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We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of an interview, and the interviewer asks you something completely unexpected. You freeze for a second and think, “I have no idea!” Don’t worry—this isn’t a deal-breaker. In fact, how you handle the situation can show your honesty, problem-solving skills, and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Why Do They Even Ask Tricky Questions?

Employers aren’t trying to make you squirm (most of the time). They ask tough questions to:

1. See How You Handle Pressure: Will you panic or problem-solve?
2. Gauge Your Honesty: Faking an answer can be a red flag.
3. Check Your Adaptability: Can you pivot and think on your feet?

How to Handle the Moment Like a Pro

1. Take a Breath
   It’s okay to pause for a second. Composure shows confidence.
2. Be Honest
   Admitting you don’t know something is way better than making up an answer.
3. Redirect to Your Strengths
   Even if you don’t know the exact answer, you can highlight a related skill or past experience that’s relevant.

Best Ways to Phrase Your Answer

Here are some examples to keep in your back pocket for those unexpected moments:

• General Question
  “That’s a great question. I don’t have the answer off the top of my head, but I’d be excited to learn more about it. Here’s how I’d go about finding a solution.”
• Technical or Industry-Specific Question
  “While I haven’t faced this exact scenario, I’d use [specific resources/tools] to research the problem and consult with my team if needed.”
• Behavioral Question
  “I don’t have direct experience with that, but in a similar situation, I [specific example]. I’d apply those same principles here.”

Turn It Into a Positive

Not knowing something isn’t a failure—it’s a chance to show your curiosity and resourcefulness. For example:
“I see this as an opportunity to grow, and I’d love to gain insights from your team on how to approach challenges like this.”

FAQs About Tricky Interview Questions

1. What if I completely freeze?
Take a deep breath and say: “That’s a great question. Let me take a moment to think about it.”

2. Should I admit I don’t know?
Yes! Employers appreciate honesty and a willingness to learn over guessing.

It’s okay not to have all the answers. What really matters is showing that you’re open to learning and capable of tackling challenges. Stay calm, stay positive, and remember—you’re human!

The post Sample Responses for When You Don’t Know the Answer to an Interview Question appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

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Talking about money during an interview? Yeah, it can feel awkward. But here’s the thing—it’s one of the most important parts of landing a job. Employers aren’t trying to trap you with this question; they just want to know if your expectations align with theirs. The good news? With the right prep, you can answer this confidently and even use it to showcase your value.

Why Do They Ask About Salary?

If you’re wondering, “Why does this even matter?” here’s the scoop:

1. It’s About Budget: They need to make sure your salary range fits what they can offer.
2. It Shows You’ve Done Your Homework: Have you researched the industry? Do you know your worth?
3. They Want to See Your Confidence: How you talk about your salary says a lot about how you see yourself professionally.

How to Answer Without Stressing

You don’t have to pull a number out of thin air! Here’s how to get it right:

1. Do Your Homework
   Hop onto sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, or Payscale to find the average salary for this role in your location. Bonus points if you adjust for your experience and skills.
2. Know Your Value
   Think about what makes you stand out—maybe you’ve got certifications, extra skills, or achievements that justify aiming higher.
3. Keep It Flexible
   Instead of locking into one number, give a range. And don’t forget to show you’re open to negotiating.

Best Ways to Phrase Your Answer

Whether you’re starting out or have a few years of experience, these examples can help you craft the perfect response:

• For Entry-Level Roles
  “From my research, entry-level roles in this field typically pay $50,000–$60,000 annually. That feels like a good starting point for my skills and background, but I’m open to discussing this further.”
• For Mid-Level Positions
  “Considering my [X years of experience] and accomplishments like [specific achievements], I’m aiming for $50,000–$70,000. That said, I’m happy to chat more about what works for both of us.”
• For Leadership Positions
  “With my track record in [field] and the value I bring to the table, I’d expect a range between $80,000 and $90,000, depending on the full benefits package.”

What NOT to Do

1. Lowball Yourself
   It might feel safer to ask for less, but you could miss out on what you truly deserve.
2. Shoot Too High
   Dream big, but make sure your range is realistic for the role and industry.
3. Be Vague
   Saying “I’m not sure” can make it seem like you haven’t done your research.

FAQs About Salary Talks

1. What if I don’t know the market rate?
It’s okay to admit you’re flexible! Say something like: “I’m open to discussing a competitive salary based on the role and responsibilities.”

2. Should I share my current salary?
You don’t have to! You can politely say: “I’d prefer to focus on my expectations for this role instead of my previous salary.”

Talking about salary doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It’s all about preparation, knowing your worth, and showing confidence. Remember: the goal is to find a number that feels fair to both you and the employer. You’ve got this!

The post How to Nail the “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” Question appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

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Fresh out of college and ready to conquer the world? If you’re a new grad, landing a position with a government agency that prioritizes training and development could be the ultimate career move. At WayUp, we know that building a career isn’t just about getting a paycheck—it’s about finding a role where you can grow, learn, and make a real impact. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 government agencies with incredible training programs. These are places where you can level up your skills, gain hands-on experience, and set yourself up for long-term success.

Why Training Programs Are Key for New Grads

Picture this: You’ve got your degree, some great ideas, and a drive to make a difference, but you still need the tools to navigate the real world. That’s where training and development programs come in. They’re designed to help you bridge the gap between college life and professional life, teaching you practical skills, building your confidence, and setting you up for success.

Government agencies have some of the best programs out there, offering mentorship, growth opportunities, and even chances to work on meaningful projects that serve your community. Plus, let’s not forget the amazing perks of working in the public sector: job security, competitive pay, and benefits like student loan assistance.

U.S. Department of State

Ever dreamed of traveling the world while making an impact? The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program and Foreign Service Officer Development Program are built for new grads like you. They offer hands-on training in diplomacy, international relations, and cultural exchange.

You’ll get mentorship from experienced diplomats, learn how to tackle global challenges, and have the opportunity to represent the U.S. on a global scale. For new grads who want to mix adventure with service, this is the agency to be with.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Okay, we’re talking James Bond vibes here (minus the Aston Martin). The CIA has programs like the Leadership Analyst Program that prepare you to solve complex problems, analyze global trends, and provide critical intelligence to policymakers.

With training that includes everything from leadership to technical skills, you’ll be equipped to handle high-stakes situations. If you’ve got a knack for critical thinking and love the idea of protecting national security, the CIA might just be your dream workplace.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

If action, teamwork, and purpose are your thing, the FBI offers programs like the FBI Honors Internship Program and the Special Agent Trainee Program. These initiatives are perfect for grads looking to make a difference in law enforcement or cybercrime prevention.

You’ll learn investigative techniques, crisis management, and leadership skills while working alongside some of the best minds in the field. Whether it’s tackling cyber threats or cracking high-profile cases, the FBI is an ideal launchpad for your career.

U.S. Department of Education

Passionate about improving education? The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program at the Department of Education offers an incredible way to dive into policymaking. You’ll work on projects that shape the future of learning in America.

Expect to gain leadership experience, exposure to diverse roles, and the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of students. If you’re driven by a mission to ensure equal education opportunities, this is the place to start.

NASA

Cue the starry eyes! NASA’s Pathways Intern Employment Program is a must for STEM grads with a passion for space exploration, science, or engineering. You’ll work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with leading experts, and gain skills that are out of this world—literally.

Whether it’s building satellites or researching new tech, NASA’s emphasis on innovation and collaboration makes it one of the most exciting places for a new grad to start their career.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

If public health is your calling, the CDC’s Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) is where you want to be. This two-year program equips recent grads with the tools to combat health crises, prevent diseases, and improve community health outcomes.

You’ll tackle real-world problems, collaborate with experts, and gain the skills to make a meaningful impact on public health. It’s an excellent opportunity for grads ready to protect communities and save lives.

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

Tech-savvy and ready to make a difference? The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program by the Department of Defense is tailored for STEM grads eager to innovate. You’ll work on high-tech projects that support national defense, from cutting-edge AI to cybersecurity.

The program’s focus on collaboration and innovation ensures you’ll leave with advanced technical skills and invaluable experience.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

For the environmentally conscious, the EPA’s Internship and Fellowship Programs are a perfect match. These programs focus on sustainability, environmental science, and policy, providing hands-on experience in tackling climate change and environmental challenges.

You’ll work with top environmental experts, learn about regulatory processes, and contribute to creating a sustainable future. If you’re passionate about saving the planet, this agency is your go-to.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Think working for the IRS is boring? Think again. The IRS Pathways Program offers grads a chance to develop expertise in tax policy, financial analysis, and even law enforcement.

With comprehensive training and mentorship, this program prepares you for a rewarding career in finance, administration, or compliance. And hey, understanding taxes is a life skill we all need, right?

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Energy grads, this one’s for you. The Department of Energy’s Professional Development Programs focus on clean energy, sustainability, and cutting-edge research. Whether you’re into engineering, policy, or environmental science, you’ll find a niche here.

The DOE’s commitment to innovation makes it a standout choice for grads ready to tackle global energy challenges.

Why You Should Join a Government Training Program

Government training programs offer so much more than a paycheck. They’re an investment in your future. Here’s what you can expect:

Growth Opportunities: From leadership development to technical skills, you’ll gain tools to succeed.

Mentorship: Learn from seasoned professionals who are eager to share their knowledge.

Job Security: The public sector offers stability, competitive pay, and great benefits.

Social Impact: Every role contributes to the greater good—whether it’s public health, education, or the environment.

Networking: Build connections that will serve you throughout your career.

How to Get Started

Landing a spot in these programs might take some effort, but it’s totally worth it. Here’s how to begin:

Do Your Research: Each program has unique requirements, so read up on what fits your background and interests.

Polish Your Resume: Highlight relevant coursework, internships, and skills.

Write a Killer Cover Letter: Share your story, passion, and why you’re the perfect fit.

Apply Early: Deadlines can sneak up on you, so stay ahead of the game.

Use WayUp: We’re here to connect you with opportunities that match your goals.

FAQs

• What kind of roles do these programs prepare you for?

Anything from diplomats to scientists, investigators, and policymakers—it all depends on the agency!

• Are these programs only for U.S. citizens?

Most programs prioritize U.S. citizens, but check individual requirements for details.

• Can I apply if I don’t have a STEM degree?

Absolutely! While STEM fields are in high demand, there are plenty of opportunities in policy, law, education, and more.

• Are these programs competitive?

Yes, but with a strong application, you’ve got a great shot.

• How long do these programs last?

Most range from a few months to two years, depending on the agency and program.

At WayUp, we’re all about connecting new grads with opportunities that build careers and open doors. Government agencies offer some of the most structured, impactful, and rewarding training programs out there. Whether you’re passionate about protecting the environment, exploring space, or shaping public policy, there’s a place for you in the public sector. Take that first step today—your dream job is waiting!

The post 10 Government Agencies with Excellent Training and Development Programs Perfect for New Grads appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

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Starting a career in public service can be a rewarding way for college graduates to make an impact on society while enjoying job stability, competitive benefits, and clear career paths. Government agencies across federal, state, and local levels are always on the lookout for young professionals with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a passion for service.

Whether your interests lie in policy, healthcare, law enforcement, environmental conservation, or international relations, there’s a government agency that aligns with your goals. Below, we’ve outlined the top 10 government agencies hiring college graduates, highlighting what makes them exceptional employers for recent grads.

Department of State

If diplomacy and international relations excite you, the Department of State is a top choice. As the U.S. government’s primary foreign affairs agency, it offers numerous opportunities for college graduates through programs like the Pathways Recent Graduates Program and internships that prepare young professionals for roles in global policy, administration, and communications.

The Department of State also provides pathways into the prestigious Foreign Service, allowing graduates to work in embassies and consulates around the world.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Extensive training programs, global career opportunities, and a chance to represent the U.S. on the international stage.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI is a leader in law enforcement, national security, and cyber intelligence, making it an attractive choice for graduates in criminal justice, cybersecurity, and behavioral science. The agency’s Collegiate Hiring Initiative specifically targets recent grads for entry-level roles, including intelligence analysts and special agent trainees.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Diverse career paths, rigorous training programs, and the opportunity to contribute to national security.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA is not just about astronauts—it’s a hub for innovation in science, engineering, and technology. Recent graduates can join NASA through its Pathways Intern Employment Program or explore entry-level positions in aerospace engineering, data science, and project management.

For STEM graduates with a passion for discovery, NASA provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge missions that explore our planet, solar system, and beyond.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects with top scientists, engineers, and technologists.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The HHS is one of the largest federal agencies, offering roles in public health, medical research, and social services. Graduates with a background in public health, biology, social work, or data analysis will find the department’s career programs rewarding. Entry-level positions are available in agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Diverse career opportunities in public health and social services, plus a focus on improving the well-being of all Americans.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

The CIA is the perfect fit for graduates who are analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to contribute to national security. The agency hires college grads for roles in analysis, cybersecurity, clandestine services, and foreign languages. Programs like the CIA’s Directorate of Analysis offer recent graduates hands-on experience working on issues of global importance.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: A wide range of career paths, comprehensive training programs, and opportunities for travel and global engagement.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

For graduates passionate about environmental science, conservation, and public health, the EPA offers a variety of entry-level roles and internships. From conducting field research to developing environmental policies, the agency allows you to work on pressing issues like climate change, clean water access, and pollution control.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Opportunities to make a direct impact on environmental sustainability and public health initiatives.

Department of Education

If you’re driven by the goal of improving education in America, the Department of Education is a top employer for college graduates. With positions in policy development, program analysis, and education research, the agency provides opportunities to shape the future of learning.

Graduates in education, public policy, and data analysis will find roles that align with their interests in fostering equitable education for all.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Opportunities to influence education policy and support nationwide learning initiatives.

Department of Defense (DoD)

The Department of Defense is one of the largest employers in the U.S., offering career paths in engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, and intelligence. Graduates can join civilian positions supporting military operations or pursue specialized roles in agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA).

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Career stability, competitive benefits, and roles supporting national defense and innovation.

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

For those with an interest in law, criminal justice, or public policy, the DOJ is an ideal choice. The agency offers programs such as the Attorney General’s Honors Program, which targets recent law school graduates, and entry-level roles in law enforcement and public administration.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Hands-on opportunities to work on legal and policy issues impacting the nation.

Department of the Interior (DOI)

If you love nature and conservation, the Department of the Interior is a great place to start your career. The DOI oversees national parks, wildlife refuges, and cultural heritage sites. Graduates in environmental science, geology, or history can explore roles focused on land management, preservation, and public outreach.

• Why It’s Great for Graduates: Opportunities to work outdoors, protect natural resources, and contribute to public education about conservation.

How to Stand Out When Applying to Government Agencies

With so many exciting agencies hiring, it’s important to stand out during the application process. Here are some tips to boost your chances of landing a position:

• Tailor Your Federal Resume: Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Be specific and use metrics to quantify your accomplishments.

• Understand the Agency’s Mission: Show that you understand and are passionate about the agency’s work in your application and cover letter.

• Leverage Student Programs: Programs like Pathways and agency-specific internships are often the best entry points for recent graduates.

• Network: Attend career fairs, workshops, and alumni events where government recruiters are present.

The path to a fulfilling career in public service starts with finding the right agency. Whether your interests lie in science, diplomacy, education, or national security, these top 10 government agencies hiring college graduates offer exceptional opportunities to launch your career. As you prepare your applications, focus on highlighting your passion for public service, your relevant skills, and your readiness to contribute to the agency’s mission.

Take the first step toward your dream role by exploring job boards like WayUp and preparing a polished application that sets you apart.

The post Top 10 Government Agencies Hiring College Graduates appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

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Embarking on the journey to find your first post-college job or internship is exciting but can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if you’re targeting a government role. With their structured hiring processes, detailed application requirements, and highly competitive nature, government jobs may seem like a maze. However, they are also some of the most stable, rewarding, and impactful positions you can pursue straight out of college.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about applying for government jobs as a college student or recent graduate. From understanding where to search to crafting a standout application, we’ve got you covered so you can confidently take the next step in your career.

What Are Government Jobs?

Government jobs are positions in public service that allow individuals to work for federal, state, or local agencies. These roles span diverse fields such as public policy, healthcare, education, engineering, cybersecurity, and even arts and communication. Unlike private sector roles, government jobs focus on serving the public interest, ensuring community development, and upholding the values of democracy.

If you’re a recent graduate or still in college, you’ll likely find entry-level positions or internships tailored to young professionals. These programs are great for gaining hands-on experience and working toward long-term employment in the public sector.

Why Pursue a Government Job After College?

There are countless reasons why government jobs are a popular choice among new grads. Here are just a few:

• Stability: Government jobs are known for offering excellent job security, even during economic downturns.
• Benefits: Expect competitive benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Growth Opportunities: Many government agencies provide structured career paths with room for advancement.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Serving your community or country is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a tangible impact.

Where to Find Government Jobs for College Students and Recent Grads

If you’re ready to dive in, knowing where to look is half the battle. The U.S. government and individual agencies have established platforms to help streamline the search process for students and new grads.
• USAJobs.gov: The official job board for federal government roles. You can filter by your eligibility, such as “recent graduates” or “internships.”
• WayUp: WayUp is the go-to platform for students and grads seeking a wide range of opportunities, including government roles. Whether you’re looking for internships or entry-level positions, WayUp provides user-friendly tools to simplify your search.
• State and Local Government Websites: Many states have their own career websites where you can explore openings in government agencies.
• University Career Centers: Your school’s career center likely partners with government recruiters, so don’t overlook their job boards and career fairs.

The Application Process for Government Jobs

The process of applying for a government job differs significantly from applying for private sector roles. Federal agencies, for example, follow strict guidelines when hiring to ensure fairness and transparency. Here’s how you can prepare:

Understand the Job Announcement
Every government job posting includes a detailed job announcement outlining the role’s responsibilities, required qualifications, and application steps. Pay close attention to the “who may apply” section, as some roles are restricted to current students, recent grads, or U.S. citizens.

Create a Federal Resume
A federal resume is not your typical one-page resume. It’s a more detailed document that includes information such as:
• Job titles and descriptions
• Salary history
• Work hours per week
• Supervisor contact information

Make sure your federal resume mirrors the job announcement by using similar keywords and phrases. This approach will help your application pass through the automated systems used to screen applicants.

Prepare a Standout Cover Letter
Government recruiters want to know why you’re passionate about public service. Use your cover letter to highlight how your skills, education, and experiences align with the agency’s mission. Don’t forget to personalize it for each application.

Submit Transcripts and Other Documents
Government job applications often require supporting documents, such as transcripts, writing samples, or certifications. Ensure these are ready to upload before you start your application.

What Are Student-Focused Government Programs?

One of the best ways to break into government work as a college student or recent graduate is through programs tailored to young professionals. Here are a few to explore:

Pathways Programs
Offered by the federal government, the Pathways Programs include internships and full-time jobs for current students and recent graduates. This initiative is designed to help young professionals transition into federal careers.

Fellowships
Programs like the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program are prestigious opportunities for graduate students. Fellows often get fast-tracked into leadership roles.

AmeriCorps and Other Service Programs
If you’re passionate about community service, programs like AmeriCorps offer the chance to work on impactful projects while gaining hands-on experience in a government-related field.

How to Stand Out During the Application Process

The competition for government jobs can be fierce, especially in entry-level roles. Here’s how you can set yourself apart:
• Focus on Soft Skills: Highlight transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Gain Relevant Experience: Volunteer with nonprofits or complete internships that align with government work.
• Use Metrics: Quantify your achievements in your resume and cover letter to show measurable impact.

Challenges and Tips for First-Time Applicants

Government applications are often lengthy and highly competitive, which can discourage some first-time applicants. Here’s how to tackle common challenges:

Challenge: Applications are too complex.
Tip: Break the process into smaller steps and tackle one section at a time. Use checklists to stay organized.

Challenge: Rejection after weeks of waiting.
Tip: Don’t give up. Many applicants apply multiple times before securing a role. Use feedback to improve.

Challenge: Lack of experience.
Tip: Use internships and volunteer work to gain experience. Highlight classroom projects or group work if you’re fresh out of school.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after applying for a government job?
Timelines vary, but it can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Be patient and check your application status regularly.

Can I apply for multiple government jobs at once?
Yes, but tailor each application to the specific job description and agency to improve your chances.

Are government internships paid?
Most government internships, especially federal ones, are paid. However, some state and local programs may be unpaid.

What is the Pathways Program?
The Pathways Program is a federal initiative offering internships, recent graduate jobs, and fellowships to help students and new grads transition into government careers.

Do I need a security clearance for entry-level jobs?
Some positions may require a background check or security clearance, especially in sensitive areas like defense or intelligence.

What GPA do I need to qualify for government internships or entry-level jobs?

While there’s no universal GPA requirement, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher can make you a more competitive applicant.

Applying for government jobs as a college student or recent graduate can open the door to a fulfilling career in public service. Whether you’re aiming for an internship, entry-level role, or a spot in a prestigious program like Pathways, preparation is key. Take the time to understand the application process, tailor your materials, and leverage every resource available to you, such as WayUp’s job board. With persistence and dedication, you’ll be on your way to making a real difference in your community—and your career.

The post How to Apply for Government Jobs as a College Student or Recent Grad appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

It’s increasingly common for college seniors to realize that the major they selected years ago and have been working hard towards completing has no direct path into the workforce. For example, if you majored in History, Philosophy, Anthropology, or Art History, you probably don’t have many obvious career paths. Fortunately, there are plenty of recent grads who have gone on to become wildly successful in roles outside of anything their college major focused on.

Here are 5 actionable tips to help you break in to a role unrelated to your major:

1. Choose the Right Positions

There are quite a few positions out there for recent grads that don’t require specific college degrees. Choosing which ones are the right ones for you can be more of a burden than actually breaking into that field. If you’re not sure how to go about choosing the best positions for you, we have a guide to help you start your search.
Otherwise, figuring out what types of roles you’d excel at or want to excel at can make a world of a difference.

2. Get an Internship

This is the most surefire way to transition into an entry-level role. Internships, by definition, are supposed to provide you with real-world experience in a role. They shouldn’t ever require that you have any existing experience.

Sites like WayUp aren’t only there to help current students find internships. Even if you’ve already graduated, internships can be great opportunities for you. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you’ve already graduated that an internship will be easy to get. They’re becoming more competitive all of the time and you’ll want to look at doing some of the other tactics mentioned in these tips if you want to ensure you lock down that internship.

3. Start a Related Side Project

Side projects aren’t just for engineers and designers. If you’re looking to get into marketing, start a blog or some social media accounts that aren’t personal to practice representing a brand.

Another way to get some side project experience is to offer your skills for free. Find a small, local company near you and offer to help them run their social media campaigns for free. Want to learn more about sales? Find a local business with a sales team and ask if you can listen in on some of their calls.

4. Learn to Sell Yourself

Don’t focus solely on your skills. If employers are going to take a chance on a recent grad, they want to know that you’ll be passionate, driven, trustworthy, and respectful. Look back into your life experiences and figure out ways in which you can relate them to the position you’re applying for.

Don’t assume that your coursework is completely irrelevant. You may not immediately see how taking that ‘5th Century Greek Theater’ course could possibly help you excel at a ‘Volunteer Coordinator’, but it just might be your ticket. It’s possible that the morals of the plays were important life lessons to you and show that you can take away nuggets of helpful information from every context. Seek to make every experience an asset.

5. Discover a Mentor

The internet can be a great resource when researching career options or starting a side project. However, there’s another fantastic resource at your immediate disposal: people who are already in the career you’re looking at.

Search on Meetup for individuals or groups related to your career interests and get involved. Meeting people is a great way to learn more about a particular role and gain exposure to what the people in that role (the ones that will be hiring you) are looking for in candidates. If you can, try and get one of them to mentor you. The more you can use their connections to meet other individuals in the field, the better.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell me about yourself.

The post 5 Tips for Getting an Entry-Level Job Unrelated to Your Major appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

One of the most important questions you’ll ever be asked in an interview is, ‘Who would win in a fight, Batman or Superman?’ Just kidding! (The answer is Batman BTW.)

The most important question actually is: Why do you want this job?

Deceptively simple, this question has the potential to make or break your chances of landing your dream job. But don’t fret, because we’re going to walk you through crafting the perfect response. Plus, we’ll go over a few common mistakes that people make, too, just for good measure.

Batman approves.

Answering The Most Important Question

There are two parts to a great answer for “Why do you want this job?”

The first part of your answer should focus on the position you’re applying to. You want to start by describing why you’re interested in that specific job.

