Comprehensive Career Guide

COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDE

Preparing HPU Students for the World as It’s Going to Be

YOUR FOUR-YEAR CAREER GUIDE

LEAD WITH LIFE SKILLS: Learn how to utilize the endless opportunities HPU offers to you to develop life skills and stand out from others.

RESULTS RULE: Discover why HPU graduates outperform the national average and launch impressive careers at major organizations.

Dear Student,

Congratulations! You are attending a university that has one of the highest outcomes rates in the nation. With 98% of graduates beginning their careers or graduate school within six months of earning their degree, HPU’s outcomes rate is 12 points higher than the national average!

Now, it’s time for you to visit the Office of Career & Professional Development. Building your relationship with our expert career team is an important step to your success.

To support you in between your advising sessions at the career office, we developed this guidebook specifically for you. Throughout, you’ll discover exercises, checklists and sage wisdom designed to benefit you. We’re confident you’ll earn your success at HPU by following this guide and working closely with our Office of Career & Professional Development team to prepare you to thrive in a very competitive marketplace.

We want you and every High Point University graduate to lead lives of success and significance. The Office of Career & Professional Development achieves that by working closely with students on a four-year career development plan beginning your freshman year. The Career & Professional Development team and so many others on campus are here to support you in pursuit of your goals.

I can’t wait to see what you accomplish at HPU and in your career.

Sincerely,

THE PREMIER LIFE SKILLS UNIVERSITY

You’re attending The Premier Life Skills University. That means that you can graduate with a set of life skills that executives at major companies say they need in new hires, but that most new hires don’t have.

As you begin your professional path, we want you to first understand and take advantage of HPU’s distinctive approach to professional development. This section will show you the unique offerings on HPU’s campus that other campuses don’t provide for their students.

Seize these opportunities so you’ll graduate as a top candidate for competitive careers and graduate school programs.

Be sure to connect with global leaders, utilize campus resources, attend events, and understand the impactful data found throughout this section. Each opportunity will help you embody the traits that employers say they need you to have when you begin your career.

A CAMPUS THAT COACHES

People rise to the level of their environment. Whether you’re in class, your residence hall or a common space on campus, you’ll be consistently surrounded by excellence. HPU’s entire campus is a holistic learning environment designed with your success in mind:

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES:

The Wilson School of Commerce lobby resembles as Fortune 500 Company. The Tilley Trading Room features a live stock ticker and trading software. Cottrell Hall, the central location for experiential learning, mimics Silicon Valley with its open space design and invites students to easily connect with important resources. The $350-million Innovation Corridor includes a state-of-the-art science and engineering lab for hands-on learning and research experiences. These are just a few examples of impressive learning spaces from which you can benefit.

A 500-ACRE CLASSROOM:

Flags from more than 52 nations fly along the Gene and Jane Kester International Promenade to honor each international student’s home country. Along its brick pathways, quotations selected by faculty provide ideas for reflection. Sculptures of significant historical figures inspire students to pursue their goals. The Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens bring holistic learning to life throughout campus.

These elements were intentionally placed on campus to present learning opportunities at every turn.

ENGAGING EVENTS FOSTER CONNECTION:

The HPU campus thrives on connection. There’s the Activities Fair, during which students get connected with clubs and causes that interest them. There are Greek organizations, which present leadership and service opportunities.

There are guest lectures, concerts, theatre performances, art exhibits and more to expose the HPU family and the community to the arts. There are 16 Division 1 athletic events to attend, dozens of intramural teams and 30 club sports teams on which to participate.

These opportunities exist to teach YOU to thrive in collaborative environments, to build relationships and connect the dots wherever you go!

OVERVIEW

CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT’S SERVICES

VISIT US IN COTTRELL HALL!

MICHAELA MUCHA, ’18

Creative Print Marketing at Walt Disney Studios

Major: Graphic design with minors in computer science and mathematics

“I can go on and on about how HPU has impacted my personal and professional life. I took advantage of all the opportunities HPU provided to me, through working as a student concierge, a resident assistant, a graphic designer, mentor, leader, intern and much more. I grew in character, leadership and professionalism in my four years on campus, and for that I’m incredibly grateful and proud of how HPU has shaped me to be who I am today.”

BLAKE JONES, ’21

Sales Development Representative at Qualtrics

Major: International business and marketing with a minor in Spanish

“The classes, experiential learning and professional development resources gave me the knowledge and skills to get this job. The training I received and the connections I established allowed me to secure this career. I used the Office of Career & Professional Development to develop my resume for internship and job applications. I then utilized their career expo to secure interviews with multiple companies.”

EMILIANO MARTINEZ, ‘20

Associate Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch

Major: International business

“HPU helped me get to where I am now by providing me with professors and friends who believe in me and who support every decision I make. The Office of Career & Professional Development worked with me during my application process to have my resume and cover letter reviewed.”

LEXI BECER, ’18

Product Strategy and Speed Innovation Coordinator at Calvin Klein

Major: Strategic communication with a minor in marketing

“HPU taught me to work on cross functional teams at all times. My communication level is at its best, and that is truly because of how much HPU taught me. Every class I took at HPU broadened my horizons and allowed me to see my true niche.”

THE FOUR-YEAR PLAN

The journey from classroom to career begins when you arrive. From freshman career planning, to LinkedIn profile sessions and conducting interviews on campus, students cultivate career options from day one. During their four years here, HPU ensures students are equipped with the tools they need as they prepare for successful careers.

FRESHMAN YEAR: EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

• Explore academic majors/minors

• Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to take the PathwayU assessment and learn more about your interests

• Set up your Handshake profile

• Create a resume with a Peer Career Advisor

• Focus on academics and building a strong GPA

SOPHOMORE YEAR: ENGAGE AND PREPARE

• Learn about yourself through informational interviewing/job shadowing – contact people you know who work in fields you are considering

• Schedule an appointment with your Career Advisor to discuss the internship search process

• Join campus clubs/organizations and professional associations for skill development

• Strengthen your resume and LinkedIn profile and have it reviewed by Peer Career Advisors

JUNIOR YEAR: LINK UP AND CONNECT

• Update your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles and search for internships

• Meet with your Career Advisor to update your resume, create an effective cover letter and practice for interviews

• Finalize plans for a summer internship or researching graduate schools

SENIOR YEAR: PARTNER AND SUCCEED

• Attend the Career & Internship Expo and speak with at least five employers

• Meet with your Career Advisor to develop a job search action plan and timeline

• Search for opportunities through Handshake and other online resources, and network with professionals in your field

• Polish your resume and create targeted cover letters

• Visit the writing center to create/enhance your personal statement if you’re focused on graduate school

• Apply to graduate school or interview with your final job opportunity; pay close attention to all deadlines

PROJECT DISCOVERY’S FIND YOUR PERFECT MAJOR

It’s common nationally for freshmen to enter college unsure of their major! If you’re unsure, that’s OK – HPU provides an ecosystem of support. Together, we’ll help you identify career fields that match your goals, values and strengths.

That’s what happened for Grace Miller, a 2021 graduate, and Caroline Tucker, a 2017 graduate. Today, Tucker is a Senior Program Manager for On Road Hiring at Amazon in Charlotte, and Miller is a Content Producer for Cents, a media agency focused on finance in Nashville, Tennessee.

Neither knew what they wanted to major in as freshmen, but resources like Project Discovery helped them answer tough questions about their future.

Project Discovery is a step-by-step process that guides freshmen who are still looking for the right academic discipline. The eight “Lightbulb Moments” in the program help you light your path!

“I started out as a physics major but thanks to the guidance and a lot of conversation with mentors at HPU like my Success Coach, I found the international business major,” says Tucker. “It was the best fit for me. By the time my senior year

rolled around, I had worked with the Office of Career & Professional Development to build a strong resume and LinkedIn profile, which is how Amazon found me and recruited me.”

Miller also worked with her Success Coach, who connected her with a Career Advisor in HPU’s Office of Career & Professional Development and a faculty member in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication to discuss career options.

After a year of proactively pursuing her passions and following the guidelines of HPU’s Project Discovery process, Miller completed her freshman year as a media production and entrepreneurship major, eager to delve into future courses and internship opportunities.

To the students who seem unsure, insecure or anxious about their future, HPU says, “It’s okay.”

That’s why HPU built Project Discovery, and why the university can even identify six different types of undeclared students. With the help of online tools, incoming freshmen easily find out which type they best match with and customize their next discovery steps.

The process works. Miller is proof of that.

“I came into my first year confused and unable to decide on a major,” she says. “With the help of Emily Long, my Career Advisor, and her confidence in me to succeed, I was open to exploring different majors under her guidance. Now, I’m excited to say that I’ve entered my sophomore year with a clear path and the knowledge that there are teams of people at HPU who will always have my back.”

CAREER CATALYST: PROJECT DISCOVERY

Take advantage of HPU’s Project Discovery by contacting studentsuccess@highpoint.edu or visiting the Student Success Office on the second floor of Cottrell Hall!

PROJECT DISCOVERY’S EIGHT LIGHTBULB MOMENTS:

IT STARTS WITH YOU AND YOUR SUCCESS COACH

As an Undeclared student, you will partner with a Success Coach who is passionate about helping you discover a major that is a great fit for you, while helping you make positive connections with organizations on campus in which you have interest. This happens as early as the December before you enroll – for early decision admitted students – or the March before for regular admitted students. You will have support and guidance from a caring coach who understands the various options available to you.

THERE’S A CLASS FOR THAT!

Enroll in Exploring Your Major & Career Path, the one-credit course designed to help you explore your options. A Career Advisor will guide you through self-reflection and assessment tools such as PathwayU. You’ll also be able to connect with faculty in majors you are thinking about to ask thoughtful questions and learn more.

THEY’VE WALKED IN YOUR SHOES

You aren’t the only student who entered college as Undeclared – in fact, it is common across the entire nation! Sometimes we learn best from someone like us – a peer. First-Year Navigators are HPU students selected by the Office of Student Success to mentor first-year students. As an Undeclared student, you will be connected with First Year Navigators who were once Undeclared, too. They know exactly what you are going through and will help you explore your options.

WHAT’S MY MAJOR WEDNESDAY

This event, hosted each semester by the Office of Student Success and the Office of Career & Professional Development, is a great opportunity to work with Success Coaches and Career Advisors to explore major and career options and discover the best fit for you!

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THIS MAJOR?

When you find a major that seems great, you will want to also understand what you do with that degree once you graduate. HPU’s Career Advisors and their career development website will help you understand how your major translates to real-world career paths.

CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORS: YOUR PEOPLE

You’ll see them in some of your classes and engage with them in Cottrell Hall. Your Career Advisor will explain the many resources available to you in the Office of Career & Professional Development – the headquarters for the years of support and guidance that could lead to your face landing on the HPU Young Alumni Career Wall!

COFFEE CONNECTIONS, FACULTY MEET & GREETS, AND FIRESIDE CHATS

Throughout each semester, faculty members host opportunities to meet with students who may have questions about a specific major. Casual in nature, these interactions allow you to connect with faculty, learn more about various majors and identify best-fit majors! You can attend as many of these meetings as you want, and you always have the opportunity to visit with a professor one-on-one to discuss opportunities within a major.

PEER CAREER ADVISORS

Visit with the Peer Career Advisors to get additional support. PCAs help you get started crafting a resume that can lead to summer jobs and internships to explore hands-on! With convenient walk-in hours in the Career & Professional Development Office, there is continuous support to guide you on your journey.

MAJOR AND CAREER EXPLORATION

Deciding on a major and career path is a process. We recommend having at least three meetings with a Career Advisor to thoroughly explore your options. Our goal is to help you make a thoughtful decision leading to the most natural path. Here is what you can expect during these meetings:

MEETING 1: EXPLORE

• Your interests and background

• Major and career resources

• PathwayU, a platform with assessments to help identify paths that fit you

MEETING 3: DIVE DEEPER

• PathwayU Career Matches and Job Board

• Additional career exploration tools

MEETING 2: REVIEW AND RESEARCH

• PathwayU results and worksheets

• A narrowed down list of major options

• Your unique PathwayU Career Matches

Follow-up meetings are encouraged. Our office is here to help you find your most fitting pathway to joy, meaning and purpose. While some students may feel confident in their major selection and intended career path after three meetings, some students need more time to make these important decisions, so we encourage you to keep exploring with your Career Advisor. There is great benefit in continuing to engage with Career & Professional Development in your exploration process, including preparing for informational interviews, crafting a resume and discussing strategies to gain internships in your field of interest.

TOP MAJOR AND CAREER EXPLORATION RESOURCES

THE PRESIDENT’S LIFE SKILLS SEMINAR:

Where Your Professional Career Begins

YOUR PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION: NACE CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES

Leading sources on career readiness, including the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), support HPU’s commitment to instilling students with life skills. Below, these NACE core competencies reflect what employers and graduate programs are looking for in recent graduates. There are eight career readiness competencies, each of which can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. This section highlights some specific programs the Office of Career & Professional Development provides to help you develop these competencies and guarantee your success.

CAREER AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.

COMMUNICATION

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.

CRITICAL THINKING

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.

LEADERSHIP

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

PROFESSIONALISM

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

TEAMWORK

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

TECHNOLOGY

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks and accomplish goals.

National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2021). Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce. Available at naceweb.org/career-readiness/competencies/career-readiness-defined/

INTERNSHIP GUARANTEE PROGRAM

How to Guarantee Your Internship!

The Office of Career & Professional Development has created an easy-to-follow Internship Guarantee program. By following the steps included in the program, you’ll be guaranteed to land an internship that provides impactful experience to boost your resume and prepare you for future growth. Meet with a Career Advisor to determine your eligibility for this program.

