Who is in control of your job search? A common mistake is to turn over control of your job search to outside influences such as parents or employment recruiters. Other times we get busy with our lives and leave it to chance and no plan is developed at all. All of these scenarios can result in unsuccessful outcomes. It takes time, energy, and knowledge to strategize and navigate a job search targeted towards your career plan. The process involves understanding the present job market,how to research employers, and utilizing career tools such as a resume, portfolio, and networking cards. The following three steps will guide you in directing your job search plan:

1. Write down career fields that are related to your skills, education, and interests
2. Identify and list different job titles that are related to these fields
3. Outline your Job Search Plan to best support your career goals and objectives (Use the Job Search Plan Checklist  as a resource in drafting your Job Search Plan).

During your job search, it is imperative to research companies/organizations. This is typically referred to as reviewing a ‘company’s profile’. The best place to start researching is the company’s website. Here you will find basic information about the company, its services, departments, and staff listings. Most companies will post career opportunities, recent press releases, and links to articles about itself and products and services. Be certain to review its mission statement if it has one job posting as it will likely offer you a glance of the company’s culture. Another way to gather key information is by using UIS Career Development Center’s Online Resources. These online systems offer a wealth of information that will provide a snapshot of the company’s history, leadership, mission, financial status, and much more.

Continue to research using other online search engines. Search engines will give you an easy way to search news articles, blog posts, and general web postings about the company. Blogs can offer real life insight into the day to day operations of the company, as well as more names to research.

Career fairs are great opportunities to launch your career by developing a successful job search. Through networking, distributing resumes,and being prepared with a job search strategy at career fairs, you will then further your search by effective interviewing to land a victorious career.

Click here learn more about Career Fairs.

A factor influencing your Job Search Plan may be your interest in relocating to a specific geographical area.When considering your geographic preference keep in mind the following factors: unemployment rate, cost of living, climate,market demand, and much more. Being aware of these factors will help guide you in targeting specific geographic regions.

There are numerous resources tailored to assist you while searching within specific geographic regions particularly on the internet. When conducting a geographic job search, you may want to perform a net search using one of the many job search engines. Many cities, states, and counties now have websites with business, non-profit, government, and employment-related links. We have provided you with links to a few of the many available websites in the Resource Section below.

A significant factor in every job search is the cost of living in the geographic region you are considering. It is easy to educate yourself on how the cost of living will impact your potential salary. Use the Cost of Living Wizard Calculator as a determining factor throughout your job search.

• Career Hub Blog
• Guide For Researching Companies and Industries
• Tips for Applying Online

Professional dress that looks relaxed yet neat and pulled together.

• 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

• Dress to Impress: Business Casual vs. Professional Graphic
• Dress for Success lists and students modeling different attire

Create a 30-60 second ‘elevator pitch’ or a ‘commercial’ about YOU! Start with a firm handshake and your name (very important). Then, include information on your professional background, education,professional and academic goals and visions. Reserve personal information for when you get the job. If you have a business or networking card, don’t be afraid to hand it out.

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. The Career Development Center offers Mock Interviews as well as useful handouts and worksheets about networking in addition to this page. Now that you know how to find those hidden job leads, here are some etiquette points to help you become an expert at business networking.

General Networking Tips

• Follow up on leads or referrals quickly
• Offer to help others when you can. Business 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 prompt. Five minutes early is on time
• 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
• Try not to substitute technology for face-to-face conversation. Email is okay, phone calls are better, and meetings are best
• Silence your cell phone, or set it to vibrate mode. Voice mail 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 business 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.

Business Cards

• Treat a business or 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.
• Business 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 business 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 wel 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 “telephone 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 voice mail.

Everyone you know is already in your network and should know your career goals. Think of everyone that you know,and compile a list. Educate them on your current visions, goals,and plans. All of these individuals are key players in your job search, they know you, and they also know other people who might have great opportunities for YOU!

Business etiquette is very important to the art of conversation. The way you present yourself during meetings, networking events, or even just daily conversations have a great impact on your professional reputation. Especially if you are just starting your career, you need to be aware of the rules of business etiquette. Here are some conversational tips to help you as you launch your career.

Content: What You Say

• Maintain a positive attitude about yourself and your accomplishments. Try not to understate! Talking about yourself positively is not the same as bragging, so put your best foot forward. Confidence attracts people
• Exaggerating is not a good idea
• Avoid politics and religion as conversation topics
• Avoid using jargon and acronyms
• Stay positive about other people. A negative attitude makes it hard for you to build trust with people
• Use action verbs when you talk about your skills.