Say, for example, you’re in an interview for the position of—oh I don’t know—Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Your answer should therefore highlight your passion for plants and animals. Think about specific things you’ve done that would show this. For instance, maybe you were president of Hufflepuff’s Herbology club or grew up on a Mandrake farm. The key is to take something from your past experiences that shows an interviewer you’ll work hard and care about succeeding if you’re hired.

What most people think after answering that question.

The second part of your answer should focus on why you want to work at THIS company.

The key here is research, research, and more research. You want to find something unique and interesting about the company that shows you didn’t just skim the “About Us” section on its website. Make sure you find something specific and relevant to the position you want. There are plenty of resources where you can easily access this kind of information, like WayUp company profiles, podcasts, company blogs, etc.

Read ALL the articles!

Some Common Interview Mistakes To Avoid

Even if you have the makings of a great answer, there are a couple common mistakes we’ve come across that will drive any interviewer insane.

The first is answering the phone with just a simple, “Hello.” or the painfully casual, “Hey.” This leaves interviewers responsible for following up with something like, “Is this Patrick?” and gives them unnecessary work.

A simple solution is to always answer the phone by saying, “Hello, this is Patrick.” If you’re answering a call for an interview, you want to sound as professional as possible. (Of course, don’t say “Patrick” unless that’s your name.)

The next problem is a bit harder to tackle: filler words. For those unfamiliar with filler words, I present exhibit A:

Don’t think Patrick gets too many second interviews.

We can promise that if you pepper your interview responses with “ummms,” “likes,” and “uhhhs,” then your chances of getting hired plummet. It makes you sound like you didn’t prepare ahead of time and don’t really care about the job.

The best way to avoid filler words is practice. Once you have your perfect response crafted, say it out loud over and over again until you’re reciting it in your sleep.

Do, however, leave some room for improvisation and try to sound natural. Some “likes” and “umms” are inevitable, but don’t make it seem like it’s a habit.

Think Before You Speak

If you’re applying for a job, make sure you know why you want it. Any interviewer worth her salt will want to know, so think about why the position and company are right for you. Answering this well will distinguish you as someone who’s not only qualified for a job but also ready to thrive and succeed in the long-run.

P.S. If you’re interested in seeing these techniques put into practice, check out my other article about how I landed a job by wearing mismatched socks!

The post How To Answer: Why Do You Want This Job? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Here at the WayUp Guide, we know that going abroad is more than just an extended vacation. It’s an opportunity to truly broaden your horizons and invite new ways of thinking into your life. Connection with other people is a huge part of that process. To teach English abroad is to connect with a group of people trying to do the same thing that you are: Participate in a global society.

We’ve put together this piece to tell you everything you need to know about teaching English abroad.

Is It possible To Teach English While Studying Abroad?

For the most part, having your own classroom while you’re studying abroad in a traditional program is very rare. If you’re already headed to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else on a study abroad program and you’re hoping to teach English while you’re there for a semester, the chances of doing this in an institution are very low. Even if it were more widely available, it would take a huge chunk of your time (given that it would come in addition to classes). The added stress of having a job, classes, and everything else would probably do more harm than good to your experience.

It is, however, very possible to teach English to individuals as a tutor or to work with an organization on a smaller scale. If you’re interested in tutoring foreign students, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English. This is especially true if you’re in a big city with universities. Some people are even unofficially hired to teach English to interested groups at community centers or other organizations. However, accepting a paid position comes with a web of legal entanglements. (You can read more about the dangers of that here.)

Given that getting paid to teach English is usually difficult, you can always tutor/teach on a volunteer basis. This is nice because there’s a much smaller time commitment when it comes to volunteering. Ask your study abroad program director or your study abroad office if such opportunities are available at your site. Students who came before you may have already done similar programs. If not, you can always call around to local universities or schools and ask if they need a volunteer.

Teaching English while you’re studying abroad, on a small scale, is definitely doable.

Teaching English Abroad In A Summer Program

If you’re really interested in the full teaching experience, then you should consider a summer program.

Again, if you’re an undergrad, most of the positions available to you will be on a volunteer basis. However, those programs will often pay for your room and board. You might also receive a small stipend for spending money. The best places to find programs like these are developing countries. Established economies like those in Europe and East Asia will usually have higher educational standards for English teachers.

If you want a paid position, then you should look into to getting a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification to bolster your resume. After that, it should be much easier to find a paid position without having to first pay a private service like Geovisions to scout out a position for you (although that is a fine option).

However, as we’ll talk about in the next section, a certification is not strictly necessary. And there are most certainly options for those looking to teach without them.

Do You Need A Certification To Teach English Abroad?

The short answer is, no. There are many programs that do not require certifications for undergrads looking to teach English in the summer. For the other types of tutoring or small-group teaching positions, those are usually undocumented to begin with and won’t require any certification. However, even programs that do allow undergrads to teach without certification will sometimes say they prefer it and favor students who do have it.

As we mentioned above, having a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification can add a lot to your resume as a potential teacher. However, it is totally possible to teach without a certification. Check out our list of programs below to see which ones do and don’t require certification.

These certifications cost approximately $500 and can usually be completed through an online course.

Longer English Teacher programs for after graduation have different requirements. But you don’t have to worry about going through official government training or getting certifications when you’re an undergrad (usually).

Here Are Some Great Programs And Resources To Check Out.

Find programs and jobs:

• Dave’s ESL Cafe — Resource for connecting ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers and students from around the world.

• API Study Abroad — Program that sends people around the world to teach English and volunteer.

• AIESEC US — Non-profit, student-run group connecting teachers and students in more than 107 countries and territories.

• Alliance Abroad/AIDE — Career site for teaching English abroad in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

• Interexchange — Site connecting students and recent grads with programs to travel abroad, teach English, and volunteer (will help you become TEFL-certified).

• World Teach — Program connecting students and recent grads with opportunities to teach English abroad during the year, for a semester, or during the summer.

• International Volunteer HQ — Organization connecting students with volunteer programs, some of which involve teaching English.

There are a ton of other programs and organizations out there! This list is just to get the ball rolling!

Find program reviews/ratings/details:

• CIEE — Organization that helps you find study abroad/teach abroad programs that are right for you.

• Go Overseas — Find reviews, compiled ratings, and program details.

• Study Abroad 101 — Reviews, ratings, and more.

For all your other study abroad, internship, or career questions, be sure to check out the WayUp Guide for more!

The post Can You Teach English Abroad During College? Everything You Need To Know About Teaching English Overseas appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

“A black hole is a region of space-time from which it is impossible to escape.”
Stephen Hawkins

One of the biggest questions we hear from students is what happens to my application after I hit submit?  Does it ever reach a college recruiter’s desk, does it ever get read or is it simply launched out into space?  In the HR world this is referred to as the applicant black hole, because once you send an application online into it’s very easy for it to disappear into space.

This problem exists for a number of reasons but the fact is that fewer than 5% of employers follow-up with every applicant they receive and even fewer communicate the real reasons about why they made the choice they did.

While it might seem easy to blame companies for not doing a better job of responding, the reality is that most HR managers receive hundreds of applications every week and are over worked reviewing them — so it’s up to you to stand out. By understanding a bit more about how the online application process works, you can figure out how to navigate this abyss and make sure you emerge on the other side with your ideal internship.
Where do all the resumes go?

As you can probably guess, applications for internships rarely follow the same path. Some employers ask you to apply directly to their email inbox. Others ask for you to apply using a job website like Taleo or WayUp so that they can save the applications in a database online and share them with other employees in the office.

Depending on the size of the employer and how they are accepting applications you need to think up the best strategy to make sure you don’t get overlooked when it comes to decision time. For example, if you’re given a contact name or email address, do some research on the individual and customize your application materials to them personally.

Building a better rocket ship!

The other important skill to develop when applying for internships online is to learn how to make your application stand out among the competition.

Here are 5 tips to help:

1.) Follow-Up!

The biggest piece of advice we can recommend to avoid getting ignored is to follow-up consistently with an employer after you submit an application. This is an art not a science, but most students are way too hesitant to follow-up with employers even if just to ask what the time frame is on responding or to remind them that you have applied. For best practices see our guide on how to follow-up with employers.

2.) Remove all typos from your resume.

Another reason you may not hear back from employers is because they tossed out your resume at first sight. Even if you have one typo on your resume, it shows an employer a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. In fact almost 50% of employers stop reading a resume if they see just one typo! So double check your resume and check out our resume guide for extra help.

3.) Be unique.

As an employer who has hired many students I can safely say, my job is a lot easier when a particular student breaks the mold by standing out. Don’t just spam employers with a standard cover letter, take the extra hour to write something and make a unique cover letter. If the employer has a twitter account tweet at them about how excited you are. If they are coming to your school for a career fair, go and introduce yourself to the recruiting staff and start building a relationship. Your hard work will pay off when it comes to decision time.

4.) Don’t use scammy websites to apply for positions!

Top job boards like your Career Center website or WayUp work hard to make sure every position that is online is up to date and is a high quality position. If you are finding positions by doing a Google search or on Craigslist, you may find some great opportunities but as a rule of thumb the further you go from trusted sites the more likely you are to be applying to a position that has either already closed or doesn’t exist altogether.

5.) Don’t get discouraged.

Last but not least don’t get discouraged. A lot of employers are getting overwhelmed with applications in the current down economy, so even if you are over qualified for a position you simply might not hear back. If you keep at it and keep improving your application skills such as following-up, being unique, and using top job boards, you are going to start getting interviews and eventually find a position you’re excited about.

If you have any questions about the black hole or how to avoid it, feel free to comment or send us emails to support@wayup.com and we are happy to help.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How to Apply to Internships Online and Not Get Lost in The Black Hole appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Whether you’re looking for a paid or unpaid internship or an entry-level job, finding a great position goes way beyond the job description. From company culture to opportunities for growth, there are several things you should keep in mind when deciding between potential employers.

Here are the top things to look for in a company.

1. Do the company’s values align with yours?

One of the most important things to consider when researching potential employers is how their values align with yours. This is because working for a company is about a lot more than just the hours you put in each day. It’s about knowing that the company values some of the same things you do (like honesty, integrity and hard work) and understanding how those values match up with your own. Whether it’s finding a company with a model you admire or one that takes environmental action seriously and donates money to prevent global warming, you should feel that you and your potential employer stand for the same things and that you can build a lasting relationship.

2. Does the company culture fit your personality?

Many employers list cultural fit as the most important thing they look for when interviewing candidates, and you should put this at the top of your list too. For example, if you’re more comfortable in a relaxed environment than a conservative one, then a company with a corporate culture might not be a great fit for you. Before you sign that offer letter, take the time to assess how you’d fit in at the company and how the company culture would fit you.

3. Are the team members people you’d love to work with?

Whether it’s an internship or a full-time job, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with your new co-workers so it’s important to make sure that they’re people you’d like to work with. This goes hand-in-hand with cultural fit and it’s something you should be aware of when considering a new opportunity. The average American spends around one-third of each weekday at work, so having co-workers you get along with is a key part of being happy at your job.

4. Will you be offered opportunities to learn?

Having the chance to learn new things is important in any position, but it’s especially important during the early stages of your career. For that reason, finding an internship or full-time job that allows you to learn as much as possible is key to the development of your career.

5. Is there room for growth within the company?

In addition to offering you opportunities to learn about the industry, a great company should also offer opportunities for advancement within the organization. This is even more important in the case of internships and entry-level jobs because the opportunity for a promotion (or a full-time job) is a great incentive to learn as much as possible and prove your commitment to the team. The exception to this is if you’re not looking for a long-term opportunity but are looking to gain experience for a year or two before going to grad school.

6. Will your managers make you feel appreciated?

Feeling appreciated is an important part of any life experience, but it’s especially important in your working life. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that there should be company-sponsored happy hours or free weekly lunches, it does mean that your employer should make you feel valued by offering positive feedback and supporting your efforts to learn and improve.

7. Does the company offer security and stability?

One of the most important things a company can offer its employees is a secure and stable environment. This doesn’t just mean a regular paycheck (although that’s part of it), but also a proven history of steady success and a sense of job security. Although it’s unrealistic to expect smooth sailing all the time, a solid track record is a great indication that the company can provide you with the type of environment you need to succeed.

8. Does the company set you up for success?

Although a lot of your professional success will depend on you, there are several things an employer can do to set you for a great outcome. This includes everything from in-depth training to goal setting and regular feedback, factors that are especially important as your begin your career.

9. Will your role teach your transferrable skills?

In addition to offering training for your current role, a great company will set you up for future success by teaching you transferrable skills that you can use in your next position. When applying for a job, ask yourself what you can learn from the role and don’t be afraid to discuss training opportunities and skill building during your interview.

10. Will you be challenged in a positive way?

Being challenged to learn and to grow is one of the key markers of a great company. In fact, getting out of your company zone is one of the best ways to learn new skills and to find out who you are as a professional. Look for companies that make you feel enthusiastic about taking on new challenges and offer the support you need to turn those challenges into wins.

Whether you’re embarking on your first job search or your fifth, finding a company that will provide you with great opportunities requires some research. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find the right fit and to give yourself the best chance of success.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Much Should I be Paid at an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post Top 10 Things You Should Look For In a Company appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

One of the keys to landing an awesome job is starting off on the right foot with the recruiter. Writing a strong resume and filling out your WayUp profile are the best ways to get started, but if you want to really stand out, a cover letter can be a great way to demonstrate the value you can bring to an organization. That said, few things are as annoying to recruiters as a poorly written cover letter. So, what can you do to ensure that yours make a good impression? Here are the top three cover letter mistakes and tips on what you can do to fix them.

1. Focusing too much on yourself and your resume.

Although it’s great to list one or two key accomplishments that are relevant to the role you’re applying for, your cover letter shouldn’t rehash your resume. In fact, it should focus on the things that you can bring to the table and only mention the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Instead of summarizing your achievements, go beyond your resume and make your experiences personal to the job.

Pro Tip: Quantifying achievements with metrics is a wonderful way to demonstrate the impact you’ve had at previous jobs and to help hiring managers envision you as a member of their team.

2. Making it longer than a page.

Another common cover letter mistake a lot of college students and recent grads make is to write a letter that’s far too long. Although this might be tempting (after all, you want to show the hiring manager that you’ve done a lot of cool things and could do a wonderful job for them), it’s important to remember that employers are often quite busy and often don’t have time to read a two-page letter. Instead of telling them your whole life story, focus on conveying your enthusiasm for the role and highlighting 2-3 key things that define your work and your personality.

Pro Tip: Knowing how to structure your cover letter will go a long way toward ensuring that you get it right. We recommend keeping it to three paragraphs with the first paragraph mentioning why you’re applying for the position, the second paragraph explaining your interest in the role and the industry and the third paragraph discussing your qualifications. This is a great way to ensure that you’re hitting on all the right points without going overboard on the length.

3. Not checking for typos and grammar mistakes.

Of all the mistakes you can make on your cover letter, not proofreading for typos is probably the worst. This signifies a lack of attention and also a lack of care, two things that are unlikely to impress recruiters. The best way to avoid this is by making sure to read through your letter at least three times and asking a friend or family member to take a look at it too.

Pro Tip: Here’s a proofreading tip you may not have heard before: Reading backwards is an excellent way to catch spelling mistakes that you might otherwise gloss over. The best way to do it is by going through the letter word by word (starting with your signature) and working your way to the top.

While a strong cover letter can help you get noticed by employers, a weak one might hurt your chances of getting hired. By knowing what mistakes to look out for — and what to do if they pop up — you’ll be able to write the kind of cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Become a Financial Analyst and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

The post 3 Cover Letter Mistakes You Never Knew You Were Making appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Not doing interview follow-up is a bit like cramming for a final and then falling asleep an hour beforehand and missing the whole thing. You did all the heavy lifting, but will probably still get a zero.

As absurd as this may sound, even the most organized and hard-working students fall victim to a similar problem every year. They send internship applications, but don’t follow-up with the employers, leaving a high percentage chance that their application will get lost in the mix.

Interview follow-ups are among the most important and overlooked aspects of getting an internship, so take note.

What IS a follow-up?

A follow-up is a simple email or note, thanking someone for taking the time to meet or speak with you. A follow-up helps you build rapport with an interviewer or contact and lets them know you are a professional and comfortable communicating in a professional setting.

Most importantly though, a good follow-up makes sure you stay top of mind when a hiring manager makes the difficult decision of selecting who gets an internship and who doesn’t. More often then not, when there are multiple qualified candidates for a role, the hiring manager will pick the person who “feels” right.

“So wait, you’re telling me that a simple email, that I can write in 2 minutes, might be the tipping point that lands me my dream internship???”

Exactly!

Scenarios and examples.

Follow-ups are more of an art than a science. When done politely and thoughtfully, they will leave a lasting positive impression. When done awkwardly or aggressively, they can get you branded as a pain in the behind. Ultimately, they are so important and so commonplace in the professional world that it is absolutely essential that you learn the follow-up process and commit to using them.

Pro tip: Remember that most hiring managers are busy, so be considerate, direct and keep it brief.

Below are different scenarios where you should follow-up and some best practices on how to ensure that your message shines!

1.) After an interview

You should follow-up after every interview you have, no exceptions! This email should be sent either the day of the interview or the day after. It should be brief and thankful. And, if you would like, you can reference a part of the interview in which you feel like you connected with the interviewer, but you want to avoid coming off like a suck up.

Ex. 1

“John,

Thanks for taking the time to interview with me today. It was really interesting to learn how Widget Corp’s social media efforts are focused on creating two-way conversations, rather than pushing content. I have always found that listening first leads to stronger relationships and better results, and really appreciated this point.

Please let me know if you would like any additional references and thanks again for your consideration.

Cheers,

Sally

Pro Tip: Oftentimes, a short and to the point email is best after an interview.

Ex. 2

“John,

Thanks for taking the time to interview me. I think Widget Corp has an exciting product and culture, and believe that my experience as social media director for my university would make me a great fit.

Thanks for your consideration and have a great rest of your week.

Regards,

Sally

All-Star Pro Tip:
Bring a blank thank-you card and stamped envelope to an in-person interview. After you leave the interview, fill-in the thank-you card and place it in the nearest mailbox to be delivered to your interviewer’s desk the next morning.

2.) After submitting an application and not hearing back

The second most common time to use a follow-up is if you have submitted an application and you have not heard back. While many students assume this is because they have been rejected, in many cases a lack of response occurs when the hiring manager is overwhelmed and they have simply been lost in the mix. As long as you are polite and considerate you have nothing to lose, in following-up and seeing where you stand in the review process.

Ex.

John,

I know you are really busy so I wanted to quickly hop back on to your inbox. Did you happen receive my application for your marketing management role?

Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Sally

3.) After a networking lunch or informational interview

It is common that as you conduct your internship search, you will take time to meet with different professionals in your field; either references from family, professors, or other contacts you have developed. When these busy professionals take time to speak with you about the industry, it warrants a follow-up, with the best follow-ups thanking them for their time and showing them that you paid attention and learned something new from the conversation.

“John,

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today, it was really interesting to learn more about how you have seen social media change from one-to-many type conversations, to more one-on-one conversations. I agree that building relationships, rather than just spraying content is a much more powerful way to grow users in new online communities.

In fact I just read an article in Search Engine Land about this that I thought you might enjoy.

Thanks again for your time, would you mind if I had one or two quick follow-up questions if I reached out?

All the best,

Sally

4.) Immediately after sending an application

A follow-up directly after sending an application can be a way to stand out, but should only be used if the selection process is rolling, not if there is a set deadline.

Ex.

“John,

My name is Sally and I just submitted an application to your Widget Marketing Position. I spent last year marketing widgets and learned a lot about the process and am excited to bring my past experience, and team-centric focus to your marketing campaigns this summer. If you have any follow-up questions feel free to let me know and thanks for your time and consideration.

Cheers,

Sally

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post Here’s What To Do After An Interview If You Want To Get Hired appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Understanding the difference between an offer letter and a contract is one of the key ways to set yourself up for success in your career. Since the terms are closely linked, many recent grads tend to think of them interchangeably when in fact, an offer letter and a contract have some important differences.

Here are the key things you need to know about offer letters and contracts.

What is an offer letter?

Once you’ve successfully gotten through the interview process and received a verbal offer, you’ll soon receive an offer letter. So, what is an offer letter? It’s a formal job offer that includes most or all of the following things:

• Job title
• Start date
• Salary
• Manager’s name
• Employee benefits
• Employment relationship

Intended to lay out the terms of employment, an offer letter is the employer’s way of letting you know exactly what the job entails and what you can expect from accepting the role. Once you receive an offer letter, you typically have anywhere from 24 hours to a week to sign it. If you choose not to do so, the offer will expire.

What is a contract?

Similar to an offer letter, a contract lays out the details of a role and includes many of the same key pieces of information. However, unlike an offer letter, a contract typically has a specific time period attached to it and is used in cases where employers are hiring someone for a certain amount of time. Contracts are likely to be used in the following cases:

• Freelance positions
• Temp to perm positions
• Contract positions for specific projects

Like offer letters, contracts are time sensitive and generally require a signature within about a week.

Are you likely to receive both an offer letter and a contract?

Generally speaking, the answer is no. Although offer letters and contracts serve similar purposes, they’re generally used for different types of work. While an offer letter indicates the beginning of a long term full-time role, a contract is more often used to a establish short-term work relationship or one that does not fit the terms for full-time employment. For example, while you might work standard full-time hours on a contract, you’re unlikely to receive the same benefits as a full-time employee such as health insurance or a 401k plan.

Pro Tip: Temp to perm employees (employees who begin as contractors before transitioning to full-time members of the team) are the exception to the rule. Since these types of employees start off as contracted workers, they work on a contract basis before receiving their offer letter to join the team full-time.

Knowing the difference between an offer letter and a contract is a great way to manage your expectations when it comes to accepting a job offer. This will ensure that you know what each type of offer means and that you’re able to make an informed decision about accepting it.

The post What’s the Difference Between An Offer Letter And A Contract? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

After successfully applying for a job and going through the interview process, the hiring manager says the phrase you’ve been hoping to hear. “We want to offer you the job!” But what happens when several days have passed and you still haven’t received the offer letter? Do you follow up to ask when you can expect it or just sit tight waiting for the email?

Here are the steps to take if you have a verbal offer but not a written one.

Send a follow-up note asking for a timeframe

If it’s been over 48 hours and you still haven’t received a formal offer, contact the hiring manager to express your enthusiasm about the offer and to ask about the status. Keep your note short and to the point, and be specific about what you’re asking.

Say something like:

“Dear Ms. Blocs,

Thank you so much again offering me the social media coordinator position. I’m very excited about the role and looking forward to being part of the team at XYZ company.

One quick question: When can I expect to receive the offer letter? I’d love to review it and understand the timeline by which I must make my decision.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you again,
Emily”

Understand what might be causing the delay

Waiting for a job offer can be nerve wracking, especially when you’re not sure of the exact timeframe. A good way to stay calm is to understand some common reasons for a delay. These can include things like the time it takes to coordinate between different departments or the fact that a key member of the team may be away and unable to offer their approval until they return. Whatever the case, there are likely to be several reasons why the offer letter hasn’t arrived yet that have nothing to do with you personally. Sending the follow-up note is a great way to address these issues directly and to get the hiring manager to give you some clarity about the hold up.

Keep going with your job search

Another key thing to do while waiting for the offer letter is to keep going with your job search. Since job offers do occasionally fall apart before an offer letter is sent out, it’s important to keep your options open by continuing to apply to jobs and to go on interviews. This will ensure that you’re not losing momentum in your job search and that you’re able to move on quickly if the offer doesn’t come through. Added bonus: You might get a second job offer in the process.

Although waiting for an offer letter can definitely cause some anxiety, by following these steps you’ll be sure to stay on top of the process and to get hired as quickly as possible.

The post What Should You Do If You Have A Verbal Job Offer But Not A Written One? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

To summarize the points above, ingredients needed to make a successful cover letter are:

Header with contact information:

Including a header with your contact information on the cover letter makes you look professional and ensures your information will be easy to find. You should also consider including this header on all documents you’re submitting when applying, it demonstrates your professionalism and acts as an opportunity to brand yourself to the perspective employer.

Who is your audience?

Try to find the person who is in charge of intern hiring and address your cover letter and resume to them. Statistics show you have a better chance of being hired if you know who’s doing the hiring and if you recognize them, so take some time to research who will be reviewing your submitted materials and write to them specifically.

The hook:

The person reviewing applicant cover letters and resumes will most likely be going through more than you can imagine, so it’s extremely important to hook ‘em with the first line of your cover letter. Start your cover letter with a statement that will catch the reader’s eye, you can try an interesting or entertaining fact that relates you to the company. Always try your hardest to avoid the typical salutations used in writing, because chances are, your reader has already come across many and is sick of seeing them.

