Resource Library

Undergraduate

• UG cover letter guide and tips (PDF)
• UG cover letter samples (PDF)

Graduate

• Grad cover letter guide and tips (PDF)
• Grad cover letter samples (PDF)

First Paragraph

• The main purpose of the first paragraph is to explain why you are interested in this position and employer while getting the reader’s attention.
• Explain why you are interested in this position and employer. What in the position description got you excited about the opportunity?
• If someone has referred you to the organization (a current employee, friend, or family member) then you should include his or her name in the first sentence.

Middle Paragraph(s)

• What 2-3 experiences connect your skills to those listed in the position description? What makes you a good fit?
• Tell your story: describe your qualifications for the position using specific examples from academic, work, volunteer, leadership, athletic, and student organization experiences.
• Connect your accomplishments, skills, and knowledge directly to the position and employer.
• Focus on key areas of your background and do not simply repeat statements from your resume.

Final Paragraph

• Can you summarize your interest/qualification in one statement?
• Give a final statement of your interest and qualifications.
• Thank the employer for their time and consideration.

Pre-Dinner Etiquette

• Arrive on time.
• Call ahead if you know you will be late.
• Wait 15 minutes before calling to check on the arrival status of your dinner partners.

Sitting Down

• Do not place any bags, purses, sunglasses, phones, or briefcases on the table.
• When you are all seated, gently unfold your napkin and place it on your lap, folded in half with the fold towards your waist.
• Keep utensils in the same order they appear on the table.
• Do not rearrange to accommodate yourself if you are left-handed.
• Wait for all parties to arrive before beginning any part of the meal.

Place Setting

• Solids on your left: Forks, butter plate, napkin (may also be on your plate)
• Liquids on your right: Glasses/cups, knives, spoons
• Whether basic or formal place setting, use your utensils from the outside in.
• Dessert utensils may be above the place setting or served with dessert.

Eating Styles

• Continental or European Style: Cutting the food with the right hand and using the left hand to hold the food while cutting and when eating.
• American Style: Cutting the food with the right hand and holding the food with the left, then switching hands to eat with the right hand.

Ordering

• When in doubt, follow the lead of the host.
• Do not order the most expensive item.
• Order simply.
• Avoid finger foods or foods that are difficult to eat.
• In general, don’t order more alcohol at a business meal.

Paying the Bill

• You should prearrange how the bill is being paid.
• Make sure the bill is accurate.
• Tip appropriately:
  • 18% for average service
  • 20% or above for excellent service

General Tips

• General Etiquette
  • Turn off cell phones.
  • Have proper posture.
  • Keep elbows off the table.
  • Do not apply makeup or comb your hair at the table.
• Utensils
  • Remember to never hold a utensil in a fist.
  • Do not talk with your utensils.
  • When you are not using your utensils, set them on your plate, not the table.
  • Do not use both hands simultaneously to hold utensils and cups.
• Napkins
  • Use your napkin frequently.
  • Do not use your napkin as a tissue.
  • If you have to sneeze, turn your head away from the table.
• While Eating
  • Wait for everyone to get their meal before starting yours.
  • Do not talk with food in your mouth.
  • Do not chomp ice.
  • Take small bites.
  • Cut your salad into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
  • Try to pace yourself to finish at the same time as everyone else.
  • If you leave the table, excuse yourself and place your napkin on your seat.
  • When you are finished eating, place your napkin neatly to the left of your plate, and do not push your place setting away from you.

Additional Tips

Break your bread/roll into smaller pieces and butter each piece individually. Gently stir your soup to cool it instead of blowing on it.
Spoon your soup away from you.
If you have any problems with the meal, quietly bring it to the server’s attention.

Whether you are emailing a professor, potential employer, supervisor, colleague, or classmate, email etiquette is a must! Follow these tips to ensure you are putting forth a professional brand in any setting.

• Use your college or university email. This marks the message as legitimate and not spam. It also gives the reader an idea of who is sending the message and ensures you are not using a personal email account with an unprofessional username.
• Always use subject lines. When filling in the subject line, make sure that you mention what the email is for or in regards to. You do not want it to seem like a randomly generated subject and end up in a spam folder.
  Address the reader directly and do not launch straight into a request.
  (ex. Dear Dr. Smith or Good Morning)
• Be polite. Do not make demands, do not accuse, and remember to write please and thank you.
• Be succinct. Keep your message short and to the point. Many people have hundreds of email messages in their inbox each day. Just get to the point while politely and respectfully making your request.

• ChatGPT works best when used as an assistant, not a creator and not a counselor.
• Try different prompts and think critically about the results you receive. Notice that ChatGPT does things that make it easily recognizable. Acknowledge that misrepresenting yourself on the job market will not benefit you in the long run.
• Always cross-reference and verify the advice or information provided by ChatGPT with reputable sources or professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Use ChatGPT’s suggestions as a starting point, but always seek feedback from career counselors, mentors, or industry experts for personalized guidance and advice.
• Provide clear and detailed input when asking questions or seeking advice from ChatGPT to help improve the accuracy and relevance of its responses.

