Alumni Career Services

Keeping your résumé or CV up to date is an important step in staying prepared for new opportunities, even if you’re not actively job hunting. Over time, your skills evolve, your responsibilities grow, and your accomplishments add up—your résumé should reflect that. Start by reviewing your most recent roles and updating your achievements, metrics, and new projects. Tailor your content to highlight the experiences and strengths most relevant to the types of roles you’re considering, and make sure your format is clean, professional, and easy to scan.

If you’re pursuing opportunities in academia, research, or medicine, or the law, a CV may be more appropriate than a traditional résumé. While a résumé typically focuses on concise, targeted summaries of your work experience, a CV provides a more comprehensive overview, including publications, presentations, grants, and academic service.

Hiring managers will spend less than 10 seconds looking at your résumé at first glance. To stand out from the competition and entice them to keep reading, your résumé must be clean, organized, direct, and tailored to the position. Be sure to answer the following questions:

• What is the employer looking for in a potential candidate?
• What skills/qualities can you offer an employer related to the role?
• What is the best format that will highlight your skills and accomplishments?

Resume Resources:

• Writing “The Perfect Résumé”
• The Best Professional Summary Formula
• How to Write an ATS-Friendly Résumé
• Chronicle of Higher Education's CV Doctor
• Versatile PhDs (recording on how to translate your CV into a résumé)
• CV Format

Even in the age of online applications and quick job clicks, a well-written cover letter can still make a big impact. A cover letter gives you the chance to introduce yourself beyond your résumé—to share your story, highlight your enthusiasm for a role, and explain why you’re a strong fit. For individuals navigating a career transition, re-entering the workforce, or moving into a new industry, a thoughtful cover letter can help connect the dots for employers.

While not every job posting requires one, including a tailored cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. It’s your opportunity to show that you’ve researched the company, understand the role, and are genuinely interested in the organization’s mission. Focus on what you bring to the table and how your skills and experience align with their needs. Be clear, confident, and conversational—and don’t forget to proofread! Whether you're applying for your first post-college job or making a mid-career move, a strong cover letter can help tell your professional story in a way that your résumé alone can’t.

A strong cover letter is clear, focused, and personalized for the job you're applying to. Here's a simple structure to follow:

1. Introduction: Start with a greeting and a strong opening line. Mention the job you're applying for and briefly introduce who you are.
2. Why You’re a Fit: In one or two paragraphs, explain why you're excited about the role and how your background, skills, or values align with the organization. Share specific examples of relevant experience—especially those that aren't obvious on your résumé.
3. Why You Want to Work There: Show you’ve done your research. Reference something about the company—its mission, recent work, culture, or reputation—and explain why it resonates with you.
4. Wrap-Up and Call to Action: Close with a polite, enthusiastic statement about next steps. Express your interest in an interview and thank them for their time.

Remember: your cover letter needs to be authentic, relevant, and clearly connected to the role you’re pursuing.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for staying connected, building your network, and exploring new career opportunities—and it’s never too late to start using it or give your profile a refresh. Whether you’re job hunting, thinking about a career change, or just want to stay in the loop with your industry, LinkedIn makes it easy to connect with fellow alumni, join professional communities, and see what others in your field are up to. It’s also a great place to showcase your experience and interests so employers and recruiters can find you.  

Use LinkedIn to engage with individuals and affinity groups. Engage by commenting on threads and share relevant articles with your LinkedIn network. Join the St. John Fisher Alumni Group for access to recent and more experienced alumni. Check out these resources to get started:

• LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Job Seekers Tutorial
• How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
• How to Find Alumni on LinkedIn

Whether it’s your first interview in years or your tenth this month, preparation is key to making a confident, lasting impression. There are two objectives for a job interview, the first is to convince the employer that you are the best candidate. Interviews aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about telling your story, building rapport, and showing how you can add value.  The second is to gather information to assist you in deciding whether the position is the best choice for you. An interview should be a two-way communication between the candidate and the interviewer. Remember you are interviewing them as well to see if it is a good fit! 

For individuals re-entering the job market, changing careers, or stepping into leadership roles, being well-prepared can help calm nerves and showcase your strengths effectively.

Start by researching the company and role thoroughly so you can speak confidently about why you're a good fit. Review the job description closely and be ready with examples that highlight your relevant experience. Prepare for common questions (like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”) as well as behavioral questions that start with “Tell me about a time when…”. And don’t forget to practice—saying your responses out loud helps build clarity and confidence. 

There are many resources available to help you practice and refine your interview skills.

• Take advantage of LinkedIn’s Interview Prep resource (included with free membership) and/or Interview roleplay with GPT-4 where you can practice interview questions and get feedback
• YouTube offers short, focused tutorials on interview techniques.
• Job board platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor feature curated lists of sample questions and interview tips by industry.
• Peer mock interviews—even with a friend or fellow alum—can provide helpful feedback and boost your confidence.

Remember, interviews are a two-way conversation. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role, team, or organization, and treat the experience as a chance to learn just as much as you share.