Delivery: How You Say It

• Plan what you will talk about, so the conversation will flow more smoothly. This will help you be concise.
• Try to enunciate (but don’t overdo it).
• Vary your inflection so you are not monotonous
• Speak at a comfortable pace for the other person to listen to you. Midwesterners and International Students often speak too quickly. Slow down a bit!
• Watch your volume. If you are talking in a crowded room, speak up. If you are somewhere others can hear, be courteous.
• Stay calm. If you need a moment, take a deep breath or ask the other person a question.
• Be aware of others’ personal boundaries. You should not crowd the other person, but you should not be standoffish either. This is especially important in cross-cultural communication. Being attuned to the small cultural differences between you and a business associate will make the conversation much more comfortable and effective.
• Show confidence, but try not to appear too aggressive. Being aware of the messages your body language is sending will help you accomplish this.
• Be aware of your personal appearance, and practice good hygiene. If you are unsure about what to wear, check out our Dress for Success page.

Body Language

• If you blink too much, you may be distracting to the other person. But if you hardly blink at all, your eyes may turn red and watery.
• If you have any nervous twitches, try not to make them too obvious.
• Tame your hand gestures. You may move your hands a little to emphasize a point, but keep it natural.
• Use appropriate eye contact. Intense eye contact can make you appear confrontational or confused. Too little contact can make you appear rude and disinterested.
• Stand straight, but not too stiffly.
• Be aware of your facial expression. Ideally, you want to smile and appear pleasant without looking fake or stiff.
• Try to make the other person comfortable. One easy way to do this is to mirror small parts of the other person’s body language.

Rapport

• Always be courteous about cell phone/PDA use. Try not to use these devices unless it is an absolute emergency. If you are expecting a call, tell the other person.
• Be courteous and tactful. Harsh comments can easily ruin a person’s impression of you.
• Be yourself, and try not to stress about formalities. One common mistake people make is coming across as overly formal.
• Speak and act genuinely. People can tell if you are being fake and this will not help their impression of you.
• No matter what your current mood is, be friendly.
• Listen to the other person. If you are just trying to figure out what to say next, you will not come across as sincere. Conversation is a two-way street; try not to be so set on your talking points that you miss what the other person has to offer.
• Interrupting is a big no-no. You will appear rude if you interrupt, and the other person will know you were not really listening.
• Get to know the other person by asking questions.
• Patience is key. If you do not wait to establish a good relationship with someone, you will appear pushy. Make sure both of you are comfortable with each other before making plans.
• Do be attuned to the chemistry between yourself and the other person- if you don’t click, try not to pursue them too much.

Networking Appointment Etiquette

• Timeliness shows respect and responsibility. Just be cautious- showing up early may inconvenience the other person, and it shows you are wasteful with your time.
• If you set up the appointment, make an agenda. Just remember-the other person may have other important information, so stay flexible.
• Know how much time you have early on. This will help you judge how much time you should spend on small talk before getting down to business.
• Leave when your time is up. Both of you have other things to do.
• If you need information, make sure you get it, but be polite and gentle, not demanding or overbearing.
• Always show the proper respect for the other person. Mind your manners, and send a thank you note or card when appropriate. Even if you decide not to send a card, make a short phone call or send a quick email to let them know you appreciate their time.

Ending a Conversation

• End in a timely manner, so you do not waste time.
• Remember to thank the person for their time.
• Be sincere. The last words are every bit as important as the first words you share with someone, and they weigh heavily into their impression of you.
• Be aware of the other person’s body language. If they start to fidget, look around the room or use noncommittal words like ‘okay’, ‘interesting’,and ‘hmm’, they are probably finished talking (and possibly bored!)
• If you feel stuck, here are some simple exit strategies:
• Ask for the person’s business card.
• Schedule a future meeting for lunch or coffee.
• Arrange to follow up with them later by phone or email.
• Excuse yourself shortly after someone else joins the conversation.
• Always remember to say goodbye to everyone you meet, using their name if possible.

• It Really Is About Who You Know
• 25 Best Places to Network
• How to Join a Group Conversation
• Sideroad: Ending a Conversation
• Business Etiquette: Conversation

• Demonstrating to employers that you are well versed in current internet and social media practices.
• Creating and showcasing your “personal brand” or your online profile.
• Connecting you to opportunities that aren’t posted on job boards.
• Building your networking contacts. 92% of employers use LinkedIn; 70% use Facebook; and 63.7% use Twitter (NACE Recruiting Benchmarks Survey Report, 2013).
• Researching industries, companies, and positions of interest.
• Increasing your visibility to hiring managers, recruiters, and professionals in your areas of interest.

The key element is to focus on connecting with people not just finding a position. Start by creating and maintaining up-to-date comprehensive profiles on one of the four most commonly used social media sites: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

To get started on LinkedIn, check out LinkedIn Learning Webinars which includes how to create a profile, network, and search for opportunities.

• Create a strong profile with keywords and skills. Also add all experiences you have in your background, such as education, work experience, internships, extracurricular activities, volunteering, awards and honors, and areas of interest. Follow-up with a career counselor for a profile critique.
• Establish a professional image by using a career-minded headshot for personal distinction.
• Follow organizations of interest and follow news, announcements, and opportunities.
• Join relevant groups and follow and contribute to discussions, as well as keep up on industry trends.
• Keep profile updated with regular posts.  Relevant posts can highlight savvy communication and knowledge related to your career goals.
• Utilize features to strengthen search and networking functions.
  • Internship Search
  • Job Search
  • Salary Negotiation
• Search for university and alumni through targeted university groups and individual contacts for connections and potential career advice.
• Nurture and maintain relationships with connections through periodic personalized messages.

