JOB SEARCH GUIDE

ENGINEERING CAREER SERVICES

PLAN YOUR JOB SEARCH .......................................................... 4

Timing Your Job Search

Job Search: Seven Steps

ASSESS YOUR CAREER READINESS ....................................... 5

RESEARCH EMPLOYERS ............................................................. 6

LinkedIn: An Essential Tool

GoinGlobal

BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS ................... 7

DEVELOP YOUR RÉSUMÉ & REFERENCES ........................... 8

Ten Résumé Basics

Action Verbs

Consider and Ask References

Sample Résumés

Reference Page

CONTACT EMPLOYERS & APPLY .............................................. 18

Form Letters

Traditional Cover Letter Format

Tone and Timing

Email Reminders for Job Seekers

Business Email Etiquette

Cover Letter - Tailored to Position Description

Sample Letters and Emails

Be Prepared for Online Applications

PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS ..................................................... 22

The Recruiter's Approach to Your Interview

Do Your Interview Homework

What to Wear

What to Bring

Practice Out Loud

Prepare Elevator Pitch

Attitude

Discussions of Salary

Typical Interview Questions

Questions for You to Ask the Recruiter

Different Types of Interviews

Interview Follow-up

Sample Emails

EVALUATE OFFERS & MAKE DECISIONS ............................. 32

The Offer

Testing

Should You Negotiate?

Accept and Decline All Offers in Writing

Report Job Offers to ECS

Rescind Policy

Sample Emails

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Engineering Career Services

1150 Engineering Hall

1415 Engineering Drive

Madison, WI 53706

(608) 262-3471

ecs@engr.wisc.edu

ecs.wisc.edu

STAFF/APPOINTMENT TYPE

John Archambault

Sierra Grim

BS seniors, MS

Matt Nelson

Julie Rae

MS, PhD

Stephanie Salazar Kann

Schedule appointments in Starfish.

PLAN YOUR JOB SEARCH

Job searching is like a class: Some of it is fun

and some of it is work.

The skills you develop today are essential for a lifetime of job

search and career change skills. Most experts predict you

will change jobs every three years—therefore, it is critical to

develop and continually renew your job search skills and build

connections so you are ready for the next adventure.

Attitude and effort directly correlate with job search

success. Take personal responsibility. Use every resource

available to you in ECS, your department, and your personal

connections. Get organized and stay focused. ECS is a

valuable tool offering workshops and individual counseling,

but ultimately, the job search is your responsibility.

» Check out Engineering Career Services at ecs.wisc.edu

and access your UW Handshake account today!

Timing Your Job Search

Most job searches take 3 to 6 months from start to finish.

ECS suggests that you start your search 1 to 2 semesters

before your planned first day of work. For a co-op or

internship, you should always plan at least one semester

ahead of your intended work terms. Begin preparing for your

job search the summer before your planned graduation date,

whether you are a December, May or August grad.

NOTE: Fall semester is the busiest semester for campus

recruiting and many employers only visit campus once a year.

Your search may continue into the spring semester, which is

excellent for attracting employers who are filling immediate

openings upon your graduation.

Preparation is essential to conduct a successful job search.

Before you contact a potential employer, be sure you have

done your homework. This work will greatly enhance your

confidence in communicating with employers at career

fairs, by email and in interviews. Plan ahead with a focus on

your goals.

Job Search: Six Steps

1. Assess your career readiness

Clearly identify, understand and describe your skills and

accomplishments. The effectiveness of your résumé, emails

and interview skills starts here.

2. Research employers

Know your market. Determine viable employers interested

in hiring people with your skills. Read about companies and

agencies. Who are you really interested in? Focus on finding

specific employers versus flooding the market with résumés.

Set a minimum goal of 10 quality applications per week.

3. Develop your résumé

Build an effective résumé based on your skill and strength

assessment plus market knowledge and your list of targeted

positions and industries. Include keywords, technical skills,

leadership, school and work experiences.

4. Contact employers, activate your connections,

and develop tracking mechanism

Develop polished email communications requesting

interviews or information regarding opportunities. Introduce

yourself at career fairs. Adapt your résumé and cover letter

to specific employer needs. Use your personal connections

to find contacts. Follow up regularly until your interview is

scheduled. Develop a spreadsheet to track your efforts:

names, correspondence and interview dates, follow-up,

results, etc. Follow-up is critical.

5. Practice interviewing, interview, and follow-up

Review descriptions of your skills and strengths. Verbally

practice responses to questions using specific examples.

Discuss the match between your skills and employer

needs. Evaluate interview performance and improve skills.

There may be multiple interview stages—screening and

on-site. Send thank you emails. Follow-up with employers

after interviews.

6. Evaluate offers and make decisions

Potential job offers require you to evaluate financials as

well as fit. Accept or decline each job.

Work Authorization

If you are studying in the United States on a student

visa or other temporary visa, it is important that

you understand your employment privileges and

restrictions. Contact the International Student

Services Office regarding employment regulations,

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional

Practical Training (OPT).

Visit www.iss.wisc.edu

Review and clean your digital presence

Test your internet presence by conducting a search

of your own, and then use available means to block

undesirable information. If you have an online profile

on any social networks, carefully review it for content

that would deter an employer. Change information

on your personal websites that you wouldn't want

your current or future employer to see. If another

site contains objectionable information about you,

contact the webmaster about changing or removing

it. If that's not possible, you should be ready to

explain it, if asked.

ASSESS YOUR CAREER

READINESS

Spend time assessing your personal/

professional skills and strengths—the basis of

any job search.

The strengths you identify in your skills-assessment form

the foundation of your job search. This foundation leads to

effective résumé development, letter writing, and examples

you will use in the interview.

To conduct an effective skills-assessment, use many

methods, tools and resources to develop a list of

experiences, successful projects and activities that have

helped shape your interests and development. Look

beyond the simple listing of your degree(s), coursework

and experiences. Identify your unique skills and patterns

of success. List those things you are good at and are

passionate about—not those skills you feel you should have.

Consider specific work on projects and coursework that

provide you with satisfaction, challenge and that inspire

your enthusiasm. Consider your strengths in problem

solving, and in assessing and summarizing complex issues.

Consider situations in which others compliment you on

your abilities and strengths. This assessment forms the

beginning stages of identification and articulation of skill

and strength development.

Career & Self Development

Proactively develop oneself and one’s career

through continual personal and professional learning,

awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses,

navigation of career opportunities, and networking

to build relationships within and without one’s

organization.

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas,

facts, and perspectives with persons inside and

outside of an organization.

Critical Thinking

Identify and respond to needs based upon an

understanding of situational context and logical

analysis of relevant information.

Equity & Inclusion

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge,

and skills required to equitably engage and include

people from different local and global cultures.

Engage in anti-racist practices that actively

challenge the systems, structures, and policies of

racism.

Leadership

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team

strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Professionalism

Knowing work environments differ greatly,

understand and demonstrate effective work habits,

and act in the interest of the larger community and

workplace.

Teamwork

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work

effectively toward common goals, while appreciating

diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Technology

Understand and leverage technologies ethically

to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and

accomplish goals.

rights reserved.

QUICK TIPS

• Assess your 3 to 5 strongest skills.

• For each skill, describe how you developed and

used the skill in an academic, work,

or team experience.

Use this exercise in preparing for both résumé writing

and interviewing.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers has

developed career-readiness competencies for new college

graduates. Review each competency and assess your

preparedness for the workforce. Consider how you may

incorporate these competencies into your resume, cover

letters, and interview responses.

RESEARCH EMPLOYERS

The quality of your employer targeting and

research determines much of your job search

success.

Long before actually applying, research which employers

have the greatest potential for your interests and

qualifications. In fact, employer research parallels résumé

writing and serves as a major component in writing effective

cover letters/emails.

After creating a targeted list of employers, you will use your

time more effectively by exploring opportunities with only

those employers whose needs match your qualifications.

Glassdoor is one way to learn more about specific

organizations. The site contains information on open jobs,

real employee salaries, reviews from employees, company

overviews, CEO approval ratings, salary reports, interviews

and questions, benefits reviews, office photos and more!

Obtain valuable insight into interviewing with and working

at the organization.

LINKEDIN: AN ESSENTIAL TOOL

Every day new online tools emerge to help you find potential

employers. Today’s top tool is LinkedIn.

LinkedIn is the resource for developing your professional

connections. Surveys have indicated that people do not

want to use Facebook for their job search—it’s purely social.

LinkedIn is just as powerful as Facebook but with a focus on

connecting professionally. You want to take great care and

time in creating your LinkedIn profile—showing the strength

of your professional development. Like a résumé, this is

often your first introduction to potential employers, so it

needs to be well-crafted.

In addition to your professional connections, LinkedIn has

job postings, links to relevant articles, discussions on key

industry topics, “groups” based on alma mater or interest.

Use these services to expand your contacts. You will need to

be active on the site; don’t think you can just create a profile

and job offers will pour in. You need to actively connect

and engage with other users to build your professional

relationships and research opportunities.

Key tips for LinkedIn:

• Complete the profile thoroughly, including descriptive

headline with keywords

• Include a professional photo

• Always customize the message when requesting

to “connect”

• Actively use Groups to engage other professionals

• Only make professional connections, not personal

• Recommend people you would like to have

recommend you

GOINGLOBAL

GoinGlobal helps new and experienced job seekers find

opportunities both at home and abroad. Created by local

career experts, the product provides a one-stop resource to

help fast track job and internship searches. Whether you are

looking for a job or internship across town or on the other

side of the world, GoinGlobal provides the career resources

to achieve your goal.

GoinGlobal resources include:

• 120+ location-specific career guides featuring insider

advice on top job search techniques and resources, with

more than 500 employment resources per guide

• 16 million+ worldwide internship and job postings

searchable in the local language, as well as English,

updated daily

• Key Employer Directory with detailed company profiles

and contact information for leading in- country and

multinational employers with operations around the globe

• Expert guidelines for creating culturally correct resume/

CVs and cover letters, with specific examples for new

graduates and experienced professionals alike

• Tactical interview advice to help get the job and cultural

advice to ensure long term success

• Work permit and visa regulations, including up-to-date

application requirements, researched and compiled by an

experienced immigration lawyer

QUICK TIPS

Join the “Hire a Badger Engineer” LinkedIn group. It’s

coordinated by ECS and has over 8,500 members.

BUILD PROFESSIONAL

CONNECTIONS

The purpose of building professional connections is to:

• Gather a list of contacts who will help you with your

career, professional development and current/future job

searches.

