The Answers to the MOST Frequently Asked Questions

Start by explaining why you are writing.
Based on the position description, provide more detail about a few key items in your resume. Explain in more detail, several key points from your resume.
Research the organization and discuss why you are interested in working for them.

Keep in mind: A cover letter not only discusses your qualifications, it also reveals how effectively you communicate in writing. Think of it as a paper assignment for your toughest professor. Be succinct. Do not have grammar, word use or spelling errors. Spell check is not enough. Proofread your cover letter several times.

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How long should it be?

Half to two-thirds of a page.

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Is it okay to mention someone's name who works for that organization?

Also called "name dropping," it is acceptable to mention someone's name who works at the organization where you are applying for a job.

Ideally, discuss this person in the first paragraph of your letter so it captures the hiring manager's (HM) attention.

Example: "I heard about your analyst level 1 position from Joseph Brown, a recent Catholic University graduate, who works as a junior consultant in your marketing department."

Before you mention a person in your cover letter, ask for his/her permission. Hopefully that person will mention you to the HM.

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What if I'm asked about my salary history or salary requirements?

First, the question needs to be addressed. Avoiding it may put you out of the running for the position.

Unless you've held a full-time professional job, do not discuss your salary history. Instead, discuss your salary requirement. A number of sources are available to help determine a suitable range. These include:

NACE Salary Survey (available at CUA Career Services)
Riley Guide Information, which includes cost of living information.

TIP: Expect that after taxes and other benefit contribution costs, your take-home salary will be about 30%-33% lower than the gross amount you are being paid.

Once you settle on a figure, decide on what's the lowest amount you will accept and then add $5,000 more to establish a range (e.g. If you decide on $37K then add on $5K more).

NOTE: If you'd prefer not to use specific figures, you can also use terms such as "low-", "mid-" or "upper-."

Examples:

"Based on entry-level salaries for a bachelor's degree in XX and the cost of living in the Washington, D.C. area, my salary requirement is between $37,000-$42,000."
"Based on entry-level salaries for a bachelor's degree in XX and the cost of living in the Washington, D.C. area, my salary requirement is between the upper 30s to low 40s."

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What if I can't find the name of a specific person to which to send my cover letter?

There are several ways to learn the name of a specific person:

Call:

the number listed on the job announcement or your application form.
the organization's human resources department.

In both cases, ask for the name and job title of the person who will be reading your letter. Also, ask for the correct spelling even if you think you know it.

Research on the internet:

If you are applying to a specific department in the organization (e.g. marketing), see if there is a link devoted to that department. Sometimes the supervisor or lead person will be listed.

Check if there is a organization directory listed on the internet.

If all else fails, "Dear Sir/Madam, " "Dear Hiring manager" or "To Whom it May Concern" is appropriate. But make no mistake about it: a letter addressed to an individual by name stands out.

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Is it okay to email or fax it?

Yes, especially if the written instructions tell you so.

Whether you email, fax or both, be sure to get some sort of confirmation in return. That way, you know it was received by the correct person or department. If you email, ask for a confirmation e-mail. If you fax it, call the main number and get a verbal confirmation from someone in the correct department.

If the written instructions do not specify how to send it, it's also a good idea to send a hard copy in the mail.

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Can I call to follow up? If so, how soon?

If written instructions state "No phone calls please", then be respectful of the organization's wishes. If the organization is interested in you as a potential candidate, they will contact you.

If there are no written instructions, then it is definitely appropriate to call and follow up. A suitable length of time to wait is between 3 to 5 business days.

When you do call and get someone on the other line (e.g. hiring manager, HR specialist, etc.), it's appropriate to ask, "Would you please tell me about your hiring timeline?"

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Finding an Internship

How do I start looking? Where do I begin?

1. Decide what kind of internship you want and when you want to start.

Will you do this for credit? Do you need to be paid?
What do you want to learn from the experience?
It can take time to get what you're looking for. For example, if you want an internship for spring semester, start looking for opportunities by mid-fall semester.