Most of you already use Facebook to keep up with family and friends but it can also be used for professional networking.

• Professionalize your profile. Use privacy controls and friend lists to manage who can view professional versus personal content, but consider anything put on the Internet as public.
• ‘Like’ organizations to build connections, but remember they are now able to see your public profile.
• Request to join relevant groups and engage in discussion forums to demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
• Highlight various experiences, skills, and interests related to work, academics, achievements, awards, and community involvement.
• Keep your Facebook content clean and use correct grammar and spelling to promote a positive impression.
  • Avoid posting inappropriate photos and comments on your account.
  • Do not join groups about inappropriate topics.
  • Monitor what your friends are writing on your wall and tagged photos of yourself.

Twitter allows you to follow people and organizations of interest, learn about industries and trends, share content, and make connections.

• Create a Twitter handle using your name or a combination of your name and career area.
• Upload a professional headshot of yourself.
• Write a brief bio describing your strengths, skills, and professional interests.
• Create your complete profile (photo and bio) before following others.
• Be a keen observer before using Twitter.  Write informed tweets and comments.
• Follow interesting industry leaders, organizations, and professional groups.
• Link Twitter to your LinkedIn page.
• If you tweet, avoid abbreviations and use proper grammar and spelling.
• Tweeting Tips
  • Ask for advice about specific professions.
  • Recommend web resources, blog posts, videos, books, other tweeters, etc.
  • Link to photos of professional projects, conferences, etc.
  • Tweet about your own website or blog.
  • Retweet interesting or relevant comments, links, etc.
  • Thank people who respond to your tweets.

Pinterest is a platform to visually display your works and interests. It adds depth to careers related to creative design, like graphic design, visual arts, and marketing.

• Target Pinterest boards of organizations of interest to learn more about their culture.
• Draft a headline that includes your career goals and 2-3 top skills.
• Create a visual resume or portfolio to showcase your education, work experience, awards, and accomplishments then add to your board.
• Develop boards highlighting career or professional information or inspiration.
• Add links to videos, pictures, and other projects.

Assess your interests, skills, abilities, experiences, and personal characteristics. Envision what the employer wants. Are they looking for people with a lot of experience in one area or those who have general experience in many areas? Are they looking for people who are willing to work their way up the ladder? Do they want someone who is willing to travel? Consider and list competencies and/or career related skills to be used on your resume. Skills can be acquired through any activities and/or jobs you have been involved in. If you are having difficulty, think about a job you have had and recall your day-to-day activities. Are those skills relevant to the job you are applying for? If so, list them.

There are three types of resumes used most frequently. Each of these targets different strengths. You should choose the format that best exhibits your strengths.

Chronological

• Traditional format that starts with listing your most recent experience
• Most effective for individuals who have quality work and employment
• Shows past employers and titles that are notable
• Draws attention to promotions and other elevation in work history

Functional

• Skills and qualifications are categorized by function
• Most effective in stressing skills established in non-work experiences
• Easier to navigate around overlapping work
• Can use experiences gained in classrooms
• Used when applying for a position in which you have no direct experience

Combination

• Merges the Traditional and Functional formats in order to cater to your skills
• Used when employers need your work history and related skills
• A good choice when your most recent work history is not your most  relevant

• Personal Data: Name, address, phone number, and email (if checked regularly).
• Personal Objective (optional): Make a concise, positive statement about your work goals. Indicate job title, geographic preference if there is one, and type of job (part time, full time, internship, and summer/seasonal). The more focused your objective is the better. If you are applying for a diverse group of jobs, consider leaving the objective of the resume and explain your interests in your cover letter.
• Education: Name, city, and state; degree, major, minor and/or area of concentration; date of graduation (month and year) or expected date of graduation; other colleges attended (optional); accomplishments; GPA if at least 3.0.
• Work History/Experience: Job title, place of employment, city, state, and dates of employment with most recent job first; describe job clearly highlighting relevant skills in short concise statements; always use high impact adverbs and qualifying adjectives; quantify when possible (ex. increased sales by 15%, describes experience as it correlates to position).
• Competencies or Career Related Skills: Consider the following subheadings of skills: financial, communication, creative, computer, writing, leadership, and foreign e skills.
• Related Professional Information: Licenses and certificates currently held; honors, scholarships, awards and fellowships earned; professional organization memberships and offices held; publications; affiliations with civic and community groups/volunteer work; extracurricular activities/leadership; internship/externship experiences.
• References: You may list "Available Upon Request" if you have room. Otherwise, do not include as most employers will assume that you will have a separate reference list available at the interview. Remember to ask permission from your references to use their name and information. You may also want to provide a copy of your resume to your references. 
  Download a Sample References Page  
• Printing: Use high quality paper that is white or off-white.

