself! Answer questions directly, politely and concisely.

You will initiate contact with the employers present: introduce yourself, smile, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. You can present your résumé and inquire about employment possibilities. Employers look for firm handshakes (but don’t break anyone’s hand either) and good communication skills from a prospective employee. A friendly manner and ease in conversation will take you a long way. This is your first impression (besides your appearance), even before the résumé or interview. Practice! Practice! Practice! Shake hands and introduce yourself to your friends, to family, to yourself in the mirror. Attend as many mock interviews and job-related seminars beforehand as you can. Preparation workshops are offered on campus throughout the year; you can contact Career Services for more specific information.

Employers at career fairs look for prospective employees who know what they want in a career. If you are confused about your future you will need to work out those issues ahead of time with a career counselor. When you are in front of the employer, it is important to show your self-confidence and about your skills and career direction. They have too many candidates to see and can’t afford to waste any time to help you determine your career goals.

Business attire is expected at career fairs. There are a wide variety of professional suits for men and women available today: many styles, colors, fabrics, etc. It is recommended that you dress conservatively without compromising your identity. While you wouldn’t want to turn off an employer with a bright orange and green striped suit, it is important that you are comfortable with how you are representing yourself. Keep in mind you will be on your feet and walking for most of the day, so plan accordingly.

Bring at least 20 copies of your résumé, printed clearly on high-quality paper. If you do not have a résumé, see section VI, and work with a career counselor to develop one. You can also bring your reference page (printed clearly on the same high-quality paper) to distribute to any interested employers. Bring a portfolio or briefcase in which you can carry résumés and also place any business cards or company information you may receive. Finally, bring a positive attitude and an eagerness to meet new people. They will serve you well!

Many career fairs have tables set up with career counselors to answer any questions you may have or provide guidance as needed. There also may be copy machines or computers available should you need to produce extra copies of your résumé or make changes. Do not rely on these services, however; come prepared!

So you made it through a career fair! Now what? Résumés left behind act as a reminder and reinforce the impression you made with the recruiter/employer. However, do not rely on the recruiter to contact you after the fair. Identify positions you would like to learn more about and contact the employer within two weeks of the career fair. It is appropriate to send a follow-up letter/thank you note to any employers you met at the fair. This is your chance to thank them for their time, explain why you are a good fit with the company/organization, and express your continued interest in the position.

You have been called for an interview! Preparing for an interview means more than making sure your business suit is clean and that you show up on time (although these are two very important points).

It is important to remember that the purpose of the interview is two-fold: 1) the employer needs to find out if you are the best candidate for the job and 2) you need to find out if this is a good opportunity for you.

Can you do the job? Do you have the appropriate background (education, skills, experience)? Are you able to learn and adapt?
Will you do the job? Do you want to work for this company or is this merely a stepping stone for you? Are you motivated and eager to do a good job?
Will you fit in? Do you work well with others? How do you respond to supervision? Do you have the skills to balance where their team is currently weak? Do they like you?

Before you go to the interview, completely research the industry, the company and the position. Understand the current trends, the "hot topics" and specific challenges this organization may be facing. Have a good grasp of what duties and responsibilities are expected of someone in the position for which you are applying.

Bring several copies of your résumé and reference list to the interview. Be on time and wear appropriate professional attire. Be friendly and "on your best behavior" the moment you set foot in the building/office; treat everyone you see with courtesy and respect. Use a firm handshake and good eye contact when greeting the interviewer. Wait until you are asked to be seated before doing so. Express yourself clearly: use complete sentences and proper English. Be aware of body language. Your tone of voice, gestures and posture all give clues about your feelings and attitudes. Face the interviewer in an open, relaxed manner. Nod at appropriate times to show that you are listening.

Be prepared to answer questions about how you fit into this industry, company and position. What can you contribute? What makes you unique and more qualified than the other candidates? Many books (available in the Career Services library) and Internet sites (see section X, pages 35, 36) offer sample questions that an employer may ask. Practice answering interview questions in a direct, polite and clear manner.

Offer examples of how you have used a particular skill or how you responded to a dilemma. Think about what experiences you have had in and out of the classroom that make you a good fit for this position and company. When you are answering questions, let others build you up by saying things such as, "My boss felt some of my most valuable attributes were that I could always be counted on to get a project done on schedule and that the details had all been taken care of."

During the interview, show what you can do for them. The employer wants to know what you will bring to the company and how you are going to improve their situation. During the interview, the emphasis must not be on what you want, but on how you can benefit the organization.