• Screen jobs before you take them, careers before you

transition to them, locations before you move there.

• Find answers to very specific questions you have about

your job search.

With whom should you connect?

Start with those familiar to you: roommates, family, friends

and acquaintances, however near or far geographically.

• Ask each contact for the names of two or more people

they know who are in your current field or in your field of

interest.

• Ask for contact names from groups and sources in which

you are a member, college alumni, co-workers, places

where you study, shop, or spend time.

• Continually build this network by building professional

relationships.

• Keep careful notes and records of your contacts.

LinkedIn is a great way to help you keep in touch with

your connections.

How do you do it right?

• Deliberately attend meetings, conferences or conventions

in the field of interest.

• Talk with people and exchange contact information.

• Ask for names of contacts from your co-workers, from

departments at local colleges, or career offices.

• Once you have names, email them, using your contact as a

referral person. Introduce yourself and state your purpose.

Ask if they have specific advice … and start building a

relationship. Honor their time. Have specific questions for

them. Thank them for their assistance.

Signs you’re doing it wrong

You are doing it wrong if you approach busy individuals,

ask them to have lunch with you, and have no specific

agenda or prepared questions. If they ask during lunch what

you need to talk about, and you lamely say, “Well, I don’t

know. So-and-So just thought we should get to know each

other,” this is not networking. You have clearly not done

your homework!

Unadvertised jobs: The hidden job market

Prospective employees secure 60 to 80 percent of jobs

through networking … before those positions are even

advertised. Once employers advertise available positions,

there is fierce internal and external competition.

Pyramid scheme

Networking is a pyramid scheme—in a good way. Consider

every contact an important one; talk to everyone you know

and ask for referrals.

Keep active

Keep your contacts current on your job search. Check in with

them often to indicate your seriousness of purpose and to

extend appreciation for any assistance they might offer. Do

not just contact them every time you need job search help.

Grow contacts

Ask your contacts to provide two new contacts. Do your

homework to show new contacts your seriousness and

willingness to work hard. Ask intelligent questions: “Based on

my research of Medtronic’s website, I know the company is

currently researching XYZ. Mr. Daniels mentioned that you

are familiar with XYZ. What do you think makes this research

unique? Perhaps you know someone I could talk with directly

about it?”

You can’t do it alone

It is important that you enlist the assistance of everyone

you know, as well as conduct thorough employer research

yourself. You will experience success by increasing the

number of people who know of your career strategy and

by asking for information, advice, recommendations,

and referrals.

Employers do it

Employers network to find good candidates! To reduce risk

in hiring new people, they talk to people within the company

and to colleagues across the country to identify strong

candidates. Employers have a desire to hire people to whom

they have a “link,” and the most logical way to do this is

by networking.

Career fairs

• ECS career fairs are excellent places to build

professional connections.

• The career fairs are designed to allow you to

meet employer representatives (in many cases,

UW-Madison alumni) in a casual environment as

you begin your formal job search.

• Engineering Career Services sponsors two large-

scale in-person career fairs a year, one at the

beginning of each semester.

• Fair information is available in your

Handshake account.

DEVELOP YOUR RÉSUMÉ &

REFERENCES

The process of developing a résumé is an extension of your

self-assessment. Unless you have thoroughly and honestly

determined what your skills are and identified specific

situations in which you have either developed or successfully

used your skills, your résumé will not be distinctive or

effective. Keep in mind that résumé writing is not rocket

science, but neither is it simple. It requires careful thought,

attention to detail, and understanding of purpose. Prior

to working on résumé specifics, please keep in mind the

following important ground rules:

TEN RÉSUMÉ BASICS

1. Be concise

The length of your résumé depends on your skills and

experience. You may need more than one page to effectively

state your strengths, but do not use space carelessly. Most

undergraduates develop a one-page résumé; MS students

and alumni may require two, while PhD candidates' resume

may be three pages or more when including publications,

presentations and references. Key information such as

degrees and titles should be easy to find. Arrange the

information by importance.

2. Know your objective

Your purpose in writing an effective résumé is to obtain an

interview and to guide your interview discussion. Customize

your résumé for the opportunity.

3. You cannot write a résumé in an hour or two

Writing an effective résumé is time-consuming, and requires

planning, feedback, edits and adjustments. In fact, a résumé

is never “complete.” Adjustments continually improve

content and format.

4. Presentation matters

Your format or layout should be professional, consistent and

logical. Avoid using a template.

5. Use keywords

Employers search résumés for keywords. List every primary

software tool, instrumentation, research method, and

computer language. Read current job postings and employer

websites to determine key skills currently sought after. Include

buzzwords in your area of interest that match your search

and skillset.

6. Spell check (with U.S. English version)

Don’t simply rely on MS Word’s spell-check function. For

example, “software” and “soft wear” are both correct in the

“eyes” of the computer.

7. Ask for feedback

You may be a good engineer and researcher, but you

probably are not an expert in résumé writing. Consult the

ECS staff and others with experience in current employment

practices. Listen carefully and make wise decisions regarding

the development of your résumé.

8. Think of résumés as advertisements

For each advertisement, there is a target audience and the

advertiser emphasizes the most important and relevant

information. Relate this approach to résumé writing.

Sparingly use bullets, boldface or italics to emphasize

details. Generally, one form of highlighting for a specific

entry is sufficient.

9. Fifteen minutes of fame

Any topic on your résumé welcomes a question. Can you talk

about your academic project, ASME membership, computer

skills or leadership role for 15 minutes? Your résumé lists and

describes events; the interview validates them. When writing

your résumé, think about the next step—the interview!

10. Do not pay anyone to develop your résumé

They don’t know you and it's really expensive.

QUICK TIPS

• Do not simply list your degrees and jobs.

Use what you learned in your skills assessment to

fully develop each section of the résumé.

• Identify the degree and level (i.e., Bachelor of

Science in Chemical Engineering), expected

degree date, institution and GPA.

• Use the official name of the school: University

of Wisconsin-Madison.

• List study abroad experiences.

• Be sure your degree is correct. Department

names and degrees differ—for example, "Industrial

Engineering" (degree) vs. "Industrial & Systems

Engineering" (department name).

SAMPLE RÉSUMÉS

On the following pages are four sample résumés and one

reference page sample that illustrate different layouts for

various types of résumés. As an overall guideline, aim for

simplicity of design and layout.

• B.S. résumé sample 1

• B.S. résumé sample 2

• M.S. résumé sample (2 pages)

• PhD résumé sample (3 pages)

• References page sample

ACTION VERBS

Use past tense verbs. Start phrases with descriptive action

verbs. Supply quantitative data whenever possible. Adapt

terminology to include key words. Incorporate action verbs

with keywords and current “hot” topics, programs, tools,

testing terms, and instrumentation to develop concise,

yet highly descriptive phrases. Remember that résumés

are scanned for such words, so do everything possible to

incorporate important phraseology and current keywords

into your résumé.

Action verbs

achieved

adapted

amplified

analyzed

ascertained

assembled

assessed

attained

built

coded

collected

conceptualized

compiled

computed

conducted

conserved

consolidated

constructed

consulted

counseled

created

debugged

deployed

detailed

detected

determined

devised

diagnosed

discovered

displayed

dissected

distributed

diverted

eliminated

enforced

established

evaluated

examined

expanded

experimented

extracted

extrapolated

formulated

founded

gathered

generated

guided

hypothesized

identified

illustrated

implemented

improvised

influenced

initiated

innovated

installed

integrated

investigated

maintained

manufactured

mediated

mentored

modeled

monitored

motivated

navigated

operated

perceived

persuaded

piloted

predicted

problem-

solved

programmed

projected

promoted

proofread

publicized

purchased

reasoned

recommended

referred

rehabilitated

rendered

reported

represented

researched

resolved

responded

restored

retrieved

reviewed

risked

scheduled

selected

shaped

summarized

surveyed

synthesized

taught

tested

transcribed

trouble-shot

tutored

unified

validated

wrote

CONSIDER AND ASK REFERENCES

Think carefully about selecting your best three to

four references: one to two academic and one to

two work-related.

Carefully consider people who are enthusiastically willing

to serve as references for your job search. Employers will

generally contact references by phone or email; they will

not request a formal letter of recommendation.

So, how do you select references? Some factors to keep in

mind as you review past and present mentors, supervisors,

advisors and professors in an attempt to develop the best

reference list possible:

• The ideal reference list includes a former employer

or supervisor and an engineering professor, assistant

professor or lecturer. The third reference will be an

additional employer, professor, or in rare instances

a mentor.

• Always ask individuals if they would be willing and able

to serve as your job search reference. Provide them a

relatively easy way to decline your request. By proceeding

in this manner, you will be assured that, if accepted, the

reference is genuinely enthused about your career path

and will not be “bothered” when employers call.

• References should be included as an addendum to your

résumé. Provide only when requested.

• Although employers generally do not check references

prior to the first interview, you will be better prepared for

your job search if you have completed your references list

as soon as possible.

• Include a phrase or title defining the relationship between

you and the reference. It should state “advisor,” “co-op

supervisor,” “mentor at Harley-Davidson” or “professor for

ME 309 and ME 416.”

• Provide each reference with your updated résumé.

Be ready to provide complete information regarding 3 to

4 references at on-site interviews. You also can attach a

reference list in your follow-up thank you email. Send this

email immediately after the screening interview.

Formatting suggestions:

• Do not include the statement, "References available upon

request," on your resume. It simply states the obvious. Use

this valuable résumé space more effectively to further

describe experiences or list qualifications.

• For a one-page résumé, develop a separate reference

page as an addendum to your résumé.

• Graduate students or experienced alumni with a multiple-

page résumé should develop a reference page as an

addendum or may present references as the last section

of résumé.

• Obtain approval from each reference and determine which

contact information to present to employers (phone,

email, or both—what does the reference prefer?).

• Keep your references aware of the status of your

job search—still looking, considering offers, or

accepted employment.

• Thank your references.

Oliver Eun-ho Kang

608.618.8278 [email protected] Madison, WI 53715

Objective

Summer internship or co-op in software or hardware.