Many employers maintain a database of resumes that tracks skills, education, and experience and matches those resumes with openings and opportunities. Due to the technology-based nature of this Applicant Tracking System (ATS), resumes should be formatted and written in such away that the scanners can easily load your information into the database. This means that the traditional format for resumes will not work. Your resume should still include different sections, but all of the text will need to be aligned on the left without bullets or lines.

To learn more about scannable (ATS-friendly) resumes, use the following resources:

• How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2024
• AI-Friendly Resume Writing Tips to Impress the Bots

• Collegegrad.com- Resume resources
• Monster.com- Resume Tips for College Students
• Transitioning Your International CV to U.S. Resume Standards (Camtasia)

ing you should reference the posting and how you became aware of it. This is also where you would name drop if you were referred to the posting by another employee of the company.

The second paragraph is about you. This is where you will tell the employer how you are qualified for the position. You can mention specific achievements and skills that are relevant to the position. After reading this paragraph, the employer should be curious about your resume and all of your achievements and qualifications.

The third paragraph will talk about how you are a good fit with the company. In this paragraph you can show how much you know about the company and their goals. Match their goals with your accomplishments in order to make it clear to the employer why you should be considered for the position you are applying for.

The fourth paragraph of your cover letter is where you wrap everything up. You should tell the employer what action you are going to take next (such as following up and a time frame). You may include your phone number in this paragraph as away to be contacted for additional information.

Here are a few additional things to remember:

• Every resume you send out should have a cover letter
• Each cover letter should be tailored to the position you are applying for
• Cover letters should be addressed to a specific person
• This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and coherently

Remember, your cover letter is your first impression on employers. The CDC offers cover letter critiquing.

• Cover Letter Tips

• Cover Letter Resources for Job Seekers
• Cover Letter Writing Guide
• Cover Letters for Internships

• Determine the skills necessary for the job you will be interviewing for
• Choose skills that will document how you have used those skills
• Use a professional looking portfolio notebook
• Utilize plastic page covers for arranging your materials and protecting them
• Label the different sections to ease finding information and grouping materials

When developing your portfolio, consider including:

• A table of contents.
• 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 the event(s) 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.

When applying for an employment position, employers will typically request references, which should be supplied in a list format. Place the list of your references on a separate page from your resume, using the same letterhead containing your name and contact information in order to make all of your documents look uniform and professional. Perhaps the most important thing to do while creating a references page is to make sure that you gain the permission of the individuals you are listing. Employers will contact them and it is imperative that they know you are listing their names and contact information on a document. By doing this, you can strengthen the relationship you already have with your references.

Why Not to Include References on Your Resume

• Space on your resume is limited and extremely valuable to market your skills.
• If you were to upload your resume online, your references sensitive contact information may be visible to many people.
• Presenting your references on a separate document will make you seem more professional and organized.
• If the instructions of an application specifically tell you to place references on your resume, follow those instructions, as employers may have specific preferences.

What to Include on Your References Page

• Typically 3 individuals are enough to include, unless otherwise directed by the employer or school.
• You should choose individuals whom you have a professional relationship with, such as professors and supervisors. These individuals should also be aware of your strengths, weaknesses, personality, and professional/academic background.
• List your references in the other that you would want them to be contacted, as most employers will simply work their way down the list.
• Include the name, title, organization/employer, address, e-mail address, and phone number of all individuals you want to list.
• You may also include 1-2 short sentences describing your relationship with each person and the environment in which you corresponded.

Download a Sample References Page

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. Many employers and schools only want your resume, cover letter, etc. sent electronically, so it is important to also have a virtual version of your portfolio organized and ready to send. 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 programs website.
• Links to your professional networking website.
• Online materials you have created, such as graphics or animations.

You can also supplement the hard copy of your portfolio with a CD or PowerPoint presentation containing your E-Portfolio!

• How to create a teaching portfolio
• Job skill portfolio

What to Write About

One of the hardest steps to writing a personal statement is the process of actually getting started. Even after deciding what to write about, actually creating material for your personal statement can be a daunting task. However, the Career Development Center is available to guide you to these answers through either walk in hours or appointments. Career Counselors are available and eager to help you see what skills and achievements you have and let you develop them into your personal statement.

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.

You should also 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. Contacting 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. There are a variety of ways in which you can contact these students as well. Your options range from going to the college to physically talk with students, taking advantage of online social networking sites, or even using some of the advanced features built into Vault which is available on the Career Development Center’s website. The main thing to remember is that these students have been to the college so they know the department and the admission process.

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

The general format of a personal statement is rather basic. 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. Other than that, 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 services offered by both the Career Development Center and the Center for Teaching and Learning. 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. You can take advantage of these services by either coming in during walk in hours and appointments or through having it emailed or dropped off for critique. The Center for Teaching and Learning also has trained professionals that can read through your personal statement and give you advice on grammar and structure which are just as important as content.

