Coog Careers

COOG Career
CAREERS
Workbook
SECTIONS INCLUDE: University Career Services Overview,

Career
Exploration, Job / Internship Search, Graduate/Professional School,
Interview Preparation and Salary Negotiation.
Designed by University Career Services to support the career development of all UH
students
www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected]
T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
UNIVERSITY CAREER SER VICES O VER VIEW
‫ ܆‬MEET OUR CAREER COUNSELORS - PAGE 3
‫ ܆‬SERVICES AND RESOURCES - PAGE 3
CAREER EXPL ORA TION

‫ ܆‬CAREER ACTION PLAN - PAGES 4-6
‫ ܆‬FINDING YOUR PASSIONS - PAGE 7
‫ ܆‬SETTING SMART GOALS - PAGE 8
‫ ܆‬CAREER GOAL DIAGRAM - PAGE 9
‫ ܆‬INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS - PAGE 10
‫ ܆‬SAMPLE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - 11
JOB /INTERNSHIP SEAR CH

‫ ܆‬JOB AND INTERNSHIP PLANNING - PAGE 12
‫ ܆‬IDENTIFYING TRANSFERABLE SKILLS - PAGE 13
‫ ܆‬COVER LETTER WORKSHEET - PAGE 14
‫ ܆‬SAMPLE COVER LETTER - PAGE 15
‫ ܆‬RESUME WORKSHEET - PAGE 16
‫ ܆‬RESUME ACTION WORDS - PAGE 17
‫ ܆‬SAMPLE RESUME - PAGE 18
‫ ܆‬CAREER FAIR PREPARATION - PAGE 19
‫ ܆‬ELEVATOR PITCH WORKSHEET - PAGE 20
‫ ܆‬EMPLOYER RESEARCH WORKSHEET - PAGE 21
‫ ܆‬PERSONAL BRANDING STATEMENT - PAGE 22
‫ ܆‬BUILDING A STRONG LINKEDIN PROFILE - PAGE 23
GRADU A TE/PR OFESSIONAL SCHOOL

‫ ܆‬GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL EXPLORATION WORKSHEET - PAGE 24
‫ ܆‬GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL CHECK LIST - PAGE 25
‫ ܆‬DEVELOPING A PERSONAL STATEMENT - PAGE 26
INTER VIEW PREP ARA TION

‫ ܆‬PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW - PAGE 27
‫ ܆‬PROFESSIONAL DRESS ETIQUETTE - PAGE 28
‫ ܆‬STAR METHOD FOR INTERVIEWING - PAGE 29
‫ ܆‬COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - PAGES 30-31
SALAR Y NEGO TIA TION

‫ ܆‬SALARY NEGOTIATION GUIDE - PAGE 32
‫ ܆‬EXAMPLE MONTHLY BUDGET - PAGES 33-34
UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES 3
University Career Services is a full-service career center offering students and UH alumni resources and assistance in
the formulation and implementation of their career plans.
The University of Houston’s students and graduates represent a large and diverse pool of talented job candidates.
University Career Services provides opportunities for potential employers to find the best and brightest across all
disciplines for their respective organizations.
MEET OUR CAREER C OUNSELORS

ADALIA ESPINOSA: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS)
AYO OGUNYE: Communications and Alumni Career Services
CAITLIN DEIS: Engineering and Natural Science and
Mathematics CYNTHIA OLMEDO: Technology and Alumni
Career Services DONAH JUSTICE: Education and Social Work
LAUREN HERMANN: Architecture and Design, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Exploratory Studies
MEGAN AKOGYERAM: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) and Business
PRIYANKA RAUT: UH Sugar Land Campus
TIFFANY BITTING: Graduate and Professional Programs
HOW T O MEET WITH A CAREER C OUNSELOR

1. Schedule an appointment through Cougar Pathway
2. Drop into our office during the days / times below:
Office location: Student Service Center 1, Room 106 (building #524)
Monday-Tuesday, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 6pm
Wednesday-Thursday, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm
C O M M ON SERVICES A V AILABLE
• Resume and cover letter reviews • Career fairs and networking events
• Mock interviews and interview prep • On-campus student employment hub
• Career and major exploration • Weekly workshops and prep weeks
• Graduate and professional school preparation • Information sessions
• Career action plan development • On-campus interviews
CAREER RESOURCES
COUGAR PATHWAY
• Search and apply for full-time, part-time, internship and on-campus employment
• RSVP for UCS Events
• Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor
SMART RESUME POWERED BY VMOCK
• Upload your resume and get instant, 24/7 feedback regarding your resume format and content
• Resume will be compared to peers within your field of study
FOCUS 2
• Complete this 10-20 minute free assessment to start yourself on the path of major or career exploration
• Set up an appointment with a Career Counselor to further discuss your results
C ONTA CT INFORMA TION

ADDRESS: STUDENT SERVICE CENTER 1, ROOM 106 (4365 COUGAR VILLAGE DR, HOUSTON,
TX, 77004)
PHONE: 713-743-5100 / EMAIL: [email protected] / WEBSITE:
WWW.UH.EDU/UCS
SOCIAL MEDIA: @COOGCAREERS (FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND
LINKEDIN)
www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -
@CoogCareers
CAREER A CTION PLAN 4
Based on credit hours, this step by step plan will help to guide you in exploring interests, majors, and career
options
ACTION STEPS - EXPLORE // 0-29 Credits
• Log into Cougar Pathway, create your profile and explore job opportunities and career resources
• Connect your interests to UH majors and potential careers using Focus 2
• Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss your major, career goals and explore career options
• Get involved on campus by joining a student organization, attending a campus event or volunteering
• Attend at least 2 University Career Services events
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

What are my skills, interests or talents? Do I enjoy working with people or things?
What classes do I enjoy the most? The least?
What organizations or networking groups am I interested in joining?
Check out the GET

INVOLVED site
within your AccessUH
account to browse over
600 student
organizations!