• What can I do with a Marketing degree [insert your academic disciplines of interest]?
• I have interests in customer service and data [insert your own interests]. What are five career paths that match my interests?
• Based on my experiences found in my resume, what are 3 career fields and 3 college majors I may want to explore? [insert resume]
• Write a one paragraph email asking a University of Delaware alum working in finance for an informational interview.
• You are an experienced career coach. Ask me questions to understand my career interests, academic and work experiences, skill set, and what motivates me in the workplace. After you gather enough information, give me practical advice about what actions I should take in determining my career path and major.
• What are some entry-level positions for a [“X” major or in the “X” field/industry]?
• What is a typical career path for a [role/job title]?

Resume and Cover Letter Prompts

• Review my resume like an expert coach and let me know five specific changes I can make based on this job description. [insert job description] [insert resume]
• Write a 3-paragraph cover letter in a formal tone using experiences from my resume that align with this job description. [insert job description} [insert resume]
• Write a thank you letter for a job interview with a software company.
• Are there unnecessary details that I should remove from my resume? [insert resume]
• Are there specific buzzwords I should include in my resume to enhance my resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS) for this job? [insert job description]
• Add metrics and improve the following resume bullet point: {insert bullet}

Industry Trends and Company Research

• What are the key trends, challenges, and opportunities for growth in the [“X” field/industry]?
• What are the emerging technologies in the [“X” field/industry or within “X” company]?
• What are the top five key performance indicators in the [“X” field/industry]?
• Who are the main competitors of [business], and what are the areas where these competitors excel comparatively?

Interview Prompts

• Generate 10 specific interview questions based on this job description (insert job description).
• Take question one and based on my resume, how would you answer that question with a response that feels confident and engaging?
• What are five questions I can ask in an interview that will give me insight into the company’s culture and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
• You are an expert HR professional and recruiter in the [“X” industry]. Ask me ten interview questions, one at a time and increasing in level of difficulty, to determine if my skills and experience align with a [“X” position] based on the following job description: {insert job description}
• Based on my resume, generate a short and engaging elevator pitch I can use to answer the “Tell me about yourself” question (insert resume).
• After any or all responses, you can follow up with: How could I have improved my last answer?

Networking

• Generate a 300-character LinkedIn connection request based on [insert person’s profile].
• What are five questions I should ask in an informational interview with a (insert job title)?
• Based on my resume, generate a short and engaging elevator pitch I can use for networking. [insert resume]
• Write a brief LinkedIn summary for a [major] student with the following skills and experiences: {insert skills and experiences}.
• What are some questions I can ask other professionals during a networking event?

Beyond the resume and cover letter, interviews help employers learn more about how your academic background, skills, and experience match the requirements of a job opening. At the same time, employers are evaluating your communication skills and other traits to determine if you will fit with the organizational culture. You want to answer the employers’ questions competently, smoothly, and professionally. You also want to use the interview as a means of learning more about the position and the organization to see if you would be happy and productive in the job. Remember that the interview is the main determinant of whether or not you receive a job offer. Preparation is the key!

Remember to:

• Research the organization and position.
• Review common interview questions.
• Prepare your 30-Second Commercial to help you in answering “tell me about yourself.”
• Know how to appropriately answer questions using the STAR method. See STAR Method tab below for more details.
• Dress for success! Review tips for appropriate interview attire.
• Prepare a few questions to ask the employer.
• Confirm the address and the name of the people with whom you will be meeting, including the name of the person you should ask for upon arrival. Be sure to map out where you are going and account for traffic.
• Use Big Interview to practice interview questions or schedule a mock interview with a Lerner Board or Council member through the Lerner Edge Program
• Use Handshake to schedule an appointment to practice answering interview questions with a Lerner Career Coach.

For the Organization

• Read through the company’s website.
• Understand the following about the company:
  • Code of ethics, regulations, and rules
  • Industry terminology
  • Clients and revenue base
  • Understanding the company’s non-discrimination policy (ex. does it include sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, other identities that are not federally protected).

For the Position

• Re-read the position description.
• Review the key qualifications for the position.
• Review the assignments and projects associated with the position.
• Review the soft skills emphasized (ex. communication, leadership, time management, etc.).

General Questions

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your long and short range goals? How are you preparing to achieve them?
• What are three of your strengths and weaknesses?
• What failures have you experienced? What have you learned from your mistakes?
• What do you think makes a good manager?
• Why did you leave your past jobs?
• How did you become interested in this field/industry?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• Do you have plans for continued study?
• Tell me about a recent problem you experienced and how you solved it.
• What, if any, extracurricular activities have you participated in? What did you learn from them?
• Tell me about your leadership experience.

Behavioral Questions

• Give me an example of how you exercised leadership in a recent situation.
• Think about the changes you have seen and tell me how you handle change.
• Tell me about a decision you recently made and how you reached it.
• Tell me about a time when you were criticized and how you handled it.
• Tell me how you use your written and oral communication skills.
• Tell me about a recent team you worked on. What was the outcome? What was your role?
• Tell me about a time when you were under a great deal of pressure. What was the source of the pressure and what did you do?