Education

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering, May 20XX

Double Major: Computer Sciences

GPA: 3.6/4.0 Dean’s List (4/4 semesters)

Programming Languages: Java, C, HTML, CSS

Computer Engineering Experience

Division of Information Technology (DoIT), UW-Madison

Software Developer Student Employee, May 20XX - Current

• Assisted in developing a web text-to-speech application using HTML and CSS

• Met with programming team on weekly basis to provide detailed project reports and

milestone updates

Other Experience

Center for Academic Excellence, Madison, WI

STEM Academic Mentor, January - May 20XX

• Tutored and assisted students in mathematics, computer sciences and statistics courses

• Created tailored lesson plans and study guides based on weekly material

Evanston Public Library, Evanston, IL

Circulation Assistant, June - December 20XX

• Successfully completed check-in and check-out procedure for patrons taking or returning

library books and audio materials daily

•Maintainedinventoryrecordsandveriedwhatitemswereavailableanditemsbeing

transferred to other system locations

Gigi’s Cupcakes, Evanston, IL

Sales Associate, June 20XX - August 20XX

•Assistedcustomersbyansweringquestionsandfulllingrequests.

• Recommended merchandise to customers based on needs and preferences.

Activities

Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity (LEED) Scholars Program

Evanston Township High School National Honor Society – President

Varsity Cross Country

Clean Water Club

B.S. RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE 1

QUICK TIPS

• Times New Roman, with 12 pt. font size, is commonly used.

• As you add additional experiences and academic projects, reduce font size to 10–11

pt. and review other résumé samples for format and content suggestions.

• High school information is appropriate for freshman and sophomores only.

• Margins should be between 0.5˝ and 1.0˝.

B.S. RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE 2

ANNIKA RIBEN

138 Lathrop, Madison, WI 53715 | (920) 909-7965 | [email protected]

OBJECTIVE

Full-time design engineering position in renewable energy.

EDUCATION

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering | August 20XX

Certicate: Engineering for Energy Sustainability

GPA: 3.0/4.0

Selected Coursework: Solar Energy Technology, Fluid Power Systems, Aerodynamics

ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE

Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, Madison WI

Control Engineering Co-op, June – December, 20XX

• Designed a new system for automatic control of ood gates at two small hydropower facilities in Wisconsin

• Tested and troubleshot system adhering to strict guidelines set for hydropower plants

• Developed SolidWorks designs for fabrication of system components

Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University Summer Undergraduate Research

Assistant, May – August, 20XX

• Utilized SolidWorks to create a 3D model of the parking structure along with the smart charging stations.

• Visual renderings used at conferences and funding-request meetings to visually demonstrate how the

electric vehicle smart charging station operate

ACADEMIC DESIGN PROJECTS EXPERIENCE

Ra Solar (Senior Capstone Project)

• Designed, built and tested a dual axis coupled heliostat tracking system with the goal of reducing costs for

Concentrated Solar Power facilities; directed and advised by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

• Used Python and SolidWorks to create and verify a program to control the heliostat system accurately track

the sun throughout the day

Sensor Board (Introduction to Engineering)

• Assisted with building the framework of the sensory board to dimensions

• Routed outer frame of board to make the board ergonomic and soldered soundwave board to Arduino board

ACTIVITIES

WiscWind – 3rd place in Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition

UW Marching Band – 20+ hours/week committed to practice and performances

Hoofer Ski & Snowboard Club – Executive Board Member

SKILLS

Prototyping: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, 3-D Printing, Shop machines (including drill press, lathes, and mills)

Software: Java, MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, Python

Global Languages: German

QUICK TIPS

• Garamond font in 11 point (10-12 pt. acceptable).

• Name should be in bold face and between 14-18

pt. sizes.

• Allow enough white space for easy visual scanning.

Rebecca Koester

Madison, WI 53715 | (994) 258-2443 | [email protected]

OBJECTIVE

Materials science and engineering position in the application/processing of polymer and composite

components

EDUCATION

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Master of Science Materials Science & Engineering, May 20XX

GPA: 3.9/4.0

Selected Coursework: Additive Manufacturing, Polymer Processing, Engineering Design with Polymers

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering, December 20XX

GPA: 3.6/4.0

Dean’s List (6 semesters)

EXPERIENCE

Polymer Engineering Center, UW-Madison

Graduate Researcher, Dec. 20XX – Present

• Performed economic study on 3D-printing of fiber reinforced composite materials focusing on part quality,

material choice, and use of support material

• Designed and produced tools and fixtures with 3D-printing

• Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of 4 graduate students

Applied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, CA

Engineering Intern, May 20XX – Aug. 20XX

• Conducted process development for thin film deposition, including tool preparation, processing wafers,

measuring wafers, and documentation

• Developed projects to improve the performance of optical coatings, involving design of experiments, data

analysis, and reporting

• Researched optical measurements, involving development of measurement procedures and data

analysis, estimation of errors, and instructing technicians on the tools

EVA Plastics

Corp., Chicago, IL

Engineering Intern, Jun. 20XX – Aug. 20XX

• Fabricated samples of composite blood vessel tissue scaffolds using electrospinning and conducted

tensile tests

• Constructed an electrospinning machine collection apparatus using CNC milling to control length of

aligned and randomly oriented sections of fibers, and several sample frames to test cell adhesion

Mechanical Engineering Department, UW-Madison

Graduate Teaching Assistant – Engineering Graphics, Fall 20XX

• Introduced hand drafting technique and SolidWorks drafting software to three sections of undergraduate

students in mechanical engineering

• Graded assignments and provided guidance to students through weekly office hours

• Collaborated with faculty director to develop sample projects and modules

M.S. RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE — PAGE 1

(Continued on the next page)

Choose one, easily

readable font to use

on your résumé.

R. Koester, pg. 2

Polymer Engineering Center, UW-Madison

Undergrad Research Assistant, Jan. 20XX – Dec. 20XX

• Conducted Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) testing in collaboration with EVA Plastics, comparing

different polymer blends

• Collected data from tests (DSC, DMA, and TGA) on traditional weightlifting plates for comparison to a

new honeycomb design

• Proposed design for resin trap system for Vacuum Infusion Molding and prototype for Laser-Diode

Measurement of epoxy cure shrinkage in preimpregnated composites

ACADEMIC PROJECTS

Formulated Approximate Solutions Using Finite Element Method (FEM)

• Applied FEM to 2D/3D structures in elastostatic, heat transfer, and elastodynamic systems using C++

• Analyzed the systems to select appropriate variational formulas, basis, quadratures, and algorithms

Engineering Design Optimization

• Performed and examined design optimization of truss-structured bridges using MATLAB and SolidWorks

by modeling, identifying appropriate tools, solving, and verifying with numerical solutions

Simulating Autonomous Vehicles with Digital Twin

• Systemized robotic operating system through digital twin simulation of physical autonomous vehicles

• Built Robot Operating System (ROS) that receives sensor signals and sends commands to digital twin

Machine Learning in Material Science

• Implemented

machine learning techniques including MAST-ML and Citrination and uncovered

actionable insights

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Modeling Software

Moldex3D, Rhinoceros 5, Siemens NX, AutoCAD, Slic3r (3D-Printing), MATLAB, SolidWorks

Programming Languages

Java, C++, Python

Lab and Instrumentation

Thermogravimetric Analyzer

Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer

Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Focus Variation Measurement (Alicona)

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy

Electron Backscatter Diffraction

ACTIVITIES

Materials Advantage – Competition Chair

ASM International

Materials Research Society

K-12 STEM Outreach Volunteer

Skiing and Mountain Biking

M.S. RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE — PAGE 2

Include name and page number

for 2- to 3-page résumés.

Christian Manuel Jimenez

[email protected] 608-238-2443 www.linkedin.com/in/christian-jimenez1 Madison, WI 53706

Summary

Experienced researcher with 4 years of experience in heterogeneous catalysis and material characterization

Education

PhD Chemical Engineering, May 20XX

University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Thesis: “Production of distillate-range fuels from ethanol using mixed metal oxide catalysis”

• GPA: 3.77/4.0

Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering, December 20XX

Georgia Institute of Technology

• Thesis: “Oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone using Co or Cr-doped SBA-3”

• GPA: 3.59/4.0

Experience

Research Assistant, September 20XX – Present

Connors Research Group – Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, UW-Madison

Ethanol coupling to higher alcohols for biofuel synthesis

• Discovered a catalytic process (patented) to obtain distillate-range oxygenates (ethers and olefins) from ethanol at >75%

selectivity

• Designed and assembled a gas-phase flow reactor to carry out ethanol coupling reaction to higher alcohols

• Integrated and modified metal supported catalysts, layered double-hydroxides acid-base catalysts and noble metal-acid

oxide catalysts for use in reactions such as hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis or C-C scission of several biomass-derived

compounds

Catalytic production of tetraol for biobased polymers

• Determined the kinetics of levoglucosanol hydrogenolysis into hexan-1,2,5,6-tetraol using bifunctional acid-metal Pt-

WOx/TiO2 catalysts using batch reactors

• Studied catalyst stability and scaled up hexan-1,2,5,6-tetraol production to industrially relevant concentrations using a

liquid-phase flow reactor

• Synthesized and characterized physical properties of polyol-boronate copolymers, including surface area and textural

properties, thermal stability, crystallinity, and functional groups

• Supervised three undergraduate research assistants and served as laboratory safety coordinator

Co-op Engineer, June 20XX-December 20XX

Wallington Corp., Seattle, WA

• Investigated main factors of lead dross generation in molten lead extruding machines and implemented measures to

reduce produced dross

• Provided support to process engineers and lead-oxide engineering team in data collection, analysis and compilation, and

process optimization

Undergraduate Researcher, 20XX – 20XX

Heterogenous Catalysts Research Group at Georgia Tech., Atlanta, GA

• Designed and constructed a reaction system to carry out liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexane

• Synthesized and characterized Co and Cu-doped SBA-3 catalysts for use in liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexane

Industry Project Experience

Catalytic Technologies for Production of Distillate Fuels from Biomass

• Determined and studied catalysts and processed conditions for production of higher oxygenates from biomass-sourced

ethanol with support from ExxonMobil

Catalyst Design for Mono-Ether and Alcohol Bioblendstocks

• Collaborated with Department of Energy to provide alcohol and oxygenate mixtures for production of C8+ ethers and

oxygenates

• Designed catalyst for application in the Vehicle Technologies Office to reduce the fuel penalty of mixing controlled

compression ignition engine aftertreatment

PHD RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE — PAGE 1

(Continued on the next page)

Christian Jimenez, pg. 2

Skills

Programming: C, C++, Java, MATLAB, OpenMP, Python

Software and Tools: ChemCAD, COMSOL, Git, Inkscape, LaTeX, OpenFOAM

Global Languages: Spanish

Laboratory and Instrumentation: Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-

Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric

Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscope, Fourier-transform

Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

Teaching and Outreach Experience

Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, UW-Madison

• Taught Intro to Transport Phenomena (graduate level), Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical Process Analysis, General

Physics: Electromagnetism

• Delivered lectures, led discussion sections, held exam review sessions, and developed homework/exam questions

Chemical Engineer, Graduate Student Association, UW-Madison

• President, treasurer, and recruitment chair

Exhibit Organizer, Engineering EXPO, UW-Madison

• Developed and coordinated outreach booths exhibiting fluids research to K-12 students

• Engaged with community members of varied science backgrounds to promote interest in STEM learning and research

Awards and Interests

ACS Chemical Computing Group Excellence Award

UW-Madison Bird Stewart Lightfoot Graduate Fellowship

Wisconsin Science-Student Research Grants Competition-Conference Presentation Award

Kayaking, cross-country skiing, guitar

Publications

Manuel Jimenez, C., Dastitar, L., Wang, S., Du, Y., Lancy, M. P., Wooler, B., Klewer, C. E., Dumesic, J. A., Stuber, G.