2. Write your resume and cover letter. For some fields you'll need a writing sample or portfolio.

3. Identify internship information sources:

General sources of job listings nationwide (e.g. Cardinal Connection, Craig's List, Internships.com).
Field-Specific sources of job listings may include internship opportunities (e.g., Idealist.org for positions in the non-profits and social service).
Websites of organizations you are interested in.
Your network: people (faculty, friends, family, former and current supervisors) you know who may be able to connect you with organizations who have internship opportunities.

4. Line up references (2-3 people who have supervised and/or taught you; can include campus organization advisor)

5. Apply. Keep records, e.g., set up an Excel sheet with information on positions applied for, contact names, deadlines, outcomes.

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I know what kind of internship I want but can't find it anywhere. Where do I look?

Meet with a Career Services counselor who will help you broaden your possibilities of where to look.
Review Career Services' online list of places CUA students have interned over the past several years.

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I don't think I have enough experience. Should I still apply?

Apply! While some internships are more advanced, many employers do not expect you to have an extensive background in the field.

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How soon can I be an intern?

It depends on the organizations to which you are applying. In some fields, you need to have a certain amount of coursework compelted before you will be given consideration. Also, most academic departments require that you be in your junior year in order to receive academic credit for an internship. Check with your academic department to find out the specific requirements. If you are not concerned about receiving credit for your internship, then the sophomore year may be the time you seek an internship. (Some freshmen have been known to acquire internships, but that is highly unusual and not generally recommended.)

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Finding a Job

How do I start looking? Where and when do I begin?

When: This depends on what field you're in. Engineering, accounting and finance seniors looking for jobs in major corporations need to be ready to apply in September. Students who want jobs in government or industry where security clearance is required need to begin in the early fall as well. Those looking for jobs in small organizations, ranging from business through non-profits, can wait until February or March of second semester. In many cases it can take 4-6 months, even longer, from the time you start preparing your job search to land a position.

How and Where:

Decide what kind of job you want, where you want to be located, and when you want to start.
Write your resume and cover letter. For some fields you'll need a writing sample or portfolio.
Line up references (2-3 people who have supervised and/or taught you; can include an organization's advisor)
Identify job information sources:
- General sources of job listings nationwide (e.g., Monster, Craigslist, Cardinal Connection, USAJobs.org)
- General sources of job listings in the geographic area you want (e.g., Washingtonjobs.com)
- Field-Specific sources of job listings (e.g., Idealist.org for positions in the non-profits and social service)
- Websites of organizations in which you are interested
- Your network: people (faculty, friends, family, former and current supervisors) you know who may be able to connect you with organizations who have opportunities.
- Line up references (2-3 people who have supervised and/or taught you; can include an organization's advisor)
Do a practice ("mock") job interview with a Career Services counselor. (Please note: we'll need your resume and information about the job/organization in which you're interested at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment.)
Apply. Keep records, e.g., set up an Excel sheet with information on positions applied for, contact names, deadlines, outcomes.

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I know what kind of job I want but can't find it anywhere. What do I do?

Meet with a Career Services counselor who will help you broaden your possibilities. For example, a student interested in a job in marketing will find that a diverse group of organizations utilize the marketing process: arts, associations, government, higher education (Admissions, Alumni Relations, Athletics, Career Services, Conferences & Events, Development, Public Affairs, etc.), and many others.
Read about the types of positions you are looking for in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. (A hard-copy version is available in Career Services as well.) One of its sections lists related occupations.
Do information interviews with people in the field.
Consult the Alumni Career Network to see what types of jobs people in your major and in your fields of interest are doing or have done.

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I don't think I have enough experience. Should I still apply?

For entry-level jobs requiring 1-2 years experience, apply! While employers want experience, they'll consider you if you make a convincing case in your cover letter, have a strong GPA, or have internships, part-time jobs or other experiences that they value

How do I manage the overall job search process?

