Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Ross School of Business
Citation preview
Your Guide to the BBA Career Search 20122013
THE OFFICE OF
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTSThe Office of Career Development Services and Location . . . . . . . . . . . . 2The Three-Year Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Career Search Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4On- and Off-Campus Recruiting Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5iMpact and Other Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
STEP 1: SELF-ASSESS & DETERMINE FOCUS Self-Assess and Determine Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tools for Self-Assessment and Career Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Are YOU Focused? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
STEP 2: DEVELOP RÉSUMÉ & ONLINE BRAND Résumé Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Education Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Experience Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Sample Résumé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Résumé FAQs and Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Your Online Brand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Cover Letter Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Sample Cover Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
On-Campus Recruiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
STEP 3: CONDUCT NETWORKING What Is Networking? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Networking Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Preparation and Follow-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Informational Interviewing: A Great Way to Network . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Professional Dress Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
STEP 4: PREPARE & INTERVIEW Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Interview Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Interview Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Interview Response Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
STEP 5: DECIDE & NEGOTIATE Before and After the Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Negotiating the Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Declining an Offer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
International Student Recruiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Etiquette Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Employer Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
STEP 1Self-Assess &
Determine Focus
STEP 2Develop Résumé & Online Brand
STEP 3Conduct
Networking
STEP 4Prepare & Interview
STEP 5Decide & Negotiate
Welcome to the 2012-13 Academic Year at the Stephen M . Ross School of Business!
HOW TO USE THIS
BBA CAREER RESOURCES
GUIDE:This Guide was designed to give you easy access to instruction, examples
and tips about the career search process in one publication. Work
through this Guide systematically, or turn to whatever section will
serve your particular need as you need it. But don’t rely only on
this Guide! It is just one part of the career search
programming offered by the Office of Career
Development (OCD). Be sure to take advantage of our other resources and
services, as well as those offered beyond the Ross School of Business. We
know that a career search is hard work, and OCD is here to partner with
you as you engage in the process.
2 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Who We Are The Office of Career Development, or OCD, is here to help you develop necessary career search skills to discover and pursue your career goals and to provide opportunities for you to connect with companies and apply for positions. OCD serves you through two teams: Career Counseling and Education, and Recruiting and Outreach.
What We OfferCAREER COUNSELING AND EDUCATIONOne-on-One Career Counseling Schedule an appointment with our staff and/or peer career counselors to discuss your career search strategy, including self-assessment, résumé reviews, mock interviews, and general career counseling.
Walk-in Career Counseling No pre-registration is necessary for these first-come, first-served sessions with staff and peer counselors. These sessions are reserved for quick questions and last no more than 15 minutes.
Workshops You can get instruction and work on specific career search skills by participating in workshops offered throughout the year by the Counseling and Education team. You may also request a workshop for your Ross-based club or for a group of BBAs by contacting a specific staff member or by submitting a request through [email protected].
Career Resources You can find career search resources online on iMpact, the school’s intranet. Hard copies of some resources are available in the Office of Career Development in E2420.
RECRUITING AND OUTREACHNetworking and Recruiting Events You can learn more about industries, companies, and specific opportunities, as well as make connections with alumni and recruiters, by taking advantage of two common types of recruiting events:
1. Networking Hours—You can talk to companies on an informal basis during Networking Hours, which are usually conducted in the Davidson Winter Garden for a few hours during the day. You should do at least some preliminary research on the company prior to approaching a representative.
2. Corporate Presentations—These presentations are typically held during the fall semester, Monday through Thursday, often in the evening. A reception meant for networking usually follows each presentation.
Jobs Database • On-Campus Interviewing
First-round interviews facilitated by the Office of Career Development that take place in the Kresge Library are referred to as on-campus interviews. Students can search for and apply for on-campus interviews through the Jobs Database on iMpact. Refer to page 18 for details.
• Job Postings Companies submit job postings through OCD and generally coordinate the application and interview process themselves. As with on-campus interviewing, job postings can be found through the Jobs Database on iMpact. Job Postings include internship and full-time job postings, as well as connections to short-term experiences such as corporate leadership weekends.
The Office of Career Development
Where We Are Career Counseling and Education Office Location: E2420 Email: [email protected] Phone: 734.764.1373
Recruiting and Outreach Office Location: E2420 Email: [email protected] Phone: 734.764.1372
Online on iMpact http://www.bus.umich.edu/MyiMpact/Career
The Recruiting and Outreach team develops new relationships with companies in order to expand on-campus interviewing and provide you with more job postings.
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 3
The Three-Year OverviewThe action items below are intended to give you an overview of activities and deliverables that are part of the five-step career search. Your pace in working on action items will vary according to your academic needs, interests and approach to your career search. You may not get to many of the sophomore year action items until second semester. Timelines for an on-campus search during your junior and senior years are more set. OCD is here to serve and support you throughout the process.
SOPHOMORE YEAR JUNIOR YEAR SENIOR YEAR
BIG
PIC
TU
RE
Learn about yourself and explore potential careers
Choose a career that’s potentially right for you
and gain experience
Confirm your career choice and refine your
search strategy, as needed
AC
TIO
N P
LAN
FOCUS ON ACADEMICS q Make academics a priority,
and investigate industry GPA requirements.
q Explore potential career interests through academic offerings.
SEE HOW OCD CAN HELP YOUq Attend an iMpact Orientation
Session.
q Meet with an OCD career counselor.
DISCOVER YOUR UNIQUE BUSINESS TALENTSq Make lists of your interests, skills,
values, and accomplishments—look for themes.
q Take the CareerLeader online self-assessment.
UNDERSTAND YOUR CAREER OPTIONSq Join a Ross club or organization.
q Attend career events (e.g., career panels).
BUILD YOUR NETWORKq Conduct informational networking
with BBA seniors, peer counselors, and recent alumni.
DEVELOP YOUR CAREER SEARCH MATERIALSq Engage in OCD career skills
interactive workshops.
q Create your iMpact résumé.
q Create your LinkedIn profile.
DEVELOP PROFESSIONALLYq Participate in workshops offered by
Ross Leadership Initiative (RLI).
q Seek out summer experiences that will help you develop transferable skills and discover your passion, while also adding to your résumé.
CATCH UP WITH SOPHOMORE ACTION PLAN ITEMS
CONNECT SELF-ASSESSMENT TO CAREER OPTIONSq Narrow your focus to two top functional
areas and/or industries.
q Identify companies that fit your career focus.
q Refine your “elevator pitch.”
DEVELOP YOUR INTERNSHIP SEARCH STRATEGY q Develop a list of potential internships; have
Plan A & Plan B.
q Monitor iMpact for “Recruiting Events.”
q Monitor iMpact Jobs Database and UM’s Career Center Connector for internship postings.
q Check on-campus interview application deadlines.
q Apply for positions and interview.
GROW YOUR NETWORKq Attend recruiting events and make contacts;
follow up with contacts.
q Join professional groups on LinkedIn.
q Conduct informational interviews with people both on- and off-campus.
ADD TO YOUR CAREER SEARCH SKILLSq Update your résumé and customize it to fit
specific internship targets.
q Write targeted cover letters.
q Practice interviewing.
q Learn how to evaluate internship offers and make a decision.
DEVELOP PROFESSIONALLYq Seek positions of leadership in campus/
community organizations.
q Identify gaps in your skills, knowledge, and experience that you need to work on to reach your goals—and seek to fill these gaps.
CONFIRM YOUR CAREER CHOICEq Evaluate career choice based
on internship experience.
q Return to self-assessment activities and review your interests, values, and motivations to evaluate which job is right for you.
q Talk with an OCD staff counselor if you have any questions or concerns about job offers.
q Accept an offer only after you are confident that it is right for you.
REFINE YOUR JOB SEARCH STRATEGY, IF NECESSARYq Repeat steps from junior
year.
q Continue to update and refine your résumé.
q Meet with an OCD career counselor.
q Search geographically, if that is a top priority.
CULTIVATE & EXPAND YOUR NETWORKq Continue to build your
professional network, which includes your fellow BBAs.
q Thank people who have assisted you.
KEEP IMPROVING YOUR CAREER SEARCH SKILLSq Strengthen your interviewing
skills.
DEVELOP PROFESSIONALLYq Participate in case
competitions.
q Attend professional conferences.
4 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
The Career Search ProcessOrganize your career search by using this five-step course of action. Don’t worry if you find yourself returning to a step, since that, too, is part of moving forward. The Office of Career Development is here to assist you on your journey toward achieving your career goals.
STEP 1Self-Assess & Determine
Focus
STEP 2Develop
Résumé & Online Brand
STEP 3Conduct
Networking
STEP 4Prepare & Interview
STEP 5Decide & Negotiate
• Figure out where your passions lie.
• Gather information about functions and industries that interest you.
• Focus on one or two functions and industries.
• Understand the skills and experiences your potential employer would value.
• Understand the skills and experiences that make you a compelling candidate.
• Develop a targeted résumé around the overlap of those skills and experiences.
• Conduct informational networking to gain insight into different jobs and industries.
• Conduct strategic networking to develop advocates for your candidacy.
• Seek to develop relationships when networking.
• Develop and practice interview responses for a variety of questions.
• Schedule and conduct mock interviews.
• Manage interview invitations and interview schedules.
• Decide which offer to accept.
• Negotiate job offer (full-time offer only).
• Formally accept or decline offers.
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 5
STEP 5Decide & Negotiate
STEP 4Prepare & Interview
STEP 3Conduct
Networking
STEP 2Develop
Résumé & Online Brand
STEP 1Self-Assess & Determine
Focus
SAME STEPS, DIFFERENT APPROACHES
During your time at Ross, you’ll hear about two primary ways of finding an internship or full-time job:
• On-campus recruiting
• Off-campus recruiting
Whether you seek job opportunities with companies that recruit and interview on-campus or look for opportunities with organizations that don’t recruit at Ross, the basic steps of the search are the same.
On-campus and off-campus approaches to your job search are not mutually exclusive. We recommend that you include both on- and off-campus approaches in your career planning.
ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING OFF-CAMPUS RECRUITING• Students seek opportunities from
companies that conduct first-round interviews facilitated by OCD and that take place in Ross’s Kresge Library.
• Students attend corporate recruiting events, “drop” résumés through iMpact, and interview on-campus.
• Networking with corporate representatives helps a student be memorable with a firm.
• Students seek opportunities from companies that facilitate their own interview process.
• Students identify job targets and companies that might offer the job, source names and contact people, conduct informational interviews, and follow up with contacts.
• Networking is KEY.
When does it happen?
JUNIOR and/or SENIOR year(s), in conjunction with, or instead of, off-campus recruiting
SOPHOMORE year to some extent, with greater emphasis on finding opportunities through “off-campus” methods
(See page 18 for more about on-campus recruiting.)
When does it happen?
SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR and/or SENIOR year(s), and as an alumna/nus, through personal and professional networking, Ross alumni connections, OCD job postings, UM Career Center Connector and other external job boards, company websites, conferences, and more
OCD SUPPORTS YOUR JOURNEY ON BOTH CAREER SEARCH PATHS .
On- and Off-Campus Recruiting Approaches
6 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
iMpact and Other ServicesThe Career tab on iMpact is our web-based recruiting system that houses all the career resources that you will need to manage your job search. Listed below are some of the ways that our students utilize the Career tab.
Career Resources: You can locate OCD electronic career resources in the form of handouts, videos, online presentations, and podcasts at any time.
My Job Postings: You can search job postings that have been submitted directly by employers. The job postings can be in the form of an on-campus interview, résumé collection, or direct résumé submission to the company.
My Profile: Fill out your education and employment history through your own iMpact profile. This is a great way to market yourself to companies who have Ross alumni as members of the recruiting team, since Ross alumni continue to have access to view iMpact profiles. “My Profile” is also the starting point for creating your Ross résumé.
My Résumé: Utilizing the information in your profile, publish a “default” résumé that can be included in a database that is searchable by recruiters. You can also create custom résumés to drop for on-campus interviews and/or off-campus job postings from the Jobs Database.
OCD Workshops & Events: Conducting over 100 workshops a year for BBAs, OCD stays busy teaching and preparing students for on- and off-campus job searches. Search upcoming workshops and register to attend.
Recruiting Events & Jobs Database: You can search recruiting events to see which companies will be on campus hosting a presentation or Networking Hours. You can search the Jobs Database to see which companies will be interviewing for full-time or internship positions.
Ross Connections: You can search and connect with Ross students by student type, location, undergraduate school and major for graduate students, employer name, and employment/career interest.
Scheduling an Appointment: OCD has 7 staff counselors and over 70 student peer counselors. Eighteen BBA peer counselors are available for sophomore appointments. Sign up online to meet one-on-one for any of the following appointment types: General Counseling, Self-Assessment, Résumé Review, Mock Interview, and LinkedIn Profile Review.
Ross Alumni Directory (goo.gl/CvhDi): Search for and connect with Ross Alumni by location, function, or industry.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCESKresge Library Databases (goo.gl/nAiSK): Provides access to a wide variety of research databases in business and related disciplinesKresge Career Wiki (goo.gl/OPY7Z): Referrals and links to assist and guide you in your industry researchKresge Database Instruction Sessions (goo.gl/WSA5H): Useful for learning how to find company/industry information and how to
compile lists of companies to target in your job searchAlumni Association UM (goo.gl/VwKk3): Networking opportunities that you can take advantage of even before you graduate
Career Center Connector (C3) (goo.gl/EmVRe) is a free service for all UM Ann Arbor degree-seeking students and new graduates. Here are some ways to use C3 to your advantage: • Check out workshops, career fairs, on-campus interviewing opportunities, and employer presentations. • Join our community by using this resource, and tell us more about yourself by completing your profile. If we know your
interests, we can share interesting opportunities with you!
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 7
Step 1: Self-Assess & Determine FocusKnow Yourself
I know which career path I want to pursue [for summer internship or upon graduation].
TRUE
Great!Move to page 10
(Résumé).
SORT OF
Conduct further self-reflection and employer research to
articulate the overlap between your strengths
and their needs.
Are you sure? Why?
Yes, but I’m not sure how to “sell” myself (my pitch,
story, or fit).
I’m not totally sure. I’ve heard of some careers that sound
interesting.
It’s okay—very few people aged 18-21
can accurately predict which
jobs they’ll have in the future. But they get closer to success and
career happiness when they take time for regular
self-assessment and career exploration.
Yes, I’ve completed thoughtful research on business career paths, talked with
professionals, and matched this
information with my interests and strengths
to find a strong fit. I can tell a persuasive
story about why I am a good fit for the
internship/job.
FALSE
Look inward to examine and identify your interests, personality characteristics,
talents, values, and abilities.
Look outward to discover the careers that make the most
of those characteristics.
No
YesMaybe
WHY SELF-ASSESS?
Happiness and SuccessYou will be free to pursue positions and firms that match well with who you are, avoid the temptation to “follow the crowd,” and ultimately succeed in the job.
Persuasive StoryYou will be able to demonstrate and articulate that you are a good fit for a particular job in a particular environment.
Enhanced Time ManagementYou will choose only the networking and interviewing opportunities and career-related club involvements that best suit your skills and interests.
Professional DevelopmentYou will identify talents you want to strengthen and gaps of skill, experience, and/or knowledge that you need to fill.
WHY FOCUS?
You will be more attractive to employers because you will:
• Attend only the corporate events that fit your focus.
• Start creating relationships early and have quality connections with the right people.
• Conduct in-depth research on companies.
• Target written communications.
• Articulate concisely and compellingly:
o What you want (elevator pitch).
o How your background led you to this point (your “story”).
o How you “fit” with the position/company.
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?
8 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Tools for Self-Assessment and Career Exploration
FINAL TIPS • START EARLY.
• Use your sophomore year, in particular, for self-assessment and career exploration.
• Make it a goal to identify one or two job functions in two or three industries and target positions in those areas by August before the start of your junior year.
o Create a list of 40 companies in which you’re interested, and then start adding contact names and dates on which the company is coming to campus, where applicable.
• Realize that you will likely be making several passes through the cycle of self-assessment and career exploration as you search for the best fit—and that doing so is okay!
• Be honest with yourself and others about who you are and what you like.
• Talk to trusted people. The Office of Career Development, in particular, is available to help you.
CAREER EXPLORATIONCareer Exploration through networking and research helps you define the target job that will ask you to use your preferred skills in your preferred environment on an ongoing basis.
WAYS TO EXPLORE
Informational Networking:Talk to people about their career paths • Your personal network • Student clubs • OCD peer counselors • Classmates and other students • Recent alumniASK FOR ADVICE, NOT A JOB!
Read Investigate Careers—guides written by OCD career counselors, available on iMpact in Step 1 and in E2420.
Read Vault and Wetfeet Guides (available through Kresge Library A-Z Database).
Examine the Jobs Database in iMpact to review past job descriptions in your functional or industry area.
Attend Corporate Presentations.
Use LinkedIn.com: • Type an interest into “Keyword” in an
Advanced Search and examine resulting profiles to see positions related to your interest.
• Read Company Pages. • Join career-related groups.
Participate in short-term experiences with a company (e.g., Leadership Days).
Intern in a Function/Industry.
SELF-ASSESSMENTSelf-Assessment helps you identify the skills you love to use and the environment in which you love to work. Knowing these elements will enable you to tell a memorable and compelling story about yourself on your résumé and in interviews.
SELF-REFLECTION
Ask Yourself:1. What do I enjoy doing?2. What do I do well and enjoy?3. What’s important to me?
(Values)4. What is my personality and
temperament?5. What are my key
accomplishments?6. What environments bring out
the best in me?
Think about your dream job:1. What do you do each day?2. With whom, if anyone, are you
working?3. What does your work
environment look like?4. What are you wearing?5. What do you love most about
this job?
Record your answers!
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Take CareerLeader, an online business self-assessment tool that will help you identify your top interests, motivators, and abilities, and match these with business functions. Take CareerLeader and talk with an OCD staff counselor about the results. (Available on Step 1: Self-Assess and Determine Focus on iMpact.)
Zone-Time Spreadsheet, a paper-based self-assessment of times when you loved what you were doing. (See the resource list for Step 1 on iMpact.)
Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)® is used to understand people in terms of their decision-making styles, preferences for communication and work environments, and for career development and exploration. (Available for $20 through UM Career Center http://www.careercenter.umich.edu/students/assessment.html.)
Talk with OCD Staff and Peer CounselorsGo to Step1: Self-Assess and Determine Focus on the iMpact Career tab to access the Self-Assessment Resources.
STEP
1: S
ELF-
ASS
ESS
& D
ETER
MIN
E FO
CU
S
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 9
STEP 1
: SELF-ASSESS &
DETER
MIN
E FOC
US
Are YOU Focused?Take the “elevator pitch” test!
In the career search, an elevator pitch is your 15-20 second response to the question, “What do you want to do?”—concise enough that you can impress (and further engage) someone on a quick elevator ride!
FUNCTION: Generally refers to the role that one performs in an organization.
INDUSTRY: Generally refers to the type of product or service that an organization provides.
What do you want to do?
I’m interested in ___________
in ______________ with a
____________ ____________ such as
____________________.
(function)
(size) (industry)
(company)
(geography)
ELEMENTS OF A PITCH
1. Function (role...sometimes job title)
2. Geography
3. Size of Organization
4. Industry or Section (private, public, non-profit)
5. Company Examples
EXAMPLE 1
Marketing
Chicago or Midwest
Large Fortune 500
CPG
Kraft
EXAMPLE 2
Investment Banking
New York
Middle Market
Financial Services
Lazard
EXAMPLE 3
Market Research
San Francisco
Small
Tech/Entertainment
Dolby Laboratories
Photo © Doreen Salcher - Fotolia.com
10 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Step 2: Develop Résumé & Online BrandMarket Yourself
Résumé OverviewTHE ROSS RÉSUMÉ HAS THREE SECTIONS
EDUCATIONEducation is used by recruiters to evaluate your academic performance and to learn your career direction by assessing your academic and extracurricular choices.
Recruiters look for: • Related academic emphasis • Academic achievement, including scholarships and honors • Participation in relevant activities • Leadership roles among peers
EXPERIENCEExperience is the heart of your résumé. Recruiters look for skills and accomplishments that transfer into your targeted career. Highlight three to five work, volunteer and, possibly, academic experiences.
Recruiters look for: • Initiative, leadership, and teamwork (see sidebar) • Vivid examples in ACR (Action-Context-Result) format (see
page 12 for information) • A history of accomplishments and results • Transferable skills relevant to targeted positions
ADDITIONALThe “Additional” section provides a glimpse of who you are beyond your work and education. Because likeability is a factor in recruiting, employers use this section to form an opinion on how interesting they find you, whether they would enjoy working with you, and as a source for small talk. This is your chance to win over an interviewer with topics you like to discuss.
Recruiters look for: • Language proficiencies; technical capabilities • Key interests, hobbies and volunteer activities not detailed
in the Experience section • Things that differentiate you from other candidates (be
specific to stand out)
Convey a picture of what impact you’ve had by showing the skills you’ve used and where you’ve used them. • Think about what employers want, what skills you possess,
and how they match. • Customize your résumé to include position-specific skills.
