Most applications will include a few common items whether they are submitted through mail or online. Here are some things you can expect to complete for your application packet:

Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are filling out those application forms.

• Follow all instructions. Read the application carefully before you begin to fill anything out.
• Remember to meet the deadlines! Make sure you understand which elements are due when.
• Fill out all the requested information, and do not leave anything blank. Incomplete applications may be denied just because an item was missing.
• Type the application if you can. If you must complete it by hand, print neatly using black or blue ink.
• Keep your application clean and do not bend or fold it. It will look more professional that way.
• Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors. Ask someone else to help you with this.
• Use reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job or education information.
• Check and double check your information. Make sure you have not made any mistakes in your social security number or address.
• Don’t forget to sign and date it!

Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep everything in order and get it all turned in on time.

• Keep a copy of everything you send, for your own records. That way, if you need something later on, you will not have to spend even more time to complete it- you can simply pull it out of your file folder and mail or fax it.
• Request application materials well ahead of time. If the materials are online, make sure to figure out exactly how to access them earlier, rather than later.
• Make a checklist for each school you plan to apply for. Include dates where appropriate.
• To keep yourself organized, use this handy Application Tracking Worksheet.
• Set aside some space to keep your application materials, so you do not lose them. Folders, files, or even just a corner of your desk where the papers will stay put (and not get lost) will work just fine.
• Create a calendar with all the deadlines for applications. Mark early decision/application dates, priority dates, recommendation letter deadlines, and late application dates, just in case. Color coding will help you separate between schools.
• If you have not already completed your entrance exams, mark the application dates and the test dates on your calendar as well.
• Prioritize which elements need to be completed first. The personal statement will take longer than the application, but must be sent in at the same time. You should give your professors or supervisors ample time (at minimum 3 weeks) to complete their letters of recommendation. Check how long it will take for your official transcripts to be processed.
• Schedule time to work on each element individually. This will help you stay organized and get everything done, without cutting into your class or work time.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get the materials in the mail. Shoot for at least two or three business days before the post-mark date, or a little over a week if the application must be received by a certain date.
• When you think everything is finished, double check and triple check your lists, and then call the school to make sure they received everything you need. Try to do this before the deadline, so that you can take care of anything that might turn up missing.

Most Common Application Mistakes (YouTube Video)
Expert Admissions (YouTube Video)
Insider’s Guide To Admissions (YouTube Video)
Graduate School Dictionary (PDF)

• Application Timetable
• Free Printable Calendars
• To-Do List Organizers
• Smart College Planning Guides and Tips

What are you writing about?

Regardless of the path you take to beginning your personal statement, there are many questions that you will have to inevitably cover.

• How do you want to answer their questions?
• What piece of you do you want shown to the admissions committee?
• What kind of tone do you want your personal statement to take?
• What kind of theme should I use for the personal statement?

These can be very difficult questions to answer. You can make the brainstorming process smoother by knowing yourself first. Gather your transcripts, resumes, and anything else that shows who you are. These will let you know all your strengths,but more importantly, it will also tell you your weaknesses. You can use your personal statement to address your weaknesses or show them in a better light.

Research the college to which you are applying.

• Every graduate school program available has a different set of goals, ideals, and most importantly, students which should be understood before you begin to create a personal.
• Contact students who are in the program you are applying for or have already completed the program will have valuable insight into what they thought was most useful on their personal statement.
• Considering who you are and where you are applying will allow you to decide whether you want to expand on your professional experience in your field or focus on how you enjoy the particular method of instruction that the department is known for.

Format

• You have an introductory paragraph and a concluding paragraph that surround the body paragraphs.
• The length of your paragraphs and how many body paragraphs you will include will be determined by the guidelines the admissions committee will have for you.
• Open with something that will catch their attention, and finish with something strong and memorable.

Once you are able to create a draft of your personal statement, you should then take advantage of the Career Development Center services also those of the The Learning Hub. The Career Development Center has trained professional staff available to go over your draft and give advice on how to refine a personal statement into something that best exhibits your skills and achievements.

