Table of Contents
Résumés and More
An interview is your goal. But how do you get there? The documents that precede you, your cover letter and résumé, are your ways to market yourself to prospective employers.
Your goal is to present your qualifications and attributes in a manner that will encourage employers to find out more about what you have to offer their organizations.
Your résumé
Your résumé is an investment in your future, so take the time to write it well!
We offer numerous resources (books, samples, journals) to help you with the résumé writing process. Career professionals in the Center offer individualized career consulting and will critique students’ résumés, offering suggestions for improving the overall quality and strength of the résumé.
Contact us at [email protected] schedule a résumé review session.
Résumé Action Verbs
Management Skills
| • administered | • analyzed |
| • assigned | • attained |
| • chaired | • contracted |
| • consolidated | • coordinated |
| • delegated | • developed |
| • directed | • evaluated |
| • executed | • improved |
| • increased | • organized |
| • oversaw | • planned |
| • prioritized | • produced |
| • recommended | • scheduled |
| • strengthened | • supervised |
Communication Skills
| • addressed | • arbitrated |
| • arranged | • authored |
| • corresponded | • developed |
| • directed | • drafted |
| • edited | • enlisted |
| • formulated | • influenced |
| • interpreted | • lectured |
| • mediated | • moderated |
| • motivated | • negotiated |
| • persuaded | • promoted |
| • publicized | • reconciled |
| • recruited | • spoke |
| • translated | • wrote |
Research Skills
| • clarified | • collected |
| • critiqued | • diagnosed |
| • evaluated | • examined |
| • extracted | • identified |
| • inspected | • interpreted |
| • interviewed | • investigated |
| • organized | • reviewed |
| • summarized | • surveyed |
| • systematized |
Technical Skills
| • assembled | • built |
| • calculated | • computed |
| • designed | • engineered |
| • fabricated | • maintained |
| • operated | • overhauled |
| • programmed | • remodeled |
| • repaired | • solved |
| • trained | • upgraded |
Teaching Skills
| • adapted | • advised |
| • clarified | • coached |
| • communicated | • coordinated |
| • developed | • enabled |
| • encouraged | • evaluated |
| • explained | • facilitated |
| • guided | • informed |
| • initiated | • instructed |
| • persuaded | • set goals |
| • stimulated |
Financial Skills
| • administered | • allocated |
| • analyzed | • appraised |
| • audited | • balanced |
| • budgeted | • calculated |
| • computed | • developed |
| • forecast | • managed |
| • marketed | • planned |
| • projected | • researched |
Creative Skills
| • acted | • conceptualized |
| • created | • designed |
| • developed | • directed |
| • established | • fashioned |
| • founded | • illustrated |
| • instituted | • integrated |
| • introduced | • invented |
| • originated | • performed |
| • planned | • revitalized |
| • shaped |
Helping Skills
| • assessed | • assisted |
| • clarified | • coached |
| • counseled | • demonstrated |
| • diagnosed | • educated |
| • facilitated | • familiarized |
| • guided | • referred |
| • rehabilitated | • represented |
Clerical or Detail Skills
| • approved | • arranged |
| • catalogued | • classified |
| • collected | • compiled |
| • dispatched | • executed |
| • generated | • implemented |
| • inspected | • monitored |
| • operated | • organized |
| • prepared | • processed |
| • purchased | • recorded |
| • retrieved | • screened |
| • specified | • systematized |
| • tabulated | • validated |
Cover Letters
There are two types of cover letters: those that draw the reader in and entice him or her to read your résumé, and those that eliminate you from the running before your résumé gets read.
The cover letter serves as the introduction to your résumé. No rèsumé should ever be sent out without one.
While your résumé can remain the same for every company to which you apply, the cover letter should be created separately and individually for each position for which you express interest.
Your career objective should be included in the cover letter – not the résumé. By including it in the cover letter (which has to be written separately anyway), you can tailor the objective to the advertisement to which you are responding or to the tip you received through your professional network.
Studies indicate that your cover letter has a life expectancy of about eight seconds, so it must be brief, yet informative.
The letter should have three recognizable parts: the opening, which explains why you are writing; the main body, which lists two or three of your major accomplishments and gives the reader good reason to want to interview you; and the closing, which expresses a desire for future communication.
Be sure your letter draws a connection between the needs of the current job opening and skills you can bring to the job.
Cover letter outline
Cover Letter Outline
(single space paragraphs with a double space between paragraphs; do not indent)
- Date of Letter
- Employer’s Name and Title
- Employer’s Address
- Salutation:
[Opening Paragraph:]
- State why you are writing.
