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Find what you need to prepare for your job and internship search.

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    College Central Network

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Resume

A resume is a document used to introduce yourself to employers and to market your skills, accomplishments and educational background relevant to the position. On average, employers spend 7-20 seconds reviewing resumes, so you must create a document that aligns your best qualifications with the position you are seeking.

  • Chronological: Showcase your education, activities, and work history, highlighting the most recent experiences first, followed by additional information organized in reverse chronological order
  • Functional: Draw attention to key skills, lessening the emphasis on graduation dates or dates of employment. This format is typically used by those who have diverse work experiences, or who have noticeable gaps in employment history
  • Chrono-Functional or Combination: Maintain emphasis on skills and notable accomplishments, including a brief section that outlines work history and dates of employment

CONTACT INFORMATION

  • Name, mailing address (if desired), cell phone number and professional email address 
  • Consider adding a customized LinkedIn URL to showcase your completed profile

EDUCATION

  • Education: University of Mississippi
  • Location: University, MS
  • Degree (Bachelor of Business Administration) and current major
  • Include minors, emphasis, and concentrations
  • Include anticipated graduation date
  • Consider removing high school after sophomore year
  • GPA (only recommended if 3.0 or higher) & Honors
  • Coursework related to the position you are seeking can be included
  • Study abroad experience can be included
  • Certifications can be included here or in a separate section

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Include organization/company name, position/title and dates of employment
  • Highlight relevant experience using strong action words by business function
  • Focus on describing accomplishments and the positive impact you made on the organization – not just your duties or responsibilities
  • Focus on adding value by describing experiences as achievements, not like a job description 
  • Be specific and quantify and qualify accomplishments

ACTIVITIES

  • Demonstrate transferable skills relevant to the position you’re seeking through student organizations, professional organizations, community service and volunteer work
  • Get involved in leadership roles

SKILLS

  • List skills to add value (hard skills instead of soft skills) such as certifications, technical knowledge, or proficiencies

OTHER SECTIONS YOU CAN INCLUDE

  • Objective, Summary of Skills, or Professional Qualifications section
  • Languages
  • Interests (if relevant to the position)
  • Honors and Awards
  • Availability
  • Geographic Preference

  • Use an easy font to read both in print and electronically, such as Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri  We recommend a 10-12 pt. font for the body of your document. You can enlarge your name to stand out on your resume (14-16 pt. font), and you can elect to use a smaller font for your demographic information, depending on the style you select to create your heading  
  • Use bold or italics to make key information stand out
  • Consistently organize your information throughout the document, making it easy for the reader to find key information. Either a bulleted format or a paragraph-style format is appropriate
  • Create a layout that has an uncluttered appearance, with white space remaining on the page. Use 1” margins, but no less than .5” margins

Vmock.com is a machine-learning artificial intelligence resource where students can input a resume and receive customized feedback, scoring and details on how to optimize a resume.


VMOCK.COM

References

During the job and internship application process, you will typically be asked to submit the names and contact information of three references. Create a separate page using the same header as your resume and list the following for each reference: name, title, employer, relationship of candidate to this reference, work address, phone number and e-mail address. The best people to choose as references include former employers, past bosses, colleagues/coworkers, professors, advisors, supervisors, group members, volunteer contacts, teachers, or coaches.

  • Try to stick with professional or academic references (faculty, administrators, advisors, current/former employers, coworkers, or team members) and only use personal references as a last resort. 
  • Choose a person who will be able to share informed and positive comments about your character, work ethic and potential. 
  • Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference. Do so formally via e-mail and include your resume even if you discussed it in person. 
  • Always remember to send a thank you note to your references and to keep them updated during the job search.
  • Stay in touch.You never know when you might need their assistance again in the future.

Cover Letter

Always send a resume with a well-designed, position-specific cover letter. The purpose of this letter is to match your skills, education, and experience to the employer’s needs and to express your interest in the position and the company/organization.

Sample cover Letter Template

  • As with the resume, the cover letter should be printed on high-quality resume paper if you are mailing it and/or hand delivering it.
  • Include a cover letter even if you are emailing your resume to an employer
  • Always address the letter to a specific individual. Call HR to request the name of someone on the hiring committee if you can’t find one online. If you are unable to find a specific name, use “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Committee Chair,” etc. Never say, “To Whom It May Concern,” as it sounds very cold and impersonal
  • It’s best to have a position posting in front of you when you write the cover letter so that you can tailor your letter to the needs of the company as expressed in the posting
  • Research the employer before writing the letter. Tell them why you want to work for them!  Focus the letter on what you can do for the employer. Not how the employer can benefit you
  • Be confident and positive (market yourself!), but be careful not to sound arrogant.  Don’t just regurgitate your resume
  • Provide examples of your qualifications that make you well-suited for the job
  • Keep the cover letter to one page or less, and follow the paragraph structure described below

The first paragraph simply tells what position you are applying for and how you learned of the position. If you know someone at the company, or if someone referred you, be sure to mention it in your first paragraph to catch the reader’s attention. You could also state why you are interested in the position or what attracted you to the company (to show that you have researched the company.)