@CoogCareers
options
ACTION STEPS - ENGAGE // 30-59 credits
• Learn more about careers that interest you by using services like O-Net Online or “What can I do with this Major”
• Visit with a faculty member and ask them about their career path or if they have any advice
• Meet with a Career Counselor to draft or critique your resume, either during a drop in appointment or a scheduled
appointment through Cougar Pathway
• Create a LinkedIn profile and have it reviewed by a Career Counselor
• Attend at least 3 University Career Services events
What career paths are best suited for my skills and abilities?
What occupations or professions do I admire? Why?
What relevant skills do I need to develop to succeed in my potential field(s) of choice?

@CoogCareers
options
ACTION STEPS - EMPOWER AND EMPLOY // 60-120 credits
• Search for internship opportunities, part-time, full-time employment and volunteer opportunities through Cougar
Pathway
• Practice interviewing skills by scheduling a mock interview, using the mock interview module within Cougar
Pathway or by participating in Professional Development Week Mock Interviews with employers
• Conduct an Informational Interview with an employer whose job you would enjoy
• Research potential industries and become aware of what companies meet your interests and qualifications
• Prepare a career action plan for your final year with a help of a Career Counselor
• Research and create a list of the top 5 companies that match your interests
• Finalize your resume and develop a cover letter
• Apply for positions; remember to tailor your resume and cover letter for each position you are applying for
• Follow up on applications you have submitted
What are three things I do very well and what can I contribute to an employer?
What are the top industries that fit well with my interests, transferable skills and abilities?
What skills do I need to further develop to better prepare myself for a job or internship search?

@CoogCareers
FINDING Y OUR P ASSIONS 7
Passion may seem like an odd word choice when paired with career, but rest assured that one of the most
important
elements of personal happiness is being passionate about your career and your job. Take a few moments to answer the
questions below. For each question try to come up with 3-5 answers. Once you have answered the questions, look for
themes in your answers. You can also visit www.uh.edu/ucs to complete the Focus 2 career and major exploration
assessment.
What do you love to do in your free time? Don’t count activities you have to do or are doing to make you look
better to other people. Identify the activities that you truly enjoy.
What are the skills that come to you without thought and effort? (Math, Helping Others, Art, etc.)
What are your favorite classes and subjects?
What professions or industries are you interested in exploring more and why?
What types of things energize you? Think about people, places, and activities?
In what areas are you already perceived as an expert (others seek your input and opinion)?
What types of volunteering/community service projects have you done or wish to get involved with?
ACTION STEP: What is one thing you can do or one person you can speak with to learn more about your areas of
interest?

@CoogCareers
SETTING SMART GOALS 8
SMART Goals are measurable expressions of what you want to accomplish over a certain time period. SMART Goals can
help keep you on track during your career planning process.
Be detailed about what you are seeking to achieve.
S
SPECIFI
C
How will you track your goal and know when it has been achieved?
M
MEASUREAB
LE
Is this a reasonable goal and time frame? What steps will help to achieve
this goal?
A
ATTAINAB
LE
Why is this goal important? Does it build towards a long-term goal?
R
RELEVA
NT
Set a deadline for your goal to be completed.
T
TIMEL
Y

@CoogCareers
CAREER GOAL DIAGRAM 9
Setting career goals requires planning. Write your goal in the center of the circle. Using the boxes surrounding the circle,
identify academic requirements for your goal, and any work or shadowing experiences that would help prepare you for
your goal. Then identify possible barriers or other factors that may affect reaching your goal.
ACADEMICS EXPERIENCE/SHADOWING
CAREER
GOAL
OTHER FACTORS BARRIERS

@CoogCareers
INF ORM A TIONAL INTER VIEW 10
AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW IS a conversation to learn about the real-life experience of someone working in
a job, industry or company of interest by asking questions about their career path and current position. The interview could be
done in person, by email or over the phone.
QUICK
TIPS
• Don’t be afraid to ask and be clear about your intention • Dress business professional and bring your resume
• Proofread and edit your messages before sending • Research the person and company prior to the interview
(1) BE INTENTIONAL & CREATE A LIST: Family, (3) PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW: Plan 6-8 open
friends and UH alumni are great people to start with; find ended and thoughtful questions to ask. These should be
alumni contacts through LinkedIn. Write down a list of things you genuinely want to know! Write down questions
people to interview; think about companies, jobs and to ask during the interview (see next page for sample
industries that interest you. questions).
(2) CONTACT PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST: Introduce

yourself, share how you found their information and that you
are interested in learning about their career; attach your (4) CONDUCT THE INTERVIEW: Bring your list of
resume to the message. Ask for a time to meet over the phone questions and be prepared to lead the interview and take
or in person within the next 2-3 weeks and share your notes, if desired. Respect the person’s time by arriving early
availability. and/or calling on time. Gain different perspectives and
Write a message below to the contacts on your list. deepen your network by asking for names of other people to
meet.
(5) FOLLOW UP & REFLECT: Send a thank-you note

within
1-2 days and express your appreciation for the time and
information given. Write down what you learned, what
you want to know more about and your next steps.
TIP: FIND UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ALUMNI THROUGH LINKEDIN! Log into LinkedIn and type University of
Houston from the search bar and click “see alumni.” You can filter results by where they live and work, what they do and what
they studied.
@CoogCareers
SA MPLE QUESTIONS
INF ORM A TIONAL INTER VIEW 11
Learn as much as you can before the interview about the person’s work history, interests and education by searching the
internet and their LinkedIn profile so that you can prepare questions in advance and adapt the questions based on their
experience. Write 6-8 questions on a notepad, bring them to the interview and be prepared to lead the conversation.
Circle questions below that you will ask during the interview.
PREPARATION
• Can you tell me about your career path and how you got where you are?
• I saw on LinkedIn that you interned at before graduating, did you find that internship helpful for finding jobs?
• What are the qualifications you or your organization looks for in a new hire?
• What types of employment or internships would you recommend?
• What’s one thing you wish somebody would’ve told you before going into this field?
• If you could go back and do anything differently, would you change anything?
CURRENT JOB
• What are the major components of your job on a daily basis?
• What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of your job?
• What are some big projects you’re working on now or that you’ve finished up in the last few months?
• What skills or talents are most essential for effective job performance?
• How would you describe somebody who would excel in this career?
LIFESTYLE/ INDUSTRY GROWTH