Focus on the positives! When asked to recall past problematic situations or weaknesses, stress how you overcame these obstacles. Do not criticize former employers. If you really cannot answer a question, offer how you might go about finding the answer.

Be prepared to ask intelligent and insightful questions. This is a VERY important area! Do not overlook this. This is your chance to show the interviewer that you "did your homework" on the company and that you have given this interview careful consideration. You will want to find out exactly what the job is (title, responsibilities, department, supervisor) and what type of training you would be given. Find out how job performance is measured and what skills are necessary to be successful in this role. Ask what the predecessors in the job have moved on to. Be certain that you ask what the next steps are in the interview process. Find out what stages they are in currently and when you could expect some kind of a response.

NEVER bring up the issue of salary. Wait for the interviewer to introduce the topic; it may not come up until a job offer is made. If you are asked about your salary requirements, answer in terms of a range, not a specific dollar amount.

After your interview it is critical that you send a thank you letter to your interviewer(s) within 48 hours. See section VII, page 30 for tips on creating a thank you letter.

If you have been asked to conduct a telephone interview, consult a career counselor or career guide to help you prepare. Telephone interviews require special considerations and preparation.

A resume is an introduction of yourself to an employer or graduate school and can serve as your application for a particular job. It is a formal document and thus follows a set format, although there are many different formats you can utilize in designing your resume. Two samples are provided in this guide, however, you may wish to explore other acceptable resume formats which can be found through Internet sites and resume writing books. The Career Services library has a section of resume and cover letter "how to" books if you would like to look at different styles to find one just right for you!

In this section, you will find a "Skills Identification Worksheet" and a list of "Action Words." These are provided to assist you in writing your resume: perhaps you will be able to articulate more specifically what your strongest skills are and describe more persuasively your accomplishments in a previous position.

Your name and complete address should be highly visible at the top of your resume. The address and phone number should be where you reside and can be reached. Include your E-mail address only if you check your messages regularly!

Employers use this information to assess a job match. This should be specific to the job for which you are applying. Use action words and concise phrases.

List in reverse chronological order, putting the school name, city and state. Then indicate degree, graduation date, major and GPA. Don’t mention academic work unless it has led to a degree or certificate.

This is an optional category. You may wish to include if particular courses you have completed are relevant to the position for which you are applying.

The more impressive your work history or internship experience, the more prominently you should display it. List employment/internships in reverse chronological order, specifying position title, employer name, city and state, and dates. Use action verbs that describe your accomplishments in the position rather than just your assigned duties.

This section could also be called "SKILLS." Emphasize skills that are relevant to the position for which you are applying. Give short, results-oriented statements to support your skills. Position your most marketable skills first. Don’t forget to include computer skills!

Title this section anything applicable: "ACCOMPLISHMENTS," "INTERESTS," or "ACHIEVEMENTS." Be sure to list the name of the organization, city and state, and date(s) as appropriate.

This section can be omitted. Of course you will supply references if a prospective employer asks for them. Send your reference list with your resume and cover letter or bring it to the interview. Create a separate reference page: Include only people who have agreed to serve as a reference for you. Include four people: one or two professors, a current or previous supervisor, and a personal reference (NO relatives). Indicate name, title, organization/company, address and phone number. You can order your references on your reference page in two ways: 1) alphabetical order; or 2) in order of importance (most recent supervisors or professors first, personal reference last.)

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a position in the field of marketing in which my creativity and sales experience would greatly contribute to the company.

EDUCATION

Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois
Bachelor of Science Degree Anticipated May 1999
Major: Marketing Minor: Communications
GPA: 3.75/4.00

Dr. Joseph Knight
Professor of Marketing
Elmhurst College
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 617-0000

Ms. Jennifer Smith
Associate Editor
Kendall Publishing Company
123 St. Charles Road
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 999-1234

Mr. Michael Johnson
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Elmhurst College
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 617-9999

Ms. Mary Anne Sullivan
Senior Staff Accountant (Personal Reference)
Enterprise Rent A Car, Inc.
432 Roosevelt Road
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60122
(630) 546-0000

Information Services and Technology, Elmhurst, Illinois; Switchboard Operator, February 1997- present.
The Harbour, Des Plaines, Illinois; Child Care Counselor, September - December 1996.
The Break-Free Project, London, England; Intern, September - December 1995.
Bailey’s Ice Cream Shoppe, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Supervisor, Summers 1992 - 1994.