- Name the position or type of work for which you are applying.
- Mention how you heard of the opening or organization.
[Middle Paragraph(s):]
- Explain why you are interested in working for this employer.
- Specify your reasons for desiring this type of work.
- If you have had relevant work experience or related education, be sure to point it out, but do not reiterate your entire résumé.
- Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to job for which you are applying.
Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your letter of application as an example of your writing skills.
[Closing Paragraph:]
You may refer the reader to your enclosed résumé (which gives a summary of your qualifications) or whatever media you are using to illustrate your training, interests, and experience.
Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for the interview by indicating the action or steps you will take to initiate an interview date.
- Sincerely,
- [If mailing or faxing signature goes here]
- Your name typed
- Applicant’s Address
- Applicant’s phone number
- enclosure
Thank you letter
Thank You Letters
Make your thank you letters warm and personal and use them as an opportunity to:
- Express your sincere appreciation
- Reemphasize your strongest qualifications
- Draw attention to the good match between your qualifications and the job requirements
- Reiterate your interest in the position (tell them that you want the job!)
- Provide or offer supplemental information not previously given
- Restate your appreciation
Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a cover letter review session.
Exploring Majors and Careers
We offer a number of ways to assess your career goals. You can see what kinds of jobs would fit your personality or what kinds of jobs are similar to your interests.
Interest Inventories
The inventories below can help you in career planning by answering questions like:
- “How are my interests related to finding a major or career?”
- “What part do my values play in choosing a career?”
- “What skills can I bring to a career?”
- “What part does my personality play in choosing a career?”
FOCUS 2 combines self-assessment, career and major exploration, decision making, and action planning all in one.
You can take all of the inventories, explore careers, and then review and save your results for as long as you are a student at University of Lynchburg. You may stop at any point while following the steps and go back to it by logging back in under your saved profile.
You also will have the opportunity to meet with career services staff to assist you in interpreting your results and deciding on next steps in making decisions concerning majors or careers.
Access Focus 2, Click the ‘Register’ button when first accessing the system.
Your access code: hornet
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) makes Jung’s theory of psychological type understandable and useful.
The MBTI can help you understand where your special strengths are and what kinds of work you might enjoy. It gives you insight into how people with different preferences can relate to each other and make successful contributions in the workplace.
To access the MBTI, visit Consulting Psychologists Press (This link may not work from off-campus.)
Go to the CPP link and create a profile in order to take the MBTI.
To receive an analysis of your inventory results, contact the CEO at 434.544.8459 and let them know your name and which inventory you took. They will download the results and print an analysis for you.
O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move
The O*NET Interest Profiler is a free tool that helps you understand your interests and how they relate to different careers.
It provides insights into your preferred working environment and suggests career paths that align with your skills and values.
You can access this interest inventory for free via the
O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
Graduate and Professional School
Certain career fields require additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree. If you’re considering graduate or professional school, we can help guide you through the process.
You can determine if your field requires additional education by researching careers through Focus 2 on the Exploring Majors and Careers section.
We also assist with:
- Selecting a program
- Reviewing resumes and personal statements for graduate and professional school applications
- Referrals for testing and test preparation classes
- Credential/recommendation files
- Programs such as the Law School Fair and Health Science Fair are offered each fall
Additional resources
Helpful Resources for Graduate School
- University of Lynchburg Office of Graduate Success
- Peterson’s sortable database of graduate programs
- Gradschools.com – Database of worldwide graduate programs
- ETS GRE – Tools for preparing for the GRE General Test
- Khan Academy – Free and low-cost test prep for LSAT, Praxis, and MCAT
Graduate School Entrance Exams:
For testing and preparation, consider the following resources:
- GRE, LSAT, GMAT, MCAT, and Praxis – Available at Prometric Testing Center (Sylvan Learning Center, 8116 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502, 434.832.1000)
- ETS GRE – Free and low-cost tools for GRE preparation
- Khan Academy – Free test prep for multiple entrance exams
Services for Lynchburg Grad Students
If you’re enrolled in a University of Lynchburg graduate program, the following services are available to you:
- Resume/CV building and critique
- Cover letter writing and critique
- Job fairs
- On-campus employer interviews
- Mock interviews
- Tips on dressing for successful interviews
- Cost of living resources
- Negotiating job offers
- Understanding benefits
- Job search engines
- Career counseling
- Virtual interviews
Interested in any of these resources? Access our workshop archive, stop by the Career and Professionalism Center, or email us at [email protected] to set up an appointment.
Get a head start on your career.