NAVIGATING JOB AND INTERNSHIP SEARCHES

Searching for internship and full-time job opportunities can be both a daunting and exciting process. Each person may have a completely different search experience depending on career interests, individual priorities, employment market at the time of the search, economic conditions and several other factors. Regardless of these varied factors, there are a few key components that can help you understand how to successfully execute a job or internship search.

REFLECT AND EVALUATE

• Understanding YOU is the first step to a successful search. Questions to consider:

- What matters most to you?

• Gaining a specific type of experience? Work/life balance? Money? Company culture? Opportunity for growth?

- What are your strengths and skills?

• What makes you uniquely qualified for a position than other candidates?

• Why did you choose your major or this career field?

- What are you passionate about?

• Narrow your focus:

- Decide on location, industry, and job function

• Where will you live? What is the cost of living?

• What are the job titles or buzzwords you will use to target your search?

BONUS TIPS:

• Seek out mentors and make use of your network: Career Advisors, PCAs, faculty, friends, family, alumni and employers/ recruiters

• Have a professional voicemail on your cell phone

• Keep your social media clean

• Read Handshake emails with new internship postings

• Continue to update your resume after new experiences

HPU’s Office of Career & Professional Development guarantees an internship for every eligible student who completes the 23-step professional development program that covers Career Exploration, Professional Branding, Networking, Research and Interviewing:

CAREER EXPLORATION

❏ Take PathwayU assessment and discuss with a Career Advisor

❏ Set up Handshake Account, and fill out “My Profile”

❏ Meet with Career Advisor to discuss internship and career goals

PROFESSIONAL BRANDING

❏ Meet with a Peer Career Advisor to create/enhance your resume; get approval on Handshake

❏ Meet with a Peer Career Advisor, write a cover letter tailored to a specific internship

❏ Set up a LinkedIn Profile

❏ Attend LinkedIn Photo Day for a professional picture

❏ Craft your two-minute drill intro and have it approved by a Peer Career Advisor or Career Advisor

NETWORKING

❏ Attend a Networking Workshop or meet with a Career Advisor to engage in the Networking Map exercise

❏ Create a draft of a networking email

❏ Conduct two informational interviews

❏ Ask to connect with 40 professionals on LinkedIn

RESEARCH

❏ Discuss internship search strategies with a Career Advisor

❏ Meet with your faculty advisor to discuss internship search strategies and their connections and insights

❏ Create a search alert for internships

❏ Find and formally apply to eight internships (approved by Career Advisor)

❏ Attend the Career & Internship Expo, network with at least five different employers and follow up with them after the event

❏ Attend an internship for credit meeting ONLY IF you are pursuing an internship for academic credit

INTERVIEW PROCESS AND PROTOCOL

❏ Review the Interview Guide

❏ Practice video interviewing on Big Interview

❏ Conduct a mock interview with a Career Advisor

❏ Create a draft thank-you email template and buy thank-you notes

RESULTS RULE: WHERE STUDENTS INTERN

Below, we offer you some exciting examples of what your future internships can look like. The next page also outlines an internship itinerary you can follow to find an internship. See Where HPU Students Intern…

ASHTON KAJCIENSKI, ’ 22

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Fan Engagement Intern | Cleveland, Ohio

“As a freshman, I went to Career & Professional Development and received help in creating a cover letter and resume to apply to internships. The office helped me get in contact with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to learn more about their internship program. Two years later, I applied and completed an incredible internship. This internship has changed my life forever. I will now move forward noting that I worked at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, creating graphics, interacting with guests and working in a fast paced, exciting environment. I have picked up valuable skills that will be applicable to any job in the future.”

JOE MARONSKI, ’ 23

ABC News. Nightline Production Intern | New York City

“From day one, I used the resources offered by HPU’s Office of Career & Professional Development. From taking personality assessments, to revising my resume and meeting with Career Advisors, I went to the office for everything and used all the resources available to me. The chance to interview at ABC is something I never thought I would have. Being able to talk to producers, executives and journalists is an amazing opportunity. The lessons that these people have already taught me are ones I will carry with me forever.”

AMIRAH DARNABY, ’ 21

NASA, Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity Intern | Washington, D.C.

“During the process of applying for internships, the Office of Career & Professional Development and my professors served a monumental role in preparing me for networking opportunities. I learned how to identify and understand my unique interests, values, personality traits and workplace preferences. This information taught me how to brand myself to employers, how to articulate what sets me apart from others, and how to find an organization that is the best fit for me. Through informational interviews, I was able to grow my network with professionals in my field of interest, which led to a number of internship offerings.”

INTERNSHIP ITINERARY

Use this itinerary to guide you through the process of thinking about an internship search. Considering these items will help you make strategic choices about your search.

REFINE YOUR BRAND

Check completed items

❏ Resume

❏ LinkedIn Profile

❏ Clean Up Social Media

❏ Professional Voicemail

GAIN CLARITY

Fill in the blank Location? Industry?

Job Function?

Semester?

Where will you live?

Transportation?

Is unpaid okay?

WHO CAN YOU NETWORK WITH IN YOUR DESIRED FIELD?

Family:

Friends:

Faculty:

Alumni: Employers/Recruiters:

NEXT STEPS

Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor on Handshake.

DO I WANT TO RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT?

Yes No

IS MY RESUME APPROVED ON HANDSHAKE? Yes No

HAVE I USED LINKEDIN TO RESEARCH...

Alumni Yes No Companies Yes No

Jobs Yes No

HAVE I SET UP A SEARCH ALERT ON...

Handshake Yes No

Indeed.com Yes No

LinkedIn Yes No

Another job board Yes No

I SHOULD...

• Attend Career & Internship Expos

• Treat the search like a four credit hour class

• Attend Career & Professional Development workshops

• Read the Handshake emails with featured opportunities

TOP ONLINE RESOURCES FOR FINDING

JOB AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Handshake is High Point University’s premier job and internship digital platform. Employers post full-time and part-time jobs as well as internship opportunities. The Office of Career & Professional Development individually approves all the postings to ensure that students have access to the most relevant opportunities.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking tool. You can use LinkedIn to connect to professionals in organizations that interest you, HPU alumni and actual job postings. LinkedIn is also a great tool for researching the job market within specific fields and geographic locations.

Search millions of jobs from thousands of job boards, newspapers, classifieds and company websites on indeed.com. Be aware that competition will be much higher on Indeed because it is a very large job board.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Use a search engine to find professional associations in your field. Professional association websites will often advertise openings in the field. Look for a “careers” or “jobs” tab on their website.

SPECIALIZED JOB BOARDS

Some industries may have a specialized job board to help focus your search. For example, search usajobs.gov for federal jobs, idealist.org for nonprofit jobs, or teamworkonline.com for sports industry jobs.

COMPANY WEBSITES

Depending on the industry or size of the organization, some positions will only be posted on a company’s website. If there are specific companies you are interested in, go to their employment or “careers” page to sign up to receive notifications when they post a new position.

HANDSHAKE USER GUIDE

Handshake is High Point University’s premier job and internship digital platform designed to help guide you through your career search journey. No matter whether you know exactly what kinds of opportunities you are seeking or you are just starting out, Handshake has the tools to take you where you want to go. Handshake is the place to get hired – it has more opportunities for students and recent grads than anywhere else!

WHY SHOULD YOU USE HANDSHAKE?

Get hired

• Discover and land jobs and internships

• 400K employers of all shapes and sizes

• 100% of the Fortune 500

• 3.5 million jobs and internships in every industry

Get discovered

Get connected

Get it all in one place

• Get messages from employers that want to hire you

• Connect with your peers for tips and advice

• Schedule appointments with a Career Advisor

• Upload your resume to receive feedback

• Register for career fairs or events

• View upcoming Career & Professional Development workshops by selecting “Events” along the top menu

• Apply to receive academic credit for your upcoming internship

GET STARTED | ACTIVATE YOUR HANDSHAKE ACCOUNT

Two simple steps:

• Navigate to app.joinhandshake.com

• Select High Point University from the dropdown

FILL OUT YOUR HANDSHAKE PROFILE

• Click the “My Profile” link, located in the dropdown menu under your name

• Edit your primary education section with your major(s), GPA, and expected graduation date

• Employers find students based on your Job Interests in your profile. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you are looking for – you can change your interests at any time!

• The three must-have interests on your Handshake profile: Job type: Looking for an internship, part-time job, or full-time job? You can choose more than one.

Location: Select the cities you would like to work in, and Handshake will show you jobs in that area.

Job roles: Choose at least three jobs you would like to explore, like “marketing associate” or “software engineer.”

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CAREER ADVISOR

• In addition to clicking the “Schedule Appointment” button on CPD’s website, you can also make an appointment directly on Handshake

• One you log on to Handshake, select “Career Center” at the top right corner of the page

• Next, you will select “Appointments” and then “Schedule A New Appointment”

• Follow the prompts and get connected with one of our Career Advisors!

highpoint.joinhandshake.com/appointments ➤

CAREER & INTERNSHIP EXPO PREP

The purpose of a career or internship expo is to provide opportunities for students to learn about different companies and organizations, explore future internship and job openings, and build connections with industry professionals. All students, regardless of class year, can benefit from attending career fairs.

BENEFITS TO ATTENDING A CAREER EXPO:

• Interact one-on-one with employers of interest

• Practice and enhance networking skills

5 TIPS

FOR PREPARING

• Gather company information and learn about potential job and internship opportunities

• Receive interview invitations

Create a strong resume and update your LinkedIn

• Use resources on pages 38 - 44 to create and edit your resume

• Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date and craft a strategic headline

• Visit drop-in hours to have your resume and LinkedIn critiqued

• Bring copies of your resume to the career fair to hand out to employers

Develop and practice your elevator pitch

• When introducing yourself to a recruiter, it is helpful to be able to quickly describe who you are, your career goals, core strengths and relevant experiences

• Use page 30 to craft a winning pitch

• Practice delivering your elevator pitch before you go; the more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel

Do your research

• Review the list of employers attending the fair on Handshake

• Identify your top three to five companies you want to talk to before the event by researching the organizations on Handshake and LinkedIn

• Prepare pertinent questions to ask employers

Dress for success

• Prepare to dress in business professional attire for the Career & Internship Expo (see page 62 for professional dress advice)

• Remember to silence your phone, smart watch and any other devices

Connect and follow up

• Confidently approach company booths and use your elevator pitch to start the conversation

• Collect business cards and determine your follow-up plan

NOTES

NETWORKING 101

Definition of Networking:

The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions

Benefits of Networking:

Professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success

People in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection

Of those surveyed agree that consistent online interaction with their professional network can turn into possible jobs

NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK:

Larry Quinn, chair of the Department of Sales and Marketing, and director of the Professional Sales Program has developed a set of principles to help you take advantage of networking

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Before you can promote yourself to a stranger, you must first have self-confidence. Wake up, fill your heart with joy, and don’t fear failure. Once you have the courage to speak up, half the battle is over.

GET PSYCHED. Before meeting a future employer/client for the first time, look in the mirror and say “This employer/client is going to like me.” Like a track runner before a big meet, you have to pump yourself up. Before you introduce yourself, take a moment to give yourself that pep talk.

BE SOCIAL. In order to have a life of significance you have to be socially generous. You’re sitting next to a stranger on the plane and they ask where you’re headed. You could say “home” then open your iPad. That’s not enough. You’re building your brand right now and that requires thoughtful engagement with others.

BE THE DOCTOR. When you go to the doctor with pain, a good one will ask you questions before diagnosing you. You trust the doctor because they listen to you. You must be a good doctor. Ask questions, earn trust and in turn, people will want to know you.

STUDY THE PERSON. You have to quickly figure out what’s going on in their mind. If they’re quiet, with their head in a book, introduce yourself and have a quick chat, but give them their space. If they are a fast talker, keep up with the pace. Mirror their energy, and they will remember that it was a great meeting.

KEEP EYE CONTACT. When you ask someone a question, it’s crucial that you maintain eye contact. If you ask a question but then look down at your screen, it’s a signal that you’re uninterested.

BRING JOY. Above all, you must bring joy to the encounter. No matter if the person you meet is an introvert who won’t look up from their phone, or an extrovert who can talk to you for hours, people won’t remember everything you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.

Attend the Career & Internship Expo held each semester to meet with potential employers and discover available opportunities. Download our Networking Contact Log on our website to keep track of your new contacts.

FIND YOUR MENTORS HPU EXPERTS WILL GUIDE AND SUPPORT YOU

At HPU, you’re surrounded with mentors who are ready to help you.

Consider how these two students received life-changing guidance from experts on campus. Their stories reflect thousands of other examples. And remember to connect with those around you - your professors, Career Advisors, Success Coaches and others - to grow your connections and opportunities.

On a table inside Dr. Jenny Lukow’s office, she and Mikaela Campbell built their strategy.

Campbell’s goal was to launch a career in sport management. And Lukow knew how to get there.

Throughout her time leading HPU’s sport management major, she’s helped students land jobs at Reebok, the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia 76ers. But it would require work and plenty of persistence, she told Campbell.

Campbell accepted the challenge.

Since her first day on campus, Campbell found opportunity everywhere she looked.

That calmed the Louisiana native’s nerves. Even though she was 12 hours away from her home in New Orleans, Campbell knew she would thrive at HPU.

“Being at a university where every student is treated like family eased my mind,” says Campbell. “Wherever I turned, someone was willing to lend a hand or a smile to brighten my day.”

In Campbell’s corner were also career advisors, a success coach and Lukow, her academic advisor. Together, they got to work.

“Doug Hall in Career & Professional Development took time to sit down with me as often as I needed to feel prepared for my interviews, find career

connections and build my LinkedIn profile,” says Campbell. “Dr. Lukow always made me excited and eager to learn more. I could count on her to be honest with me and give me the courage and connections to seek the experiences I was looking for.”