PsiChi National Honors Society, for Psychology, Selected Member.
Academic Advisory Committee, Psychology Department, Selected Member.
Hannah House, Residential facility for teenage girls, Volunteer/Program Aide.
Counseling Center Peer Educator, Presented program activities to promote healthy living on campus, Elected Secretary.

It is hard to know where to start when creating a résumé. The first step is to identify your specific skills. The following worksheet will guide you in the process of identifying your skills. Circle or highlight the specific skills that you believe are your strengths. Think of ways to use these terms on your résumé.

Reviewed
Developed
Controlled
Performed
Accomplished
Reorganized
Decreased
Initiated
Designed
Advised
Implemented
Maintained
Explained
Suggested
Adjusted
Created
Instructed
Built
Reported
Organized
Acquired
Manufactured
Lobbied
Compiled
Produced
Adapted
Planned
Modified
Determined
Augmented
Purchased
Proposed
Evaluated
Streamlined
Persuaded
Examined
Engineered
Packaged
Collected
Coached
Counseled
Estimated
Screened
Audited
Tested
Elicited
Advertised
Fired
Copyrighted
Founded
Achieved

Operated
Monitored
Generated
Revised
Supervised
Enhanced
Wrote
Debugged
Conducted
Obtained
Selected
Referred
Formulated
Enlarged
Motivated
Devised
Solved
Studied
Ordered
Led
Consolidated
Eliminated
Processed
Posted
Steered
Transcribed
Closed
Completed
Delivered
Reduced
Restored
Instituted
Diagnosed
Sold
Made
Guided
Approved
Administered
Replaced
Increased
Established
Expanded
Calculated
Directed
Supplied
Produced
Headed Interpreted
Represented
Scheduled
Distributed

Researched
Assembled
Installed
Dispatched
Budgeted
Appraised
Lectured
Interviewed
Logged
Patented
Edited
Vended
Rescued
Managed
Negotiated
Trained
Provided
Improved
Invented
Contacted
Programmed
Taught
Discovered
Constructed
Repaired
Inspected
Cultivated
Hired
Catalogued
Inventoried
Balanced
Translated
Displayed
Presented
Identified
Designated
Coordinated
Authored
Recommended
Analyzed
Conceived
Executed
Assisted
Corresponded
Documented
Promoted
Simplified
Arranged
Recognized
Placed

A cover letter is needed when applying for a position you have seen listed or have heard described specifically. It’s purpose is to help you get an interview with the employer! This letter should be accompanied by your résumé and, if appropriate, your reference page. Cover letters follow a basic format, as described below, but each cover letter should be tailored to the specific position for which you are applying.

FIRST PARAGRAPH
This paragraph states your purpose for writing. Identify the specific position for which you are applying; state that you wish to apply for the position; mention where and when you saw the job described or how you heard about the job.

MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S)
One or two middle paragraphs should tell the reader about your best qualifications and credentials. Pick the one or two things about your training, your personal assets, your achievements that directly relate to the skills needed in the sought-after job.

Make it easy for the employer to respond to your wishes. This is where you make an action request. State your desire for a personal interview. Give the reader any information that will make it easier to contact you for the interview. Be enthusiastic and positive.

The cover letter is a business letter and therefore should follow general guidelines of business communications. Be neat, error free (correct spelling and grammar), and printed on high-quality paper (preferably the same paper on which your résumé is printed). The envelope should be printed or typed on high-quality envelopes (again, of the same paper on which your résumé is printed is preferable).

The cover letter should be no longer than one page. Follow the style and organization suggested by the position advertisement, but choose words and ideas that are fitting to you.

John E. Smith
Vice President for Human Resources
Smith & Jones, Incorporated
555 West Berkely Street, Suite 130
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

In response to your advertisement in the Chicago Tribune on January 4, I am enclosing my résumé for your consideration. I am interested in the Assistant Director of Marketing position and believe you will find me to be a well-qualified candidate.

I am particularly attracted to your position because of my interest and experience in marketing and communications. I am familiar with the educational community from which Smith & Jones attracts many of its clients. Your company has an excellent reputation as having a team-oriented environment with a strong commitment to creativity and new ideas. My work style and strengths fit well with those characteristics.

As you will notice on my résumé, I have worked with a publishing firm to promote new product lines. I created a successful marketing plan that led to great profits and the approval of that new product from Kendall’s largest client. My previous supervisors will tell you that I am a valuable employee who works well with others, meets deadlines consistently, and gives 110%!