What I do and what I can do for you:

Employers want to know what you can bring to the table, so why beat around the bush, give them what they want! It’s rare for a hiring manager to read an entire cover letter from start to finish, so try using bullet points and bolded text to help identify the important information they’ll be searching for.

Finish strong, let your confidence shine:

Let the company know why you want to work for them and that you really believe you would be a good fit with their team, their company culture, and company community. Also, adding a signature will personalize your cover letter and help you stand out with a sense of professionalism.

The post Cover Letter Guides appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Picking an MBA program is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to your career. Designed to improve your understanding of business administration and help you develop managerial, analytical and problem-solving skills, an MBA program will make you a competitive candidate in almost any industry. So how can you ensure that you’re picking a great program and taking every factor into account? The answer is to have a solid game plan in place before you start your applications.

Here are the key steps to take when selecting an MBA program.

1. Determine what you want from an MBA program

In order to get the most from any MBA program, you need a clear, focused goal. This means having a strong sense of what you want to do with your degree and finding a program that will help you develop the skills you need to get there. For example, if you’re interested in working in a particular industry, you may find that a specialized MBA program in an area like marketing, accounting or human resources might be good be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re not sure how you want to apply your MBA degree, a general MBA program could be a better fit, particularly if you’re in the process of changing careers or considering doing so at some point down the line.

2. Research different types of MBA programs

Once you have a sense of what you want to get out of your MBA program, it’s time to start researching different types of programs. This includes learning about more specialized types of MBA degrees, looking at both part-time and full-time options to determine which one fits your schedule and also determining whether you want to go with a traditional program or an online one. Although you might already have a clear idea of what type of program you want to pursue, doing this type of research will ensure that you’re making a truly informed decision and finding the program that best fits your needs.

3. Ask for advice from current MBA candidates and graduates

Getting advice from other MBA candidates is a great way to gain a better understanding of different programs and to find out what you can expect from business school in general. The best way to approach this is by reaching out to friends or peers who are currently enrolled in an MBA program or have recently graduated from one. If you don’t have any friends in business school, that’s okay too. You can ask program administrators at school you’re considering to put you in touch with a current MBA candidate who can answer your questions.

4. Pick an MBA program that closely matches your needs

With all the information in place, it’s time to assess the different programs you’re considering and find the one that best fits your needs. This means taking into account your schedule, goals and personal finances and determining which programs work best for you. Although you’ll undoubtedly have a top choice, be sure to apply to at least three to five programs to give yourself the best chance of success.

Picking an MBA program requires a focused approach and an open mind. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find the one that’s right for you.

Next, learn more about grad school such as How an MBA Program Works and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Set Great Internship or Job Goals.

The post How to Pick an MBA Program appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Writing a blog post on why you would like to work at a company is a brilliant way to stand out. A blog post application serves two purposes:

1.) It demonstrates that you understand and know how to use important online marketing and communication tools.

2.) The medium itself allows you to express a voice and excitement for a company in a manner that is much stronger and more powerful than a traditional cover letter.

There are two easy to use services for writing a blog post on — Tumblr and WordPress!

Tumblr
takes only a few seconds to setup and is built to allow to get applying quickly.

WordPress
is more customizable, a little more complex to setup, but has a ton of additional tools and features to help you standout.  It is also more commonly used by companies so is more helpful in teaching you the right skills when applying for a marketing or communications role.

Inspiration:

This blog post by Lisa Petrilli explains 4 ways your blog can succeed in making you standout and offers additional insight on why this strategy can be effective.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How to Use a Blog to Apply for An Internship appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Congratulations on getting an interview, it’s no minor feat! It’s important to remember that the employer will be far less forgiving in an entry-level job interview than in an internship interview. Hiring a full-time employee is much riskier than hiring an intern for the summer. So come well rested, prepared, and as relaxed as you possibly can.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 entry-level interview questions and answers to help you prepare to land your first job after. They fall into the following categories:

What’s Next

Now that you’ve got the top 20 questions down, you’re gonna nail that interview and get the job. Well, at least we hope you do! Next, check out some tips we have on evaluating entry-level job fit.

Once you’ve got the job, come check out our tips on starting your entry-level job off right and setting great entry-level job goals.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell me about yourself.

The post Top 20 Entry-Level Job Interview Questions and Answers appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Knowing where to start the search for your first job after college and how to refine the numerous options available is half of the battle. Intelligently planning out your approach can save you precious time and energy. Here are a few pieces of advice to get you started on your search.

Understanding Yourself

The first task you should tackle is getting familiar with yourself. Knowing your desires, strengths, and weaknesses will enable you to narrow your search process from the get-go. If you’re an exceptionally strong writer and outgoing, social individual, you might make a great marketer. Analytical thinker and problem solver who loves to tackle problems on your own? You might make a great data analyst or engineer. Not sure about your strengths or what type of position you’re looking for? No worries, you can easily start by looking at all of the positions available in a particular location.

Knowing Where to Look

The internet is full of resources to help you find jobs. There are hundreds and hundreds of search engines for jobs. How do you choose the right one?

The good news is that there are two primary strategies for job searches on the internet. Searching on Google will often lead you to the largest job search engines and often some search engines that specialize in what you’re looking for (like WayUp). These larger search engines will often have many positions from the largest companies and most prolific brands in the world. Searching on the specialty job boards is the other primary strategy. If you know exactly what you’re interested in doing, job boards with a narrower focus often have high quality postings from very desirable small companies.

You can also start looking locally by getting in contact with your career center (even if you’re a recent grad). Local employers often post jobs with the local universities knowing that students will come to the career center for help finding employment. If you’d like to remain near your university, the career center can be a fantastic resource.

Searching for Entry-Level Positions by Keyword

If you opt to search for jobs on a larger search engine, you will likely lose the ability to easily search for entry-level positions only. In that case, here is a list of job title keywords that can help you narrow the results down to entry-level positions:

“Junior”

is a very common entry-level term for technical jobs or design related jobs.

“Associate”

is another commonplace title for recent graduates. Many marketing and business roles have the associate title.

“Entry-Level”

is a term primarily used by the job seeker. It’s not common for employers to post positions with this term in the title. However, a few will, so you might get lucky and find a position if you search by this term.

“Recent Graduates”

is a term you won’t find in many job titles, but it’s often in job descriptions for entry-level positions.

“Graduating”

is a much broader search term, but one that will also often be prevalent in the descriptions of entry-level positions.

Look Outside of Your Major

It’s becoming more and more common for recent grads to land their first job in a position completely unrelated to their major. Just because you chose to major in psychology or english doesn’t mean you have to only look for jobs in psychology or english. There are plenty of junior or associate-level jobs that aren’t directly associated with a common college major. Keep your eyes open for things like coordinator or volunteer management roles at non-profits, account management positions, and operations roles.

This isn’t just the case for non-technical majors either. If you majored in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering, you don’t have to go straight into an engineering role. You might make a wonderful Product Manager or Data Scientist.

Interested in stepping outside of your major? Here are 5 tips to help you get a job that is unrelated to your major.

Be Aware of Scams and Advantageous Employers

It’s incredibly sad, but recent graduates are often taken advantage of in their first job. Many positions that sound incredibly appealing and promising are actually terrible jobs or scams. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Jobs That Seem Too Good to be True

Pro tip: they probably are too good to be true. If someone is offering you a large signing bonus or an unbelievably high salary for an easy position, it’s best to steer clear. Scammers often masquerade as employers hiring recent graduates for positions like Office Manager, Customer Support, Front Desk, Assistant, etc.

Ambassador or Campus Rep positions

These positions are common part-time roles for current students but aren’t the best options for recent graduates. They often pay a meager commission for each student you get to sign up for their service. When you’re in school and can easily network with your classmates, these positions can help pay the bills bit-by-bit. However, once you graduate, it’s extremely difficult to make enough money to live off of.

Be Diligent, Daily

Employers post new entry-level roles constantly. It’s important to diligently stay on top of your job search. Here are a few tips for doing that:

1. Sign up to receive job alerts by email from any of the entry-level specific job boards (i.e. WayUp).
2. Search for positions on your phone while you’re commuting (please don’t do this if you commute by car). Use Google to find entry-level jobs near you.
3. Create a daily calendar reminder to check the major job boards for any recent positions that might be of interest to you.

Finding the right entry-level jobs to apply to is not an easy task. However, taking your time to do some introspection and plan out your search process will make your process far less painful.

Start Your Entry-Level Job Search Now

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell me about yourself.

The post Advice for Starting Your Entry-Level Job Search appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

At WayUp we believe every student should have amazing business cards. They are one of the easiest and most effective ways to stand out at zoo-like career fairs and to remain at the top of a recruiters mind after an interview.

Get A Leg Up:

A good business card says I’m a professional.

It helps recruiters put a check mark next to your name and says this student is ready to work in an office, meet with executives and contribute to our team. It’s an action that is worth a thousand words to most employers who are constantly afraid that after making their student hires, they are going to spend the next month teaching interns professional basics rather than getting work done.

Aside from being an in your face way of telling interviewers that you are better equipped and more ready to begin working in the professional world than your peers, a good business card makes you memorable.
Every person you meet at a career fair or job interview, is talking to tons of students.   They are taking down mental notes of who is a good fit and who isn’t but, it is easy for those notes to begin to blur together.  These recruiters are begging for a sign that helps them make a more informed choice on who to select.  When they open their pocket or look down at their desk and see your business card, with your picture or favorite quote on it, you will have just made their job a whole lot easier.

Personalized Design:

I’m a student, not a business, what should I put on my card?

Business cards are relationship builders, they are ways to stay in touch and build your personal brand.
The golden rule is that when an employer looks at your business card the day after you meet, they should instantly remember you.

So if you are interested in marine biology, then perhaps put your favorite whale on the front of your card.  If you are interested in finance, make a clean, professional card with a quote from Warren Buffett on the back.  Or if you are an art major, you can put your favorite Picasso on the front! There is a no limit to what you can do, but the best cards are typically both subtle and personal.

If you’re running out of ideas or don’t want to pigeon hole yourself with a single design, then a great fall back design is to place your college crest on the front of your card with your name, contact info, and school email address.  A college crest on a mono-colored business card is a simple and professional way to show pride in where you go to school.

Business card etiquette!

Knowing when and how to hand out business cards is a whole skill in itself.  The general rule is that in networking situations you want to give out your business card at the end of the conversation.  For example, when wrapping up a conversation, you can say, “It was great speaking with you, here is my card, let’s stay in touch.”  The other person should also give you their card and that way you too can follow-up with them as well.

In an interview or meeting setting you want to give out your business card at the beginning.  You might say, “Thanks for taking the time to meet with me, here’s my card to hold onto.”  If they give you their card, proper etiquette says you want to place it squarely on the desk in front of you, facing you for the remainder of the conversation.

Business Cards from Moo.com!

Whether you need business cards for an upcoming career fair or want them because they are a lot of fun to make and to hand out to friends WayUp has you covered.WayUp recommends Moo.com for a pack of professionally designed business cards from Moo.com. Moo is one of the leaders in business card design so whatever you decide is just about guaranteed to look great.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How to Stand Out with Student Business Cards appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Settled on San Diego as your summer internship destination? That’s great because you have chosen to be in one of the most beautiful cities in America. San Diego is the land of sun kissed beaches, surfer dudes and some of the most laid back people on earth. It’s the California that everybody dreams about.

Of course, just because the beach is always at most a 10 minute drive away doesn’t mean San Diegans are all slackers. Quite the contrary, as the top biotech and life science cluster in the country and home to the largest naval fleet in the world, San Diegans embody the ethos of “work hard, party hard.”

At WayUp, we want you to get the most out of your summer in San Diego so we took the time to create an Internship City Guide that gives you a crash course in navigating the city. The guide covers everything from transportation and networking opportunities to things that only seasoned locals would know.

See our housing guide for a full breakdown of neighborhoods and summer housing resources.

Exploring San Diego

The hardest part about going to the beach in San Diego is deciding which one to go to as there are just so many. Always wanted to learn how to surf? Head on to Pacific Beach to grab some waves and maybe a beer afterwards at one of the area’s many bars. If you prefer a quiet beach, check out Black’s beach where there are tide pools to explore and play in, however, beware of wandering too far north as it becomes a nude beach.

*Local Tip: High above Black’s Beach is a place UCSD students refer to as “the cliffs.” Boasting magnificent views of the coast below, this is one of San Diego’s best kept secrets. The hard to spot entrance is on Whitecliff Dr. and La Jolla Farms Rd.

In addition to the beach, San Diego’s outdoors also offers great hiking trails. The Mount Woodson Trail
or better known as the “Potato Chip Rock Hike” offers great views and a photo opportunity at the summit. For something less strenuous, take a walk along the Sunset Cliffs at Ocean Beach, rumored to be the best place to watch the sunset in San Diego.

If you are in the city, the world famous San Diego Zoo is not to be missed. After the zoo, check out the surrounding museums in Balboa Park. Head to sea and climb aboard a decommissioned aircraft carrier at the USS Midway museum. If you time it right, you can catch a Padres game after all that museum learning before ending your day at a classy restaurant in the historic Glasslamp Quarter.

*Local Tip: On your way out of the city, consider attending a late night improv show at the
National Comedy Theatre.

Getting Around San Diego: Transportation

San Diego, like all of Southern California is an automotive city; expect your mobility to be severely limited without a car. Parking in San Diego is a pretty easy affair, there is a lot of parking and the lot prices are affordable.

Public transit in the form of buses is slow and often not on time. The trolley system is better than the bus system but mainly serves downtown San Diego. For frequent users of public transit, a prepaid Compass Card is a must and can be easily bought in a variety of ways.

Local Food and Drink Spots

San Diegans take food very seriously and it shows by the large number of world class restaurants in the city.

A short list of must try places include Truluck’s, a seafood restaurant in La Jolla that was named the “Best of the best” by San Diego magazine. Normally, it’s a bit pricey for an intern’s salary, but if you go during happy hour it’s quite affordable. If you want a great view with your meal go to George’s at the Cove in downtown La Jolla, where you can look over the beach while enjoying a reasonably priced lunch that serves the best that California farms have to offer. A stay in San Diego is not complete without a visit to Phil’s BBQ, hands down the most famous restaurant in San Diego.

Taco Tuesday

Every Tuesday, Mexican restaurants in San Diego offer highly discounted tacos. $2 can get you a fish taco, the local favorite and if you feel like splurging a little, give the lobster taco a try. The most popular destinations for Taco Tuesday are World Famous and South Beach Bar and Grille. Arrive early at (around 5pm), if you do not want to wait 30 minutes or more to be seated.

*Local Tip: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, a hole in the wall taco shack in Pacific Beach serves a better fish taco than any of the previously mentioned destinations. In addition, it’s located near Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, which serves the best coffee in San Diego.

Breweries

San Diego has perhaps the largest concentration of independent brewers in the country. The most well-known brewery in the area is Karl Strauss, which has multiple brewery restaurant locations. Every Thursday is cask night at Karl Strauss, where you can try an unique cask conditioned ale that is not available at any other time, in addition, the ale changes every week. Craft beer enthusiasts will need to head over Stone Brewing Company and
Green Flash Brewery, both well-known San Diegan brands. All the beers at these breweries are reasonably priced, and even more so during happy hour.

*Local Tip: Though you can usually get these brands on tap at a local San Diego bar, it is highly suggested that you go visit the brewery because they have a unique atmosphere, knowledgeable bartenders and a much wider selection on tap.

Asian cuisine

Hampering for some Asian cuisine? Head down to Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa where pretty much all of San Diego’s notable Asian restaurants reside. Grab a bowl of delicious ramen at Tajima (open
till 3am!), or hot pho at Phuong Trang. Avoid the Chinese restaurants as they tend to be expensive and quite bad. Wash that meal down with a cup of boba milk tea at Tea Station.

Staying Fit

Keeping in shape to look good on the beach is a must for many San Diegans. No surprise that there always seems to be some local gym or 24 Hour Fitness nearby. Yoga has taken San Diego by storm and there are probably just as many yoga studios as there are gyms.

For the more adventurous, San Diego hosts some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) schools in the country. University of Jiu Jitsu and Andre Galvao San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
are just two of many schools in San Diego that are taught by BJJ world champions. If you want to train like and with professional MMA fighters, pay a visit to The Arena, Black House or Victory MMA.

Entrepreneurs Wanted!

San Diego has a fast growing startup scene and there is at least one networking event or workshop a week. Most of the events are free and provide a chance to learn valuable skills. In addition, it’s also a great way to meet interesting people over some great and oftentimes free beer.

*Local Tip: See all upcoming startup events at sdtechscene.org. Sign up for the San Diego Startup Digest
and Ansir Innovation Center newsletter for curated lists of events.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post San Diego Summer Internship Guide appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Letters of recommendation can make or break your ability to get hired. Even if your qualifications are excellent, if your referrals are non existent or negative your chances of finding employment are slim. That said, there are several things you can do to help insure that good references follow your employment trail, and are accessible to potential employers.

1.Identify the right references

If you have no work history or if you are asked for personal references, do not use family or peer group friends. If you feel that one of your parent’s friends knows you well you might consider using them.  Teachers, councilors, TAs and coaches could make strong personal references. But, don’t forget to ask them first.

2. Always ask permission of the person you hope to use as a reference.Never just assume they will say yes.

They may feel uncomfortable talking about you for reasons you may not even guess at. Some companies even have policies that prohibit their employees from saying anything but a confirmation of your employment and the dates of your employment.

3. Help them out.

You may want to list some skills, accomplishments or character traits that you think would apply and send the list to your references for their use. Also include the dates of your employment. Sometimes, people can be busy or distracted or forgetful and it is helpful for them to have a list in front of them when they write or talk about you. If they disagree with something you have put on the list, they can always leave it out.

4. If possible, obtain a letter of recommendation before you leave your internship or job.

You can ask for the referral during the all important exit interview or anytime before you leave.  What you don’t want is for your boss to move on from the company and disappear into the mist at some later date without a way for you to contact them.

5. Conduct an exit interview.

(See the section on how to conduct your exit). The exit interview will be a good opportunity to go over the company’s expectations and how they were met or exceeded by your accomplishments. You, also, will have refreshed their memory about how wonderful you are so they can say some very nice things about you.

6. Don’t burn any bridges upon leaving.

If you want to leave recommendations for change then do so carefully and with tact. Limit your discussion to issues that might make the next intern’s experience even better. Never, ever complain about any individual or incident, and make sure that you make any suggestions positive in tone and content.

7. You might consider having your boss’s recommendations posted on a professional networking site or on Facebook.

Such a site allows you have the references for public view for all of posterity. If you don’t like what someone says about you, you can simply erase it.

8. You do not need to say “references available upon request” on your resume or cover letter.

Employers know they can ask for them. If the references are available on a professional network, however, you could mention that in your cover letter and supply the specific link to your specific reference page.

9. Keep in touch.

If you worked for a company that refuses to give a reference because it is against company policy, do not despair. It is often possible to contact an employee after they have left the company and get a reference then.  Make sure you keep up with your boss or colleagues so you know where and when to reach them.

10. Don’t ask for references from someone who may give you a negative review.

A negative review from a reference can look really bad. This is someone you have hand selected as able to attest to your strong characteristics as a worker and a person. Make sure your references are coming from someone you can trust, who has openly commended you in the past, and ideally someone who has willingly offered to be a reference

11. Keep a list of five references handy so they can be quickly and easily emailed to a prospective employer.

Most interviewers want a list of three but you don’t want anything held up if a reference is out of town or for some reason is unreachable. Include in the list:

1. Their name
2. Their position (and current position)
3. The company  (and their current company, if they have left)
4. Their professional relationship to you (ex. The person you reported to.)
5. Their contact information…email and phone

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Do’s and Don’ts of Video Interviews and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About Yourself.

The post How to Get A Great Letter of Recommendation appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Got five minutes? Great! Here are the top five questions you should be prepared to answer before any internship interview. The art of interviewing well includes knowing how to respond to the most popular types of interview questions.

If you feel nervous about being interviewed, we encourage you to practice answering the following foundational questions. Remember, you initially took the time to prepare an outstanding application (which got you to this stage in the first place) so continue this trend and take the time to prepare for the interview.

Of course, please take more than five minutes to actually prepare for your interview.  Practice the answers to these questions—in fact, master them:

1. Tell me about yourself?

The interviewer’s intent of asking this question is to get to know you. Your goal, however, is for the interviewer to remember you. Be brief by keeping answers to 60 seconds or less. One way of doing this is to open up by introducing where you are from and by directly stating what you are currently doing (student or working professional). Proceed to discuss your academic of professional interests and list 1-3 past experiences supporting your interests. Conclude by stating the reason(s) for applying to the internship.

2.  What are your strengths and weaknesses?

The intent of this question is to learn more about your competencies and your motivation to improve your weak ones. Prepare to discuss at least 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses.

Most candidates get nervous at the thought of divulging weaknesses. After all, isn’t stating a weakness a bad thing?  It actually is not if you are choosing to do something about. Herein lies the strategy; first, stay away from cliché and ineffective answers such as “perfectionist” or “workaholic.” Second, always follow a statement about a weakness with a statement describing what you are doing to improve upon it.

For instance, if you have struggled in the past with public speaking, you could state, “However, by learning to collaborate within smaller teams and joining leadership positions on campus, I am learning to give speeches and short announcements to larger crowds…”

Also remember that the lack of experience in a given field can be a weakness but that transferable skills or experience may make up for it. For instance, “While I have never worked in a marketing position for a large nonprofit, I have taken classes in nonprofit management and I have volunteered for political campaigns where I learned to develop targeted messages.”

3.  Give me an example or a situation in which…

The intent of this question is to understand how you would respond to situational or work-place situations. By asking questions about your past, the interviewer may try to predict how you would handle and resolve future workplace situations, from deadlines to interacting with coworkers.

Individual questions vary, but typically, you should prepare at least 3 scenarios to cover any of these questions: (1) a situation in which you faced a conflict or difficulty at work or in school; (2) a situation in which you may have had difficulty with a supervisor, co-worker, or peer; and (3) a leadership opportunity or a project you were most proud of.

Where do you find examples?  Look at your resume. Remember, you can use also use experiences from school or from other prior internships or work.

To answer such questions, use a variation of the “STAR” technique: answer the question by retelling the situation
and stating the task at hand that was involved in the situation. Then describe how you acted (the action). End by revealing the results of your actions and how you resolved the situation. Using the STAR technique will keep your answers relevant and succinct.

4.  Let’s go over your resume (and what’s not on it).

The purpose of this question is to see how you discuss past educational and professional experiences. Seize this opportunity to successfully market yourself. An interviewer may start by going over your resume but end by asking you to provide more details on a variety of topics, whether it’s a project you’ve collaborated on, the time gaps in between jobs, and class subjects you enjoyed or least enjoyed.

This question is a big reason why you should know your resume inside and out. Aside from sounding confident and prepared, you will sound professional. So know your resume like the back of your hand. One strategy to help you highlight certain parts of your resume to the interviewer would be to prepare an “interview resume” to bring to the actual interview. This is a resume that has been slightly marked up with your notes. These notes could be extra information or qualities that are relevant to the internship description. If permitted, pull out the resume at the beginning of your interview so you can have your notes in front of you at all times.

5. What are your career goals (a.k.a. where do you see yourself in ___ years)?

Interviewers usually pose this question because they may be interested in knowing how serious you are in pursuing a given academic or professional field. In an internship context, this question should compel you to dig down and think about your career interests in the long term: Are you planning to go back to graduate school? Are you interested in gaining a few years of actual real-world experience? Would you like to work as a full-time staff member of an organization similar to the one you are applying for? There is no “right answer” but you do have to provide one that is insightful in that you have a plan to keep building your professional skills after your internship. Who knows, maybe your organization would like to know if you would be available for a permanent position after you complete your internship. And in that case, how you answer this becomes all the more important.

There you have it. To sum up, thoroughly prepare your answers on these 5 basic questions. In fact, have a friend drill you to help keep your answers brief and avoid rambling. Talk to a mirror. Repeat the answers in the shower.  Write your answers down and keep studying at it. The results: a successful interview and newfound confidence in your ability to interview well.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your Boss and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

The post Internship Interview: Questions and Answers appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

In general, recent grads that are looking for their first job fall into 3 major categories when it comes to location preferences:

1. You’re willing to go anywhere. The world is your oyster after all.
2. You’re open to several locations but not willing to work just anywhere.
3. You have strict location requirements. Gotta stay close to home, your boo, or whatever it is.

You location preferences are one of the primary determining factors in your search for your first job after college. You may really want that amazing non-profit gig in NYC, but if you really need to stick close to home it’s not going to do you much good to spend time wishing it was local.