Organizational Interest Questions

• What criteria are you using to evaluate the organizations for which you hope to work?
• What do you know about our organization?
• What do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing organizations such as ours?
• Why did you decide to seek a position with us?
• What two or three things are important to you in your job?

Reasons for Hire Questions

• How have your education and other experiences prepared you for this position?
• Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
• Why do you feel we should hire someone with your background?
• Describe two satisfying accomplishments.
• What unique talents would you bring to this position?
• Describe a contribution you made to the University of Delaware or to your current/previous company.

Illegal Questions

• Are you a US citizen?
• Where were you/your parents born?
• What is your “native tongue?”
• How old are you?
• When did you graduate?
• What is your birth date?
• What is your marital status?
• With whom do you live?
• Do you plan to have a family? When?
• How many children do you have?
• What are your child-care arrangements?
• What clubs or social organizations do you belong to?
• How tall are you? How much do you weigh? (Questions about height and weight are not acceptable unless minimum standards are essential for safe performance on the job.)
• Do you have any disabilities?
• Please complete the following medical history.
• Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations? If yes, list them and give dates when these occurred.
• What was the date of your last physical exam?
• How is your family’s health?
• When did you lose your eyesight? How?
• Have you ever been arrested?
• If you have been in the military, were you honorably discharged?

Legal Questions

• Are you authorized to work in the United States?
• What languages do you read/speak/write fluently? (This question is only okay if this ability is relevant to the performance of the job.)
• Are you over the age of 18?
• List any professional or trade groups, or other organizations that you belong to that you consider relevant to your ability to perform this job.
• Are you able to lift a 50-pound weight and carry it 100 yards as this is part of the job?
• Are you able to perform all the essential functions of the job? (This question is okay if the interviewer has thoroughly described the job.)
• Can you demonstrate how you would perform the following job-related functions?
• As part of the hiring process, after a job offer has been made, you will be required to undergo a medical examination. (Exam results must be kept strictly confidential, except medical/safety personnel may be informed if emergency medical treatment is required, and supervisors may be informed about necessary job accommodations, based on exam results.)
• Have you ever been convicted of ________? (The crime name should be reasonably related to the performance of the job in question.)
• In what branch of the armed services did you serve?
• What type of training or education did you receive in the military?
• Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?*
• Would you be able and willing to travel as needed for the job?*
• Would you be able and willing to work overtime as necessary?*

*These questions are okay assuming they are asked of all applicants for the job.

Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are becoming a major part of the interviewing process when applying for internships, part & full time jobs, and graduate school. Employers may use phone interviews to request additional information, set up a formal interview, reschedule an interview time, or simply chat with an applicant to get a sense of their personality.

Phone interview tips:

• Be ready 10-15 minutes in advance.
• Use the restroom in advance.
• Do not eat or drink during the interview.
• Place your pets in a secure place where they cannot be heard over the phone.
• Smile while you are talking. This will “brighten” your voice.
• Review your application materials.
• Tape your resume, papers, notes, and documents to the wall for easy visible access.

Online Video/Skype/Zoom Interviews

Online interviews are now more popular than ever, and more companies are using video interviews as part of the initial screening process. They allow organizations to get a sense of the applicant’s personality, and it may also be the only interview for the position, particularly in long distance situations.

Online interview tips:

• Remember that the interviewer can see you! Set up your interview space: It’s important to have a quiet, calm, and professional looking space from which to conduct the interview. Double check what can be seen behind you in the video frame.
• Check to make sure there is a good internet connection and test your Skype connection prior to the interview.
• Dress as if you are in the same room with the interviewer.
• Speak clearly! (Use Big Interview so you can record, hear, and see how you’re presenting yourself. You can easily clear up small issues like saying too many “ums” or speaking too softly.)
• Remember to make your key points! Look at your resume and make sure to mention the points you think the employer most needs to know about you. Think of examples of how you solved problems, showed initiative, or worked independently.

In-person Interviews

Always dress professionally whether it’s a panel, group, or individual interview. Bring extra copies of your resume, practice interview questions prior to the interview, be punctual, make good eye contact, give good handshakes, and say “thank you.”

Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral interviewing is designed to reveal more in-depth information than other interviewing styles.

With this type of interview, you should expect a structured interview with set questions, as opposed to a more casual style of interviewing. You will oftentimes receive questions with multiple parts or follow-up questions that probe for more details, and attempt to evaluate the consistency of your answers.

Behavioral interview questions generally start with any one of the following phrases:

• Tell me about a time when you…
• Describe a circumstance when you were faced with a problem related to…
• Think about an instance in which you…
• Tell me how you approached a situation where…

• Situation: Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.
• Task: What goal were you working toward?
• Action: Describe the actions you took to address the situation with an appropriate amount of detail and keep the focus on YOU. What specific steps did you take and what was your particular contribution? Be careful that you don’t describe what the team or group did when talking about a project, but what you actually did. Use the word “I,” not “we,” when describing actions.
• Result: Describe the outcome of your actions. Do not be shy about taking credit for your behavior. What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Make sure your answer contains multiple positive results.

