Places to start looking:

• Indeed: A large job search platform where you can filter by location, salary, experience level, and job type. https://www.indeed.com/
• Company Websites: If you have specific companies or industries in mind, check their “Careers” pages directly. Some jobs are only posted on company sites and nowhere else.
• Attend Campus Job Fairs: Meet employers in person, learn about opportunities, and practice introducing yourself. Many companies use fairs to recruit interns and entry-level talent. Details can be found on Handshake:https://app.joinhandshake.com/stu/schools/681
• Networking: Tell professors, classmates, supervisors, and friends that you’re job searching. Many opportunities come from referrals or people recommending you.
• Career Services Office: Lakeland’s Cooperative Education & Career Readiness Team provides resume reviews, mock interviews, job postings, and career coaching.
• Handshake: Designed for college students; connects you with employers who specifically want to hire students and recent grads. https://app.joinhandshake.com/job-search
• LinkedIn: Great for job searching and networking. You can apply to jobs, connect with recruiters, and follow companies you’re interested in. https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/

Things to watch out for:

While job searching, it’s important to be aware of potential scams. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between real opportunities and fake job postings, as scammers may try to steal your personal information.

Warning signs a job opportunity is a scam:

• Someone contacts you out of the blue claiming to be a recruiter, especially if you never applied.
• You get a job offer immediately without applying or interviewing.
• The pay is unrealistically high for the role or hours.
• The schedule seems too flexible or “too good to be true.”
• The job description is vague or requires almost no qualifications.
• The company asks you to pay for anything upfront.
• The job promises fast or guaranteed wealth.
• Emails or messages contain poor grammar or seem unprofessional.
• The company has missing or unclear contact information.
• They ask for sensitive info (SSN, bank details) before you’re officially hired.

References

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, October 2). How To Identify Fake Job Postings: 10 Warning Signs. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-know-if-a-job-is-a-scam

What is a resume?

A resume is a summary of your work history, skills, and education. It should be tailored to be relevant to the job you are applying for.

How to structure your resume: 

• Header & Contact Info: At the top of your resume, always include a header containing:
  • Your name
  • Phone number
  • City and state
  • Personal email address
  • Sometimes links to social profiles like LinkedIn (not Instagram, X, etc.)

• Professional Summary (Optional): A short, one to three sentence summary at the top of your resume highlights who you are, what you do, and why you’re a strong fit for the job. It gives a quick overview of your qualifications and is especially useful when you have limited experience or want to tailor your resume for a specific position.

• Skills: Highlight both hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills relevant to the job.
  • Hard skills include things like software proficiency, languages, or data analysis.
  • Soft skills include communication, teamwork, or problem-solving.
  • Use a clear list or grouped bullet points focused on the job description.

• Education: For college students or those who recently graduated, this should be the first main section of your resume, as it highlights your current academic standing. Include:
  • The name of your school
  • Your degree program (ex. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science)
  • Major/minor
  • Expected graduation month and year
  • GPA (if it is at least 3.5)
  • You can list some relevant coursework, academic honors, scholarships, or study-abroad experiences to show your skills and accomplishments but do not let it be too long. This information can also be listed in separate sections.

• Work Experience: This critical section of a resume is where you detail your work history in a consistent and compelling format. If you have held multiple roles within the same company, you should group them together. This section should include:
  • Company names
  • Locations: City and state
  • Employment dates
  • Roles and titles you held
  • Bullet points containing action verbs and data points that detail the relevant accomplishments of each position

• Additional Experience (Optional): An optional but valuable section at the end of your resume can highlight volunteer experience, leadership roles, awards, or unrelated work experience. When preparing, don’t overlook accomplishments in these areas as they can provide excellent responses to interview questions. This catch-all section is especially useful if you have limited job experience, and you can choose to list these items together or in separate sections.

Resume Formatting:

• Layout & Structure
• Length: Keep it to one page (unless you have extensive experience).
• Margins: Use 0.5–1 inch margins on all sides.
• Line Spacing: Use consistent spacing—typically 1.0–1.15, with blank lines between sections.
• White Space: Keep enough spacing so the résumé looks readable and not cluttered.
• Alignment: Left-align most content; center only your header if desired.
• Formatting & Style
• Font: Use a clean, professional font (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman) in 10–12 pt.
• Section Headings: Use bold, small caps, or slightly larger text; keep formatting consistent.
• Bullet Points: Use simple, clean bullets; begin each with a strong action verb.
• No Graphics: Avoid images, decorative charts, or unnecessary icons.
• No First Person: Do not use pronouns (I, me, my).
• Content Guidelines
• Tense Usage: Present tense for current roles; past tense for previous roles.
• Consistency: Use consistent formatting for dates, job titles, and locations.
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and metrics whenever possible.
• Saving & Submitting
• File Format: Save and send as a PDF
• File Name: Name your file clearly (e.g., FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf).