Some general tips for writing a personal statement:

1. Be yourself and be genuine in your writing.
2. Avoid cliche statements and ideals whenever possible.
3. Proofread, proofread, proofread.
4. Use your personal experience to reinforce your points, but do not make the personal experience itself the focus.
5. You can now use “I” and “me” without worry. Just remember that beginning every sentence with “I” would look rather conceited.
6. If a question is asked, answer it completely with specific details and examples. It is respectful to the admissions committee and shows that you know how to follow directions.
7. Always write a new unique personal statement for each college you are applying for.

• Personal Statement Handout 
• The personal statement/college essay (YouTube Video)

• Personal Statement Do’s and Dont’s
• OWL’s Writing the Personal Statement
• Writing Your Graduate School Statement
• All About the Admissions Essay

The Curriculum Vitae is much more thorough about your academic experience and your relevant accomplishments.Resumes, on the other hand, focus mostly on your professional skills and development, only briefly describing your educational background. While a resume is usually one page and should never exceed two pages, a CV typically has a minimum of two pages. CVs include all the basics of a resume and then some.

In the United States, the resume is the standard format for most occasions. You should only prepare a CV when specifically asked to do so. Both the resume and the CV should always be accompanied by a well written cover letter, printed on white or ivory resume paper, and proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes.

When to Use a Resume:

• When requested by an interviewer or application directions.
• As a part of your portfolio or for a grad school interview.

Information to Include:

• Your name and contact information
• Any post-secondary degrees you have received (or will receive)
• Your work experience
• Your relevant skills
• Any relevant certifications
• Awards and Honors
• Relevant Professional Associations

In addition to this basic information, you may want to include a profile section detailing some of your personal skills. Depending on your field of expertise, you may also need a technical skills category, or even professional development or volunteer experience headings.

When to Use a CV

• When specifically requested.
• Scientific and research positions will usually find the curriculum vitae more useful than a resume.
• Overseas applications typically prefer the CV.
• A CV is often more appropriate than a resume when applying for fellowships or grants.

Information to Include:

• Your name and contact information
• Any post-secondary degrees you have received (or will receive)
• Your work experience
• Your relevant skills

In addition to this typical information listed on a resume, the Curriculum Vitae should also include:

• Your educational/academic background
• Any teaching experience
• Research work or projects you have done
• Publications
• Presentations
• Awards and Honors
• Affiliations
• Licenses or Certifications

The easiest way to tackle composing all the information included in a CV is to write out all your background information and accomplishments made. After doing so, organize all the information into categories first, and then into reverse chronological order. Be sure to include those dates!

• Resume Worksheet (PDF)
• CV Worksheet (PDF)
• CV Checklist (PDF)
• Career Hub Guide to Resume Writing (PDF)
• Differences between CVs and Resumes (YouTube)

• Resume or CV?
• CV vs. Resume
• Preparing a Curriculum Vitae: Proven Success Strategies

• It is best to request letters of recommendation 4-8 weeks before the date that you need the letter(s), to allow plenty of time for them to be completed thoughtfully and thoroughly. Some faculty, staff, or others may not be able to help with short turn-around times.
• Choose your references carefully and select those who can really speak to those talents, skills, and abilities, required by the position or graduate program you are applying to and are familiar with your work.  Most importantly, choose someone who has had significant contact  with you and can speak highly of you.
• Ask those identified if they are willing and able to write a strong letter of support on your behalf. If they express reservations, then seek an alternative.  A weak or overgeneralized recommendation can harm or negate your application process.
• It may be best to request letters of recommendation in writing, such as e-mail, in order to provide a written reminder of your request. Some faculty or staff may request to meet with you in person.
• Shortly before the letter of recommendation is due, follow-up to confirm that it has been completed and and sent.
• Send a thank you note or email to each person who has written  you  a letter of recommendation. Keep them updated on your graduate school or job search and let them know when you’ve been accepted into a graduate program or position.

Make an appointment or send through email, items that may be very helpful to your faculty, staff, or other member to discuss and write your letter of recommendation.