Internships
Explore how our internships can jump-start your career by providing hands-on experience in your field
Interviews
Headed to your first interview? Do your research and make sure you’re prepared. Dress the part, arrive a little bit early, and be ready to answer the types of questions you’re likely to hear.
Don’t be a no-show. If you find another opportunity or have an unexpected obligation arise, make sure to contact the company and/or interviewer as soon as possible. This shows your respect for their time and money and shows that you are a responsible adult.
What to Wear
For a formal interview, dress in a suit: black, navy, or charcoal gray conservative suit with white blouse or dress shirt. A sports coat and khakis is not acceptable. Men must wear dark matching socks and dress shoes. A “power tie,” conservative with a little red in it, is best. Women can wear a knee-length or longer skirt or pants with hose and closed toe pumps. A 1-2 inch heel is best. A suit does not mean a church dress or nice black pants and a blouse.
For business casual, khaki pants or skirt with a collared shirt (no company or school logos on the shirt), dark socks, and dress shoes are best.
When they don’t say, assume it is formal no matter what the setting. It’s better to be over than under-dressed.
What to Bring
Bring a padfolio with extra resumes and references in case they are needed. Bring questions you have for the interviewer(s) from the research you have done on the organization.
Information Interview
An informational interview gives you the opportunity to talk with people in career fields and even in specific jobs that interest you in a non-threatening atmosphere both for you and for the person being interviewed (you are not there to ask for a job).
Go to an informational interview with some knowledge of the person’s field from doing your reading, and take a list of questions you would like to cover.
As you begin to explore an area, questions that are pertinent will occur to you.
When you interview for information rather than as a candidate for a job, the atmosphere is informal. Most people are eager to give advice and are pleased and flattered that you asked them. Also, you and an employer have an opportunity to take a look at each other under non-stressful circumstances. Though informational interviews are not for the purpose of producing job offers, when you are narrowing in on where you fit, it is not at all unlikely that one day you will discover that instead of interviewing for information, you are being offered a job!
Before leaving the interview be sure to ask for a referral name, someone who could give you more information, and be sure to send a thank you note.
Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a mock interview.
Sample Informational Interview Request
Susan J. Brown
507 Falling Creek
Lynchburg, VA 24505
April 30, 2015
Ms. Jane Smith
Director of Public Relations
ABC Company
1234 First Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Dear Ms. Smith:
Mr. John Jones suggested that you would be an excellent source of information about your career field of public relations [or you can say… In researching the field of public relations in the Lynchburg area, your name has come to my attention as someone who would be an excellent source of information].
I am a recent college graduate [or a senior, or …] who is exploring several career alternatives. I have become interested in public relations through my college advisor [or journalism professor, or research, or…] and would appreciate fifteen or twenty minutes of your time to ask you specific questions about your occupation.
I will call your office to see if an appointment can be arranged. Thank you.
Very truly yours,
Susan J. Brown
50 Questions Recruiters Ask
The purpose of an interview is for the interviewer to find out about you, the prospective employee. The employer wants to know about you in order to make a decision about hiring, and you want the employer to know about you so that the decision will be favorable.
Dr. Frank Endicott has done a report on college recruiting, and within the report is information that will aid you. Listed below are 50 questions asked by employers during interviews with college seniors. Read the questions and formulate your answers.
A good interview often determines whether or not you get hired.
Remember – nothing beats proper preparation.
50 Questions
- What are your long range and short range goals and objectives; when and why did you establish these goals; and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
- What specific goals, other than those related to your occupation have you established for yourself for the next ten years?
- What do you see yourself doing five years from now?
- What do you really want to do in life?
- What are your long range career objectives?
- How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
- What are the most important rewards you expect in your business career?
- What do you expect to be earning in five years?
- Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?
- Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job?
- What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- How would you describe yourself?
- How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you?
- What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
- How has your college experience prepared you for a business career?
- Why should I hire you?
- What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in business?
- How do you determine or evaluate success?
- What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours?
- In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
- What qualities should a successful manager possess?
- Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and subordinates.
- What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
- Describe your most rewarding college experience.
- If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for?
- Why did you select your college or university?
- What led you to choose your field or major of study?
- What college subjects did you like best? Why?
- What college subjects did you like least? Why?
- If you could do so, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why?
- What changes would you make in your college or university?
- Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?
- Do you think that your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?
- What have you learned from participation in extra-curricular activities?
- In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable?
- How do you work under pressure?
- In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why?
- How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation?
- Why did you decide to seek a position with this company?
- What do you know about our company?
- What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
- Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why?
- What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?
