Tag: underclassman

Entry-Level Software Engineer Job Guide

“Entry-Level Software Engineer” is a broad term. It’s often one used by larger employers to recruit computer science majors and other student seeking software development positions. During the interview process many of these employers will ask candidates to think about what specialization they’d like to focus on (e.g. front-end, back-end, etc.). These engineers spend most of their day writing code to make products and services function. The vast majority of employed entry-level software engineers work for large technology companies or startups.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Job Guide

Specialization under the software engineering is particularly common in an entry-level role. Most teams are composed of several specializations of engineers. Here are the most common types of software engineering roles:

  1. Back-end engineers spend much of their time writing services, algorithms, and architecting the core bits and pieces of a system and the way it works.
  2. Front-end engineers make the services that the back-end engineers are writing accessible to the end user through a UI. It’s not uncommon for front-end engineers to have some experience with UI design or partner often with a designer at the company.
  3. Operations engineers are responsible for ensuring the infrastructure that supports a product or service is reliable and stays up and running. Another primary responsibility is ensuring a system’s scalability.
  4. QA or test engineers are responsible for building systems that test the code that the other engineers are writing to ensure it’s stable and reliable.
  5. Full-stack engineers do everything (back-end, front-end, operations, testing). These are less common as entry-level roles unless they work at a small startup.

Common Responsibilities of Entry-Level software engineers

The tasks that software engineers perform vary greatly depending on their specialization. Here are a few examples of what they do:

  1. Building an RESTFUL API for consumption by another team at the company or a 3rd party. (Back-end)
  2. Constructing an interface in HTML, CSS, and Javascript that accesses the API and allows users to perform tasks. (Front-end)
  3. Spinning up infrastructure to support a new mobile app that the company is building, paying careful attention to how it might scale if the app takes off ala Pokemon Go.
  4. Writing tests that automatically ensure that the new app remains reliable and can handle a large load of traffic.

Types of Entry-Level software engineer Jobs

As you know by now, specialization is important. However, when searching for entry-level jobs, it’s even more important to become familiar with all of the different verbiage that an employer might use to describe their position. If you know what terms to search by, you’ll be far more likely to be able to find all of the available positions and narrow them down to the ones you’re most interested in.

Another great search strategy is to use software languages as keywords. Employers are often working on a Java or C stack and need engineers that can work in those languages.

Here are a few search terms you could use to search for entry-level software engineering postions:

Salary Expectations

The median salary for entry-level software engineers is $75,275.

The range is $54,084 – $110,908.

The higher end of this range is quite high and is often skewed significantly by the larger tech companies (Google, Facebook, etc.) and the competitiveness for their entry-level positions. They’ve been known to give $500,000 signing bonuses to the best recent grads. Crazy!

Location is one the largest factors in calculating salary, so it’s particularly helpful to consider the entire salary range.

The Bureau of Labor expects the number of software engineer jobs to grow by 17% over the next 10 years. That’s incredible growth. It’s no secret that software development is one of the most promising career choices.

Who Typically Gets These Jobs

Every year, we survey over 20,000 students and recent grads in an effort to understand the internship and entry-level job market. Based on the results of our State of Hiring report, the students or recent graduates that apply to these entry-level jobs have several things in common:

  • While many students are willing to look at jobs unrelated to their major, computer science majors are not. 72% of them only want to consider software development jobs.
  • San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle are the most popular destination for computer science grads.
  • Surprisingly enough, 75% of graduating computer science majors have worked a paid side job. Employers see this as a major benefit, as one of their primary concerns with engineers is how they will fair in a post-college work environment.
  • Only 28% of graduating seniors majoring in software engineer have no internship experience.
  • Most computer science students will not have any student debt when they graduate.
  • Almost 56% of seniors majoring in computer science have taken an online course related to their major.

Related Entry-Level Fields

Despite it being somewhat rare that software engineer majors seek jobs outside of their immediate major, it does happen. When they do go outside, here are the areas they’re most likely to look at:

  1. Electrical Engineering
  2. UX Design
  3. Product Management
  4. UI Design
  5. Analyst

Additional Resources

  1. It never hurts to brush up on a few software engineer topics. You can take a few online courses to get back in the swing of things.
  2. For more salary information, head over to Payscale.
  3. For more advice on starting your entry-level job search, check out our guide!
  4. And finally, to prepare for an entry-level job interview, prepare for the top 20 entry-level job interview questions.