W., Ethanol to Distillate-Range Molecules using Cu/Mg

AlO

catalysts with low Cu loadings (Submitted).

Manuel Jimenez, C., Lanci, M. P., Du, Y., Stuber, G. W., Kinetics of ethanol oligomerization to Distillate-range

molecules using low loading Cu/Mg

AlO

catalysts (In preparation).

Restrepo-Florez, J., Manuel Jimenez, C., Canalest, I., Stuber, G. W., Maravelias, A. B., Ethanol upgrading to diesel fuel

bioblendstocks: techno-economic and lifecycle analysis (In preparation).

Manuel Jimenez, C., Krishna, V., De bruyn, M., Weckhuysen, B. M, Dumesic, L. S., Stuber, G. W., Production of

Hexane-1,2,5,6-tetrol from Bio-renewable Levoglucosanol over Pt-WO

/TiO

: Kinetics and Catalyst Stability

(Submitted).

De bruyn, M., Manuel Jimenez, C., Cendejas, M., Bermans, I., He, J., Krishna, V., Lynn, Y., Dumesic, L. S., Stuber, G.,

W., Weckhuysen, B. M., Hexane-1,2,5,6-Tetrol as a Versatile and Biobased Building Block for the Synthesis of

Sustainable (Chiral) Crystalline Mesoporous Polyboronates. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2019, 7 (15), 13430–13436.

Manuel Jimenez, C., Pernett B., Bolivar D., Rivera-Goyco, C. Design and construction of a reaction system for

cyclohexane catalytic aerobic oxidation using cobalt in SBA-3. Prospect. Vol 14, 2, 13-21, 2016.

Presentations & Posters

Manuel Jimenez, C., Lanci, M. P., Du, Y, Stuber, G. W., Ethanol oligomerization into alcohols and esters over Mg-Al

mixed oxides doped with low-loadings Of Cu. Oral presentation, 2021AIChE Annual Meeting – Biomass Upgrading I:

Oxygenates Conversion, Boston, MA, United States, 2021.

Restrepo-Florez, J., Manuel Jimenez, C., Canales, E., Stuber, G. W., Maravelias, C., Middle Distillates from Ethanol-

Technoeconomic and Life CYCLE Assessment, 2021AIChE Annual Meeting – Sustainable Engineering Forum, Boston,

MA, United States, 2021. Contributed to oral presentation.

PHD RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE — PAGE 2

(Continued on the next page)

Christian Jimenez, pg. 3

Manuel Jimenez, C., Krishna, V., De bruyn, T., Dumesic, L. S., Stuber, G. W., Production of Hexane-1,2,5,6-tetrol from

Bio-renewable Levoglucosanol over Pt-WOx/TiO2: Kinetics and Catalyst Stability. Poster, Catalysis Club of Chicago

Symposium, Chicago, IL, United States, 2021.

Manuel Jimenez, C., Krishna, S. H, De bruyn, T., Weckhuysen, B. M, Dumesic, L. S., Stuber, G. W., Catalytic

Production of Hexane-1,2,5,6-tetraol: Kinetics and Stability at Industrially Relevant Feed Concentrations. Poster, Olaf A.

Hougen Symposium, Madison, WI, United States, 2019.

De bruyn, M., Manuel Jimenez, C., He, J., Cendejas, T., Ball, A., Krishna, V., Lynn, Y., Hermans, I., Dumesic, J.,

Huber, G., 23rd Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, Reston, VA, United States, June 11-13 (2019).

Contributed to oral presentation.

Manuel Jimenez, C., Pernett U. X., Materiales Mesoporosos SBA-3 con Co o Cr Incorporados en su Estructura (tl.:

SBA-3 Mesoporous materials with Co or Cr incorporated on their structure). Congreso Interamericano y Colombiano de

Ingeniería Química, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, 2014.

Patents

Eagan, J., Lanci, K., Stuber, G., Manuel Jimenez, C., Buchanan T., Processes for producing alcohols from biomass and

further products derived therefrom (2020 USPTO provisional application).

Galebach, W., Lanci, K., Stuber, G., Wu, O., Wittrig, C., Eagan, J., Manuel Jimenez, C., Buchanan J., Processes for

producing ethers and olefins from primary alcohols (2020 USPTO provisional application).

References

Professor Susan W. Conners

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

1415 Engineering Drive

Madison, WI, 53706

608-259-8032

swconners@wisc.edu

Professor Franklin Hougen

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

1415 Engineering Drive

Madison, WI, 53706

608-259-1005

fhougen@wisc.edu

Dr. Michelle Vancaster

Research Associate

Corporate Strategic Research

ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company

1665 Route 22 East

Annandale, NJ 08802

909-111-3273

vclancaster@exxonmobil.com

PHD RÉSUMÉ SAMPLE — PAGE 3

QUICK TIPS

• Never print résumé materials back-to-back!

Do not staple résumé pages except for use

at career fairs.

• If space permits, list references as last

résumé section, instead of using an

addendum page for references.

Jo Martinez

[email protected] 608.123.4567 123 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI 53705

Kathy San Giacomo

Senior Engineer

Hillstead Research Group

1234 Research Drive

Newark, NJ 07101

973.555.1234

[email protected]

Byron Guerin

Manager

ABC Manufacturing

530 E. Park St.

Appleton, WI 54957

920.123.4567

guerin@abcmanuf.com

Associate Professor Patricia Arnn

University of Wisconsin-Madison

1234 Engineering Drive

Madison, WI 53706

608.123.4567

professor@engr.wisc.edu

Professor Juan Piacenza

Research Advisor

University of Wisconsin-Madison

1234 Engineering Drive

Madison, WI 53706

608.123.4567

professor@engr.wisc.edu

References

REFERENCES PAGE SAMPLE

QUICK TIPS

• Ask 3 people to be references for your job search. Share a résumé with each and keep them

up-to-date on your interviews.

• One reference should be from a work setting, while another should be from the UW-Madison, if

possible. The third reference can support either your work or your academic qualifications.

• If you have 1 or 2 other people who would be strong, professional references, include their

names and contact information as well.

NOTE: See an ECS advisor for

questions regarding your references.

• The reference page should include

the full header (name and all

contact information), as shown here.

This page should be used as an

addendum page to the résumé.

CONTACT EMPLOYERS

& APPLY

An effective cover letter introduces your résumé,

summarizes your immediate career goals, and is used for

many reasons:

• Respond to specific job postings for direct hire

• Request an interview invitation

• Inquire about opportunities

• Follow-up an interview to show appreciation

FORM LETTERS

Never send a form letter to employers. This might

seem like an easy and quick way to contact hundreds of

employers with your résumé. Candidates erroneously use

this approach—often called the “shotgun” approach—to

claim they have done an “exhaustive” job search, sending

résumés to hundreds of employers and receiving no

responses. Upon this premise, they conclude that there

are no jobs out there, and they blame the bad economy

or others for their joblessness. How often have you heard,

“I’ve sent out 400 résumés and posted a résumé on every

major job board, but no one is getting back to me. There are

no jobs.” ECS would never condone this as even an “outlier”

strategy for conducting an effective job search.

TRADITIONAL COVER LETTER FORMAT

Using form letters is a waste of your time, so create a

targeted list of employers. Then develop letters or emails

specifically for each employer. Each communication will

include these basic elements:

Introduction

Clearly and simply state why you are writing to the employer.

It is crucial for you to make it clear that you deserve further

consideration. If appropriate, identify the person, by name,

who suggested you contact the employer. This use of

connecting is particularly effective.

Body

Emphasize the match between your qualifications and

the employer’s needs. Do not simply repeat your résumé

but expand upon 1 or 2 qualifications that fit the specific

position for which you are applying. Describe how your

background has prepared you as a “good match” for the

ongoing and/ or future needs of that specific employer.

Closing

Request employer action (i.e., an interview or a response

for a site visit) at the employer’s earliest convenience.

Close with a goodwill/ appreciation statement: “I look

forward to meeting with you. Thank you for your time

and consideration.”

TONE AND TIMING

Professional tone

While the message content is important, the tone is equally

important. Be professional. Address the message to Mr.,

Ms. or Dr. XXX. It is rarely acceptable to use first names in

a business salutation. Avoid using slang and contractions

("I’ve", "hey" and "you’ll"). Be courteous and respectful.

Effective timing

Traditionally, employers recruit new college hires on campus

in early fall and early spring, but new market needs and

budgets affect timing.

EMAIL REMINDERS FOR JOB SEEKERS

In most cases, it is acceptable to communicate with

employers by email. This includes the initial contact,

follow-ups after an interview, and thank you’s. Email can

be very effective (i.e., quick)—or disastrous—if sent to the

wrong person, written too informally, conveying a negative

message, or containing spelling or grammatical errors.

Use strictly formal business communication tones when

communicating with an employer by email.

BUSINESS EMAIL ETIQUETTE

• The biggest mistake students make in using email for

their job search is treating it too casually. This is business!

Not social.

• Be professional. Edit your message and double check the

address prior to selecting the “send” button.

• Don’t be sloppy. This isn’t texting. You are not asking

someone for a date or gathering a group to study or hang

out. You are looking for a job.

• What emotion does your email convey? What are the

implications and perceptions? Email does not project

emotions as well as face-to-face or even phone

conversations. It lacks vocal inflection, gestures, and a

shared environment. It also does not communicate normal

cues such as dress, diction or dialect. The reader will

make assumptions based on your name, email address

and facility with the language. You need to be meticulous.