• What is your career goal? (usually in the form of doing something for someone)
• What skill, strength, or experience do you have that would help you realize that goal?
• What accomplishment proves you have that skill, strength, or experience?
• What are you searching for in a job or internship?
• How can you immediately benefit the organization?

Do

• Ask about first assignments and priorities for the position.
• Ask about job progression in the organization.
• Ask about the office environment and company culture.
• Ask about the next steps in the interview process.

Do Not

• Do not ask about salary or benefits.
• Do not ask about job pressures, overtime or morale.
• Do not ask questions that are answered in the company literature.
• Do not ask about vacation time.

Send thank you notes within 24 hours after the interview. Send thank you notes for every interview you have.

Sincerely,
Your Name

• Career Services for Students with Disabilities
• University of Delaware’s Office of Disability Support Services
• Job Accommodation Network
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)

Organizing Your Search

Gain a clear understanding of what you are seeking. Many believe that if you look for “anything” you will have more options, but it will have a negative impact on your search, as many employers look for individuals interested in their industry and company. Here are some questions to ask yourself in order to focus your search:

• What type of position are you seeking?
• What are your geographic preferences?
• Have you considered work and lifestyle values?
• What are your assets in terms of skills and interests?

Prepare Your Materials

Make sure your resume, cover letter, and list of references are up to date. Consider the industry in which you are applying and make sure your supplemental materials are ready (ex. portfolio).

NOTE: While it is important to have your resume up to date, it is equally important that you customize your materials to the specific job to which you are applying. Do NOT submit a standard resume without considering the skills and qualifications being sought.

Understand the Nature of the Job Market and What it Means for Your Search

The job market consists of job openings that may or may not be advertised. Approximately 80% of job opportunities at any given time are not advertised. Tapping into these jobs requires job search activities outside of simply searching online postings. Networking is an essential piece of the job search. Please see our networking guide for additional information.

Job Search Activities

• Identify job opportunities:
• Use a multi-method approach to identifying job opportunities. Consider incorporating the following into your search strategy:
  • Career Events
  • Career Fairs
  • CareerShift
  • Professional Organizations/Publications
  • Directly Contacting Potential Employers (emails, letters, phone calls, site visits)
  • Networking
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
    • NOTE: Using hashtags on Twitter for the job search is a great way to get a tweet to appear in search results or a discussion that many are watching. Some examples of hashtags to use/search include:
      • #jobsearch, #resume, #tweetmyjobs, #recruiting, #jobs, #jobadvice, #jobposting, #jobhunt
      • Also try industry specific hashtags, such as #prjobs or #salesjobs

• Research organizations:
  • Given the competition for most positions, it is the well-qualified candidate with the most knowledge of the organization’s needs and what they can offer them, who gets the job. You need to know about the job and organizational environment to decide if the job will allow you to feel productive, enjoy your work, and satisfy other high priority work values. Here are some starting points for your research:
    • Size of organization relative to others in same industry
    • Product line or services offered
    • Potential new markets, products, or services
    • Organizational structure
    • Formal or on-the-job training
    • Location of the home office and other sites
    • Typical career paths in your field
    • Number of plants, stores, or sales outlets
    • The company’s competitors
    • Recent items in the news

• Submit applications:
  • Always submit tailored resumes and cover letters for the specific positions.
  • Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. If you are unable to obtain a name, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
  • Communicate professionally at all times. No slang, shorthand, emoticons, etc.
  • If you find a job posting on a third-party website, check the company’s website to see if the job is also posted there. If so, submit your application through the company website.
    • NOTE: Stay focused! Persistence and perseverance are key components of a successful job search. Remember, it’s a process and finding a job does not happen overnight.

• Follow up on applications:
  • It is important to follow-up on your submitted applications and any job leads you have.
    • Contact the company to which you applied, introduce yourself, and state that you would like to check on the status of your application.
    • Maintain careful records of your job search activities. Develop a system to keep track of jobs to which you have applied and your most recent communication.

“Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room.”
–Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon

• The personal and professional branding process starts with discovering your brand. You can do this through self-assessment of your talents, values, passion, mission, background, experiences, and accomplishments.
• Once you have discovered your brand, try to define yourself with a single word or phrase that sets you apart from the others. This is equivalent to your tagline or headline on your LinkedIn profile.
• You cannot build your brand without providing compelling, authentic, supporting evidence that it exists. Make sure you have examples to prove that you have excellent communication skills, analytical experience, or natural leadership.
• Lastly, you need to promote your brand through various channels including your resume, social media outlets (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.), blog/website, wardrobe, email, and other written communication.

