Preparing for the Interview

1. Preparing for the Interview

2. What is the process? Send a resume with a cover letter. Accept or decline job offer. Complete an application. Set-up interview Interview

3. Update your Resume

4. Why Do You Need a Cover Letter • will help the human resource department of the business to figure out what job you are wanting • Advertise yourself

5. Types of Cover Letters • Prospecting letter – A letter you mail to a company that you are interested in, even though you haven’t seen any openings. • Networking letter- which is to set-up an informational interview. • This works on referrals so you can find out more about the position without a formal interview. • Application letter is the most common • purpose is to respond to an opening that you have found. • It is to get a prospective employer to look at your resume.

6. Prospecting Letter 465 Rolling Meadow Drive Fort Collins, CO 80524 June 10, 2004 Ms. Georgia Smith Internship Coordinator The Nature Conservancy 121 Dupont Circle Washington, D.C. 24744 Dear Ms. Smith: After researching non-profit organizations for summer internships pertaining to nature conservation, I was especially impressed with the depth of experience students receive while completing internships with The Nature Conservancy. In May, I will be completing my junior year at Colorado State University in the Natural Resources Management program. I have a strong interest in natural resources and management issues. My specific field of interest lies in the area of policy analysis pertaining to the conservation of natural and preserve areas. Through this type of hands on experience, I hope to further develop my professional background in preparation for a position as an environmental advocate. Enclosed is my resume offering a summary of my educational background and my active involvement in both the Natural Resources College Council and the Society of Conservation Biology. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss the possibility of an internship with The Nature Conservancy during a follow-up phone call next week. If you would like to contact me before then, you can reach me at msmith@colostate.eduor 970-555-3426. Sincerely, Michelle Smith

7. Networking Letter 524 Horsetooth Road Englewood, CO 80525 July 2, 2004 Mr. Ron Peterson Advertising Manager Frontier Media 872 Speer Boulevard Denver, CO 80204 Dear Mr. Peterson: Kathy Smith, a Speech Communication professor at Colorado State University, suggested I contact you regarding advice and information about entering the field of advertising. I was also given your name by Sue Preston, the Career Liaison for the College of Liberal Arts at CSU, who indicated you had extensive contacts in the advertising field. I will be completing my bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication this December, with a minor in business, and have a very strong desire to begin a career in advertising. Currently, I am working as an intern for a large firm in Denver and I have developed particular interests in print and media productions. Ms. Smith informed me of your background as a producer and writer and I feel you are exceptionally qualified to give me advice regarding my future career development. Early next week I will call you to see if we could arrange a brief meeting at your convenience. I would really like to visit with you about any ideas and advice you might have for me! Thank you in advance for your time. Sincerely, Gail Stern

8. Application Letter 821 South Monaco Circle Englewood, CO 80112 October 8, 2004 Jill DeNichols Crystal Media Group Regional Sales Manager 409 East Virginia Avenue Chesapeake, VA 23322 Dear Ms. DeNichols: I am writing in regards to the Account Executive position that was listed with the Colorado State University Career Center. In conducting research on Crystal Media Group, I was impressed by the broad range of information that your publications provide, from historical and economical information to relocation guides. I am very interested in working for a company that has such an outstanding record of customer service while being in the top 5% in the nation for this field. After reading through the description of the successful candidate, I am positive that I possess all of the qualities that you are seeking in an account executive. As you can see from my enclosed resume, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Colorado State University, with my specialty being group presentations. Whether it was reciting historical speeches in front of a class, or delivering project updates to a professor in a mock boardroom setting, I always took the initiative on group projects to ensure the assignment was done properly and on time. Such confidence in public speaking led quite naturally to a career in sales. My high sales figures while at Wilson Direct Marketing demonstrate my ability to adapt to various customer needs. I learned a great deal about persuasion, customer service, and multiple sales techniques from this experience. In addition to my education and work experience, I have many skills that will enable me to be an excellent addition to the sales team at Crystal Media Group. I’m very interested in traveling and relocating to a new city. My independence and self-motivation to go out and seek new business are two more qualities that are crucial to the field of sales. You will find that I am a motivated and enthusiastic team player who enjoys the challenges of reaching sales goals. I am very interested in meeting you and learning more about this position. I am available for interviewing at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at jfialkowski@colostate.edu or leave a message at (720) 555-1345 to arrange a meeting time. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Jeff Fialkowski

9. Researching the Company • What do you need to know? • Who, What, Where, Hours, Working Conditions, • Where do you find this information • Internet • Other employees • Human Resource Departments

10. Write your own Cover Letter