Write in a precise, clear manner.

• Make everything completely clear and unambiguous. Use

perfect spelling, eloquent words and correct grammar.

Don’t be conversational. Do not use funny, cute or non-

professional email addresses.

• Sarcasm and humor are particularly dangerous to use

in email.

• Choose your words very carefully. Adjust your

communication styles to the medium of email.

COVER LETTER – TAILORED TO

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Cover letters should address how your experiences match

the qualifications for the position. You may demonstrate

this in paragraph or bullet form. In general, you want to keep

the cover letter to one page and succinctly, yet thoroughly

demonstrate your fit for the role.

SAMPLE LETTERS AND EMAILS

The following pages contain cover letter and email text

samples for you to reference when contacting potential

employers during all aspects of your job search.

Some things to note:

• Always attach a résumé—perhaps a revised version, if you

have made changes. If requested, you also may attach a

list of your references.

• Attach your résumé as a PDF file or a lower MS Word

document version to reduce problems in opening

the attachment.

BE PREPARED FOR ONLINE

APPLICATIONS

Many organizations will no longer accept a resume and

cover letter via email. To be considered an applicant for

under EEOC requirements, you must be in their online

system. A quick internet search will provide you with the

latest tips on how to “beat” online ATSs. Applicant tracking

systems allow employers to manage all aspects of the hiring

process, from initial screening through onboarding. While

there are hundreds of systems, a few commonalities exist

that you should take into consideration when building your

application in these online systems:

• Do not build your resume using a preformatted template.

Type your resume out in Microsoft Word beginning from a

blank document.

• Do not use charts, graphs, tables or columns.

• Include dates for your experiences.

• Follow the exact instructions outlined in the application.

• Save a copy of the job posting on your computer to have

for reference later.

• Use keywords from the posting. Keep in mind, keywords

must echo the original posting exactly. To an applicant

tracking system, there is a difference between “Microsoft

Excel” and “MS Excel.”

• Online applications take time and focus, don't do them

quickly or haphazardly.

• Save your resume with a relatable name—not "resume.pdf,"

but rather "Matias-Moreno-resume.pdf."

QUICK TIPS

• Email business communication is MUCH different

than personal email communication. Re-read

this statement. Slow down and think of what you

are doing.

• Do not hit the “send” button! Review and spell

check. Check the tone for professionalism. This is

not a social, how ya’ doin’? type of email!

QUICK TIPS

• Try your best to address the letter to a

particular person.

• Never use: To Whom it May Concern or

Dear Sir/Madam.

• If you have exhausted all your resources for

finding a name, use this memo format instead: RE:

Mechanical Engineering Job Posting

POSITION DESCRIPTION

COVER LETTER TAILORED TO POSITION DESCRIPTION ABOVE

Continuous Improvement Engineer

• Use data & statistical tools to create continuous

improvement plans (including cost trending and

improvement plans)

• Perform analysis to determine root cause of process

barriers, identify sources of inefficiencies, waste

or excess costs, and develop recommendations for

process improvements

• Champion and lead improvement projects within a

distribution center

• Partner with leadership to provide training

recommendations to operations

• Produce analyses and provide information required by

operations and the customer

• Support new business initiatives and start-up facilities

• Identify and implement initiatives/projects that reduce

costs and improve services to customers

• Data analysis on items, zoning, pick lines, and capacity

• Facility layout and design as well as modification of

existing space

• Maintain inventory locator system

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

• 1-3 years of industrial engineering experience in

distribution environment

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel,

Word, PowerPoint, Access)

• Proficiency in SQL, data pulling, data analytics

• Proficiency in AutoCAD

• Ability to travel to logistics centers as needed

(maximum travel of 25% based on project activity)

Personal Qualities

• Ability to work across a network and effectively

interact with a variety of stakeholders

• Skilled in conveying information in understandable

terms at all levels of the organization

• Objective and resilient when presenting findings

and insights

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

I am applying for the Continuous Improvement Engineer position posted in Handshake. I was informed about the

opening at the engineering career fair on the UW-Madison campus by your recruiter, Justin Ng.

I meet the qualifications outlined in the job description as noted below:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering – I will be completing my degree in May 20XX with a certificate in

business. I have a solid academic record with a 3.0 GPA.

• 1-3 years of industrial engineering experience in distribution environment – As you will see on the attached

resume, I have had a co-op and two summer internships focused on industrial engineering. While not focused on

distribution, much of the work aligns closely to this position.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SQL, data pulling, data analytics and AutoCAD – Through a combination of

courses and work applications, I have developed solid skills with computing tools. ISyE 312 course focuses on data

management and requires using SQL for data analytics. My internship at Technology Leader, Inc required extensive

data pulling and analytics to review production metrics.

• Ability to work across a network and effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders – Through my past

summer positions, I developed the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders. A position in retail provides

exposure to a wide variety of customers and colleagues. One of my strengths is my ability to thrive work in a

diverse team and accomplish goals set by supervisors.

I am excited by the opportunity to work at Technology Leader, Inc. I look forward to learning more about this

opportunity and discussing my qualifications in an interview.

Regards,

Samara Koval

LETTER OF APPLICATION

CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UP

It was a pleasure meeting you at the engineering career fair on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

We discussed the possibility of interviewing when you returned to campus on October 12. Please know that I

am very interested in working in your Phoenix manufacturing facility and being a part of your newly developed

engineering training program.

As you may recall, I have just completed a 2-term co-op experience with Plexus in Neenah, Wisconsin, and look

forward to seeking opportunities for full-time employment.

I hope to hear from you soon regarding my invited status for campus interview sign-up. If you have any questions

regarding my qualifications, please contact me. My résumé is attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I am applying for the Manufacturing Engineer position at DuraPrep recently posted on LinkedIn. In May of 20XX,

I graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. My engineering

experiences at Freezerly and Abeleron and my coursework at UW-Madison have emphasized the continuous

improvement, document management, and effective communication that define DuraPrep’s production processes.

Both of my positions allowed me to develop and demonstrate engineering skills needed to improve production

processes. As co-op at Freezerly, Inc., I gained 9 months of manufacturing experience in continuous improvement

that will allow me to make an immediate impact as a Manufacturing Engineer at DuraPrep. I also worked on

several operations improvement projects that entailed balancing assembly cells, improving operator ergonomics,

and designing tools to decrease the cycle time of production lines. For these projects, I extensively used SolidWorks

and GD&T.

My work as a Quality Engineering Intern at Abeleron fostered document management skills that speak to one of

the priorities from your position description. As a Quality Engineering Intern, I documented all aspects of new

product development and rollout, including process flow, work instructions, PMEAs, and training materials,

while adhering to ISO standards. In addition, during my internship, Abeleron overhauled their documentation

management system, and I was able to help develop the new system and assist with product change control, work

orders, and inventory.

These internships allowed me to exercise technical and interpersonal communication skills gained during my

coursework at UW-Madison. For example, I researched and wrote technical proposals and recommendation reports

for our upper-level engineering communication course, and I collaborated across departments with diverse groups

of students for my junior and senior design projects.

My training and practical experiences in continuous improvement, document management, and effective technical

and interpersonal communication have prepared me to succeed in the role of Manufacturing Engineer. I look

forward to further discussing my qualifications in an interview; you can reach me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or XXX@

wisc.edu. Thank you for your consideration.

PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS

The initial screening interview normally lasts 30 minutes (45

minutes to 1 hour for PhD candidates). Like any presentation,

the better prepared you are, the more successful you will be.

Be aware of the importance of first impressions.

• Use a solid handshake.

• Make eye contact, and smile.

• Be friendly and relaxed, yet professional.

• Expect some small talk.

• Follow the recruiter’s lead.

• Focus and show interest.

• Listen to questions carefully. Never respond simply “yes”

or “no.” Provide examples and explain “why.”

• Display confidence, not arrogance.

One person—an engineer or a human resource manager—will

usually interview you. It is less common, but sometimes two

recruiters will interview you at the same time. This can be

more stressful. Try to relax. Maintain eye contact with each

recruiter as you answer their questions.

Remember that the interview is an opportunity for you to

learn more about the employer as well as for the employer

to evaluate you as a potential employee. Keep in mind that

you are not an ideal match for every employer’s needs, so

it is important to understand early that a “match” between

employer and candidate is imperative, not only for the

employer, but also for you. Individuals on “both sides of

the table” should evaluate each other, discuss needs and

interests, and honestly determine the “fit.”

Provide specific examples with all answers. Ask questions

(see future pages for suggested questions) either during

the interview or at the end. Be prepared to supply a 2- to

3-minute summary of your qualifications and interests.

Prepare a confident closing statement reiterating

your interest in the position and be ready to highlight

any important information that was not discussed in

the interview.

Ask if you can supply other materials (transcripts, list

of references, project summaries). Also ask about the

employer’s timeline for making hiring decisions. Obtain

a business card for your records so you may accurately

address a thank you letter. Shake hands, continue making

good eye contact, and thank the recruiter for her/his time,

mentioning your strong interest and enthusiasm to work

with the employer.

Interviews are business meetings. Prepare accordingly. Know

what you want to talk about; know your résumé thoroughly;

be able to cite examples of skills, lessons learned or goals

met all across the résumé page. Dress like you care. Give the

impression that this is an important meeting for you.

THE RECRUITER’S APPROACH TO

YOUR INTERVIEW

Stop and take a step back to review the interview from the

recruiter’s viewpoint. Think about why each question is

asked—analyze the question behind the question—and try

to understand what skills or attributes are actually being

evaluated in your response. If you can understand this

process and prepare accordingly, you will not only survive,

but succeed in interviews.

Recruiters will not try to embarrass you or cause you stress.

They have a difficult task in conducting 10 to 15 interviews

daily. Ultimately, recruiters must find from 1 to 5 candidates

who “fit” their needs. The quality of candidates referred

for second, on-site interviews is a direct reflection on the

recruiter’s ability to know and choose talent. His or her job

is a difficult one.

DO YOUR INTERVIEW HOMEWORK

This is where all your work ultimately pays off—skills

assessment, résumé development, and communication with

targeted employers.

Preparation and practice are key to successful interviewing.

A lack of thorough employer research is often interpreted as

poor preparation and a lack of interest in the employer.

• Know your résumé inside and out. Be able to thoroughly

and comfortably discuss any item on the résumé by citing

specific examples.

• Understand that your résumé emphasizes your skills and

accomplishments; it will serve first as a deciding factor

leading to an interview. Once an interview is scheduled,

the recruiter will often direct the interview using the

résumé as an outline.