KEY SKILLSKey skills will vary by industry or function, but in general they will be very similar. The following list of critical skills is a good starting point and can be customized for positions you are targeting:
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Communication & Persuasion (verbal & written)
• Problem-solving
• Initiative and Follow-through
• Creativity & Innovation
• Attention to detail
• Analysis
DETERMINING CONTENTAnother way to brainstorm content for your résumé is by demonstrating four core activities, including the situation in which you did the activity, and the outcome:
1. Identified a problem/opportunity
2. Analyzed a problem/opportunity
3. Brainstormed/developed/ recommended solution(s)
4. Implemented solution(s)
CREATING YOUR iMPACT RÉSUMÉ • iMpact uses the data you enter into My Profile to formulate your résumé into a PDF document. Begin by entering all the
data fields into My Profile, which you can find in the RÉSUMÉ section of the Career tab in iMpact.
• Step-by-step instructions can be found in the OCD Guide to Entering Your Résumé on iMpact, available on the Career tab.
• Your iMpact résumé is an electronic file online, so you can modify it at any time, and the changes will be reflected (make sure to save your changes).
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 11
STEP 2
: DEVELO
P R
ÉSUM
É & O
NLIN
E BR
AN
D
Education SectionGPA GUIDELINES • Include your GPA if 3.0 or above.
• The only GPA allowed in the Ross section is your current cumulative GPA as it stands on your UM transcript; no other calculation based on a subset of courses is permitted (no “Emphasis GPA”).
• Do not combine your “pre-Ross” GPA with your GPA since matriculating at Ross.
• Companies will often request your transcript, enabling them to verify the GPA you reported on your résumé and also to see grades in particular courses.
WHAT DOES “EMPHASIS” MEAN IN THE ROSS EDUCATION SECTION? • The first bullet of the BBA Education section should be about your academic
emphasis (singular) or emphases (plural). o Sophomores: It’s fine, and perhaps preferable, to not include an
“Emphasis,” since you haven’t yet had many business courses. • An academic emphasis conveys a message about what career area you are
targeting, so we recommend that you indicate no more than two academic emphases. Academic emphases are valid academic disciplines (Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, etc.) in which you have taken or plan to take at least three electives. Academic emphases should reflect subjects that can be studied, rather than a career objective (Consulting, for example, is not an academic emphasis).
• Be thoughtful as you indicate your emphasis, as a recruiter may choose to discuss your area of emphasis in detail.
BBA Sophomore
EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANStephen M. Ross School of BusinessBachelor of Business Administration, May 2015• Preferred Admission as high school senior• Member, Michigan Interactive Investment Club
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts• GPA 3.73/4.00
Ann Arbor, MI Your GPA “started over” when you started at Ross, so you will not have a “Ross GPA” until the end of your first Fall semester. Report your “pre-Ross” GPA under the name of the UM unit or other school you attended prior to matriculating at Ross.
BBA Junior EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANStephen M. Ross School of BusinessBachelor of Business Administration, May 2014• Emphasis in Finance• GPA 3.68/4.00
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts• GPA 3.73/4.00
Ann Arbor, MI If you do not have a major at a non-Ross UM school, your pre-Ross GPA will be the GPA you had when you left that school to be a Ross student.
BBA Junior with LSA Minor
EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANStephen M. Ross School of BusinessBachelor of Business Administration, May 2014• Emphasis in Finance• GPA 3.68/4.00
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts• Minor in Spanish Language and Literature• GPA 3.73/4.00
Ann Arbor, MI No degree is granted for a minor, so do not include “Bachelor of…” for the non-Ross school.
Your pre-Ross GPA will be the GPA you had prior to joining Ross.
BBA Junior Dual Degree
EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANStephen M. Ross School of BusinessBachelor of Business Administration, May 2014• Emphasis in Finance• GPA 3.68/4.00
School of Music, Theatre & Dance Bachelor of Theatre Arts• Concentration in Performing Arts Management
Ann Arbor, MI If you have a MAJOR in a non-Ross school at Michigan, you have one current cumulative GPA, and it’s the same for Ross and for the other school. Hence, reporting your cumulative GPA under the non-Ross school is optional, since it is identical to your GPA under Ross. Whether or not you include a “GPA in Major” for the non-Ross school is up to you and the guidelines of that school.
BBA Transfer EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANStephen M. Ross School of Business Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2014• Emphasis in Finance• GPA 3.78/4.00
GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITYSchool of Business• GPA 3.81/4.00
Ann Arbor, M
Washington, DC
FAILURE TO FOLLOW GPA GUIDELINES IS A VIOLATION OF THE ROSS CODE OF CONDUCT .
12 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Experience SectionWRITING BULLETS IN THE A-C-R FORMAT
Action Negotiated...
Context ...with 6 area schools to donate excess food to local soup kitchen...
Result ...resulting in 25% increase in food distribution for 2012
ACTION • Ask yourself, “What did I do?”
• Begin with an action verb that conveys a skill (Led, Implemented, Analyzed, Created, Collaborated, etc.).
• Save “result” verb (Improved, Reduced, Increased…) for the last part of the bullet.
• Use past tense unless it is a current task.
CONTEXT • Ask yourself, “So what?”
• The “Context” portion provides the reader with a sense of:
o Significance—Why did this project or activity matter? (e.g., to expand visibility, to streamline procedures)
o Constraints—Why was this project a challenge? (e.g., limited budget or staffing, tight deadlines)
o Scope—How big? How many people? Cost?
• Assume the reader is completely unfamiliar with your organization or activity, and provide context accordingly.
RESULT • Ask yourself, “What happened?”
“What improved?”
• Two types of Results:
o Quantitative (e.g., reduced cost by $X, increased participation by X%, increased accuracy of model by X%)
o Qualitative (e.g., enabled client to do X, proposals were adopted by manager, awarded X prize)
• For current tasks, include “expected” results.
• Make sure your results are accurate.
Examples
• Reviewed applications and conducted 5 to 10 interviews per semester for scholarship candidates and summer program participants, selecting qualified applicants based on academic merit and demonstration of leadership
• Analyzed break-even point of food business and designed surveys to evaluate customer satisfaction, resulting in elimination of 6 unprofitable items
• Organized and emceed charity concert that featured 4 bands from across the Midwest, raising $1,000 for national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Responsible for planning activities that satisfied group
Worked with team to create outreach program that was well- received by users
Brainstormed with team of 5 to create membership outreach program for 175 prospective members that earned 95% top ratings through survey feedback
WE
AK
BE
TT
ER
BE
ST
STEP
2: D
EVEL
OP R
ÉSU
MÉ
& O
NLI
NE
BR
AN
D
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 13
STEP 2
: DEVELO
P R
ÉSUM
É & O
NLIN
E BR
AN
D
Sample Résumé
BBA JUNIORStreet Address • City, STATE, Zip
[email protected] • 999.999.9999
EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Ann Arbor, MI Stephen M. Ross School of Business Bachelor of Business Administration, May 2014 • Emphases in Marketing and Strategy • GPA: 3.64/4.00 • Recipient of Ross School of Business Smith Family Scholarship • Selected to study Global Strategy in Beijing, China, May 2012 • Brother, Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity • Marketing Chair, Michigan Business Women and Member, Marketing Club
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts • GPA: 3.75/4.00 • Awarded William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize for ranking in top 5% of class, 2010-11
EXPERIENCESummer 2012 ONLINEJOBS.COM Chicago, IL Consumer Marketing Intern • Wrote 40 articles using internet research and search engine optimization techniques to
drive traffic to website, receiving 27,000 page views in 4 months • Positioned articles toward targeted audiences by utilizing psychographic segmentation
techniques, generating 50% increase in average time spent on-site • Partnered with team launching Facebook application to raise awareness and
strengthen brand relevancy through consumer outreach and reader-focused content, landing 5,000 daily viewers
• Analyzed Facebook advertising effort and content by assessing effectiveness of media mix and generating consumer interest report, leading to accurate consumer preference model used to create future media plan
2011-2012 AIESEC MICHIGAN Ann Arbor, MIPart-time Vice President, Talent Management • Founded local team focused on membership development for world’s largest student
leadership organization, adopted as model for nationwide program • Implemented mentor program and standardized training for new members, resulting in
10% increase in retention and error-free transition of materials to new leaders • Led strategic planning discussions and initiatives for 5-member executive committee,
improving collaboration among teams and increasing opportunities for involvement
2010-2011 MICHIGAN COMMUNITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM Ann Arbor, MIPart-time Peer Advisor for Community Service • Collaborated with team of 11 peers to create and deliver 15 community service
events to strengthen local ties and encourage social responsibility, solidifying 5 new partnerships for next academic year
• Summarized and distributed meeting minutes through social media venues to increase student involvement, growing participation at events by 20% and obtaining feedback on programming initiatives
2010-2011 EDDIE BAUER Chicago, ILSummers Sales Associate • Interacted with up to 25 customers daily, sharing product knowledge and personal
advice to maintain top sales figures, selling $5,000 of merchandise in one day and breaking merchandise day-sale record 8 times
• Managed complaints and customer discrepancies and conferred with sales managers to resolve problems, leading to increased customer satisfaction
• Prepared seasonal displays, designing store layout and item placement, driving sales for fall and winter seasons
ADDITIONAL • Self-finance 25% of University of Michigan out-of-state tuition • Conversant in Spanish • Enjoy cross-country skiing, music festivals, and giving impromptu salsa lessons • Math tutor for Ann Arbor middle school student, 2011-present
15-25%
65-75%
#12
#8
#10
#1
RÉSUMÉ FLASHPOINTS 1. If you have a
nickname, include it in parentheses after your first name.
2. Spell out degree & include graduation date.
3. Differentiate Emphases (plural) v. Emphasis (singular).
4. Include cumulative GPA if 3.0 or higher.
5. Club membership reinforces career interest.
6. Use numerals for numbers (except for zero and one).
7. Choose strong action verbs for big impact and to convey transferable skills.
8. Use ACR (Action- Context- Result) for Experience bullets.
9. Indicate Summer or Part-time.
10. The CONTEXT describes how you were able to carry out the action, the circumstances under which you did the action, and/or why you did the action.
11. Quantify results where possible; otherwise qualitative is okay.
12. Include specific, unique skills and experiences. Be memorable.
~5%
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#9
#11
14 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Résumé FAQs and Tips
A more extensive list of Action Words, with prompts about which words to choose, can be found on iMpact in Step 2, Develop Résumé.
RÉSUMÉ FAQCan I include high school activities in the EXPERIENCE section?
It depends…
Yes, if: • You initiated the activity outside of your school day (e.g., created online
business). • You held a significant leadership position in a core activity (okay for BBA
sophomores).
No, if: • You are a junior or senior and the activity was school sponsored (e.g., yearbook).
High school activities that could be included in the ADDITIONAL section: • The activity reinforces your passion for the job (e.g., managed your high
school athletic department’s twitter account and you want to go into Sports Marketing).
• Eagle Scout is a highly respected achievement; include it.
Where should I list my study abroad experience?It depends on how it contributes to “telling your story”: • In EDUCATION section, to highlight the academic achievement OR, if longer
than 6 weeks, list it as a separate school experience. • In ADDITIONAL section, if you want to convey an interesting life experience.
