Job/Internship Search Strategies

Resumes and cover letters are only part of the professional correspondence you will use when applying to jobs, internships, graduate programs or other professional opportunities.

Examples of Professional Correspondence

• A resume is a marketing tool summarizing your education, skills, experience and achievements. 
  • A resume doesn't secure a job, but it is a pathway to landing an interview.
  • To get your resume reviewed, please attend our daily Drop-In Hours, no appointment needed, to get materials reviewed by our Career Advocates. 
• The cover letter accompanies your resume. It offers the opportunity to expand on your achievements and showcase your writing skills. 
  • Get started with our resume and cover letter guide.
  • CandidCareer Resume Writing and Cover Letters
• Use professional email messages to make a stronger connection with a company, to follow up on an interview, to accept/decline an offer.

Ensuring success during your interview for an internship, job or admission to a postgraduate program takes self-knowledge, research, and an understanding of the process and practice.

The Basics

• A first or screening interview helps a recruiter assess whether your qualifications match the position. Recruiters may interview you on campus, at the company, by phone, or through Zoom or other video conferencing software.
• A more in-depth second interview may last from one hour to an entire day with one person or a variety of professionals. This interview may result in an offer.
• A final interview is required for some positions. It allows additional professionals to determine whether you will be a good fit, provides an opportunity for more in-depth skills assessment, and, in some cases, gives a senior leader the opportunity to approve the selection.

Interview Formats

Recruiters use a variety of interviews to assess your qualifications. Learn how to prepare for each:

• Traditional Interview
• Behavioral Interview
• Test or Task Interview
• Interviewing Over a Meal
• Case Interview
• Panel and Group Interview

Practice

• A mock interview lets you practice your interviewing skills with a career coach. Schedule an appointment.
• The informational interview helps you learn more about a professional's career path and helps you to build rapport with a professional in an industry you are considering without the pressure of a job interview. You can connect with professionals, alumni, or those you know in-person, on LinkedIn, or through your own search strategies to inquire about an informational interview. 

Further Resources

• Sample Interview Questions
• CandidCareer Virtual Interviewing

You're already an expert at making connections with classmates, friends of friends, professors and others. Take those skills to the next level by taking advantage of these programs.

• Bryant Connect
• Employer Information Sessions – Learn first-hand about the company while connecting with a recruiter. Check out the 'Events' tab in Handshake to see all of the virtual and in-person information sessions with employers. 
• Find an Internship — 91 percent of Bryant students do one or more internship. 
• Meet with faculty and staff to learn about their career field and career trajectory. 
• Join a campus organization.
• LinkedIn — Get started by creating your profile and making connections with peers and alumni. 
• Talk to EVERYONE you know – you never know what it could lead to!

Resources

• Informational Interviews
• Making Connections 

Bryant hosts two annual career fairs with over 100 companies representing various fields and career paths at each. Career fairs are open to all Bryant students and alumni. Check our Instagram or Handshake for dates and times.

Make the most of your career fair experience by learning about companies/organizations and opportunities through Handshake. Meet recruiters, make connections and seek referrals for opportunities of interest. Apply your company research to in-person connections with recruiters and get information about all opportunities company wide. 

Resources

• Career Fair Tips for Success 
• CandidCareer — Career Fairs

Over 43,000 Bryant students and alumni have profiles on LinkedIn. Join the community, build your professional identity, make connections, and find jobs/internships.

Why use LinkedIn?

• Increase your visibility to recruiters, hiring managers, and other decision makers.
• Showcase your work, references, skills and more.
• Build your professional contacts with friends, family, and alumni.
• Research industries, companies, salaries, jobs and internship opportunities.

Tips to a great profile

• Get a professional LinkedIn photo or utilize portrait mode on a smartphone camera with a neutral background. Follow our Instagram to be alerted about LinkedIn Photo Booth events on campus!
• Change your headline content, the information about YOU that appears under your name.
• Complete your profile using your resume content (& more)! 
• Add the extras: images of your work, recommendations, group members and skills.
• Use the “Alumni” tab on Bryant University's profile to look for best practice profiles.
• Meet with a Career Advocate or Career Coach to have your LinkedIn profiled critiqued.

Resources

• Personal Brand – Stand out as unique and qualified
• Making Connections – Steps to Developing Successful Connections
• CandidCareer – Web Presence

Salary offers for college graduates vary by field of study, demand, industry, size of company, location and more. Here are some guidelines for success:

• Conduct preliminary research. Some organizations may be open to negotiation but many firms have set salaries depending on budgetary limits.
• Consider all aspects of the position including culture and organizational fit. The highest-paid position isn’t always the best option.
• Get your offer in writing and thoroughly review before accepting or rejecting the position.
• Ask for additional time to consider the offer, if necessary. It’s ok to say no to an offer, just decline professionally.
• Analyze your entire compensation package including benefits, vacation/sick time, pension/saving plans, tuition remission, etc.
• Juggle multiple offers carefully and adhere to professional guidelines. Seek assistance before you change your mind about an offer you’ve already accepted.
• Meet with a career coach to talk through your decision.

Resources

• CandidCareer – Salary Negotiating
• Glassdoor.com 
• Indeed.com 
• Salary.com 
• Nerd Wallet