This one is a little harder, but you want to tell the employer why they should hire you! Describe your accomplishments, previous experience, and job-specific skills. (You can use one or two paragraphs for this section.) Be selective. There’s no need to restate everything that is on your resume. A good tip is to look at the qualifications listed on the position announcement, then make sure you respond to each qualification listed. You are establishing your case for an interview so indicate at least three accomplishments that fit directly with what the employer is looking for. Focus on what you can do for the company instead of what the company can do for you.

This paragraph closes the letter and does four things:

  1. Summarize why you are the ideal candidate for the position
  2. Encourages action from the employer by requesting a meeting or interview at the employer’s convenience. For example, “When a date and time can be arranged, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the position with you.”
  3. Invites the employer to contact you with questions (include a phone number and e-mail address here)
  4. Thanks to the employer for his/her time and consideration

Interview

An interview is your chance to highlight your skills and achievements, demonstrating to the employer that you are the best fit for the job or internship. Explain why you want to work there, why they should hire you, and how you embody the qualities they need, such as motivation, drive and related strengths.

Proper preparation is essential for a successful interview. Align your strengths and skills with the specific role, using concrete examples to illustrate your abilities. Prepare insightful questions to ask the employer, and make sure to practice, practice, practice.

Employers expect you to understand their organization and the position you're applying for. Thorough research helps you understand their needs, allowing you to effectively market yourself. It also helps you answer why you want to work there and prepares you to ask intelligent questions during your interview.

WAYS TO RESEARCH SPECIFIC EMPLOYERS:

  • Talk to People: Network with individuals familiar with the organization, such as those you meet at career fairs, family members, neighbors, alumni and friends’ parents.
  • Visit the Employer’s Website: Gather basic facts and information about the mission, culture and values.
  • Online Research: Conduct online research, ensuring the credibility of your sources.
  • Contact the Organization: If you can't find specific information online, it's acceptable to call or email the organization. However, avoid asking questions that can be easily answered through their website to prevent appearing lazy.  As a potential employee, you want to be perceived as a person who does work, not creates more for someone else

PREPARATION TIPS:

  • Review the Job Description and Prepare Examples: Review the job description and highlight your relevant experiences, skills and accomplishments.  Develop examples and stories to illustrate your qualifications.
  • Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Show your interest in the company and role by asking insightful questions. Examples include:
  1. How did this position become available?
  2. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
  3. What are some of the greater challenges an individual encounters in this position?
  4. What orientation/training is offered to new employees?
  5. What are the opportunities for advancement in this position and this organization?
  6. What opportunities exist for professional growth and development?
  7. What are the short/long-term needs of this department/organization?
  8. Why do you enjoy working here?
  9. What opportunities exist for cross-department collaboration?
  10. What is your timeline for making a hiring decision?
  • Practice: Conduct mock interviews to refine your responses and presentation.

First impressions are crucial, significantly influencing employer interest. Additionally, confidently navigating difficult questions can further impact their perception of you.

ATTIRE

Typically, interview attire should be professional or business-like. However, if the office environment is more casual, you can adjust your attire to match that culture. A useful guideline is to dress as if you are applying for a position higher than the one you're interviewing for.

Professional Business Attire

  • Wear a solid-colored, conservative suit with a coordinated blouse or collared shirt in a neutral color.
  • Choose neutral-toned, closed-toed shoes.
  • Carry a portfolio or briefcase with copies of your resume.
  • Keep jewelry and perfumes/colognes minimal.
  • A tie is recommended.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

  • Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
  • Introduce yourself to the receptionist and state whom you are there to see. The interview starts as soon as you arrive and ends when you leave.
  • Know how to pronounce the interviewer’s name.
  • Shake hands firmly.
  • Maintain good eye contact.