- Do you have a geographical preference? Why?
- Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you?
- Are you willing to travel?
- Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee?
- Why do you think you might like to live in the community in which our company is located?
- What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
- What have you learned from your mistakes?
Jobs Online
Before using these job search databases, it is important to note that there were changes in federal law in the spring of 2006 that may require you to apply directly to the company’s website even if you have submitted your resume through one of these databases.
Job Databases for University of Lynchburg Students and Alumni
Handshake: We’ve been there, and we know that navigating the job search can be intimidating. We also believe that although talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not. That’s why we’re here. Handshake was created to level the playing field and ensure that all students and recent graduates have equal access to meaningful jobs and internships.
Glassdoor: An inside look at jobs and companies. You can find anonymous reviews and salary data from employees and interview candidates.
LinkedIn Jobs: Three ways that LinkedIn Jobs is great for job seekers:
- Quickly identify alumni and personal connections in each job posting
- Determine if a company has a history of hiring people like you
- Find out who you will work with if you get the job
LinkedIn Salary allows professionals to look up aggregate data about the salaries of other users with the same job in the same location to see how their own pay measures up.
General Job Search Databases and Information
Handshake – Helping students find jobs.
CareerOneStop – A database of job opportunities from state employment offices.
CampusRN – Search thousands of nursing and health care jobs.
CareerBuilder – Allows the job seeker to search job listings at 16 different sites at once.
The College Graduate Job Hunter– A job search site dedicated to college students and recent grads, providing access to job postings, employer databases and information on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, offer negotiation, and more.
Discover Accounting – Helping you find the best accounting jobs online.
JobHunt – Listing of Internet job search resources and services (updated daily).
JobStar – Job listings mostly concentrated in the northern California area. Also contains salary guides, news ads, and salary information.
Monster.com – Database for job listings. Free personal search agent service. Also provides a resume posting service.
NationJob – An online job search service with thousands of current job listings and company profiles.
NetTemps – For IT and engineering professionals.
PennsylvaniaJobs – Search for jobs in Pennsylvania.
RON – Recruiter’s Online Network – A worldwide virtual community of employment firms.
Virginia Jobs – The Commonwealth of Virginia’s employment and resource center.
Zip Recruiter – a leading online recruiter with salary and resume training included.
Business Schools
Princeton Review Online – Information on business schools.
Cyber Security
CYBER Degrees EDU – Cyber Security has become one of the hottest fields over the last few years, find open positions near you.
Disabilities
Ability Jobs – Employment website for job seekers with disabilities.
Education
Education America – Thousands of teaching and education jobs from public to private across the U.S.
Education Canada -Canada’s premier education job board.
Teachingjobs.com– A worldwide directory of teaching jobs from around the world.
TeachVirginia – Explore a career as an educator in Virginia. Access information regarding preparation programs, scholarships, licensure requirements and education jobs in Virginia schools.
Government
State and Local Government on the Net – Updated directory of links to government-sponsored resources.
USA Jobs – The Federal Government’s official employment site.
Graduate Schools
ETS GRE -Access a variety of free and low-cost tools to help you prepare for the GRE General Test so you can feel more confident on test day.
Gradschools.com – Directory that matches you to graduate school programs based on information you provide about your interests.
GRE’s – Your guide to the Graduate Record Examinations.
Khan Academy – Access a variety of free and low-cost tools to help you prepare for the LSAT, Praxis, and MCAT so you can feel more confident on test day.
Peterson’s: Graduate Study – Search for graduate schools using a school name, major, location, and or other keywords.
International
CareerBuilder – Job search focused in Asia. Lots of hi-tech job listings.
Journalism
Society of Professional Journalists – Jobs for magazines, newspapers, media outlets and universities throughout the U.S.
Military
Get information about joining a branch of the military:
United States Air Force — The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services.
United States Army — The United States Army is the land warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.
United States Coast Guard — The United States Coast Guard is the coastal defense, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces.
United States Marine Corps — The United States Marine Corps is the branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations.
United States Navy — The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.
National Parks
Coolworks – Skiing jobs in the Rockies, camp jobs, cruise jobs, ranch jobs, resort jobs.
Non-profit / Volunteer
AmeriCorps – The National Civilian Community Corps.
Peace Corps – Learn about opportunities with the Peace Corps.
VolunteerMatch – Get matched to different volunteer opportunities in your area.
Space
Spacejobs – The fastest-growing space career site on the Internet.
Sports
Teamworkonline.com – More sports-related career opportunities.
© 2025 University of Lynchburg. All Rights Reserved