Experiences are something Campbell gained in spades. Under the guidance of her mentors, she landed internships at three sports industry giants — Under Armour, USA Track and Field, and IMG College.

She competed against other candidates in multiple interview rounds for the internships. By the time she was ready to graduate in spring, Campbell stood out to employers like the National Basketball Association.

The NBA offered Campbell a career opportunity before graduation. Today, she leads her dream career in New York City in the NBA Associate Program, a two-year program for recent college graduates allowing them to experience different aspects within the NBA headquarters. Associates rotate through four areas of the business for six months, and afterward, each are placed in a department.

“When I interned with organizations like USA Track and Field, Under Armour and IMG College, I was up against a field of qualified candidates from large universities,” says Campbell. “What constantly set me apart was the real-world experience I received at HPU and the attitude they instilled within me to never be afraid of a challenge.

“Dr. Lukow never failed to keep me motivated, and I cannot thank her enough for that. Every aspect of this university prepares students to go against the best of the best in the workforce.”

Interact with our In-Residence Professionals to be mentored by successful thought leaders.

ACCESS TO INNOVATORS: SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM GLOBAL LEADERS

Only at HPU can you learn from trailblazers such as Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-Founder and HPU’s Innovator in Residence; Marc Randolph, Netflix Co-Founder and HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence; Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO and HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence; and many more.

Why?

HPU’s Access to Innovators program is a robust lineup of change agents who coach, mentor and work with students on campus. It’s a part of HPU’s distinguished learning model.

Companies invest millions of dollars in sending their employees to professional development seminars and conferences. At HPU, professional development is woven into the four-year experience. When students graduate, they’ve built a network with trailblazers of the world. And they’ve learned the most valuable lesson of all: the art of the possible. The simple notion that they can do it, too.

Some of these innovators have even been known to help HPU students land jobs and internships, too.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the global leaders you can connect with on campus:

ONLY HPU STUDENTS LEARN FROM THESE GLOBAL LEADERS

The industry titans who HPU attracts to campus to mentor students are featured on this page, but the list is always growing. Visit www.highpoint.edu/innovators to learn more.

INNOVATOR IN RESIDENCE

Steve Wozniak

Apple Computer Co-Founder

SPORTS EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE

Cynt Marshall

CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and former Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at AT&T

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE

Russell Weiner

Domino’s COO and President

ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE

Marc Randolph Netflix Co-Founder

TALENT ACQUISITION EXPERT IN RESIDENCE

Dee Ann Turner

Former Vice President for Talent at Chick-Fil-A

EXECUTIVE COACH IN RESIDENCE

Dr. John Maxwell

Bestselling Author and Internationally Renowned Leadership Expert

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Dean Cain

Famed Actor, Producer, Television Presenter and Former Football Player

JOURNALIST IN RESIDENCE

Byron Pitts

Co-Anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline”

TRUST EXPERT IN RESIDENCE

David Horsager

Bestselling author and global authority on helping leaders and organizations become the most trusted in their industry

LEADERSHIP EXPERT IN RESIDENCE

Mark Sanborn

Leadership speaker and best-selling author, President of leadership development idea lab Sanborn & Associates

CORPORATE EDUCATOR IN RESIDENCE

Scott McKain

Best-Selling Author, Business Consultant and Trainer

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Ben Owen III

American Studio Potter

GLOBAL LEADER IN RESIDENCE

William “Bill” E. Kennard

Current Chairman of AT&T’s Board of Directors, Former U.S. Ambassador and Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

BROADCASTER IN RESIDENCE

Joe Michaels

22-year Former Director of the NBC “TODAY” show

GLOBAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Karen Jacobsen

The “GPS Girl” and Australian voice of Siri

SPORTS REPORTER IN RESIDENCE

Bob Ryan

Famed Sportswriter for The Boston Globe; known as “the Quintessential American Sportswriter”

SALES PROFESSIONAL IN RESIDENCE

Larry Quinn

Director of HPU’s Professional Selling Program; former National Sales Training Manager at Xerox; former Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Thomson Professional Publishing Group and Duplex Printing Corp.

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING

WHAT IS AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW?

An informational interview is a preplanned, oneon-one conversation with someone who has a job you might like, works within an industry you might want to enter, or is employed by a specific company that interests you. These interviews are opportunities to learn things like the inside scoop on a particular company, what salaries are like, what a typical career path in the industry might look like, and so forth.

★ Important Note: Don’t Ask for a Job.

Sometimes, students have the misconception that doing an informational interview is a way to get strangers interested in hiring you or giving you job leads. As a result, some people ask for informational interviews when what they’re really looking for is a job, but remember: the purpose of an informational interview is to gain information.

You should only ask for an informational interview if you are genuinely seeking to expand your understanding of a field, and if you have questions that can only be answered by someone already working in the field. That last part is important — you don’t want to take up someone’s time with questions that you could have answered with a moderately thorough Google search. Informational interviews are for the inside scoop, the stuff that you can’t find out by reading company brochures.

To see an example of how to request an informational interview, see page 57.

TOP 10 INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO ASK

Can you tell me about a typical day on the job?

How did you get started doing this type of work?

What is your favorite part about your job?

What is the most challenging part of your job?

What surprised you most when you started working in this field?

What educational preparation (degree, certifications, licenses) would I need to enter the field?

How do you see this industry developing in the future? How is this industry changing?

What advice would you give someone who wants to get started in this field?

What are employers typically looking for when hiring someone in this line of work?

Is there anyone else you would suggest I talk to about the field?

CRAFTING YOUR TWO-MINUTE DRILL

The two-minute drill is designed to be used in multiple job or internship search situations including interviews and networking opportunities. It can answer the first question most interviewers ask, “Tell me about yourself,” or can introduce yourself and your career aspirations to potential connections. It also allows the job or connection seeker to share with the potential connection why they should hire them or why they should serve as a connection in their network.

THE TWO-MINUTE DRILL IS MADE UP OF FOUR PARTS:

PERSONAL AND EDUCATION (15 seconds)

This section is used to give the interviewer relevant information concerning you and your educational background. This does not include personal information such as marital status, children, etc. This does include information such as: hometown or state and/or personal attribute(s). Information on your education should focus on your most recent schooling and/ or major field if relevant to the job objective.

EARLY CAREER/LIFE EXPERIENCES (15-30 seconds)

This part is used to share with the interviewer past work and life experiences relevant to the job objective.

RECENT WORK HISTORY/LIFE EXPERIENCES (45-60 seconds)

This is the most vital part of the two-minute drill. This is the time for the job seeker to relate to the employer two accomplishments/results that indicate why they are the best candidate for the position.

WHY YOU ARE HERE (15-30 seconds)

This is used either at the beginning or end of your two-minute drill, depending on the question asked by the employer. In this part, the job seeker speaks with enthusiasm that they are here for the specific position sought.

CAREER CATALYST: OPPORTUNITIES THAT PERFECT YOUR PITCH!

HPU provides students with numerous opportunities to perfect the art of pitching themselves and their ideas. Students who join the Professional Selling Club practice pitching themselves or products to clients on a regular basis. They also attend national selling competitions. Students who participate in research programs practice pitching complex projects in a compelling way to those outside of their respective field. The Annual Elevator Pitch Competition also offers the chance for students to earn startup funds based on their business ideas.

TWO-MINUTE DRILL WORKSHEET

My name is .

I am a graduating senior at High Point University with a Bachelors Degree in (…. Here add your major and concentration as appropriate). I was born and raised in New York State. (Pause) There are three things that make me unique:

• Quality #1

(Description; Example of how it manifests itself so far in your life; How you feel it relates to success in a new career)

• Quality #2

(Description; Example of how it manifests itself so far in your life; How you feel it relates to success in a new career)

• Quality #3

(Description; Example of how it manifests itself so far in your life; How you feel it relates to success in a new career)

I’m looking for a position in a company where I can:

• Use my personal and professional skills to make an important contribution

• Help motivate others to reach a common goal

• Be proud of the people and the culture. I’m looking for a place with high moral standards, high ethics and a respect for every individual

I am especially interested in because and the work you are doing . (Results of your research before this interview)

I would be interested in discussing more of ’s needs and how I might play a role. Here’s my business card. May I please have yours?

Example:

My degree is in Finance and I will be graduating this December. While attending college, I worked 25 to 30 hours a week. I spent the past semester completing an internship for TAG Financial Institutions Group in their accounting and finance department. I was able to get “hands-on” experience in cost accounting, cash-flow analysis, and budget development, and assisted in preparing client proposals. Through these job experiences, I have been given the opportunity to polish my customer service skills, as well as gain technical skills. I have strong planning and documentation abilities and am analytically oriented. My career goal is to work for a bank and eventually become a loan officer. I believe I have the key traits for success in banking. I have good common sense, can juggle multiple tasks, have a positive attitude, and excellent communication skills. I think my greatest strength is my capacity to get along with a wide variety of people and personalities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION RESOURCES

Companies and organizations that value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are stronger than those that do not. Organizations with strong diversity climates are more likely to have employees with increased job satisfaction, higher levels of trust, and are more engaged. The Office of Career & Professional Development is committed to supporting all students as you seek to find a position where you are valued for who you are.

FOUR STRATEGIES FOR IDENTIFYING HOW COMMITTED A COMPANY IS TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

RESEARCH THEIR MISSION, VALUES, AND POLICIES

• Read through their mission statement as a starting point for understanding what the company values. You can typically find this information on the “About Us” section of their website. Look to see if they mention diversity or inclusion as priorities.

• A company’s policies can reveal a lot about how much they value inclusion. For example, what kind of parental leave policy do they have? Do they offer flexible paid holidays for religions beside Christianity?

REVIEW COMPANY DEMOGRAPHICS

• Find out who’s on the leadership team and/or the board of directors. You can review their profiles on their website or LinkedIn to get a sense of representation at the top of the organization. Of course, not all diversity is visible to the eye, but this will still give you a sense of how diverse the company may be.

USE ONLINE TOOLS FOR EVALUATING DEI

• There are many objective organizations that research companies’ inclusive practices. Some examples:

• Human Rights Campaign: Corporate Equality Index

• Inhersight.com - Company reviews by working women

• Diversity Inc Top 50 Companies for Diversity

ASK STRATEGIC QUESTIONS

• During an interview, be sure to prepare questions that will help you gain insight. For example: “How important is diversity to you as an organization? What value does it bring you?”

• Use informational interviews to ask networking connections what they can share about a company’s commitment to DEI.

• Don’t just listen to what they say but also how comfortable they seem talking about DEI.

Attend our “Assessing a Company’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” workshop to gain insight into the importance of diversity in the workplace.

LEVERAGING LINKEDIN

LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the internet with more than 225 million members in over 200 countries and territories. Individuals and companies use LinkedIn for networking, job searching, hiring, company research, and connecting with affiliates, including alumni, industry, and a variety of other business related groups. Additionally, there are over 30 million students and recent college graduates currently on LinkedIn, making that demographic LinkedIn’s fastest-growing. LinkedIn is a site that allows you to connect to people you know and the people they know, too! It also allows you to see profiles of anyone else on LinkedIn, and gives you ways to connect to them.

Source: LinkedIn Resource Center & National Association of Colleges and Employers

LINKEDIN CAN HELP YOU:

• Clearly define your skills and experience

• Build your professional “brand” and showcase your experience

• Turn relationships into opportunities by finding out how you are personally connected to any employer

• Prepare for interviews when you land them

• Check out the career paths that people with your interests have pursued

THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW CAN HELP YOU WITH:

• Introductions

• Increased access to opportunities

• Obtaining informational interviews

• Advice, support, mentoring

• Preparing for interviews of employers have rejected candidates because of information found online

70% 85% 75%

of employers say having a positive online reputation influences hiring decisions

70-80% of jobs today are found through networking!

CAREER CATALYST: GO TO LINKEDIN PHOTO DAY!

HPU provides several complimentary LinkedIn Photo Days throughout the year. Find these events and others at www.highpoint.joinhandshake.com

BUILDING YOUR NETWORK ESTABLISH YOUR CONNECTIONS

• Add new connections using the “My Network” tab

• Connect with people you know

JOIN GROUPS

• Established HPU Groups:

- High Point University Alumni (seniors and alumni only)

- HPU Nido R. Qubein School of Communication

- Phillips School of Business

• Use the search bar in the upper left corner of the page to search for groups

• Within the groups that you join, take advantage of discussion boards, announcements, and news articles to which you will now have access

7 TIPS FOR WRITING A GREAT LINKEDIN INVITATION

BE HONEST Explain why you want to connect with them; honesty is essential, especially if you are looking to do some networking.

TELL THEM HOW YOU KNOW THEM People get a lot of requests. Taking the time to briefly mention how you know them and/or why you want to connect will help get your invitation accepted.

FIND SOMETHING IN COMMON How did you find this person? Do you have a mutual career field or interest? Do you have connections in common? Are you connected through LinkedIn Groups? Find the common thread and use it to your advantage when sending your connection request.

MAKE IT PERSONAL Always personalize your invitation to connect in some way; mention a shared group membership, note a common contact, or point out similar backgrounds, education or experience.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC If you’re approaching the CEO/founder of a startup on LinkedIn as part of a job search, show your enthusiasm. Your expertise, background and skill set should take a backseat to your enthusiasm and passion for their business.

REFERENCE THEIR PROFILE Take a moment to look at the profile of your potential connection and reference something in it. This will show that you took the time to know who you’re attempting to connect with before sending the invitation.

THANK THEM It is important to thank the person in advance before agreeing to connect. Also, you want to offer help in any way possible and encourage them to call on you in the future.

TURNING

YOUR

LINKEDIN CONNECTIONS INTO OPPORTUNITIES

In the same way that you find out what people are doing socially on other types of social media, you can find out what people are doing professionally on LinkedIn.