WHAT YOU DON’T SEE ON A ROSS RÉSUMÉ
• Dishonest or inaccurate information
• Pronouns (I, we, our)
• Articles (the, an, a)
• Periods at the end of bullets
• More than six bullets in a section
• Bullets longer than three lines
• Bullet lines with only one or two words—expand or condense content
• Misspelled words—read it forwards and backwards aloud; check and recheck
• Excessive or subjective words (e.g., effectively, strongly, etc.)
RÉSUMÉ ACTION WORDS
Adapted
Administered
Advised
Analyzed
Assessed
Audited
Benchmarked
Budgeted
Calculated
Chaired
Collaborated
Composed
Condensed
Conducted
Consulted
Coordinated
Created
Demonstrated
Designed
Developed
Devised
Directed
Discovered
Documented
Edited
Evaluated
Examined
Executed
Financed
Forecasted
Formed
Founded
Generated
Guided
Identified
Implemented
Initiated
Innovated
Instructed
Interpreted
Interviewed
Introduced
Invented
Investigated
Led
Maintained
Managed
Marketed
Mediated
Modified
Motivated
Negotiated
Organized
Originated
Overhauled
Oversaw
Performed
Planned
Prepared
Presented
Prioritized
Produced
Programmed
Projected
Researched
Resolved
Revised
Simplified
Solved
Standardized
Streamlined
Summarized
Supported
Trained
Utilized
Verified
Wrote
STEP
2: D
EVEL
OP R
ÉSU
MÉ
& O
NLI
NE
BR
AN
D
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 15
STEP 2
: DEVELO
P R
ÉSUM
É & O
NLIN
E BR
AN
D
Keep correspondence professional and use your umich email account for recruiter contacts (it’s part of your brand)—unless you’re applying to Google!
Many recruiters use LinkedIn as a recruiting tool, so your profile should be robust and detailed, reflecting your skills and interests.
Write clear and concise subject lines and professional content that is on-point. Employers are evaluating how you correspond with them; be professional!
Check your privacy settings and confirm they are what you want. Facebook will occasionally change privacy settings without your approval.
Google yourself and make sure you (and recruiters) are comfortable with the online you.
Post tweets suitable for all audiences, and be sure to keep it positive. Remember, followers can retweet your posts.
Your Online Brand
BUILDING YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILECreating and maintaining a strong LinkedIn profile is a critical aspect of your job search and professional networking. Since many recruiters use LinkedIn to target and evaluate candidates, follow these tips to create and maintain your profile.
1. Use the NAME you use to recruit (listed on your résumé) and/or the name the average person would use to search for you on the internet. To capture both formal and preferred name, use “First name (Preferred name) Family name” format.
2. Include a PHOTO—Choose a recent, professionally appropriate higher-resolution photo of yourself with attire and degree of formality corresponding to your target industry (business casual to business professional in most cases). You should be portrayed alone (not cropped from a group shot) with clearly distinguishable eyes/face and neutral-to-positive expression.
3. Create a HEADLINE—This is a personal tagline that describes your brand. Use your current student status and/or current or targeted career. Keep it succinct. This phrase will be included in the results list of a Google or LinkedIn search of your name.
4. Write a keyword rich SUMMARY—This is where you have a chance to tell your story: summarize who you are (present), your background (past), and your career ambitions (future). Write in the first person, use keywords, and be conversational. Showcase your expertise without boasting.
5. List your SKILLS—If you have particular skills or abilities, make sure you list them on your profile, especially skills relevant to your target function or industry. Recruiters frequently are looking for a specific combination of skills to go with your experience and education.
6. List your EXPERIENCE—Include jobs, internships, or substantial volunteer/leadership experiences. For each experience, write one to two sentences that answer the question, “What did you accomplish?”
7. Add STUDENT SECTIONS to your profile to showcase your college accomplishments.
8. Obtain RECOMMENDATIONS—Recommendations can boost your professional potential. Faculty and summer employers with whom you have a good relationship are great candidates for a recommendation. Anyone can make themselves look good, but third-party confirmation of your abilities looks even better!
9. Claim a CUSTOMIZED URL (available in your LinkedIn public profile settings) and insert this link into your email signature to drive your existing and newly-forming network to view your profile.
10. Complete your PROFILE—LinkedIn will walk you through the profile completion process.
11. Consistently UPDATE your profile—Your years at Ross are years of dramatic change and improvement.
Your online brand is a reflection of you. Your emails and your “online footprint” will be scrutinized by employers to help them make hiring decisions. Use your online brand as an effective recruiting tool in your job search. We all use the web differently, but however you use it, it is critical to devise and follow an online branding strategy. Below are some usage tips for getting the most out of your online brand from some of the most popular online sites and tools.
16 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Cover Letter GuideST
EP 2
: DEV
ELO
P R
ÉSU
MÉ
& O
NLI
NE
BR
AN
D
YES, YOU NEED A COVER LETTER! • Include a cover letter when applying through on-campus
and off-campus recruiting.
WHAT YOUR COVER LETTER SHOULD CONVEY… • You want the interview/job.
• Why you want the job—not because of what it will do for you, but because of your interest and what you’ll contribute.
• Your knowledge of the company and position acquired through networking and research.
• Your distinguishing characteristics that meet the company’s specific needs.
• Information that adds to your résumé; your cover letter should provide more reasons to hire you, not restate your résumé.
• Evidence you have strong written communication skills.
The TONE of your letter…should be professional as well as natural and conversational. Use your own wording to convey your personality, rather than copying a sample letter. The tone should also fit the culture of the company and the function.
HOW TO START… • Ask yourself, “What interests me about this organization?” o Look at the company website for their values and
recent news; look them up on Facebook and/or LinkedIn: What catches your attention and resonates with you? Use your answer as proof of your interest.
• Analyze the company job description and identify the necessary qualifications that most closely match yours.
o Use the company’s keywords and phrasing when writing your letter.
• Analyze yourself and determine what achievements best SHOW that you have the qualifications the firm is seeking.
• List names of company representatives you met at events and/or with whom you have networked.
First impressions matter—in person
and in writing!
WHAT YOUR COVER LETTER SHOULD INCLUDE…
PART 1: CATCH THE READER’S ATTENTION AND STATE YOUR PURPOSE • Begin with a connection to the audience.
• Mention company representatives with whom you’ve talked and what you learned.
o Be selective, if you met a number of people.
• State the purpose of your letter and name the position for which you are applying.
• Be specific. Avoid “I am impressed with your company,” “I have many applicable skills,” “I believe I am the best candidate,” and other things ANYONE could write.
• Provide a summary or thesis statement that emphasizes two or three of your qualifications that fit the position.
o This thesis statement is the outline for the body of your letter.
PART 2: MAKE YOUR CASE (One or more paragraphs) • Demonstrate how your qualifications match the firm’s
needs.
• Build credibility by providing a few in-depth examples rather than many surface ones.
PART 3: REITERATE YOUR INTEREST AND YOUR PURPOSE • Reiterate your interest and your fit with the position.
• Articulate next steps. Restate your request (e.g., an interview).
• Provide your contact information.
• Thank the reader for his/her time.
BEFORE YOU HIT THE SEND BUTTON (OR STAMP THE ENVELOPE)… • Verify you are using correct names/titles (it is best to
address your letter to a specific person).
• Check spelling. BEWARE that spell-check may misinterpret proper nouns or other words and replace it with the wrong word!
• Check grammar; check EVERYTHING.
• Make sure you have kept your letter short enough to be read (content should be one screen long or one page).
• Confirm your letter is original and authentic. Don’t be tempted to copy a sample letter; the recruiters will know!
Connect your story to the organization’s story.
READ YOUR LETTER ALOUD! 1. Read it aloud SLOWLY to catch typos and to verify correct wording and company name.
2. Read it aloud AGAIN, this time at a normal pace, to check the tone.
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 17
STEP 2
: DEVELO
P R
ÉSUM
É & O
NLIN
E BR
AN
D
Sample Cover Letter
822 Arch StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48104
January 6, 20XX
Mr. Justin SmithHiring ManagerCPG400 Lake DriveChicago, IL 60096
Dear Mr. Smith:
Having spent two summers volunteering with community projects in third-world countries, I have been following the progress of CPG’s partnerships with non-profit organizations in the developing world with increasing interest. After attending the CPG presentation at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business on November 1 and talking with Ben Martin and Sara Smith, it was clear that CPG’s commitment to improving the quality of life while making great products runs throughout the firm. Listening to Ben and Sara describe how the firm’s values energize their work increased my desire to be part of CPG. I can also see how my leadership, analytical skills and creativity will enable me to contribute to CPG, and I would like to be included on your closed interview schedule for the Brand Marketing Assistant Summer Internship.
My leadership skills have developed largely through community service. Two summers ago, as the team leader for a building project in the Dominican Republic, I helped six high school students bring their diverse personalities and skills together to form a cohesive unit while working in a physically and emotionally challenging environment. By helping the students to cooperate with and encourage one another, we were able to finish our project ahead of schedule and then help another team. My ability to motivate my team by understanding each member’s strengths and listening to his or her opinions illustrates the communication skills and consumer empathy that would contribute to my intern success at CPG.
As a Digital Advertising Sales intern at Discovery Communications last summer, I tackled the analytical challenge of researching an assigned prospective client. After running Nielsen, TNS, and other reports, I found very little overlap between the prospective client’s and Discovery’s target audiences. Consequently, I reassessed the assignment and uncovered several better-fitting clients. Within weeks, I presented Discovery leadership with five realistic potential clients, along with integrative marketing ideas for DiscoveryChannel.com. These analytical skills, along with my creativity, will enable me to succeed in CPG intern projects such as competitor analysis and new product launches.
Given my enthusiasm for CPG’s values and brands, I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the CPG team through my leadership experience, analytical skills and creativity. Please consider me for your closed interview schedule on February 10, so we can discuss the fit between my experiences and your needs. If you have any questions, please contact me at 734.555.2222. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Handwritten or scanned signature]
Ann Chapman
Enclosure
THIS IS A SAMPLE . DO NOT COPY IT!
Your letter should reflect who YOU are .
Match the font style (and paper, if hard copy) of your cover letter to your résumé. The Ross iMpact résumé module uses Palatino font.
COVER LETTER FLASHPOINTS 1. Your mailing address;
alternatively, you could use the heading on your résumé to create a professional-looking letterhead.
2. Address your letter to a specific person.
3. Use a colon, not a comma.
4. What interesting fact can you share about yourself that connects to the organization?
5. Show that you are paying attention to the firm.
6. Be specific about your interest in the firm.
7. Mention how you learned about the position.
8. For an off-campus opportunity, you would want to include your class year and also your academic emphasis, if it ties to the position.