• What obligations does your work place on your personal time?
• How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, hours of work, vacation time or place of residence?
• How rapidly is your field growing?
• How do you see this job changing in the next 5-10 years?
JOB HUNTING STRATEGIES

• How do people find out about these jobs in your industry?
• I noticed you are a member of (professional association)—have you found that helpful?
• Do you have any recommendations for other people I should speak with in the field to learn more? May I use your name
when reaching out to him or her?
NATURE OF ORGANIZATION
• How would you define the culture of your organization?
• What is the average length of time employees stay with the organization?
• What type of formal or on-the-job training does the organization provide?
FOLLOW UP
• Would it be alright for us to stay in touch?
• Do you have any recommendations for other people I should speak with in the field to learn more? May I use your name
when reaching out to him or her?
• Are there professional associations or experiences that you recommend for someone pursuing this field?
WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? WRITE YOUR QUESTIONS BELOW:

@CoogCareers
12
JOB / INTERNSHIP PLANNING
ASPIRATIONS
What do you see yourself doing after graduation? (0-5 years out)
What do you enjoy doing? What issues are you most passionate about?
What do you desire to learn and/or experience?
GOALS
What competencies/skills/knowledge are most desired in your industry?
What are your goals for this job/internship search?
What skills/abilities would you like to improve?
What are you hoping to gain from the experience?
PREFERENCES
In what type of organization/environment/culture do you want to work?
Where do you want to work? Are you willing to relocate? Do you have transportation or housing?

@CoogCareers
IDENTIFYING Y OUR SKILLS 13
As you begin your job search, it is important that you are aware of the skills you have developed over
time.
WITHIN THE BOXES BELOW:
• Place a “3” in the box if you are highly skilled in the area Check out the Top 10
• Place a “2” if you are moderately skilled in the area skills employers are
• Place a “1” if it is an area that needs improvement seeking at NACEweb.org.
COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP PROFESSIONALISM

Public speaking Maintain posititive relationships Ethnical behavior and integrity
Listening attentively Resolving problems/situations Setting and meeting deadlines
Facilitating discussion Adapting to changes Work productively with others
Providing appropriate feedback Setting priorities Managing or Being punctual
Delivering presentations supervising Delegating Managing time and work load
Fluency in another language responsibility Managing a Accepting responsibility
Negotiate thoughts and ideas heavy workload Identifying Attention to detail
Tactfulness improvement areas Asking for help or support
Editing / proofreading Determining policy Making decisions Learning
Writing reports and emails Setting clear expectations from mistakes Understand
Expressing ideas concisely Motivate others impact actions
Assess impact of non-verbals Manage emotions Identify growth opportunities
TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL
TEAMWORK / TECHNOLOGY / TOTAL up each section and

COLLABORATION ANALYTICAL Use write your scores below:
Negotiate and manage conflict technology efficiently
TOTAL
Finding resolutions Adaptability to new technology
Communication
Build collaborative relationships Cyber safety and security
Leadership
Willingness to listen Common IT problem solving
Professionalism
Motivating others and self Digital media knowledge
Teamwork / Collaboration
Providing support and care Critical thinking and action
Technology / Analytical
Respecting others Interpet and draw conclusions
Holding teammates accountable Quick and efficient learner
What are your top 3 highest scoring
Perceiving feelings/situations Identify connections
categories?
Explain ideas clearly Meeting Ask good questions
team expectations Being Conduct analysis and interpret
engaged and contributing Determine alternatives
TOTAL TOTAL
What occupations require your skill sets?

@CoogCareers
@CoogCareers
C O VER LETTER W ORKSHEET 14
• BE CONCISE AND PROFESSIONAL IN TONE: Cover letters should be only one page in length and will serve
as an example of your writing abilities. Use a professional and confident tone, and make sure you PROOFREAD!
• CONVINCE THE READER TO LOOK AT YOUR RESUME: The cover letter may be seen first—this is your
movie trailer. It must grab the reader’s attention (in a positive way) and should be targeted to that particular
employer.
• HIGHLIGHT YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Using examples, identify specific skills and past
experiences that are relevant to the position you are seeking. Try to connect to the needs of the employer.
• REFLECT YOUR ATTITUDE: Try to convey your personality, motivation, enthusiasm, teamwork,
and communication skills.
“T DIAGRAM”
Step 1: On the left side, list 3 skills or qualifications from the job posting
Step 2: On the right side, list 3 skills or experiences you’ve had that give “PROOF” to the skills listed on the left.
The goal here is to show you have the skills or qualifications they are looking for!
Step 3: Take the #1 (A) job posting skill and your #1 (B) experience/skills and craft the ideas into a paragraph.
Step 4: Repeat for #2 and #3 and tie into a paragraph. (See PARA 2 under the sample cover letter for example)
JOB POSTING SKILLS YOUR EXPERIENCES / SKILLS

#1 (A) #1 (B)
#2 (A) #2 (B)
#3 (A) #3 (B)
Craft #1 (A) and #1 (B) into a sentence: (repeat for #2 and #3)