Before the Fair

• Have your resume reviewed by a Lerner Career Services staff member in an individual appointment or during drop-in hours (Monday-Friday, 12:00pm-4:00pm, 103 Alfred Lerner Hall, Newark, DE 19711).
• Bring multiple copies of your resume to the career fair in a portfolio or professional folder.
• Research the companies/organizations who are schedule to attend the fair. You want to be able to communicate intelligently with employers and ask questions.
  • Learn the basics: company/organization mission; products/services; location(s); competitors and niche; job/internship opportunities.
• Dress in professional business attire. Your suit/shirt/blouse should be wrinkle-free/dry cleaned.
• Pay attention to hygiene and grooming – avoid strong cologne/perfume/scents.
• Prepare your 30-Second Commercial. Who are you and what are you seeking?
  • Name, education, and current or past career-related experiences.
  • Involvement on and off campus, internships, and experiences.
  • Skills, strengths, and/or accomplishments.
  • Identify and establish a connection with the other person – ask open-ended questions.
• Practice interview question responses, particularly responses to questions such as: “Why are you interested in our organization?”

During the Fair

• Develop a plan, prioritizing organizations and their table location in the career fair.
• Silence your cell phone and do not chew gum.
• Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, good eye contact, and a smile.
• Use your 30-Second Commercial as a point of reference regarding topics you want to address. You do not need to say it all at once – allow for employer interaction.
• Be aware of your body language and surroundings. Work the room.
• Exchange business cards and close the conversation with a thank you before moving on.
  • Write notes about your conversation on the back of the business cards.
• Sample Questions to Ask Employers at the Career Fair
  • What specific skills/qualifications does [company/organization] look for in prospective employees/interns?
  • What is the hiring process at [company/organization]?
  • As a freshman/sophomore, what qualities does your organization seek in candidates? How can I strengthen my future candidacy with your organization?
  • How have social, political, and/or economic changes in the industry impacted [company/organization]?
  • What has been your experience at [company/organization]?
  • What professional development and training opportunities are available for new hires?
  • In doing my research, I noticed ________; do you mind telling me a little bit about this?

After the Fair

• Draft thank you notes and/or emails. Make sure you reference the conversation you had in the note!
• Be certain that your thank you notes are error-free and send them within 24 hours.
• If requested by the employer, follow-up with supplemental materials.

• View open positions on student jobs page: https://studentjobs.udel.edu/jobs/search
• Visit Ready, Set, Job! a resource page for students: https://www.udel.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/careers/ready-set-job/

You have aced the interview, and the job offer is in hand, but the salary is not quite what you were expecting. What do you do? While your instinct may be to focus on the salary presented, it is important to consider the total compensation package. Negotiating is an option, but how do you do it with grace and success? Negotiation is about how to best communicate your qualifications, values, benefits and performance to employers in exchange for status position, money and extra perks.

Knowledge Needed to Begin Negotiating

• Skills and talents you bring to the employer.
• Your life and work values.
• If the company/organization has a history of negotiating.
• How much you need to financially survive.

Steps in Negotiating a Job Offer

• Examine the total compensation package, including the following:
  • Benefits (healthcare, disability, retirement, vacation, etc.)
  • Training Opportunities
  • Academic Advancement
  • Professional Advancement
  • Other Perks (car, phone, laptop, pager, etc.)
• Perform salary research to determine the going rate for the position using:
  • https://www.jobsearchintelligence.com/etc/jobseekers/salary-calculator.php
  • http://salary.com/
  • http://www.datamasters.com/
  • https://collegegrad.com/salaries
• Have a salary range in mind instead of one figure.
  • If you feel like you absolutely must divulge a range, say something like: “at present, my salary requirements are negotiable within the range of (researched range).”
• Once you know an employer’s range or receive an offer, be ready to communicate why you think you deserve more money.
  • Effectively communicate your skills and experience.
• Understand what is negotiable and what is important to YOU.
  • Typical – salary, vacation, education/training, mentors, commuting cost, equipment (ex. laptop, phone, etc.).
  • Possibilities – non-standard vacation needs, who your boss is, type of computer and phone equipment, office space, work location, flexibility (ex. working from home & work hours), cost of living adjustments, relocation expenses.
  • Generally Non-Negotiable – 401k (including when eligibility starts), pension (including when eligibility starts), bonus, vacation increases based on years of service, medical coverage (including eye and dental), overtime compensation.
• Aim for the top of your range, but be prepared to accept less. Most employers will meet you in the middle, or slightly below the middle.

Accepting a Job Offer

• Clarify specific duties and responsibilities.
• Have supervisor communicate performance expectations during the year.
• Evaluate the full compensation package that is offered.
• Ask about how your performance will be reviewed, evaluated, and compensated.
• Accept the offer verbally.
• Have the offer presented to you in writing within the next 2-3 business days and proofread their offer.
  • “My understanding of the job offer was… but it says here…”

Accept an offer for a full-time position or internship in good faith, with the full intention of honoring your commitment. Please understand that reneging on your acceptance of a job offer is highly disrespectful.

• Cancel other interviews and notify professionals at other organizations where you hold outstanding offers.
• If an employer offers travel reimbursement, whether or not a job is accepted, claim only fair and reasonable reimbursement from employers for travel expenses actually incurred.
• Keep in mind that the same University of Delaware policies regarding on campus job offers through the Campus Interview Program apply to “on-the-spot” job offers made by employers at recruiting events off campus.
• Follow-up your acceptance of the job offer with a thank you letter confirming the job title, annual salary, and start date.

