Career Preparation

Tools of the Trade

No matter your experience or passion for a field, in general, if you do not present yourself well to a hiring company or agency, you may not get the job.

For most, the first introduction you will have to your desired employer is your resume and cover letter. These two documents represent you, and therefore it is imperative that they are professional-looking, concise, honest, and strategicially descriptive. Keep in mind, too, that your cover letter will be reviewed as a writing sample—a demonstration of your ability to convey information in tone, style, and paragraph construction. And when invited to interview, there are a number of general dos-and-don'ts you'll want to know about, so that you can effectively "close the deal" and receive the offer for employment.

From building or refreshing your resume, to writing an appropriate and targeted cover letter, to tips on interviewing, these webpages offer advice and guidance on standards within the professional world.

Career Preparation: a word about Internships

In a competitive job market, an internship can make the difference in obtaining a full-time position or being passed over. Internships are an excellent way to determine whether you have a real interest in an area and they provide a means to gain valuable career-related experience while in college. Internships differ from summer or part time jobs in that they focus more on gaining experience and learning new skills. They bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the application of that knowledge in the real world.

Securing an internship requires many of the same steps that you will use to find that first full-time job after you graduate. Typically, you will need to identify the type of company/organization and occupations that interest you, write a resume, write cover letters, make follow-up phone calls, and prepare for interviews.

To learn more about the Whittier College internship programs and to get help with your search for an internship, please visit the Office of Internships & International Programs online by clicking here.