• A statement of purpose including your interests, background, career goals, and qualifications.
• A copy of resume.
• An unofficial transcript.
• Courses you have taken with them (titles and dates) and grades received.
• A complete list (including titles and dates) of internships, independent studies, academic projects completed; honors an awards received; and any relevant work and/or volunteer experiences.
• Names of programs to which you are applying and addresses for each program.
• Due dates for the application for each program.
• Whether the letter of application should be submitted electronically through an on-line system,  returned to you in a sealed envelope, or sent directly to the  university or organization to which you are applying.
• Waive right of access? The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 gives students the right to view their educational records, including letters of recommendation.  However, employers and admissions committees give more weight to confidential letters.  Indicate on memo (above) if you intend to waive your right of access to any letter of recommendation.

If an individual you are requesting to write a reference letter for you needs assistance in preparing the document, you can have them contact us.

Download a sample reference letter

Some programs might have certain class prerequisites in order to be accepted or enrolled.

While programs may do this, many will give you “conditional admission,” which gives you a specified time period in order to complete the prerequisites while taking graduate level courses.

Some programs might also allow you to test out of taking the prerequisites by taking a CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam.

• Determine the skills necessary for the position or program you will be interviewing for.
• Choose documents and professional materials that will document how you have used those skills.
• Use a professional looking portfolio notebook to hold your portfolio’s contents.
• Utilize plastic page covers for arranging your materials and protecting them.
• Label the different sections of your portfolio to ease finding information and grouping materials.
• Be sure to update your master portfolio often for interviews or opportunities that come up at the last moment.

When developing your portfolio, consider including:

• Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Official copies of your transcript.
• A fact sheet, in list form, that displays your skills and professional interests.
• A list of experiences that might not fit into your resume.
• Certificates of awards and honors; certifications for special trainings.
• A program or flyer from an event you planned or participated in.
• A list of conferences & workshops you have attended with descriptions.
• Samples of your writing, including research papers and other academic work.
• Documentation of technical or computer skills.
• Letters of commendation or thanks.
• Letters of nomination to honors and academic organizations.
• Newspaper articles that address achievements.
• Internship or co-op summary report.
• Personal statements, goals statements, statements of purpose.
• Documents specific to your field (i.e. artist statements).
• Photos demonstrating your professional experience, including captions.
• A disk containing your e-Portfolio.

An e-Portfolio, if requested or expected by an employer or school you are applying to, can be even more effective at showing your creativity and professionalism and is easy for others to access. Use the new Optimal Resume portfolio module to build and house your professional e-portfolio.

By using an e-Portfolio, employers will be able to identify that you are familiar with various types of computer programs and technologies, which is very important, especially in fields such as computer science, graphic design, music, and others that depend highly on technology. Electronic portfolios allow for additional documentation than printed versions and can include items such as:

• Audio clips, such as your boss giving a positive evaluation of you.
• Video clips, such as you on the job.
• Links to e-mail addresses.
• Links to the UIS homepage and your program’s website.
• Links to your professional networking website.
• Online materials you have created, such as graphics or animations.

Video: Using Optimal Resume to Build Your Portfolio
The Portfolio: A Career Boosting Tool (Youtube)

• How to Make a Professional Teaching Portfolio
• Creating a Powerful Portfolio – even when you don’t have access to prior work samples
• QuintCareers – about portfolios

To properly prepare for a graduate school interview, be sure to:

• Research the university or college.
• Prepare and prioritize a list of open ended questions to ask.
• Practice mock interviewing with the Career Development Center, family, or friends. Or, log-in to Optimal Resume’s interview module, one of to practice by yourself.
• Call to confirm your appointment. Be sure you know what the interviewer will expect of you, and follow all directions they offer.
• Update and bring a professional portfolio. Include a resume or CV, depending on the program requirements. The Career Development Center offers assistance to students (and alumni) who wish to improve their resume/CV or build a stronger professional portfolio for grad school and for job searching.
• Dress for Success

During the interview, you will likely be the one answering most of the questions. Ideally, you should prepare a brief self-introduction, as ‘tell me about yourself’ is typically the first question after you shake hands. Later on in the interview, you will also have sometime to ask a few questions of your own.