Search for Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs Now

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as What is an Entry-Level Job? and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell me about yourself.

Types of Internships for Natural Sciences Majors

A natural sciences major is a great opportunity to learn about the sciences while also developing your skills. If you’re a natural sciences major, you may be wondering about the best way to develop these skills while also discovering career paths related to your major. Since the field itself is fairly broad, an internship is one of the best ways to explore potential roles while gaining hands-on experience.

Here are some of the most common internships for natural sciences majors.

Education intern

An education internship prepares you for a career as a teacher or educational consultant in the natural sciences. You might work as an administrative intern at a school, supporting the staff by organizing events, updating databases and sending out emails. You might also work as a teaching assistant where you’ll be preparing teaching materials and presentations while helping teachers in a classroom setting. Educational internship opportunities can be also be found at ed-tech companies. In this type internship, you’ll likely be producing content or helping to design an educational curriculum.

Research intern

Research internships are a great way to get increased exposure to the natural sciences field, especially if you’re a pre-med student or if you’re considering pursuing an advanced degree. You can work as a research assistant at a university lab, join a specialized summer research program, apply to be a student trainee for the U.S. federal government (such as the Pathways Program) or work for a private research firm. This type of internship will give you the opportunity to assist with important research while also learning about the technicalities and ethics involved.

Pre-med intern

Another common type of internship is a pre-med internship. Hospitals and universities frequently have summer programs for students working toward pre-med requirements, giving them an overview of a medical environment and its various responsibilities. From observing different departments to shadowing doctors as they attend to patients, this type of internship will orient you to a healthcare setting while also giving you valuable hands-on experience.

Data science intern

Natural sciences majors can also branch out into data science, a field that involves making meaningful connections between data sets. As a data science intern, you’ll gain valuable experience with large data systems while also learning how data informs business decisions. Whether you intern with a start-up or a large corporation, this type of internship offers great exposure to how science can affect all types of businesses and company operations.

Environmental science intern

Environmental science internships give natural sciences majors an understanding of careers within the field of environmental science. From developing an educational curriculum to helping with the creation of initiatives focused on environmental protection, this type of internship will help you learn more about the field while also showing you how you can really make an impact.

Science journalism intern

A science journalism or writing internship at a scientific publication trains you to report recent scientific developments and generate ideas for other science-based articles. During this type of internship, you’ll be mentored by a staff of writers and editors, and in most cases considered an active member of the team. It’s a great opportunity to learn about science writing and to stay ahead of the latest science news.

From working in a lab to exploring the environmental sciences, a natural sciences internship is a wonderful opportunity to find out what you’re passionate about and to develop the skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Next, learn more about this college major such as What is a Natural Sciences Major and is it Right for Me? and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as When to Start Applying for a Summer Internship.

How to Answer: What are you Passionate About?

 The reason interviewers ask this question is because they’re trying to get a sense of who you are beyond your resume, and to know that you can commit to something and see it through to completion. This is a great chance for you to show what makes you a unique and well-rounded person and to demonstrate the value you could bring to the team!

Here are some interview tips that will help you nail this answer.

Talk about what excites you.

Your personal values and interests are part of what makes you unique, and talking about them is a great way of showing how your passions have shaped who you are both personally and professionally. Talking about what excites you is also a great way to humanize yourself in the interview and become more than just a resume. Plus, it’ll help the interviewer to remember you.

Show how you’ve made your passion a part of your life.

Whether you’re interested in animal rights or basketball, the passion itself is not as important as how you talk about it. Be specific and give the interviewer a sense of how that interest fits into your life. For example, if you’ve been an animal rights advocate for a long time and you volunteer at a shelter, explain how that experience has shaped you and what you’ve learned from it.

Say something like: “I’ve always loved animals and I had several dogs growing up. During my first semester of college, I started volunteering at the local animal shelter. I’m passionate about working with animals because so many pets end up abandoned and I want to help them find good homes.”

Pro Tip: Whatever your passion, make sure to clarify that devoting time to it won’t change the time and commitment you’re able to put into your work.