@CoogCareers
SAMPLE C O VER LETTER 15
[Month Day, Year] - Fill in
[Dear Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. / Dr. Last Name / Hiring Manager] - Fill in
[PARA 1] Introduce yourself, make sure you list the position you are seeking and explain how you found the position.
This is also the space to mention any mutual contacts or connections you may have with the company.
[Example] My name is Jane Doe and I am a senior student at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas
majoring in Biology. I am writting you today because I am interested in the Mathematics Tutor position at ABC
Corporation. I found out about this position through Cougar Pathway and felt like it matched my skills and
abilities. Below I have outlined the ways my experiences directly connect to this position:
[PARA 2] Pick a skill from the T-Diagram on pg 12: Describe that skill and give an example of how you have
demonstrated that skill. Repeat 2 more times. There should be 3 skills total listed in the whole paragraph. (only 1
listed below)
[Example] Communication: One of my top strengths is communication and in your job posting you mentioned you
were looking for someone with strong oral and written communication skills. Over the past 3 years I have
developed this skill while working a tutor for XYZ organization. Within my role I met one-on-one with stduents
and provided them support regarding Calculus 1 homework and exam questions. I had to learn how to
communicate with students and provide them examples that worked for different learning styles. I believe this
experience truly set me up to be successful in this role.
[PARA 3] Tell why you are interested in the employer or that particular field/industry type. Demonstrate your knowledge
of the organization to relate your educational and professional background to the employer or position. Mention specific
qualifications that make you a good fit for the employer’s needs.
[Example] In the mission of ABC Corporation you mention diverse learning paths and how you tailor tutoring
experiences.
I truly believe in this approach and want the opportunity to contribute to this mission. I have seen customized
tutoring experiences work wonders on previous student’s I’ve tutored. They’ve been able to flourish and
understand the content better. Additionally, I appreciate the learning opportunities you give employees. I want to
work for the company who wants to better me and will allow me to continue my education.
[PARA 4] Thank the reader for their time and mention you are very interested. Add any additional information you
feel would be helpful.
[Example] In conclusion, thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I hope you continue on to my
resume for a further explanation of my skills and experiences. I feel confident that I can excel as a Mathematics
Tutor for ABC Corportation and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name and/or Signature

@CoogCareers
@CoogCareers
RESUME W ORKSHEET 16
This worksheet is intended to help you gather information about your education, work and other experiences to assist you
in formulating your resume. Don’t forget to add your contact information at the top!
OBJECTIVE: State the position you are seeking and 2-3 relevant skills. Avoid the use of “I” and “me”. This is an
optional section and can be used to connect your relevant skills to the position.
EDUCATION: List all colleges and universities from where you received or will receive a degree. Do not abbreviate
and start with most recent. Include major and minor, GPA (optional if 3.0 and higher) and expected graduation date.
EXPERIENCE: List relevant experiences in reverse chronological order. Include: Position title, employer name,
location, employment dates, responsibilities & accomplishments. Use ACTION VERB + TASK + RESULT to format the
bullets.
SKILLS: List language(s) and fluency levels as well as computer programs, software, and languages relevant to
the position.
HONORS, AWARDS & ACTIVITIES: For honors and awards, include name of honor/award, date received &
name of organization. For activities, include the name of the organization, your title, and the dates of activity or
membership.
Note: At least three professional references should be listed in a separate document.

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RESUME A CTION VERBS 17
The bullet points under each of your work experiences should focus on accomplishments and results, not just
job duties. Use the formula ACTION VERB + TASK + RESULT and don’t forget to quantify your results.
Management Communication Research Technical Financial

Administered Addressed Analyzed Computed Adjusted
Appointed Advertised Clarified Conserved Allocated
Assigned Arranged Collected Constructed Analyzed
Authorized Clarified Critiqued Converted Appraised
Converted Composed Diagnosed Debugged Assessed
Coordinated Consulted Evaluated Designed Audited
Delegated Contacted Examined Determined Balanced
Developed Corresponded Extracted Engineered Calculated
Directed Defined Identified Fabricated Computed
Eliminated Described Inspected Fortified Conserved
Enforced Discussed Interpreted Installed Corrected
Enhanced Drafted Interviewed Maintained Determined
Established Edited Investigated Operated Developed
Generated Explained Organized Overhauled Estimated
Handled Formulated Researched Printed Forecasted
Hired Influenced Reviewed Rectified Managed
Improved Interacted Summarized Regulated Measured
Increased Interpreted Surveyed Remodeled Planned
Initiated Interviewed Systematized Repaired Programmed
Recommend Lectured Replaced Projected
Teaching Creative Helping Administrative Other

Adapted Acted Adapted Advocated Arranged Achieved
Advised Combined Aided Categorized Completed
Clarified Conceptualized Assessed Classified Expanded
Coached Condensed Assisted Coded Exceeded
Communicated Created Clarified Collected Improved
Conducted Customized Coached Compiled Pioneered
Coordinated Designed Collaborated Distributed Reduced
Critiqued Developed Contributed Executed Resolved
Developed Directed Cooperated Filed Restored
Enabled Displayed Counseled Generated Spearheaded
Encouraged Drew Demonstrated Implemented Succeeded
Evaluated Entertained Diagnosed Logged Surpassed
Explained Fashioned Educated Maintained Transformed
Facilitated Formulated Encouraged Monitored
Focused Founded Ensured Obtained
Guided Illustrated Expedited Operated
Individualized Initiated Facilitated Ordered
Informed Introduced Guided Organized
Instilled Invented Helped Prepared
Instructed Modeled Insured Processed
Motivated Modified Intervened Provided
Persuaded Motivated Purchased

@CoogCareers
Patricia Sieng
(832)-638-7867 – [email protected] – Missouri City, TX, 77459
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts (or Science) in (major) Month and Year of Graduation (or expected date)
University of Houston- Houston, Texas
Minor
Overall GPA or GPA in Major (Optional- Only if 3.0 or higher)
RELEVANT COURSEWORK (Pick 4-6 relevant courses)