Treat this as your new part-time job or internship, a kind of research project that you give ongoing attention to and is part of your routine.
Pick out an end-date, and then sequence the related steps accordingly.
Keep records of all your activities - networking meetings, applications, interviews, follow-up calls, employer rejections, etc. Make note of the name of people with whom you have spoken so you can refer to them if there are questions.

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Should I use a placement agency?

A placement agency or other third-party organization can be a useful resource. However, it is important to be clear about how they work and what obligations you take on when utilizing them. The Student Guide to Interviewing with Third-Party Recruiters is must reading for anyone considering taking this path.

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Is working for a temporary agency worth it?

Temping is a way some new graduates get a foot in the door in an organization where the actual position you want is not yet available. While not ideal, it is a valid strategy. As with placement agencies, it is important to be clear on the terms of your hiring, as you are signing off on an agreement (contract).

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Interviewing

How should I respond to these questions?

* Tell me about yourself

This sets the tone for the interview and allows you to express your interest in the position and the oragnization.

Prepare a one-two minute snapshot of who you are and why you are an excellent candidate for the position.
Practice it so you sound confident but not rehearsed.

DON'T

Repeat word fo word what is on your resume. If you do refer to something, provide details that are not on the resume.
Share personal information that is irrelevant to the job or organization. Omit references to ethnicity, country of birth, family, age, health, religion, politics (unless it is political or religious organization with which you identify).

Example

"I'm completing my senior year as a marketing major at Catholic University. I chose CUA because of the opportunity to develop my critical thinking and people skills. I've also taken a number of social science courses and done volunteer work that have greatly increased my sensitivity to cultural differences in society, which I think is important to anyone in a marketing career. In my marketing courses I've done a number of projects where I've put what I've learned into play. Last semester in our strategy course I worked with a team to develop a marketing plan for a local co-op, which received an excellent grade from our professor. In my internship last summer at the Global Institute, I applied what I learned from my international marketing class by assisting a team in assessing the needs of a French manufacturer. My immediate goal is to join your firm and take part in your non-profit services division. I hope to first develop my market research knowledge and skills. My semester studying in Belgium opened my eyes to the cultural and social nuances of working overseas and increased my desire to work globally. I can see myself advancing into a management role, hopefully working with your international clients."

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* What is your greatest strength?

Some students are uncomfortable talking about themselves. They've been taught to be modest. There is a difference between confidence and boastfulness. Here you demonstrate the former.

DO

Choose a strength most directly related to the job.
Provide a specific example to illustrate where you detail how you used that strength.
Show how your strength led to a successful outcome.
Demonstrate how this strength will be important in the job.
Speak confidently.

DON'T

Be self-deprecating or minimize your accomplishment.
Speak in generalities or clichés. ("I'm a people person.")

Example

"My greatest strengths are resourcefulness and calmness under pressure, which are really important for social worker. Late one evening last year as a CUA housing assistant, a new international student showed up at the office hoping to check in without the proper paperwork. She looked out of sorts and was emotional. The office was closing and I could have told her to return the next day when the Housing Office was open. I had a paper to finish for the next day. However, I understood her predicament. So I tracked down someone who could check her in, made sure she knew where she was supposed to go, and helped her find both the chapel and the dining hall. Not only did this make my department look good, I also helped a student who otherwise would have been alone in DC with no place to stay. As a social worker for your agency, the attitude, resourcefulness and initiative I demonstrated will come in handy when serving our clientele, many of whom are recent immigrants."

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* What is your greatest weakness?

This is the question that many people dread, and your answer to this question reveals to the interviewer your self-awareness, confidence and maturity. It also suggests your openness to feedback and willingness to grow.

Choose something that you are actively working to overcome or that you have improved upon but still need to address.
Explain how you are taking steps to improve.
Provide a specific example.
Be confident in how you explain this weakness.

DON'T

Choose something that is central to being successful in the job. A candidate for a teaching position in a "rough" high school should not say "I really have a difficult time with discipline."
Take a strength and try to spin it as a weakness. Answers such as "I care too much about my work" sounds contrived and disingenuous. In fact, it sounds like someone told you to use that.
Blame others for your shortcomings.