Resume guide/template download: 

• Lakeland University Resume Handout Sample Format

You applied for the job, now what? 

If you haven’t heard back within one to two weeks, reach out directly to the recruiter or hiring manager. Let them know you’ve applied, and keep your email short and polite.

Template:

Subject line: Follow-Up on [Internship or Position Title] Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I recently applied for the [Internship or Position Title] at [Company Name] and wanted to follow up to see if there’s an update on the hiring timeline.

I’m very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and to apply the skills I’ve developed through my coursework and experiences in [relevant area, e.g., IT, marketing, sports management, etc.].

I’ve attached my application materials again for your convenience and would be happy to provide any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

(Attach your resume and cover letter if you used one to apply.)

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Download: Follow up after applying email template

References

 Birt, J. (2025, June 9). How long should you wait to hear back about a job? Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-long-should-you-wait-to-hear-back-about-a-job

Glassdoor. (n.d.). How to write a resume. Glassdoor. https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-write-a-resume/

Keiling, H. (2025, June 8). How to list education on a resume (with examples). Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-list-education-on-a-resume

Resume guide/template:

• Lakeland University Resume Handout Sample Format

Student Examples:

• Business Student Resume Example
  
• Computer Science Student Resume Example
• Undecided Student Example

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter introduces you to employers, highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and ambition. It shows your communication skills and attention to detail, helping you stand out even without much work experience.

When do I need a cover letter?

You should include a cover letter whenever an application requests one, even if it is listed as optional. If the application specifically states that a cover letter is not required, then it should not be submitted.

What should a cover letter include?

A cover letter should briefly introduce you, highlight your strengths, and showcase experiences relevant to the job, especially those not fully detailed on your resume. You can also use it to go more in-depth about a specific experience and explain why you’re a strong fit for the position. It could include:

• Volunteer work/community involvement: Shows passion, teamwork, and impact in a professional setting.
• Academic achievements: Demonstrates skills and success applicable to the workplace.
• Relevant classes: Highlights expertise and commitment to the industry.

Steps to get started:

• Study the job posting to tailor your cover letter to what the employer is looking for, take note of:
  • Position title
  • Hiring manager
  • Job duties
  • Required qualifications
  • Keywords

• Research the company to show how your goals align and demonstrate genuine interest in joining their team. Make sure to look at their:
  • Mission
  • Values
  • Culture

• Match experience to the job: Identify key skills from the posting and connect them to specific accomplishments or experiences that show you are well-rounded and capable.

• Make an outline: Organize your main ideas and experiences in a logical order to create a clear structure for your letter.

• Write and rewrite: Expand your outline into complete sentences that tell your story, ensuring each sentence adds new, relevant information.

• Proofread: Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity; reading aloud or having someone else review can catch errors and improve flow.

Template:

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Optional: Your Mailing Address]

[Date]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or Title],
(If you do not know their name, you may use “Dear Hiring Manager,”)

[Introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for. Briefly explain why you’re interested in the role and mention at least one key reason you would be a strong fit.]

[In the first body paragraph, describe a recent accomplishment or experience that demonstrates relevant skills. Explain how your contribution made an impact and how those skills will help you succeed in this role.]

[In the second body paragraph, highlight special skills, experiences, or motivations that make you stand out. You can discuss how you developed your passion for the field and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals.]

[In the third body paragraph, explain why this company or organization appeals to you. Mention specific values, projects, or goals that align with your interests.]