9. Describe your skills in the same language used in the position description.
10. State your request.
11. State the position.
12. Connect your skills and experience to qualities the firm is seeking, using their language from the job description.
13. Tie your experience example back to the company. Use specific examples from the job description.
14. Reiterate excitement to join the firm: recap your skills.
15. This line is used for on-campus interviews. Otherwise, you would say you wish to be interviewed and provide follow-up steps appropriate to the method of application.
16. Restate your request.
17. Don’t forget the thank you!
#1
#2
#3#4
#5
#6
#7
#8, and 9#10
#12
#11
#14#13
#15
#17
#16
18 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
On-Campus Recruiting
RECRUITING CALENDARThe Recruiting Calendar can be found by going to the Career tab on iMpact. It details key dates that recruiters use to help them determine the best times to come on campus to interview and host events. Key dates include (but are not limited to) the start dates for on-campus interviews for full-time and internship positions, student exam dates, large Ross club functions such as forums or symposia, etc.
RECRUITING EVENTSRecruiting Events are events that have a recruiting focus and are held at Ross or at an off-site location. They can include presentations, lunches, networking/meet-and-greets, etc. Students can search for recruiting events; the Recruiting Events database can be found by going to the Career tab on iMpact.
There are two common types of Recruiting Events: 1. Networking Hours—Many companies choose to host
networking hours in order to meet students on an informal basis. Networking Hours are usually conducted in the Davidson Winter Garden in Ross for a few hours during the day. Students should be dressed in business casual if they plan to approach a company during Networking Hours. Students should conduct some research on the company before attending Networking Hours and should come with a list of relevant questions as well as be prepared to share their story with the company representative. Treat contact during networking hours as you would an Informational Interview.
2. Corporate Presentations—These presentations are typically held fall semester, Monday through Thursday, often in the evening. A reception meant for networking usually follows each presentation. Students should plan to invest at least 90 minutes for a corporate presentation. Proper attire is usually business casual—this may vary by industry (e.g., business formal for banks)—students should check with OCD prior to attending. Remember: you are ALWAYS being evaluated, even if you are not directly in front of the recruiter.
JOBS DATABASEThe Jobs Database can be found by going to the Career tab in iMpact. Students may use the Jobs Database to search by position, company, and degree program among other filters such as:
Job type: • Internship positions (typically 6-12 week temporary jobs) • Short-term experiences (typically less than one week,
(e.g., Leadership Opportunity, Brand Camp, Day in the Life, etc.)
• Full-time positions (permanent positions)
Interview Type: • Job Posting (the company has submitted the opportunity
through OCD; the application process and first-round interviews are typically coordinated by the company)
• On-Campus (the first-round interview process is facilitated by OCD)
ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWSOn-campus interviews are first-round interviews facilitated by OCD and take place in the Kresge Library.
OFF-CAMPUS INTERVIEWSOff-campus interviews are all interviews that take place outside of the Kresge Library. Off-campus interviews can include interviews in the Executive Residence, the Michigan Union, Michigan League and other locations at the University of Michigan, or at the company location.
RÉSUMÉ DROPStudents will need to “drop” their résumé for consideration for on-campus interviews and various other OCD-facilitated interviews. To drop a résumé, students will need to find the company in which they are interested in the Jobs Database and click on the appropriate position. If the résumé drop is open, the student will click on the link called, “Cover Letter and Résumé Drop.” The student will select which published iMpact résumé to
Office of Career Development Ethical Code of ConductThe OCD Ethical Code of Conduct is a set of rules by which students must comply. Violation of this Code represents a violation of the Code of Student Conduct as outlined in the Statement of Community Values.
When you access the on-campus recruiting system for the first time, the OCD Ethical Code of Conduct will be visible, and you will need to click “I agree” in order to access the system. You can also view the OCD Ethical Code of Conduct by going to the Recruiting Section of the Career Tab on iMpact.
The OCD Ethical Code of Conduct includes guidelines such as: professional conduct in corresponding with companies, sincerity while interviewing, and prohibition of reneging on an offer you accepted, among other guidelines.
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 19
drop and include the cover letter that has been pre-written. The student will preview their selections, and then submit once ready to “drop” his/her résumé and cover letter.
INTERVIEW SCHEDULEThe Interview Schedule is the list of students that a company is going to interview for a position. At Ross, a maximum of 75% of an on-campus interview schedule is “closed”; a minimum of 25% of an on-campus interview schedule is “open.”
CLOSED LISTThe Closed List is a list of students a company has preselected to interview from those who have dropped their résumés for that position. A maximum of 75% of an on-campus interview schedule can be “closed” at Ross. Interviews conducted at other locations (e.g., Michigan Union, Michigan League, Executive Residence, etc.) may be 100% closed because interviews off-site are not considered “on-campus.”
OPEN LISTThe Open List is a list of students who are placed on an interview schedule by bidding or by adding themselves to an open interview slot on the schedule. 25% of an on-campus interview schedule must remain “open” at Ross.
BIDDINGIf a company is interviewing on campus (the interview is taking place in the Kresge Library), their interview schedule must remain 25% open (see “Open List”). Students receive 1,000 points for junior year internship recruiting and 1,000 points for full-time recruiting. Points do not carry over from internship to full-time interviewing. Students may use their points to bid to be placed on the “open list” portion of the interview schedule. Sophomores interviewing for internships do not have to bid; all sophomore interview schedules will remain 100% closed (company selected). More detailed information about bidding can be found by attending a Bidding Workshop and by going to the Career tab on iMpact.
Why PwC?No two career paths are alike. That’s why we help you design your own.
Join us at: www.pwc.com/campus
100 Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to work for 2005-2012 #1 on DiversityInc magazine’s
list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity 2012
98,832 Number of hours volunteered by PwC colleagues 2011 86% of Fortune 500 companies
choose PwC for assurance, tax and auditing services
20 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Step 3: Conduct NetworkingIntroduce Yourself
Conduct informational networking to gain insight into the job and industry. Conduct strategic networking to develop “advocates” for your candidacy in an organization.
WHAT IS NETWORKING?Networking is the process of establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. It’s not about “using” people. The difference between proper networking and “using” people is that with networking, the focus is to first establish the relationship. Once the relationship is established, the two parties can make requests with the understanding that a reciprocal relationship exists.
• Asking for advice—not an internship or job—opens up the opportunity for a relationship to develop.
• You can foster a mutually beneficial relationship by asking your contacts if there is anything you could do to help them.
Employers like to fill positions with
people whom they trust or who have
been referred to them by people whom
they trust . Therefore, relationships
with potential employers are critical to
obtaining an internship or job . This is
true of companies that come to campus
as well as off-campus companies .
WHY SHOULD I NETWORK?Networking enables you to leverage your relationships to access knowledge, resources, and opportunities:
• You’ll get information that will help you determine if you are a fit with a particular industry, function, and/or company.
• You’ll get advice and referrals.
• You’ll learn about opportunities before they become available.
• You’ll be remembered by company representatives and potentially be selected for an on-campus interview.
HOW DOES NETWORKING FIT INTO THE JOB SEARCH?
I. Identify your internship/ job target—or industries, functions, and/or companies in which you think you’re interested. If it matters, identify your preferred location.
a. Early in the process, it’s okay to have a few potential targets, especially if you are investigating careers.
b. The closer you get to actually seeking the job (as opposed to exploring various careers), the more focused you’ll want to be. Target one to two functions in two to three industries.
c. Refer to the section on tools for self-assessment and your “elevator pitch” (pages 8-9).
II. Identify companies that might offer the type of job you are targeting (this may include companies that are coming to campus).
III. Seek contacts at those companies.
IV. Reach out to request a conversation.
a. This step applies to both on- and off-campus recruiting.
b. For contacts you meet at on-campus events, follow up to say thank you and to request a conversation.
c. Building relationships with representatives from companies that come to campus can set you apart and make you memorable.
d. For off-campus recruiting, you want to reach out even before a position is posted.
V. Conduct informational sessions—Refer to the section on “Informational Interviews” in this Guide (pages 23-24).
VI. Follow up with a thank-you note and with status updates over time.
WHEN SHOULD I START NETWORKING? Start networking BEFORE you need a job! It takes time to build a network and to establish trust, so start early. The most effective networking is a constant process, but once you have decided to begin the job search process, it’s time to increase the intensity of your networking.
• Start NOW by becoming a useful contact for others.
Note that this is an iterative process (e.g., a conversation may lead to reevaluation of your job target).
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 21
STEP 3
: CO
ND
UC
T NETW
OR
KIN
G
WITH WHOM SHOULD I NETWORK?There are three types of networking contacts, which correspond to the three functions of networking:
Group A: People who can CONNECT you to people in the jobs and/or industries in which you are interested:
• Family, friends, family of friends, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances
Group B: People who can MENTOR you to help you understand the job:
• Ross students with experience in industry (BBA Seniors; MBAs), industry insider referrals from Group A (and from Group B), faculty and alumni
Group C: People who can ADVOCATE for your candidacy:
• On-campus recruiters, alumni (inside company), company insider referrals from Groups A/B
HOW DO I FIND CONTACTS? • Add “career” as part of your regular conversation with people you know or
meet.
• Search Ross Connections, Ross Alumni Directory, LinkedIn.
• Look around you: your classmates are often your best network!
• Attend company presentations, Ross “Networking Hours,” Career Fairs, and Career Panels.
• Attend conferences and speaker events.
• Join clubs and professional organizations for access to current members and alumni.
• By “chance,” striking up conversations with people you meet at social events, while traveling, etc.
Networking is both planned and unplanned .
LINKEDIN NETWORKING TIPCustomize your Requests—Use a personal touch when requesting to connect with someone. Customizing LinkedIn’s generic connection request by adding a reminder about a recent conversation with them and/or explaining why you’d like to connect goes a long way toward establishing a relationship with your connection and getting a positive reply.
See goo.gl/XEv4z for more LinkedIn Etiquette tips.
On-campus networking starts here.
Off-campus networking starts here.
Informational Networking (Group B)
Develop your résumé (you may be asked for it).
Connective Networking (Group A)
Be prepared to tell Group A a general idea of what you are looking to do.
Ramp up your interview preparation.
Facilitative Networking (Group C)
Refer to OCD’s specific “Networking Guide” for details on these types of networking contacts.
22 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
STEP
3: C
ON
DU
CT
NET
WO
RK
ING
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR NETWORKING? • Preparation will vary, depending on where you are in your career search, the level of the person with whom you’re interacting, and
your relationship with that person.
• Before you begin, define a career target or two to explore, receive mentoring in, or in which you want to build relationships. o For assistance in this task, refer back to what you learned about yourself through the self-assessment process. o When networking for purposes of career exploration, you don’t need to know exactly what you want, but having some clarity
around your career target will enable the person to better help you.
• Be familiar with your accomplishments and your interests.
• Increase your research about a company when preparing to talk with someone who could influence a hiring decision.
WHAT DO I SAY?
Introduce Yourself: Your introduction will depend on the context of the situation.