Before the Interview

• Check out the employer website, social media outlets, print materials, and staff profiles to get to know stated mission and values.
• Carefully study the job ad and make a list of the job requirements. Understand where the position fits in the organization.
• Anticipate possible questions and create “talking points” for each job requirement.
• Be ready for versions of “tell me about yourself” and “why do you want this position?”
• Be ready with at least five examples that demonstrate examples of your most relevant skills/competencies.
• Prepare some questions to ask your interviewer(s) at the end of the interview that cannot be found easily on their website.
• Prepare your attire
• Review your resume.
• Practice what you will say out loud. 

During the Interview

• Arrive early (5-10 minutes early is ideal).
• Have something to write on (padfolio) and copies of your résumé or other portfolio materials.
• Greet each person professionally.
• Practice your digital or in-person handshake.
• Be sure your devices are charged and that you are in a quiet space if the interview is virtual.
• Keep it positive and diplomatic and never badmouth a previous employer!
• Display relaxed and confident body language, maintain good eye contact, and show active listening.
• Be alert, calm, and enthusiastic.
• Participate in the conversation – don’t dominate.
• Communicate thoughtfully, honestly, and be confident (but not cocky).
• It’s okay to use “the pause” and it is okay to ask for a question to be repeated to be sure you understand it.
• Know how to close, reiterate interest in the position, and offer to provide any needed follow-up.

After the Interview

• Send a thank you note, keep it professional and positive.  Email is acceptable and quick to stay in the front of their mind.
• Be patient. Stay in pursuit – follow up, but don’t haunt.
• If you haven’t heard back in two weeks (or by the follow up time they shared), follow up to see if they need any additional information from you is needed.
• Keep job searching – multiple offers lend to more choice and may lend to negotiation.

The STAR Technique

Behavioral-based questions are best answered with the STAR technique.

• S-Situation (Set the stage and share what the challenge was)
• T-Task (What was YOUR role in this process)
• A-Action (What action did you take to resolve/solve it)
• R-Result (What were the results - good or bad share the outcome)

Additional Resources

• Everything You Need to Know About Answering Behavioral Interview Questions
• Questions to ask on an interview
• Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

Evaluating Job Offers

Navigating a job offer—especially when it comes to compensation—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Our goal is to help you make informed, confident decisions that align with your personal and professional goals. Before you negotiate, start by thoroughly evaluating the offer. Consider the entire compensation package—not just the salary.

Key factors to review:

• Base Salary: How does it compare to industry standards in your region?
• Bonuses & Incentives: Is there a signing bonus, performance bonus, or profit-sharing plan?
• Benefits: Look at health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, etc.
• Work-Life Balance: What are the expectations for hours, remote work, and travel?
• Professional Growth: Are there opportunities for advancement, mentorship, and continued education?
• Company Culture & Values: Do they align with your priorities and personality?
• Create a pros and cons list: Assess whether the role meets your short- and long-term career goals.

Salary Negotiation Basics

Yes, you can negotiate, and employers expect it. Here’s how to approach the conversation professionally and effectively.

• Do your research. Know the market rate for your role, location, and experience level by using resources like:
  • Glassdoor, Payscale, Salary.com
  • Professional Associations in your field
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data
• Know your value. Be ready to articulate your qualifications, experience, certifications, and how you will contribute to the company.
• Time it right. Wait until you have a formal offer before negotiating. Express your enthusiasm, then pivot to questions about compensation.
• Be respectful and collaborative. Use language that shows appreciation and aims for mutual benefit: “I’m excited about the opportunity. Based on my research and the value I bring, is there flexibility in the salary offer, I was looking more at the range of $X - $Y.” Providing a desired salary range versus a specific number reflects your flexibility and willingness to negotiate.   
• Negotiate the whole package. If salary is fixed, you can negotiate for:
  • Signing bonuses
  • Extra vacation time
  • Relocation assistance
  • Flexible scheduling or remote work
  • Professional development funds

Making the final decision, when weighing multiple offers—or deciding whether to accept one—consider:

• Which offer aligns most with your values and goals?
• Which environment will help you grow and thrive?
• What are the long-term implications for your career path?

Remember: the “best” offer isn’t always the one with the highest paycheck—it’s the one that supports your overall wellbeing, purpose, and potential.

Salary and Negotiation Resources

• Salary.com
• Know your worth: Glassdoor Salary Calculator
• Salary Calculator for Job Seekers
• 5 Things to Consider BEFORE Accepting a Job Offer
• How to Negotiate Salary Offer
• Fearless Salary Negotiation

• RochesterWorks Career Center – Offers free employment and workforce development services for job seekers.  
• Greater Rochester Chamber - Provides valuable networking opportunities, access to local employers, and insights into the regional job market. (If you are looking for work in a new city, the local chamber of commerce is a great resource to utilize)
• The Muse - The go-to destination for the next gen workforce to research companies and careers.
• iRelaunch - A career reentry consulting, training and events company focused on bringing professionals back into the workforce after an extended leave.
• US Department of Commerce - Bureau of Economic Analysis
• Glassdoor - Research employee reviews, salaries, and interview questions.
• Career Sherpa – Find resources and advice on everything you need for a job search.