[Conclude by expressing enthusiasm for the position and stating that you look forward to discussing your application further.]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Download: Cover Letter Template

References

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, June 9). Student cover letters with template and example. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career--advice/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-of-student

Interviewing tips:

1. Dress & First Impressions

• Choose a business professional outfit unless instructed otherwise. Avoid overly casual clothing like jeans, sneakers, or t-shirts. Choose clean, wrinkle-free clothing that fits well. Keep makeup and hairstyles professional and simple. When in doubt, slightly overdressing is better than underdressing.
• Lakeland offers professional clothing you can borrow. Located in WAK 101, you can request an appointment through Handshake here: https://lakeland.joinhandshake.com/stu/appointments select schedule new appointment.
• Masculine Examples:
• Dark or neutral blazer or suit jacket with matching or coordinating pants
• Button-up shirt (white, light blue, or another neutral color)
• Tie is optional for some student interviews, but recommended for formal positions
• Clean dress shoes (black or brown) and matching belt
• Minimal accessories (watch or simple bracelet)
• Feminine Examples:
• Blazer or cardigan with dress pants, skirt, or a professional dress
• Blouse or button-up shirt in neutral or soft colors
• Closed-toe shoes (flats or low heels)
• Minimal jewelry and accessories
• Optional: simple bag or portfolio for resume and materials
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early, bring copies of your resume, a notebook and pen.
• Be polite to everyone you meet — front desk, staff, interviewers. First impressions count.

2. Before the Interview

• Research the company and role: review their website, mission, values, job description.
• Research each person involved in the interview: a quick review of their LinkedIn profiles or a Google search can provide valuable insights. Understanding your audience ahead of time can make a meaningful difference.
• Reread the job posting: underline key skills and attributes they are looking for.
• Prepare stories: Use the STAR method (Situation-Task-Action-Result) to describe accomplishments relevant to the role.
• Ensure you know the logistics: know where to park, and where to go when you get there.
• Bring materials: Copies of your resume, notepad, pen, perhaps portfolio if relevant.

3. On the Day of the Interview

• Arrive early, check in, and be courteous.
• Avoid using your phone while waiting to be interviewed and instead review their resume or interview notes. Keep phones on silent and disconnect smartwatches to prevent alerts, as even a quick glance can appear distracting.
• Listen carefully, answer questions clearly and concisely; tie your answers back to what the employer is looking for.
• Avoid negative comments about past employers or situations — stay positive.
• Ask your own questions: what’s the culture like, how is success measured, what challenges are expected, what do the interviewers like about their jobs?
• Before you leave also make sure to ask about next steps and what the timeframe for the hiring process is.

Video Call Interview Etiquette:

Many first round interviews are conducted virtually so it is beneficial to understand proper etiquette.

• Choose a quiet, interruption-free space.
• Use a background filter if the setting is informal (e.g., a bedroom).
• Silence or remove cell phones from the room to avoid distractions.
• Ensure no radio or TV is playing in the background.
• Dress professionally from head to toe—even if you don’t expect to stand up.
• Keep pets out of the room. While they can be endearing, not all interviewers appreciate the distraction.

Example Questions:

What should you do after the interview?

• Send your thank-you email or note within 24 hours.
• If you were given a timeframe, wait until it passes before following up. Otherwise wait one to two weeks and then send a follow-up email.
• Stay patient and continue your job/internship search in the meantime.

Thank you email temple:

Subject: Thank You — [Position Title] Interview

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview me on [Date] for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute.

In our discussion, I was particularly interested in [mention something specific you discussed, e.g., “the project you described around expanding the company’s data analytics”], and I believe my [mention a relevant skill or experience] can help achieve that goal.

Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I look forward to the possibility of working together and appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]

Download: After interview thank you email template

Follow-up email template for when you haven’t heard back within one to two weeks (or the timeframe given by the employer):

Subject: Follow-Up on [Position Title] Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for meeting with me on [Date] for the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your team and the role, especially [mention a specific topic or highlight from the interview].

I remain very excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing [mention a specific skill or experience you bring]. I believe this role aligns well with my goals and background, and I’m confident I can add value in [briefly indicate how you’ll contribute].

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of the next steps.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Download: After interview follow up email template

References

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, July 9). Follow‑up email after an interview (examples and template). Indeed Career Advice. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/follow-up-email-examples-after-interview

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, May 3). How to make a great impression in a job interview. Indeed Career Advice. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/job-interview-tips-how-to-make-a-great-impression

U.S. Department of Labor. (2024, January). Interview tips. https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/interview-tips

Networking: 

• Attend campus events and career fairs: Meet recruiters and professionals at workshops, lectures, and job fairs. Start conversations and follow up on LinkedIn. 
• Join clubs and organizations: Connect with peers, build leadership skills, and expand your network through student groups or honor societies. 
• Build relationships with professors: Use office hours to discuss interests—professors can refer you to internships, research, and alumni connections. 
• Use LinkedIn and social platforms: Create a strong profile, share achievements, and connect with peers, alumni, and industry professionals. 
• Volunteer and intern: Gain experience and grow your network; stay in touch with mentors you meet. 
• Practice active listening: Listen carefully, remember names, and ask thoughtful follow-up questions to make a strong impression. Networking remotely: Join virtual events like online workshops and career fairs.