Show how your passions drive you to succeed.

Once you’ve established what your passions are and shown that you’re dedicated to them, talk about how those passions have driven you to succeed. This will show the interviewer that you’re able to use your personal interests to set goals and achieve them!

No matter what the passion, showing that you’re able to turn your interests into achievements is a great way to demonstrate long-term thinking and to show employers that you could help them meet their goals.

Say something like: “Volunteering has given me the chance to not only work with animals but to also learn about nonprofit organizations, which has given me hands-on experience of company operations and helped to shape my career goals.”

Answering “What are you passionate about?” is a great way of showing potential employers that there’s more to you than what they can see on a resume. In addition to showing that you’re a well-rounded person, it’s also a great way to prove that you’re able to set goals and achieve results based on those goals. Added bonus: You may find out you have some things in common with the interviewer!

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Bank and find answers to common interview questions such as What Gets You Up in the Morning?

What is a Double Major?

As you get closer to declaring your major, you may be faced with some tough choices. Would you rather major in creative writing or economics? More importantly, which major would set you up for greater success? As you consider your options you might also think about the best way to combine your interests into a double major.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of studying two subjects at once.

What is a double major?

A double major is a combined focus on two academic subjects. Although these subjects may be closely linked (such as economics and business), they can also be vastly different (such as biochemistry and French). In order to successfully complete a double major, you’ll typically need to take double the number of major-related classes, since you’ll typically need to fulfill up to 12 classes in each of your chosen subjects.

What are the benefits of a double major?

There are many benefits to doing a double major including increased exposure to new things, networking opportunities and skill building. In fact, studying two subjects at once is a great way to open up doors when it comes time to find a full-time job. Best of all, employers are likely to be impressed by your work ethic and to consider you a strong candidate.

What are some of the challenges of a double major?

Although there are many benefits to doing a double major, it’s also important to consider some of the challenges that come along with it. For example, with an increased workload every semester you’ll have less time for electives, internships and extracurriculars. Although this won’t necessarily negatively impact your college experience, it’s definitely something to keep in mind as you get ready to declare your major.

Choosing a major is one of the most important parts of your college career. When deciding whether to declare a double major, be sure weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a double major and make the decision that fits you best.

 

Next, learn more about this college major such as Computer Science and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Evaluate Job Fit in Your Interview.

Top 5 Industries for Workforce Diversity

Regardless of your major, if you’re embarking on your first job search you might be wondering which hiring trends are likely to affect your career. One of the biggest professional trends in recent years has been an increased focus on diversity. This is partly the result of new diversity guidelines set out by the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and partly the result of studies showing that companies who hire with diversity in mind tend to be more successful and have happier employees.

To get the inside scoop on which industries are making diversity a major priority, we recently sat down with the team at NetSuite, one of the leading software companies in the world and a recognized diversity leader, having been named a 2020 Women on Boards Winning “W” company for the fourth year in a row. We analyzed several factors including gender, ethnicity, age and geography, and highlighted both traditionally diverse industries and those that having been taking big steps towards improving their diversity rankings in recent years.

Here are the top five industries focusing on workforce diversity right now.

1. Healthcare

As one of the oldest and most established industries, healthcare has a long history of serving diverse populations and hiring employees who reflect that diversity. This is especially true when it comes to ethnic and gender diversity with one-third of healthcare workers being non-white and two-thirds of nurses being female. In addition to racial and gender diversity, healthcare is also geographically diverse meaning that it is evenly spread out across the country. Although the industry has already made great strides in developing an inclusive workforce, in recent years it has placed an even greater emphasis on hiring candidates from multicultural backgrounds in order to better serve expanding sectors of the population.

2. Education

Like healthcare, education is one of the most diverse industries, particularly when it comes to gender and geography. This is partly due to the fact that two-thirds of teachers are female and partly the result of the industry itself being one of the largest workforces in every state. In an effort to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population, schools and universities are looking to further improve their diversity initiatives and have started hiring employees from an even broader range of social identities and economic backgrounds.