• Reach out to the connections you have made to ask for introductions to their connections

• Regularly check the “Jobs” tab for opportunities you might be interested in, searching by zip code, company name, type of position, or keyword

• LinkedIn will also tell you which of your connections is already connected to the company that is hiring!

• Always connect with people on LinkedIn once you have met them in person

• Remember to thank the person who connects you with someone at a particular company, using email, a personal LinkedIn message or a written note

• Use the search bar to search for High Point University. Under the “Find Alumni” tab you can find fellow HPU connections on LinkedIn. Search by company, geographic location, major, or career field. Reach out to professionals whose career path is relevant to your interests. Even if you do not have any connection to a particular HPU alum, you can message them explaining why you want to connect

• When you find a job posting somewhere other than through LinkedIn, use your LinkedIn account to search for people you may know or potential connections you may have at that company

USE LINKEDIN TO RESEARCH AND PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS

Demonstrate knowledge about a company – it is one of the most important factors in landing a job offer.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW:

General Company Information

Research Each Person

• Mission statement

• Recent company news/updates

• Educational background

• Career path

• Recent social media posts, news articles shared, etc.

• Shared connections on LinkedIn

Industry Competitive Knowledge

Insider Secrets

• Know the competitors of the company

• Company culture

• Traits most valued in employees

• Leaders you must know about

• Publications and blogs that are “must reads” for this company

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Always use appropriate, professional business etiquette when using LinkedIn to network

• Send personal messages when asking to make a connection instead of using the generic message provided

• Always make a connection request ASAP after meeting someone new in person, through email correspondence, or on the phone

• Google yourself on a regular basis to see if your LinkedIn profile is the first result!

• Use LinkedIn to look at the educational backgrounds and career paths of professionals who work in your areas of interest

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How does my LinkedIn profile differ from my resume? Your experience and credentials can be written as you would present them on a resume or cover letter, but you can be a little less formal. LinkedIn offers the added bonus of allowing you to create your own customized headline, which should be unique to you! Use this feature to brand yourself, highlight your skills and differentiate yourself from other students. Always be truthful and don’t stretch the facts!

How do I approach people for recommendations? Asking someone to “recommend” you on LinkedIn is similar to asking someone to serve as a reference or to write you a letter of recommendation. Do not be shy about asking someone who has complimented you on your work or has agreed to be a reference.

How do I search for a connection’s profile? There are two ways to access a connection’s profile. Using the “My Network” tab, you can select “Connections” and look for your connection. Alternatively, you can use the “Search” box on the top left of your LinkedIn toolbar and enter a person’s name (be sure that you have selected the “People” tab after you search).

How do I update my profile as I add more experiences? You can add, change, or remove any information on your profile using the “Edit Profile” feature. To get there, click on the “Profile” tab at the top of your LinkedIn homepage and select “Edit Profile.” You will find a prompt (in blue ink) in each of your sections that you can click on to make changes.

LINKEDIN PROFILE BREAKDOWN

PROFILE PHOTO

• Attend HPU’s LinkedIn Photo Day to obtain a great complimentary headshot!

• Only you in the photo, focused on your face

• Neutral background

• Professional attire

• No selfies or cropped photos

HEADLINE

• Create the right headline that accurately describes you

SUMMARY

• Write a keyword-rich summary that sells your skills and experience, being concise, specific, and typo-free

EDUCATION

• Complete the section with your college credentials

EXPERIENCE

• List professional experiences including internships and employment, in reverse chronological order (most recent first)

• Bullet points help highlight your accomplishments for each position, in a similar format to your resume

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Obtain recommendations from professors, employers, advisors and internship supervisors

• Ask people who have served as references for you in the past and are active on LinkedIn

• If possible, obtain one strong recommendation for each place of employment, internship, or school

CAREER CATALYST: LINKEDIN PROFILE ADVISING SESSIONS

Visit us during drop-in hours to have your LinkedIn profile reviewed!

RESUME BREAKDOWN

YOUR RESUME IS…

• An advertisement

• A highlight of your background

• An individually designed document

• Used by employers as a screening device

• Just ONE piece of the job search process

WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR IN STUDENTS:

• Evidence of Life Skills (leadership, verbal and written communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, initiative)

• Accomplishments in student organizations, work and service experiences

• Relevant experiences to posted position opening

• Academic performance

HELPFUL RESUME TIPS:

• Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling!

• Be consistent in the use of punctuation, how experiences are presented and how information is highlighted (bold, italics, caps, etc.)

• The most important and relevant information should be the closest to the top and left margins

• Content should only appear once; avoid redundancy

• Never overstate qualifications or accomplishments; exaggerations can damage the credibility of the entire resume. Doing so is considered misrepresentation! Only include experiences you would be comfortable talking about in an interview

• Avoid using objective statements. Either replace your objective with a summary or profile section or remove it entirely. An objective statement does not tell the reader much. If you apply for the job, it’s obvious you are interested. No need to reiterate that in an objective

• Always include a cover letter with your resume, unless the job description specifically says a cover letter is not required

• Use an easily readable font like Calibri, Times New Roman, or Garamond and use standard font sizes between 10.5 – 12 points

• As a student, your education should always be listed first. After that, list the sections in order of relevancy to the job description

• E-mail a copy to yourself and print it out

• Save your finalized resume in a PDF format to preserve your layout when sending via e-mail

To review your resume with a Career Advisor, schedule your Resume Review appointment on Handshake.

ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF A RESUME:

NAME/CONTACT INFORMATION

Goal: to ensure an employer can easily contact you.

Include:

• First and last preferred name (in larger font such as 18 to 20 point), phone number, e-mail, city, and abbreviated state

• Make sure information is accurate

• Include only one e-mail address to avoid confusion

• This section should always be located at the top of the page immediately under your name

EDUCATION

Goal: to convey academic qualifications and training.

Include:

• Degree-granting colleges/universities, and institutions in which courses have been completed, including study abroad experiences

• High Point University should appear first

• Note location (city, state, country), dates of degrees or dates attended (month/ semester, year), the degree earned, and your major(s)/minor(s)

• Most students include their cumulative GPA if it is over 3.0

• Students may also choose to include a major GPA if the number is higher than their cumulative GPA

• You may choose to include relevant coursework if you do not have much experience in your industry yet

• Include your high school if you are a freshman or sophomore, or if your school has name recognition with influential alumni

HONORS/AWARDS

Goal: to emphasize accomplishments that differentiate you from other applicants.

Include:

• Academic and extracurricular honors, scholarships, and fellowships

• If the title of the award does not explain the qualifications to receive it, a brief description should be included

• List dates (month/semester, year)

EXPERIENCE

Goal: to highlight your skills and non-academic qualifications in a concise manner, showing their relevance to your candidacy. Draw attention to groups of experiences that resound with your target employer by breaking them into sections, creating a “targeted resume.”

Include:

• Past and present employment, extracurricular involvement, and volunteerism

• Experiences should be listed in reverse chronological order (most recent to current) within each section, based on the end date of participation

• Include the employer or organization, location (city, state), dates involved (month, year), position title, and powerful descriptions (see page 41)

• Choose to list the most relevant experiences first when several have the same end date

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Goal: to highlight leadership, volunteer, and extracurricular activities which are not listed elsewhere on your resume.

Include:

• Clubs, organizations, fraternities/sororities

• Athletics, intramural sports

• Philanthropic activities, mission trips, or service

SKILLS

Goal: to include skills which do not appear elsewhere on the resume, ending your resume with strength.

Include:

• Technological skills, language skills or certifications

• Indicate level of proficiency in foreign languages (e.g., native speaker, fluent, proficient, conversant)

If you are applying for positions near your hometown, include your home address. By doing so, you may alleviate concerns employers may have about relocation costs or your level of interest in that geographic location.

Make sure that both your e-mail address and your voicemail greeting are professional!

Create a separate document for your list of references. Use your resume contact information as your heading and list each person’s name, job title, employer, contact information, and state the relationship of this person to you.

STRONG ACTION VERBS

The most difficult part of resume writing is describing your experiences. The best approach is to begin each bullet point with a Power Verb. They stress results and impact, which are what employers care about. Check out the power verbs listed below.

MANAGEMENT SKILL VERBS:

Allocated, Determined, Directed, Elected, Enlisted, Formed, Founded, Governed, Hired, Initiated, Inspired, Instituted, Led, Managed, Moderated, Motivated, Operated, Oversaw, Pioneered, Presided, Produced, Recruited, Represented, Selected, Spearheaded, Sponsored, Staged, Started, Supervised, Trained

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILL VERBS:

Arranged, Assembled, Collected, Centralized, Coordinated, Catalogued, Distributed, Disseminated, Enforced, Executed, Formalized, Implemented, Installed, Maintained, Organized, Planned, Prepared, Processed, Routed, Recorded, Reorganized, Scheduled, Updated

COMMUNICATION SKILL VERBS:

Acquainted, Apprised, Answered, Briefed, Conducted, Contacted, Demonstrated, Drafted, Educated, Explained, Familiarized, Informed, Instructed, Introduced, Lectured, Listened, Presented, Reported, Responded, Spoke, Summarized, Taught, Trained, Translated, Wrote

ANALYTICAL SKILL VERBS:

Analyzed, Assessed, Audited, Compiled, Consulted, Detected, Discovered, Documented, Edited, Evaluated, Examined, Gathered, Identified, Interpreted, Interviewed, Researched, Searched, Surveyed, Tested Helping Skill Verbs Aided, Attended, Assisted, Collaborated, Contributed, Counseled, Comforted, Facilitated, Fostered, Guided, Helped, Instilled, Mentored, Provided, Settled, Supported, Tutored, Treated

SELLING SKILL VERBS:

Arbitrated, Convinced, Dissuaded, Encouraged, Marketed, Mediated, Negotiated, Persuaded, Promoted, Publicized, Resolved, Sold, Secured, Solicited

CREATIVE SKILL VERBS:

Authored, Conceived, Conceptualized, Created, Composed, Designed, Devised, Established, Invented, Originated, Revolutionized

ADDITIONAL SKILL VERBS:

Adapted, Attained, Augmented, Awarded, Boosted, Broadened, Built, Calculated, Catered, Decreased, Developed, Ensured, Eliminated, Exceeded, Excelled, Expanded, Expedited, Fabricated, Financed, Gained, Generated, Improved, Increased, Launched, Mastered, Modernized, Published, Raised, Reconciled, Reduced, Revamped, Revitalized, Saved, Shopped, Strengthened, Supplemented, Tended, Utilized

BUILDING BULLET POINTS

BUILDING BULLET POINTS FOR YOUR EXPERIENCES:

• Begin with a strong action verb (see list on page 40)

• The verb tense should reflect whether the experience is ongoing (present tense) or has been completed (past tense)

• Include details of major accomplishments and core responsibilities; show your impact on the organization

• Address the scope of your experience; provide facts/numerical figures, and indicate results achieved

• Do not write descriptions in complete sentences; eliminate pronouns and other non-essential words

• Space is limited; give preference to the most relevant experiences

• Include two to six bullets under each experience

• Spell out numbers one through nine but use numbers for 10 and above

• Abbreviate states with capital letters (e.g., NC, CT, ME)

• Writing descriptions is often the most challenging part of writing a resume! Partner with Career & Professional Development staff for guidance

TURNING JOB DUTIES INTO ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Job Duty Accomplishment

Organized recruitment activities for fraternity

Helped run classroom activities for music students

Helped students with their homework

Worked for ABC Mission

Developed new recruitment strategies which doubled number of prospective members

Exposed students to meaningful musical experiences to enhance social and academic development

Tutored five students in biology which increased test scores an average of 10 points

Devoted over 100 hours to feeding the needy in High Point community

Answered phones

Efficiently responded to customer phone inquiries on how to use specific software

MARKETING PART-TIME AND OTHER EXPERIENCES

Below are examples of jobs or campus experiences HPU students might have during college, along with strong bullet point descriptions. Note that the descriptions go beyond specific tasks and responsibilities to include accomplishments or skills gained. These samples are intended to help you craft your own, unique bullet points.