Below are common questions you may be asked, questions for you to ask the interviewer, and a few topics to avoid:

Questions to Prepare to Answer:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why do you want to study at our school?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• If accepted, what will be your biggest challenge here?
• How has your professional experience (or education) prepared you to succeed in this program?
• What are your career goals? How will studying here help you achieve those goals?
• Describe your greatest accomplishment.
• What do you do in your spare time?
• What unique qualities do you think you have to offer this program?
• What appeals to you most about our program?
• How do you motivate yourself? How do you deal with stress?
• What is your plan B? If you were not accepted to the program, what are your plans?
• Define teamwork? Success? Leadership? Fairness?

Questions to Consider Asking:

• General questions about the degree program
• Preparations for the program- do they prefer experience?
• Interviewee’s educational path
• Culture/environment of the school
• What financial assistance is offered? Are there scholarships/fellowships to apply for?
• What kind of experiential learning opportunities are there? Teaching assistantships? Adjunct positions? Internships? Research opportunities?
• What factors are most important in admitting students?
• Where have alumni of the program gone? Where do they work?
• Do students usually publish or present papers?

Questions to Avoid Asking:

• Do not ask highly personal questions
• Do not ask about party life on campus
• Do not ask pessimistic questions, try to stay positive.
• Do not ask overly detailed questions

Whether you are applying to Graduate School, looking to secure fellowships and grants, searching for assistantships, or even exploring your career options, you will no doubt be required to attend an interview. The best way to prepare for the stress of an interview is to practice, practice, practice. The Career Development Center at UIS offers mock interviews to give you a chance to practice and get feedback about your interview performance.

• Mock Interview Checklist

Practice with Optimal Resume’s Interview Module
Med School Interviews (YouTube)
Career Hub Guide to Interviewing (PDF)

• About Grad Interviews
• Tips from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
• Be Prepared to Interview with Graduate Students
• Graduate School Interview: Do’s and Don’ts

One of the simplest ways to build your professional reputation is to follow the proper etiquette for thank you notes. People who take the time to follow up with a thank you note are rewarded in many ways. Certain application committees may even favor applicants who send thank you notes to interviewers.

Thank You Notes

• Make sure you know when to thank the person. If you have any doubts, send a thank you anyway.
• Be prompt – one to five days afterward is ideal.
• Double check names, titles, and spellings.
• Many faculty are so busy that email is the best way to contact them. Ask and find out for sure.
• If you do choose to email, take it seriously. Avoid chatspeak, and use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Handwritten cards are better in some circumstances. Just make sure your handwriting is legible! If you are unsure, you can either type the note, or write a business style letter.
• Always leave room to hand sign the note, using a nice blue or black pen.
• Always proofread for spelling and grammar errors.

What to Include

• The first paragraph should state where & when you met the interviewer. Also, thank them for their time and reaffirm your interest in their graduate program.
• The second paragraph should mention what particularly appeals to you about their university and should reinforce points in support of your interest or application.
• The third paragraph is the place to mention things that you wish you had communicated during the meeting or event. You can also restate your understanding of the next steps in the application process, if necessary.
• The closing paragraph should thank the interviewer for their time and effort for their communication and/or consideration, and provide a way to follow up.

Following an Interview

• If needed, you can clarify something you may have said, or address lingering concerns.
• Remind the interviewer of some of the qualities you have to offer, and reiterate how you would be a good fit with the colleagues degree program.
• Notify them if you are no longer interested in the school.
• Always remain positive.

Following an Informational Interview/Meeting

• Thank the interviewer for the information provided.
• Keep the door open for future contact.

Following a Graduate School Fair

• Thank the interviewer for the specific information they provided.
• Reiterate your interest in the university/department and, if applicable, a specific program.
• Request additional information and a business card from the recruiter.

• Business Etiquette for Referrals
• Remember to send thank you letters. 
• Cell Phone Etiquette 
• Phone and Email Etiquette for Work 
• Thank You Note Etiquette 
• Introductions
• Anna Post’s Etiquette Tips 
• Best Time to Network 
• Networking for Women
• Social Networking Online
• International Etiquette 
• Etiquette Quiz 

If you have read our other pages on networking, you know that talking to the people you know can be a great asset to your career. Did you know that this is true for the graduate/professional school application process as well? Here are some etiquette points to help you become an expert at networking you can use as you continue your academic career.