Things to Remember

• Do NOT enter negotiations until an offer is extended to you.
• Let the employer bring up the topic of money.
• Do not immediately accept an offer.
• Communicate other offers.
• Manage your emotions.
• Negotiations are not confrontational.
• Thank the employer for their response.
• Negotiations can be a waiting game – nobody has told you NO!
• Follow-up: “I understand things can get busy. If I have not hear from you, when should I contact you?”
• Understand that a company may not be able to meet your request.

Mistakes in Negotiation

• Not knowing your worth or the position’s worth.
• Not conducting basic salary research.
• Lying about past salary history or alternative salary offer.
• Failing to be realistic – can be perceived as being “greedy.”
• Using email or phone to negotiate salary.
• Not getting the offer in writing.
• Being too quick to accept an employer’s first or second offer.
• Playing “hard to get” when you have little or no leverage.

Profile Photo:
Upload a recent, professional-looking, close-up photo. Smile. It doesn’t need to be a professional headshot; a good cell phone picture will work. Wear something you might wear to work and choose a non-distracting background. Profiles with photos are 21 times more likely to be viewed.

Headline:
The default heading is your most recent job title; edit this headline to attract readers and help them understand the role, industry, or interests you are pursuing.

• Who are you? What are you studying?
• What value do you offer to employers?
• What expertise or skill(s) do you have?

Background Photo:
Personalize your header image. Choose something that represents you, your brand, or your professional interests. You can find many free options on Google Images and Canva.

Connections:
Aim to build a network of 500+ connections on LinkedIn to expand your professional reach, increase visibility and open doors to new opportunities. You should connect with colleagues, family, friends, professors/teachers, industry peers, mentors, potential clients and professionals whose work or insights align with your career goals on LinkedIn.

Summary:
Use this section to introduce yourself on LinkedIn. Showcase your personality while discussing your experience and future goals. Write in the first person and include:

• Who you are and what you do or aim to do
• Key skills and important accomplishments
• Values and what makes you stand out

Look at other profiles for inspiration and ask your network for feedback. Profiles with summaries get up to 3.9 times more views. Include industry-specific keywords to improve your searchability.

Previous Roles:
List all your positions, including past and current jobs, unpaid roles, extracurricular activities and athletic experiences.

Descriptions:
Describe your experiences in paragraphs or bullet points. Use action verbs and quantify your work’s impact. Highlight skills that employers seek. You can copy this directly from your resume.

Schools:
Highlight your educational background, including college and study abroad experiences. Include clubs and your GPA if applicable.

Relevant Keywords
Include keywords and phrases that recruiters search for. Look at profiles of professionals in your field or job descriptions for guidance. Listing 5 or more skills can increase profile views.

Add a “Featured” section to highlight key projects, work samples, posts you’ve created, and your professional website or portfolio. You may also link professional websites in your header.

Remember, everything you post on LinkedIn will be visible to future employers. This includes posts you create, comments you make and posts you share or “like.” Engage wisely and know that every interaction is an opportunity to build your professional brand.

(Top Voices, Companies, Groups, Newsletters, Schools)

Top Voices and Groups:
Follow groups and people related to your personal and professional interests. Explore University of Delaware affiliated groups and see what others are following to build your network and learn more about your field.

Companies:
Follow companies in your field to stay updated with news, learn about the company, and hear about opportunities. Recruiters often review candidates already following their company.

Additional Sections to Add (Optional)

• Courses: List relevant courses to increase your credibility and give you access to more opportunities.
• Featured: Showcase articles, posts, work examples, pictures, videos, and links you’re proud of.
• Volunteer Experiences: Highlight volunteer experience which is equally as valuable as paid work experience.
• Projects: Include personal, class, or professional projects with descriptions of your role and achievements.
• Honors & Awards: List your awards from school or elsewhere.
• Languages: Add any languages you know and your proficiency levels.
• Recommendations: Request recommendations from former colleagues/supervisors to reinforce your profile.
• Publications: Add authored or co-authored publications with URLs for easy access.
• Contact Info: Optionally share your email address or personal website for external contact.

• Good eye contact.
• A strong handshake.
• A big smile.
• Be ready with your 30-Second Commercial, and be sure to include:
  • Your name, education, and career-related experiences.
  • Your activity/involvement on and off campus.
  • Your skills, strengths, and accomplishments.
  • Establish connections and ask open ended questions.

Do

• Send thank you notes/emails and follow up with connections.
• Be grateful for an individual’s time.
• Reach out to referrals that come from your connections.
• Request feedback on your resume.
• Ask to stay in contact and connect on LinkedIn.

Do Not

• Ask for jobs or internships.
• Treat networking like a formal job interview.
• Communicate informally, like you would with your friends.
• Ask personal questions.
• Be pushy or assuming.

Suggested questions for starting conversations:

• Hello my name is ____, how are you today?
• How are you affiliated with UD and what brought you to this event?
• What is your role in ____ organization?
• How did you come to work for ____ organization?
• What is one of your favorite things about your job?
• How do you think most employees would describe your workplace?
• Is there anyone else with whom you recommend I connect with?

