Career Advising

The Career Connection staff is available daily to offer students career-related advice, including resume writing, cover letter preparation, and interview skills. We are dedicated to helping you succeed in your career planning and job search efforts.

Below, you can find additional details on Suggested Plans of Study, Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews.

Resume Guidelines

A great resume effectively presents your most relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments to a potential employer. While your resume should complement your cover letter, the two documents should not be identical. Below are some guidelines to help you create a strong resume:

Page Formatting

• Print your resume on 8.5x11” white or off-white paper.
• Use a font size between 11 and 12 points for readability.
• Set margins between 0.5” and 1”.
• Limit your resume to one page. Summarize or remove less relevant information if necessary.
• Save and submit your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
• Use a consistent format when organizing the structure of your resume.
• Place the most relevant and impressive sections at the top, and list experiences in reverse chronological order within each section.
• Include only sections that are relevant to your experiences and the job you are applying for. Ensure each section has at least two items.
• Use three to five bullet points to describe each work or volunteer experience, keeping each bullet concise.
• Choose professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Times New Roman for readability.

Phrasing

• Avoid using first-person pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “my.”
• Use concise phrases rather than complete sentences. Consistency in using or omitting periods at the end of bullet points is key.
• Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to describe your accomplishments.
• Write past experiences in the past tense and current roles in the present tense.
• Quantify your achievements when possible (e.g., managed a team of 8, increased sales by 20%).
• Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Have your resume reviewed by a trusted person before submission.

Additional Tips for Accounting Resumes

• Be specific and quantify your achievements. For example, "Led a team that reduced audit discrepancies by 15%."
• If you are an international student, indicate your work authorization status clearly. Some firms provide sponsorship, while others do not.
• Tailor your resume to highlight experiences that align with the firm's needs. Emphasize strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Keep your resume to one page, as it is unlikely you have sufficient relevant experience to justify more.

Cover Letter Guidelines

A great cover letter showcases your writing skills and highlights your most relevant assets and experiences. It should complement your resume, but the two documents should not be identical. Below are some guidelines to help you create an effective cover letter:

Page Formatting

• Print your cover letter on 8.5x11” white or off-white paper.
• Use a font size between 11 and 13 points for readability.
• Set margins between 0.5” and 1”.
• Follow the format of a professional business letter.
• Limit your cover letter to one page, typically consisting of three to five paragraphs.
• Align all paragraphs to the left; do not indent for professional business letters.
• Use the same font and formatting as your resume. Recommended fonts include Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, and Times New Roman.
• Once finalized, convert your cover letter into a PDF.

Structure

Salutation

Try to identify the hiring manager. Appropriate salutations include:

• Dear [Name]:
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]:
• Dear Hiring Manager:
• Dear Recruiting Team:

Introductory Paragraph

Introduce yourself and your goals. Include your school, major, year, the position you are applying for, and who referred you (if applicable). Briefly state why you are a good fit for the position and mention three skills or experiences you will highlight later.

Body Paragraphs

Support the skills or experiences mentioned in the introduction. Highlight your achievements and show how they have developed valuable skills. Avoid repeating your resume. Present the most relevant information in the same order as outlined in the introduction.

Closing Paragraph

Thank the employer and re-emphasize your skills. Encourage them to contact you for an interview and thank them again. Optionally, add one sentence customized to the firm.

Valediction

Sign your cover letter. Recommended sign-offs include “Sincerely” or “Thank you.” If possible, print, sign in blue pen, and scan your letter as a PDF before sending it. This extra effort demonstrates professionalism.

Interviews

The following are some common concerns students have when interviewing for internships or job positions. We recommend reading through this information and reviewing the Interviewing resources in the sidebar as part of your preparation.

Responding to an Interview Offer

When you receive an interview offer, promptly schedule a mutually convenient time with the employer. If given a timeframe, try to schedule your interview as far in advance as possible to allow maximum preparation time. Consider your peak performance times and ensure you have enough time to prepare before the interview.

If the suggested timeframe is not feasible, politely suggest alternative dates and times. Employers are typically flexible and accommodating if they are interested in interviewing you.

When scheduling, offer multiple options to the employer, as they may need to coordinate with multiple interviewers.

Preparing for an Interview

Thorough preparation is key to a successful interview. Here are some steps to help you get ready:

• Research the Organization: Understand the organization's structure, values, and recent achievements. This knowledge will enable you to ask informed questions and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice Common Questions: Prepare for commonly asked questions about your strengths, weaknesses, career aspirations, and relevant experiences. Practicing your responses can build confidence.
• Prepare Your Questions: Have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest and helps you determine if the role or program is the right fit for you.
• Dress Appropriately: Choose professional attire to make a positive first impression.
• Review Your Application Materials: Be familiar with your resume, cover letter, and other submitted materials. Be prepared to discuss any aspect in detail.
• Practice Good Body Language: Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight. Positive body language conveys confidence and professionalism.

During the Interview

To perform well during the interview, consider the following tips:

• Be Punctual: Arrive on time or log in a few minutes early if the interview is virtual. Punctuality shows reliability and respect for the interviewer’s time.
• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the questions and provide relevant responses. Ask for clarification if needed.
• Be Honest: Answer questions truthfully and authentically. If unsure about something, it is better to admit it than to fabricate information.
• Show Enthusiasm: Express your eagerness for the role or program and your readiness to contribute. Positive energy can leave a lasting impression.

After the Interview

Post-interview steps are also important for maintaining a good impression:

• Follow Up: Send a thank-you email to the interviewer, expressing appreciation for the opportunity. Reiterate your interest in the role or program and mention any key points discussed during the interview.
• Reflect on the Interview: Consider what went well and what could be improved for future interviews. This reflection can help you develop your interview skills.