3. Retail & Distribution

Next on the list is the retail industry which ranks highly for gender, geography, age and ethnic diversity. This is largely due to its size (it serves a wide range of customers and requires a lot of employees) and also due to the fact that retail companies are themselves diverse, covering everything from fashion to technology. In order to ensure that the industry is as inclusive as possible, recruiters in the field have been increasingly looking to hire candidates from every racial, ethnic and economic background as well as ensuring that gender is taken into account at all levels of the industry.

4. Professional Services

One of the fastest growing industries at the moment is the professional services industry, covering services like accounting, consulting and law. Although fields like accounting and law have traditionally lacked diversity in terms of gender, education and ethnicity, with the expansion of these fields (and of service-oriented professions in general) this trend has changed significantly in recent years. For example, professional services companies now employ a much higher number of women than they previously did and are located in geographically diverse areas of the country. Hiring managers in these fields are also working to hire and retain talented individuals from a variety of educational and socio-economic backgrounds and expanding their recruiting efforts accordingly.

5. Financial Services

Like accounting and law, the financial services industry has traditionally been one of the least diverse industries in the country. However, this has been rapidly changing in recent years as companies have realized the value of expanding their candidate pool and hiring from a broader range of schools, majors and backgrounds. With the success of these initiatives now being evident, financial services companies are making an even bigger push to increase diversity. The result is that recruiters are looking to hire candidates with diverse skills while also aiming to effectively close the gender gap.

The increased focus on workforce diversity in recent years is an important trend that signals a desire to expand job opportunities for job seekers all over the country. By knowing which industries are leading the pack when it comes to diversity, you’ll be able to find a broad range opportunities that match your skills and get one step closer to finding your dream job.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look For in a Company and find answers to common interview questions such as What’s Your Dream Job?

What is a Minor?

A minor is a specialization or concentration that may or may not complement your college major. For example, if you are majoring in Biology, you may choose to minor in a related field, such as Chemistry, or an unrelated field, such as Spanish. Minoring in a completely different field can help you gain knowledge or skills in a field distinct from your major. In a sense, a minor is like a “mini” major. Generally speaking, students who elect to do a minor have to take 4-6 classes in the chosen subject. This is about half of the amount required for a major, which typically requires between 8-12 classes.

A minor gives you an edge.

Pursuing a minor allows you to enhance your major studies and develop a side passion. It gives you an edge intellectually by introducing you to new ideas and, depending on what you choose, it can give you a professional edge, too. That extra line on your resume shows potential employers a few things. If your minor is related to your field, it can show potential employers that you have a depth of knowledge that sets you apart from other recent graduates in your intended industry. A minor unrelated to your field may show employers that you are curious and multi-faceted. Either way, a minor indicates that you are willing to pursue a rigorous workload and commit to finishing what you start.

Ask yourself if and why you want to minor.

Ask yourself exactly why you wish to minor in a subject. Is this a subject you love but couldn’t pursue as a major for whatever reason? Will this minor make you more competitive in your field? What benefits could this minor bring to your career in the short and long-term? For example, do you want to improve upon your foreign language skills to broaden your post-grad horizon? Or, do you want to learn how to code, run a small business, or obtain some other skillset you cannot learn from your major? Your minor can help you achieve your goals, but you must know what those goals are.

Do your research, talk to your faculty advisor, and take at least one sample class in your minor to help you make this important decision.

Assess the feasibility of taking on a minor.

You may have the interest to do a minor but not the time and energy. Before committing to a minor, meet with your advisor to go over the requirements. Minors often are best for students with broad majors in business or the liberal arts. They also work well for students on track for career paths in competitive fields. An engineering major, for instance, may have less time and reason to acquire a minor than an English major because their major demands might be stricter and their career path is less competitive due to the nation’s shortage of engineers.  Majors in the hard and practical sciences tend to be very structured with little room for choice or flexibility.

Pro tip: One effective way to pick up a minor is to “double dip.” A single class may be required by both your major and your minor. By taking that class, you fulfill a requirement in both programs without putting in extra time or effort. This tactic generally is most feasible for students who choose a minor similar to their major. A student majoring in French may be able to minor in, say, European Studies or Translation Studies, simply by taking an additional class or two beyond what is required for the major.