CLASS ONE CLASS THREE
CLASS FIVE CLASS TWO CLASS FOUR
CLASS SIX
ACADEMIC PROJECTS
Project Name, University of Houston Month Year
• Projects could include: team or invidiual projects, laboratory reports/projects, research papers
• Indepent projects (outside of the classroom projects could also be listed, as long as they are relevant)
• List your tasks and what you learned/skills you gained
• Use strong verbs to explain what you did and quantify, if possible
EXPERIENCE (“Work” - “Relevant” - “Research” - “Leadership” Experience)

Position Title Month Year - Month Year
Name of Business or Organization, City, State
• Use the formula ACTION VERB + TASK + RESULT to format the bullets
• Put your strongest selling point first
• Focus on accomplishments and results, not just job duties
• Provide as much detail about your responsibilities as possible
Position Title Month Year - Month Year

Name of Business or Organization, City, State
• If it happened in the past, make sure you use past tense verbs
• Avoid repetition: try not to use the same words and/or phrases over and over again
• Quantify any results whenever possible and use industry keywords/buzzwords
SKILLS
Computer skills, technical skills, certifications
Language skills (fluent, bilingual, conversational)
(No soft skills - “communication, teamwork, organization..etc”)
HONORS
• Dean’s List: List semesters or range of semesters
• Include any Scholarships, Year Awarded
ACTIVITIES (“Leadership” - “Involvement” - “Professional Development” - “Volunteer Experience”)

• Student Organization, Member, Year(s) of involvement (If leadership role, list and discuss responsibilities)
• Volunteer Organization, Volunteer, Year(s) of involvement

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CAREER F AIR PREPARATION 19
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING A CAREER FAIR: CAREER FAIR ETIQUETTE
• Learn about companies within your field • Bring mints to maintain fresh breath (no gum)
• Engage with currently employed professionals • Do not wear strong cologne or perfume
• Practice your introduction • Do not bring a backpack or large purse
• Establish employment contacts • Shake hands firmly, but not too firm
• Develop your communication skills • Turn off or silence your cell phone
• Obtain internships or employment opportunities • Be enthusiastic and positive during the fair
• Network with employers, peers and future colleagues • Be courteous of the recruiter’s time
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CAREER FAIR:
• RSVP for the Career Fair via Cougar Pathway.
• Review the employers attending on Cougar Pathway and research their mission, vision and open positions
• Decide which employers you would like to meet with and plan a strategy for speaking with them
• Prepare your resume with the help of a career counselor
• Practice answering the “tell me about yourself” question
• Pick out your professional attire. Refer to the Professional Dress Etiquette (page 26) for examples
• Arrive early to park, prepare and relax!
CREATING YOUR INTRODUCTION FOR A CAREER FAIR

These questions will get you started in creating your introduction and determining what you want to share
with a recruiter:
• What is your full name, major and academic standing?
• What is the name of the company you are speaking with and what positions do they have open?
• Why do you want to work for that company?
• What interests you about the company or their open position(s)?
• What unique work experience, skills, and course projects are relevant to that company or their open
position(s)?
• Why should someone hire you? (Brainstorm - may not be shared

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ELEVA T OR PITCH W ORKSHEET 20
This job hunting technique is known by several names: elevator speech, 30-second commercial, infomercial, and
self-advertisement. It is a well-developed answer to the question “Tell me about yourself.” Creating this 30-60 second
message forces you to take stock of who you are, what you offer, and where you want to go. This spiel is an
advertisement for you; it is an opportunity to get your point across in a timely manner. It is concise and clever. Practice
it to make it a natural and powerful statement about you.
SCENARIO: You are in an elevator and recognize the person next to you as a person who works where you want to work
or does what you would like to do. There is not much time to talk before you reach your floor: Introduce yourself, tell
who you are, what you want to do, and what you have to offer, all in less than a minute.
My experience (internship, academic, research, work, leadership, study abroad, volunteerism etc.) includes:
My goals for an internship and/or job (field of work, type of job, company, location, etc.) are:
My skills (technical- e.g. computer programs, soft skills- e.g. communication) are:
EXAMPLE:
NAME: Hi, my name is .
BACKGROUND: I am pursuing (major/minors) at the University of

Houston. While attending UH, I interned at and learned
. I have also been involved in
and have assumed a leadership role through my
work with . In this position, I accomplished
.
EXPERTISE & GOALS: One area that I am very interested in is ,

so I
am currently exploring opportunities in at
.
SKILLS: I believe I would be an ideal candidate for this position because I have been praised for being

@CoogCareers
EMPLO YER RESEARCH W ORKSHEET 21
NAME OF
COMPANY
INDUSTR
Y
TYPE OF ORGANIZATION
(PUBLIC, PRIVATE OR NON-
PROFIT?)
LOCATIO
N
SIZE OF COMPANY
MISSION/VISION
STATEMENT
WHAT PRODUCT(S) OR
SERVICE(S) DOES THE
COMPANY MAKE, SELL OR
PROVIDE?
WHO ARE THE COMPANY’S

CLIENTS?
COMPETITO
RS?
ANY RECENT COMPANY

NEWS? PRESS RELEASES?
NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES?
INTERESTING FACTS OR
COMPANY HISTORY?
OTHER
NOTES?
@CoogCareers
@CoogCareers
PERSONAL BRANDING STA TEMENT 22
PERSONAL BRANDING is marketing yourself and your career to leave a positive impression on an individual or
organization. To explore the type of image or brand you would like to demonstrate, answer the questions below:
STEP ONE:
What are your values? (What types of things are important to you in a career?)
What are your professional career goals? (What do you want to accomplish within 3-5 years?)
What differentiates you from your competition? (What do you offer that no on else does? What is unique about you?)
STEP TWO:
Pick six words from the questions above that you feel truly represent you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
STEP THREE:
String the six words together within a sentence, using filler words if needed. This is your Personal Branding Statement!
One of the best ways to market yourself online is through LinkedIn! You can add your Personal Branding Statement to
your LinkedIn profile summary!
WHY USE
LINKEDIN?
85% of all jobs are filled via networking
There are 433 million users on LinkedIn
LinkedIn profiles with skills listed, get 13X more
views
40% of LinkedIn users log on every day
There have been 1 Billion endorsements on LinkedIn
During the 1st quarter of 2016, LinkedIn had 45 billion page views