Willing to Go Anywhere

If you’re willing to go anywhere, you’ve got plenty of options. In fact, the primary difficulty is in narrowing your location options to those that interest you. Even though you’re open to re-locating, that doesn’t mean that you should be willing to move absolutely anywhere.

The location of your job has a dramatic impact on how enjoyable and satisfying your job is. Particularly your first job. If you really can’t stand winter but move to Chicago to take the job there anyways, you might find yourself resenting the job all winter long. It’s important to prioritize your search efforts to focus on the locations that are most likely to bring you joy first. If you can’t find the right types of positions there, then broaden your search.

When considering the viability of a location you don’t know about, it’s important to do proper and thorough research. Here are some critical factors to consider when learning about a location for the first time:

1. The weather. How do you deal with winter? Heat?
2. Red state vs blue state. Knowing the political leaning of your location will help you fit in ideologically.
3. The average age of the population. You’re young and likely want to make young friends. Don’t move to Palm Springs (sorry Palm Springs).
4. Travel to and from the location. You’re likely going to have friends and family elsewhere if you re-locate. How easy and expensive is it to get to and from them?
5. The local activities. What do the local folks do outside of work? Hike? Eat? Dance? Theater?
6. The commute. You’re likely going to be making the same trip every day. What will it look like?

Open to Some New Locations

If you fall under this umbrella, congrats, you’re well on your way to an easier job search process. You don’t have too many options nor do you have too few. The trick is going to be quickly figuring out whether or not the location requirements you have align with your job interests. For example, if you really want to get into theater as a performer and eventually make it to Broadway, you’re probably not going to find the best opportunities in a small rural community.

Once you know the several locations you’re targeting, head over to some major job search sites like WayUp
to run a search for jobs in a particular location. Then sign up for job alerts by email for that location. You should start getting notified by email when new jobs pop up in your desired location. This way you don’t have to spend time constantly running the same job searches on multiple sites.

It’s also imperative to weigh the relative attractiveness of the locations you’re considering. For example, say that you know that you want to be on the west coast in a city. You’re attracted to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. It’s important to research each city and prioritize them. The stricter you can be about your preferences in every dimension of your job search, the smoother your search will be.

Strict Location Requirements

Recent grads with strict job location requirements often either have it fairly easy or really tough. If you’re looking for a theater job and you have to be in NYC, then there’s already great alignment between your interests and your required location. However, if you’re looking for a theater job and you don’t want to go far from your home in Fargo, you likely have a major uphill battle.

When looking for entry-level employment in a single location there are several specific tools that can help you right off the bat. First, head over to major job search sites like WayUp to search for jobs and create job alerts by email for that location. This way, you see every job that pops up in that location. Ideally, you set your filters for entry-level jobs only so you don’t have to comb through endless part-time and senior-level roles. Second, leverage the career resources available in that location. If you’re looking in the same city as where you attended college, head on over to the career center.

Career centers often partner with local businesses looking for great entry-level talent.
Otherwise, check out the city’s official website. There will often be lots of helpful advice on gaining employment in that particular location.

Location is critical when searching for entry-level jobs. Make sure you don’t underestimate just how impactful the right location can be on achieving success in your first job after college. We’ve got other great tips to
help you get started on your entry-level job search and land an entry-level job without any experience.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell me about yourself.

The post The Importance of Location in Your Entry-Level Job Search appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

As an underclassmen (first, second, or third year student) it’s important to get ahead of the competition when embarking on an internship search, and this video goes into great detail on how to do just that. Featuring College Recruiting Leaders from Google, Twitter, and Facebook, you will learn how to tell your story through your resume, the importance of networking, how to find an internship, and what you can do to develop professional skills as a student.

Underclassmen Video Transcription

You know, WayUp is a leading platform for college students and one of our main goals is to provide resources and unique events where you as students, can learn about different best practices for getting ahead and finding an internship and eventually a career after college that you’re passionate and excited about it and really love.

And so, you know, whether that’s working at a small start-up or a large corporation or anything in between, we want to help you navigate to that place. And one of the questions that we’ve been getting a lot recently have been from first and second year students. And underclassmen have started to become an increasing population on our platform, over 35% of our users are now 1st and 2nd year students and we’ve been getting thousands of questions about, is freshman year too early to start preparing for an internship?

How can I set myself apart if I have very minimal job experience? We thought these were fantastic questions, and we wanted to bring speakers to you who could best address those questions, and really help you figure out that process, and so I’m absolutely thrilled to have here with me, three panelists from, three of the leading technology companies in the world, and three companies that are, I know brands and places to go and work that are really at the top of students’ minds and very much coveted.

And beyond that, our speakers have really deep experience in helping students think about what’s the right career for them, and so are some of the best people to answer those questions, and really help you think more critically about what you should be doing internship and jobwise, as a freshman and as a sophomore. So, I don’t want to take up very much time, we only have an hour here so I really wanna send everything over to our panelists.

And you know, very quickly, we’ll be getting bigger introductions, but we have with us Adam Ward from Facebook who’s their head of college hiring, we have Ronnard Cook who is Twitter’s head of college hiring, and Carolyn Lee who is Google’s head of engineering hiring for first and second year students.

So, thanks for joining us in such a busy time.

Thank you to students for taking an interest and taking the initiative to think about your career as a first or second year student, and last but not least, for anyone who’s interested in asking questions, if we have time at the end of the event, we’ll address those. You can ask them on our Google+ stream or by asking them on our Facebook page.

So, now with all the fun logistical stuff taken care of, want to switch gears over and we’re going to run just quickly alphabetically through our different speakers. They’re going to share a bit about how they got started, an a bit about their company’s internship program so, Adam, thanks for joining us. Do you mind kicking us off here?

Sure, hey everyone thanks for joining us today. Facebook’s glad and excited to be here and work with WayUp on this. My name is Adam Ward and I manage our Global University Recruiting Program here at Facebook. And we hire hundreds of interns every year, across the year, year-round. And, we’re excited to answer your questions that you’ve about internships in general and internships at Facebook. Awesome and actually one just, quick additional piece I’m gonna ask each speaker in the into.

Do you hire both technical students and engineering students and do you hire international students because that’s questions that we got just multiple of, so we’d love to address that up front.

Yes, we’ll hire all of those engineering, non-engineering, and international students. Okay, fantastic . So, next up Caroline Lee thanks so much for joining us and thanks for sharing your insights with all the students listening in. Do you mind sharing briefly about Google’s internship program, and their first and second year programs specifically?

Definitely, so, I’m really happy to be here, and thank you students, for joining in. So, again my name is and Caroline. I manage one of our internship programs here at Google called the Engineering Practicum Internship Program. The Engineering Practicum Internship is targeted at current sophomores, especially those who come from traditionally under-represented backgrounds within computer science. And it’s 12-week internship as some of you might know, and it has a public component, interns work with other interns in pods, and they also take weekly CS courses.

Engineering practicum is just one of our few internship programs that we actually have at Google. We have, of course, our broader engineering intern program, where we hire international students. We also have, of course, an internship program for non-technical students as well. Fantastic, thank you so much, and last but certainly not least Ronner Cook who manages Twitter’s college recruiting program, and we’d love to learn a bit more.

Thanks for joining us Ronner. Hi everyone. Welcome, again my name is Ronner, and I’m really happy to partner with WayUp on this. This is actually our third season recruiting for interns, so we’re really excited to obviously have more of you here. To give you a little bit of a background, two years ago I started at Twitter.

And, I was brought in to basically start the university program’s team and starting to hire new grads and our first class of interns. So, since then we’ve had quite a bit of success, and we do also do year round internships. So, if you’re interested in doing Fall or Spring internships we’re very flexible on that as well.

Like, some of the programs for example, in Canada, Waterloo, Toronto, UPC, there’s quite a few co-op programs, and we’re also quite flexible with that. And we do hire international students as well. So, another thing that Nathan has asked me to address is whether or not we hire non-engineering students as well.

Our main focus right now is on computer science and engineering for our software engineering roles. We have a handful of non-engineering positions, but that’s not the bulk of our focus. We do have some one off positions, if you’re interested in that, I can definitely find out for you.

Fantastic. Thank you. So I think we’d like to start this panel just with a question that’s really is at the heart of the underclassman internship search, and is sort of basis for a lot this hangout but, do you think and do you speakers think that students who are freshmen and sophomores should even be looking for professional experience at this point in their career?

It’s, you know, very early on, they’re still getting into their academic studies and if so, what should they be expecting to get out of it, given that they probably won’t be graduating and really applying for jobs for another few years? And Carolyn, since you went second last time would you like to kick us off here?

Sure, definitely. So at Google we think that students should absolutely be looking for professional experience as a freshman or sophomore. It’s actually really helpful for students to get that type of internship experience, especially if they’re looking to get a job at one of the most, you know, competitive companies in the future. And, what students can expect to get out of it is, first of all, really learning what it’s like to code in an industry environment versus a school environment.

Also really learning the company as well as the engineering culture, and then also, of course, being part of a community of other young CS students.

We absolutely think that freshman and sophomore students should be involved. Fantastic Ronner, Adam, would you like to add to that or? Yeah, I mean, I think definitely in the same vein as what Caroline mentioned, we highly encourage freshman and sophomore students to get involved as early as possible. I think it’s, here, especially at Twitter, in our engineering teams, we definitely look for that practical experience, and especially if you’ve been coding for a while, and you know, way before you got to college.

And also, if you’ve contributed to any of the opensource projects or have played with Twitter API.

We definitely encourage you to let us know, whether it’s in your cover letter, whether it’s in your resume. We definitely look at that. So, you know, practical experience is great and we don’t have a degree requirement or an age requirement at all for our internships. Quite a few of our younger interns who interned with us just after freshman year or sophomore year, have actually come back with us multiple summers, so we highly encourage that.

Awesome. Fantastic. Actually, that’s a really interesting question. As part of, expecting to get out of it, what you first touched on was a fantastic professional understanding, which is valuable for any future internship, and then it sounds like beyond that, most of your companies offer the opportunity to either continue on maybe transition rolls into a slightly different but similar internship in the following year. Would you say that’s a fairly accurate sort of potential end goal for students coming through the program is to get that experience but also maybe to come and work again or to work somewhere else and kinda take that first learning experience with them to a new company?

Yeah, I’ll jump in. I think the advice I typically give interns who are thinking about returning back or doing a second internship the next term or semester is at the very least do something very different at that company. But, we’ll often give the advice to our interns to actually go and try another company, we’d love to have them back and we will give them offers to return. But we encourage them to try something different, and kind of vary their experience.

Internships are just an amazing opportunity in your life to try out something for three months, and there will be very few opportunities later in and your life to actually do that. So, it’s an amazing opportunity to take advantage of, to try something different, the following term and semester, if not another company, but then definitely a different type of team, or product, or technology or experience.

Perfect, okay well thanks so much and well, I think that segues really nicely into the next question that we see all the time, and maybe is the meat and potatoes of this conversation, but there’s often this Catch 22 that assumes experience and the fact that an internship is a tool to get experience, but first and second year students frequently do not have a ton of professional experience, and so can each of you just explain if you hire first and second years students, and why or why not, and what you typically look for in students who probably don’t have a ton of traditional, you know, on the job experience and, Ronner, if you would like to start us off that would be fantastic.

Sure, so yes, we do hire freshman and sophomore students for internships.

And what we look for, in lieu of some of the heavier industry experience, since these students tend not have as much of that, is extracurricular activities. We just really wanna see that outside of the class, outside of your academia responsibilities that you are really passionate about other things.

In technology, whether it’s starting you know, you’ve had some start up experiences, whether it’s an organization in schools, CS competitions, leadership roles. We definitely look for that. Those are really great things to really highlight on the resume, then what I touched on earlier was API’s, open source projects that you’ve done.

So, those are all really great and as always if you know someone at Twitter, or if you have a professor that’s been a visiting professor at Twitter or are working on a research project that’s some how related, we’d love to definitely see that too on your resume, and somehow let us know.

So, I think those are all really key things to highlight.

Yeah, that’s some fantastic feedback, the fact that side projects are fantastic, competitions are fantastic and then actually playing with your company’s API tends to be icing on the cake and shows that real high-level interest in Twitter. Adam, is that the same generally at Facebook or are there other things that you tend to look for in first and second year students?

Yeah, I think that’s generally about the same thing, I think there are a lot opportunities for students to do things outside of classroom work and projects. There’s a lot of student organizations. There’s a lot of opensource communities. There’s a lot of competitions. Generally we like to see students, regardless of year and degree, that have built stuff.

So, whether they’ve made commits to opensource communities or on Reddit or other things or portfolio of work. We like to see students who have built things, and some kind of demonstrated experience doing that. It doesn’t have to be classroom or project related.

Yeah, and I know everyone here is somewhat engineering focused to a degree, but how do you see that playing out, Adam for you mentioned also hiring marketing and business students. I mean, how does a marketing or business student generally show outside the classroom, or project experience?

Yeah, I mean they may do that a lot through student organizations or maybe a club or organization that they’ve started, or a really significant contribution that they’ve made.

Usually a question that I like to ask the students, what was your role? What did you do? And I think we all, as recruiters, often see students that are part of class projects. And it’s really hard to tease out what that particular student did, what their contribution impact was. I think the better that students are able to clearly and concisely identify what their role, and their impact was in that project, that organization, that idea, that grassroots club, helps set them apart and helps differentiate the great from the good.

So students who are listening in, obviously at top company’s what’s awesome to hear is that, one, all the work you do outside of your class is really meaningful. But two, just saying that you’re part of XYZ club is not going to get you across the line.

You actually have to really have done something that you engaged in at a high level and can speak to and share more in-depth detail on. So, that’s really exciting to hear that that kind of experience resonates and tends to turn over to the right kind of students that you want to work with at that your companies.

Caroline, as far as the Google practicum programs and your programs, what kind of experience do you tend to look for in interviews and on a resume for young students? Sure, so for young students, just like Ronner and Adam said, we really are looking for that extracurricular experience outside of their schoolwork.

In addition to the coding competitions and opensource and things like that, we’re also looking for personal projects. So, for example let’s say you’ve built, with a friend, an iPhone or Android app. That definitely counts as a lot. In terms of outside experience, we also look for, for example, T.A. or tutoring work.

We also look for if you’ve been a club master for example for one of your clubs. All of that outside extra curricular work really, really helps if you don’t have that internship experience. And also I believe that you asked about interviews as well? Sure, yeah, that would be great. So, for interviews for our freshman and sophomore programs, they give go through two forty-five minute technical phone interviews and for that, we do ask that students program in one of the object oriented programming languages so Java, C++ or Python.

And in order to prepare for that, students are always asked to review their CS basics, so crack open those textbooks and review those concepts and definitely practice coding with your friends. So practice over a Google Doc or a whiteboard. Perfect, yeah so, some live coding during the interview process, that helps kind of identify skill, even if it hasn’t been shown through prior job experience. That’s definitely helpful.

So we talked a lot about extracurriculars and it sounds like one of the huge takeaways I am getting is that those are extremely meaningful, you have to be doing work outside of class to really prove yourself, if you don’t have a lot of experience. And then, obviously that’s fodder for a resume that doesn’t include include lots of internship experience.

How about academically? Are there, you know, courses or, you know a lot of students who are listening in are thinking about ways to sync up what they do in the classroom with potentially finding a future internship or job. And so Adam, maybe kicking off with you here, are there specific courses that you recommend that, maybe fit with specific types of internships that you would love to see? Or do you really look for a broad swath of backgrounds, majors and it can be open to anything?

I think when you think about projects their extra-curriculars or classroom, I think what we like to see is a demonstrated passion for something. So, if you’re really passionate about academics, then we’d expect you to be really good at academics. If you’re really passionate about robotics, we’d expect you to be really involved with a robotic club, having built some, actually robotics in the past.

If you’re really passionate about the environment we want to see that you are really involved and passionate there, so, I think it’s unrealistic to think that they’re going to have this amazing portfolio of classroom, volunteer, and extracurricular activities. Something’s got to give there. We like to see more of a demonstrated passion. So, when we think about the degree classes, especially for freshmen and sophomores, we want to see that they got the fundamentals and did really well with the fundamentals.

Most programming languages, if we’re talking about engineering are built off really core fundamentals of data structures and algorithms and things like that, and we want to see that they’ve got a mastery of that, because that’s going to be real important for other things that they’ll learn throughout their college and professional career.

If we’re looking at non-technical positions we want to see that they took related classwork, but then when they often get the opportunity to choose a project, that they’re choosing a project and concept that’s really related to again, the thing that they’re most passionate about, because they often have a lot of free range on some of those projects that they choose.

I think I heard passion said numerous times in that response, so I think that’s awesome feedback for students, I mean, I think students sometimes fear that they have to make choices that employers are gonna be excited about and that they can’t always pursue what they’re passionate about because they need to get certain job skills, so it’s really cool to hear that that’s maybe not the case.

Would you say is there any one particular class or two classes that if you’re an engineer that’s really valuable to take in your first and second year?

I think, I mean, I think it is. It depends, every student is going to come in with a different amount of experience with computer science and programming, some high schools offer, have great programs, and students are going to be more advanced than others, so it’s hard to say, but I do think in the first year that they are taking as many of the prerequisite and entry level classes that they can. And if they are already taking those, having at least one or two CS classes in that first year of the next level, I think are important.

We, like Google and probably Twitter, we really prefer object oriented things, but other companies are going to want embedded C and more systems programming. So, I wouldn’t choose classes based on what you think the company wants, I would choose classes on what’s most exciting and interesting to you and stay on that path. And then you’ll find, eventually, the company and career that’s the right match for you.

If you’re always trying to please some set of companies, then you’re going to be kind of chasing that, fighting that battle for a long time, versus find out what you’re really excited and interested in, then takie those classes. And then that’ll eventually yield into internships and jobs.

Perfect, that’s great advice.

Caroline, I know that Google’s sort of renowned as being a very academically focused company and that I’ve heard, and maybe it’s totally not accurate, that GPA sometimes is viewed as very important or is well prized within the company. As far as academics that students might be interested in, as first and second years, are there any specific courses or specific recommendations you would have for students?

In terms of courses, I think Adam gave really good advice there, in terms of just taking the courses that you’re most passionate about. For Google internships specifically though, students who are interested in interning at Google should have a grasp of object oriented programming languages. So, I would highly recommend that they take courses like intro to Java or intro to Python pretty seriously because that is what we’re looking for here.

Fantastic, and so Ronner, do you have anything you’d like to add to that sort of academic conversation about what students should be thinking about and what they look for in classroom experience?

Yeah, sure, I think Adam and Caroline touched on the basics. Definitely having the fundamentals down, I would say in your first year, definitely make sure, especially if you haven’t been programming since you were fifteen or something, definitely make sure you’ve got data structures and the algorithms down.

Those are basic things that you need to expect that we’ll cover in our technical phone interviews, which constitute the first round of internship interviews. So those are all fair game questions. And then I would say that, you know, in terms of languages, pretty much the same thing as what they look for at Google, as well as Facebook.

For our back end we do a lot, we use a lot of Java, Scala, Ruby, NC++. I know a lot of students are pretty interested in back end work. So, what I usually do when I engage with a student is I talk to them about where their interests and their strength lays. And I know this is a little bit hard to gauge in terms of interest because at this juncture, you know, freshman or sophomore year you’re still testing it out.

You’re still not sure and that’s what the whole point of an internship, right, because you want to find out what you’re more interested in. But we do ask you that and we steer you towards a specific group based on your interest and your preference really early on, so that your internship experience is actually with a specific group that has that. If you’re interested in developing more on the mobile side, more working with say trends or social graphs, we’ll put you specifically with those teams.

So, I think that’s one of the good things about, in terms of doing an internship here and knowing exactly what team you’ll able to gain that experience in.

So, slightly just kind of a related question, I’m just hearing so much conversation about interests and passion and communicating what is exciting to you and so what comes to mind is that, while that is obviously something that is really a perfect application, what the application tends to often look like is, it’s applying through, a paper resume through either an online site or coming into a career fair and kind of meeting you or someone who works on your team and kind of expressing that. So, if someone’s applying online, how can they share that passion in a resume? Do you look for a traditional resume?

Could you, and maybe Caroline you could run us through this first, what would a good resume look like to you? Is there a typical format? Is there any sort of approach for first and second year students to be able to express that passion and interest, because obviously that’s not always an easy thing to do in a paper format.

Yeah, definitely, so within the resume, besides obviously listing your education and what relevant courses you’ve taken thus far, we’re also looking for relevant skills, so, for example, if you’re able to code in Java and Python or C++, if you have, you know, other experiences with operating systems for example, we do ask that you list that.

And then, I would also break it up into other sections, so besides the relevant coursework that you’ve taken, definitely list full projects that would be very helpful for us to know, and also your projects outside of your schoolwork. So again, those personal projects, whether that’s building an Android app or participating in opensource, or participating in coding competitions.

Fantastic, and just out of curiosity, a very specific question, does and should a resume from an underclassmen student, should it be one page, should it be multiple pages? Any thoughts on that? We definitely think it should be one page, just because again we don’t expect that younger students will have a whole lot of experience and so typically multi-page resumes are reserved for our PHD students where they have, for example, many publications to list.

Short and to the point. So Ronner, do you think there’s a way for students to express their interest and passion through a resume, and if so, what are some key things you like to see on a younger student’s resume? Sure, I think I’m seeing a lot of really, really high-caliber resumes and strong resumes that obviously have some students as young as sophomores, freshman might already have internship experiences.

So, I would love to see in addition to, listing out where you intern. I like to see, specifically, this goes back to Adam’s point about what your part, your role of the project was and what you specifically worked on and accomplished. I like to see that and then that gives me a really good sense for how that’s relevant to Twitter projects and Twitter engineering.

So, from that, I can kind extrapolate, oh well this person might be really good for this particular team and then I’ll reach out accordingly. So, I think that’s really important just to be as specific as you can. There are certain things that might not go well on the resume format. I’m definitely open to seeing that maybe a few bullets of it in a cover letter. I think sometimes that could be a really well, a really good tool to use as a supplement to your resume if there’s anything else that you want to highlight.

So, for younger students a cover letter can be a really critical piece to help expand upon their interest and what they’re doing, and I take it that, do you read a resume first or a cover letter first, and sort of, do cover letters, are they usually seen as something that’s an additional info about that student, or are they kind of on equal standing as a resume?

For me personally, I definitely put more weight in the resume. I think that, I mean I read the cover letter usually first and then, if the resume looks pretty interesting or if I’m sort of on the fence with it, I’ll read more into cover letter and see if there’s any strengths in there that, you know, that weren’t quite highlighted on the resume.

Fantastic. Adam I know that we’ve gotten a lot of great advise already on this topic, but anything that you’d like to add in terms of resumes and cover letters and how students should spend their time when applying? Generally, just one piece of advice I think, is the last step that you want to take is applying online. The steps that you want to take leading up to actually applying online is trying to meet that company on campus if they’re on your campus. Try to identify another student that has interned there, or a professor that’s partnered with. Try to make a more personal connection with someone at that company, and don’t rely on our company’s careers website to help you stand out.

Because, in fact, it will do the exact opposite. We, as recruiters, look at a lot of resumes and we aren’t often looking at that resume on paper we’re looking at it on our screen and we’re just scrolling through lots of resumes. So it’s-

Sort of a great segue so I can let you take a quick shot at this first, since you already touched on it, Adam, but, how can students engage you or someone on your team and you mentioned career fairs, can they reach out to you on Facebook, by email? What are the other ways that they can let you know that they’re the right fit for your team and they’re excited and passionate about what you’re working on. Yeah, I mean, I think what we really love to hear is we love to hear from our former interns when they go back to campus, like, who else do you know? Who else do you think would be a fit here?

Those people not only now understand your company’s culture and hiring bar, but they also understand the context of the University, of who’s doing well in some of the under graduate classes so they can help kind of be that conduit. So, seek out those students that just interned the previous summer at that company.

Most companies now are doing some kind of campus ambassador thing where they actually are asking certain former interns to go back and help identify that. It’s pretty easy to probably identify those people. Second worst to applying online, is standing in line at a career fair, so also, vary tough to differentiate yourself by standing in a line for fifteen minutes and then talking to someone at the head of the line for two or three minutes and they write a couple notes on the back of your resume, and then they fly home to California and look into those 300 resumes later, and trying and remember who you are.

That’s only slightly better to being one of the 500 applicants online. So, look for other ways to connect with the company on campus, whether it’s talking with them at a talk or going to some kind of hangout or if they come to a lab, look for a differentiated way to actually meet them in a more relaxed environment, then kind of the pressure cooker and crowded aspect of a career fair. And all of our recruiters, I’m sure have different Facebook groups and you can message them and connect with them on LinkedIn or other tools as well, that’s also a great way to reach out.