Another consideration is money. You must figure out if you can afford what may amount to an extra semester of work. Most minors require five or six classes, or about 15 to 18 credit hours, devoted to that area of study. If your major and minor course requirements do not overlap at all and you do not have AP, IB, or community college credits, you will have to be very wise about structuring your elective classes. Otherwise, you almost certainly will spend extra time in college.

Declaring your minor.

After you’ve taken a sample class or two and made your decision, you may think you’re ready to declare your minor. Make sure you know exactly how to do that. Every college or university has a different process for declaring a minor. You may have to meet with your advisor or the head of the program. You might even have to officially apply for the program, similar to the way you may have applied for your major in the first place. No matter what, you will almost certainly have to fill out paperwork to make your minor official—but this investment of your time, money, effort and brainpower can make a huge difference in your academic career and professional life.

 

Next, learn more about this college major such as Philosophy and get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Stand Out With Business Cards.

How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Nonprofit

Unlike other business fields that have more clearly defined dress codes (such as a startup or a corporation), nonprofit organizations are kind of a mixed bag, ranging from more corporate organizations to ones that mimic the startup environment and culture.

Here are some tips that will help you start off on the right foot when interviewing for an entry-level job or a paid or unpaid internship at a nonprofit.

1. Research the organization’s culture

One of the best ways to find out what to wear to your interview is to check out the organization’s website and social accounts. These channels will usually give you an indication of how formal the nonprofit is and will often also give you some deeper insights into organization’s culture as a whole.

2. Stick to business casual attire

While a full suit may be too much for most nonprofit jobs, avoid wearing jeans or sneakers unless the hiring manager or HR contact says that it’s okay to do so. A casual interview outfit may be seen as reflecting a casual work attitude to a potential employer, and not in a good way. Instead, opt for a business casual look such as nice pants and a blouse for women or slacks and a button-down shirt for men. And remember to keep things subtle. That includes perfume/cologne, clothing, makeup and even accessories.

Pro Tip: Depending on the position, your interview could include making a quick trip to the program site so be sure to ask about this in advance so that you can properly prepare if need be.

3. If in doubt, ask the hiring manager

Although asking the hiring manager what to wear might seem a bit intimidating, it’s important to remember that it’s always fine to do so. In fact, it’s a question they get asked on a regular basis and one that they’re comfortable answering. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can say something like: “I want to make sure that I’m dressed appropriately for the interview. Do you have any suggestions for suitable attire?”

4. Wear comfortable shoes

If there’s one constant piece of advice when it comes to interview attire, it’s this one: Wear your most appropriate and most comfortable pair of shoes. Good-looking, polished shoes convey attention to detail and this is something that hiring managers almost always notice. So remember not to skimp out when it comes to your footwear.

Interviewing for a role at a nonprofit is a unique experience. Depending on the organization, it could be a very formal or informal process. Regardless of how informal the nonprofit might be, show the interviewer that you respect them by dressing professionally. A clean, attractive appearance shows that you’re truly interested in the position and that you’re going to take it seriously if hired.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter and find answers to common interview questions such as Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake.

How to Answer: Are You Willing to Relocate?

“Are you willing to relocate?” is one of the common interview questions you should be prepared to answer when you land an interview for a full-time, entry-level position. Typically, if relocation is required for a position, this is mentioned in the job description. But even if it’s not, it’s important to have a response ready in case it comes up during your interview.

Employers have several reasons for asking this question. The first, of course, is that the position you’re applying for does require you to move, or may require a transfer later on. But the interviewer may also be testing your commitment and enthusiasm for the role and the company, as well as your flexibility. Whatever the employer’s motivation for asking, you can answer honestly and still position yourself as an asset to the company.

Here are some tips for preparing your answer.

How to Answer “Yes”

If you’ve read the job description, assessed your situation and are willing to relocate, this answer is an easy one. In addition to revealing your willingness to relocate, you can also use this question as an opportunity to demonstrate what you know about the company, as well as remind the interviewer about the qualities that make you a strong candidate for the position.

Say something like: “Based on my skills and experience in this industry, I’m a good fit for this position and I’d be happy to relocate for the opportunity to work with your company.”

How to Answer “Maybe”

This is a valid answer, particularly if you don’t know what a relocation would entail. Would it be temporary or permanent? Would you be able to continue advancing your career? Will the company be helping you financially with the relocation? It might also depend on the location. Maybe you are willing to move within the United States but not internationally. If and when you receive a job offer, be sure to follow up with questions that will help you understand the specifics of the relocation.