@CoogCareers
BUILDING A STRONG LINKEDIN PROFILE 23
Below are the major sections within every Linkedin profile.
Go through each section and make notes of things you EDUCATION: List all of the institutions of higher
could add or change within your profile. education that you have attended. Add activities and
organizations you were involved with in school, as well
PROFESSIONAL PHOTO: Do you have a professional as projects. (Projects can be listed in a different section)
photo? (It should not be a selfie and you should be dressed What schools have you attended and what degrees have
professionally) Where can you get a professional photo you obtained?
taken?
PROFESSIONAL HEADING: Your professional heading

is one of the first things a connection will see (besides your
photo). You have 120 characters to describe yourself. You EXPERIENCE: This is where a lot of your resume
can use some of the words from your personal branding content will go! List ALL of your work experiences
statement, you can list your title, or you can describe what within this section. BUT, don’t just list the title and
types of positions you are seeking. What do you want your employer, add descriptions about what you did in each
Professional Heading to say? position. Use strong action words and quantify if
possible. What job experiences will you list?
SUMMARY: If you did not use your personal branding

statement within the heading, your summary section is
an excellent spot for that. You can also use keywords from SKILLS: List your top “hard skills” which can include
your industry or specialization. (Remember, this text is technical skills, computer skills or language skills.
searchable by others!) What do you want to share within After
your summary? you add them, get your connections to ENDORSE the
skills for a strong profile. What “hard skills” will you list
within your profile?
OTHER SECTIONS TO
INCLUDE: • Courses and Projects • Publications and Presentations
• Volunteer Opportunities • Honors and Awards • Certifications
• Organizations
FOR ADDITIONAL LINKEDIN TIPS FOR STUDENTS VISIT WWW.STUDENTS.LINKEDIN.COM

@CoogCareers
GRADUA TE SCHOOL EXPLORATION W ORKSHEET 24
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL
What are my career/professional goals? Do I see myself working in academia or industry?
How will completing a graduate degree help me accomplish my goals?
What program(s) of study am I interested in? Why?
Are there any specific research areas or focused programs that I am interested in? Are there specific faculty I want to
work with or specific schools I want to target and why?
What aspects of a graduate school program are important to me? (e.g. cohort model, assistantship)

@CoogCareers
GRADUA TE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL CHECKLIST 25
JANU AR Y - APRIL (SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR)
‫ ܆‬Determine what you want to study; Explore career options and potential earnings with that graduate degree.
‫ ܆‬Research graduate programs and map out dates for admission requirements. (If possible, try to meet with current
students, faculty, and advisor to ensure the program is a good fit. You could reach out via email or have virtual
conversations if distance is an issue.)
‫ ܆‬Research and schedule date(s) to take the required entrance exams. Start studying for the exam(s).
JUNE/JUL Y (SUM MER PRIOR T O SENIOR YEAR)

‫ ܆‬Gain additional experience by volunteering, shadowing or interning.
‫ ܆‬Continue studying for entrance exams!
A UGUS T/ SEPTEMBER (F ALL OF SENIOR YEAR)

‫ ܆‬Request application or research application process online (Be sure to note deadline for applying and addresses for
where supplemental materials should be sent.)
‫ ܆‬Take the GRE or required standardized test (Make sure you are sending scores to the appropriate schools).
OCT OBER -DECEMBER (F ALL OF SENIOR YEAR)

‫ ܆‬Explore scholarship / fellowship / assistantship information for each school; seek out ways to fund your graduate
education. (Note within your personal statement or letter of intent if you are interested in conducting research with a
specific faculty member or if you would be interested in being considered for an assistantship or fellowship.)
‫ ܆‬Request copies of your transcript from the Registrars Office (It is usually best to have them sent directly to the
addresses where supplemental materials should be sent.)
‫ ܆‬Approach faculty members, employers, etc. to write recommendation letters. Remember to provide them with any
required recommendation forms, your resume, a stamped/pre-addressed envelope (if required), and the deadline
for submission.
‫ ܆‬Compose personal statements and supplemental essays for each institution and have your statement/essay
reviewed by University Career Services, faculty members, mentors or advisors.
‫ ܆‬Meet with University Career Services for a resume/CV/personal statement critique.
‫ ܆‬Submit applications and application fees for each school by its published deadline.
JANU AR Y (SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR)

‫ ܆‬File your Federal Income Tax Return (Required before you can complete the FAFSA.)
‫ ܆‬Complete the FAFSA Online and submit all completed scholarship application forms.
‫ ܆‬Prepare for any admission/assistantship interviews by scheduling an appointment with University Career Services for a
mock interview.
‫ ܆‬Attend any preview days/assistantship interview sessions/faculty interview sessions for each institution if you
haven’t already.
M AR CH- M A Y (SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR)
‫ ܆‬Follow-up on institutions that you have not heard from and make your final decision.
‫ ܆‬Submit commitment forms and/or fees to the institution you have chosen.
@CoogCareers
‫ ܆‬Ask about program orientation and enrollment procedures.
‫ ܆‬Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters, informing them of your success.

@CoogCareers
DEVELOPING Y OUR PERSONAL STA TEMENT 26
YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT IS A(AN)... YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT IS NOT A(AN)...
• Picture of who you are as a person. • Academic paper about your life.
• Invitation to get to know you. • Resume in narrative form.
• Story of your self-reflection. • Journal entry.
• Indication of your priorities and choices. • Justification or plea for admission.
QUICK TIPS
• Make your personal statement interesting to read • Get feedback from people you trust
• Use details and concrete examples when relevant • Revise, revise, revise!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN, ASK YOURSELF THESE
QUESTIONS:
1. What is your overall professional aspiration or goal? How will this program help you achieve this goal?
2. Why do you want to attend graduate school and this program in particular?
3. What makes you a qualified applicant or asset to the program? (Unique life experiences and background)
ORGANIZING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION
• Brainstorming questions: Think of any stories or interesting experiences that are relevant to your graduate school
interests. How did you become interested in this field?
BODY
• Brainstorming questions: What are your major accomplishments? What have you learned from your research or
experiences? What are your future academic and professionals goals and how do they align?
CONCLUSION
• Brainstorming questions: What attracts you to the program? Any specific professors, research initiatives or program
attributes?