LinkedIn Profiles tips:

1. Profile Basics

• Photo: Use a professional, friendly headshot. Dress appropriately and ensure good lighting.
• Banner: Add a simple banner that reflects your field or interests (optional, but adds personality).
• Headline: Clearly state who you are and what you do or aspire to do (e.g., “Computer Science Student | Python & Data Analysis”).
• About Section: Write 2–4 sentences summarizing your background, skills, achievements, and career goals. Use keywords relevant to your field.

Lakeland Student Marcus Larsen’s LinkedIn Profile

2. Education

• List your school, major, expected graduation date, and relevant coursework.
• Include honors, awards, or scholarships if applicable.

Lakeland Student Marcus Larsen’s LinkedIn Profile Education Section

3. Experiences & Skills

• Experiences: Add internships, part-time jobs, class projects, and student organization roles.
• Skills: List 5–15 relevant skills (e.g., programming languages, software, teamwork, leadership).
• Use bullet points for achievements and responsibilities, and include keywords recruiters might search for.

Lakeland Student Hannah Pratsch’s LinkedIn Profile Experience Section

4. Engagement & Visibility

• Open to Work: Turn on this feature to let recruiters know you’re looking for internships or entry-level roles.
• Be Active: Share posts, comment on relevant topics, and engage with alumni or professionals in your field.
• Connect: Send connection requests to classmates, professors, alumni, and professionals in your desired industry.

References

Liu, J. (2023, May 22). The ultimate guide to crafting a LinkedIn profile that recruiters love: Advice from 100 hiring professionals. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephliu/2023/05/22/the-ultimate-guide-to-crafting-a-linkedin-profile-that-recruiters-love-advice-from-100-hiring-professionals/

The Muse Editors. (2024, November 19). How to Network in College (And Why It Matters). The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/network-in-college

What is a CV and when do I need one?

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a detailed overview of your academic and professional experiences. Unlike a resume, which is usually 1–2 pages, a CV can be longer and is commonly used for academic, research, or scholarship applications. Students, recent graduates, or anyone applying for internships, research programs, or academic positions should use a CV to highlight education, projects, skills, and accomplishments in a structured, professional way.

What should be included in a CV?

1. Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and optionally your city and state. Make sure your email is professional.
2. Education Section: List your university, degree, major, expected graduation date, and any honors or relevant coursework. This is especially important for students with limited work experience.
3. Relevant Experiences: Include internships, part-time jobs, student projects, research, teaching, or editorial roles. For each item, briefly describe responsibilities and accomplishments.
4. Skills and Certifications: List technical skills, languages, software tools, or certifications that are relevant to the positions you are targeting.
5. Publications, Presentations, and Awards: Include any academic achievements such as presentations, papers, or awards under appropriate headings, using consistent formatting.

Use a clean layout and simple fonts. Be consistent with formatting and update your CV regularly as you gain new experiences.

Resources

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Writing the curriculum vitae. Purdue University. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/resumes_and_vitas/writing_the_cv.html

Resume guide/template:

• Lakeland University Resume Handout Sample Format

Cover letter template:

• Cover Letter Template
  

Follow up after applying email template:

• Follow up after applying email template

Thank you for the interview email template:

• After interview thank you email template
  

Follow up after interviewing email template:

• After interview follow up email template

Whether you are exploring multiple majors or searching for information about your chosen field, this site will help you connect majors to careers. Learn about the typical career areas and the types of employers that hire people with each major, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate. Continue your research on majors and careers through the websites provided.

MCode isn’t just another personality test. It’s a research-backed, story-driven framework grounded in over 60 years of behavioral science, built to uncover the core motivations that shape how students think, work, connect, and grow. It empowers you—as an educator, advisor, or mentor—to move beyond surface-level conversations and guide students using what truly energizes them.

It’s the difference between a one-size-fits-all program and a personalized approach that leads to deeper engagement, better decisions, and lasting transformation in every area of the college journey.

What is MCode, exactly?

MCode is the first and only narrative-based assessment that helps people understand their innate motivational patterns by revisiting their personal achievement stories — activities and moments in their lives where they felt the most joy, success, and personal satisfaction.