Adam I think you might be breaking some student’s heart who get really excited about dressing up in a suit and tie and going to career fairs and look forward to that day every year.

Nobody loves a career fair. The students don’t love it, the companies don’t love it, so, but it’s a necessary evil and it’s important, but it’s not as important as other ways that if you’re trying to differentiate yourself, there’s other, probably more effective ways to do that. So, I guess it sounds a lot like the importance of networking, so Caroline, would you mind sharing a tiny bit about how you, obviously Google’s a really massive team.

I know that there’s representatives who work with campuses across the country. How can students network with you, someone else on your team, former Google interns and sort of best position themselves to stand out in the pile of resumes? Sure so, besides, for example, attending our info sessions and talking to us afterwards, which really helps put a face to, for example, a resume, there are so many other ways for students to get involved and engage with us.

One example is many companies actually hold puzzle events or scavenger hunts or hack-a-thons. And that’s actually a really great way for students to get involved and really talk to the company representatives in a more intimate environment, but also also have some fun while doing that. So, for example by participating in a puzzle event or hack-a-thon, and then there are other ways to get engaged as well.

Many companies have a pretty large social presence online. So, for example, for Google, we have our Google students account where we often talk about opportunities or programs which students can get involved in, and I know other companies do that as well. So definitely look for their Google+ or Facebook or Twitter accounts and their blogs as well.

Perfect, and Ronner, would you express the same, or what are your thoughts on online applications versus other ways to apply to these positions at Twitter? And I mean obviously all of your reps are extremely busy and so how can the student engage in the right level without being too pushy or too aggressive?

Right, I mean I definitely echo the same thoughts that, you know Caroline and Adam shared. I would say that there are so many different ways and creative ways that you can get, you can network with us. In addition to some of the obvious ones, we have, for example, the @terns account is our intern blog account, so we basically have our interns take over a week or a day, tweeting, you know, the fun things, the interesting stories that they have, you know, while they’re interning here at Twitter.

So, those are great ways to just, you know, see and kind of follow who our interns are and maybe you’ll find some that are actually from your school and definitely hit them up because everyone loves to talk about their experience. And, you know, I would say there’s no stronger testimonial than getting, you know, first hand experience from your fellow students, right? Because they’re your peers, they are going through pretty much the same experience as you, but they can give you the reality of an insight to what it’s like to working at some of these companies. I would say those are all really good ways to do that.

You know, DM myself or any of the recruiters on Twitter and I would say we’ve also seen a lot of outreach from LinkedIn as well. But I would say definitely participating in the hack-a-thons that companies sponsor and coming up to talk to our engineers and to the recruiters while we’re on campus. If you’re from one of the schools where we, unfortunately, don’t have the bandwidth to go to right now don’t you don’t shy from that.

I would definitely reach out and introduce yourself and give us a few things, like an elevator pitch of why you think you want, why you want to work here and what you’re passionate about. I think those are maybe a few bullets to highlight why specifically Twitter or Google or Facebook that you’re passionate about. I think that would be very, very helpful to help you stand out from a recruiters perspective.

Fantastic, well I think this has been golden, on this question, has been golden advice in that speaking to students who you might have somewhere in your network who have previously worked at a company, regardless if it’s of one these three companies who are speaking now or anywhere else that you might envision yourself working, that’s an incredible person to get a vote of approval from. And those are usually someone on your campus in a club or someone who has similar passions to you probably, when you’re doing all those other fantastics or extracurriculars that we’ve already spoken about, are people that you can access and talk to in that normal, I don’t know, just in your day to day. So, it’s a really great opportunity I think, to kind of recognize as other peers as potential inroads to future careers.

So, kind of, I guess, a broader question here and I think that right now that technology’s becoming very pervasive and we’re seeing a more open education system and I think a lot of universities, MIT, Stanford, are all doing online classes now, and so I guess one question I wanted to have for you all is, as panelists who see a lot of this happening is, do you see this sort of opening up of education as a leading a charge towards you as companies being more open to younger students because there’s kind of a breaking down of traditional, you know, needing to go through four years of college before you’re ready to go to work at a company or do you not see that happening?

And, sort of what are your thoughts on how technology’s changing how you view age in the hiring process? And Ronner, do you mind taking a first crack at that?

Yeah, it’s a really good question that I’ve actually had really interesting conversations with my colleagues on the last few weeks especially. I think it definitely blurs the line.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be someone that went to that college and has that particular pedigree of the top twenty CS curriculum. In fact, I would love to get to know more smaller engineering programs out there too. So, there are a few instances here at Twitter where some of our interns have actually decided to stay here full-time after their internship rather than going back and continuing school, and this isn’t just PHD folks, but this is also undergrad students.

I think that speaks volumes to their experience here at Twitter. Obviously from my perspective it’s a very personal decision, right, that you have to make, the student would have to make on their own, and what’s right for them. But, I think that, you know, in terms of experience and just the amount of exposure that you get right now to technology at an early age, I think the doors are definitely open for you and there are so many different ways that we can help you through this, and whether it’s deferring a degree or doing a longer term internship, we’re very flexible in terms of kind of making the right balance for you.

So, I think it really goes back to what you’re passionate about and what you want to do and what you want to explore. But I would say one advice is that a lot of students coming out of college they think that oh, well this is a super, super important decision that I’m making and I don’t want to pigeonhole myself into a particular path. I would encourage you not to think that way because anywhere you land, obviously, being a super talented student you’re going to be doing a great, you’re going to definitely be adding strength to your resume and your background.

There’s always opportunities for you to switch later on. So, don’t worry too much about being pigeon-holed because doors are always open.

That’s great advice, I think, yeah, it’s hard to ever imagine where you might end up ten/fifteen years out of college and sort of how, the career path I always kind of see as more of a winding process than any direct line. So, that’s really fantastic advice to kind of engage positively and sort of the short term rather trying to manage too much where you’re gong to be in the long term.

Adam, do you see new online tools affecting how you hire candidates? Do you ever see a future where students will be getting badges online from places like the Khan Academy or other sources like that, that end up being more meaningful than sort of college courses or anything of that nature?

Yeah, I think in general the openness of education and the information dissemination is a good thing. And two of the industries that I think that are going to be slower to be impacted by the amount information and, you know, connectedness and the social graph are healthcare and education, for very different reasons. Healthcare is very obvious with patient privacy and medical records. Education, just from the traditional nature and the structure of it, but I think we are seeing some really interesting attacks I will which are good things, disruptive technologies that are really hopefully will move it forward faster than it’s currently moving. And, Kahn Academy is a great example, and there’s a bunch of other ones.

But, you know, if I think about computer science in general, it’s ripe for some modernization and I know all of these companies on this column and this meeting are really passionate about helping computer science get as modernized as quickly as possible.

But it is an upstream battle when it comes to very traditional academic brick and mortar institutions, and hundreds of years of legacy of that. It’s gonna take some time but I think in general we are at a crossroads, an opportunity for more students to get more access to top education, and it no longer being, an admissions process, being weeding people out and creating a has and has not with education, but opening up these top 20 and more computer science curriculums to students world-wide.

So, I think it’s an exciting time and I do think that will impact us over time. And we’ll probably never be as fast as we would like. But I’m hopeful that it will be as quick as possible.

And Caroline, is Google now hiring more underclassman? I think your underclassman program is probably the longest running of those that we have here speaking today, and so have those numbers grown more recently and how do you you see age changing in your mind in terms of a factor for hiring?

Sure, for Google we’ve definitely seen a large interest in underclassmen applying for internships and for us as a company too it’s actually really important for us to develop young computer scientists, so that’s why we have, for example, the freshman engineering practicum and engineering practicum programs that are specifically targeted at freshman and sophomores.

And then, in terms of your question about age, for us at Google, age has never realy been a huge factor. So, for example, if you’re a freshman and you’re qualified and you’d be a great intern we’d be really happy to hire you. We really do think it’s really important to grow young CS students, so that’s why, as long as you’re qualified, we’re happy to hire you, whether that’s the freshman engineering practicum, the engineering practicum or our regular traditional intern program.

Fantastic, well, so that was a lot of our regular scheduled questions. Those are all really informative and incredibly insightful answers so, thanks a ton for sharing everything that you have so far. We have about 14 minutes left. And we’ve gotten some really fantastic questions on our Google+, and Facebook, and Twitter accounts, and so these are all direct from students, and maybe whoever wants to jump in and anyone who wants to follow on, please be welcome to do so.

The first question is one that we get a lot of, and it’s from a student named Nick Benner from Boise State and just asked, is hiring locally a priority? I think there’s a concern among students that if they go to school somewhere that’s further away from major cities, that it’s harder to get an internship, and so he was wondering if hiring locally is a priority and do you offer relocation assistance for internships?

I guess I can go first. So, for Google we definitely hire students for from all over, it doesn’t matter whether they’re local or not. And we do provide relocation assistance, so for example if you’re attending school 15 miles away from where our office is, we provide either an intern relocation stipend, or a housing option that you can choose.

Yeah, that’s the same thing for Twitter. We offer relocation help in terms of your round trip airfare, and your housing stipend. And we do hire from all over the states and some international schools as well. So, definitely don’t be shy about applying and getting yourself out there.

Ditto.

Perfect, so another question I thought was really interesting, this is from Clayton Pritchard who’s a University of Central Florida student, and he was wondering what technical skills are you looking for from a marketing hire or marketing intern, if any?

I can go. First of all, so go Knights, Central Florida, nice.

For marketing, what skills are we looking for in a marketing student, I think that’s his question, is that right Nathan? Yes, that’s correct. Yeah, I mean, I think we’re going to want to see, demonstrated experience of him working on a marketing plan right? And so whether that would be, if he’s not getting that in his classroom project, him going out and volunteering with a non-profit in this community or volunteering your services to help apply that.

Probably being a member, and a leader within his marketing student association is probably good to see, and maybe having a portfolio that we could look at. So, whether it’s a link to his or her website, or a link to other work that they’ve done on another website or another organization, I think would be a great way for him to demonstrate some of the, kind of the skills they’ve had.

I think it’s, with marketing particularly, it’s got to be very hands-on through demonstrated work. It’s really hard to tease out like, oh took intro to marketing or took marketing, online marketing, things like that. I want to see what you actually did through those classes and those projects. Fantastic. Moving on then, another question we got from a student named Raymond Ayawa, and he asked on Facebook, and this is a fairly specific question, but I think of one that’s really of interest.

Do your companies have any specific internship opportunities for military veterans? And he’s someone who has eight years of experience and now is working towards a degree in computer science. But, do your companies work with military veterans at all? And if so how do those programs work?

I can go real quick. I think, yes I’m sure all of our companies. We are certainly really passionate as all of our companies are about looking for student veterans that are turning from service in our armed forces, into our companies. One thing that we’ve seen as a trend over the last two or three years is the new GI bill has been really quite amazing in helping some of these top veterans actually get access into some of the top universities as well. So, we’re really hopeful that over the next couple of years as these students kind of start to progress through these degree programs, especially underrepresented degree programs, like computer science, where we haven’t seen, historically, a lot of veterans going into that.

We’re really hopeful that we’ll see more students, cause all of our companies, I’m sure, would be excited and would love to be able to hire students from majors where we do the a majority of our hiring like computer science.

Fantastic, and maybe actually another way to broaden that question, but sort of, can you explain a little bit about how you value geographic diversity within your internship programs?

I think that there’s a lot of students who come from different parts of the country and it would be really interesting to hear your perspectives on how you value getting students from all over and sort of how that helps build a more meaningful internship program, or if it does in your minds.

I mean, I think it definitely does build a stronger intern class to have a really diverse class of students that can offer varying points of view. I think it just overall in general makes our product better, right? We have products all are stemming from a huge user base. So, the more diverse and the more folks that we get from varying viewpoints, I think makes everything that much stronger.

So, I think it’s always great to have, for example, our international and our growth engineering teams, we do hire quite a few students from Europe, from Australia, from Asia. So, it’s defiantly different, I mean obviously these teams, since they’re international, we do look for, you know, a specific language, skill sets and so forth, but I think in general, I think you’re question Nathan is just how much we value that and, we definitely do.

Smaller schools, like I mentioned earlier, there could be tons of awesome students that might not be going to some of the quote unquote top ranked schools, but we know that maybe it’s just a family thing, personal choice, or maybe they got a scholarship, you know, a full ride, to some of these smaller schools, so we definitely want the opportunity to get to know those smaller engineering programs and as well as I think those are schools where you can really set yourself apart because those aren’t the schools that, say like in a program like MIT, where tons of students have, you know great internships at top companies already, but I think you can also offer a lot from giving a differing perspective.

Fantastic. Thanks so much for sharing that. So, another question that we got from a student named Maggie Donovan. We have a number of recent grads who, despite this being our underclassman hangout still wanted to tune in and hear from you all, and so, she happens to be one of them, and she’s a new grad and was wondering, one if you still hire new grads grads into your internship programs?

And two, how much internship experience do you expect a new grad to have coming into your programs?

I think if a new grad is going, you know, say they graduated from a Bachelors Degree and they’re thinking about going back to get a Masters or a Masters and PhD program, we’re definitely open to doing an internship arrangement with them.

Like I mentioned, we’re fairly flexible on that, and if you’re graduating from a four year Bachelors program, we tend to look for a little bit more experience, whether it’s research, working in labs or internship, in one of the you know, a start up or one of the top companies, like, you know, some of the ones that we have here today.

So, yeah I think with experiencing and with age, you know, we definitely look for a little bit more, we put a little bit more emphasis on industry experience.

Fantastic. Looks like we have time for one last question and I think this is actually one that we hear from a number of students as well and I think underclassmen sometimes really get anxious about their GPA and so a student was wandering what skills, or in what ways on a resume can they best counter balance what might potentially be a low GPA?

I think it’s been addressed in some of your previous answers, but again there’s a lot of students who are nervous about their GPA not crossing the right threshold. So, is there anything specific for a student who has a low GPA that they should be doing or thinking about, in a, in their resume to kinda help counter-balance that.

Yeah, I mean, I think we see that sometimes a lot and we’ll often ask the awkward question when GPA’s not on their resume, we’ll ask, so I think it’s better if the student puts it on there. But, I think there are different ways that they could talk about it that companies may value. So one thing they may talk about is, they may talk about their, they may show their over all GPA but also say GPA in major.

So, if they have done really well at computer science but, you know, no one likes philosophy. We can all resonate with a D in Philosophy. Like, okay, or if they say my upper divisional classes have been this GPA, if they can show that on things that they really are passionate about or excited about or looking for careers in, that they did really well in those subjects, maybe from other subjects they were less interested in. Or they had a bad first semester or a bad first year. They seem to be able to talk about it and visualize it on a resume in a certain way that highlights those things. And they’ll be able to talk about you know, why it might be lower than they would have hoped.

And then, different companies are gonna value that different ways. Some companies you know, outside of high tech, they’re gonna look at GPA and maybe have cut offs. Other companies are not. But, if they can really highlight the reasons that they, it may be lower in areas where it is, where they are doing very well. I think it can help offset some of those.

Well fantastic, we’re just about out of time, so unless anyone has any last words that they would like to add in, I’d just like to thank you so, so, much for all of your time today. This has been some of the most amazing advice that I wish I had heard, you know, when I was first getting into college and thinking about careers and it’s been really incredible to have all these insights shared.

And just a note to all the students who might be watching. We’ll be following up this with a blog post that will contain the video for the event in case you have any friends you want to share it on to. The companies involved have some internship content up on WayUp that you can go and check out and view and kind of learn more about some of their programs, just if you are interested in learning more about their offices and cultures.

There’s content like that on our site.

And we’ll also be responding to any questions that we didn’t get to also on the blog post, so we’ll have all that extra information. And so, this has been an incredible hour, I think everyone who tuned in is extremely thankful and so are we for all your time.

So, thanks so much and we’re really happy to have had all of you participate.

Thanks David.

Thanks for having us.

Yeah, thank you all. Cheers take care.Yeah, thank you all. Cheers take care.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How to Find an Internship as an Underclassmen (Video Resource) appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Internships have slowly graduated from an optional over-the-top resume addition to an essential part of finding a job when you graduate. More and more businesses are looking for internship experience on the resumes of their entry-level job candidates.

But how do you find an internship?

Step 1: Know what you want

The first step in answering the question “How do I find an internship?” is asking “What do I want to do?” Start looking at industries that you’re interested in and get a feel for what they’re looking for. Make a list of the industries you might want to work in, and then start listing potential internships in each one.

Internships should be tailored to your interests, and your skills. If you’re majoring in accounting, you probably won’t be qualified for an engineering internship (I mean, I’ve been wrong before, but stay with me). The company should also offer the kinds of things you’re looking for in an internship. If working remotely or being able to access your personal social media at work are important factors, keep them in mind when making your list.

You should also look at which cities you might want to try out or that you’ve always wanted to visit.

Step 2: Prepare for the search

Once you have a list of places to go and companies to work for, you’re going to need to gussy up that resume. “How do I get an internship?” “You make a great resume.” Take a look at an online resume guide or check out Pinterest to get some solid and creative ideas for how you want your resume to look. You’ve only got about fifteen seconds to grab a recruiter’s attention on paper, so do it right. Don’t have typos in your resume, and try not to let it get longer than a page. I know, you want to expound on all the things that make you a great person, but keep it short and sweet.

Cover letters are also a very important piece of applying for an internship. Each application should be accompanied by a completely customized cover letter. Do not generalize and then send it out to a dozen different companies.

Do some serious research on each company that you are going to contact (because you will be contacting them) and apply to. The best thing you can do to recommend yourself to a company is to be well-versed on what they do and how they do it. The more you know, the better you fit into the already established order of the company and the less they have to think about training you.

Step 3: Make contact (Network. You have to network.)

The best way for you to get an internship is to network, and to network intelligently and efficiently.

Start with your school’s career center. Honestly, that is the best resource you have at your disposal. They might not have contacts at a particular company, but you might be able to break into an industry from there. Career centers often host mock interviews for practice, have resume and cover letter help, and networks and contacts of their own that you can tap into.

If they can’t help you (or even if they can), your next step should be finding alumni from your school on LinkedIn who work at your preferred companies. Connect with them and explain briefly what you’re up to, ask if they have any tips, advice, etc.

Also consider shooting out a Tweet or a Facebook status. “I want to get an internship at X company. Does anyone know somebody I can talk to?”

Depending on a company’s internship program, you may be applying online. If this is the case, you need to identify the recruiter or internship coordinator, if at all possible. In the age of information, “To Whom it May Concern” is a thing of the past, and there are few excuses for not being able to directly address the person reading your application. Find them on LinkedIn or a company directory, or you can try calling the company.

If the company you want to work for does not have an internship program, things get a little interesting. Find the contact information for the head of Human Resources (this can sometimes be accomplished with a simple phone call to the company). If you can provide value to a company and prove the merits of having an internship program, you can get an internship simply by creating your own. But this needs to be a well-thought-out presentation, with persistence and confidence.

Step 4: Be Prompt

Whenever you make contact with someone at a company, assuming they’re interested in you, they’ll ask for your materials. This could be as simple as a resume and a cover letter, or it could extend to an entire portfolio of your creative works. Send in this information as soon as possible. Recruiters are busy people, and they appreciate someone who is on top of their game and who responds quickly and efficiently.

Apply to open positions early so that you can follow up early and can demonstrate an eagerness to fill the role.

Step 5: Follow Up

So you’ve applied, you’ve made contact. You need to follow up or all of that work will have been for nothing and you might end up not getting an internship. Send a succinct email reminding the recruiter who you are and mentioning your application. This should be sent about two weeks after you’ve sent in your application. Thank them for their time and consideration, and say that you really appreciated having the opportunity to land an internship with their company. Don’t ask when/if you’ll find out about the internship. They’ll contact you or they won’t, and bugging the recruiter for those details might make you sound like you’ve got multiple applications in the works (which, however true, is something you want to keep to yourself).

Attending your college’s career fair can also be a form of follow-up, as you should have your application completed and sent in before you set foot on a job fair floor. If a company you applied to is attending the fair, definitely pay their booth a visit. Follow some career fair guidelines to make a (favorable) lasting impression and increase your chances of getting an internship.

Step 6: Interviews

If you’ve managed to land an interview, you’re halfway there. Yes, only halfway, maybe even only one-third, depending on how many rounds of interviews the company has.

Phone Interviews:

While this arms-length interview puts less pressure on your physical appearance, it is still a very important step in the process of landing that internship. The most important thing you should remember with a phone interview is to not interrupt. I mean it: be respectful and do not interrupt. Wait for an opening. Listen and respond to the questions. Keep your answers brief, and address the interviewer’s questions without launching an in-depth tale of your life story.

In-Person Interviews:

Obviously, you’ll need to dress the part, so know what kind of dress code is common for the industry you’re interviewing for is crucial (this goes back to all that research you did). Make sure your hand isn’t clammy when you shake the interviewer’s hand (wipe it on your pants first if you have to) and do NOT be the limp fish handshake. While many people recognize the folly of basing an interview on the initial handshake, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a good firm handshake.

Similar rules apply in-person as over the phone. Do not interrupt, answer questions as completely but as briefly as possible, and don’t talk yourself silly. But now there’s a physical element. Keep eye contact when listening to your interviewer. Do not fidget, it makes you look restless and impatient. Be friendly but not informal, even when interviewing in an informal workplace.

And no matter what, always have questions for the interviewer, whether you’re talking on the phone or in person. Have at least two good questions to ask when the interviewer says “Do you have any questions?” If, at the end of the interview, the interviewer hasn’t asked you if you have any questions, ask them anyway.

Step 7: Repeat.

Don’t give up. Every rejection is a new opportunity to look for a new opportunity. And believe me, you’re not going to get every internship you apply for. You’re going to receive a lot of “Sorry, we’ve chosen someone else”s and even more opportunities will pass without a response at all. Don’t be discouraged. To get an internship, you have to be a special breed of persistent. You can do it.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How Do I Get an Internship? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Finding a great internship is going to be HARD. You need a great resume, but even more so you need a great STRATEGY! In the end you need to get professional to be taken serious by an employer, so below are seven steps on how to succeed:

1. Think about your general motivation for finding an internship.

Is it to explore a new field, gain contacts in a given industry, learn on the job skills, or to simply pad your resume?  Understanding your motivations will help you focus on where to apply and will also open new doors in case your ideal position does not come through.

2. Search and Save.

Certainly a good first step on any job or internship search is getting in touch with personal, academic, and professional contacts and networking with them about potential opportunities. Looking online is great because all of a sudden your swimming in a much bigger pool.

• Search for POSITIONS, not for a company.
  Searching all marketing positions in a given location will open new options at organizations that need marketing help and offer marketing experience but which are not a traditional marketing firm. These include non-profits or start-up companies which may be less competitive overall but still offer ideal industry experience.
• Find 10-20 positions.
  One of the biggest benefits of an online search is that once your basic application materials are created, applying to additional positions online is EASY. To improve your odds find 10-20 positions which are all good options. In fact, you may want to apply to a bunch more than this — there is no harm in opening more doors, doing more interviews, and testing the waters at more places.
• Save all these positions along with your application status on WayUp.
  Keeping your search organized is absolutely key. You are going to want to remember where you are in the application process, little reminders about the person you spoke to (we both grew up in MI… awesome) and what your next deadline is.

3. Get your resume and cover letter materials ready.

When you apply online these documents are the only means an employer will have to evaluate you. It is important to see these documents as your personal brand, marketing your experience to the organization you are applying to and eliminating any error or typos that will appear novice. A lot of work goes into making these documents strong but if you put in the time you will stand out from the pack. We recommend you visit our resources section to see sample internship resumes and cover letters, and that you read our advice on how to take these documents to the next level.

4. Apply and Follow-Up:

With positions saved and materials ready it is time to start applying.  Ideally you should customize your resume and cover letter for every organization you apply to.  It is important to remember that after you submit materials the process is still not over. While not always necessary you may want to follow-up a week after you submit your application with a phone call or email to the intern hiring director and make sure the materials arrived in their hands. This is an opportunity to show your ability to be confident and professional while speaking on the phone or emailing.

5. Get ready to interview:

Just like improving your application flow and your resume documents, getting ready for an internship interview takes a lot of practice. We recommend getting in front of a mirror and rehearsing common answers and/or convincing a friend to be your practice interviewer. Practicing answers out loud and hearing how they sound makes a big difference.