Example

"One area where I need improvement is addressing large groups. In my junior year I had to make a presentation to my politics class, and I discovered that I was not at ease in these situations and was not a natural public speaker. While I didn't see myself as doing much of that in my career, I learned from my faculty advisor that many social workers organize and lead community meetings. She suggested I take a public speaking course, which I did last fall. I also went to our campus learning center and got some really helpful pointers. This semester, I had to make a presentation to the 15 students in my field placement class. I prepared by first writing down my objectives for the presentation. Then I actually wrote out the text word for word. After hearing how it sounded and editing it, I progressively shortened the text until I had an outline. I then took that outline, put it into a PowerPoint file, and practiced delivering it several times until I was comfortable. I got to the point that while I had my text in front of me, I didn't even need it. I was still more nervous than I wanted to be, but I received a number of compliments from my classmates and the instructor. I realize now that I need to use this process for formal presentations, but I think eventually I'll be able to speak more off the cuff. All things considered, I'm pleased with how I've improved and am optimistic that I can become effective in this role."

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What are other questions I might be asked?

Anything about the information in your resume, cover letter or application. You'll need to expand upon what is contained there.
Your interest in the job and knowledge of the organization.
What you can contribute to the position, people with whom you will be working, and organization as a whole.
How you would handle hypothetical situations, or real problems you have faced in the past.

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What is behavioral interviewing?

Behavioral interviewing, also known as behavioral event interviewing (BEI), is based on the premise that your past behavior is the best predictor of your future behavior in similar situations.

For example, instead of asking you to describe your qualities, the interviewer will direct you to give an example of a situation where you used that characteristic or ability. To illustrate:

Traditional question: "Do you function well under pressure?"
Behavioral question: "Give me an example where you had to accomplish an important task and the deadline was close at hand. How did you think through the process, and what steps did you take?"

BEI interviewers are known to ask a number of follow-up questions to unearth as many details as possible about your actions and the thinking that accompanied them.

Examples of behavioral interview questions can be found here.

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How do I prepare for an interview?

Read up on the organization as much as you can. Inquire in advance if you can have a copy of the official job description. Develop a set of questions.

Arrive early and leave enough time in case something happens that slows your travel (e.g., allow for a delay on the Metro). If you are very early, stop in a local coffee shop or store, relax, then arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled interview.

TIP: large organizations, e.g., government, investment banks, manufacturing, have significant security procedures that will add some time from the moment you arrive to the time you actually arrive at the office you are visiting. Factor that into your travel planning.

Before you begin, RELAX, smile and be yourself!

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When and how do I ask about salary? How do I know what is a reasonable salary?

Typically you do not bring this up in the interview, especially in an initial interview. Save salary questions until an offer is made or you are asked about your salary expectations.

A number of sources are available, most notably:

Riley Guide Information,

TIP: Expect that after taxes and other benefit contribution costs, your take-home salary will be about 30-33% lower than the gross amount you are being paid.

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How do I handle a phone interview?

Prepare the same way you would for an in-person interview.
Have your resume and a short list of your accomplishments and key skills in front of you.
Have pen and paper available for taking notes.
Turn off your call waiting.
Make sure there are no other interruptions.
Practice interviewing. Tape yourself so you can hear how you come across, your "ums," "likes," "I means," and run-on sentences.

TIP: CUA Career Services does mock phone interviews in addition to in-person mock interviews.

Keep water available, though drink it out of the interviewer's earshot.
Smile! This will help you sound positive.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Resist the urge to interrupt.
Be concise: you won't have physical cues from the interviewer suggesting you are running on.
Hang up after the interviewer has hung up, never before. He/she may not be done.
After the interview, quickly jot down key points from the interview, then send a thank-you note.

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How do I dress for an interview?

General Guidelines

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What should I do after an interview?