• The first thing you will want to do above everything else is be yourself and not what you think the admissions committee is looking for. This will make everything easier when writing your personal statement, and it has the benefit of being genuine.
• Avoid cliché statements and ideals whenever possible. There are a million medical school applicants who want to be a doctor because they wanted to help people from an early age, but your personal story about helping your close friend several years ago is unique to you.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. . . This does not apply to only you. Even the best writers make embarrassing mistakes. The best thing to do is to have as many people as possible proofread your paper.
• This is a personal statement and not your autobiography. It is recommendable to use your personal experience to reinforce your points, but do not make the personal experience itself the focus.
• For once, personal pronouns are not a bad thing. This statement is about you, and you can now use “I” and “me” without worry. Just remember that beginning every sentence with “I” would look rather conceited.
• 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. Not doing so could easily result in you not being considered for admission.
• Always write a new unique personal statement for each college you are applying for. The questions may be similar, but the intent behind them could be completely different. Give a sincere effort and find out what the college is looking for with their questions and answer them all as if it is the only school you are applying to.

• Legal Studies-UIS
• All About the Graduate Admissions Essay
• The UIS Career Development Center Library also has several excellent resources for personal statements

Thank you letters are an under-utilized tool in the job search process. A thank you letter is useful in a variety of circumstances, after a job interview, after meeting a recruiter at a job/career fair, following an informational interview, and after you have received materials you requested from a company or organization. There is much debate over the best form for a thank you letter (handwritten vs. typed, emailed vs. mailed). In each situation, you should thank the employer/recruiter/interviewer for his/her time.

Thank You Letters Following a Job Interview

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time
• You may send one to each person you interviewed with, whether individually or on a panel. The letter you send to your potential boss should be different than the one you send to the potential coworker who was on the search committee
• Clarify something you may have said in the interview or address something you think may be a lingering concern
• Remind the employer of some of the qualities you have to offer, and reiterate how you would be a good fit with the company or organization
• Notify the employer if you are no longer interested in the position
• Always remain positive and polite

Thank You Letters Following an Informational Interview

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time
• Thank the interviewer for the information provided
• Keep the door open for future contact

Thank You Letters Following a Career Fair

• Thank the recruiter for his/her time at the Career Fair (include date and location)
• Thank the interviewer for the information provided
• Reiterate your interest in the company/organization and, if applicable, a specific position
• Request additional information and a business card from the recruiter

There is a considerable amount of debate over the method for sending a thank you letter. Hand written thank you letters, or even typed thank you letters sent through the mail are the still the standard method. Emailed thank you letters are only appropriate when you know that a decision will be made before a mailed letter can reach the employer. In this situation it is still a good idea to send a hard copy, as it will be more likely to be placed with your application materials.

Templates and samples for Thank You Letters are available under Professional Documents.

ways. Some employers will favor applicants who send thank you notes to interviewers, and some may even disqualify applicants who do not send thank you notes. The less than 50 cent investment it will take to send a simple note will likely reward you with something much more valuable- whether that be a new professional relationship, a job lead or referral, or even a job offer.

Thank You Notes

• Make sure you know when to thank the person. If you have any doubts, send a thank you anyway.
• Send a unique thank you to everyone. The letter you send to a potential boss should be different than the one you send to the potential coworker.
• Be prompt- one to five days afterward is ideal.
• Double check names, titles, and spellings. Misspelling a name or addressing a note to the wrong person can be very insulting.
• The thank you should be appropriate to the help you have received. If you have simply been able to meet with a referral, a handwritten note should suffice. If the process continues for a while, call (or email) every so often to relate your progress and offer a brief thanks. If the referral turns into a lucrative job offer, you should consider sending flowers or a small gift. Depending on how well you know the person, a business lunch may even be appropriate.
• Avoid email notes, which usually seem informal. Stamps cost less than 50 cents, and the impression you will make with a personalized letter or note will be worth far more than that.
• If you do choose to email, take it seriously. Avoid chat speak, and use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Handwritten cards are usually best. 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.
• Should you choose to send a gift or flowers, know the recipient. Be aware of their interests and whether they have any allergies before you send flowers or food.

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 company or organization.
• The second paragraph should mention what particularly appeals to you about their company 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/interview 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 company.
• Notify them if you are no longer interested in the position.
• Always remain positive.
• Following an Informational Interview/Meeting
• Thank the interviewer for the information provided.
• Keep the door open for future contact.

Following a Career or Job Fair

• Thank the interviewer for the specific information they provided.
• Reiterate your interest in the company and, if applicable, a specific position you learned about.
• Request additional information and a business card from the recruiter.

Job offers require that you respond in an appropriate manner. You may contact the employer by phone after you have received an offer, but you should always send a letter notifying the employer if you are accepting or declining the position. Below you will find guidelines on how to write a letter to accept or decline a job offer.