@CoogCareers
PREPARING F OR AN INTERVIEW 27
RESEARCH
The Company
• Know at minimum 3 specific things about the company; do your research and know more than just the
surface level facts
• Look up the person or people who will be interviewing you on LinkedIn; see if you have any professional
connections or personal interests in common
Your Field/Industry
• How does your field contribute to society?
• Any recent advances or new technologies emerged?
• Where do you fit into your industry and its continued success?
• What are the areas of growth (weaknesses) of your industry?
• What are important qualities of professionals within your field?
PREPARE
Interview Question Types and Example
• Basic - Tell me about yourself and your interest in this position.
• Behavioral - Describe a time you demonstrated leadership when working in a team. What was the result?
• Technical - You have been assigned to a project involving a new technology. How would you get started?
Basic Interview Logistics (Face to Face Interview)

• Do you have directions to interview location? (Think about construction, weather or traffic concerns)
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• When do you plan to leave your home? How long will it take you? (Plan to arrive 20-30 min before. You
can sit in your car if need be or grab a coffee near by if you arrive early.)
Basic Interview Logistics (Virtual Interview; e.g. Skype or Recorded)
• Do you have a quiet, professional space to conduct the interview?
• Do you speakers, microphone, etc, work? (Make sure to test them ahead of time)
CHECK OUT
• Don’t forget to dress professionally, even though it’s virtual. GLASSDOOR
FOR
Materials for the Interview COMPANY
SPECIFIC
• Resume (multiple copies) INTERVIEW
• Professional reference list QUESTIONS
• Unofficial transcript
• Copies of work/projects
After reviewing this list, is there anything you need to do to prepare for your interview? Note them below:

@CoogCareers
PROFESSIONAL DRESS ETIQUETTE 28
REGARDING GENDER IDENTITY AND ATTIRE: Your research on a particular employer or field, in addition to
your comfort
level, will assist in your choice to wear clothes associated with your gender identity or to wear gender-neutral clothing.
SUITS
• Long-sleeve suit in black, grey or navy WE ASK THA T Y OU
• Jacket must match bottoms REFRAIN FR O M WEARING
• Skirt should be knee length THE F OLL O WING ITEMS :
BUSINESS PR OFESSIONAL
SHIRTS AND TIES • HATS - fedoras, baseball caps,

• White or light-colored shirt or blouse beanies, berets or cowboy hats
• Conservative tie; no distracting prints
• Tie should reach belt • T-SHIRTS - short sleeved shirts, tank
PANTS tops, cut-off shirts; no exposed backs,
• Not too tight or baggy arms or midriffs
• Pant leg should touch front of shoe
SHOES • ATHLETIC GEAR - sweatpants,
• Neutral flats or pumps with a 1-2’’ heel workout shorts, yoga pants or hooded
• Polished, leather shoes with dark socks that sweatshirts
match
ACCESSORIES
• SHORTS - cargo, denim or khaki
• Simple and conservative jewelry
• Small purse or professional bag
• JEANS - ripped, cut-offs or light-
• Padfolio or portfolio for resumes
wash denim; must fit appropriately,
not too baggy or too tight
JACKETS/TOPS
BUSINESS CASU AL
• Sports coat, blazer or suite jacket • SHOES - flip-flops, casual sandals

• Sweater or cardigan or sneakers/tennis shoes
• Polo shirt or button down shirt
PANTS/BOTTOMS • ACCESSORIES - large or distracting
• Dress pants, khakis or dark jeans jewelry around the neck, ears or hands,
• Skirt or appropriate dress large hair accessories, or multiple
ACCESSORIES pieces of jewelry around the neck, ears
• Tie optional or hands
PROFESSIONAL DRESS RESOURCES:

• CAREER GEAR, GREATER HOUSTON: Career gear is a local Houston resource for men to gain professional
dress assistance. For more information: http://www.careergearhouston.org/index.html
• DRESS FOR SUCCESS HOUSTON: Dress for Success is a local Houston resource for women to gain
professional dress assistance. For more information: http://dfshouston.org/
• UCS CAREER CLOSET: The UCS Career Closet is an initiative supported by UH to offer UH students
assistance through professional dress rental. Interested students should schedule a Career Closet appointment
through Cougar Pathway.

@CoogCareers
STAR METHOD F OR INTERVIEWING 29
WHAT IS THE STAR METHOD?
The STAR Method is a technique to answer interview questions. This method helps you outline the exact content an
employer would like to learn from an interview answer.
S ITUATION:
• Define the general context
• Who/What/When
• Mention the problem you had to overcome
T ASK:
• Identify the key objective and issue that you were responsible for accomplishing
A CTION:
• Describe the action you took or initiated, emphasizing the skills you used to complete the task
R ESULTS:
• Summarize the outcome in business terms, giving detail and quantifying when possible
Develop a STAR example for the question below. These statements can also add value to your elevator pitch, cover
letter and interviews. Depending on your targeted position during your career search, you may want to revise these
statements to make them more relevant.
Tell us about a time you work in a team to achieve a goal; what was your role and the outcome?
SITUATION:
TASK:
ACTION:
RESULTS:

@CoogCareers
C O M M ON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 30
Tell me about yourself.
What motivated you to apply to our company/organization?
Provide examples that illustrate your greatest strength and an area of growth as it relates to your field of interest.
What are your short-term and long-term professional goals?
Describe your ideal work environment.
Why do you believe you would be a good fit for this position?
Tell me about a time when you worked in a team to reach a goal? What was your role and the outcome?