MARKETING PART-TIME WORK

Volunteer

• Provide 10 hours of service per month to elderly residents at Pennybyrn Retirement Community

• Develop relationships with Pennybyrn residents through participation in their daily events like bingo, reading books, and conversation

• Assist staff with daily tasks like cleaning, organizing, and checking on residents

Lifeguard

• Manage seasonal lifeguard staff; supervise Junior Life Guarding class at South Shore Beach

• Oversee all medical and non-medical emergencies

• Promote the well-being and safety of beach and pool patrons by enforcing rules, policies, and procedures

Retail Sales Associate

• Develop strong customer service skills during busy retail season

• Complete week-long comprehensive training program emphasizing communication skills and effective marketing strategies

• Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills in resolving customer complaints

Restaurant Services

• Serve customers in bar and restaurant area in a timely and friendly manner

• Utilize POS systems to accept cash payments, process credit cards and generate gift cards

• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment to ensure customer satisfaction

Tutor

• Tutor 10 undergraduate students in ___ subject

• Track student progress and provide constructive feedback

• Simplify complex concepts by developing exercises to increase student understanding and retention of material

Childcare Provider

• Supervise three children ages six months to seven years old in a safe and supportive environment

• Provide basic needs, emotional support, and transportation services while supplementing educational activities

MARKETING CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

Campus Fellowship

• Selected into innovative experience for aspiring leaders to learn about themselves, understand others, and be civically involved

• Develop self-awareness and leadership skills through collaboration, guest speakers, community activities

Greek Life

• Represent chapter positively while developing and maintaining relationships with other organizations across campus

• Attend weekly chapter meetings to discuss new and old business, event planning, networking, and fundraising

• Raise approximately $X annually for _____ philanthropy

Undergraduate Research

• Conduct research for three months with the goal of understanding the patterns between voter registration and political beliefs

• Present analysis and results in poster format at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, gaining strong public speaking skills

Student Ambassador

• Represent High Point University with enthusiasm and integrity by helping run events and collaborating with the admissions team

• Lead groups of one-20 prospective students and families on tours through campus, engaging them with interesting information and standout achievements of the university

Student-Athlete

• Commit approximately 30 hours per week to training, studying playbooks, watching film, travel and playing matches while simultaneously maintaining full course load

• Develop strong work ethic, and perseverance to meet personal and team goals

Peer Mentor

• Assist new students in their transition to HPU by offering support and guidance related to campus services and campus involvement

• Mentor 20 first-year students through group meetings and one-on-one support

Student Organization Member

• Plan and coordinate campus events focused on encouraging community engagement

• Utilize social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, for promotion and outreach

• Attend weekly meetings to learn from local business leaders and develop professionalism

• Complete over 75 hours of service within the community each semester

Class Project

(Computer Science example)

• Create functioning software to demonstrate an understanding of software development process

• Execute analysis, requirement, design, development, and testing stages of developing software

RESUME EXAMPLES LIMITED EXPERIENCE

BRANDON J. BEGINNER

brandonbeginner@highpoint.edu | (555) 555-5555 | www.linkedin.com/brandon.beginner/

EDUCATION

B.S.B.A., Business Administration; Minor in Sales

May 2024 High Point University High Point, NC GPA: 3.1

Relevant Courses: Introduction to Event Management; Event Operations and Social Media

EXPERIENCE

Sales Associate

November 2019 – March 2021 J Crew Greensboro, NC

• Developed strong customer service skills during the busy retail season

• Completed week-long comprehensive training program emphasizing communication skills and effective marketing strategies

• Demonstrated effective problem-solving skills in resolving customer complaints

• Promoted company credit card to customers which resulted in 30 new accounts

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

Social Chair

August 2021 – Present Alpha Phi Omega High Point, NC

• Plan and coordinate campus events focused on encouraging community engagement

• Utilize social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, for promotion and outreach

Member

September 2020 – Present Civitan Club High Point, NC

• Contribute ideas about service projects and community involvement for the monthly newsletter

• Attend weekly meetings to learn from local business leaders and develop professionalism

• Complete over 75 hours of service within the community each semester

SKILLS

• Event Planning, Customer Service, Retail Sales, and Social Media Platforms

• Conversational Spanish

• Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

RESUME EXAMPLES INTERMEDIATE EXPERIENCE

Isabelle R. Intermediate

isabelle@gmail.com | 555.555.5555 | New York, NY | www.linkedin.com/iintermediate

SUMMARY

 Seeking opportunities in community fitness or wellness

 Experience in managing teams, program development, and community engagement

 Developed leadership skills through serving as Captain of D-1 Women’s Lacrosse Team

 Certifications: Emergency Oxygen; Infant, Child, and Adult CPR/AED; Water Safety Instruction

EDUCATION

B S., Exercise Science; Minor in Health Education

May 2019 High Point University, High Point, NC

 University Honors Scholar, Millis Scholar Athlete

 GPA 3.6

EXPERIENCE

Intern | Hartley Drive Family YMCA | High Point, NC

May 2018 - Present

 Provide orientation for new members through presenting on facility details and use of equipment

 Create wellness programs for youth; oversee marketing and registration of wellness programs

 Lead a fundraising event that raised a total of $4,500.00 for the Strong Kids Campaign

 Manage Wellness Center’s event updates by creating marketing content for flyers and social media

Senior Lifeguard | South Shore Beach | Little Compton, RI

May 2015 - August 2017

 Managed seasonal lifeguard staff; supervised Junior Life Guarding class at South Shore Beach

 Oversaw all medical and non-medical emergencies

 Cross-trained in other roles including Junior Lifeguard, Equipment Rental Specialist and Beach Patrol

Customer Service Associate | Panera Bread Company | High Point, NC

 Served customers in bar area in a timely and friendly manner

April 2013 - May 2016

 Utilized POS systems to accept cash payments, process credit cards and generate gift cards

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

 Captain | HPU Women’s Lacrosse Team

 Wellness Mentor | Student Wellness Center

 Volunteer | Montlieu Elementary School

January 2016 - May 2018

August 2016 - June 2017

August 2015 - March 2016

RESUME EXAMPLES EXPERIENCED

As you gain more experience, add leadership positions and make yourself shine!

EMILY EXPERIENCED

eexperienced@gmail.com | 555.555.5555 | Harrisburg, PA | www.linkedin.com/eexperienced

PROFILE

 Seeking Marketing Coordinator position with the City of Greensboro

 Experience with creating content for social media; certified in Hootsuite

 Skilled in WordPress, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator

 Experience in digital and darkroom photography

EDUCATION

B.A., Human Relations; Minors in Event Planning and Photography

December 2018 High Point University High Point, NC

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Social Media Representative

September 2018 – Present Social Marketing Solutions, LLC Parsippany, NJ

 Establish relationships with assigned clients to better understand their marketing vision and social media goals

 Utilize creative writing skills to compose original blogs posted on clients’ websites

 Manage clients’ Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ pages to engage target markets

Windows UCrew Representative

September 2017 – Present Campus Entertainment, Inc. High Point, NC

 Demonstrate initiative to conduct 40 peer-to-peer weekly trials of Windows 8 and other Microsoft products

 Utilize marketing savvy and social networking contacts to circulate marketing materials

Social Media Intern

May 2018 – September 2018

Trone Brand Energy High Point, NC

 Researched news stories and trending topics relevant to clients’ industries

 Composed innovative newsletter content to effectively engage clients’ target market and improve revenue

 Utilized iMovie, Photoshop and Illustrator to create an impactful client videos

LEADERSHIP

President

January 2015 – March 2016

National Panhellenic Council High Point, NC

 Served as Committee Member, Voting Delegate, Recruitment Committee Member

 Utilized strong leadership skills to oversee and operate the Panhellenic Executive Board

 Acted as a liaison and representative for HPU’s Greek Life and the community

SKILLS

 List your soft skills or personal attributes (target these to the internship or job description if possible)

 List additional languages and indicate proficient, conversant, or fluent (optional)

RESUME EXAMPLES CREATIVE

This is the section where you sell yourself with a short description! Your

Your

Accomplishment/result (list 2-3 experiences that focus on results or skills developed)

Your

(list 2-3 experiences that focus on results or skills developed)

Want to see more resume examples? Check out our Resume LookBook on www.highpoint.edu/careerinternships

CURRICULUM VITAE (C.V.)

When applying to graduate schools or certain full-time jobs (typically jobs in research or academia), using a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) may be more appropriate than a resume. Your C.V. should highlight your academic achievements and experiences.

The following table presents an overview of the differences between C.V.s and resumes:

C.V.

Length Multiple pages (usually 2+)

Content

Covers entire academic history in detail; more elaborate than resume

Purpose

Objective/ Profile/ Summary

Used for grad school; fellowships; and academic, research, and scientific positions

Not typical for C.V.s; instead, include academic, teaching, or research interests

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR C.V.?

Resume

1 page

Focuses on professional history (i.e., employment and work-related skills); more succinct than C.V.

Used for non-academic positions in private and public sectors; grad school

Optional; place at beginning of resume

You do not need to include every section outlined below, but rather include appropriate section headers based on your unique achievements. The following list is meant to help you brainstorm. Note: You will always include your name, contact information, and education.

• Your name and contact information

• Research/Teaching Interests (optional)

• Education

• Research or Teaching Experience/ Assistantship

- Lecturer, Adjunct, Associate, etc.

- Advising, Mentoring, Tutoring

• Projects (Under Review and In Progress)

• Professional Experience

• Internships

• Campus Leadership

• Professional Memberships

• Publications (Refereed, Under Review, Submitted to, Forthcoming/In Process)

• Presentations

- Invited talks (Lectures, Presentations)

- Conference Presentations/Poster Sessions

• Media Contributions (interviewed or quoted in media)

• Service (to Profession, University, Department, Community)

• Honors and Awards

• Fellowships and Grants

• Skills and Certifications

COVER LETTERS

A cover letter is a great way to express how your experiences, skills and professional motivation all align with a job or internship opportunity. While employers typically scan resumes, the narrative format of a cover letter invites them to read more carefully. You should always include a cover letter with your resume when submitting an application. Use these tips and template below to craft a successful cover letter.

TOP SIX COVER LETTER TIPS:

• Customize your cover letter to every position to which you apply. Use the position description to identify key skills and experiences to highlight in the body of your letter.

• Keep it to one page. A well-constructed cover letter will typically consist of three or four paragraphs on a single page.

• Complement, but do NOT duplicate, what is stated on your resume.

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE:

• Match fonts, margins and your header with your resume for consistency.

• Do NOT address your letter “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern.” Use LinkedIn, the company website, or a phone call to get a name and job title. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”

• Proofread! This letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

Dear Hiring Manager:

Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or type of work for which you are applying, and mention how you heard of the opening or organization.

Middle Paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in working for this employer and specify your reasons for desiring this type of work. If you have had relevant work experience or related education, be sure to point it out but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that they reader will view your letter of application as an example of your writing skills.

Closing Paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed resume, which gives a summary of your qualifications, or whatever media you are using to illustrate your training, interests, and experience. Have an assertive (but appropriate) closing to pave the way for the interview by indicating action or steps you will take to initiate an interview date.

Sincerely,

Your typed name

DIGITAL PORTFOLIO

A digital portfolio is a powerful way to show a potential employer who you are and how much you’ve accomplished in your career so far. When an opportunity presents itself, you are able to display your professional accomplishments in a beautiful and digestible way with a digital portfolio.

Anyone can create a digital portfolio, but it is especially useful for students and professionals in creative career fields including the arts, design, and communication.

Before the internet, portfolios were more structured and needed to be submitted in a physical copy. However, in the digital age, creating an online portfolio can be as creative and interactive as you would like it, and can vary in formats from a website to an Instagram profile—or even both.

Whether you decide to show your work as a presentation in your next job interview or as a shareable e-document that you have on file, here are the best tips and tricks for creating an eye-catching digital portfolio of any kind.

CHECKLIST

❏ Choose a platform. Some suggestions are Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace

❏ Choose a website name. Sticking with your name is usually the most professional approach

❏ Each section of a digital portfolio should be its own page: bio, resume, contact, and content pages

❏ An “About Me” section should be written as a concise, professional biography. Be sure to protect personal and confidential information

❏ If you are using client work, be sure to get prior written approval

❏ Provide context for work you have completed. List your role, the client and technology used

❏ Keep it simple. Don’t let a loud portfolio design overshadow your works

❏ Embed videos instead of linking to YouTube, etc.

❏ Always save your digital portfolio work onto a hard drive, in addition to your website

RECOMMENDED CONTENT

INTERIOR DESIGN

Produced Works

• High-quality images of designed spaces

- Residential

- Commercial

- Hospitality

• Images of design boards

• Two-dimensional representations of designed spaces

- Technical/CAD drawings

- Floor plans

- Hand renderings

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Produced Works

• Brochures and pamphlets

• Web and multimedia designs

• Social media posts

• Posters and flyers

• Images of drawings and 3D designs

• Brand logos, banners, and signs

RECOMMENDED CONTENT

ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION/SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION/MARKETING

Writing Samples

• Advertisements and promotional materials

• Press releases

• Campaigns or proposals

• News and feature articles

• Magazine and internet articles

Produced Works

• Newsletters and flyers

• Brochures and pamphlets

JOURNALISM

Writing Samples

• Hard news stories

• Breaking news stories

• Feature length stories

• Photographs and graphics

• Social media posts

• Blogging samples

• Sample social media posts

• Research abstracts

• Web and multimedia designs

• Campaign analytics

• Arts and entertainment stories

• Business news stories

Produced Works

• Video or audio news

• Photo slideshows

• Multimedia coverage

MEDIA PRODUCTION

Writing Samples

• Television/feature film scripts

• TV plot series blueprints

• Screenplays

Produced Works

• Podcasts

• Audio/video clips

• Drone photos/videos

GAME DESIGN

Writing Samples

• Game/narrative writing

• Technical writing

• News/feature photographs

• Blogging samples

• Film premises, concepts and synopsis

• Story structure outlines

• Narrative film shorts

• Documentary films

• Storyboards

• Game advertisements and promotional materials

• TV newscast rundowns

• Commentaries

• Personality profiles

• News reel

• Hardcopy layout

• Web design

• Film studies papers

• Script coverage

• Documentary scripts

• On-camera project pitches

• Creative reel

• Game journalism articles

Produced Works

• Technical art, 3D art, character art, concept art, VFX art, lighting art

• Illustrations

• Graphic design

• Animation

STUDIO ART/DANCE/ MUSIC/THEATRE

Produced Works

• High-quality images of artwork

• Photos/videos of performances

• Story boarding

• Audio clips

REFERENCES

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS/REFERENCE FORMS

Most graduate and professional programs require you to submit letters of recommendation or detailed reference forms from people in a position who can speak about your qualifications.

Before requesting recommendations, select three to five people who know you well enough to write a strong recommendation or submit the reference form. Faculty, club advisors, volunteer supervisors, work/intern supervisors, and student affairs staff are some people who could serve as references. Once you decide on three to five people, ask the references in person if they could provide you with a strong recommendation through a letter or form, depending on the program’s requirements. If they oblige, follow-up with an email that gives an overview of your conversation. Also, provide your references with the following materials:

• Copy of your resume/C.V.

• List of programs to which you are applying

• Instructions about submitting recommendation. If it is a link to complete a form or upload a recommendation letter, make sure to provide them with the link to submit. If it should be submitted by mail, provide a stamped, addressed envelope.