YOUR ATTITUDE

  • Show confidence, interest, assertiveness and enthusiasm.
  • Be yourself. Smile, relax, and be friendly.
  • Be honest.
  • Be courteous, polite and respectful.
  • Let the interviewer lead the conversation.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

  • Pause before answering questions to formulate a well-thought-out response.
  • Answer questions thoroughly with results and examples.
  • Be concise.
  • Address each part of the question.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

  • Maintain eye contact when speaking.
  • Wait to be offered a seat or sit when the interviewer does.
  • Be aware of your posture.
  • Avoid nervous gestures like overusing hands, fidgeting, or shifting.

YOUR PAST

  • Don’t be evasive. If you have a blemish on your record, address it briefly, explain what you learned and move on.
  • Never speak poorly about former supervisors, colleagues, or employers. If it was not a good fit, state that simply.

BE ATTENTIVE

  • Remember names when introduced.
  • Pay attention and avoid asking questions already covered in the interview.
  • Ask for a business card at the end to ensure you have proper contact information.

NEGOTIATING SALARY

  • Avoid asking about salary and benefits initially.
  • Let the employer introduce this topic, usually during the second interview or at the time of the offer.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK

  • What type of training does your company provide?
  • What do you enjoy about working here?
  • What challenges does this role face?
  • What qualities are you looking for in the person you hire?
  • What are the short- and long-term goals of the company?
  • How will my performance be measured?

Thank interviewers for their time and shake hands firmly with a smile
  • Indicate that you look forward to hearing from them soon and welcome them to contact you if they need any additional information
  • Send a thank you letter within twenty-four hours reiterating your interest in the position. Email a thank you that day and ideally follow up with a handwritten version
  • Follow up promptly by providing any credentials, references, transcripts, or samples of work that might have been requested by the interviewer
  • Keep records of important dates and details for follow-up

Evaluate your performance immediately following the interview:

  • How well did you answer questions?
  • What tone of voice did you and your interviewer use and how did the interview progress?
  • How comfortable was the interviewer with you and why do you think this is so?
  • What did you find difficult about the interviewing process? Think in terms of the preparation involved, speaking to them face to face or corresponding.
  • How well did you ask questions? Consider your confidence in asking them, the length of questions and the responses received.
  • What can you do to improve your performance next time? Remember interviewing is a learning process, so build the experience for the future.

Preparing for virtual interviews involves several key steps to ensure you present yourself professionally and make a positive impression.

1. Technical Preparation

Check Your Technology:

  • Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
  • Device: Use a reliable computer or laptop with a camera and microphone.
  • Software: Download and install the required video conferencing software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) beforehand. Test it to make sure it's working.
  • Backup Plan: Have a backup device and internet connection ready in case of technical issues.

Test Your Equipment:

  • Audio and Video: Test your microphone and camera. Make sure your face is well-lit and visible. Use headphones to avoid echo or feedback.
  • Platform Familiarity: Familiarize yourself with the platform’s features such as screen sharing, mute/unmute and chat.

2. Environment Setup

Choose a Quiet, Private Space:

  • Background: Ensure a clean, uncluttered, and professional background. A neutral wall is ideal. 
  • Lighting: Position yourself in a well-lit area, with the light facing towards you. Natural light is best, but make sure it’s not casting shadows or creating a glare.
  • Laptop Positioning: Put books or other items under your laptop so that the camera is at eye level.

Minimize Distractions:

  • Noise: Inform others in your household of your interview schedule to minimize interruptions. Silence your phone and any notifications on your computer.
  • Pets and Children: Ensure they are in a separate area during the interview.

3. Personal Presentation


Dress Professionally:

  • Dress as you would for an in-person interview. This shows respect and professionalism.
  • Avoid bright colors or distracting patterns.

Body Language:

  • Posture: Sit up straight and maintain good posture.
  • Eye Contact: Look at the camera, not the screen, to simulate eye contact.
  • Facial Expressions: Smile and nod where appropriate to show engagement and enthusiasm.

4. Documents to Have Ready During a Virtual Interview

Having the right documents on hand during a virtual interview can help you stay organized, respond promptly to questions and demonstrate your preparedness. Here are the key documents to have ready:

  1. Your Resume/CV:
    • Keep a copy of your resume/CV within easy reach to refer to specific dates, roles, and accomplishments. This will help you provide accurate and detailed responses.
  1. Job Description:
    • Have the job description available so you can tailor your responses to the specific requirements and responsibilities of the position.
  1. Cover Letter:
    • If you submitted a cover letter with your application, have a copy available. It can serve as a reference for discussing your motivation and fit for the role.
  1. Portfolio or Work Samples:
    • If relevant to your field, have digital copies of your portfolio or work samples ready to share. Ensure these are organized and easy to access during the interview.
  1. Notes on the Company:
    • Keep a few notes on the company’s mission, values, recent news, and key projects. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the organization.
  1. Questions for the Interviewer:
    • Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team, company culture, and next steps in the hiring process. This shows your engagement and curiosity.
  1. Key Points and Achievements:
    • Jot down key points and specific achievements that you want to highlight during the interview. This can include metrics, success stories, and examples that showcase your skills and experience.
  1. Pen and Paper:
    • Have a pen and paper or a digital note-taking tool available to jot down important points, questions that arise during the interview, or next steps provided by the interviewer.