Say something like: “I’m certainly interested in opportunities to advance my career. If a relocation would allow for that type of opportunity, I’m happy to consider it. Would this be for the New York or San Francisco office?”

How to Answer “No”

It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker if moving is not an option for you. You can be honest and present yourself as open to the idea in the future. When you answer, remain positive and explain your circumstances.

Say something like: “Unfortunately, moving is not an option for me right now. However, I can promise total commitment to the role. My circumstances may change in the future, and I would certainly consider it then.”

Having a ready answer to the question “Are you willing to relocate” demonstrates to the interviewer that you’ve thoughtfully and thoroughly prepared for the job interview. Whatever your answer, remain confident and focused on what you have to offer.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as Top 10 Things You Should Look for In an Internship and find answers to common interview questions such as If I Asked Your Friends to Describe You, What Would They Say?

How to Grow Your Professional Network

Growing your professional network as a student or recent grad is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re setting yourself up for long-term professional success. What’s the best way to do this? By reaching out to people in your personal network and connecting with alumni of your college or university who are working in a field you’d like to work in.

Here are some things to keep in mind when growing your professional network.

1. Reach out to people within your social and alumni networks

Although you may not have much (or any) professional experience, you likely already know plenty of people who can be part of your professional network. The key is to identify them. The best way to do this is by taking some time to make a list of everyone in your social and academic circles. When compiling your list, include everyone from family friends to professors and peers, and don’t limit yourself to a specific industry. Instead, focus on making your list as broad and inclusive as possible to ensure that you’re building a strong network. Once you have your list, identify 2-3 people who can help you develop your career goals. Then, reach out to them and ask to set up a time to chat (either in person or over the phone), and use your time to talk to them about your career goals and to get their advice on steps you can take to achieve them.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people within your school’s alumni network. Many alumni are actively involved with mentoring students and recent grads from their alma maters and even those who aren’t are likely to be flattered that you reached out to ask for their advice.

2. Stay in touch with co-workers and managers from previous jobs and internships

Once you have some professional experience under your belt (such as an internship or part-time job), make it a priority to stay in touch with former managers and co-workers. This will ensure that you’re building long-lasting relationships and leaving the door open for new opportunities that may arise in the future. The best way to do this is by reaching out a couple of months after the internship has ended to let your former manager know how you’re doing and to ask them about any updates on their end.

Pro Tip: Be specific. Instead of sending a vague email asking how they’re doing, ask about the outcome of a project you worked on together or about a trip they were planning to take. This will show them that you’re interested in establishing a genuine relationship and that you care about the work you produced while you were with the organization.

3. Make use of your social media accounts

Although social media is more often seen as a personal space rather than a professional one, using it as a networking tool is a great way to connect with people in an organic way while showing off a bit of your personality. This can be as simple as “liking” the Facebook page of a particular brand you admire or tweeting at an influencer about something they’re working on. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to be respectful in your interactions and to put your best foot forward.

4. Be genuine and helpful in your interactions

When done right, networking can be a powerful tool for advancing your career and creating the kinds of relationships that will stick with you throughout your professional life. And if you want to ensure that those relationships are authentic and long lasting, it’s important to approach networking opportunities with a genuine interest in getting to know the other person and being as helpful to them as possible. By demonstrating your desire to create a strong professional bond, you’re likely to develop the kinds of relationships that will be mutually beneficial to everyone involved.

Although growing your professional network might seem a bit intimidating at first, by approaching it in a thoughtful and strategic way, you’ll be able to set yourself up for long-term success.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as How to Be a Team Player and find answers to common interview questions such as What Are Your Strengths?

10 Tips for the Perfect Cover Letter

If you’re applying for internships or entry-level jobs, you may be wondering how and when to write a cover letter. While many jobs no longer require cover letters (especially those on WayUp), in cases where a cover letter is required, writing a well-crafted letter can be a key part of landing an interview.

These 10 tips will help you write the perfect cover letter:

1. Start strong.

In addition to informing your reader what position you’re applying for, your first one or two sentences should identify the qualities and experience that make you a strong candidate for the position. If you don’t have relevant prior work experience, briefly describe how your coursework or extracurricular activities have provided you with the foundation you need to establish your career.