Suggested phrases for leaving conversations:

• It’s been great talking with you. Would you be open to a follow-up meeting when you next come to campus?
• I appreciate your time and would like to keep in touch. May I have your contact info?
• Thanks for your time. Can I send you a LinkedIn invitation to further connect?

An informational interview is a meeting with a professional in person or over the phone where you can ask questions about their career path. This is your opportunity to gather data that can be useful in your career choice and/or job search.

Setting Up an Informational Interview

• Research and identify a career field of interest.
• Check out LinkedIn to find UD alumni and friends in those fields.
• Utilize your contacts-family friends, supervisors, professors, and former employees are great people to talk to in case they may know someone who works in the field you want to learn more about.
• Contact a professional organization in the field you are interested in and see if they have a mentoring program.
• Identify and write to a person you are looking to connect with. When introducing yourself to professionals to whom you were referred, or are requesting an informational interview of, you will need to craft a brief introductory email or phone call. This email, and all other email communications with professionals, should convey appreciation and be written in a professional business style.

Questions During Informational Interviews

• How did you choose your career?
• What academic path do you pursue to obtain your career goals?
• What type(s) of positions do people with my major have in your organization?
• What are some suggestions for someone who would like to work for an organization like yours?
• What skills do you need to be successful in this job?
• Have you made a career change? If yes, what was it?
• What is the hiring procedure when vacancies occur?
• Do you know of anyone else with whom I should speak?

Introductory Email Template

Good Morning,
My name is [your name] and I am a junior who is studying [your major] at UD. I noticed your profile on [Linkedln] and am really interested in learning more about your role at [company/organization]. Would you be open to a brief call or Zoom with me to discuss your background, career path and possibly seek any advice on my internship search?
Sincerely,
Your Name

Important Note: If the individual is an alum, consider including a subject line such as “Connecting with a Blue Hen” to initiate the conversation.

Undergraduate

• UG Resume Checklist
• Resume Guide & Tips (PDF)
• Resume Samples (PDF)
• Resume Template

Graduate

• Graduate Resume Checklist
• Graduate Student Resume Guide (PDF)
• Grad Resume Samples (PDF)

Lerner students provide a breakdown on how to build a resume and offer insights into essential professional development tips.

• Resume Overview
• Relevant Coursework Section
• Relevant Projects Section
• Education Section
• Work Experience Section
• Activities Section
• Skills Section

Once you have used the above resume advice, templates and samples on this page to build or update your resume, we recommend the following steps to ensure that your resume will stand out to employers:

• Receive feedback from Lerner Career Services staff and career mentors:
  • Schedule an appointment with a career counselor through Handshake.
  • Visit drop-in hours for resume reviews from 12:00pm to 4:00pm Monday through Friday at the Lerner Career Services Center (103 Alfred Lerner Hall, Newark, DE). Please note that drop-in hours are only held in the fall and spring semesters.
• Receive feedback through Resume Worded, which will analyze the job description and identify important keywords/skills missing from your resume so that you can tailor it to fit a specific job. NOTE: average of 5 free uploads per user for “Score My Resume”

All business students using Handshake to apply for jobs, internships or other positions in the recruiting system must first have their resumes approved by Lerner Career Services staff.

The approval process is in place to help ensure you are effectively presenting your skills and background to employers. Once your first resume is approved, all future resumes and documents will be automatically approved for use in the system.

We make every effort to be timely in the approval process, but it may take up to two business days to review and provide feedback on/approve your resume. Be aware of job and internship application deadlines, and begin the resume approval process well before an application is due.

1. Upload your resume to Handshake by going to “View Your Profile” and then “Public Documents.”
2. Your resume will be reviewed for approval based on the criteria outlined in Undergraduate Resume Guide & Tips (PDF) or the Graduate Student Resume Guide (PDF).
3. If your resume is declined, you will be provided with commentary for improving your resume and directed to VMock for further feedback.

I understand that communicating and presenting myself in a professional manner and being courteous and respectful in my dealings with others – whether such interactions are face-to-face, in writing, by phone, or electronic – is critical in my career exploration and job/internship search as well as for my professional development. To that end, I will:

• Monitor publicly available content by and about me (text, voice and picture), including content and photos on Google mail, personal blogs and social networking sites, and make reasonable efforts to remove material that professionals may deem inappropriate or unprofessional
• Acknowledge calls, emails and invitations for interviews, appointments, events and informational discussions and respond appropriately in a timely manner
• Attend all one-on-one and group interactions with employers, alumni, Lerner Career Center staff and other professionals (including on and off-campus interviews, information sessions, employer site visits, counseling appointments, office hours, interview coaching nights, career fairs, industry nights, etc.) that I have scheduled
• Provide two business days’ notice for any cancellation, if possible, and notify the Lerner Career Center should any unforeseen circumstances occur that prevent my participation
• Withdraw from all internship search activities once I have accepted an offer for that particular semester or summer
• Withdraw from all job search activities once I have accepted an employment offer

Invalid explanations and/or repeat no-show behavior will result in immediate suspension of your Handshake account and from all services provided by the Career Center.