Tips for Managing Documents During a Virtual Interview

Organize Your Documents:

  • Keep all necessary documents organized and easily accessible, either in a digital folder on your computer or printed and placed neatly on your desk.

Use Digital Tools:

  • Consider using a second monitor if you have one, or split your screen, to keep your documents open and viewable without disrupting the video call.

Practice Accessing Documents:

  • Practice quickly and smoothly accessing and sharing your documents to ensure you can do so without fumbling or causing delays during the interview.

By having these documents ready and easily accessible, you'll be able to handle the virtual interview more confidently and professionally, ensuring you can provide detailed and relevant information when needed.

Practicing is the best way to prepare for a successful interview! Use the University's supported platform, Big Interview, to get hands-on practice with mock interviews tailored by industry, job, and experience level.

Big Interview is an interactive online system that combines training AND practice to help improve your interview technique and build your confidence.

  • Challenging, virtual mock interviews for all experience levels and dozens of industries
  • A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them
  • The ability to rate and share your interview answers for feedback
  • A comprehensive video training curriculum covering all aspects of landing a job
  • A step-by-step interview Answer Builder for crafting answers to behavioral questions

ACCESS BIG INTERVIEW

  1. STEP 1. Go to Big Interview and click “Register”
  2. STEP 2. Complete registration process
  3. STEP 3. You’ll then receive a confirmation email at your school email address. Click “Verify” in the email, and you’re ready to start!

Networking

There is something in the old saying, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” Many students will land their first job through their network of contacts, so the power of networking should not be underestimated. 

A great way to network is to conduct informational interviews to learn more about a field and attend on-campus events, such as Career Fairs, to make initial contacts with recruiters. In addition to making referrals to hiring managers and supervisors on your behalf, your network can help you obtain information about certain companies and link you to contacts who may work in the very company you are interested in. 

To maintain your network, be sure to set up a professional LinkedIn account and connect with those you meet through your college journey. Regularly update your profile and engage with posts from your connections to keep your network active and informed about your progress.

Even in the age of technology, most jobs/internships are still attained via networking. Informational interviews, a form of networking, are key components of any successful job/internship search. 


An Informational Interview is a conversation you have with a professional who can provide information and expertise about career options, industries, employment conditions, employers/ professional organizations or their personal experience. Informational interviews can help direct your job search and establish rapport with alumni in your prospective field. While the contacts you make from these interviews may help you find a job down the road, the purpose of the interview is to gather advice and information – and not to ask for a job outright. 

Before the Interview

  1. Identify Your Goals:
    • Determine what you want to learn from the interview. Are you looking to understand a particular role, company culture, industry trends or career paths?

  2. Research:
    • Learn about the person you’re interviewing, their role and their company. This will help you ask informed questions and show respect for their time.

  3. Prepare Questions:
    • Develop a list of open-ended questions that can guide the conversation. Focus on areas like the person's career path, daily responsibilities, industry insights and advice for newcomers.

      • Sample questions

        • Can you tell me about your career journey and how you got to your current position?

        • What were some key experiences or decisions that shaped your career?

        • What does a typical day look like for you?

        • What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job?

        • What trends are currently impacting your industry?

        • What skills or qualities are most important for success in this field?

        • What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter this field?

        • Are there any professional organizations or resources you recommend?

  4. Schedule Wisely:
    • Request a meeting time that is convenient for the interviewee and be flexible. Aim for a 20-30 minute conversation unless they offer more time.

During the Interview

  1. Be Professional:
    • Dress appropriately, be punctual and start with a brief introduction about yourself and your interest in their field.
  2. Lead with Curiosity:
    • Ask thoughtful questions and listen actively. Show genuine interest in their experiences and insights.
  3. Take Notes:
    • Jot down key points and advice. This not only helps you remember what was discussed but also shows that you value their input.
  4. Be Respectful of Time:
    • Stick to the agreed-upon time unless they suggest extending the conversation. If the time is running out, gracefully transition to concluding the interview.
  5. Ask for Recommendations:
    • At the end of the interview, you can ask if they know others who might be helpful to speak with or if there are any resources they recommend for further learning.