• Submission deadline

• Remember to send a note of thanks to each person writing a letter!

CAREER CATALYST: ALWAYS INCLUDE REFERENCES!

You can be proactive in your career development by always including a list of references or a letter of recommendation with any initial application you submit, whether for an internship, a job or graduate school. Providing the content up front whether or not it was requested shows the recruiter you’re serious about the opportunity and highly recommended by others.

REFERENCES

Some job applications require you to provide a list of references that they could potentially contact to learn more about you, your previous experiences, and your skills and strengths. Work/intern supervisors, faculty, club advisors, volunteer supervisors, and student affairs staff are some people who could serve as references. Reach out to three to five potential references to ask if they would be willing to serve as a reference for you in your job search. If they agree, be sure to send the following information to them before you submit your job application:

• Copy of your resume

• Copy of the job description for the position you’re applying to

• A brief overview of the work you did with them, so that they can be prepared to speak to that experience when the call or email comes

Be sure to keep your references updated in your job search and make sure to send a thank you note to them after your job search is complete.

When submitting your job application, submit your references as a separate document in addition to filling out the form the job application has for references. Make sure to include the following information on your reference document:

• Name of the reference

• Current job title of the reference

• What kind of reference they are to you (I.e. Academic, Colleague, Professional, Supervisor)

• Phone number

• Email address

First Name Last Name

Phone Number | Email | City, State | LinkedIn Link

References

Name of Reference

Current Job Title and Company of Reference

What kind of reference they are to you (Academic, Colleague, Professional, Supervisor)

Phone Number

Email

TAILORED

JOB SEARCH MATERIALS

Recruiters and hiring managers look for skills, education, previous job titles and fit between the job and the candidate, which is why generic resumes and cover letters rarely work.

TAILORING A RESUME TO A JOB DESCRIPTION:

Step 1: Understand the hiring requirements — Read the job description you want to apply for and highlight important parts related to the job

• Hard Skills

- Job-related skills (ex. copywriting, classroom management)

- Software/hardware (ex. QuickBooks, Adobe Illustrator)

- Training and certification (ex. Bachelor’s degree, Excel certification)

- Industry jargon (ex. portfolio management, asset consolidation)

• Soft Skills

- Leadership, collaboration

- Transferrable skills (ex. sales, problem solving)

Step 2: Create a Summary or Skills section on your resume that allows recruiters to see you have what they want right away and makes them want to read more.

Step 3: Revamp your bullet points. Rearrange them so that the ones with keywords matching the job description are on top of each entry, and rewrite or change words to include more keywords.

Create a master resume as a foundation from which you can tailor your resume for specific applications!

TAILORED JOB SEARCH MATERIALS

TAILORING A COVER LETTER TO A JOB DESCRIPTION:

Step 1. Review the job and company’s hiring requirements. Just as you did with your resume, using keywords from the job description in your cover letter.

Step 2. Names matter

• Address your cover letter to the correct person, using their name

- Sometimes the job posting will identify a specific person to contact

- If it doesn’t, research. Call the company and ask for the contact person or do some digging on LinkedIn

- If you’ve done your absolute best to research but don’t know what name to use, “Dear Hiring Manager” is the safest language to use

• In your introductory paragraph, you can state who referred you to the position, if you have their blessing to state that they referred you

Step 3. Why this company

• Explain that this is the company you want to work for and why

• Go to their website and research their “About Us” page (this will help in your interview, too)

• Gather information about their mission, vision, and community engagements

• Use this to connect to your goals

Step 4. Speak their language

Consider ways to incorporate a company’s unique language into your letter:

• Many companies have taglines. (ex.: Amazon’s tagline is “From A to Z”)

• Many companies have unique words or language they use often (ex.: High Point University’s “extraordinary”)

Attend our “Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter” workshop to practice modifying your professional branding documents to match a job description.

EMAIL TEMPLATES

Please Note: These communication examples are meant to be guides for email communication and should not be directly copied.

POST-INTERVIEW THANK YOU EMAIL

Subject Line: Thank you for the Interview

Dear Contact Name,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed hearing about Truist’s Leadership Development Program as well as your many professional accomplishments within banking. I was impressed to learn that Leadership Development Program participants will be taught by senior and executive management and will have an opportunity to choose one of two areas of focus. As we discussed, my internship with Wells Fargo and my experiences as President of the Sales Club and Vice-President of Pi Kappa Alpha have prepared me to excel within Truist’s structure. I would be delighted to be considered for a position in Truist’s Leadership Development Program, and I will follow-up with you next week. Thank you again for talking with me yesterday morning.

Sincerely, Your Name

REQUESTING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW EMAIL

Subject Line: Informational Interview Request

Dear Contact Name,

My name is Tracy Gold and I am a Sports Management major at High Point University. I am interested in a career in sports marketing and have specific interests in the NFL and MLB. I found you on LinkedIn and noticed that you are currently in a similar position and because of your background in professional sports marketing, I thought you would be a great person to connect with to learn more about the sports marketing industry.

I am wondering if you would be willing to meet with me briefly to discuss your career path. I have availability on [insert days and times] and can meet either in person or speak over the phone. Thank you for your time!

Sincerely, Your Name

Please Note: These communication examples are meant to be guides for email communication and should not be directly copied.

APPLICATION FOLLOW-UP EMAIL

Subject Line: Follow-Up on [insert position title] application

Dear Contact Name,

My name is Kyle Jackson and I am writing to express my interest in the Client Management position at IBM. I recently applied for this position on your company website [give the job posting number or application number if applicable] and wanted to follow-up to see if you needed any other information from me. I believe I’m a strong candidate for the position because of my background in client-facing software sales and proficiency in C++ and would love to talk with you further about this opportunity. I have attached my resume for your review. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further about my qualifications, please feel free to reach out to me by email at email@highpoint.edu or phone at (336) 555-7785. Thank you for your time!

Sincerely, Your Name

CAREER EXPO FOLLOW-UP

Subject Line: HPU Career Expo Follow-Up

Dear Contact Name,

My name is Jessica Adams and we met today at High Point University’s Career Expo where I expressed interest in the Sales position at CLR Systems. I enjoyed learning more about CLR, its culture, and available job opportunities. I have experience and skills in customer service and direct sales through my internship experiences and feel as though I would be a great fit for the position.

I have attached a copy of my resume for your reference. Please feel free to reach out to me via e-mail at email@ highpoint.edu or phone at (336) 555-7785, if you have any questions or would like to discuss my qualifications further.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today! I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Your Name

RECOMMENDATION/REFERENCE REQUEST

Subject Line: Recommendation/Reference Request

Dear Professor Name,

I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from you during my time at High Point University and appreciate your willingness to advise the student group I’m heavily involved in on campus. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for me for my graduate school applications to several Master of Business Administration programs.

If you are willing, I would be glad to send over my most recent resume and details about each of the recommendation letters needed and how to submit them, along with their due dates.

Thank you for all you have done for me during my time at High Point University and for taking the time to consider this request.

Sincerely,

Your Name

ACCEPTING AN OFFER

Subject Line: Acceptance of Position at Volvo

Dear Contact Name,

Thank you for the offer of employment at Volvo for the Sales position in your Greensboro, NC headquarters office. I am thrilled to accept your offer and I look forward to joining the team and working for a company that values innovation, community, and sustainability.

As the offer letter states, I will be earning a salary of $_____ per year and reporting to Lisa Silver. My start date is June 15, and I plan to relocate to Greensboro shortly after my graduation in May. Please feel free to reach out to me via email [insert email here] or phone [insert phone number] if you have any questions or if I need to provide you with any additional information.

Thank you again for this exciting opportunity and I look forward to working with you!

Sincerely, Your Name

Please Note: These communication examples are meant to be guides for email communication and should not be directly copied.

DECLINING AN OFFER

Subject Line: Customer Service Position

Dear Contact Name,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the Customer Service position at Greenhouse Printing Company in Charlotte, NC. I enjoyed learning more about the company’s culture and mission and was impressed with the growth opportunities within the company. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline your offer of employment as I’ve accepted another position that seems to be a better fit for me at this point in my career.

Again, I’d like to thank you for the time you took to interview me and for the offer of employment. I wish you and your team the best in your candidate search.

Sincerely,

Your Name

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION

Subject Line: Customer Service Position Offer

Dear Contact Name,

Thank you for the offer for the Customer Service position at Greenhouse Printing Company in Charlotte, NC. I am very excited about this opportunity and have been really impressed with Greenhouse Printing as a potential employer. You asked me to notify you of my decision by April 18th, and while I’m very interested in this job and am very seriously considering it, I would like to request an extension for my final decision until April 25th. I want to make sure that I have sufficient time to fully consider this opportunity and make an informed decision. I would really appreciate this extension and can assure you that I will be able to give you a firm decision by that date.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. I will follow up with you next week.

Sincerely, Your Name

WITHDRAWAL FROM SEARCH

Subject Line: Follow-up on Interview, Customer Service Position

Dear Contact Name,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the Customer Service position at Greenhouse Printing Company in Charlotte, NC. I enjoyed learning more about the company’s culture and mission and was impressed with the growth opportunities within the company. However, at this time I must respectfully withdraw my application from this job search as I have accepted another offer of employment that I feel is a better fit for my career goals at this time.

Thank you again for your time and your consideration for this opportunity.

Sincerely, Your Name

NOTES

BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL WARDROBE

Your attire is a form of communication and can influence the impression of your boss, coworkers and customers about your capabilities and professionalism.

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS FORMAL

• Pantsuits and skirt-suits with a dress shirt

• Suits, ties, and dress shirts

• Neutral colors

• You should wear business professional for nearly all job-interviews!

CAREER CATALYST: IMPRESS BY DRESSING YOUR BEST!

Dress as professionally as possible. Always dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

BUSINESS CASUAL

• Tailored slacks/dress-pants –non-denim

• Conservative length skirts and dresses

• Sweaters, cardigans, blazers, or jackets

• Closed-toed shoes: oxfords, loafers, flats

• Button-down shirts

• Don’t necessarily need a jacket and tie

• Simple accessories

SMART CASUAL OR DRESSY CASUAL

• Combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire

• Blouses, polo shirts, button-downs

• Chinos, dark wash jeans, dress pants

• Polished, practical footwear

• Pair pieces together from different formality levels (i.e., Dark wash jeans with a blazer and a casual blouse)

INTERVIEWING

An Interview Is…

• A chance for the employer to get to know you

• A chance for you to evaluate whether the manager and company culture are a fit

• An opportunity to prove that your experiences and skills align with the job duties

WHAT

EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR

Employers use the interview process to obtain answers to four questions:

• Can you do the job?

• Will you do the job?

• Will you fit in with the organization?

• Are you a person I will like and our team will like?

It is your job to convince the prospective employer that the answer to all four questions is yes. Be honest about your experiences and skills that make you an excellent candidate.

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

Remote: Often, employers conduct first round interviews via phone or video. Phone and video interviews last 15-60 minutes, and employers use them as a screening tool for future interviews including oncampus and on-site interviews.

• Phone

• One-Way Video (HireVue, SparkHire)

• Two-Way Video (Skype, Zoom, WebEx)

On-Site: Employers offer on-site interviews after a candidate completes a successful phone, virtual, and/ or on-campus interview. Some on-site interviews could last two hours while others could last a half-day or full-day. The on-site interview is the last step in the hiring process where candidates meet multiple people and may be asked to take assessments. It is also the last opportunity for you to evaluate the employer.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW:

• Research the organization, hiring manager, and anyone else who will be interviewing you using LinkedIn and the company website.

• Select your interviewing outfit.

• If possible, drive to the location of the interview to map the route.

• Look over and practice your answers to interview questions.

• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

• Organize items that you plan to take including your resume, portfolio, and references.

TOP 10 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What interests you about this job?

3. Why did you choose this particular career path?

4. Why should we hire you?

5. What do you know about our organization?

6. What are your strengths? What is one weakness?

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

• Tell me about a time when you envisioned a better outcome and energized others to achieve the desired results. (leadership)

• Tell me about a time when you chose to step into a situation, took charge, gained support, and brought about excellent results. (leadership)

• Tell me about a problem situation when you had to analyze facts quickly, define key issues, and develop a plan that produced good results. (problem-solving)

• Describe a time when you learned from a mistake to improve your solution to a problem. (problem-solving)

• Tell me about a time when you contributed a new and better way of doing something. (creativity)

• Tell me about a time when you were able to think “outside-the-box” to come up with a solution. (creativity)

• Tell me about a time when you “pushed back” against doing something even though the majority, including some at higher levels, favored the idea. (risk-taking)

• Describe a time when you took a wellinformed risk and failed. (risk-taking)

7. What courses have you enjoyed the most? Least?

8. How would your boss or professors describe you?

9. Where do you see yourself in five years?

10. What questions do you have for me?

• Describe a situation where you influenced a group decision to your point-of-view. (collaboration)

• Tell me about a situation where you formed productive relationships with a diverse group of people to accomplish a common goal. (collaboration)

• Tell me about a time when you were challenged by multiple, competing priorities. How did you focus your efforts? Describe your results. (time management)

• Give me an example of setting a goal and meeting it despite short-term obstacles. (time management)

• Give me an example of a situation where you faced a conflict or had a difficult communication issue. (communication)

• Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer. (individual strengths)

• Tell me about the most difficult situation you have faced in the context of work or campus organization. (problem-solving)

STAR METHOD

When answering behavioral questions, use the STAR method. The interviewer is looking for you to articulate specific examples of your responses to certain situations. Provide focused answers that demonstrate specific skills or qualities necessary for the position.