6. Reflect, Improve and Repeat:

If you landed a position after steps 1 through 5, congratulations. If not, do not get discouraged. As stated in the introduction, this is a challenging process, with the final reward of becoming much better at the entire search and application process. You should reflect upon what worked and what did not, ask the people you have interviewed with what you can do better next time, and incorporate feedback to improve your future prospects. Internships on Wayup.com are constantly being updated so frequently check what is new and incorporate feedback as you apply to the latest positions.

7. There is no guarantee (especially in the current competitive job market) that there is an internship waiting for you – you need to go out there and get it.

Following these steps will guarantee that you are approaching this process in a systematic way that gives you the best possible shot. There will always be new opportunities so don’t get discouraged, focus on improving this process, and learning as much as you can. Finally, remember to always be courteous to employers even if things do not work out with them. Through this process you will become a stronger applicant and develop your professional network!

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your Boss and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

The post Crib Notes: How to Find an Internship appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Interviews aren’t just for the employer to evaluate whether or not they should give you a job. They’re more of a 2-way conversation and an important opportunity for you to evaluate whether the company is a good fit. This evaluation is most important when considering where to start working after graduating from college. Your first job can set you on a path on to a successful career, or it can drastically confuse you and make it harder to figure out what to do next.

Here are a few tips to help you use your time and questions in an interview to best understand whether or not you actually want the job you’re interviewing for.

Pause and Reflect

Before you even consider preparing for your interview a great exercise is to take some time to reflect on what you think you want from your career, your first job, and what success means to you. The better you know yourself the smoother the interview will go. You’ll be able to answer questions confidently, honestly, and second-guess yourself far less often.

Read Into the Interview Process

How have you been treated during the job application and interview process? Has the employer been communicative and friendly? Have they set expectations clearly? Put yourself in the shoes of the company you are interviewing with and ask yourself if you’d be happy with the treatment the applicants have gotten?

The application process can tell you quite a bit about how the company values hiring and the importance of hiring the right people. Attention to detail and thoughtfulness is often a great sign that you’ll be happy and nurtured in your first role. If you’re being left in the dark frequently, it might be time to consider whether or not you really want to work for someone who apparently doesn’t care too much about hiring you.

Observe Body Language

When you’re meeting with employees at the company and answering their questions, try and read their body language when they talk about their company. Are they upbeat and optimistic? Do they hint at there being confict or trouble? The manner in which they communicate can often lead you to get a feel for how satisfying the day-to-day work is. If you’re getting bad signs from the employees, don’t necessarily dig in and ask them directly why they appear to be frustrated. Be tactful and ask them to elaborate more. Ask about personal interests of the employees that interview you. See if their body language changes when they’re talking about something you know they truly enjoy.

Don’t Sell Out

You don’t have a job. Your friends have jobs. Your family is breathing down your neck about what you’re going to do after graduation. You have mountains of debt to start paying off. You’ve had little success with interviewing, but this job feels like you can actually land it.

This is a relatively common scenario that leads to early entry-level job frustration. You go into the interview overly desperate and wind up taking a dead-end job that leads to more frustration, poor performance and reviews, and an early quarter-life crisis.

Instead of caving to your desperation and eating up everything the employer says during the interview, remain skeptical and listen thoroughly to everything they’re saying.

Ask About Motivation

Ask your potential employer what motivates their employees. Why are people there? Is is their passion for the company’s mission? Is it financial motivation? Business motivation? Their answer should align with your interests and desires. If you’re driven to help a particular cause, working at just any company isn’t good enough. Find the one where the people are particularly motivated to help that same cause.

Answer Their Questions Honestly

There’s often a lot of temptation in a job interview to provide the answers that you think the employer wants to hear. The more honest and transparent you are about your desires and goals, the more the employer (who should know their own company culture better than anyone) can help you assess whether or not you’d be a great fit.

What’s Next

Now that you’ve got a few additional tips to help you assess whether or not a company is a good fit, feel free to prep fully for the interview with our top 20 entry-level job interview questions.

If you think you’re going to take the job, feel free to move on and check out our guide to starting your entry-level job off on the right foot.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How To Evaluate Entry-Level Job Fit in Your Interview appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Unfortunately, many employers want to have their cake and eat it too. They would love to hire someone for an entry-level salary that has experience and isn’t actually entry-level. As a result, you’ll see plenty of positions in your search for your first job after college that require experience. Here’s how we suggest you handle them:

Apply Anyways

This doesn’t mean that you should apply willy-nilly to all of the positions you possibly can and hope that someone gives you an interview. That is a strategy that has been proven not to work and in the end can only damage your personal brand (you never know who you may wind up trying to work for in the future).

What this does mean is that if you find a great entry-level position that you think is the perfect fit for you, feel free to apply for it regardless of whether or not you meet the experience requirements. Employers will often post a position hoping to lure in the unicorn entry-level candidate with 3+ years of experience and no salary expectations only to discover that nobody is applying to their position. If you apply anyways, you can find yourself amongst a relatively small pool of applicants vying for the job.

If you do decide to apply to the position, don’t be patronizing or attempt to inform the employer that they’re delusional for wanting to hire someone with 3+ years of experience for an entry-level role. Instead, be mature and respectful. If it’s experience they want, show them that you’re wise beyond your years and between your ears.

A Few Tips for Applying to a Position You’re Not Qualified For

1. Know yourself.
   Poll your family, friends, teachers, and do some serious introspection to understand what your strengths are. Then highlight them.
2. Be confident, yet humble.
   This gets easier the more comfortable you are with yourself. Be comfortable with not knowing things. You can’t be expected to know everything. Instead, be curious and listen.
3. Emphasize your motivation and desire.
   You wouldn’t be applying to the job if you didn’t want it. Like, really want it, right? Make sure that’s obvious. Don’t seem desperate, but do seem passionate. Do your background research and have a prepared, honest, thoughtful response for the “Why do you want to work here?” question.
4. Get experience and highlight it.
   Spin up a side project, volunteer for a local business, or get an internship.

Want to know more? Read more advice on getting a job unrelated to your major.

Network

Getting your resume submitted via someone at the company you’re applying to will massively increase your chances of getting an interview. The hard part is meeting someone at the company and getting them to vouch for you. Fortunately, we’ve got some great guides to help you network offline and meet the right people
or start the networking process online via social media.

Both of these tactics can help you get in front of the right people at the company. Have a cup of coffee with an employee and use the opportunity to learn more about the company, the role, you potential future career options, and get to know what it’s like to work there. Impress them with your thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and curiosity and they may vouch for you.

Get an Internship First

Internships aren’t just for current students and they most certainly count towards any job’s experience requirements. If you’re having trouble getting interviews, it may be that your resume simply doesn’t have enough real world experience on it. Getting a paid internship isn’t an easy thing to do, but fortunately, there are destination like WayUp that can help you launch your career.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell me about yourself.

The post Getting an Entry-Level Job with No Experience appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

When you’re just starting out in your career, thinking five or 10 years ahead might seem overwhelming. After all, how can you determine where you want to go when you’re only just beginning? But setting goals is actually a great way to get past the nerves that comes with a new start and doing so will give you direction that will help guide you throughout your career.

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to set goals, and meet them.

Determine a specific career goal

When coming up with career goals, it’s okay to think about the big picture. In fact,  acknowledging your potential is a great way to shape your future success. But the best way to set achievable goals is by narrowing your focus. Take some time to think about what you’d like to do in the long term and then come up with a specific career goal that you can achieve within one to two years. For example, if you’re currently an account executive on a sales team and you’d like to manage the team someday, your specific goal might be to become a relationship manager within one year. Having that goal will give you clear direction in your career path while setting you up for success as a manager down the road.

Outline the steps you’ll need to take to get there

Once you’ve determined your goal, it’s time to come up with a plan that will help you achieve it. This includes knowing what skills and experience you’ll need in order to get to the next phase in your career, and also understanding the typical path involved in getting there. Going back to the sales example, if you know that becoming a relationship manager will require you to improve your communication skills, then one of the steps in your plan should be to sit in on more client calls and meetings in order to sharpen these skills and determine the best approach to take in any give situation.

Ask for advice from your manager or mentor

A great way to fine tune your plan, and to ensure that you’re taking all of the necessary steps you need to succeed, is by asking for advice from your manager or mentor. Don’t be afraid to tell them about your career goals — after all, part of their job is to ensure that you’re continuously growing and learning — but do come prepared with a clear plan of action. This will help them understand your goals and give you effective feedback on what you can do to achieve them.

Set yourself up for success

Once you’ve incorporated your manager’s feedback and solidified your plan, it’s time to focus on some other things you can do to ensure your success. These includes coming up with an effective daily routine, managing your time well and staying organized. Done well, these things will make you efficient in your current role while also showing your manager that you have the ability and the desire to move forward.

By knowing how to set career goals and coming up with a plan to achieve them, you’ll be able to shape your career path and end up in your dream job sooner than you think.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your Boss and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

The post How to Set Career Goals (and Meet Them) appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

While many jobs no longer require cover letters (especially most jobs on WayUp), when a job does require one, your cover letter could be a big part of whether or not you get to the next round. If you haven’t written a cover letter before (or even if you have), you may be wondering whether writing one is really necessary. The answer is yes, if you do it effectively. Think of your cover letter as your edge. If you write it well, it will give potential employers an insight into your personality, something that’s hard to discover by just skimming your resume.

Here’s our simple formula to writing an amazing cover letter.

Don’t restate everything in your resume. Instead, tell your story.

Think of your resume and your cover letter as a package — they complement each other, but they’re not the same thing. While your resume covers your educational background and work experience, your cover letter tells a story about who you are and what you’d like to do with your career. Since recruiters look through hundreds (sometimes thousands) of resumes every day, a memorable cover letter is more likely to stand out. Give them something to remember by highlighting some of your unique qualities.

Keep it short and to the point.

Cover letters should be short, sweet and to the point. Keep in mind that the recruiter is likely reading dozens or hundreds of them, so make yours pop in a succinct way, and definitely don’t make it longer than one page.

Opening paragraph

In two-three sentences, explain who you are and what position or program you’re applying for.

Second paragraph

Then, in one-two sentences explain why you want the job. Be sure to mention your knowledge of the industry and your interest in the company. This is where research will come in handy.

Third paragraph

In three sentences, explain why you’re qualified for the job. Include relevant work experience (paid and unpaid internships or other jobs you’ve had) and mention classes you’ve taken that have guided you towards this field.

Closing sentence

Your final sentence is all about finishing strong. Tell the employer that you look forward to hearing from them and include your contact information (email and phone number).

Ask an advisor or professor to look it over.

Once you’ve finished writing your cover letter, make a few edits to ensure that there are no typos. Then ask an advisor or professor to look it over, focusing on whether there are any additional areas you can highlight or any unique skills you can mention. Make sure to incorporate their feedback before doing a final edit and pressing send.

Although writing a cover letter isn’t always necessary when applying for a job, if done effectively it can be a valuable add-on to your job application. By following the steps outlined here, you can write a great cover letter and land the internship or entry-level job you’ve been dreaming of.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Relocate?.

The post How to Write a Cover Letter appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re just starting to look for an internship, you may be wondering about the best things to focus on. Whether it’s a paid or unpaid internship, the true value comes from what you put into it. And that starts with finding an internship that’s worth your while in more ways than one.

Here are the 10 things you should look for in an internship.

1. A chance to separate yourself from the pack

Look at your next internship as an opportunity to distance yourself from your peers. Imagine the next career fair you attend and imagine what you would like to share with the recruiter in front of you about how you spent your summer (or fall or spring) semester. Think about the experience and the skill set you will gain that will build your professional brand.

2. An opportunity to figure out what kind of career you want

One of the key parts of an internship is getting to experience a specific role or industry so that you can decide whether it’s something you want to pursue after graduation. When picking an internship, look for one that offers you a truly hands-on experience. This will allow you to make well-informed decisions down the line and find the career path that works best for you.

3. A chance to work with smart and motivated people

If you can thrive off the energy of others around you, you’ll naturally work harder and enjoy what you’re doing. By finding an internship at a company where employees are excited to come to work every day, you’ll naturally have a more enjoyable experience and will be more likely to choose a similarly positive work culture in the next phase of your career.

4. Access to mentors you can learn from

As you navigate what you’re looking to do professionally, it’s important to have mentors that you can rely on who will help you navigate the work environment you choose. Look for opportunities that have a built-in support system for interns to access higher level executives. Not only will this increase the exposure you get within the organization, but you will learn from people who have been working in the business or the industry with an expert-level understanding.

5. The chance to experience a new city

If you have the option, leverage your internship experience as a chance to explore a new city! This will help pull you out of your comfort zone of being on campus or at home for the summer.

6. The opportunity to add new tools to your toolbox

Sharpening what you’re learning in your classes and actually applying it is key. However, try to pick up other skills that your professors aren’t necessarily teaching you. Identify programs or tools that are relevant in your industry and become an expert at them. Not only will you make yourself more marketable after the internship, you’ll set yourself apart as the “fast-learner” who is looking to add value fast!

7. A way to test what you’ve learned

Validate your interest in the industry you’ve chosen by test driving what you’ve learned. Ask yourself if this is something you could see yourself doing for the long-haul and take the opportunity to explore different paths within your chosen profession. Internships are a great opportunity to get exposure to a potential career path without having to choose it for the long-run. Take this time to get a better understanding of what you like most.

8. A chance to identify with a culture that reflects your values

Find an internship that offers an environment that aligns with what matters most to you in a workplace. If you’re looking for summer Fridays (i.e. leaving the office on Friday at 2 p.m.), or you’re looking to work 100 hours per week, understand what the company values and what’s expected for the business.

9. An opportunity to work on projects that matter

One key goal coming out of your internship should be the ability to say how you were able to make an impact. Having the opportunity to work on real-world projects is key, and a killer thing to tout in your next interview. Understand the types of projects that interns have worked on in the past and what you might expect to work on during your time in the program. You can also gauge what kind of opportunity you’ll have to work on other side projects. Go into the internship with the goal of making the greatest impact you can make. This will help you walk away as the superstar for the summer and leave will you with a potential job offer after the internship is over.

10. A way to earn an income

Although money shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when it comes to picking an internship, it’s definitely something to keep in mind, particularly if you need an income to support yourself during the school year or the summer.

Getting work experience before graduation is certainly important, but you want to make sure that the internship you choose will benefit you in more ways than one. By following these tips, you’ll find an internship that’s right for you.

The post Top 10 Things You Should Look For In An Internship appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

When it comes to looking for a job, identifying the type of job you want is the single most important thing you can do. This will make it easier to be effective in your job search while also ensuring that you’re focusing on roles that match your interests and your skill set.

Here’s what you need to know about landing the job you really want.

1. Identify your career goals

Although it may seem a bit intimidating to outline your five-year plan when you’re just starting out, setting career goals is a great way to ensure that you’re focusing on the big picture and looking for roles that fit with your long-term plans. The best way to do this is by determining a specific career goal and outlining the steps you’ll need to take in order to get there. With this goal in place, you’ll be able to create a clear path for yourself and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Pro Tip: If you want to outline more than one goal that’s okay too, but be sure that at least one of your goals is something you can achieve within the next one to two years. Short-term goals are great for maintaining focus in general and when you’re just starting out, having achievable goals is even more important.

2. Develop the right skills

Once you’ve identified your career goals, it’s time to take stock of your skills and identify opportunities for learning and improvement. This will help you determine where to focus your energies and also give you a better idea of how to showcase your current skills in an impressive way.

Pro tip: Don’t panic if you don’t have all the skills you need for a specific job. Instead, look for ways to develop those skills by taking classes or taking on projects. Hiring managers are always impressed by candidates who take a proactive approach to learning and building your skill set in this way will show them that you’re a self-starter who is motivated to learn and grow.

3. Have a great resume

Although having a strong skill set is important, those skills aren’t enough without a great resume to showcase them. When writing your resume, be sure to focus on your key achievements in each previous role (including internships and part-time jobs) and to use numbers to quantify those achievements.

Pro Tip: Your resume should represent not only your accomplishments, but also the fact that you’re a well-rounded person, so don’t be afraid to include skills and achievements from extracurricular activities or individual projects.

4. Network effectively

Networking is a key component of professional success and it’s especially important if you’re just starting out in a particular industry (or when you’re looking to change industries). The best way to go about it is by reaching out to people in your alumni and social networks and staying in touch with co-workers and managers from your previous jobs. This is a great way to ensure that you’ll hear about new opportunities directly from people in your network and that you’ll already be on their radar when they’re looking to recruit for that the role that might just be your dream job.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have any contacts in your particular industry, don’t be afraid to send a cold email to someone you admire asking them to grab a cup of coffee or have a 15-minute phone chat. Chances are, they’ll say yes and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with someone who can help you understand the ins and outs of the industry.

5. Nail the interview

The final step to landing the perfect job is nailing the interview and this comes down to doing your research and being prepared. We recommend the R.E.A.F. approach — doing your research, being enthusiastic, asking questions and following up. Once you know who you’ll be interviewing with, take the time to research them and their role at the company. This will give you a sense of how your role will interact with theirs and help you understand their specific expectations for that position. Another great thing to do is to practice answers to commonly asked interview questions like, “Tell me about yourself,” and “What are you passionate about?” so that you can answer them confidently and present yourself in the best possible light.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling nervous about the interview, try practicing with a friend. Ask them to quiz you on specific questions and to give you feedback on your answers. This is a great way to get a confidence boost and will also help you realize that the interview is really just a conversation.

Having a plan of attack is the first step to landing the job you want. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting there.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post How to Get the Job You Really Want appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

With a projected growth rate of 11 percent over the next eight years, auditing is one of the fastest-growing professions around. Because it can provide exposure to many sectors of the economy (including tech, media, and sports), it’s also among the most exciting professions in which to be involved. To learn more about the world of auditing, we sat down with the team at the CAQ (Center for Audit Quality) to find out why auditing can be a great career path for recent grads.

Here are some of the key things you need to know about being an auditor.

What is an auditor?

An auditor is a professional—usually a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)— who reviews financial records to check their accuracy. Depending on their specialty, auditors can work for corporations, government agencies, or public accounting firms. Public company auditing is one of the most popular types of auditing, focusing on reviewing the financial records of companies in a broad range of industries including media and tech.

What do auditors do and why is it important?

Auditors are professionals who play a valuable role in business as they work to verify a company’s financial health by checking the accuracy of its financial statements. This information is then used by investors, banks, and by the companies themselves to make relevant business decisions.

Do I need a CPA license to be an auditor?

The short answer is no. The slightly longer answer is that it depends on your career aspirations. Although it’s possible to work for a public accounting firm without having your CPA license, most auditors choose to take the exam in order to expand their opportunities and their expertise, as well as to increase earning potential. The exam, which is called the Uniform CPA Examination, is developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and consists of four sections, each focusing on one specific aspect of accounting such as auditing or financial regulation.

Pro Tip: Although taking the CPA exam requires time and dedication, it definitely comes with rewards. Once you pass the test, your earning potential increases by 10 percent and continues to go up from there. It’s also a high valued credential in the broader business world.

What are the benefits of working in auditing?

With plenty of opportunities to travel and learn about new industries, auditing has a lot of benefits. “One of the things that I like best about public accounting is that you get to travel to where your clients are,” explains Ben, an auditor from Chicago who frequently travels around the country to conduct audits. In addition to making the most of travel opportunities, many auditors enjoy the novelty of growing their professional connections within their firms and at the companies they audit and gaining exposure to different industries. Another great perk is the flexibility. Since some of the work involved in auditing can be done autonomously, many auditors are able to work remotely if needed.

You might say that auditors are in the people business. That is, they work with a variety of people at all levels of a company to better understand its financial statements. They also team up with colleagues to achieve a common goal. Many auditors say this is the reason they enjoy their work so much. Rather than sitting behind a desk all day, they are learning the language of business in face-to-face meetings. This interaction helps them build the foundation of a successful career within a public accounting firm or in any business.

What is a typical auditor salary?

Auditing is not only a stable field but also a lucrative one. Entry-level auditors typically earn around $52,000, while auditors with one to two years of experience earn upwards of $65,000. Even more impressive, an analysis by the CAQ showed that many audit partners in large public accounting firms can make close to a million dollars a year.

With high projected growth and stability, auditing is an ideal career path for recent grads who are interested in a rewarding profession with many opportunities.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

The post What Is an Auditor? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Few college majors are as in demand as a business major. This is because the skills you develop through this major are applicable pretty much everywhere, from a small tech startup to a Fortune 500 giant. While studying to become a business major, you’ll learn all sorts of things including how to manage operations, assess risks and transform work environments. It’s a career that can be as laid back, as fast-paced and as financially rewarding as you’d like it to be, depending on what type of environment you choose to work in. Career opportunities for business majors include business management, operations, e-commerce, finance and hospitality.

Here are some of the many fields where you can use your business degree:

Business management

Business management is a broad field that involves various managerial responsibilities and can apply to any number of industries including technology, retail and the nonprofit sector. Business management roles usually involve the day-to-day management of a company and the implementation of processes designed to improve how a company operates. They can also include human resources management, where you manage employer-employee relations and take a hands-on approach to recruiting and training. This is a great career for anyone who is interested in all the elements involved in running a business and helping it succeed.

Operations

Similar to business management, a role in operations involves handling the logistics involved with running a business. This can be anything from handling financial assets to developing and streamlining processes designed to keep the business functioning optimally. This career path is best suited to business majors who are interested in coordinating various departments and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

E-commerce

Another popular career for business majors, especially in today’s tech-heavy globalized society, is e-commerce. This career path puts your creative and analytical skills to use by tasking you with creating and implementing strategies designed to increase a company’s revenue and customer base. It’s a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in developing strategies designed to drive sales.

Finance

Your business skills are just as useful in the world of finance where you can be a financial analyst, account executive or accountant. Working in finance will give you hands-on experience of working with clients and coming up with financial solutions designed to meet their needs. This is a great career path for those interested in investing and asset management.

Hospitality

Business majors can also be found in the hospitality industry where they are often responsible for the day-to-day management of both boutique hotels and major hotel chains. As hotel managers, they are responsible for everything from hiring hotel staff to ensuring customer satisfaction. Similar to business management and operations, this career path is best suited to those who are interested in coordinating different departments and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

One of the best things about a business major is that it can take you anywhere, allowing you to contribute to the productivity and efficiency of all sorts of businesses. The best way to find out which type of business is right for you is to take on an internship in a field that interests you. This will give you the hands-on experience you need to find the perfect job.

Next, learn more about this college major such as the Types of Internships for Business Majors and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Ways to Impress Your New Boss.

The post Career Opportunities for Business Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Being a business major opens up doors to all sorts of professional opportunities. In fact, business majors are among the most employable groups of recent grads. But with so many opportunities, picking a career path might seem a bit overwhelming. One way to narrow your focus is by taking on a paid or unpaid internship during your time in college. This will help you build some great skills while also helping you identify the type of career that’s right for you. In the process, it will give you a better idea of what type of entry-level job to apply for.

Here are some of the most common entry-level jobs for business majors:

Financial analyst

If you’re a business major with an interest in finance, a job as a financial analyst could be a great fit for you. This position is one of the most popular entry-level roles in the financial services industry and one that exists at any number of organizations including banks, security firms and even insurance companies. By becoming a financial analyst, you’ll get a chance to look into the performance of stocks, bonds and other relevant investments.

Sales representative

If you’re a pro at understanding the needs of a customer and turning that into a sale, a career as a sales representative might be right up your alley. Depending on the type of company you work for, you’ll be responsible for selling products to individuals, other companies or government organizations. From seeking out potential customers to closing sales and fostering long-term relationships, you’ll be making the most of your people skills while helping the company to increase its revenue.

Human resources assistant

As a human resource assistant, you’ll assist with hiring and onboarding employees as well as troubleshooting issues between managers and employees. In this role, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that employers and employees have a good working relationship and that the company is operating smoothly. You’ll also help out with preparing and conducting training programs.

Marketing coordinator

As a marketing coordinator, you’ll be making a product or company more marketable by highlighting its value to potential customers and to the media. In this role, you’ll be preparing marketing materials, assisting with marketing campaigns and helping to coordinate publicity events. This is a great opportunity to learn all about how marketing works and to develop strategies to market a company or product effectively.

Assistant buyer

As an assistant buyer, you’ll be evaluating suppliers, purchasing supplies, obtaining price proposals and ensuring that products arrive on time. You’ll also be expected to balance product quality with company budgets and to have a clear sense of how purchasing decisions fit into the company’s overall operations.

Brand marketing assistant

As a brand marketing assistant, you’ll learn to be savvy about current market conditions by reviewing reports and studying market trends. You’ll also prepare presentations and reports detailing the performance of a brand as well as its design and marketing strategy.