@CoogCareers
C O M M ON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 31
Describe a time you demonstrated creativity or innovation?
Tell me about a time when you displayed leadership when working with others?
Give me an example of a problem you faced in your job or in school and how you solved it.
Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult person.
Tell me about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma and how you handled it.
How has your education prepared you for this position?
What questions do you have for us?

@CoogCareers
SALARY NEGOTIATION GUIDE 32
QUICK FACTS
• Failing to negotiate your first salary could cause you to miss out on more than $500,000 by age 60
• 75 percent of people who ask for a raise receive one
• Women earn 25.6 percent less than men
STEP 1: RESEARCH
• Use resources such as O*Net (onetonline.org) and GlassDoor (glassdoor.com) to understand market rates
for the position
• Take aspects other than salary into account, such as benefits, work hours & vacation
• Create a realistic budget to know your minimum income
What is the market rate for positions you are interested in?
What benefits, other than salary, are important to you?
STEP 2: STRATEGIZE
• Do not start negotiating until after you receive the job offer
• Try to avoid being the first to name a salary figure
• Brainstorm ways to meet your goals and the employer’s needs simultaneously
• Focus on facts and research to back up your proposal
• Have a target salary and minimum salary in mind
What is your target salary or salary range?
What skills, experience, and qualifications do you have to offer the employer?
STEP 3: NEGOTIATE
• Be persuasive and clearly articulate your value
• Listen carefully to the employer’s needs
• Don’t forget to negotiate benefits
• Make a decision once you take the entire compensation package into account
How can you practice negotiation strategies and communicating your value?

@CoogCareers
EXAMPLE M ONTHLY BUDGET 33
We recognize everyone’s financial situation is different, but these activities are meant to get you thinking about your
future financial needs and what salary amount will meet those needs.
MONTHLY INCOME
BUDGETED AMOUNT ACTUAL AMOUNT
NET INCOME DIFFERENCE
Salary including Deductions
Other Income
TOTA
L
HOME MONTHLY EXPENSES
Mortgage or Rent
HOA Fees / Property Tax
Home or Renters Insurance
Home Repairs / Maintenance

UTILITIES
Electricity / Natural Gas
Water / Sewer / Trash
Internet / Cable
FOOD Groceries
Restaurants/Out to Eat
HEALTHCARE
Insurance Premiums
Prescriptions
Fitness (Class, Gym, Etc)
TRANSPORTATION
Car Payment
Car Insurance
Car Maintenance / Repairs
Gasoline
OTHER
Entertainment (Movies/Hobbies)
Pet Care (Food/Grooming)
Personal Care Products
Clothing
DEBT
Credit Card
Payments Student
Loans SAVINGS
Emergency Fund
Savings Account
TOTAL

@CoogCareers
M ONTHLY BUDGET TIPS 34
We recognize everyone’s financial situation is different, but these activities are meant to get you thinking about your future
financial needs and what salary amount will meet those needs.
PART ONE: Complete the Example Monthly Budget and fill in the totals below:
MONTHLY BUDGET
TOTAL MONTHLY
INCOME TOTAL
MONTHLY EXPENSES
Subtract Income from Expenses
PART TWO: Answer the questions below:

Did you encounter any surprises, challenges or interesting things while completing the Monthly Budget?
Are there any areas you want to reduce or increase?
In reviewing your monthly budget, what salary range do you need in order to cover your expenses?
How does the salary range listed above, compare to your perceived thoughts about salary within your field? Is it similar
to what you were thinking? Is it way off?

@CoogCareers
@CoogCareers

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COOG Career

SECTIONS INCLUDE: University Career Services Overview,

CAREER EXPL ORA TION

JOB /INTERNSHIP SEAR CH

GRADU A TE/PR OFESSIONAL SCHOOL

INTER VIEW PREP ARA TION

SALAR Y NEGO TIA TION

MEET OUR CAREER C OUNSELORS

HOW T O MEET WITH A CAREER C OUNSELOR

C ONTA CT INFORMA TION

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

What classes do I enjoy the most? The least?

What organizations or networking groups am I interested in joining?

Check out the GET

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

What occupations or professions do I admire? Why?

What relevant skills do I need to develop to succeed in my potential field(s) of choice?

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

What are your favorite classes and subjects?

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

OTHER FACTORS BARRIERS

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

(2) CONTACT PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST: Introduce

(5) FOLLOW UP & REFLECT: Send a thank-you note

LIFESTYLE/ INDUSTRY GROWTH

JOB HUNTING STRATEGIES

WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? WRITE YOUR QUESTIONS BELOW:

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

What do you desire to learn and/or experience?

What are your goals for this job/internship search?

What skills/abilities would you like to improve?

What are you hoping to gain from the experience?

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP PROFESSIONALISM

TEAMWORK / TECHNOLOGY / TOTAL up each section and

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

JOB POSTING SKILLS YOUR EXPERIENCES / SKILLS

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

[Month Day, Year] - Fill in

Your Name and/or Signature

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

Note: At least three professional references should be listed in a separate document.

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

Management Communication Research Technical Financial

Teaching Creative Helping Administrative Other

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

RELEVANT COURSEWORK (Pick 4-6 relevant courses)

EXPERIENCE (“Work” - “Relevant” - “Research” - “Leadership” Experience)

Position Title Month Year - Month Year

ACTIVITIES (“Leadership” - “Involvement” - “Professional Development” - “Volunteer Experience”)

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

CREATING YOUR INTRODUCTION FOR A CAREER FAIR

• Why do you want to work for that company?

• What interests you about the company or their open position(s)?

• Why should someone hire you? (Brainstorm - may not be shared

www.uh.edu/ucs - 713-743-5100 - [email protected] -

BACKGROUND: I am pursuing (major/minors) at the University of