QUICK TIPS

• A good recruiter has only one goal in mind during

an interview—to obtain the most accurate and

positive information possible on each candidate.

• Preparation is the key to successful interviewing.

Know the kinds of questions you will be expected

to answer. Describe how you used skills/strengths

to meet goals, successfully complete projects,

work with others.

• Your résumé gets you the interview. But your

interview gets you the job offer.

WHAT TO WEAR

Business attire is appropriate for interviews. Business casual

is appropriate for career fairs, employer information sessions

and for more informal segments of an on-site interview.

• Verbally practice answering questions (Yes—out loud!)

and talking about your skills and accomplishments. Recall

how in "Assessment," we emphasized the importance of

spending time writing descriptions for skills, strengths and

accomplishments. Now is the time to practice again!

• Review and organize facts found in employer research.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the employer’s products

or services. Take it a step further by clearly drawing the

link— the match—between your skills and the employer’s

needs. Do not leave this important step open for employer

interpretation. Show them the match!

• Attend employer information sessions on campus.

Introduce yourself to the recruiter(s) and mention that you

are looking forward to your interview the next day. Ask

intelligent questions and show enthusiasm.

• Prepare your portfolio, clothing, and transportation the

night prior to the interview. Check the weather forecast

for any contingencies you will need to make. Get plenty of

rest. Set dozens of alarm clocks, if necessary. You will not

be able to recover if you are late.

• Dress with respect for the importance of the interview.

Show you care!

• Every answer requires a specific example to support your

claim; never provide a simple one- or two-word answer.

• At the end of the interview, it is extremely important

for you to ask questions. Lack of questions indicates

lack of interest. Finally, summarize your interests and

qualifications for the position.

WHAT TO BRING

Résumé

Include several copies of your current résumé. Provide one

to the recruiter as you are sitting down to interview. Your

complete résumé will provide detailed information for the

recruiter and indicate a sense of preparedness.

Transcripts

Go to your MyUW account and print several unofficial copies

of your transcripts. Or, go to the Registrar’s Office to obtain

official copies if you need them. Employers will want your

unofficial transcript, so do not scramble to print them at the

last minute.

References

Bring your reference list and any evaluations of

work performance.

Other

Not required but may be helpful: photos/illustrations of

projects (Vehicle Teams, Concrete Canoe, Bridge Building,

Engineering EXPO, Transcend or any of the other student

competitions), articles, abstracts, publications.

PRACTICE OUT LOUD

Now is your time to talk about yourself. After all this

preparation, you should know what to say! If you are

thoroughly prepared, you know skills employers are

seeking, what strengths and accomplishments you have

developed, and what this particular employer needs in new

engineering hires! You know your résumé and do not need

to refer to it throughout the interview. You have practiced

talking about your skills and have reviewed lists of potential

questions. You are ready and able to talk.

Before you go through an actual interview, you should first

go through at least one mock interview. Practicing interview

responses is key to understanding how to improve your

interviewing skills.

The mock interview is more than an opportunity to work

out interview jitters; it is an opportunity to practice and

improve your interviewing technique and answers. It is also

a chance to hear constructive feedback from someone

with experience in the field. It is not enough to look at an

interview question and say, “Yeah, I know the answer to

that one.”

Connect with ECS about mock interview resources.

QUICK TIPS

Big Interview is a free tool provided by campus.

Students may learn, practice, and improve

interviewing skills, whether it’s for a job or graduate

school.

Big Interview is an online system that combines

training and practice to help improve each user’s

interview technique and build confidence.

Big Interview offers a variety of tools and resources,

including:

• Mock interview practice and a recording tool

• Written and video curriculum covering the entire

job search process, interviewing, and negotiations

• A mechanism for sharing videos externally and

internally for feedback

• Industry and competency-specific interview

question sets

• An option to receive AI feedback directly from the

platform for ongoing improvement

PREPARE ELEVATOR PITCH

The pitch is a short summary that describes who you are,

what you want to do and how you are suited for the position.

Example:

‘Hi, I am Shiyu Yan. I am a sophomore at UW-Madison

studying materials science and engineering. My interests lie

in the automotive industry. In my current research position, I

determine how environmental factors and applied chemicals

impact the growth of field crops. I am vice president of my

student organization, Materials Advantage, and have gained

strong communication and time management skills through

the experience. Through my courses, I have developed

technical skills with Tensile testers, XRD machines, and

MATLAB. I am interested in either a co-op or summer

internship and am excited about the possibility of working

with (organization name). I’ve researched openings on your

website – could you tell me more about what qualities you

are looking for in candidates?”

ATTITUDE

The most important aspect of interviewing. The key element

to successful interviewing is not your experience, your

grades, what classes you took, your co-curricular activities,

or any of the other basic necessities. Those skills are what

got you the interview. The key element to successful

interviewing can be summed up in one word: attitude.

If you want to rise above others with better experience,

better grades, or better anything, you will need to work on

developing a highly positive work attitude.

Your attitude determines whether you will make the cut or

be discarded. Remember, there are plenty of competitors

with the ability to do almost any given job—especially at the

entry level. The way most employers differentiate at the

entry level is by candidates’ attitudes toward the job. Your

attitude is often what recruiters will remember when the dust

has settled after reviewing 10, 20, or even 100 candidates—

the one who was sincerely willing to put forth [his or her]

very best effort. If you have the attitude of wanting to do

your very best for the organization, of being focused on the

organization’s needs, of putting yourself forth as the person

who will be committed and dedicated to fulfilling their needs,

you will likely be the one chosen.

You can show your winning attitude in the way you

present yourself. Incorporate the actual words “positive

attitude,”“excellence” and “striving to be my best” into your

interview language. Then show by your stories and examples

how these words positively affect your life. Show them when

and where and how you have put forth extra effort above

and beyond the call of duty. Show them how you beat a

deadline, how you excelled in a project, or how you made a

difference by going the extra mile.

DISCUSSIONS OF SALARY

Do not be caught off guard if the employer brings up salary

near the end of an interview. Conversely, do not be the

one to bring up this subject. If questioned about salary

expectations, however be prepared to discuss the topic.

Know the going rate for an entry-level engineer by reviewing

ECS salary statistics as well as national statistics.

We recommend that you give a salary range or indicate that

you are willing to consider any reasonable offer. For example:

Give a range: "I would hope that with my background and

qualifications, a salary in the $75,000 to $80,000 range

would be offered." The range you give should be realistic and

based upon prior research of starting salaries in the industry

and for the position being discussed.

If a verbal offer is extended at the interview, be appreciative

and graciously ask for two things:

• The offer in writing.

• Time to consider the offer. Most employers will offer

an acceptance date of between 2 and 8 weeks after the

initial offer.

If asked to make a decision on the spot, show your

appreciation for the offer but say that you need time to

consider such an important decision.

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Don’t try to memorize (or fabricate) the “right” answers to

interview questions. The only right answers are those that

truthfully describe an event in your life, including what you

learned from the event, what skills you developed, what skill

you used, or what you would have done differently. Have

confidence that your response is strong if it reflects active

self-assessment, specific details and relates to the question

being asked.

Also try to understand the question behind the question;

understand why the question is being asked and what the

employer is evaluating. Respond with specific, thoughtful

descriptions of your real past and present experiences, the

skills developed and lessons learned from them.

If you have thoroughly prepared for all aspects of the job

search and followed us carefully to this point, you will know

what to say and how to respond. Questions are not as

important as answers. However, a list of potential interview

questions can be helpful!

REASONS FOR STUDYING ENGINEERING:

• What led you to choose your field of major study? Why did

you select UW-Madison? Was it a good decision?

• What classes were the most challenging? The

least challenging?

• Describe your most rewarding college experiences.

• Are your grades an accurate indication of your

academic achievement?

• Do you have plans for graduate or professional school?

• Why weren’t you more involved in college activities?

• What was the best part of your college experience?

• A college degree is nothing special; everyone I am

interviewing has one. What else do you have to offer me?

• Provide an example of how you acquired a technical skill

and converted it into a practical application.

• How frequently did you skip classes while in college?

EMPLOYER KNOWLEDGE/INTEREST:

• How have you prepared for this interview?

• Why are you interested in opportunities with my company?

What do you know about our company?

• Why should we hire you instead of other equally

qualified candidates?

• Which trade publications do you read to keep informed

about current trends?

• What technical skills would you bring to this position?

• What qualities do you think this position requires?

• What interests you least about this job?

• What do you see as the major trends in the field?

• Why do you want to leave your current employer?

• What salary would you anticipate?

WORK AND ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES:

• Describe a situation in which your ideas or work conflicted

with the ideas or work of a co-worker or supervisor.

• What type of people do you find difficult to work with?

• What have you learned from your past jobs?

• How did your co-op/intern position contribute to your

career growth?

• Tell me of a situation where you worked under pressure.

• You seem to have limited work experience; why do you

think you could do this job?

• What part of the position’s responsibilities interests

you most?

• If I contacted your references, what would they each say

about you?

• Have you ever been fired?

• Do you make your opinion known when you disagree with

a supervisor?

• How would you handle a situation in which you couldn’t get

along with your boss?

• What new idea or suggestion did you make to your

immediate supervisor in the last couple of months?

• How would you describe the perfect supervisor?

MOTIVATIONS AND GOALS:

• Tell me about the last time that you made a change in

your life.

• What do you consider to be your greatest

strengths? Weaknesses?

• Give me two examples of good decisions you have made

in the last six months. Why were they good?

• What have you done that demonstrates your initiative?

• What would you change about yourself if you could?

• When have you been a leader?

• Would you rather write a report or give an oral

report? Why?

• What was the latest book you’ve read or movie you seen?

• Are you a risk-taker?

• How do you handle pressure situations?

• How do you relieve stress?

• Tell me about yourself.

• How have you gone about determining that this field is

right for you?

• What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?

• What is your strongest transferable skill? How has it been

helpful to you?

• What accomplishment has given you the most

satisfaction? Why?

• What are the most important rewards you expect in

your career?

• What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?

• How do you define success?

• What two or three accomplishments have given you the

most satisfaction? Why?

RESPONSE TO FAILURE OR CRITICISM:

• How do you react to criticism?

• Think about something at work or school that you consider

a failure. Tell me about it.

• Tell me about a mistake you made, and how you handled it.

• What is the worst communication problem you

have experienced?

• Tell me about a time when you put your foot in your

mouth (misspoke).