Operations research analyst

As an operations research analyst, you’ll be involved in various parts of the organization and will be using statistics, mathematical modeling and other analytical techniques to solve emerging problems and help senior management gather the information they need to make operational decisions.

As a business major, your career options are both extensive and exciting. In order to ensure that you pick a position that’s right for you, it’s important to figure out where your interests lie and to pursue a role that you’re passionate about. Whether that ends up a financial analyst or a marketing coordinator, the skills you’ve developed as a business major will definitely help you shine.

Next, learn more about this college major such as the Types of Internships for a Business Major and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company.

The post Types of Entry-Level Jobs for Business Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

As an arts major, you may be wondering how your passion for art factors into the real world. The good news is that because of the many and varied skills you develop during your major, there are a lot of career opportunities available to you after graduation. Not sure what you want to do? An internship is the best way to explore all of your options and gain some professional experience.

Here are just a few of the best internships for arts majors:

Art gallery intern

As an art gallery intern, your responsibilities vary from clerical, communications-related tasks to those that are more organizational. This internship will familiarize you with the setting and running of an art gallery — from maintaining the gallery space to communicating with national and local artists. You may assist with gallery exhibitions in every capacity from installing artwork to adjusting the lightwork and eventually dismantling, repackaging and shipping the exhibits to another gallery. You will also get to build your professional exposure to the art world with duties such as researching and compiling information about artists, looking into art sale techniques and engaging guests during shows.

Art therapy intern

Whether you have previous clinical experience or not, as an art therapy intern you’ll be shadowing certified art therapists in group sessions. You may assist in the logistics of the session and gain experience as a part of a team of professionals. By working as an art therapy intern, you’ll also be exposed to the use of creative and expressive arts in settings such as a hospital, community and youth care or rehabilitation facility. This is a great opportunity to use your skills to help others and to learn the real impact of art in a clinical setting.

Graphic design intern

A graphic design internship is great exposure to the field of graphic, and a step up the ladder towards a full-time job after graduation. You could get accepted for a graphic design internship at an ad agency, a corporate firm or an art studio. During your internship, you will be assisting a graphic designer in designing prototypes, logos, social media graphics, flyers or whatever the organization requires.

Photography intern

Whether you’re capturing a candid of the bride in an extravagant wedding or researching stock photos to accompany a magazine article, a photography internship involves a great deal of hands-on experience, collaboration and insight. You could be employed at an in-house studio, a magazine or a newspaper. There’s a lot you can learn on the job, from the extent of communication required with related departments such as costume & make-up to what it takes to organize and categorize photo submissions or assist in print production.

Marketing intern

Your creative insight and discipline as an artist will come in handy in a marketing internship. Whether you are interning for a marketing organization or a marketing division of a huge corporate company, a marketing internship gives you more than a general idea about the marketing industry. From writing copy to working on concept creation or even to a stint in a public relations department, you’ll be able to experience several facets of the marketing industry and apply your creative skill to each one.

From knowing the story behind every nook in an art gallery to researching a rare sculpture, or creating a great design, an internship is a wonderful and safe space for art majors to explore, learn and re-invent themselves.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is an Arts Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look for in an Internship.

The post Types of Internships for Arts Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

One of the best things about being a design major is the ability to develop a broad range of technical and creative skills. And although design is considered primarily a creative field, these skills can have practical applications in multiple professions. The best way to find out which profession is right for you is by doing an internship. This will offer you some insights into different career paths while also giving you the type of hands-on experience that will make you a competitive candidate after graduation.

Here are some of the most common internships for design majors:

Graphic design intern

A graphic design internship will give you the chance to learn about graphic design, a field dedicated to communicating ideas visually. As a graphic design intern, you’ll assist with technical tasks such as creating hard and soft copy files, writing reports and mailing, printing and stuffing materials. You’ll also shadow a graphic designer, attend meetings, compile databases and assist the design team with creative work related to existing projects. During your internship, you’ll learn how to turn creative processes into practical ones and you’ll also develop the ability to think on your feet and get organized in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

UX design intern

The UX in UX design stands for user experience, and this is what a UX design internship focuses on. During your internship, you’ll learn what goes into ensuring that the user experience of a particular website is as smooth, easy, comfortable and all-around amazing as possible. As an intern, you’ll learn how to create responsive app or digital product designs and you’ll understand exactly how much knowledge and effort goes into every step of the UX design process.

Interior design intern

An interior design internship will acquaint you with the various skills and technicalities involved in an interior design career. From note-taking during client meetings, to organizing and coordinating materials, visiting vendors and answering emails, you’ll be involved in every aspect of the role. You’ll also assist with the actual design process, learning to tailor designs according to client interests, budgets and overall feasibility. It’s an experience that will help you decide if you have the inclination and skills required to make it as a full-time interior designer.

Fashion design intern

A fashion design internship offers you a behind-the-scenes look into the world of fashion. From cutting fabric to planning model fittings and managing the logistics of fashion events, this internship will give you an in-depth look at everything involved in designing and manufacturing clothes. Whether you’re working for a store brand or a large fashion house, this experience will help you build the skills you need to work in fashion.

Design internships can be both informative and fulfilling, making the most of your creativity, drive and ambition. By taking on one or more of these internships during your time in college, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs of a design-related profession and to find a career path that’s just right for you.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is a Design Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Become a Confident Public Speaker.

The post Types of Internships for Design Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Design majors are known for their creativity and diverse skills, qualities that make them employable in many professional industries. If you’re a design major and you’ve already taken on a design internship, then you have some idea of where you degree can take you and how you can turn your major into a rewarding career. From designing websites and graphics to assisting in the planning of Fashion Week, you have a range of opportunities ahead of you.

Here are some of the most common entry-level jobs for design majors:

Graphic designer

As a graphic designer, you could be employed by a nonprofit organization, a huge advertising firm or a media company. As part of your role, you’ll be involved in the process of preparing, coordinating and creating materials for everything from a logo to a branding campaign. This involves coming up with an initial idea, presenting it to the client and then delivering the finished product. In addition to being able to design and present your ideas, you’ll also need to regularly update your knowledge by keeping up to date on design and media trends and taking additional classes and workshops. This is a great position for someone who wants to maximize their creative skills while helping companies bring their brands to life.

UX designer

A UX designer is responsible for helping customers navigate an app or product easily by ensuring the navigation process is as hassle-free and exciting as possible. From designing the look and feel of a company’s website to developing a design that thoroughly reflects a product’s goals, a UX designer is in charge of all of the elements that go into creating a great user experience. In this position, you’ll use your expertise to optimize a potential customer’s experience by dialing up its functionality, ease of use and aesthetics to the highest possible degree. This is a perfect role for someone interested in the more technical and digital side of design.

Fashion designer

As a fashion designer, your creativity and sense of style will be put to use as you work with a clothing brand to design clothes for their customers. Your day-to-day tasks will consist of sketching designs, coordinating with manufacturers and working through the technical aspects of clothing design. You’ll also need to stay on top of current fashion trends both in the U.S. and abroad to ensure that your designs are both marketable and on-brand. This is a wonderful role for someone who is interested in fashion and knowledgeable about how to turn great designs into a stunning collection.

Personal stylist

If you’re a shopaholic with a design major under your (wonderfully chic) belt, an entry-level job as a personal stylist could be a dream come true. As a stylist, you’ll assist clients in finding exactly what they’re looking for and what fits with their personal style. This position is usually found in-house at a clothing boutique or department store and will connect with you clients from every walk of life, including business professionals for Fortune 500 companies and celebrities. This is a great position for someone interested in working directly with clients and who enjoys helping people look their best.

Teacher

Majoring in design can also prepare you for an entry-level teaching position such as a high school design or art teacher. You can even run design courses and workshops at a community college or at a private institution. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in sharing their knowledge with others and passionate about helping students learn all about the various elements of design.

A design major offers you a great chance to develop a broad range of skills that will make you marketable in design-related fields and beyond. In order to determine what position is best for you, take some time to assess your interests and then consider taking on an internship to find a career path that’s just right for you.

Next, learn more about this college major such as Types of Internships for Design Majors and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job.

The post Types of Entry-Level Jobs for Design Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Investment banking is a popular field for recent graduates, particularly among business and finance majors. Although it’s definitely a competitive field, a lot of its appeal comes from the fact that it’s also a field with a lot of opportunities and a high earning potential. If you’ve already gotten a general idea of what investment banking is and how you can become an investment banker, then you’re probably interested in what you can get out of it and how this can shape your career path in the long term.

Here are some of the reasons why investment banking is a great field for recent graduates.

You’ll learn a lot very quickly

Due to its fast-paced nature, investment banking offers a lot of opportunities for learning and skill building, particularly in the areas of business and finance. From the moment you start your first entry-level job (or internship) you’ll be exposed to a lot of information about financial trends and markets, as well as information about what makes businesses sustainable. Beyond that, you’ll also be able to learn soft skills like communication, self-confidence and the ability to handle critical feedback. These are skills that can take years to develop in other professional industries and learning them quickly means that you’re likely to advance much faster in your career as a result of having these experiences.

Your earning potential will be among the highest of any recent graduate

If you’ve done your research on investment banking, then you know that it’s a field with a very high earning potential. In fact, as an entry-level financial analyst, you’ll start off earning anywhere from $100,000-$125,000 (including bonuses) in your first year. After two years in a financial analyst role, your earning potential will go up to $150,000 to $250,000 and will increase significantly with each year of additional experience. By the time you become a vice president or managing director, you’ll be earning upwards of $650,000.

You’ll develop transferrable skills that you can use in any profession

Although many investment bankers choose to stay in the industry and progress through the career track from financial analyst to managing director, other bankers decide to move into related areas of finance like private hedge funds or they choose to leave finance entirely to run or advise startups. Regardless of what you decide to do later on in your career, the skills and business savvy you develop as an investment banker will help you transition into almost any other professional industry. This is great news for entrepreneurs who are interested in running their own businesses but want to build up their knowledge and skill set first.

You’ll develop a strong professional network

Having a strong professional network is incredibly important as you move through your career, and being able to build that network early on will serve you well for years to come. As an added bonus, because investment bankers often move into other fields as they advance in their careers, you’re likely to come across former colleagues no matter where you end up.

Starting an investment banking career as a recent graduate is a great way to develop general business knowledge and skills that can transfer to any other professional industry. So whether you’re a business major or a history major, there’s likely to be an entry-level opportunity that’s right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get a Mentor at Work and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

The post Why Investment Banking is a Great Field for Recent Graduates appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

One of the best things about being a business major is that makes you a competitive candidate in almost any professional field. But with some many fields to choose from, how do you decide what career path to take? An internship is a great way to figure this out, while also gaining significant hands-on experience.

Here are some of the most common internships for business majors:

Product marketing internship

If you’re interested in marketing and want to learn more about this field, a product marketing internship can offer you the chance to learn a lot about the field while also picking up some new skills. During this internship you’ll be learning the basics of marketing by gathering data on market trends, analyzing and interpreting product feedback and studying the marketing strategies of competitors. This is a great chance to learn how to market a product and to understand the challenges of selling a product in a competitive marketplace.

Sales and marketing internship

A sales and marketing internship is usually a role that you’ll encounter at smaller companies and startups where these roles are sometimes combined. This type of internship gives you experience with marketing but also focuses on selling a product directly to a consumer. From observing sales calls made by managers to preparing presentations for clients and assisting with new and ongoing campaigns, this internship will give you with insights on the ups and downs of a career in sales and marketing.

Business management internship

From project management to analysis of sales, there’s a lot to learn in a business management internship. Among other things, you’ll assist with developing tools, conducting analyses and discussing business strategy with the team. But your role doesn’t end there. In fact, because this type of internship relates to the broader needs of a business in general, you’ll be getting an overview of what’s involved in running a business and getting a real hands-on field for everything from finance to operations.

Business consulting internship

Whether as part of a marketing, human resources, management or accounting team, business consulting interns assist business consultants in gathering data or materials for analysis and recommendations. As a business consulting intern, you’ll be sharpening your problem-solving skills and knowledge of business models, while also making an impact to the organization.

Management consulting internship

Whether you’re a management consulting intern for a consulting firm or for a financial services organization, during this internship you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to research, compile and present information. You’ll also assist in implementing changes to the project or team structure. This is a great internship for someone who is interested in going into management consulting after graduation.

Business development internship

As a business development intern, you’ll assist in market research and partnership development. You’ll also help to build business relationships with clients and partners and contribute to the overall growth of the organization. During this internship, you’ll learn about all the factors involved in building a successful business and get a feeling for how to run a business of your own.

Business majors are among the most sought-after candidates in any professional field. But with so many options to choose from, picking a career might seem a bit overwhelming. By taking on one or more of these internships during your time in college, you’ll be able to pick up some great skills and find a career path that’s just right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Multiple Internship Offers and find answers to common interview questions such as How to Answer: What Type of Environment Do You Prefer?.

The post Types of Internships for Business Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re just starting your job search for your first internship or entry-level job, you probably have some questions about the best way to create a resume. For example, what resume template should you use and what’s the best way to ensure that you’re highlighting your skills and experience effectively?

WayUp is taking the guesswork out of the resume generation process by providing each user with a student profile that doubles as a digital resume and portfolio. As an added bonus, you can use your profile to apply to jobs directly, making your job search both easy and effective. The best part? Businesses are searching through student profiles every day and inviting qualified candidates to apply.                                        

Here’s how to make your profile stand out.

The Basics

Making sure that each section is completely filled out (and interesting) is the first step to getting the most out of your profile.

About You

The first section includes a short description of who you are along with a “Fun Fact” and “Languages.” Use this section to show off your personality and include everything that makes you unique. It’s important to keep in mind that employers are interested in more than just your GPA. They want to see your personality shine through and they’re likely to take notice of unique traits and hobbies.

Education

This one is straightforward but very important. To make the most of it, we recommend taking it a step further by filing in 3-7 of your favorite classes so that employers can see what you’re interested in.

Internship & Work Experience

This is a wonderful chance to highlight your work experience, whether that experience is based in an office or not. Jobs like being a camp counselor or a waitress are awesome to include because they demonstrate important skill sets like how to work with a team and how to interact with customers. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, your work as a counselor will also show potential employers that you have the right training for the job.

Be sure to include 2-5 bullet points that describe each role and use action words like “led,” “developed,” and “created” when explaining what you achieved at each job. Emphasize your accomplishments and give an example for each one. Did you double a company’s Instagram followers at your social media internship? Be sure to note that and, if possible, use metrics to quantify the impact of your work.

Above all, show that each of your previous jobs was a valuable learning experience. If you were a Starbucks barista, the skills you picked up in customer service and upselling are going to be really useful for the sales internship you’re trying to land, and it’s important to emphasize that.

Extracurriculars

This is the section where you can highlight some of the fun things you’ve done on campus. Whether you’re an athlete, in a sorority, or part of a club, mentioning the organizations you’re involved in will give employers a sense of how well-rounded you are.

Skills

From hard skills like programming and writing to soft skills like communication and leadership, this section is the perfect opportunity to emphasize your strengths and play up your experience.

Hobbies

This section offers a great chance to add a bit more color to your profile. Whether you love to snowboard or know the full Netflix lineup every month, listing your hobbies is a good opportunity to round out your profile with some more things that make you unique.

Choose the right profile picture

Adding a picture to your WayUp profile is a great way to boost your chances of getting hired, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when picking the right one. Your picture probably shouldn’t be the same as your Snapchat selfie or Instagram thumbnail. Instead, pick a high-quality photo that makes you look professional while still showing your personality. The picture should be a solo shot — no friends, family members or cropped out arms should be visible.

Pro Tip: When deciding what to wear, go with something casual but conservative. Think about what you might wear to dinner when your friends’ parents are in town, and choose your outfit based on that.

Make it public

Once your profile is filled out, we recommend making it public. This will make it possible for employers to find you and it will significantly increase your chances of getting hired.

To do this, go to the very bottom of your profile page. There, you’ll see a box labeled “Public Searchability.” Click “Yes” and then make sure to click “Let Businesses Find Me” on the Account Settings page too.

Filling out your WayUp profile is a great first step in landing the job you want. In addition to serving as an online resume and portfolio, your WayUp profile will also make it easier for employers to find you and to consider you as a serious candidate for both internships and entry-level jobs. Ready to get started? Starting filling out your profile now.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 5 Tips for Getting an Entry-Level Job Unrelated to Your Major and find answers to common interview questions such as What are you Passionate About?.

The post How to Use Your WayUp Profile As a Resume appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Whether you’re looking for an entry-level out-of-state job or you want to relocate for a job in your dream city, there are many great reasons to initiate a job search in another location. And while the truth is that you are competing with other job seekers who are conveniently located closer to the job location, there are plenty of ways to circumvent this issue and land the role you want.

Here are some tips for getting a job in another city or state.

1. Apply for a hands-on internship

Employers would rather take a gamble on an out-of-state intern than a full-time employee because hiring an intern involves less commitment from them. Most internships are aimed at students, not recent grads, so employers understand that an intern may not have a local permanent address.

2. Network

One of the most important aspects of job hunting comes down to networking. When you are looking for a job in another city/state, networking is crucial. Start off by reaching out to friends, relatives and former classmates who are working in the city that interests you. School alumni are another valuable resource. By reconnecting, you will be on their radar and that can help you get your foot in the door. You can also try cold emailing people in that city who work in the same industry. This is a great chance to expand your professional network and find out about new opportunities in the city.

3. Be flexible

If you are searching for a job in a different time zone or you are in talks with an employer who wants to fill the position ASAP, you have to be ready for anything. You may have to do a Skype interview at an unusual time of day or even book a last-minute flight to meet the team in person with little notice. You must appear eager in the early stages of the interview process, so prepare to accommodate all of their requests.

4. Make it clear that you don’t expect the company to pay for your relocation

Many companies do not want to pay for new hires to relocate, at least when they are entry-level employees. In your cover letter, you should make it clear that it’s the JOB, not the location, that appeals to you. Explain that it won’t be an issue for you to get there because you are serious about moving anyway. Say that yes, you are currently living somewhere else, but you are prepared to move, at your own cost, by a specific date. Not only will this show that you are not a potential burden, it will also make you look proactive.

5. Do your research

If you are eager to live in a certain city, make sure to carefully research the ins and outs of that location before you make your move. That means reading up on the cost of living, figuring out the average rents in neighborhoods that appeal to you, and actually visiting the city to see how it feels. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your future home. Not only will doing so give you a better idea of a realistic salary range, it will also help you determine if you can really see yourself starting a new life there.

At WayUp, we have jobs around the country you can apply to. And best of all, since the opportunities are matched to your qualifications, any job you see you are eligible to apply for.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What Was a Time You Failed?.

The post How Do I Get a Job in Another City or State? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

When it comes to starting your career, few things are as important as getting internship experience under your belt. This is because internships help you develop your skill set while also showing you the ins and outs of what it’s like to work in particular field.

Here are five things to keep in mind when applying for an internship.

1. Update your resume

One of the keys to landing a great internship is having a great resume, so before you start applying for roles, it’s important to make sure that your resume is up to date and includes your relevant skills and experience. Having a strong resume is not only likely to get your noticed by employers, it will also help you realize what you can bring to the internship and what you still need to learn.

Pro Tip: Filling out your WayUp profile is another great way to get employers to notice you and to make the job search a lot easier. Best of all, unlike a regular resume, you can include extracurriculars, hobbies and fun facts, which will show employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate with a lot to offer.

2. Identify the type of internship you want

Once you have your resume and WayUp profile filled out, it’s time to decide what type of internship you want. The key to doing this is to have a good idea of what field you want to explore while staying flexible when it comes to the actual position. For example, if you know that you’re interested in marketing, you can consider internships in digital marketing, event marketing or social media. These will all give you great exposure to the field of marketing while helping you develop transferrable skills that you can use in almost any industry.

Pro Tip: In addition to figuring out what type of internship you want, you should also try to identify what type of company you want to work for. This will help to ensure that you’re happy with your decision and working in an environment that’s right for you.

3. Know the application deadlines

When it comes to landing an internship, timing can be just as important as having a great resume and knowing what to look for. If you’re applying for an internship in a structured field like finance or consulting, this means knowing the relevant timelines and following them. In most of these fields, summer internship opportunities are open for applications during the fall semester and candidates are usually offered places before winter break.

Pro Tip: If you’re applying for internships in a less structured field (like marketing, engineering or business operations) you’re likely to have more flexibility with applications since these internships tend to come up on a rolling basis. However, it’s important to still apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.

4. Apply for several internships

The best way to ensure that you find an internship that’s right for you is by keeping your options open and applying to a broad range of internships. Although this may seem somewhat overwhelming at first, it’s actually quite easy to do once you have your resume ready and know what types of roles to look for.

Pro Tip: The best way to keep track of your applications is by creating a spreadsheet with a list of the positions you’re applying for and including details such as the job title, company name, job post URL and the date you applied. This will make it easy to follow up with hiring managers and will keep you organized as you move forward with your job search.

5. Prepare for the interview

Once you’ve sent out your applications, it’s time to prepare for the interview. The best way to do this is by researching commonly asked interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “What are you passionate about?” and coming up with an answer that gives the interviewer a clear insight into who you are and what you can bring to the table.

Pro Tip: Practicing your answers out loud (either in front of a mirror or with a friend) is a great way to ensure that you’re coming across as confident and professional. Aim to practice each answer at least a few times, though more is often better.

By following these steps, you’ll be sure to set yourself up for success and get one step closer to landing an awesome internship.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Much Should I be Paid at an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are You Passionate About?

The post Top 5 Things to Do When Applying for an Internship appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

From learning new skills to getting a hands-on feel for a particular job, internships have a lot to offer college students. If you’re considering an internship, you might be wondering what you can do to set yourself up for success. And, more importantly, is there anything you should avoid doing during your internship? The answer is yes, especially when it making common mistakes.

Here are the top three internship mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Not managing time well

One of the most common mistakes interns make is managing their time badly. Just as it’s sometimes difficult to juggle assignments for multiple classes, it can also be challenging to juggle the tasks associated with your internship, particularly if it’s a cross-functional role where you’re reporting to several different people.

How to avoid it: The best way to prevent this mistake and manage your time effectively is by getting a handle on your tasks right from the start. Talk to your manager about what will be expected of you in the role and create a list of goals and priorities that everyone can agree on. Once you’ve created that list, focus on your most important tasks first and try to take care of your easier, less important tasks at the end of the day. Project management tools like Asana or Trello can also come in quite handy, letting you track your tasks and progress throughout the week.

2. Complaining about trivial tasks

Another common mistakes many interns make is to underestimate the importance of trivial tasks. These can include research, data entry or filing and although they might not seem that important, they are actually a crucial part of running a business.

How to avoid it:  The first step in avoiding this mistake is realizing that everyone at the company (including your manager) has to do their fair share of grunt work. Once you have that understanding, it’s important to demonstrate your commitment to the job by showing that you’re a professional and a team player. Take pride in the tasks you perform — whether they involve filing or drafting emails — and be confident about the fact that you’re adding value to company.

3. Not asking for feedback

One of the keys to being successful in any role is asking for feedback on your performance and identifying ways that you can improve. Unfortunately, a lot of interns overlook this step, expecting managers to deliver feedback only if something critical comes up.

How to avoid it: Instead of waiting for your manager to bring up the subject of feedback, take the first step and ask them to weigh in some of the tasks you’re working on. For example, if you’re a marketing intern and you’ve been tasked with doing market research, you can show them the results of your initial research and say something like, “Am I taking the right approach with this?” This is a great way to show your manager that you value their feedback and that you’re committed to doing a great job.

Although on-the-job mistakes are often hard to avoid, you can definitely spare yourself from some of the most common ones by knowing what to expect and coming prepared.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Become a Software Developer and find answers to common interview questions such as What Motivates You?

The post 3 Common Internship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

One of the most important ways to explore your career options and get hands-on job training while still in school is to engage in a summer internship. The key to landing the right internship is not only knowing what you’re interested in doing but also when you should apply. Since different industries have different timelines with structured career paths like finance, consulting and technology requiring internship applications to be submitted almost a year in advance, it’s important to know the timelines for different fields and what you should be doing each semester to ensure that you land the summer internship of your dreams.

Here is when you should begin applying for a summer internship.

What to do during the fall semester

As a general rule, if you’re looking for a summer internship you should start thinking about the process first semester of that year. It’s never too early to start the process, and the more time you give yourself, the less stressful the process will be. To begin, it’s important to reflect on the types of jobs you’re interested in. A great place to start this is to meet with people who are in the fields you’re interested in and ask them questions about what it’s really like to work in those fields.