Accept Offer Letters

Consider it a joy to write letters accepting a position. Verbal acceptance is suitable for initially accepting a position; however an acceptance letter is important for several reasons. A letter formally acknowledges in writing your acceptance of the position. With this letter you have the opportunity to restate the given start date and salary in the offer letter. This is also your opportunity to let your new employer know how to contact you in the time leading up to your first day, and to let them know if you will be unavailable at any point.

Decline Offer Letters

The need to decline a position can arise for a variety of reasons. However the employer may not need to know exactly why you have decided not to accept the position. Your letter should be addressed to the person who sent you the offer letter. Begin by expressing your gratitude for being offered the position, and then clearly state that you are not accepting the position. It is in your best interest to maintain a positive tone as this employer may be one that you need to work with, or even work for, in the future.

Templates and samples for Job Offer Letters are available under Professional Dcouments.

E-mail has become a primary method of communication for professionals in our culture and it is subject to several simple rules of etiquette. Once an e-mail, is sent it cannot be retrieved, making it imperative that your e-mails reflect you in the best possible way.

Simple guidelines to follow when writing professional or business e-mails:

• Send your e-mail from an address that is appropriate. Remember, your e-mail address is a direct reflection of you. i.e., John_Smith77@yourworld.com is appropriate, but johnnylikestoparty@funlife.com is not.
• Do not use emoticons! As a professional you should possess the writing skills which allow you to express yourself without emoticons.
• Use proper punctuation, capitalization and grammar. Again, e-mails are another testament to your writing skills.
• Your subject line should be informative and brief
• Include your contact information
• Consider how the recipient will hear your e-mail. Will it portray the tone you intended?
• Don’t be afraid to save your draft and come back to it later.

The above principles can be applied to most types of business correspondence.

View an article on E-mail Etiquette 

Accept Offer Letters

Consider it a joy to write letters accepting a position. Verbal acceptance is suitable for initially accepting a position; however an acceptance letter is important for several reasons. A letter formally acknowledges in writing your acceptance of the position. With this letter you have the opportunity to restate the given start date and salary in the offer letter. This is also your opportunity to let your new employer know how to contact you in the time leading up to your first day, and to let them know if you will be unavailable at any point.

View an Accept Offer sample (pdf). 

Decline Offer Letters

The need to decline a position can arise for a variety of reasons. However the employer may not need to know exactly why you have decided not to accept the position. Your letter should be addressed to the person who sent you the offer letter. Begin by expressing your gratitude for being offered the position, and then clearly state that you are not accepting the position. It is in your best interest to maintain a positive tone as this employer may be one that you need to work with, or even work for, in the future.

View a Decline Offer sample (pdf). 

• FAQs about thank you letters
• Referrals: How to Properly Thank the Person Who Gave You the Lead

• To convince the employer/interviewer that you can make a contribution to their organization
• To evaluate the job opportunity
• To avoid being screened out
• To land the job

• Know yourself: strengths, values, interests, skills, accomplishments, goals, etc.
• Prepare materials in a professional format: resume, references, transcripts, supplemental materials
• Prepare your interview attire to reflect professionalism (when in doubt, choose conservative attire)
• Participate in a mock interview with CDC Staff (see the mock interview checklist below)
• Research the Employer by talking with faculty, alumni, other employees, acquaintances, etc.
• Research the organization using a variety of web sites and acquire information on ownership, products, services, new projects, location of facilities, headquarters location, recent market developments, competitors, growth patterns, reputation, size, international operations, training, evaluations, etc.

The job interview is one of the most important parts of the hiring process. Interviews give you the chance to leave a lasting impression on your potential co-workers or employers and show why you are right for the job. Just remember- 90% of what you communicate is not through what you say. Here are some etiquette tips to get you on the right track for a successful interview.

Before the Interview

• Do a little research about the company and your interviewer. Know the interviewer’s name so you can greet them properly.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before your interview. The extra minutes will also give time to fill out any forms or applications that might be required.
• Do not arrive too early. You may inconvenience the interviewer, or appear wasteful of your time.
• Turn off your cell phone or PDA.
• Do not assume that whoever greets you is the receptionist.
• Greet everyone positively and with a smile. Shake hands with everyone who offers. Thank each one by name.
• Dress for Success

During the Interview

• Avoid jargon and slang that the interviewer may not know.
• Be open, honest, and flexible.
• If interviewing over a meal, order something simple to eat. Remember to stay focused.
• Show enthusiasm and confidence.
• Keep good eye contact. Sit up straight and be attentive. Keep your feet on the floor and hands in a somewhat visible place.
• Avoid going overboard on hand gestures, and leave clicking pens and anything else you might fidget or play with at home.
• Use the interviewer’s name throughout the interview.

After the Interview

• Remember to thank and shake hands with the interviewers after you finish interviewing.
• Send a thank you note as soon after the interview as possible. When writing your thank you letter, remember to mention the names of those you were interviewed by.
• If you interviewed with multiple people, try to send a personalized thank you note to each one. The note for your potential boss should be different than one for your potential coworker.
• If you feel that you need to clarify anything you said, do so in your thank you letter, or in a brief phone call. This may improve your chances of landing that job.

terviews can be conducted one on one, in a panel, or as a group.Interviews can be informal or formal, relaxed or stressful, and directed or undirected.