• Describe the biggest problem you have faced within the

last six months. How did you handle it?

• What is the most unethical situation you

have encountered?

• Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

• When was the last time you lied?

• Who is currently angry with you?

• Tell me about a team you were on when all members did

not carry their weight.

INTERACTION WITH OTHERS:

• Describe an instance where you made effective use of

facts to secure the agreement of others.

• Describe a creative idea that you produced which led to

a significant contribution to the success of an activity

or project.

• What is leadership? Describe your vision of a leader. When

is it time to follow?

• What qualities are essential for success in business today?

FUTURE GOALS:

• What are your short-range goals? How are you preparing

for them?

• What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

• Which of your personal goals have you reached and

not reached?

• What are your long-range career objectives?

• Tell me about a time you overcame obstacles to reach

a goal?

QUICK TIPS

• It is not enough to look at an interview question on

a long list of questions and say,“Yeah, I know the

answer to that one.”

• Take time to practice responses out loud.

• Listen to the “question behind the question.” What

is the interviewer trying to learn about me?

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO ASK THE

RECRUITER

You MUST have questions to ask your interviewer. If you do

not ask questions, it indicates you have little interest in the

position and is perceived negatively by the interviewer. You

can ask about almost anything job-related – except salary.

• What attracted you to this organization?

• What do you think its strengths and weaknesses are?

• What are the most critical factors for success at

your organization?

• How would you describe your management style?

• What are the greatest challenges for entry-level hires

within your organization?

• Can you tell me about the people who will look to me

for supervision?

• What is the organization’s customer service philosophy?

• What is the makeup of the team as far as experience?

• What does the organization value most?

• What kinds of processes are in place to

encourage collaboration?

• How do my skills compare to other candidates you

have interviewed?

• What kinds of assignments might I expect during the first

few months on the job?

• What characteristics help a person succeed in this field?

• How often are performance reviews provided?

• What do you consider ideal experiences for this job?

• Please tell me about the people with whom I would

be working.

• What would be a typical career path for someone like me

entering your organization?

• Please describe the management style or engineering

environment at your organization.

• What are my opportunities for learning new skills?

• How much influence will I have over the type of work I

will do?

• What do you like best about working at ABC Co.?

• Do you promote from within?

• What would be my primary responsibilities?

• What would I be expected to accomplish in the first six

months on the job?

• What are some of the department’s ongoing and

anticipated special projects?

• How much contact does the department have

with management?

• What do you like best about working for

this department/organization?

• Can you describe a typical workday in the department?

• Do you feel free to express your ideas and concerns here?

QUICK TIPS

Do not ask these questions:

• What will my salary be?

• What does your organization do?

• Where are you located?

• Do I get paid for overtime?

• How much vacation will I receive?

• What are the possibilities for professional growth

and promotion?

• How much interaction do you have with superiors,

colleagues and customers?

• How long have you been with the company?

• Is there anything you would change about the company if

you had the chance?

• What do employees seem to like best about

the organization?

• How large is the department where the opening exists?

• What type of orientation or training do new

employees receive?

• How do you prioritize young professionals in

the organization?

• What is the next course of action? When should I expect to

hear from you? What are the next steps in this process?

• I would like to leave you with some final thoughts regarding

my qualifications and enthusiasm for working with

your company.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS

The basic premise behind behavioral interviews is that past

behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Most

employers use this interview method.

“Tell me about a team experience in which one member did

not meet expectations.”

This question demonstrates the type of question common

in behavioral interviews. Based on the premise that the best

way to predict future behavior is to evaluate past behavior,

this form of questioning allows the recruiter to assess your

abilities based on what you have already done.

Typical behavioral question structure:

• Tell me about an obstacle you have overcome.

• Tell me about the most unethical situation you’ve

observed or experienced.

• Tell me about your last experience with success.

• Tell me about a goal you have met.

S.T.A.R. response style for behavioral questions:

In responding to behavioral questions, it is best to provide

a specific example to support your response. Frame the

response using an example from your resume including

academic projects, classes, work experiences, and

out-of-class activities.

Be very specific as you cover the four necessary steps

(Situation, Task, Action & Result) for optimum success:

• Situation: Give an example of a situation you were

involved in that resulted in a positive outcome.

• Task: Describe the task(s) required in the situation.

• Action: Talk about the various actions you initiated

or completed.

• Result: Provide the results directly connected to

your actions.

To maximize this method, you should add what you learned

from the situation that you will bring to the job.

• Recall recent situations that show favorable behaviors or

actions, especially involving course work, work experience,

leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, and customer

service. Try to use your entire résumé.

• Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be ready to

give details if asked.

• Be sure each story has a beginning, middle, and an end.

• Be sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you.

If the result itself was not favorable, talk about what you

learned or would do differently next time.

• Be honest. Don’t embellish or omit any part of the story.

CASE INTERVIEWS

Simply put, a case interview is the analysis of a business plan

or situation. Unlike most other interview questions, it is an

interactive process. Your interviewer will present you with a

business problem and ask you for your opinion. Your job is

to ask the interviewer logical questions that will permit you

to make a detailed recommendation. The majority of case

interviewers don’t have a specific right answer that you,

the candidate, are expected to give. What the interviewer

is looking for is a thought process that is both analytical

and creative (what consultants love to call “out-of-the-

box” thinking). Specific knowledge of the industry covered

by the case question is a bonus but not necessary. An

understanding of the business models and processes as well

as global business experience is helpful for success.

Question categories can be identified as:

• Market-sizing questions focus on determining the

market size for a particular service or product.

• Business operations questions refer to running a

business and getting a product out the door. The focus

may include purchasing and transporting raw materials,

manufacturing processes, scheduling of staff and

facilities, product distribution … the day-to-day of running

the business.

• Business strategy questions deal more with the future

direction of a firm. Good strategy questions may have a

market-sizing piece, a logic puzzle, multiple operations

issues, and a dose of creativity and action. These types of

questions tend to be quite complex.

• Résumé case questions come directly from the

candidate’s résumé. One example may be,“I see that you

play rugby. Describe all the different positions on a rugby

team, and the play strategy for each.”

VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS

Phone/Video interviews are often used as a screening

method prior to extending face-to-face interviews. An

employer will evaluate you to determine the benefit of

inviting you for an on-site visit.

Some general advice:

• Prepare as if this were a face-to-face interview.

• Have résumé, references page, transcripts, and other

items, such as list of publications, presentations, patents,

as well as sample projects and papers close by if needed.

• Have a pen, paper, personal calendar, and class schedule

for scheduling employer visits.

• Be in a quiet space. Turn off any alarms scheduled on

your phone or calendar. Mute the notifications on your

computer.

• Write down the names of the interviewers. Refer to them

as Mr. or Ms., unless otherwise indicated.

• Take quick notes during the interview. At the close of the

interview, thank the interviewer using their name.

• Smile. You will sound more interested and friendly. A smile

over the phone can be recognized.

• Have a glass of water or waterbottle nearby.

Telephone Interviews

During the job search, remember that a telephone interview

(much like business email) must be formal and professional.

You must adopt a manner in using the phone that

conveys your seriousness of purpose, ability to concisely

communicate your strengths, and desire to work for the

employer.

In a phone interview, your voice is the sole means of

communication. You cannot use eye contact, facial

expressions, body language, or other visual means of

communication, nor can you respond to the interviewer’s

nonverbal cues or attempt to interpret their interest. You are

selling yourself using only words and the tone of your voice.

Telephone Tips:

• Speak slowly. Articulate clearly. Your diction, voice level,

intonation and choice of words are your main forms of

communicating.

• Don’t use a speakerphone. If you choose to use

headphone with a speaker make sure to test them out

ahead of time.

• Allow for silences or pauses. If you need more time to

consider a question, simply ask for it, since silences are

more pronounced on the phone.

• Listen. With no other communication clues except a voice,

it is critical for you to focus and listen carefully. Ask for

clarification if you don’t understand a question.

• Don’t interrupt, although some “over-talk” is bound to

happen on the phone. Confirm that what you said has

been “heard.”

Occasionally, an employer will call you unexpectedly asking

about your interest in job opportunities and/or wanting

to ask you a few questions regarding your qualifications.

If the employer has caught you at a bad time, it is ok to

request that you talk at another time, if you express your

appreciation and interest in the opportunity.

Video Interviews

Many organizations will now utilize internet software for

conducting interviews. The combination of audio and visual

elements improves the employer’s ability to get a better

understanding of a potential candidates’ skills and fit for

the position.

Video Tips:

• Ensure you have a strong internet connection

• Turn on your camera for the interview. Make sure your

light source comes from behind your computer. Check

your background.

• Log on a bit early to test audio, microphone and camera

• Look at the camera

• Dress appropriately for a business interview

• Use a computer, not a mobile device

Video interviews can also include a pre-recorded format.

Here, you log in and answer a set of pre-recorded interview

questions with no interviewer present. The responses are

then shared with the interviewer. In this case, do your best

to imagine you are having a live conversation. Typically,

with pre-recorded questions, you can re-record some of

your responses. You may find resources on the internet that

allow you to practice a pre-recorded format. A trial run is a

good idea.

TECHNICAL INTERVIEWS

Technical interviews are common in engineering because

they allow employers to evaluate your problem-solving skills.

Some questions will be specific to the position, while others

may be more general logic problems.

Approach to Answering

1. Restate the problem

2. State assumptions and ask clarifying questions if needed

3. Share your approach to solving (often the key component)

4. Solve the problem

Example Questions

1. You need to measure out four gallons of water, but you

only have a three-gallon jug and a five-gallon jug. How do

you measure out four gallons exactly?

2. If you have seven white socks and nine black socks in a

drawer, how many socks do you have to pull out blindly in

order to ensure you have a matching pair?

3. If x amount of weight was applied to a cable with a cutoff

of xx weight, how much force would a motor have to

produce to cut-off the cable?

4. Give two ways of converting a two input NAND gate to

an inverter.

5. Imagine an analog clock set to 12 o’clock. Note that the

hour and minute hands overlap. How many times each day

do both the hour and minute hands overlap? How would

you determine the exact times of the day that this occurs?

A perfect answer is not always the purpose of a technical

question. Being able to articulate your process, approach

to solving, and resources needed or used are all important

components of determining your problem-solving abilities.

INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP

The interview is not the end of the job search

process; follow-up is required.

It is important not only to reflect on your interview

performance, but also to continue a dialogue with the

recruiter. What does this mean? It means that it is in your

best interest to follow-up the interview with a thank you

email or letter and maintain a regular follow-up schedule.

