Discover resources on cover letters, resumes, interviews, and effective job search strategies. Please feel free to utilize these resources in your classroom, or however you see fit to empower student success.
A full list of The Exchange's student resources can be found on our student resources page.
The Exchange is excited to debut shared modules ready to import into your Canvas course sections on a variety of career-related topics. See below for instructions to find our modules and upload them into your Canvas course for easy and socially distanced career development in your courses. Feel free to use these resources and adapt based on your needs.
Search different majors to see what careers employers relate to your area of study. This website provides information on classes to take in order to pursue a particular career.
How to use What Can I do with This Major
An excellent way to evaluate which programs may be a good fit for you is to take a look at their program pages and to browse the course catalog to see what kinds of classes are offered in the department. If you are interested in learning more based on the course descriptions, that's a great sign! Talk to your academic advisor (or admissions counselor, for prospective students) about exploring different options for your major area of study.
Indiana Career Explorer will help you explore a world of career possibilities, make decisions about your future, and prepare for the next step in your education and career planning journey.
My O*NET Interest Profiler can help you evaluate your interests and understand how they relate to the world of work.
Students seeking to identify and develop their unique talents in their careers may benefit from taking the CliftonStrengths assessment, scheduling a Strengths coaching appointment, or attending a workshop on CliftonStrengths from The Exchange. Browse below for instructions and details.
Redeeming a CliftonStrengths code:
If you have a classroom presentation on CliftonStrengths coming up:
If you are completing this assessment on your own and not part of a class requirement:
Check out comprehensive data in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, including data about pay, education requirements, and growth rate for different jobs.
Browse jobs that are currently in demand for the state of Indiana.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) & Resumes:
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is the software that you upload your resume and cover letter to when applying for positions. It is how recruiters manage the hiring process. Check out this video to see what happens when you apply for a job:
Below are some tools that can assist you in making sure your documents are ATS friendly:
JobScan.Co: Assists in optimizing your documents and gives job seekers an instant analysis of how well their documents are tailored to a particular position and how it can be made even better.
PannaScore: Analyzes your documents using algorithms from a job posting to provide a relevance score that evaluates your documents.
An Inside Look at iCIMS ATS Job Applications
For more information on ATS, click here
A professional reference is a recommendation from a person who can vouch for your qualifications for a job. References can include;
The key is picking references who have observed you acting in a productive capacity where you displayed your skills and credentials for employment.
A Reference Page Should: (an example is provided here)
All CV's, cover letters, and resumes uploaded in CORE are reviewed by The Exchange to give feedback on content, formatting, and employer perspective. Please see the steps below detailing how to upload a document for review.
4. Wait up to 24 hours for emailed feedback from The Exchange. If approved, you will receive email notification.
*Not sure where to start? Take a look at the Resource Library for recommended formatting examples
Connecting with professionals in your desired field and inviting them for a coffee meeting or phone call can be an excellent opportunity to discuss tips for starting out your career. It also can lead to job opportunities.
LinkedIn is a social media platform for your professional life. It's an excellent way to connect with professionals in your field and to build a positive and professional online presence. For comprehensive video tutorials on LinkedIn, check out GCF Global.
LinkedIn Sample Profile & Checklist
Do others have difficulty pronouncing your name sometime? Check out this article about LinkedIn's name pronunciation tool now.
Marian University students have a wealth of resources to hone their interviewing skills. First, you may review the below resources for basic interview preparation. Next, check out Big Interview, our virtual interview training platform:
Register with your Marian University account and get started interviewing today. Big Interview allows students to browse through thousands of pre-loaded interview questions, conducting and reviewing their own web interviews.
1. Schedule a Mock Interview
Schedule an appointment with The Exchange for a mock interview in CORE.
2. Research the Organization
Thoroughly research the organization you're interviewing with and look up your interviewer(s) on LinkedIn.
3. Select an Outfit
Select professional attire for the interview (unless otherwise instructed by your interviewer). Visit our Dress to Impress Closet to take a look at our free, gently used closet of professional clothing.
4. Prepare the Proper Documents
Have a padfolio with copies of your resume and notes to utilize during the interview.
5. Bring Questions
Bring a list of questions for your interview team, about the job requirements, and workplace experience.
6. Arrive Early
Leave extra early and plan to walk in 15 minutes before the interview.
Some employers are unable to meet with applicants in person due to distance or time constraints. Therefore, they call the applicant and have an interview with them over the phone.
Here are some tips on how to make the best of your phone interview:
1. Know When to Take the Call
Sometimes the call comes out of the blue, so if there's a number calling that you're unfamiliar with and you're in the middle of something, don't answer. If it's the interviewer, they will leave a voicemail and you can call back at a more appropriate time.
2. Focus on your Language and Voice
Remember, they can't see your physical engagement, but they can hear it in your voice if you are smiling and confident. Also, it's easy to ramble a little on the phone, so take a deep breath and relax.
3. Be in a Quiet Environment
You don't want background noise or people talking & kids screaming. One great place to set up for a phone interview is in The Exchange. You can reserve a room in our space to ensure a quiet environment.
4. Have the Necessary Information Ready
You do not want to keep the interviewer waiting while fumbling around looking for something. This also shows the interviewer that you're prepared and organized.
5. Focus
Put away any distractions. Turn off any extra electronics, silence distracting app notifications, and place any unnecessary items out of sight,
Below are some recommendations to virtual/video interviews:
Have Suitable Surroundings
Dress the Part
Check your Video and Microphone
Have a Back-up Plan
Like phone interviews, some employers use Zoom/Webex/Google Meet interviews as opposed to in-person interviews for the reason of convenience. Luckily, unlike phone interviews, the employer is able to see you. This can work to your advantage, but be sure to prepare yourself and your surroundings.
Etiquette is often defined as a code of “polite conduct and proper behavior”. It refers to the rules that indicate the “proper and polite way to behave” so as to avoid offending or annoying other people.
In a job interview, you will basically be selling yourself. By practicing proper job interview etiquette, you will have greater chances of convincing the interviewer to “buy” you and what you have to offer.
10 Ways to Practice Proper Interview Etiquette:
Show up on time… not late, and not too early (10-15 minutes)
Before entering the room, turn your cell phone off
Make eye contact and SMILE
Be the one to greet first
Let the interviewer finish speaking before you answer questions
Pay attention, and take notes
Bring letters of references, copies of resumes, and samples of work, just in case
Use proper titles when addressing the interviewer
Maintain good posture
Thank the interviewers for their time
Employers are not allowed to ask about aspects of your life/identity that are protected by law: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. (Source: EEOC)
For additional reading, check out:
Salary Research:
Juggling job offers:
Other Tools:
Interstride can be an excellent resource for students seeking employment abroad and for international students seeking employment in the United States. Check out more details and tips for international job search below.
Job search strategies for international students:
About the hiring process in the United States:
Most positions will require a background check as part of the hiring process. At The Exchange, we support all students in the job search and are happy to discuss any questions you may have about this process.
See also resources about Criminal History and Your Career.
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Notice of Nondiscrimination
Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection
of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
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Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
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