To prepare for the interview process, find out how the interview will be conducted. You can do this when the interview is being scheduled by asking the following questions:

• How many people will be interviewing me?
• Will I be the only candidate in the interview session?
• How can I best prepare for this interview?

The Exploratory or Informational Interview

The exploratory or information interview is used as a screening and fact-finding tool for you, the candidate.This interview is used to:

• Find out about a company as a potential place to work, including its corporate culture, organizational structure, and future growth.
• Learn about an occupation, including the educational requirements, experience needed, and responsibilities involved in doing a job.
• Find out about the hiring trends, positions available, and application procedures.
• Carefully select the questions you will ask, so you can obtain practical information. Be prepared to leave your resume for future reference. As for any interview, be sure to follow up with a thank you letter.

The Directed Interview

The interviewer uses an outline and asks specific questions within a certain time frame. The interviewer works from a checklist and takes notes. This type of interview is impersonal, and the purpose is to uncover information about the candidate.

The Undirected Interview

The undirected or non-directive interview is unstructured and allows candidates to discuss their qualifications openly. This interview gives candidates a measure of control over the interview, providing for an opportunity to concentrate on strengths and to show leadership and organizational abilities.

The Panel Interview

A panel involves a number of interviewers.The composition of this panel could include:

• The supervisor
• The manager
• A union representative
• A human resources officer
• An employment equity officer
• Employees from the hiring department

Typically, members of the panel will ask one question representing their area of concern. To succeed at this type of interview, it is best to anticipate and prepare for questions on a variety of issues related to the organization and to the occupation. Thorough company and occupational research will help you to prepare for such interviews.

The Group Interview

The group interview is used by some large companies or organizations for graduate intakes when several graduates are interviewed at one time. This interview can last from two hours to a day or longer and usually includes a group problem-solving exercise.

The interviewers may ask questions in an unstructured manner; therefore, the questions and comments may be unrelated to one another. This type of interview is used to:

• Observe how candidates react under pressure
• Evaluate how individuals interact with people with different personalities
• Test for communication skills
• Assess the “fit” with the group

It is wise to seek the advice of someone who has experienced this type of interview before engaging in this process.

The Sequential Interview

Some interviews are sequenced over a longer period, such as a half or full day. These interviews are used as an assessment tool. The first stage may begin with a panel interview,followed by a tour around the company (during which the assessment continues). The interview sequence may then conclude with another interview when you may be asked questions that test your creativity or your “fit” within the organization.

Further, you may be invited to more than one interview. For instance, the first interview may be an overall screening, followed by some form of assessment, then a post-assessment follow-up.

The Stress Interview

The stress interview intentionally creates and promotes discomfort. The interviewer may have an abrupt or brash attitude. Alternately, the interviewer may stare, be silent,and spend time taking notes. The purpose of this type of interview is to test the candidate’s ability to be assertive and handle difficult situations.

The Behavioral Interview

In behavioral interviews, candidates are asked to respond to questions that require examples of previous activities and behaviors performed. To succeed at this type of interview, be prepared to give accounts of how you have dealt with difficulties on the job. The purpose of this type of interview is to predict future performance based on past experiences.

The Phone Interview

Participating in a phone interview seems like it would take some pressure off the entire interviewing process, but it doesn’t. Phone interviews are perceived as being an informal means of securing a job. Unfortunately, job seekers make some of the most critical mistakes during this type of interview.

It’s important to recognize why phone interviews are becoming popular. Time is one of the biggest factors. As employees are taking on more responsibilities, they’re trying to find time saving techniques. The interviewer can discuss matters with a potential candidate prior to an official meeting, clarify discrepancies or concerns, conduct an informal introduction, discuss the position, and/or ask for additional career information.

Although a phone interview caters to employers, it doesn’t always have the same affect for interviewees. A phone interview can be unexpected and leave the interviewee feeling that they have been caught off guard. Whether the interview was scheduled or not, you should have a cheat sheet by your phone to ensure preparedness regardless of which situation you find your self in.

Without an outline or list of potential answers, these types of interviews can feel and become quite casual. A casual phone interview can provoke unrelated and untargeted answers

Become familiar with various types of interviews, as you may encounter interviewers who blend styles to suit the interview objectives and to test for employment readiness.

Typical Interview Questions

• Tell me about yourself. 
• Why are you applying for this job?
• What can you offer us?
• What are your strengths? weaknesses?
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• What do you hope to gain from this job?
• How did you choose your academic field?
• What are your career plans for the next five years?
• What is your long term objective?
• Describe your work style.
• How do you prefer to be supervised?
• Have you ever had a conflict with a boss?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why did you take your last job?
• Describe a situation in which you were successful.
• How has your experience prepared you for this job?
• What motivates you?
• How do you handle stress?
• How do you think a professor or friend who knows you well would describe you?
• What have you learned from your past mistakes?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• Describe your most rewarding college experience.
• Will you relocate? Do you have a geographical preference?
• How do I know you’re the best candidate?
• How has your education prepared you for this position?
• What are your salary requirements?
• If you had to live your life over again, what would you change?