Elevator Pitch: 15-20 second speech about who you are and what type of job you’re seeking:
• Your name. Your degree. Your immediate career goal (industry/function/company). Something from your experience that you want to leverage in your next job and/or that has led you to having this career goal.
• Use it at scheduled company events, or even informal, everyday situations.
• Use it when reaching out via email or phone.
• Be specific—the more specific you are about what you want, the easier it is for someone to help you.
o Even if you don’t know exactly what you want, choose something specific for the particular situation; you’ll sound more confident. You’ll be adapting your elevator pitch through the networking process.
Personal Odyssey: 2-2½ minutes relating highlights of your experiences (often in chronological order):
• Use one-on-one at career fairs or other situations when people want to know more about you.
• Choose elements that give insights into your motivations and decisions, and that build a case for your being a good fit for your career target.
• The outline below is an example, not a formula. Use your own creativity and judgment to adapt the outline to your own situation. Know your story, but don’t memorize it.
• Tell a story in which you are the main character and in which the pieces tie into “Why this job?”
Elements of your story:
Background
• Focus
Choosing College
• Highlights • Transferable Skills
College Activities
• Highlights • Transferable Skills
ChoosingB-School
• Why? • Intent?
Career Choice
• Why this function? • Goal
Company
• Why this company?
HOW DO I FOLLOW UP?
Update Mechanism (provide status reports as you go): • “I had a conversation with a referred contact…” • “I saw the positive press your company got in the news…” • “A discussion we had in class today touched on a topic you
and I discussed…”
Develop an incentive or reminder system to make sure you stay in touch: • Mark your calendar to send an update every six to eight
weeks or more, depending on your job search timeline.
It is important in all networking
communications to ASK FOR
ADVICE, NOT FOR A JOB .
“The difference between successful networking and unsuccessful networking is follow-up.”
—Diane Darling, The Networking Survival Guide
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 23
STEP 3
: CO
ND
UC
T NETW
OR
KIN
G
Informational Interviewing: A Great Way to Network
An “informational interview” is a great way to build relationships with current students, alumni, company insiders, and other business contacts to discern your interest in a career or company—and to let others know of your interest—BEFORE you actually need a job.
THE PURPOSE OF AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW • Get firsthand, relevant information about
functions, companies, and industries.
• Determine your “fit” with a particular career and hone career target(s).
• Get advice about how to prepare for and enter a career field.
• Demonstrate your initiative and professional interests.
• Develop a relationship.
• Gain referrals to other relevant professionals.
OVERVIEW OF INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWINGArranging, Conducting, and Following up
• Prerequisites: Before requesting an informational interview:
o Clarify your goals for the conversation.
o Be familiar with your skills and accomplishments. Know what you’re passionate about.
o Be genuine: Approach interactions with sincere interest and excitement to learn.
• Identify people who are in jobs, industries, or companies that you are targeting:
o BBA Seniors and MBAs: Search Ross Connections
o Ross Alumni: Ross Alumni Directory
o Dividend Alumni Magazine
o U of M alumni: InCircle
o LinkedIn
o Fraternity alumni & upper- classmen
o Contacts from career fairs and on-campus corporate events
o Other
• Draft and send an approach email to request an in-person or phone meeting.
o Emphasize that you are looking for advice and information, not a job.
o If the person does not respond within two weeks, re-send your request, with a comment that you know they are busy and you want to be mindful of their time, but you thought you would re-send the request in the hope that the person might have 15 or 20 minutes to talk.
• From Field: Display your full name, not your email address.
• Subject Line: Accurately identify the topic and context of your email: “Ross BBA seeking career advice,” or, “Ross BBA referred by Professor Michelle Riley.”
• Greeting: Include a greeting line; err on the side of formality (Dear Ms. Jones,...).
• Body:
o Format:Use complete sentences, with proper grammar and punctuation. Verify correct spelling of the recipient’s name and company, and all words. Read your email aloud before sending.
o Content:
– Who are you and how did you get my name?
• Be specific about why you chose this person.
• Provide a brief description of yourself as it relates to the recipient.
– Why are you contacting me? (Advice and information)
– What would you like me to do?
• Ask for 15-20 minutes of the person’s time (you can learn a lot in 20 minutes if you are well prepared and organized).
• Ask if they might be available on a particular date or time frame, but express your flexibility and deference to their schedule.
• Closing:
o “Kind regards,”
o Use a signature block. [Include your LinkedIn custom URL—if your profile is complete, or near complete.]
TIP: Insert the recipient’s email address last, AFTER proofreading.
24 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
STEP
3: C
ON
DU
CT
NET
WO
RK
ING
• Prepare for the meeting:
o Do some research (industry; company; job function; person).
o Be prepared to talk about your relevant skills and experience.
o Prepare a list of advice and “opinion” questions based on your research about the industry, function, and the person’s background. For example, look at the company’s organizational chart and ask how responsibilities may differ between two functions in which you are interested. Ask for advice for someone seeking to enter the particular field.
o Reconfirm the meeting/phone call a day or two in advance; email your résumé.
o Day of: Dress for the job you want; amend dress to context (café vs. Wall Street office). Bring a pen and notepad, your résumé, and your questions.
• Meet and seek advice:
o Introduce yourself.
o Lay out the agenda for the session. Be enthusiastic and show your interest.
o Ask advice and opinion seeking questions.
o Take notes.
o Listen well: Insightful responses show that you are interested and can communicate professionally. Use your prepared questions only as an outline.
o Follow their cues: If they show an interest in you, give them your story and talk about your skills; if they want to engage in small talk, ask about their interests.
o Respect time constraints.
o Express appreciation and build your network: “May I call you again if I have more questions?” and, “Can you recommend anyone else in this industry/company/function who might help me continue in my learning?”
• After the meeting:
o Record key points from the conversation, including your impressions of the industry/company.
o Write down your next steps. Follow through on any commitments you made.
o Send a thank-you letter or email. Let them know how you plan to follow their advice.
o Keep in touch.
o Track your networking. Keep a record of your interactions.
Once you have secured your internship or full-time position, make sure to get in touch with all the people who helped you along the way to let them know where you landed and your new contact information. Not only might you be able to repay the favor, but also, the better networked you are, the more you will learn about future opportunities.
For sample questions, refer to: goo.gl/US0XC
Pho
to ©
goo
dluz
- Fo
tolia
.com
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 25
Professional Dress Guidelines
GUIDELINES FOR MEN
Suit 1. Solid color preferred—navy blue or gray 2. Wool or wool blend 3. Single breasted and single-vent
Shirt 1. WHITE—you cannot go wrong 2. Professionally laundered
Tie 1. Stylish and modern, nothing gimmicky 2. Tie should complement the suit
Shoes and Socks 1. Polished black or burgundy leather shoes 2. Laced wing tips, cap toe, or Oxford style 3. Socks should match suit 4. Belt and shoes should match
GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN:
Suit 1. Navy blue, black, or gray two-piece suit 2. Conservative yet stylish; solid color or very narrow pin stripes 3. Accounting/Finance/Consulting—solid and more conservative 4. Skirt length should be at, or slightly above or below, the knee
Blouse 1. White or solid color blouse of cotton or silk 2. No low cut styles
Hose 1. Neutral tones that match your skin color 2. Solid; no patterns or decorations; no runs
Shoes 1. Color should match that of suit; comfortable 2. Low heel; no sling-back or open-toed styles
Accessories 1. Small, conservative earrings (gold, silver, or pearl) 2. Simple, non-distracting accessories (or none at all) 3. Natural-looking nail polish only
GUIDELINES FOR MEN AND WOMEN: 1. Well-maintained and professional
haircut; long hair should be pulled back
2. No perfume or cologne
3. Neatly manicured nails and clean hands
4. Leather bag or portfolio to carry materials
ADDITIONAL DRESS TIPS • Be sure to wear professional attire appropriate for your industry. For
financial services, this means business formalwear (a suit); for most other industries, this means business casual. If you have questions about appropriate dress, ask OCD!
• Know the industry’s standard. If uncertain, err on the side of more formal/conservative attire.
• Try on your professional dress several weeks before you plan to wear it just in case tailoring, dry cleaning, or additional shopping is required. If you are unsure about what to wear, please visit OCD (and bring/wear your attire!) for a consultation.
26 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Step 4: Prepare & InterviewSell Yourself
INTRODUCTION An interview provides an opportunity for an employer and candidate to meet and evaluate whether there is a mutual “fit” between the two. Keep in mind that any contact you have with the employer is part of the evaluation process.
The employer seeks to learn and evaluate your: • Abilities: Do you possess the knowledge and skills
required to succeed in the position?
• Accomplishments: A pattern of success. What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• Fit: Do you match the company culture? What kind of colleague will you be?
• Interest: Why are you interested in the position/company?
The candidate seeks to: • Convey professionalism. Tell a coherent story about your
qualifications and background, and how this position is a logical next step.
• Communicate your fit with the company’s culture.
• Demonstrate the technical competence necessary for the role.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the position and the firm by having researched the firm.
PREPARING TO INTERVIEW: RESEARCH
Know Yourself • Return to your self-assessment process in order to be clear
on what you have to offer and why the position is a good fit for you and for the company.
• KNOW YOUR RÉSUMÉ, and be able to talk about each point.
• Think in terms of “why hiring me would be good for the company,” rather than “why this internship would be good for me.”
Know the Position • Study the job description. Identify the employer’s
expectations and focus your answers on how you can help achieve those expectations. Also, consider how the tone of the job description reflects the company culture, since you want to strive for a “culture match.”
• Be aware of the “soft” skills (e.g., interpersonal skills, working under pressure) as well as the “hard” skills (e.g., analytical ability, creative problem solving) necessary for the position.
• “Picture” yourself in the position; if you can “see” yourself in the position, you are more likely to enable the interviewer to “see” you in the position.
Know the Company and the Industry • Use OCD’s Pre-Interview Worksheet found on Step 4:
Prepare & Interview on the iMpact Career tab [ http://www.bus.umich.edu/MyiMpact/Career/Handouts/CompanyResearch.pdf ].
• Visit the company’s website. Know the company’s mission statement and values.
• Talk with Ross students and/or alumni who have worked or who are now working in the company.
• Review data collected through company presentations and other networking.
PRACTICE
Prepare responses for typical fit and technical questions.Use functional club (e.g., BBA Marketing Club) and Office of Career Development resources to understand the typical questions that may be asked of you in an interview, and prepare responses for them.
Form student groups and practice answering questions.
Schedule mock interview sessions through OCD and clubs.Conduct mock interview sessions with OCD counselors and peers to get feedback about your interview preparation progress.
PRE-INTERVIEW • Check wardrobe (page 25).
• Know the type and structure of interview to expect.
• Research: - Yourself - Industry - Company
• Prepare responses to typical questions (fit and technical).
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Sleep, eat, EXERCISE!
Communicate a story that best exemplifies your fit with the opportunity.