As soon as possible after the interview, jot down notes summarizing what you learned from the interview, positives and negatives about the opportunity and the organization, and things you need to consider.

Send a thank-you letter (email is acceptable) to the interviewer. If interviewed by more than one person, send notes to each individual.

Follow-up with the employer if you do not hear by the date you were given. When following up, act respectfully and do not badger the employer.

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What do I say in a thank-you letter after an interview?

Be succinct. Keep the letter to one-half page.
Use stationary-quality paper.
This letter can be done by email, but a "real" letter lends a touch of professionalism. If a quick reply is essential, use email.
Express appreciation for the interview and for the opportunity to meet this person and his/her colleagues.
Explain how the interview increased your excitement about the position and organization.
Point to specific factor(s) which support your feelings and why you feel this position and organization would be a great fit for you.
Conclude by expressing your looking forward to hearing from the employer and your willingness to supply any additional information that would assist his/her deliberations. If the hiring process includes additional interviews, state your eagerness to participate in the process.

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Can I email my thank-you letter?

Yes. While a typed letter is the traditional choice, it is perfectly acceptable to send your note electronically. This particularly true if the organization anticipates making a decision quickly. If you know there's a long time period before a decision is made, you can send a written note.

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Job Fairs

What do I do at a job fair?

Once you arrive, identify the location of the booths of the organizations that you wish to visit.

Start by going to a few tables that are not on the top of your list so that you can get used to talking with recruiters.

Ask the recruiter meaningful questions:

What are the entry-level, summer, internship or part-time positions available to
students with my background?
What qualifications do you look for?
What is the hiring process at your organization?
What are the current and/or anticipated projects in your organization?

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What should I wear?

Tips for women:

Wear a business suit (with either skirt or pants) or a skirt or pants with a modest
dress blouse or sweater
Wear closed toe shoes with stockings
Wear polished shoes
Wear a well groomed hairstyle
Avoid flashy jewelry or heavy perfume: when in doubt, be conservative

Tips for Men:

Slacks, dress shirt and tie are okay, but a suit is best
The tie should coordinate with the outfit; avoid flashy patterns
Wear dark, shined shoes and dark socks
Avoid heavy cologne and excessive jewelry: when in doubt, be conservative

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How do I introduce myself?

Prepare a brief introduction to use with employers. It should include your name, major, year in school, your most important relevant experience, and what you are looking for. For example:

"Hi, my name is … I'm a junior politics major and interned last fall for my congressman/woman. I'd like to get experience where I can use my writing and organizational skills, and your internship looks really promising. Can we talk about the duties and what you are looking for?"

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How should I prepare?

View a list of the participating career fair organizations before you go - this will help you devise a "game" plan for the fair and will reduce your chances of becoming overwhelmed. Note: For Career Services fairs, visit our website (http://careers.cua.edu) daily for updates. Find the organizations that you are interested in and do preliminary research on them before you visit their booth.

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What should I bring with me?

Print an adequate number of resumes on quality paper and organize them in a portfolio or professional looking folder.
Bringing blank paper and a pen for taking notes is always a good idea.

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How do I follow up? How soon?

Before you leave, make sure to ask for a business card. Send a thank you note to the recruiter within a week of meeting him/her to ensure you are remembered.

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Job/Internship Offers

NOTE: Always treat employers professionally, courteously and respectfully…the same way you would want to be treated. Also, it is a small world, and very possibly you will cross professional paths in the future.

How much time should I have to accept an offer?

There is not an exact answer to this question. However, the underlying principle is that students should be given sufficient time to consider the offer fully. They should not feel coerced into making a premature decision. This should be negotiable, and both parties should be reasonable with each other.

Much depends on when the offer is made. For example, a college senior receiving an offer in September for a position that starts after May graduation deserves more than a week to decide. The same senior receiving an offer in late April may need to provide that answer within a week's time. The National Association of Colleges and Employers writes in Job Choices:

"Employers are expected to provide you with a reasonable amount of time to make a decision about accepting an employment offer. They are also expected to provide you with a reasonabl process for making your decision. an unreasonable process,k for example, is one in which the student is told that the offer is good for a set amount of time; unbeknownst to the student, the same offer has been made to others - and the student who accepts first gets the job. In addition, it is improper for employers to pressure you to revoke your acceptance of another job offer."

