First impressions matter.
Present a professional image during your internships and as you begin your career! Work with SIRC to learn about business correspondence and practices; resume content and design; writing cover letters and thank-you notes; comparing, accepting and rejecting job and internship offers; dining in a business setting; professional dress; and interviewing skills.
Open Houses
Open Houses are designed to give you information about the company, its internship and management program, and to facilitate initial contact between you and the recruiter. Business casual dress is acceptable. Open houses are usually held in a classroom in the Business College Complex, hosted by SIRC staff. A schedule of company open houses can be obtained from SIRC.
At an open house, you can confirm an interview. If you are interviewing with a company, attendance at its open house is mandatory. Companies expect students to attend, and it will reflect badly on you during your interview if you were not present at the open house. Bring resumes and research the company before you attend.
Interviews
- Company research resources such as company synopsis sheets and industry files with hospitality company information are available in SIRC.
- Greet recruiters with a handshake and smile. Be prepared to sell yourself.
- Always bring extra resumes to an interview. Also bring a list of references in case it is requested.
- Professional dress is expected at interviews if you want a job!
- Many interviews are behavioral based. That means the employer will ask for specific examples of how you performed in a given situation. So be prepared!
Making a Lasting Impression
- Following the interview, you are expected to send a thank-you letter.
- Request the recruiter’s card so you have the correct title and address.
Tips on Interviewing
The current demand for your degree is certainly a large factor in your employment prospects. However, whether or not you land the job you want often depends upon your skill in marketing your potential.
How to Write a Winning Cover Letter
The cover letter is often the first contact you have with a prospective employer. Its purpose is to create a favorable, professional impression while you introduce your background and interest in employment opportunities.
Keep the following points in mind as you prepare your cover letter:
- Opening Paragraph:
- Student status
- Job Title & Company Name
- How you found the posting
- Succinct statement on why company & position interests you
- Attention-grabbing statement
- Referral or recent interaction with key person, if applicable
- Middle Paragraph:
- Story or example
- 5-6 sentences
- Focus on results/accomplishments
- Closing Paragraph:
- Reference Resume
- The “ask”: what you want (interview)
- Call to action: further follow up
- Miscellaneous:
- 1 page only
- 3-4 paragraphs
- left justified
- center all text on page
- employer name and/or address, if known
- Overall genuine, enthusiasm
- Free of gimmicky statements that don’t differentiate
Have someone read over your letter for content and style.
Resumes
Resume Content Example
Note: Please remember there are many resume formats; the following example is just a suggestion and a frequently used format
Submit your resume to our SIRC resume book. This is specifically for hospitality business students and will be accessible to our recruiters. We will review your resume and provide feedback to make improvements. Once your resume is approved, it will be available to all recruiters.