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 27
STEP 4
: PR
EPAR
E & IN
TERVIEW
Interview TypesFIT OR BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWSFit or behavioral interviews determine how well you “fit” with the position and the company in terms of your personality and behavioral characteristics, your skills and achievements, and your career intent. • The interviewer is assessing your ability to succeed in the
position based on your past performance.
• You should be prepared to support claims you make about yourself in the form of examples.
• The key to doing well in the fit interview is to develop a coherent story which pulls together aspects of your past with behavioral characteristics and skills to justify your current career direction, especially in terms of the specific job for which you are interviewing.
• Certain fit interviews may also include a few technical and/or “situational” questions (e.g., “What would you do if a certain situation were to arise?”).
CASE INTERVIEWSCase interviews assess your ability to analyze and solve a problem. You should be prepared to apply business frameworks and industry knowledge to solve a hypothetical situation posed by the interviewer. • It is important to be structured and systematic in your
process. The process requires you to execute an analytical methodology under time pressure, and to communicate effectively as you go through the process.
• Case interviews are typical for management consulting and analytical positions.
Preparing for technical interviews
takes time, so start early . Refer to
OCD’s BBA Interview Preparation
Guide for an outline of frameworks
useful for different types of interviews .
TECHNICAL INTERVIEWSTechnical interviews assess your understanding of the technical work required as part of the position for which you are interviewing. • As with Case Interviews, communicating your thought
process is important.
• Technical interviews are typical for banking/finance interviews.
• Firms may include “brain teasers.”
NON-CONVENTIONAL INTERVIEW FORMATSThese may occasionally be used. It’s probably not time-effective to prepare for all possible formats; preparation for the fit and/or case interviews will generally suffice. It is useful, however, to be aware of some of these alternate formats (e.g., unstructured chat with senior executives, interview by committee, group interaction exercise, written personality test).
Phone InterviewsSuccess in interviews involves the “connection” between interviewer and interviewee, so you will have to work harder to make the connection over the phone. Here are some tips to help you with phone interviews: • Be in a quiet, non-distracting location. If the interview
is part of Ross on-campus interviewing, a room will be arranged for you. Ensure that there will be no interruptions.
• Dress the part. Feeling like a professional will help you talk like one.
• Stand up for the phone call; you’ll communicate more energy and enthusiasm.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged and turn off any non-silent notifications.
• Keep your responses shorter (around 1 to 1.5 minutes) than for in-person interviews, and maintain a conversational tone. Share the talking time with the interviewer.
• Resist the temptation to have interview notes in front of you, as this usually leads to sounding “flat” and less engaged with the interviewer.
• Have some well-prepared questions that will give the interviewer the opportunity to talk.
Skype/Video InterviewsThese are very similar to in-person interviews. Many of the above tips for phone interviews apply to video interviews as well. In addition: • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s). Look into
the webcam, not at yourself or the interviewer(s) on the screen. This is best done by positioning the screen shot of the interviewer(s) just below your webcam.
• Be aware of the visual background. In addition to choosing a quiet and non-distracting room, you should be in a clean and professional room. You do not want your bedroom or leftover pizza boxes in the screenshot.
28 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
STEP
4: P
REP
AR
E &
INTE
RVI
EW
For more in-depth information, refer to OCD’s guide to second-round interviews goo.gl/VezDU.
SECOND-ROUND INTERVIEWSCompanies that need to evaluate many candidates (especially “on-campus” companies) often require more than one round of interviewing. They use the second round to make an in-depth evaluation of the candidate; the second round of interviews tends to be lengthier and more involved than the first round of interviews. • Second-round interviews are often similar to regular
interviews, though the technical or functional questions are usually more rigorous. There may be multiple interviews in one day, and/or special types of interviews (e.g., a group project with other candidates).
• The people on your second interview are likely to be more senior, or at least at varying levels, including people from the team with which you might be working. Your challenge is to adjust your tone/style/conversation to reflect each of the people.
• Meals or other informal events are part of the interview process. Those involved in the hiring decision want to see how you interact with people in social situations and will use these situations to gauge your personality and fit with the firm.
• Remember that you are being evaluated all the time, including the way in which you interact with assistants, security personnel, etc. Treat everyone with respect and in a friendly manner.
• You may get tired part-way through the day. If so, take a brief break in the restroom, throw water on your face, take a walk around the office, discreetly eat an energy bar or whatever you need to do to stay alert and think clearly. Stay hydrated by drinking water.
The only thing more diverse than our products….are the people who create them.
Whirlpool Corporation, named by FORTUNE magazine as a Top 10 Global Company for Leaders, offers 9 Leadership
Development Programs for business and engineering graduates.
For more information about our full-time and internship programs, visit:
www.WhirlpoolCareers.com
Unilever Future Leaders ProgrammeMarketing • Customer Development • Finance
www.unilever.com/careers
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 29
STEP 4
: PR
EPAR
E & IN
TERVIEW
Interview Structure
30 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
STEP
4: P
REP
AR
E &
INTE
RVI
EW
Interview Response TechniqueUse a story, following the Context-Action-Result format. Behavioral questions are used by interviewers to assess your aptitude in a particular set of skills or traits. These questions can take many forms, but your answer should always be structured in the CAR format (Context-Action-Result) as described below.
20%
20%
60%
2-MINUTE REPLY
ResponseStart with a claim, or the “punch line,” to frame the story. Grab the recruiter’s attention with the point you want to make.
Support Your Claim With a Specific Example1. CONTEXT—You want this section to be brief. Remove technical details and set the stage for your actions. • For example, while at (Organization), I/my team was (Task at hand, Your role). • It was challenging because (Complicating factors). • I/We needed to (Topic/Action) or (Consequence/What was at stake).
2. ACTION—The bulk of your response. Describe 4-6 tangible steps to demonstrate your progress. • SAMPLE ACTIONS o I set up a meeting with X to discover why… o I stepped back to consider…and realized that… o I created an idea which would… o I developed a relationship with X to…
3. RESULT—Conclude by demonstrating positive outcomes. Discuss multiple results to show impact. • In the end, we were able to (Resolution/Outcome—Quantify if possible). o This contributed to (Ripple effect, Macro outcome). o My (Stakeholder) said (Interpersonal result or Accolade).
TakeawayConclude by sharing what you took from the story and how you will apply it in your function, industry, or organization.
BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS LEADERSHIP TEAMWORK ANALYTICAL
Context Phonathon supervisor—UM Hillel Nonprofit consulting D-SIP: Market research
Action (1) Hire callers—phone interviews Identify lack of accountability and scheduling problems
Quantitative: Surveys (Google Docs)
Action (2) Motivate callers—incentives, connection
Delegation—small sub-teams (2-3 people per task)
Qualitative: Phone interviews
Action (3) Problem-solving with them about situations encountered on calls
Learn to trust team members and sub-teams
Analysis and research
Result $140,000 2-month campaign Professional presentation to client to get Pepsi Refresh Grant
Written interface proposal and presentation
Additional Themes for this story
Getting buy-in; coaching/mentoring
Problem-solving; outside comfort zone
Initiative; leadership
BUILDING YOUR STORY BANKDevelop and rehearse a number of examples in the CAR format that you can draw upon during the interview. We recommend that you prepare at least 10 to 15 examples of various situations (adversity, leadership, teamwork, etc.). Consider stories that demonstrate how you: 1) identified a problem/opportunity; 2) analyzed the problem/opportunity; 3) developed a solution/recommendation; 4) implemented or helped implement the solution/recommendation. • Most of your stories will touch on multiple themes, but you should adapt the examples for different questions. • Prior to your interview, correlate the job description with key experiences and stories.
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 31
STEP 4
: PR
EPAR
E & IN
TERVIEW
RESPONDING TO ADVERSE QUESTIONSOften, an interviewer may ask you to talk about a weakness, failure, or setback, or to describe the best constructive criticism that you received. You might get asked about your GPA. The secret to answering these questions is to be honest about a failure or weakness and then demonstrate how you are addressing (or how you already addressed) any faults or limitations. This will show that you have both the ability to recognize aspects of yourself that need improvement, and the initiative to make these improvements.
• Question about a failure or a mistake (2-3 minute response): o Response should be 50% Mini-CAR (describe what happened). o Other 50% of your response should demonstrate the learning that resulted from this experience.
• State what you learned and what you will do differently in the future.
• Cite any active development (classes, coaching, etc.).
• Provide a brief example of when you encountered a similar situation later on, and your improved result.
• Question about a weakness (30-40 second response): o Be honest—but not overly honest (the weakness cannot be a deal breaker). o Contextualize it (“I get nervous when presenting to boardrooms,” instead of, “I’m a horrible public speaker…”). o Discuss specific steps that you are taking to overcome this weakness.
32 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
Step 5: Decide and NegotiateAdvance Yourself
BEFORE THE OFFER: RANK THE COMPANIES
Before you start interviewing, you should develop a rank-ordered priority list for companies you are targeting. Continue to edit your list, as it may change based on your experiences during the interview process. Creating a priority list will help you make a clearer decision about which offer to accept—and which to decline in the hope of getting an opportunity you like better.
Ranking the Companies: Factors to Consider • Job content and what you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis
• Industry
• “Fit”/Company Culture and Values
• Work/Life Balance
• Geographic Location
• Career Advancement and Positioning
It is important to understand
which factors matter most to you and
make trade-offs that satisfy
your individual priorities .
THE OFFER: [CONGRATULATIONS!]
Make the decision on your own terms: When recruiters extend an offer, they have an interest in having you accept it. Some recruiters may put pressure on you to accept the offer. Be careful not to make any commitments unless you are in a good frame of mind to make the decision.
Be prepared with what you are going to say if you get a call with an offer. In your excitement over getting an offer, you need to be careful that you don’t unintentionally communicate that you are accepting the offer before thinking it through. Remember, a verbal acceptance over the phone is considered an acceptance, regardless of whether you have “signed” anything yet.
What to Say: • Thank the recruiter for the offer and express appreciation
for the time the company put into the recruiting process. It’s fine to be excited about the offer, but be careful that you do not imply that you’ll be accepting the offer.
• Tell the recruiter, “I’d like to think about the offer. What are the next steps? Will I be getting something in writing?”
• Ask, “By when would you like a response?”
AFTER THE OFFER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long do I have to decide?The decision deadline for offers is between you and the employer. For on-campus recruiting, OCD encourages recruiters to practice the following recommended guidelines:
• Full-time offers to previous employees and/or summer interns must be held open until November 30th.
• Full-time offers extended during on-campus recruiting must remain open for three weeks or until November 30th, whichever is later.
• Internship offers extended during on-campus recruiting must remain open for three weeks or until February 25th, whichever is later.