If you can no longer attend a career center event, you may cancel your registration via Handshake or by contacting the Lerner Career Services Center at lernercareerservices@udel.edu.

Cancellation of a career counseling appointment is appreciated 24 hours in advance. If you cannot keep your scheduled appointment, you may reschedule or cancel via Handshake or by contacting the Lerner Career Services Center at lernercareerservices@udel.edu. Failure to honor a counseling appointment is considered a breach of courtesy and ethics. A letter of apology, including an explanation as to why you missed the appointment, must be submitted to the Lerner Career Services Center within 24 hours at lernercareerservices@udel.edu. Invalid explanations and/or repeat no-show behavior will result in immediate suspension of your Handshake account and from all services provided by the Career Center.

Repeated no-shows for career advising appointments, workshops or events may result in the suspension of your Handshake account and from all services provided by the Lerner Career Services Center.

Accuracy of Information

All information submitted to the Lerner or UD Career Services Center or to an employer, directly or indirectly, must be accurate and truthful. In addition to concerns of ethics and integrity, accuracy of information is critical as many employers verify information submitted by candidates for employment. Discrepancies in information have resulted in the withdrawal of job offers, as well as termination of employees already on payroll following the discovery of such.

Any falsified information on your resume, cover letters, Handshake profile, employer applications, or other job candidate documentation may result in the suspension of your Handshake account and campus recruiting services provided by the Lerner or UD Career Services Center.

Interview No Show/Late Cancellation

On-campus interviewing is a privilege offered to each student-candidate. Each candidate is expected to attend all scheduled interviews. You may not withdraw your application after an employer has accepted you for an interview or as an alternate. Cancellations are prohibited without sufficient notice provided to both the affected employer and the Employer Engagement & Recruiting Coordinator. If extenuating circumstances require a cancellation, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required. Cancellations must be addressed in writing (via email) to Danielle Nantais-Wenzel, Employer Partnership & Recruiting Coordinator: recruitbluehens@udel.edu.

If you do not show up for a scheduled interview and did not contact the Lerner or UD Career Services Center in advance, you are considered a “no-show” and access to your Handshake account will be suspended until you submit a letter of explanation addressed to the employer and emailed to the Lerner or UD Career Services Center.

If your letter is deemed appropriate by the Career Center, the letter will be forwarded to the employer and your Handshake account will be reactivated.

If your letter is deemed inappropriate or insufficient, a Career Center staff member will meet with you and your Handshake account will remain deactivated until a sufficient letter is approved.

If you miss more than one scheduled interview, you will lose all access to Handshake, as well as, the On-Campus Interview Program until you have met with your career advisor and your career advisor authorizes reactivation of your account.

If a candidate is late for an-interview, it will be at the discretion of the recruiter as to whether the interview will be conducted. Plan to arrive at the Career Center approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time in case the recruiter is running ahead of schedule.

Students Studying Abroad

If an employer is conducting On Campus Interviews for the position while the student is abroad, it will be at the interviewer’s discretion whether the student is selected and whether an interview will be conducted during the scheduled interview date via Skype or other online or remote means, or if alternative arrangements will be made.

If you are invited for an on-campus interview while abroad, it is critical that you contact recruitbluehens@udel.edu as soon as possible for help scheduling your virtual interview. Students are welcome use Handshake system to contact the employer directly via email to inquire about possible interview arrangements while they are abroad.

University of Delaware Career Services Center Job Offer Policy

The Lerner Career Services Center firmly believes that allowing candidates adequate time to make an informed decision whether or not to accept an offer is in the best interest of both candidates and employers. Candidates feel more secure in their choices after they have analyzed all the information available to them, and employers can feel more confident that candidates have accepted their offer with every intention of honoring their commitment. Conversely, if candidates are not provided adequate time to consider an offer, the Applicant Conduct and Privacy Policy, to which students are required to agree, becomes difficult to enforce.

The Lerner and UD Career Services Centers asks employers to provide fair and reasonable time periods for candidates to evaluate employment offers prior to making a decision that will affect their future careers and personal lives. Career Services will work with both the candidates and employers when and if these guidelines are not followed. The guidelines are in place to help Career Services determine a course of action on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates may accept an offer prior to an offer deadline. Employers may extend offers with deadlines beyond the aforementioned time frames.

When you accept an offer, you are agreeing to work or intern for that specific organization. All previously scheduled interviews must be cancelled and you are no longer eligible to continue to apply for other positions. If you receive an offer and are not ready to accept it, we suggest that you speak with a member of the Lerner Career Services Center staff about how to manage your decisions. The Lerner and UD Career Services Centers has an Employer Recruiting (Job Offer) Policy in effect to which employers must adhere in order to participate in recruiting programs. One section in particular relates to the timeline for job offers. The complete policy is listed in the Document Library in Handshake and on the UD Career Services Centers website. Please reference this document to support your decision-making process once you have been extended an internship or offer of employment.

Any candidate who has reneged on an accepted offer obtained through the Career Centers may be suspended from all future services provided by the Career Centers.

The Lerner and UD Career Services Centers recruiting policy is informed by the Reasonable Offer Deadlines Guideline as set forth by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).