In conclusion, as a rule of thumb, Career Services recommends that you approach this dilemma as follows:

Before you go into the interview, have an idea when you would feel comfortable giving a firm answer to the organization. After the interview, assess your feelings. What do you need to consider? What additional information do you still need (e.g., salary, benefits, cost of living (if relocating), and additional clarification of job duties)? Wih whom will you want to talk it over?
Treat this as a dialogue with the organization's representative, not as an adversarial negotiation. Ask by when they absolutely need an answer. Most people and organizations will be reasonable
Bottom line: To ask for two weeks, even more, is not unreasonable.

Students struggling with this issue are encouraged to speak with one of Career Services' counselors.

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What if I need more time?

Ask, and have a new, reasonable deadline in mind. The vast majority of employers will be reasonable about this. It is in their best interest to have you make the most well-considered decision possible.

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What do I do if I receive more than one offer?

Compare all aspects of the competing offers. Make a comparative pros-and-cons list. You can use the following to analyze the key factors entailed in making a decision:

Ratings: H=High, M=Medium, L=Low
Factor: Importance to You Organization A Organization B
Your interest in the work
Level of challenge provided
Salary
Benefits
Advancement opportunity
Supervision/mentoring available
Conversion with/conflict of job
with your values
Supervision/mentoring
Location
Relationship to my future
The commute
The work environment/people
Other:
Other:
Other:

If need be, ask the employers for additional information and more time. Explain that you are delighted to receive the offer and need more time to talk it over with your significant other(s).

Treat each organization courteously. Do not drag this process out any longer than it needs to be.

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What if the organization doesn't get back to me when they said they would?

If you are comfortable waiting a few more days, then wait. If you want to know what your status is, it is perfectly acceptable to contact them to inquire. Do so courteously. For example:

"When we last spoke you anticipated being able to get back to me on my candidacy by yesterday. May I please have an update on my status?"

There are numerous legitimate reasons why employers fail to notify you when by the time they promised. These include (1) absence of a key member of the decision-making team; (2) inability to connect with references you or other candidates supplied; (3) the need to reschedule a candidate whose interview followed yours; (4) other organizational business taking precedence; and (5) another candidate receiving the first offer and needing time to decide.

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What if I hear from one employer, but I'm waiting to hear from another I prefer?

First, contact the preferred employer and explain your situation. Let that employer know that you really want to work for them. Can they give you an idea of your standing? How likely is it you will receive an offer?

Next, contact the employer who made the offer and politely ask for an extension. Explain that you need more time to decide on their offer. Have a date in mind by which you would expect to be able to give your answer.

If the employer making the offer asks if you are interviewing elsewhere, you can say yes. That will not come as a surprise: it happens all the time. If asked with whom you are interviewing, you can politely decline to say, or you can share the organization's name. Either is an acceptable reply.

If the employer declines to offer an extension, or the extension is not suitable, let this employer know you will get back to him/her with an answer by the deadline originally agreed to.

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Networking

What is it?

Networking is about developing connections with people who are willing to talk with you about their work and organization. They may also be willing to refer you to others who have job opportunities or information that can help you with your job search.

While estimates vary greatly, it is agreed that a high number of people get jobs through their contacts.

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Who can be my contacts?

Anyone can be your contact, whether it is a director indirect acquaintance. Family, friends, current and former faculty, current and former superviosrs, co-workers, fellow club and team members, someone you frequently sit next to in church, the person for whom you provide childcare, neighbors, and coaches immediately come to mind.

Any in the above categories can help even if they are not in the field in which you are interested. the spouse of a faculty advisor in the English Department might work on Capitol Hill.

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Office of Career Services

The Answers to the MOST Frequently Asked Questions

The Answers