At the Career Center, we don’t just follow best practices when it comes to creating interview materials. We see them lived out every single day. Corporate executives, business professionals, educators, nonprofit leaders, and more have all shared what it takes to move a résumé from the bottom to the top of the pile. Does yours have what it takes?
Power up your Résumé with VMock
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In order to get started, current students can head to Cardinal Career Link by clicking the "Get Started" button below. Alumni can email their Career Coach for industry-specific feedback on their résumé, or email Associate Director Brandon Bute for general feedback.
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Résumé Tips and Best Practices
Although you’ve spent a lot of time gaining experience in your field of study, it isn’t always easy to describe those experiences. Sometimes, it helps to see examples of what others are doing with their own application materials, and a little advice can go a long way toward helping you emerge as the strongest candidate for the job.
Each résumé sent to employers should always include an introductory cover letter. If sending a paper copy, be sure to print and sign your cover letter. You may also email your signed cover letter as a PDF, depending on the employer.
Reference lists are typically a separate page of your application and not part of your résumé. References might be current or former supervisors, faculty, student organization advisors, and other people who know you professionally. References are not your family, friends, or neighbors unless the application specifically calls for personal references.
A well-prepared portfolio can be a tool that sets you apart from any other job candidate. It is designed to showcase your achievements, the scope, and quality of your experience and training, and your skills and abilities.
Creating A Portfolio
You will need to be prepared to write various types of letters for your job search, including cover letters, acceptance letters, and eventually letters of resignation. You’ll also need to write thank-you notes to everyone who assists you in your job search and everyone who interviews you.
Example letters (PDF)
Reference lists are typically a separate page of your application and not part of your résumé. References might be current or former supervisors, faculty, student organization advisors, and other people who know you professionally. References are not your family, friends, or neighbors unless the application specifically calls for personal references.
Let Us Guide You Through Your Journey
We have services and resources to meet your needs depending on which of the following stages of your career journey you are in. So at which stages is it most useful to use the services described on this page? See below!
Explore Options
Let our career experts, professional network, and tools guide you through some of your earliest choices.
Develop Skills
Resumes, interviews, workplace etiquette, and more play such a large role in making sure you’ll earn a future job offer.
Build Experiences
We’re here to make sure you find the best connections, the strongest networks, and the best experiences.
Make the Transition
Ready to leap from classroom to professional world? We’re here to help you with job postings, on-campus interviewing, job fairs, and more.