I would like to meet with you and discuss in-depth the many contributions I can make to your organization. I am available to interview at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me at (630) 999-0000. Thank you for your time and consideration.

The Thank You letter is crucial! Not all candidates will write thank you notes, although it is still an expected and polite gesture. If you want to stand out from others applying for the same position, send thank you notes--to everyone you met there, that day. This includes not only employers, but also their secretaries, receptionists, or anyone else who gave you a friendly helping hand in any way. Treat every employer with courtesy, even if it seems certain they can offer you no job here; they may be able to refer you to someone else next week, if you made a good impression.

The letter should thank the interviewer/staff member for his/her time, for answering your questions and for sharing information about the company and position. Include a brief synopsis of your unique qualities and explain how you are well-suited for the position. Use the thank you letter to underline anything that was discussed during the interview or to add anything you left out that was important.

The Thank You letter is a business communication, but it can be more informal. You may hand write it if you prefer but only if your handwriting is very legible. Ask them, at the time you are face-to-face with them, for their business card (if they have one), or ask them to write out their name and work address on a piece of paper for you. It is difficult to figure out how to spell some people’s names and this is no time to misspell a name! Write the thank you letter that same night or the very next day at the latest. This is important!

Be neat, error free (correct spelling and grammar) and printed on good quality paper (preferably the same paper on which your résumé is printed). The envelope should be printed or typed on good quality envelopes (again, of the same paper on which your résumé is printed is preferable).

The thank you letter should be no longer than one page. In fact, it may only be a few short sentences. Thank you letters should be written individually for each prospective employer, not printed in quantity like the résumé.

Every contact you have with a prospective employer can impact your chances of getting a job. While it’s true that first impressions last forever, second and third impressions count as well! Be purposeful and conscientious about how you present yourself in interviews, letters, phone calls-- in every single interaction you have! Following are different examples of why and how you may be communicating with an employer and suggestions to help you.

If you are interested in working for a particular company or organization but you have not seen a listing for a relevant position, you can write a letter of inquiry. This allows you to introduce yourself to the employer and express your interest in the company. Perhaps you are relocating to the area or simply exploring other possibilities while still employed; a letter of inquiry would be appropriate. Many companies recognize their employees as their greatest asset and therefore won’t pass up a good candidate just because there isn’t currently an opening. You don’t know what other circumstances may be affecting hiring decisions: maybe a promotion is just around the corner for their current staff accountant. Your timing may be perfect and you’ve just saved this company the huge expense of conducting a job search!

You can find a good sample of a letter of inquiry in any of several books available in the Career Services library. Additional information sources that may be helpful are Internet sites (pages 35, 36) and other literature from the local library or bookstore. Use the sample letter as a guide to writing your own letter which can then reflect your own style.

Most employers are very busy people with many responsibilities not at all related to filling the particular position to which you are applying. It is important, therefore, for you to maintain regular and appropriate contact throughout the "application process." This can be difficult if you feel that you are pestering or bothering the hiring authority. While you are correct in avoiding either of those behaviors (you want the employer to remember your name for good reasons!), you can initiate contact with him/her within proper boundaries. The employer could be looking for someone who can take initiative and show persistence!

There are different reasons you may be calling an employer and it is important that, before you make the call, you know why you are calling. Have your résumé and reference list in front of you and complete company information (especially name and title of the person you are calling). It may be helpful for you to practice what you will say or jot down some ideas of how you want the conversation to go. Understand what you hope to accomplish through the conversation: i.e. do you want to set up an interview or do you want to know when a decision will be made? This will give you focus and clarity once you are actually on the phone with the hiring authority.

You sent your cover letter and résumé (along with any other materials/information requested) according to the position classified/posting. If the advertisement specifies "No Calls," don’t call! Some companies will send a postcard or letter immediately upon receipt of your application, notifying you that your materials have arrived and identifying the next step of the process (i.e. "if we are interested, you will be contacted to schedule an interview"). If there is no such request and you have not heard from the employer, you can follow up with a phone call. The purpose of your call may be to make sure your materials have been received or the purpose may be to set up an interview. Be clear and confident, but not overbearing, during your conversation.