General Networking Tips

• Follow up on leads or referrals quickly.
• Offer to help others when you can. Academic relationships should be mutually beneficial.
• Always send a thank you note. This is one of the best ways to make a good impression.
• Keep a file of contact information (business card organizers work well for this). Try to get in touch with the people in your network at least once a month.
• Be patient, and listen more than you speak. Use open-ended questions that help the other person know what you’re looking for, but still allow them freedom.
• Know the preferences of the person you are contacting. Some faculty prefer face-to face meetings, while some are so busy that email is the most effective way to contact them.
• Silence your cell phone, or set it to vibrate mode. Voicemail was invented for a reason.
• The person standing right in front of you should always take priority over the person trying to call you.
• Always ask before you give out someone’s contact information. This will allow them to prepare for a possible interaction.

Meeting New People

• Stand up to greet someone, especially if you have not met them before. Be friendly, and remember to smile and make appropriate eye contact.
• Handshakes should be firm, and last for about 2-5 seconds. When you shake hands, make eye contact.
• When you introduce yourself, make sure you let the other people know who you are and what you do. It will be easier for the other person if you let them know how they should address you.
• Introduce less important people to more important people.
• Remember names, but avoid using first names until you have been given permission to do so.
• Feel free to exchange networking cards with the person.
• Follow up with an email or phone call if you think the two of you can have a mutually beneficial relationship. Three to five days is a good time range to do so.

Networking Cards

• Treat a networking card as an extension of your own image. Invest in quality cards, and keep them clean and in good condition. Ensure the contact information is up to date!
• Try not to keep the cards you receive loose in your pocket or purse, as that could be perceived as rude. Instead, invest in a card holder to keep them in. Try to avoid putting them in your back pockets altogether.
• Make sure to have a good supply of cards when you go to a networking function. Bring enough to give to everyone you plan to talk to, and a few extra, just in case.
• Cards are usually exchanged at the beginning or end of a conversation. Follow the lead of the person you are talking with, but feel free to offer your card even if they do not.
• When receiving a card, take the time to look it over and make a comment about it. Do not write on the card in front of its owner unless you are directed to do so.

Phone Calls

• Plan what to say ahead of time. This will help you be concise.
• Know the title and name of the person you are calling, as well as the best time to call.
• Briefly explain why you are making the call. Introduce yourself in a few sentences, so the person you are calling will be better able to judge what the call is about.
• Avoid jargon and slang and keep away from personal questions, so you do not make others uncomfortable.
• Discuss private or sensitive topics in person. If you absolutely must conduct private business over the phone, confirm with the other person that it is appropriate.
• Always let someone know if you put them on speaker phone.
• Speak slowly and enunciate. Telephones may distort your voice a little, and you would not want to be misinterpreted.
• Do not speak too loud/soft, and use a positive tone of voice. Be aware that people can not see your body language over the phone, and make sure your point is clear.
• If you must leave a message, plan it out before you call. Be brief and concise, and make sure to leave your phone number for them. Give them a few good times to call you, so you can avoid playing ‘phone tag’.
• Return phone calls promptly. This will help you make a good impression, and you will be less likely to forget to return an important voicemail.

Whenever you meet for a business meeting, others form their impression of you are made within the first ten seconds of that meeting. It is in your best interest to make certain that those ten first seconds impressions are good ones. Dressing professionally will greatly help you make good first impressions.

Business Professional: The more traditional business image

Business Casual: Professional dress that looks relaxed yet neat and pulled together

What Not To Wear

Other Tips

• The quality of a suit can impress any potential employer
• Dress as professionally as possible when hired, and then learn about the dress code
• If uncertain about an office dress code, wear traditional business attire
• When wearing casual business attire, dress in a classic but understated look
• Clothing should always be clean, pressed, wrinkle free, and without holes or frayed areas
• Hairstyle should project a professional appearance: clean, neatly trimmed, and well-groomed
• When in doubt, leave it out

Want to learn more

• UIS Professional Clothing Closet

Basically, when developing your financial plan, your initial consideration is the cost of tuition, fees, and housing expenses. However, it’s just as important to consider personal living expenses such as gas, cell phone, food, and entertainment. Knowing how much money you are able to live on is basically why you will want to outline a budget of the anticipated cost you will be responsible for while attending graduate school. Use the Finance/Budget Worksheet to begin this process. Calculate your financial need for the duration of your studies will help you create financial plan for how you will meet your financial needs and now the amount of potential debt you will be acquiring.