Say something like: “Please accept my application for the editorial assistant position. As an English major at and a fiction editor for the literary journal there, my knowledge of contemporary literature combined with the administrative experience I gained during a previous internship has prepared me to contribute to all aspects of the publishing process.”

Pro Tip: Find out the name of the hiring manager and address the letter directly to them. If you’re not able to find a direct contact then address the letter to the department you’re applying to.

2. Keep it short.

Take the space you need to specify what you have to offer an organization, but don’t go overboard. There’s no need to go beyond a page, and your letter should consist of three or four brief paragraphs at most. A concise — and compelling — cover letter is your first chance to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively.

3. Language matters.

While your cover letter shouldn’t read as though you cut and pasted the job description, it should mirror the language used to describe the skills and qualities required for the position. Hiring managers and the algorithms that are increasingly being used to parse job applications are looking for particular keywords, so make sure to use them.

For example, if the job description outlines skills x, y and z as being required for the position, make sure you use the same language when you’re highlighting your skill set and experience.

4. Know your audience.

Remember that you are writing for a prospective employer, not your best friend or a family member. The language you use when you fire off a quick email or text is not appropriate for a cover letter. It’s ok to be conversational in tone, but you don’t want to be too casual. You also don’t want to be overly formal. Try and strike the right balance between personable and professional.

5. Customize the content.

You may be wondering if you need to write a different cover letter for each job you apply for. The answer is yes. While there’s a general formula for how your cover letter should look — introductory paragraph, one or two paragraphs explaining what you have to offer the organization, and the conclusion — each company has its own culture, which should be reflected in your content. You wouldn’t send the same cover letter for a job at a startup providing services for millennials as you would to an established investment firm serving retirees.

Pro Tip: Customizing your cover letter is actually not as hard as it sounds. Once you have one or two templates you’re comfortable with, you’ll be able to customize each letter fairly easily by swapping out certain key phrases and company-specific information.

6. Make it new.

Don’t simply restate what’s already listed on your resume. The cover letter is your opportunity to meaningfully expand on that information and give your potential manager insight into the kind of employee you will be. Relate specific anecdotes or statistics that highlight your qualifications and strengths.

7. Avoid clichés.

If you describe yourself as an “out-of-the-box” thinker, the hiring manager likely won’t believe it. That’s because the phrase itself has become so overused that it no longer suggests creativity or originality. Instead of relying on hackneyed language to describe yourself, take the time to relate an instance where you posed a creative solution to a problem you faced. Just make sure it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for, or that it reveals qualities that position you as a good fit for the company. In other words, at the risk of sounding clichéd, “Show, don’t tell.”

8. Make it about them.

Don’t make the mistake of expressing what a particular company can offer you instead of what you can offer the company. Would-be employers aren’t so interested in how much you’ll learn on the job, or that the position is the stepping stone you need to make it in a particular industry (even if that may very well be true). They want to know how you’ll contribute to the organization, so make sure the focus of your letter remains on how great you are, not the company.

9. Follow instructions.

Before you send off your materials, reread the job ad. Does it require additional materials, such as a link to a portfolio, writing samples, or recommendations on your LinkedIn profile? If you don’t follow the application instructions, hiring managers may be left with the impression that you are unable to do what is asked of you. Missing materials, late deadlines or cover letters that exceed one page are easy ways for potential employers to eliminate applicants. Make sure you aren’t one of them by following instructions.

10. Sweat the small stuff.

There’s no room for error when it comes to your job application materials. After you’ve finished a draft of your letter, give yourself some time away from it and come back with fresh eyes to revise and edit. Read it out loud to yourself to catch missing words and awkward phrasing, and have someone else proofread it.

As daunting as they may be to write, cover letters are an opportunity for you to let your potential employer get to know you. These tips will ensure you leave a lasting and favorable impression as you begin applying for positions. And once you land that first internship or entry-level job, you’ll have more material to work with for future cover letters.

Next, get more career tips for internships and entry-level jobs such as 6 Things to Do in Your First Week at a New Job and find answers to common interview questions such as Are You Willing to Travel?