How do I ask for more time?Reach out directly to the person who gave you the offer and let him/her know that you would like more time to decide: be specific, and indicate how much time you would like to have to make an informed decision. If the offer came from an on-campus interview, and the company has not followed OCD’s recommended guidelines, you can politely point out to them that the school requests that all employers leave offers open for at least three weeks after they are given. For these firms, providing a link to OCD’s Recruiter Information page that includes Ross’s Offer Deadline guidelines has proven effective in getting more time [ http://www.bus.umich.edu/RecruiterInformation/InterviewLogistics/ ].
If the company has followed the recommended guidelines and you’d like additional time to consider all of your options, please meet with an OCD staff counselor to discuss the best approach.
“I got an offer from Company B but I prefer Company A, and I don’t know when I’ll hear from them. What should I do?”
• First contact Company A (your preferred company). In a diplomatic way, let Company A know that you have an offer with a deadline. Let Company A know that you want to work for them and that you would like to investigate the possibility of accelerating your candidacy.
• If Company A is unable to accelerate their process, contact Company B and ask if it is possible to extend the deadline for your decision.
RANKING THE OFFERS: FACTORS TO CONSIDER
• Job content and day-to-day experience o Will you be doing the kind of work you enjoy and do
well?
• Industry o Are you interested in this firm’s business activity or
products?
• “Fit”/Company Culture o Can you see yourself working with the people you met
during the recruiting process?
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 33
STEP 5
: DEC
IDE &
NEG
OTIA
TE
o Does the work environment match your own work style (e.g., team work versus independent contributor, pace of the work, etc.)?
o Are the company’s values compatible with your own values?
• Work/Life Balance o Can you live with the work/life balance—or lack
thereof?
• Geographic Location o Is the job in the location you want?
• Career Advancement and Positioning o Is there opportunity for professional growth? o [Internship] Does the internship have the potential
of a full-time offer? If not, will it add value to your full-time job search?
o [Full-time] Will you be able to leverage this position to move, if you choose to, or need to transition to another company in a few years?
• Compensation and Benefits o Is the compensation what you were looking for? - Compensation may be less of a consideration for
an internship. - For full-time offers, consider: • Base Salary and any Signing Bonus • Benefits, such as Paid Time Off, Health
Care, and Relocation Expenses
What factors are most important to
you? Refer to your CareerLeader
self-assessment results for the
primary “motivations” that
you identified .
NEGOTIATING THE OFFER • Negotiating compensation for internships is NOT
recommended.
• For full-time: Negotiate only if you intend to commit to the company after reaching agreement on the terms of the offer.
• Be aware that on-campus recruiters may not be willing to negotiate compensation.
ACCEPTING THE OFFERThe job offer can initially be accepted by phone OR email. If accepting by phone, follow up with an email. The acceptance communication should contain the position, the compensation, and any agreed upon negotiated items. You should also communicate your excitement about the position and the company.
KEEP YOUR WORD! Accepting an offer, verbally or in writing, and subsequently withdrawing to accept another offer is a renege. A renege is a violation of the Office of Career Development’s Ethical Code of Conduct, which damages your reputation and Ross’ reputation. It also negatively impacts company relationships with the Ross School of Business.
After accepting an offer, withdraw from recruiting with other companies, regardless of whether companies you are interviewing with are “on-campus” or “off campus.”
Update your Employment Profile on iMpact: http://www.bus.umich.edu/impact/profile
DECLINING AN OFFERYou will need to send an email to withdraw from any companies that have extended you a job offer and let them know you won’t be joining their organization. Your contact can be made first by phone, followed by email, or by email only (phone calls are recommended if, through the recruiting process, you have developed a close professional relationship with the company representatives). First contact the individual who gave you the offer. After that, let other interested parties at the company know your status. Be sure to decline extended offers in a timely manner, as the company may opt to extend an offer to another one of your classmates.
Remember, the business world is small and your path might soon cross with people you have met during the recruiting process. You are best served if your communications are timely and professional.
Keep perspective: As important as
your next step is, it is just the next
step on a journey that will likely have
various twists and turns .
NEED HELP WITH YOUR DECISION?
• Schedule a counseling session with OCD, or come to Staff Walk-In Counseling.
• Refer to the OCD Guide to Employment Decision and Negotiation found in Step 5 on iMpact for more detailed advice.
34 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
International Student RecruitingRecruiting for a job or internship can be very competitive and is challenging for all students, but in particular for international students in three ways:
1) Work authorization: Not all companies are open to sponsoring international students for work in the U.S. About half of on-campus opportunities are open to international students, and these are also typically the most competitive opportunities. This means that international students need to:
q Understand which U.S. industries/companies tend to be more open to hiring international students (e.g., financial services, consulting, public accounting).
q Have a backup plan to your ideal on-campus job and be prepared to conduct an off-campus search (which OCD will assist you with).
2) Lack of familiarity and fewer existing personal networks with U.S. companies
q Conduct research to identify potential companies to target for your job search.
q Network extensively in order to build the connections required to become an “inside” candidate. This means setting up phone calls with alumni, conducting on-site visits, and getting advice from more experienced students who have successfully recruited with that company.
3) Adaptation to U.S. and business school culture of recruiting and networking.
q Realize that merit alone, such as notable overseas work experience or high test scores, will not always get you an invitation to interview. Networking is essential in getting invitations to interview for jobs. It’s easy for anyone to submit a résumé. Networking shows a company that you are dedicating personal resources to get to know the company and, in learning more about the opportunity, enables you to articulate WHY you want the job—an essential element to being selected.
q Practice U.S. job search skills such as conducting small talk, delivering an elevator pitch, conducting informational interviews, writing cover letters, interviewing, etc.
Despite these challenges, don’t forget that international students have advantages in recruiting, such as cross-cultural communication skills, global business knowledge, and multiple language fluencies —skills that companies value. In the end, international students boast nearly the same employment rates as domestic students—sometimes even higher, but what this data does not show is that international students work three times as hard to get their jobs!
The Office of Career Development is committed to assisting International Students to meet their career development goals. Specific resources for International Students can be found on the iMpact Career tab.
Get ready for take off with a multi-faceted career experience
that provides exposure to an array of services, market
segments, and so much more. At WeiserMazars, our
extraordinary team of professionals, offi ces and vast global
network, provide a platform that is exactly right to launch
your successful career in accounting.
For more information please contact
Heather Cohen, Director of Human Resources
[email protected] | www.WeiserMazars.com
5
A C C O U N T I N G | T A X | A D V I S O R Y
WeiserMazars LLP is an independent member fi rm of Mazars Group. Exactly Right.
N e w Yo r k C i t y, N Y | L o n g I s l a n d , N Y | E d i s o n , N J | Fo r t Wa s h i n g t o n , P A | C h i c a g o , I L
F I N D Y O U R I N N E R S U P E R A C C O U N T A N T. W E I S E R M A Z A R S . E X A C T LY R I G H T.
016078 Univ of Michigan_v6.indd 1 5/17/12 1:38 PM
http://www .bus .umich .edu/MyiMpact/Career .aspx 35
Etiquette TipsNETWORKING • Allow a day or two for a recruiter to return your call or
email. Recruiters are very busy during recruiting season and are often away from the office.
• You are at presentations to make contacts, not to eat the food at the post-presentation reception. Think of the food as a bonus and eat after you’ve had an opportunity to speak to the recruiters.
• Recruiting is a very competitive process, but remember that recruiters come to Ross because, in addition to being among the most accomplished and intelligent, our students are known for their collegiality. You make the best impression on a recruiter by presenting your best self, not by tearing other students down.
• Remember, you are at a corporate presentation to learn about a company and make connections. Make sure you are not distracted from your main objective; do not bring electronic devices—laptops, cellphones, etc.—to the presentation.
• Know how to ask questions—be sure to brush up on the types of questions appropriate for different modes of interaction—large group, small group and one-on-one.
• Be sure to avoid potentially controversial topics of conversation: religion, politics, etc. Do not ask recruiters or company representatives to comment on any of their company’s negative press.
• Remember to gracefully enter and exit group conversations. Wait for a natural pause in conversation to enter a conversation and introduce yourself. Exit a conversation by excusing yourself, thanking the representative for attending the event and shaking hands (if possible). Again, wait for a natural pause in conversation to exit the group.
• Be respectful of the company representatives and your fellow students. Do not dominate a conversation, but instead allow others to talk as well. Be mindful not to take up too much of any one representative’s time. Ask a few well thought-out questions and move on to other representatives to ask additional questions.
• Don’t use the buddy system at recruiting events. Strike up conversations with corporate representatives independently.
• When making introductions, say the name of the most important person first, and then the name of the person being introduced; for example, “Mr. Smith, this is my classmate, Sally Jones.”
DINING • If dining with a prospective employer, select
mid-priced items on the menu. Also, avoid selecting food that is difficult to eat, that may cause a mess, or get stuck in your teeth.
• Do not starve yourself before a corporate dinner event. Remember that the primary purpose of this event is to get to know the prospective employer and the secondary purpose is to eat.
• Avoid consuming alcohol at recruiting events even if you are over 21 and it is offered. You want to represent yourself in a positive, professional manner.
INTERVIEWING • Provide a great first and last impression. Have a
firm handshake and good posture, and remember to smile.
• Wait for the interviewer to be seated—or asks you to sit—before sitting down.
• Take responsibility for your previous actions. Never lie during an interview, and avoid excuses.
THANK-YOU NOTES • Send a thank-you note after each interaction with a
recruiter or networking contact.
• When crafting a thank-you note, be specific about something that you learned from the interaction. This will help the recruiter, who likely spoke with or interviewed many candidates, solidify their positive impressions of you.
EMAIL • Use an appropriate salutation (“Dear _________,”)
and closing (“Regards, __________”) with business contacts and faculty.
• Your subject line should be clear and meaningful to the recipient.
• Include brief information about yourself (e.g., a reminder of prior contact).
• Use a signature block that includes your email address.
• Be concise and to the point.
36 University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Office of Career Development
ADVERTISER INDEX
Deloitte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Ernst & Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Evisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
PwC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Unilever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
U .S . Department of State . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
WeiserMazars LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Whirlpool Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
College Recruitment Media and The Office of Career Development at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M . Ross
School of Business wish to thank the above participating sponsors for making the publication available to students .
If you’re a high achiever and want to work with some of the brightest minds in the business, an internship at Ernst & Young can give you all the support you need to help put your skills into practice and grow as a professional. To learn more, visit ey.com/us/possibilities.
See More | Inspiration
Real challenges.Unreal support.
© 2
012
EYGM
Lim
ited.
All
Rig
hts
Rese
rved
.
630.938.0200 • CRMpubs.com
OFFICE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENTOffice Location: E2420
http://www.bus.umich.edu/MyiMpact/Career.aspx
CAREER COUNSELING AND EDUCATION RECRUITING AND OUTREACH [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (734) 764-1373 Phone: (734) 764-1372
![Career Resources Kit[1]](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/577cc9f31a28aba711a50a8e/career-resources-kit1.jpg)