S SITUATION T TASK A ACTION R RESULT

To practice answering behavioral interview questions, set-up a chart using the STAR method

Example:

Behavior Based Question

S Describe the SITUATION

T Describe the TASK

A Describe the ACTION taken

Tell me about a situation where you formed productive relationships with a diverse group of people to accomplish a common goal.

My group was assigned a class presentation to discuss the unique challenges that homosexual students face on our campus. Some in the group were more accepting of this student population while others were less accepting.

We were asked to present ideas about increasing university support of homosexual students on campus.

Despite viewpoints very different from my own, I pulled the group together by suggesting that we focus on our task of providing services to a student population, rather than discuss homosexuality from a moral/ethical perspective.

R Quantify the RESULTS

We received an A on our presentation and the university adopted our idea to provide safe zone training to faculty, staff, and students.

DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

• What would you do if you discovered that your company was doing something illegal?

• How do you handle stress? Give examples.

• What was the last book you read? How has it impacted you?

• If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?

• How would you gain the confidence of a client who has over 30 years of experience?

• What would you do if a colleague is underperforming and it is affecting your department?

• Where else are you interviewing?

• What types of people do you dislike the most?

• You appear to be overqualified for the position. Why would you be interested in a position at this level?

• What do you see as future trends of our industry?

DURING THE INTERVIEW

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE EMPLOYER

1. What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years? What do you see as future trends for this industry?

2. How do you distinguish yourself from your competition?

3. What skill-sets do you not have on board already that you are looking to add with a new hire?

4. What is the overall structure of the company, and how does your department fit within the structure?

5. What have been the department’s successes over the last few years?

6. What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this position?

7. Where have successful employees in this position progressed to within the company?

8. Can you describe a typical day/week in this position? Can you describe the typical client/ customer/student I would be working with?

9. How would you describe this organization’s culture?

10. What should I expect the next steps to be after our interview today?

QUESTIONS NOT TO ASK EMPLOYERS IN THE FIRST INTERVIEW

• What will be the salary? What are the benefits? (You may ask these questions when you receive an offer.)

• How much vacation time will I get?

EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL QUESTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS:

• Are you a U.S. citizen?

• What is your native tongue?

• What religion do you practice?

• Which religious holidays do you observe?

• How old are you?

• When do you plan to retire?

• Are you married or partnered?

• Do you have children or plan to have children?

• Are you disabled?

• Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations?

• Are you single?

If employers ask you an illegal question, there are some strategies that you can implement. First, you can respond by asking them a question. For example, you may say, “that’s an interesting question that I’m happy to answer, but could you tell me how it relates to the job?”. A second strategy involves addressing the concern behind the question. For example, if an employer asks about plans for marriage and children, you can respond by saying, “nothing that comes up in my family life will get in the way of my ability and desire to do the job well.” You also can choose to answer the question or refuse to respond, though both may be undesirable. Regardless of your strategy, if an organization asks an illegal question, evaluate whether it was intentional or unintentional bias and decide whether the organization remains a place in which you want to work.

REMOTE INTERVIEWING TIPS

Phone

• Study up: Read all interview materials thoroughly from the company to prepare. You want to show that you can follow directions

• Check the time zone: Don’t assume the employer is in the same time zone as you. Always suggest and confirm times using both your contact’s time zone and your own. It eliminates confusion and allows everyone to catch a time conversion error

• Service: Use a landline phone if possible, or a well-serviced area

• Answer professionally: Answer the phone with “Hello, this is <clearly state name.>” The interviewer now knows he/she has reached the right person and knows how to pronounce your name. This simple gesture starts the interview off on great note for the interviewer

• Project yourself confidently: Think about your presence and posture. Stand up while speaking and enunciate your words. Many find it helpful to dress as you would for an inperson or video interview

• Smile! Emotions are contagious. You have the power to create a positive vibe in your interview

Video

In addition to the phone interview tips above, also:

• Look the part: Dress appropriately and look into the camera, not yourself

• Limit distractions:

- Make sure your laptop is fully charged or plugged in

- Silence your cell phone

- Close all other programs and browsers (email, pop-ups, etc.)

• In groups, mute yourself: On group calls, mute yourself when you’re not talking. It makes a positive first impression by showing you understand virtual etiquette. For one-on-one calls, do not mute your mic unless there’s unexpected background noise, like a garbage truck idling outside your window or a dog barking. In those situations, explain why you’re intermittently muting.

• Don’t forget: Smile!

HOW TO END THE INTERVIEW

At the end of an in-person interview, ask for the interviewer’s business card. Be sure to shake the interviewer’s hand and thank them for meeting with you. Clarify next steps, their timeline for the hiring process, and when you can expect to hear from them. Also, indicate that you plan to follow-up with them if you have not heard from them by the date they specified. Be aware that confidently following-up is a critical part of the process. Do not leave anything to chance.

THANK YOU NOTE

It is important to send a thank you note that not only thanks the interviewer for their time, but also reiterates why you would be a good fit for the organization. Send an email or hand-written note on a professional looking notecard within 24 hours of the interview. See an example of a thank you note in the communications section on page 57.

UTILIZE OTHER BEST PRACTICES FOR INTERVIEWING:

• Research the company and interviewers beforehand

• Show up on time

• Have a copy of your resume handy and a notepad to take notes

• Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer

BIG INTERVIEW

Big Interview gives students a powerful suite of tools to get you ready…fast. Their complete lesson curriculum teaches students how to get inside the head of any interviewer and prove that they’re the ideal candidate. The interactive interview practice module gives you the hands-on preparation you need to comfortably and confidently deliver stellar answers. Additional tools like the Answer Builder, Question Library, and Interview Roulette help users drill down on specific skills and get even more guided instruction. To access Big Interview, visit our website.

MOCK INTERVIEWS

In addition to Big Interview, you are invited to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for a mock interview. It is most helpful to submit your resume and the job description of a desired position to a Career Advisor in advance of the appointment. Schedule a Mock Interview appointment on Handshake.

HPU’S FINE-DINING LEARNING LABS

While some colleges provide an etiquette class during a student’s senior year, HPU provides students with four years of career preparation inside 1924 Prime and Alo, HPU’s fine-dining restaurants that double as learning labs. Here, students building confidence in professional settings beyond the office, practice etiquette and experience international cuisine and cultural.

By utilizing 1924 and Alo, which are included in your meal plan, you’ll graduate ready to ace a job interview or a client meeting over dinner.

HPU’S EXECUTIVE SURVEY: DISCOVER WHAT LEADERS NEED IN NEW HIRES

High Point University’s Survey Research Center surveyed 500 C-Suite executives nationwide to find out what they want in their future hires and which traits, characteristics and attitudes they see in their current employees that make them successful. In this poll, you’ll find practical takeaways and insights on questions you can expect to be asked as a college student entering the workforce.

Definition of Life Skills: Capabilities that outlast and extend beyond technical skills, but allow one to communicate, build relationships, continuously grow and thrive in competitive environments. Adaptation amidst rapid change. Understanding that to work harder, one must work smarter. Accepting failure as the price for learning and developing a growth mindset. Navigating complex situations without being intimidated by life’s obstacles. What employers want in new hires.

HPU’S C-SUITE EXECUTIVE SURVEY:

This survey has demonstrated that employers consistently report that new hires don’t work out for reasons such as coachability and adaptability rather than technical competence. HPU faculty understand that educational knowledge is the foundation for success. They listen to the demands of the marketplace and prepare students to excel in the areas that matter most.

TOP FIVE REASONS NEW HIRES FAIL

1 MOTIVATION

“Your outlook upon life, estimate of yourself and estimate of your value are largely colored by your environment. Your whole career will be modified, shaped and molded by your surroundings and the character of the people with whom you come into contact every day.” -

Magazine

HPU’S RESPONSE to Motivation:

Think environment doesn’t make a difference? Ask any professional sports coach if they prefer to play at home or away. Leading organizations understand your surroundings shape your behavior.

At HPU, an inspiring environment is part of a strategic effort to surround students with energy, enthusiasm, and the lift they need to walk and act with purpose.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to control and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.

In the working world, employers rank a lack of emotional intelligence as the second highest reason new hires fail. The HPU experience addresses the need for students to be able to properly express their thoughts and feelings while simultaneously adjusting to the thoughts and feelings of others on their team.

HPU’S APPROACH to Emotional Intelligence:

The President’s Seminar on Life Skills is a required course for all freshmen taught by Nido R. Qubein, HPU president, serial entrepreneur, business leadership consultant and author. In their first semester, students learn about relational capital, the art and science of persuasion, communication skills, and many more life skills that will help ensure students chart a path for success.

In fact, HPU graduates often site their Life Skills Seminar as a catalyst for their personal and professional transformation.

Skills Students Build During the Course:

• Positive self-esteem. Positive self-esteem can give you the confidence to face any obstacle that stands in your way. By believing in yourself and your abilities, you can overcome the most disappointing and discouraging situations.

• The art and science of goal-setting. Most of the things that make life worth living require careful introspection, sufficient time to develop and plenty of hard work. Students learn that setting goals and consistently working toward them is how success can be achieved. Fundamentals of leadership. Leaders are made, not born. Even if you don’t want to pursue a career that is traditionally thought of as requiring leadership, you can certainly benefit from knowing how to persuade, influence and negotiate with others.

• Fiscal literacy and stewardship. A mini-crash course in economics: learn how to manage your own money for long-term prosperity. Know how to save, invest, avoid bad debt and otherwise make sound financial decisions.

• Health and wellness. Think about it: what is more central to quality of life than quality of health? There’s no point in having a brilliant, purposeful career if you don’t feel well enough (or live long enough) to enjoy it.

• Time management. Time is your greatest treasure. If you don’t make a constant decision to invest it in the pursuit of your goals and objectives, you are throwing it away. You will learn practical techniques for analyzing your time habits, keeping daily and weekly to-do lists, getting organized, and yes, making time for leisure, friendship and spiritual growth.

• Communication skills and persuasive presentations. Through effective communication, we exchange information and ideas with other people, integrate our lives into the human race, and bring the things we want to happen to reality. Communicating effectively is the “master key” to success. In this course, you’ll learn how to get your point across and listen to the points of others.

COACHABILITY

Employers want new hires who are coachable, and a lack of coachability has been noted as the number one reason new hires fail. If you want to be coachable, you have to practice being coached.

HPU’S ANSWER to Coachability:

Every freshman at HPU is provided a Success Coach, a professional staff member who offers guidance, wise counsel and encouragement. If you want to be coachable, you need practice! Mentorship is the responsibility of every faculty and staff member at HPU. And students benefit from an ecosystem of mentorship and support – ALL FOUR YEARS.

Students benefit from Career Advisors, faculty advisors, peer mentors and more. Even HPU’s club sports teams have professional coaches. No one in life gets far without the help of others. HPU understands this and has forged a culture where students are surrounded by “coaches” who care.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCE

HPU’S STRATEGY on Technical Competence:

HPU’s academic curriculum is both innovative and relevant in part because our faculty mentors include a mix of scholars and real-world practitioners. Just as the marketplace is in daily flux, majors in all disciplines are in a continuum of evolution. HPU’s newest programs in engineering, actuarial science and physical therapy are merely a few examples of HPU’s commitment to ensuring graduates are prepared for the world as it is going to be.

Continuous Growth

Today’s students need more than a degree; they come to college seeking a transformational experience. And HPU knows a thing or two about transformation. HPU has continuously transformed its institution and its culture, remaining a small university, but with major university resources. Growth is a familiar story at HPU. Growth is what makes it possible for HPU to transform its students.

In the last decade, HPU has more than tripled enrollment from 1,450 to 5,800 students, more than quadrupled campus from 91 to 500 acres, earned doctoral degree-granting status and established six new academic schools, for a total of 10 academic schools now at HPU. Each new academic enhancement is proof of HPU’s commitment to preparing students with the technical skills needed to excel in this ever-evolving workforce.

TEMPERAMENT

“When people are in a fixed mindset, they believe their basic talents, abilities and intelligence are fixed traits—they have a certain amount, and that’s it. But, in a growth mindset, people understand that talent and abilities can be developed through hard work, learning new strategies, and help from others. This is an empowering belief.” -

HPU’S POSITION on Temperament:

Growth mindset is our answer. It represents faculty’s strategic approach to instilling students with the temperament to overcome life obstacles and view challenges as opportunities. Dr. Carol Dweck, Stanford professor and expert on growth mindset, has even visited campus to share her research and its impact with faculty.

Exceptional Experiential Learning

Faculty and staff provide students with a plethora of opportunities to put classroom concepts into real-world practice. These experiences help students learn to collaborate with people from all walks of life, while also learning to embrace failure as an opportunity to grow.

TOP 6 QUESTIONS ASKED BY EXECUTIVES

Give me an example where a failure changed your course and set you on a different path that surprised you because of how you grew from it.

Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Know the difference between productive failures and nonproductive successes. The process of learning and growing always involves challenges. A resume is full of accomplishments, but you need to speak to how you grew through your struggles.

Motivation is crucial with any job, and it often boils down to work ethic. Talk about a time when you had a task you disliked. How did you stay motivated?

Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Bad habits are easy to develop, but hard to live with. Yet, good habits are hard to develop, but easy to live with. Motivation is one of those good habits to cultivate.

Internships and leadership roles in clubs and organizations in college really prepare you for life after college. How have you seen this work experience help you grow not only intellectually but emotionally?

Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: There is no substitute for experience, which creates competence. And competence leads to confidence.

Tell me about your goals in life. How do you plan to achieve them?

Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: What matters is not so much what you want “to do” but rather what you want “to be.” This question will give the employer insight into your personal initiative, your underlying motivation, and assessment of your strategic thinking.

Give me an example of how you found a solution to a problem you faced in your life or your work experience.

Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: In any line of work, we need solution finders –NOT merely problem solvers. Solution finders think vertically to eliminate the issue permanently. Problem solvers think horizontally and only react to the tyranny of the urgent. Employers are looking for deep, vertical thinkers to join their team.

Tell me about a time when you held a leadership role – whether assigned or assumed. How did you motivate the people around you to carry out the mission? And how did you handle disgruntled team mates?

Life Skills Tip from President Qubein: Leaders must build bridges of understanding in order to persuade, influence and guide. Those bridges must always be built at the feet of the other person – not you. Employers will look for candidates who share how they connected with their teammates in order to foster trust. Remember, if no one will follow you, you’re not a leader.

To practice your interview skills, schedule a Mock Interview appointment with a Career Advisor on Handshake.

Negotiation definition: An effort to resolve a difference or explore an opportunity between parties

SALARY NEGOTIATION

KEY PRINCIPLES OF NEGOTIATION:

• Know what you want/need

• Know what the other party can offer

• Know the issues(s) at stake

- Salary, benefits, hours, etc. – avoid revealing your position too early

Before you even begin to consider a job offer, step back and do some basic RESEARCH on where the job might be and what the cost of living will be in that location.

EXPENSES TO CONSIDER:

Apartment costs: Application fee, Security deposit, Monthly rent, Pet fee/ deposit (may be monthly; certain breeds may be excluded), Renter’s insurance, Homeowners Association (HOA) fee, Furniture/Kitchen items/Mattress and bedframe

Cost for utilities: Electric, Water, Gas, Internet service, Concierge garbage (where applicable in apartment living)

Personal budget: Rent, Utilities, Savings, Car payment, Food, Gas, Miscellaneous expenses

RESOURCES FOR SALARY INFORMATION

• NACE Salary Calculator

• CareerOneStop Salary Info

• Glassdoor Salary information

• Salary.com

• PayScale.com

DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON SALARY DATA FOR THE JOB YOU’RE APPLYING OR INTERVIEWING FOR AND PROVIDE A RANGE (NOT A SINGLE AMOUNT).

• Giving a range allows room for negotiation when that time comes. If you give a single, specific amount, you leave no room to negotiate.

• If you don’t want to give a specific range, you can always just respond with “Negotiable,” but you will still need to do your homework and prepare for the eventual salary discussion.

TIPS TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS:

• Hold off negotiations until after you’re offered the position

• Be able to justify your salary expectations

• Research your career field and determine salary averages in relation to skills and experiences

• Practice negotiating and be prepared to overcome objections, while maintaining a professional attitude

• Finally - Be aware that some companies have formal pay structures and therefore aren’t negotiable

Example of How to Start Negotiations: “I’ve done research of industry standards for similar positions in this area of the country, and it seems that salaries range from ______ to ______ depending on experience and qualifications. Based on my ______ experiences, I was hoping that I would be towards the higher end of that range. Is there a possibility of that?” Additionally, remember to evaluate the entire compensation package, because salary isn’t everything. Consider things like health insurance, retirement package, vacation/sick leave, personal reward, opportunity for advancement, job security, etc.

Source: Campus Career Coach

DECIDING TO APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

Pursuing graduate school creates an extraordinary opportunity to expand your knowledge and experiences. There are many benefits to continuing your education, including career advancement, employment opportunities, networking and personal accomplishment. In addition, your earning potential as a graduate-educated professional will likely be higher than that of someone whose education concluded with a bachelor’s degree.

Because graduate school entails a commitment of time, money and effort, it is important that you weigh the decision carefully and clarify your professional goals and your preparation level. If you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree, speaking with a Career Advisor, faculty members, pre-professional program advisors, and graduate program alumni can help with your decision.

EVALUATING GRADUATE SCHOOL

As you consider graduate school, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you have thought through your post-graduation plans:

• What are my short-term and long-term goals? Where does graduate study fit into these goals?

• What will this graduate degree do for me that my undergraduate degree will not?

• What are my interests, skills, and strengths? How can I prepare myself for the educational commitment?

• How will I pay for graduate school? What financial obligations do I have?

• Is this the right time to pursue graduate study or would another time be better?

• What is my reason for pursuing graduate study?

Faculty, alumni, and pre-professional program advisors are other people that can help you decide. You can ask them:

• What is your career background? Where did you obtain your degree(s)? Why did you choose that discipline and program?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking time off to work or travel before pursuing an advanced degree? If I take time off, what experiences might I pursue to show my interest in the field?

• What career options are available after obtaining this degree?

HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES WE RECOMMEND TO ASSIST YOU IN RESEARCHING SCHOOLS AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS:

• Gradschools.com

• U.S. News and World Report

• Princeton Review

• Peterson’s

GRADUATE PROGRAMS: YOUR FUTURE CAN CONTINUE AT HPU

Did you know High Point University has graduate degree programs that can further your success? While earning your undergraduate degree, be sure to explore these ever-evolving master’s and doctoral degree opportunities.

Health Professions:

Athletic Training (MSAT)

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Future/Proposed Health Programs:

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMS)

Master of Biomedical Sciences (MS)

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Business Administration

Business Administration – Leadership (MBA)

Business Administration – Healthcare Management (MBA)

Business Administration – Business Analytics (MBA)

Communication

Strategic Communication (MA)

Communication & Business Leadership (MA)

Education

Educational Leadership (Ed. D.)

Education (M.Ed.)

Education (M.A.T.)

Add-On License in Educational Administration

CAREER CATALYST:

HPU GRAD PROGRAMS

Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmit@highpoint.edu to learn more about specific programs listed above. You can also chat with your Career Advisor in the Office of Career & Professional Development, about possible paths to graduate school. You can visit www.highpoint.edu/graduate/apply/ to see application criteria for each program.

“The MBA program at High Point University challenges students to think critically about real-world situations to pursue their career goals. My communication and research skills have developed tremendously during my time in the program.”

“By pursuing my PharmD and Healthcare Management MBA, I will have the ability to work at the top of my field in medicine. This program has given me the chance to explore how I can implement Healthcare Management as a future pharmacist.”

“I chose to apply to HPU’s Master’s in Communication and Business Leadership because it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The idea of being able to receive a graduate degree focused on communication and business leadership was the complete educational package I never knew I was looking for. I believe this master’s degree, combined with my undergraduate degree from HPU, will put me on the path towards my dream job.”

APPLYING TO GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

If you decide that graduate school is beneficial for your career path, use our timeline for graduate school to help you complete steps in the application process. Remember to start preparing for graduate school early in your undergraduate career. At a minimum, you should begin gathering materials for your application one year before you plan to attend graduate school.

When completing the application process, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to create a timeline, review your resume/C.V. and edit your personal statement.

ENTRANCE EXAMS:

Depending on the program, graduate schools require specific entrance exams. The following are the most common required exams: GRE, MCAT, LSAT and GMAT.

You can prepare by buying test preparation books and/or flashcards, signing up for a classroom course, and/or completing one-on-one tutoring. Kaplan and Princeton Review are test preparation resources that can assist you in any of these ways. In addition, the company that publishes each test creates preparation materials.

The University has access to Learning Express, a college and graduate entrance test study platform. This resource includes access to hundreds of timed practice tests that students can use to prep for entrance exams. The user also has access to practice guides which discuss methods to succeed when taking these tests. Students are encouraged to make an account while on campus so that they can use the timed tests and track their progress. HPU Libraries’ book collection also includes access to materials on test taking prep.

Regardless of which resource you use to prepare, it is advisable to take several practice tests to simulate test day.

GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION TIMELINE:

Freshman and Sophomore Year

• Explore your interests, skill set, and career goals with a Career Advisor

• Conduct informational interviews with current graduate students in areas of interest

• Begin to identify three to five professors who could become recommendation sources

• Create and continually update your resume

Junior Year

• Research areas of interest, graduate programs, and universities at graduate school fairs, online, and in person

• Register and prepare for required graduate admissions exams. Take a practice test.

• Investigate application deadlines

Summer Before Senior Year

• Take required graduate admissions exam. Have scores sent to the schools to which you are applying.

• Visit schools of interest. Narrow your list of schools.

• Find out application requirements

• Gather financial aid information

• Make a chart of application deadlines and scholarship, fellowship, or graduate assistantship deadlines

• Write a draft of your admissions essay or personal statement

• Compile a draft of your C.V. if necessary

• If your prospective program requires you to identify an advisor before admission, contact potential advisors

Fall Semester Senior Year

• Revise and finalize your admissions essay or personal statement with help from a Career Advisor

• Revise and finalize your resume/C.V. with help from a Career Advisor

• Request your letters of recommendation from faculty/supervisors early. Make the request in person if possible and follow-up with an email. Provide them with a copy of your resume/C.V. and programs to which you are applying. Inform recommenders of whether they must submit the recommendation online or by mail.

• If necessary, take admissions examination again

• Make arrangements with the Registrar to send your official transcript

• Submit application materials with required fee at least three weeks in advance of application deadline

• Apply for scholarships

• Follow up with schools to ensure your application is complete

Spring Semester Senior Year

• Schedule a mock interview with a Career Advisor prior to admissions committee interview

• Follow-up with the Registrar to have final transcripts sent

• Once you have decided on your school of choice, accept the admittance and notify the other schools to decline acceptances

• Send a deposit to your school of choice

• Fill out the FAFSA

• Send thank you notes to people who helped you with the application process. Let them know of your acceptance(s) and your decision.

PERSONAL STATEMENTS

Your personal statement is an important facet of the application and an opportunity to present yourself to the admissions committee. Articulate your professional goals, your interest in the specific school’s program, and your work, volunteer, and educational experiences that led you to pursue an advanced degree in the field. Career Advisors are here to review your personal statement! Faculty are another resource that can assist you with revisions.

UNDERSTANDING THE QUALITIES OF A STRONG PERSONAL STATEMENT

• Your resume or C.V. may show the reader what you have done, and your personal statement explains why

• Your personal statement should not be a narrative form of your resume. Rather, consider an overarching theme to tie everything together, starting with a personal story. Alternatively, you can use a big metaphor or analogy through the essay

• Your statement should be deeply personal, giving the admissions committee insight into your passions and your ultimate decision to pursue a career in this field

• Give yourself as much time as possible to write your statement. It will take longer than one evening to get your personal statement right. Plan for weeks or possibly months to work on your statement

• A compelling and introspective personal statement can make the difference between getting an interview and facing admission rejection

PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROMPT

• Some personal statement prompts give specific guidelines on content, format, word count and submission method. They may include a series of specific questions that you must answer throughout your essay

• Other applications provide little in the way of guidance, asking prospective students to simply expand on why they want to apply to the program or supply information on their backgrounds and professional goals

• It’s crucial that you read and understand what is expected of your personal statements. It won’t matter how beautifully crafted the statement is if it doesn’t address the prompt or if it disregards stated length requirements

INTRIGUE THE READER

• The introductory paragraph and, even more importantly, the introductory sentence of your essay, will most certainly make or break your overall statement

• Ensure that you have a creative and captivating opening sentence that draws the reader in. This is your first and only chance to make a first impression and really capture the attention of the committee

• Starting with an event or an Aha! moment that inspired your decision to pursue this academic study or profession is one way to grab their attention. The kinds of things that inspire or motivate you can say a lot about who you are as a person

• The broader introductory paragraph itself must also serve as a roadmap to the reader, allowing them to understand where the remainder of the story is headed. If your prompt asks you to answer specific questions, make sure your introduction is leading you into answering those questions

WHY THIS GRADUATE PROGRAM

• In addition to catching the reader’s attention in your first sentence of your essay, the other most important tip for personal statement writing is to tailor your essay to the school or program to which you are applying

• Your essay should include reasons why you are interested in this program specifically. Some reasons may include:

- Curriculum

- Experiential learning opportunities

- Faculty research

- Community involvement

- School history or tradition

• While researching your programs of interest, pull unique pieces about each program that resonate with you and include them in your essay

Some graduate programs ask you to write a general personal statement explaining your interest in the field, then require you to write supplemental essays specific to each program of interest. Work with a Career Advisor or faculty member to ensure you are following protocols for your individual graduate plans.

MASTER OF ARTS COMMUNICATION & BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

THE COMMUNICATION AND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The MA-CBL degree provides the full complement of analytical and practical success skills resulting in exceptional communicators that employ interdisciplinary principles of business management. This program develops students’ strategic thinking and messaging, relationship building, organizational leadership, logical analysis, negotiation, and complex problem-solving abilities.

This MA program can be completed in three semesters of full-time enrollment. The 30 credit-hour program is broken into three areas:

• 24 credit-hours of courses

• 4 credit-hours of practicum

• 2 credit-hours of capstone

Required Courses:

• Organizational Behavior

• Strategic Message Design

• Data and Decision Making

• Global Leadership

• Persuasion, Positioning, and Negotiation

SUCCESS SKILLS

Sample Practicum Workshops:

• Project Management

• Media Training for Leaders

• Creative Professional Branding

• Global Leadership Principles Display the actions that leaders take to communicate a vision and generate buy-in, understand tactics that create a motivational environment, and respond to intercultural and international issues that impact business decisions and community relations.

• Persuasive Communication Construct clear, concise, and convincing written and oral communication and integrate technology in message dissemination.

• Ethical Analysis Recognize and respond to legal and ethical dilemmas in decision-making and complex problem solving.

• Team Development Skills Foster collaboration and manage group and interpersonal dynamics in a multilevel team environment.

• Data Driven Decision-Making Identify opportunities in dynamic and uncertain business environments and integrate business concepts with core communication strategies to provide data-driven solutions

“The MA-CBL program at HPU has been the perfect balance between business and communication, two vital skills in a constantly changing world. This program has equipped me with the tools necessary to adapt and thrive, while allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. My experience has prepared me to be a successful leader, ready to take on the next chapter of my life.”

NOTES

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