Behavioral Questions

• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
• By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.
• Describe a time on any job that you held in which you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.
• Give an example of a time in which you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.
• Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills in order to get an important point across.
• Give an example of an important goal which you had set in the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.
• Describe the most significant or creative presentation which you have had to complete.Tell me of a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
• Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you or vice versa.
• Tell me about a time when you worked under tremendous stress.
• Describe the most rewarding aspect of your previous job.
• Describe the most challenging or frustrating aspect of that same job.
• If you could change one thing about your current boss, what would that be and why?
• Give me an example of a problem you faced on any job and how you went about solving it.
• Describe an experience when you dealt with an angry customer.
• When was the last time you “broke the rules” (thought outside the box) and how did you do it?
• What was the wildest idea you had in the past year? What did you do about it?
• What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make and how did you arrive at your decision?
• When taking on a new task, do you like to have a great deal of feedback and responsibility at the outset or do you like to try your own approach?
• Are you a team player? 
• Why did you wait so long to begin your job search?

Illegal questions

Interview questions must all be job/experience related. If questions come up that are illegal or improper, such as questions about your family plans, etc, then you need to consider your options:

• Refuse to answer: this can tell the employer you think the question is improper
• Answer the question: you decide to swallow your pride and privacy
• Answer the legitimate question and ignore the illegal or improper questions
• Ask a question rather than answer the improper question. When in doubt, ask for clarification

Interviewee Questions

• What do you look for in applicants?
• What continuing education and supervision is provided?
• In what directions do you see your organization going in the near future?
• What are some current challenges here?
• What do you like most about your work here?
• What makes a successful employee in your organization?
• How would I be evaluated?
• What’s a normal work week like?
• Is there other information I can provide you?
• When will your hiring decisions and offers be made?
• What are the specific duties required?
• Please tell me about your experiences with this organization.

The employer will consider the following in evaluating your interview:

• Your handshake, attire, eye contact, etc.
• A demonstration of awareness of the company/organization
• Relevant questions asked
• Responsive listening Enthusiasm about the company/organization
• Ability to fit in with the company/organization
• A fit between the company’s needs and your talents/skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player
• Motivation, innovation and energy level
• Attitudes toward work, self and others
• Ability to lead or supervise

• Send a thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview; you may email or fax your letter, but always send a hard copy in the mail for follow-up
• Complete any written applications and forms requested
• Make notes to yourself
• Write down key things that were said. These can be used in your thank you letter

You should:

1. Familiarize yourself with the company/employer & job description.
2. View short CareerSpots videos on interviewing. Review career services interview webpage on interview etiquette, types, and different questions to practice and ask.
3. Utilize the interview module in OptimalResume/SkillsFirst, including view sample responses from virtual career coach and record yourself responding to interview questions.
4. Schedule an appointment in CareerConnect, and meet with a career counselor to conduct a mock interview.
5. Prepare for the real thing! Practice. Practice. Practice.

401(k) and 403(b) plans

Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code allows employees to contribute to retirement plans. The interest and often the contributions are tax-deferred.

Time Off

Companies offer paid time off in the form of vacations, holidays,personal leave, bereavement, jury duty, election time off, and sick days. Typically, employees receive two to four weeks of vacation plus 10 to 12 holidays yearly.

Pension

A pension plan is a retirement plan that pays a fixed monthly amount each year during retirement, like an annuity. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) does not require employers to provide pension plans but does set the minimum standards for those employers who offer pension plans.

On-Site Daycare

Daycare is very costly, and if you find that your employer offers on-site daycare, you are in for a treat. This is a rarity, but in the next decade employers who want to remain competitive will adhere to the changing lifestyles of family.

Tuition Reimbursement

Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for courses taken that relate to your job. Others are willing to pay for you to obtain additional education that will make you better suited for a higher paying position.

• Benefits Calculator

Find a connection with the employer and get past the resistance. Do not say you need a raise because you need a new car or have a baby on the way. Your personal expenses are not of concern to your employer. What your employer values is your contribution to the organization. Stating your accomplishments and contributions to the organization will demonstrate that you are raise worthy. Watch a video on negotiating a higher salary

• Salary Comparison Profile Calculator
• Salary Calculator by Geographic Location
• Salary information based on companies, job titles, and location
• Occupation Information: Compare Wages and Trends

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 Career Connect. Just login to your student or alumni UIS Career Connect 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. Therefore, you should have completed the interview preparation activities and come 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 Career Connect. UIS Career Connect 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 Career Connect.

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 Career Connect. It is highly recommended students and alumni upload resumes into UIS Career Connect, 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 Career Connect 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