Once you have a general sense of what jobs you’d like to focus on, research interesting companies online (via WayUp, social media, and the company’s own website) and attend networking events (i.e. corporate presentations, career fairs, networking nights) these companies are hosting. You should check-in with your career center for a calendar of all upcoming employer events. Many of these happen starting in September and October, so be sure to go to campus ready to start networking. You should also reach out to alumni or interesting employees at these companies – most are more than happy to answer any questions you have, and even set up informal coffee chats or informational interviews to help you prepare for the working world.

Most applications (ie when you actually submit your resume online) open anywhere from November-January. The company’s website and/or your career center portal will likely have those dates published months in advance, so you can schedule reminders and plan your time accordingly. This varies according to industry and company size. Large, well-established companies (Goldman Sachs, Google, PwC) will have very structured recruitment processes that will likely move very quickly (networking, applications and interviews will be wrapped up by January).

For less structured programs, or for small companies and startups, internship opportunities are likely to come up throughout the spring semester and even during the first few weeks of summer break.

What to do during the spring semester

Smaller, newer companies (startups, family-owned businesses) will likely have more lenient timelines and move a bit slower. Many of these companies do not have the resources to come to campuses for fairs or advertise their openings on the university portal, so you’ll need to do some extra legwork (research the company and their openings, reach out to a current employee to introduce yourself, etc) before applying. We recommend starting this during the first part of spring semester and planning for interviews running from March-May.

If you haven’t found anything by the middle of the spring semester, don’t worry. Instead, head to WayUp to look for internship opportunities in your chosen field. You can also book an appointment with your faculty advisor and/or campus career advisor to ask about existing college and university partnerships. There may be a small, local internship nobody has applied for yet.
To avoid stressing too much about early internship deadlines, think ahead. The most competitive internship programs may require you to prep a year in advance to give you ample time to comfortably complete your application. But even if spring semester is coming to a close, chances are that you’ll be able to find an internship that will meet your needs. And when you’re ready to apply, we’ve got lots of paid and unpaid internship opportunities that are just right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Should I Intern As a College Freshman? and find answers to common interview questions such as Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

The post When to Start Applying for a Summer Internship appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re interested in interning as a college freshman, it’s important to consider how this will affect the rest of your schedule. Whether you’re looking to give your resume a boost, or you’re hoping to make some money, there are lots of good reasons to take on an internship.

Your first year in college, particularly the first semester, is a period of discovery and a time for new experiences. From taking classes, making friends, participating in extracurricular activities, and adjusting to dorm life, there is already a lot on your plate. For some, interning makes more sense during the second semester, or the summer before sophomore year. For others, internships are altogether put off until the following year. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to a freshman year internship, it really comes down to your course load and personal preference.

Here are the pros and cons you should consider when deciding whether to intern as a freshman.

Pros of interning as a college freshman

• Interning gives you a chance to experience a work environment without having to fully commit to it just yet.
• An internship can lead to college credit, which means you may be able to graduate early and complete your requirements ahead of schedule.
• The work experience can help you zero in on your preferences and give you a clearer picture of what you are looking for out of a career.
• Interning and networking go hand in hand. You will meet a lot of people during your internship who can mentor you and help you land your dream job down the road.
• An internship will introduce you to an office culture and gives you a glimpse into the dos and don’ts of that world.
• Last but not least, an internship gives you a chance to potentially make money.

Cons of interning as a college freshman

• An unpaid internship won’t be beneficial to students who are looking interested in interning for financial reasons.
• If you are interning during the fall or spring semester, you will have to manage your course load at the same time. This can prove too stressful at times and your grades may suffer.
• An attempt to get ahead of the game can actually backfire if your internship causes you to drop out of extracurricular activities and have less time to study.

If you are considering a paid or unpaid internship but you aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you, you should reach out to your academic advisor and career counselor. Together, you two can walk through the advantages and disadvantages of a freshman year internship and determine if it’s a good fit for you.

If it does seem too overwhelming, it’s okay to put it off until you’re ready to do it, like during your sophomore or junior year. No matter when you choose to intern, there is so much to learn throughout your experience. By weighing the pros and cons, you’ll be able to make a decision that’s best for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get the Job You Really Want and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Salary Expectations?.

The post Should I Intern as a College Freshman? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Internships are one of the most valuable ways for college students to gain professional experience and exposure to new industries. In fact, an internship can give you a significant leg up in a number of ways, including building your professional network and helping you develop new skills. If you’re entering your sophomore year, you may be wondering about the pros and cons of doing an internship while still an underclassman. For example, will you have time to balance a packed class schedule with a part-time job?

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to intern as a college sophomore.

Identify what you want to learn.

Getting an internship solely as a resume booster isn’t bad, but it isn’t ideal. Internships are a fantastic way to get career clarity and exposure to industry networks, so having a goal in mind will help guide your search to a meaningful internship.

Maybe you have a burgeoning interest in PR, but you’re not sure if that’s what you want to do after college. Or perhaps you’re trying to decide if an office job is for you or if you want to dive into other creative pursuits. When you’re clear on what it is that you want to learn — about a company, industry, or about yourself — then it’s time to dive into the internship search.

Be honest about your other commitments.

In order to decide if interning as a sophomore is right for you, it’s essential to think about your time commitments and to be realistic about how much time you can devote to an internship. When doing this, be sure to take into account your coursework and extracurriculars as well as the additional time needed to study, exercise or hang out with friends. Once you have an idea of your availability, you’ll be able to make an informed decision without running the risk of overextending yourself.

Assess your financial situation.

One of the most important factors when determining whether to take on an internship is to assess your financial situation. For example, if you currently need extra income to support yourself during the semester (or the summer) then you should be focusing only on paid internships or part-time jobs. On the other hand, if you have financial support from other sources, then you might consider taking an unpaid internship if it will offer you great exposure or invaluable work experience.

Regardless of whether you decide to do an internship during your sophomore year, it’s important to remember that internships are meant to be opportunities for learning. Think about your circumstances, how you want to grow and what skills you want to build, and make a decision that seems right for you.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How Do I Get a Job in Another City or State? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About an Accomplishment That You’re Most Proud Of.

The post Should I Intern as a College Sophomore? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Whether you’re interviewing for a paid or unpaid internship or an entry-level job in banking, there are a few things you need to know about the dress code that will help you put your best foot forward.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when deciding what to wear.

1. Know what’s appropriate in the industry.

Many bank positions require you to interact with clients all day long, so you’ll want to make sure you maintain a professional look at all times. In general, the banking industry is known for its upscale, clean look. In the past, a three-piece suit was required. Nowadays, things are a bit more relaxed, so you’ll want to wear something that falls within the realm of business casual.

2. Pick a conservative outfit that fits your style.

Men should wear a dress shirt, slacks, dress shoes and properly matching accessories, such as a tie and belt. If you do decide to wear a suit or blazer, make sure that you choose one with dark, muted colors.

Women should stick with a suit — slacks or a skirt on bottom, a blouse and a blazer on top. A classic black dress will also work, and can, depending on the style, be paired with a colorful blazer. If you’re going to go the dress route, avoid anything without sleeves. Go light on jewelry since subtle details are best for interviews.

As far as colors go, neutrals are best. You can add a pop of color with accessories such as jewelry for women or a vivid tie for men. If you’re traveling far for your job interview, go with lightweight, breathable fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily.

3. When in doubt, ask questions.

Potential employers want you to excel in the interview, so asking the right questions is a great way to set yourself up for success. Don’t be afraid to ask the hiring manager (or the recruiter who set up your interview) what would be most appropriate to wear for your interview. This simple question will ensure that you start off on the right foot.

Pro Tip: Don’t skimp out when it comes to footwear. Believe it or not, people really notice them. Good-looking, polished shoes convey attention to detail, so be sure to wear your best pair.

By picking an outfit that’s appropriate for the interview and fits your style, you’ll be sure to impress the interviewer while being comfortable and confident.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Get an Entry-Level Job with No Experience and find answers to common interview questions such as How do I get an Internship?

The post How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Bank appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Being an education major gives you the skills you need to teach both children and adults. It’s a great career for those who are interested in the educational development of others and who are driven by helping their students succeed. If you’re currently working towards completing your major in education, taking on an internship will give you some wonderful insights into the career paths available to you after graduation.

Here are some of the most common internships for education majors:

Department of Education internship

Government internships offer a lot of great benefits, especially if you’re interested in educational policy and administration. For instance, Department of Education internships include an internship on educational policy with the potential to take on projects related to policy analysis, research and community outreach. This is a great internship for someone interested in policy administration who wants to make an impact at a national level.

Educational nonprofit internship

An internship at a nonprofit is a great opportunity for learning and growth, allowing you to take on roles within and outside your area of expertise. From grant writing to planning presentations and assisting with fundraising events, you stand to gain a ton of experience while also building your skill set. Education-related nonprofits, from youth homes to online education platforms, allow you to apply what you’ve learned in school while giving you the satisfaction of working towards a great cause. This is a wonderful internship for someone who is considering going into the nonprofit sector.

Elementary school or high school internship

Internships in the administrative department of an elementary school or high school will give you exposure to what a career in administration looks like. Your responsibilities may range from basic clerical tasks such as gathering and compiling data to coordinating deadlines for projects and recommending solutions for identified problems. In addition, you may also get the opportunity to attend professional meetings and sit in on classes in your chosen subject area.

Ed-tech internship

If you’re passionate about revolutionizing education with technology and media, an internship at an ed-tech company could be just right for you. These internship openings can be found at ed-tech companies focusing on everything from online learning courses to learning-based apps. Your responsibilities may include content production or marketing depending on the specific type of internship you apply for. You may also contribute to brainstorming sessions and monitor and analyze user engagement to optimize the learning process. An internship in the ed-tech field is great for anyone interested in a career not solely focused on teaching or administration.

College campus internship

Colleges offer on-campus internships in areas such as admissions, alumni relations, student life or even career development. Depending on which office you end up interning with, your responsibilities may vary from more administrative tasks to more research-based ones. Some types of internships you may find on campuses include being a marketing intern, a graduate programs intern or a summer research intern. Whether you’d like to pursue teaching, administration or research, internships across college campuses present a lot of opportunity for learning about higher education.

By taking on one or more internships during your time in college, you’ll gain valuable exposure within the field of education and beyond. This is a wonderful way to build your skills and increase your professional experience, while also helping you to carve out a career path that’s right for you.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is an Education Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Write a Resume That Stands Out.

The post Types of Internships for Education Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re applying for internships or entry-level jobs, you may be wondering how and when to write a cover letter. While many jobs no longer require cover letters (especially those on WayUp), in cases where a cover letter is required, writing a well-crafted letter can be a key part of landing an interview.

These 10 tips will help you write the perfect cover letter:

1. Start strong.

In addition to informing your reader what position you’re applying for, your first one or two sentences should identify the qualities and experience that make you a strong candidate for the position. If you don’t have relevant prior work experience, briefly describe how your coursework or extracurricular activities have provided you with the foundation you need to establish your career.

Say something like: “Please accept my application for the editorial assistant position. As an English major at and a fiction editor for the literary journal there, my knowledge of contemporary literature combined with the administrative experience I gained during a previous internship has prepared me to contribute to all aspects of the publishing process.”

Pro Tip: Find out the name of the hiring manager and address the letter directly to them. If you’re not able to find a direct contact then address the letter to the department you’re applying to.

2. Keep it short.

Take the space you need to specify what you have to offer an organization, but don’t go overboard. There’s no need to go beyond a page, and your letter should consist of three or four brief paragraphs at most. A concise — and compelling — cover letter is your first chance to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively.

3. Language matters.

While your cover letter shouldn’t read as though you cut and pasted the job description, it should mirror the language used to describe the skills and qualities required for the position. Hiring managers and the algorithms that are increasingly being used to parse job applications are looking for particular keywords, so make sure to use them.

For example, if the job description outlines skills x, y and z as being required for the position, make sure you use the same language when you’re highlighting your skill set and experience.

4. Know your audience.

Remember that you are writing for a prospective employer, not your best friend or a family member. The language you use when you fire off a quick email or text is not appropriate for a cover letter. It’s ok to be conversational in tone, but you don’t want to be too casual. You also don’t want to be overly formal. Try and strike the right balance between personable and professional.

5. Customize the content.

You may be wondering if you need to write a different cover letter for each job you apply for. The answer is yes. While there’s a general formula for how your cover letter should look — introductory paragraph, one or two paragraphs explaining what you have to offer the organization, and the conclusion — each company has its own culture, which should be reflected in your content. You wouldn’t send the same cover letter for a job at a startup providing services for millennials as you would to an established investment firm serving retirees.

Pro Tip: Customizing your cover letter is actually not as hard as it sounds. Once you have one or two templates you’re comfortable with, you’ll be able to customize each letter fairly easily by swapping out certain key phrases and company-specific information.

6. Make it new.

Don’t simply restate what’s already listed on your resume. The cover letter is your opportunity to meaningfully expand on that information and give your potential manager insight into the kind of employee you will be. Relate specific anecdotes or statistics that highlight your qualifications and strengths.

7. Avoid clichés.

If you describe yourself as an “out-of-the-box” thinker, the hiring manager likely won’t believe it. That’s because the phrase itself has become so overused that it no longer suggests creativity or originality. Instead of relying on hackneyed language to describe yourself, take the time to relate an instance where you posed a creative solution to a problem you faced. Just make sure it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for, or that it reveals qualities that position you as a good fit for the company. In other words, at the risk of sounding clichéd, “Show, don’t tell.”

8. Make it about them.

Don’t make the mistake of expressing what a particular company can offer you instead of what you can offer the company. Would-be employers aren’t so interested in how much you’ll learn on the job, or that the position is the stepping stone you need to make it in a particular industry (even if that may very well be true). They want to know how you’ll contribute to the organization, so make sure the focus of your letter remains on how great you are, not the company.

9. Follow instructions.

Before you send off your materials, reread the job ad. Does it require additional materials, such as a link to a portfolio, writing samples, or recommendations on your LinkedIn profile? If you don’t follow the application instructions, hiring managers may be left with the impression that you are unable to do what is asked of you. Missing materials, late deadlines or cover letters that exceed one page are easy ways for potential employers to eliminate applicants. Make sure you aren’t one of them by following instructions.

10. Sweat the small stuff.

There’s no room for error when it comes to your job application materials. After you’ve finished a draft of your letter, give yourself some time away from it and come back with fresh eyes to revise and edit. Read it out loud to yourself to catch missing words and awkward phrasing, and have someone else proofread it.

As daunting as they may be to write, cover letters are an opportunity for you to let your potential employer get to know you. These tips will ensure you leave a lasting and favorable impression as you begin applying for positions. And once you land that first internship or entry-level job, you’ll have more material to work with for future cover letters.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?

The post 10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

If you’re an education major with a passion for teaching others, you might be wondering about the various career paths you can take after graduation. Should you apply for a job as a high school or elementary school teacher or look for a position in a related field like the nonprofit sector? The answer depends on your interests but the great news is that education majors are very much in demand.

Here are some of the most common entry-level jobs for education majors:

High school teacher

As a high school teacher of one or more subjects, you’ll make lesson plans, grade student assignments and prepare students for state-required standardized tests. You’ll also work with students both inside and outside the classroom on class projects related to the subjects you teach. A job as a high school teacher can be fun, challenging and creative because you’ll be constantly learning as you teach. This is a great role for someone who wants to work with teenagers and help them develop the skills and motivation needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Elementary school teacher

An elementary school teacher makes learning fun by engaging students and helping them grasp the fundamentals of different subjects. Even more importantly, elementary school teachers encourage students to express themselves, think creatively, solve problems and act empathetically. Being an elementary school teacher is wonderful opportunity to help young students build confidence and develop a genuine love of learning.

Counselor

As a high school or college counselor, you’ll offer students one-on-one attention on their academic coursework and their personal and professional goals. If you’re working at a college or university, you could also offer advice on financial aid and help with career-related decisions. This is a great position for someone interested in helping students navigate the challenges that come along with their academic lives.

Nonprofit coordinator

As a coordinator at a nonprofit, you’ll use your interpersonal skills to organize and execute programs and events. You could also work as an education coordinator, helping to coordinate educational activities and review existing educational initiatives. You might also be in charge of coordinating programs with family and community organizations and monitoring program evaluations. This is a great role for someone interested in working for a nonprofit and someone who thrives in a position where they can help others.

Teaching assistant

As a teaching assistant at an elementary school or high school, you’ll assist teachers with class preparation and grading, as well as help students who need additional help. This is a great role for someone who is interested in working with students in a hands-on way or someone who is considering becoming a teacher and wants to get some additional experience in a classroom environment.

No matter what type of entry-level job you decide to apply for, as an education major you’ll be in the unique position of being able to make a significant social impact. To find out which role is right for you, consider taking on an internship to get the kinds of skills and exposure you need to make your decision.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is an Education Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Write a Resume That Stands Out.

The post Types of Entry-Level Jobs for Education Majors appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Is the common thought of needing a 4.0 grade point average to be hired at a top company true? At the WayUp Internship Google+ Hangout, we asked hiring managers from Google and Ashoka how much a GPA matters versus what really matters when applying to an internship.

GPA vs Intangibles: What really matters? Video Transcription

Nathan Parcells, CMO, Looksharp:

A student from UCLA named Jessica was wondering how much does GPA matter in the application process.

Cosmo Fujiyama, Search Team, Ashoka:

That’s interesting. Actually, interesting because I haven’t thought about that. I would rather look at the PSA instead of the GPA, which is the problem solving ability.

My new term for thinking about what’s relevant and what’s translatable because these metrics unfortunately don’t apply in real life, outside of the university system.

Jessica Safir, University Programs Coordinator, Google:

When you’re a student, that’s your full time job, is being a student, so we expect that you take academics seriously and that you’re doing well in your classes and one thing we do, you know, when you apply we ask that you upload your transcripts so we can see your grades so we do take it into consideration but it’s not sort of this end all be all.

Cosmo Fujiyama, Search Team, Ashoka:

Don’t worry about that C+ in Chemistry. Been there.

Jessica Safir, University Programs Coordinator, Google:

Because we don’t stop at your resume where it says education, and then stop looking.

Jeff Moore, Lead Engineering Recruiter, Google:

You know, if your resume is no internships, no external projects or interests, name, school, GPA, it’s going to be taken really seriously ’cause it’s all we’ve got. But if you’ve got this well-rounded background where you’re doing lots of different things and that’s gonna weigh more heavily than the GPA is. And so I think that’s a really important piece to it, as well.

Hayley Darden, Search Team Leader, Ashoka:

I think excellence is really important and if it doesn’t show up somewhere in your experience and on your resume as something that you value, you know, we notice that. We notice overall excellence. We notice caliber. We notice those things for sure. But I would also say that someone who’s been pursuing outside experiences has been involved and has clearly valued excellence and delivered at that kind you know, level consistently, that’s part of their narrative.

I wouldn’t be troubled by a lower GPA.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Internship? and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

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There are few things as important to a job search as writing a resume. You’re tasked with creating a concise document that captures your entire essence in order to grab an awesome opportunity. As you squeeze years of achievements and memories into a few bullet points, it’s not only important that you’re happy with how it reads, but that your audience likes it. And for the best odds of your audience—your future manager—enjoying your resume, it helps to know how they will read through it.

Here are some of the most common things they look for.

They look at your education

Even though your major and GPA don’t define who you are, these are likely the first stop on an employer’s journey through your resume. It’s a good jumping-off point for them to understand the topics you find interesting and gain a sense of how committed you are to your education and your future success. An employer will walk away from this section wanting to know:

•      That you meet their GPA expectation
•      That you’re studying something interesting and relevant to the job
•      What school you go to (possibly several if you studied abroad)

They scan your experience for brand names and key stats

When looking at your previous work or internship experience, there are generally 2 key trends an employer will seek out: relevance and impact. A great way to show that you have relevant experience is through brand names. If an employer is looking to hire you for a media job, for example, and sees that you worked for a major TV network, that’s a great start to your application.

If your past companies aren’t famous or recognizable, don’t worry — the work you did can still be relevant, and the impact is key no matter the role. This is where statistics come in: always use numbers to describe what you did and quantify the impact. If you’re scanning a resume with roughly 400 words and suddenly the number 80% pops up, chances are you’ll notice it right away, and so will your employer.

They look for unique skills and hobbies

Hobbies and skills are treated very differently across industries, but no matter the volume, each fun fact adds a lot of personality to your resume. An employer may read 100 resumes in a day, and even if they gave yours a good score and positive feedback, they are likely to remember you more for citing your mastery of guacamole making than for simply being a good fit. Keep these items detailed and unique to you—many can say they like “travel” but not everyone lists “spontaneous trans-Pacific travel.”

For skills, each entry not only completes your profile but is also a new search keyword. On WayUp, employers are most commonly using search tools to find specific experience or skills. So if there’s a programming language you know, show it! The same goes for other things like being proficient in Photoshop or having an in-depth knowledge of social media platforms.

They’ll walk away with highlights and a few notes

Resume-readers love to take a pen or pencil and mark up your resume, circling those juicy numbers described above or writing down questions for follow-ups. Realistically, the final notes they produce will be 1-3 bullets. This should lead you to ask: Did each piece of my resume tell the reader something new? For example, say you worked in 3 restaurants, so you try to be thorough and give each its own header, dates and bullet points showing your responsibilities and impact. This could take up half of your resume and all an employer will walk away with is “has server experience.” Push yourself to condense items that tell the same story, and to expound upon experience that shares something new.

Even with all these best resume practices, each employer is a different person. The same exact resume in different hands might get reviewed differently. A common system for reliable decision making is for a company to have each reader give notes on a five-point scale (from “definitely hire” to “definitely don’t”). You can’t pick your resume reader but never forget that the journey begins with submitting your application.

At the end of the day, you’re the one telling your story. So be proud of your resume and tell it like it is, but know that targeting it to your audience will dramatically improve your odds of matching with a great opportunity. Ready to create your own? WayUp’s user profiles act as digital resumes, making it easy to put your best foot forward with employers.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Set Internship or Job Goals and find answers to common interview questions such as How Have You Displayed Leadership?.

The post How Do Employers Evaluate Resumes? appeared first on Career Advice & Interview Tips | WayUp Guide.

Hiring managers ask these common interview questions such as “What are your hobbies?” to gauge whether a candidate is a good cultural fit for a role, a characteristic that can help someone stand out above others with similar professional backgrounds. This is especially helpful when you’re trying to land an entry-level job or a paid or unpaid internship, since you may not have a lot of experience yet. The interviewer wants to know that you’re the kind of person other team members will enjoy working with.

Consider this a great opportunity to humanize yourself and show that you’re an interesting person to work with. Best of all, nailing this question will help you leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Hobbies to bring up in a job interview

Pick something you’re passionate about. Your answer to this common interview question is the perfect time to show off who you really are. You should be talking about something that you actually enjoy doing. What brings you joy and gives you energy? Reading? Biking? Gardening? Talk about that.

Pick appropriate hobbies

That said, when deciding on a hobby that you’d like to share, think about how that hobby could affect your work performance. When thinking about which hobbies to mention, it should go without saying that answers like “going to all-night raves” or “spending money playing online poker” aren’t going to paint you in the best light—so avoid anything that could be frowned upon or viewed as something that could affect your performance at work, like drinking or gambling.

Think of uncommon ways to talk about popular hobbies

Try not to be overly generic in choosing responses like “listening to music” or “going to the gym.” Sure, they may mean something to you, but this is a time where you can potentially make a lasting impression. If you’re into seeing live music, that is a concrete response—leverage your skills, talk about the work that you put into it. An employer will likely respond well to this sort of hobby, and may see you as more intelligent and hardworking.

If going to the gym is important, give some examples of how hard you work at your fitness goals—and the fun you have doing it. Better yet, if you’re on a sports team, share this information with your future employer, as it shows that you’re a team player and have solid people skills.

Bring Your People Skills to a Job Interview

If your hobbies include a community activity or group, this is definitely something you’ll want to share during a job interview. If you’re the head coach of a local baseball team, tell your future employer. A hobby like this requires planning, leadership and confidence, among other positive qualities. If you’re in a junior league or women’s club, explain what you do and how your mission is to give back to your community. Whatever hobby you choose to highlight during your job interview, remember to focus on the positive qualities you must possess in order to be successful.

Say something like: “I love playing tennis and I was captain of my of my varsity team in high school. I’ve been playing on my school’s intramural team throughout my time in college and it’s been a great way to make friends and get involved in campus activities. Tennis has been a big part of my life for years and I plan to continue playing after I graduate.”

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 5 Tips for Getting an Entry-Level Job Unrelated to Your Major and find answers to common interview questions such as How Have You Displayed Leadership?

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