Download the Graduate and Professional School Financing/Budget Worksheet (pdf)

If you have been admitted to several programs/schools, you may want to outline a side by side comparison of the tuition, fees, cost of living to the amount of a financial package the programs may offer you. Make sure your comparisons are accurate and include cost of living expenses for each particular location.

Financial assistance is available to graduate and professional school student. The key is to perform a thorough search for all financial assistance opportunities in and outside of the school or program. It is crucial to begin this process early because of deadlines. Most graduate students finance their education through fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, grants offered by the university, foundations, and organizations. Financial assistance can be obtained through the department of study through assistantships. Loans are available from the federal government, place of employment, and private lenders. Some assistance is based on need or merit.

Fellowships

• On the graduate level, fellowships are equivalent to scholarships.
• Fellowships are a straight monetary award given on the basis of scholastic record.
• Funds may come from endowments, current income, private foundations, industry, or government.
• Catalogs outline institutional fellowships and directories identify other sponsors.
• Ask departments and programs about applying for fellowships.

Assistantships

• Individual departments award teaching and research fellowships.
• You work part-time while pursuing your studies.
• A stipend serves as remuneration and sometimes tuition remission.
• Inquire about assistantships within the departments.
• Universities may have a graduate assistantship office or department.

Resident Assistantships

• Resident directors work in residence halls while pursuing their graduate studies.
• Resident assistants usually receive tuition remission and a stipend.

Long-term Educational Loans

• The Federal Government offers low interest loans which you repay over a long period of time.
• Repayment begins several months after graduation.
• Check with the financial aid department and local banks for information.

Talk with the Financial Aid Administrators for your school is the best way to get started. They are the professionals regarding current requirements, deadlines, and procedures. Also, a great online resource is the Financing Graduate Education: A Guide for prospective Students written by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

See Link:
Financing Graduate Education (PDF)

Application for financial aid is not automatic. You will need to fill out and submit required aid applications before deadlines. Aid application instructions and deadlines are usually clearly stated in each school’s application materials. Some schools require you to apply for aid when applying for admission. Other schools require that you be admitted before applying for financial aid.

Be prepared to submit copies of your federal income tax forms and federal aid transcripts. You may want to check the status of your aid application if you receive no response within a reasonable time period. Keep copies of all forms for your record.

* The information in this section was adapted from Game Plan for Getting into Graduate School, by Marion Castellucci.

Career counseling services are available either face-to-face or through distance secured methods. Licensed Professional Counselors and supervised counseling interns assist individuals and groups with the decision-making process and facilitate the development of career action plans as it relates to life and career directions. Career counselors tailor services according to the needs of the individual in order to clarify life/career aspirations. Some common concerns confronting individuals can include identification of interests, values, skills; improving decision-making skills as related to choosing a major and/or career; identifying resources such as career planning and occupational information systems; educating about job search strategies; resolving personal conflicts on the job by improving interpersonal skills; assisting with the integration of work and other life roles; providing support and decreasing job stress, job loss, and career transitions. Learn more about Career Counseling.

The Career Development Center staff is readily available to assist with teaching you how to comprehensively develop and implement your job search strategy in order to be competitive in the job market. Additionally, the Center also offers office based and online resources and tools to identify occupational information, labor market and salary trends, and industry information. The key is to plan early and establish a timeline to be prepared and to remain on task while tapping into the services and resources offered by the Career Development Center.

Determine primary strengths and formulate them into marketable statements to be used when communicating with prospective employers. If goals have not been established, the ability to market yourself and be competitive will decrease considerably.