Employers are interested in hiring people who are interested

in the position!

Indicate your interest by continuing to communicate with

the recruiter until a decision has been made. Use discretion

regarding frequency—do not become a pest.

Within one to two days, send an email message thanking

the recruiter for the interview, clarifying topics discussed in

the interview, and re-emphasizing interest in the employer’s

opportunity. A well-written, well-timed thank you message

will not get you a job, but it can tip the scales if all other

factors are equal.

• By sending a thank you message, you will:

• Show courtesy and appreciation

• Stand out from the crowd

• Reiterate interest in the opportunity

• Make points you forgot during the interview

• Demonstrate your writing skills

Regularly contact the recruiter after the thank you letter;

do so approximately every 2 weeks until a decision is made.

Offer to provide other materials, such as transcripts or

samples of your work.

QUICK TIPS

Develop a spreadsheet with employer names,

recruiter contacts, interview dates, and follow-

up dates. Since you are actively searching, a

spreadsheet will help you track the interactions

with a large number of employers and recruiters.

INTERVIEW THANK YOU AND FOLLOW-UP

FOLLOW-UP EMAILS

Send immediately after interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration during our interview on Thursday. I enjoyed our discussion on the

new widget product you are developing and appreciated your tour of the facility. As we discussed your needs and

toured the facility, my interest in joining your team became even stronger.

In giving further thought to our discussion about working in the widget industry, I realized I had a similar

experience several years ago while working with new optical technology at ABC Corp. While it required more

time to get up to speed, I dedicated extra personal time to become familiar with the specifics of that project,

and was able to deliver our prototype ahead of schedule. With my dedication, team work, and experience in

developing optical technology, I am confident I would be an asset to your team and make a valuable contribution

to Techno Products, Inc.

I appreciate your consideration and am excited by the prospect of working with you and developing the new

widget product line. Enclosed is an additional copy of my résumé for your convenience. I look forward to talking

with you again soon.

Send two weeks after thank you email for interview.

I am still very interested in pursuing opportunities with ABC Corp. in the widget division. As we discussed on

campus in Madison last month, my academic project in XXX will enable me to make immediate contributions as

an entry-level engineer. Please let me know if I can provide you with any other materials to help you make your

decision. I look forward to scheduling an on-site visit at your convenience.

Thank you, once again, for your time and consideration.

Send 2 weeks after first follow-up email.

(A professional phone call of continued interest is also appropriate instead of this email.)

After meeting with you on October 14, I remain extremely interested in your XXX position and I feel confident that I

can work with your team to maintain your high level of performance and customer service.

Recently, I have scheduled second interviews with two other companies and received one offer on which I will

need to decide by the end of the month. Since ABC has always been my employer of choice, I would very much

appreciate a communication regarding my application status and would like the opportunity to interview

on-site with you.

EVALUATE OFFERS &

MAKE DECISIONS

Many factors affect the number of job offers you will receive.

Most of this booklet has been devoted to a key factor: your

preparation—which is completely under your control. Not

under your control is the cyclical economy. But even in the

worst of times, jobs are available. Expectations may have to

be changed, however with an effective, focused job search,

you will find a job.

THE OFFER

While it is unlikely that you will be hired on the spot or told

that an offer will definitely be forthcoming, be prepared. If

an offer should be extended then, always ask for a chance to

think it over. Accepting immediately is poor policy because

you lose your opportunity to give thorough consideration to

all aspects of the offer. Even if you think the offer is exactly

right, the employer’s enthusiasm and your own may cloud

your objectivity. Show appreciation, but always ask for time

to consider the offer as well as a formal offer in writing.

When the written offer arrives, read it carefully. It should

specify your job title, salary, and the name of the department

and supervisor to which you will be assigned. The offer

may be contingent upon your passing a physical exam and/

or drug test. It will usually have a deadline by which you

must accept in writing, ranging from two to eight weeks,

depending on the time of year and the current market.

The actual starting date may be specified then or after

your acceptance.

Keep in mind that you and the employer have different

concerns about “time.” You most likely would like ample

time to hear from other employers and consider all your

alternatives. Employers, on the other hand, want to know

your decision as quickly as possible. If you reject their offer,

they will need to quickly contact second-tier candidates.

Offer deadlines are taken quite seriously. If you do not meet

the deadline, the offer may be withdrawn; if you need more

time to consider an offer, ask for an extension. Be specific

as to how much time you will need to make a decision. Show

appreciation, enthusiasm for the offer, and emphasize the

importance of making the right decision.

While making a decision on an offer, be sure to talk to

all other employers who showed interest in you. Contact

them directly, explaining that you are close to making a

decision regarding your job search, are very interested

in their opportunities, and ask about your status with

them. Hopefully, they also will be able to make an offer

if interested.

Job offers are often made verbally first, followed by a

written offer containing various details. If you are fortunate

enough to obtain more than one job offer, take time to

compare and contrast various components of the offer, the

employer, and the location.

Should you accept? Things to consider:

• Will you enjoy working with your future co-workers

and supervisors?

• Will you have a good opportunity to express yourself on

the job?

• Is the working environment satisfactory?

• Will you be fully using your primary skills?

• Is there sufficient diversity and challenge?

• Will you be able to get the kind of feedback you require to

see the results of your efforts?

• Is there an opportunity to learn and expand?

• Are there open avenues of communication?

• Will you be able to get value from your work?

• Do you clearly understand what your responsibilities

will be, to whom you will report, and how evaluations will

be conducted?

• Do you clearly understand typical work hours and

overtime expectations?

• Is the company product or service something you

believe in?

• Is the offer within your expected range? Check ECS

resources for average salaries.

• What priority do you place on location? How long is

the commute?

• Are your favorite activities or recreations readily available?

In summary:

• Only consider job offers after you receive them in writing.

(Co-ops and interns should consider verbal offers,

although it is good to request a written offer.)

• It is acceptable to ask for additional time to consider the

offer. A minimum of 2 weeks is generally offered.

• Once you accept, honor your commitment to the

employer. Don't accept an offer while at the same time

hoping that a better one will come along.

• Decline all other offers immediately to allow other

candidates the opportunity. Discontinue all interviewing

and other job search activities.

TESTING

After the second interview, many employers will make an

offer contingent on a negative test for drugs and controlled

substances. This test takes the form of a specimen analyzed

for presence of a substance. Be aware this test may occur

and be advised that failure to submit to a drug test may

end further employment consideration. Tests often need to

be completed within 24-48 hours of the offer or it may be

withdrawn.

SHOULD YOU NEGOTIATE?

In many cases, yes! It does not hurt to ask. It is important

to know market rates and ask, not demand. How you ask

is important. The best position from which to negotiate

is to have more than one offer and strong qualifications.

Generally, most students are interested in negotiating salary.

Review the following options and considerations:

• Negotiations may not be necessary. The job may be

appealing and with a good employer. You may like the

people with whom you’ll be working and the geographic

location. The salary may be within the average range for

an engineer with your background and experience. The

benefits also may be good. The market might be tight. Then,

there is no need to negotiate.

• Timing is critical. The opportunity to negotiate exists

only between the times an offer is extended and before it

is accepted.

• Do not talk salary or negotiate until an offer has been

extended. If the recruiter discusses salary prior to making

an offer, you might respond, "Perhaps we can discuss the

salary once a job offer is made."

• Base your salary negotiation on fact, not emotion. Use

cost-of-living statistics and UW-Madison or national

salary averages.

• Base salary negotiation on your market value, not on what

you think you “need” or “want.”

• Choose negotiation items carefully. Do not negotiate

every item. Prioritize your needs.

• Do you feel you deserve a higher starting salary?

Relocation expenses? Different start date? Another week

of vacation? Does your spouse require assistance in a job

search? Ask for only one or two items. Base your request

on fact.

• Be fair. Do not be greedy. On rare occasions, job offers

have been rescinded due to what has been viewed as very

unrealistic candidate expectations.

• Do not take negotiations personally. Employers may be

unwilling to negotiate some items.

ACCEPT AND DECLINE ALL OFFERS IN

WRITING

Once you have made the decision to accept or reject an

offer, verbally accept and immediately follow-up in writing.

Be sure to clarify the “start date,” relocation reimbursement,

salary, and other important issues in your letter, and in

particular, items that were modified during negotiations.

Immediately decline (in writing) all other offers. This

is a professional courtesy, as well as a way of making

opportunities available for others. Graciously decline offers

to keep open the possibility of future employment.

Notify all other employers who are still considering you.

Thank them for their interest and tell them that you have

accepted another offer.

In addition, thank your references, professors and any others

who served as mentors throughout this process.

REPORT JOB OFFERS TO ECS

Look for instructions in the Offers & Negotiation

section of the ECS website to report your job offer.

Note: The College of Engineering uses aggregate

information for national rankings, salary surveys, and

ABET accreditation.

RESCIND POLICY

Rescind: To take back your acceptance

Never accept a job with the intent to continue looking for

something “better”. Carefully consider an offer and accept

or decline based on the merits of the position and your

interests. Do not continue to interview or search further

once you have accepted a position.

Rescinding reflects negatively on you, your department, the

College of Engineering, and UW-Madison. Rescinding results

in loss of ECS and Handshake privileges. Speak with an ECS

advisor if you are considering rescinding.

QUICK TIPS

Consult with an ECS staff member before accepting

a position for guidance on evaluating offers.

SAMPLE EMAIL: ACCEPTING A JOB OFFER

Send after first accepting job offer by phone (in person).

SAMPLE EMAIL: REJECTING A JOB OFFER

I am pleased to formally accept your offer for the industrial engineer position with Maynard, Inc. After our

phone conversation of last week and after reviewing your written offer, I understand my starting date will be

January 15, 20XX, and that my monthly salary will be $6,020.00.

Enclosed is a copy of your formal offer letter with my acceptance signature. I look forward to beginning my

career with you.

Thank you for your confidence in my qualifications. I will work hard to meet and exceed your expectations.

This letter confirms our phone conversation this morning indicating that I will not accept your job offer to join

the staff at Rollando Products. As you know, this was a very difficult decision for me, but I have decided to accept

another opportunity.

As I approach graduation and reflect on my experiences and prepare for the future, I am grateful for the many

opportunities offered me. While at Rollando as an intern engineer, I learned a great deal. You have always

treated me with professionalism and provided me with mentorship that forms a solid foundation upon which I

will build my career.

Thank you.

START YOUR CAREER SEARCH

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