After the Interview

  1. Send a Thank-You Note:
    • Express your gratitude with a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours. Mention specific points that were particularly helpful or insightful.
  2. Stay Connected:
    • Connect on LinkedIn or maintain periodic contact to keep the relationship warm. Share updates on how their advice has helped you if relevant.
  3. Reflect and Act:
    • Review your notes and reflect on what you learned. Apply the advice and insights to your career planning and development.

By following these tips and preparing thoughtfully, you can gain valuable insights and build meaningful professional relationships through informational interviews.

Career fairs are valuable for connecting with organizations of interest and discovering new opportunities. 

Here are some tips to maximize your experience:

  1. Research Ahead: Check the list of participating companies on the Career Services website and focus on those that interest you. Research their offerings and job openings.
  2. Prepare a 30-Second Commercial: Create a brief, engaging summary of your background, achievements and career goals to present confidently during your brief interactions.
  3. Dress Professionally: Make a strong first impression by wearing conservative, well-tailored and neatly pressed attire. Business casual is the minimum, but a suit is preferred. Women should opt for knee-length skirts or dress slacks with a modest blouse and closed-toed shoes. Men should wear dress pants or khakis with a long-sleeved button-down shirt, leather shoes, and a belt. A tie is recommended.
  4. Arrive Early and Stay Late: Show your enthusiasm by being among the first to arrive and plan to stay until the end. Prioritize meeting your top-choice employers first, then explore others.
  5. Bring Necessary Tools: Carry a supply of resumes on resume paper, an attractive pen, a pad of paper and your reference list.
  6. Prepare Questions: Have one or two thoughtful questions ready for each employer, reflecting your research on their organization.
  7. Understand Next Steps: Before leaving each employer, learn about the next steps in the hiring process and what you can do to advance your application.

Follow-Up: Complete any follow-up actions, such as sending thank-you notes or additional materials, within 24 hours.

A LinkedIn profile serves as an interactive business card, summarizing your professional experience, interests and capabilities to attract recruiters, networking contacts and grad school admissions officers. Here are key steps to create a strong LinkedIn profile:

  1. Create an Account: Sign up at LinkedIn and create a student account.
  2. Profile Picture and Background Image: Use a professional headshot and a background image that reflects your professional identity.
  3. Headline: Craft a memorable slogan summarizing your current focus and future aspirations.
  4. About Section: Write a concise summary highlighting your passions, motivations and goals, using keywords relevant to your field.
  5. Custom URL: Customize your profile URL for search engine optimization and include it in resumes and business cards.
  6. Experience: List jobs and internships with detailed descriptions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Actions, Results) method.
  7. Additional Information: Add volunteer work, campus involvement, courses and projects if you lack work experience.
  8. Education: Include the correct school name, degree, years, GPA, activities and a degree program description.
  9. Skills & Endorsements: Add at least five relevant skills to increase visibility to employers.
  10. Networking: Join university groups and follow companies to expand your network.  Use the Alumni portal feature on the University of Mississippi page LinkedIn to search for alumni by filtering their location, workplace, field of study and skills to find connections that match your career interests.

Thank You's

Writing a thank you letter is an opportunity to remind the interviewer why you’re the best fit for a position and to address any remaining questions. While it won’t necessarily secure the job, it helps you stand out to the employer.

Sample Thank You Note

  • Send a thank you letter immediately after each interview, ideally within 24 hours.
  • A handwritten note is most memorable, but an e-mail is best if you were interviewed by a traveling recruiter. Use simple stationary or resume paper, making it brief and personalized.
  • If you spoke with more than one person, try to write a thank you letter to each individual.
  • In your letter be sure to:
  • Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. 
  • Express your continued enthusiasm about the position and the company. 
  • Recap your strengths, being careful to relate them to the requirements of the job and the company. 
  • Provide your contact information.

  • In the first paragraph, state when and where you had your interview and thank the interviewer for his or her time. Reaffirm your interest in the organization.
  • In the second paragraph, mention something that particularly appeals to you about working for them, and reinforce a point or two in support of your application. If after the interview you thought of something you wish you had said, the third paragraph of the letter is a good place to bring that up. You can also restate your understanding of the next steps in the hiring process.
  • In the last paragraph, thank the employer for considering your application and ask for further communication.