You had an interview (or two) and immediately sent thank you letters. You were told the decision would be made within a week and it has now been two weeks. It is appropriate, then, to call the person who interviewed you or the person coordinating the search. In this conversation be sure to thank him/her again and express your continued interest in and enthusiasm about this opportunity. Ask if a decision has been made and, if not, if there is more information or another interview you can provide to assist in the decision-making process. Most hiring decisions are not made by one person, so it’s important to understand the great coordination of feedback and opinions it can take to hire a new employee. Be empathetic!

You have been notified that another candidate was offered and has accepted the position. Sometimes this information is communicated to you verbally, but typically you will receive a letter. Instead of just walking away and feeling defeated, see what you can gain from this experience. Call the person conducting the search (or, if someone different, the person who interviewed you) and ask for feedback. Express your congratulations and best wishes for their new employee, thank him/her again for time and consideration, and ask for feedback (on your cover letter, résumé, interview style, etc.). This information could directly benefit you as you continue your search, maybe even help you in your next interview!

Another purpose of this type of call would be to ask for a referral. If you receive very positive feedback about your candidacy, ask if s/he knows of any colleagues in the field who might be hiring for a similar position right now. Perhaps a call could be made on your behalf or you would receive a job lead. This can be a good opportunity for networking!

Is it ever appropriate to e-mail instead of writing or calling? At this time, it is not acceptable to substitute electronic business communications for traditional paper unless specified by the employer. Occasionally it may be permissible to use e-mail for informal communications; an example would be if you discussed a particular book with the employer during an interview and s/he requested you pass on the author’s name and publishing company. You could e-mail that information to the employer. In some cases, it may be acceptable to E-mail a business letter or your cover letter and résumé to a prospective employer. In such cases, printed copies should be sent in the mail at the same time. This issue will undoubtably become more prevalent as technology advances. In the meantime, however, we recommend more traditional methods of communication.

As soon as you discover a personal interest in graduate study, you should seek out the counsel of the Chairperson of the related academic department or a faculty mentor...even if this interest begins to grow in your first year of college! A faculty member is an excellent resource for the beginning of your inquiry. Faculty are a good source of information regarding the relationship of graduate study to career options, as well as the identification of programs and institutions to begin a search for more details about programs. Once information is received from several of these institutions, a faculty member will be in a position to provide guidance and respond to your questions about the materials received. As you study and discuss information from several institutions, you will gain confidence in your ability to make a decision which is right for you. Stay in close contact with your faculty mentor throughout this process.

College and university guides are a resource for identifying and comparing graduate programs. Perhaps the best known is the Peterson’s Guide which is available at the College library as well as on-line (see the Internet section of this booklet). This guide and most others will offer general information about such matters as admission requirements, application procedures, tuition costs, financial aid, and academic programs. After you have reviewed some of the guides, discuss the conclusions you are developing with your faculty mentor. Remember the guides are a place for academic institutions to put themselves before potential students in the best light.

A critical consideration for many students in attending graduate school is the availability of financial aid. Graduate assistantships are a common source of funding for graduate students and can also provide valuable experience. As you review the materials from an institution, locate information about the presence of assistantships. If there is no information in the printed material, ask the graduate admissions office about the availability of graduate assistantships in the program of interest to you. Some graduate programs require participation in graduate assistantships as a part of the educational experience; such programs typically arrange interview schedules for prospective students.

Many graduate schools require the completion of general knowledge examinations for admission. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the Medical College Admission Test (M-CAT) and the Law School Admission Test (L-SAT) are among the most widely-used standardized tests. Work closely with your faculty mentor to determine which, if any, general knowledge exams you should take for your particular field of study and when you should take the exam. All of these exams are offered periodically through the year and some can be taken on computer. More information and registration materials for each of the above mentioned exams are available in the Career Services Office.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
explaining listening persuading	speaking teaching writing

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
managing time prioritizing planning	budgeting resources predicting

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
advising cooperating confronting greeting	group facilitating interviewing negotiating

CREATIVE SKILLS
inventing designing entertaining	dramatizing innovating displaying

LEADERSHIP SKILLS
administering coordinating deciding delegating	initiating managing supervising

PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
investigating researching observing	locating trouble shooting asking

MAINTENANCE SKILLS
compiling handling details record keeping setting up	updating serving carry out requests

INTELLECTUAL SKILLS
abstracting conceptualizing analyzing	classifying questioning

JUDGMENT SKILLS
appraising editing evaluating reviewing	examining inspecting hiring and firing

COPING SKILLS
working under pressure enduring getting along with others	persevering accepting criticism