Gather and organize information into the most appropriate format exhibiting unique skills and offerings to prospective employers. The “one size fits all” format is unacceptable and should be tailored to the job and employer of your choice. Additionally WinWay, a resume software system, is available on the CDC kiosk located in the Career Development Center which provides suggested formats, phrases, and graphics to assist you in creating a professional resume.

Business correspondence can consist of cover letters, thank you letters, and other career exploration correspondence letters. All forms of correspondence should be in a professional format and contain information using appropriate grammar and spelling. The content of your letter should be carefully thought through for a variety of reasons such as providing information about sources of referrals, providing concrete examples and showcasing your writing skills.

Networking is one of the most important aspects of the job search. Staff will partner with students and alumni in identifying effective networking approaches best suited to the unique needs of the individual. Educating students and alumni about general facets of networking, the rationale as to why networking is important, how to make contacts and who should be part of one’s network, leads to enhanced job opportunities.

Informational Interviewing can serve as a dual purpose. The technique can be used to gather important information, so decisions can be made about choosing or refining your career path, identifying what is required to succeed within a chosen career, or to learn how to gain access for entry into a chosen field. An added benefit of informational interviewing is meeting new people and keeping in contact with those individuals who have common interests which expands your network.

Remember the statement first impressions are lasting impressions? This critical point also coincides with the interview. Therefore to remain current in interviewing trends, preparation and practice are essential to a successful interview. Discover tips about interviewing preparation, interviewing techniques, responding to commonly asked questions, evaluation criteria commonly used by employers, differentiating between legal and illegal pre-employment questions, understanding behavior and appropriate conduct during an interview, and knowing when to disclose sensitive information. Not only can the staff assist in interviewing preparation, but an online system called Interview Stream will allow you to practice in privacy. Interview Stream can be accessed from within UIS CareerConnect. Just login to your student or alumni UIS CareerConnect and locate the Interview Stream logo at the bottom of your home page. No password needed!

Mock interviews are available by appointment. The mock interview simulates a real interview with a thorough critique upon completing the interview. Come to the mock interview prepared as though you were interacting with a recruiter. Proper dress, arrival, and professionalism are encouraged.

A common complaint from many recruiters across the country is that applicants need additional guidance to enhance skills in business etiquette. A simple way of becoming more competitive is to polish these “soft” skills. The Career Development Center staff can educate and train you in soft skills and proper business etiquette, enabling you to have future opportunities to demonstrate a more polished and professional presentation.

All experiential opportunities consisting of internships, volunteer, part-time, full-time, and seasonal job postings are accessible in our online system called UIS CareerConnect. UIS CareerConnect is a very comprehensive system available 24/7 which requires a password to access. More information about what the system offers, how to register, and how to access the system is available at UIS CareerConnect.

The Career Development Center throughout the year provides opportunities for recruiters, students, and alumni to connect through information sessions and on-campus interviews. Information about industries, company profiles, internships, part-time jobs and full-time jobs is shared. In order to participate in on-campus interviews and information sessions, students and alumni must first register and sign-up for these opportunities through UIS CareerConnect. It is highly recommended students and alumni upload resumes into UIS CareerConnect, so they will be prepared when opportunities occur on short notice. Make sure you have checked the box that gives permission for employers to view your resume.

Until you have accepted a position, your responsibilities have not ended when it comes to the completion of your job search. Although a job offer has come through, you want to be sure you have all of the information prior to accepting a position. Some critical points to consider include the relationship of the company and position in comparison to your abilities and goals; equitable salary comparisons should be researched; company’s ability to pay according to market demand and level of responsibilities; benefit package including amount of employee and employer contributions, and consideration of cost of living based upon geographic location.

UIS CareerConnect is an online job system with the following career-related features:

• Search and review job, internship, volunteer, fellowship and scholarship postings
• Upload resumes for employers to search
• Upload documents to create an e-Porfolio
• Alumni and professional mentor contacts
• Search and view employer profiles
• Professional Development event calendar

Use this innovative tool creates a simulated interview experience with coaching and recording capabilities. You may also record your own video introduction for 30 -60 seconds to send to potential employers or contacts.

SkillsFirst can be accessed from the UIS Career Development Center Student Toolbox.