GET JOB MARKET READY
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POWERED BY WHO LOGIC
Welcome In! Looking for a job? You're in the right spot.
This space is dedicated to helping you get job market ready using WHO Logic.
WHO Logic starts with resume design and you can keep using WHO for cover letters, applying
to jobs, elevator pitching, networking, interviewing, and offer management. It's a really easy
tool to uncover and promote the value of your skills and experiences.
Just ask yourself - What? How? Outcome?
Not sure how to get started? Here's a job search checklist to help guide you through the process.
JUMP TO A SECTION
RESUMES | COVER LETTER | HANDSHAKE | JOB SEARCH | LINKEDIN + PITCH | NETWORKING | INTERVIEWING | OFFER MANAGEMENT | INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | GRADUATE STUDENTS
RESUMES
Your First Step Toward Getting Market Ready!
Whether you're building your first or polishing up an existing one, use WHO Logic to showcase the value of your skills and experiences!
Before you get started building or updating your resume, we recommend you spend two-minutes learning why your job search is so dependent on an ATS friendly resume. Seriously, spending two minutes here could make or break your job search.
Once you know how important the ATS systems are, you are ready to write an amazing resume. Check out the resources below and be sure to use the resume dropbox to receive feedback from us.
Constructing a WHO Resume (Our resume tips and advice graphic)
Guide to Creating Value Points (A must read - this is the juice - the real how-to)
Sample Resumes (We know, sometimes you just need an example or two)
Action Verbs (Grab attention - kick start your value points with action)
Submit your resume for review with VMock
Resume Design Dive Deep! Learn more in WHO Logic Chapter 3
COVER LETTER
Do you really need one?
Create one if the application requires. If not, it's your choice. Here’s why it’s useful - the cover letter is all about aligning your skills and experiences with the job. It’s a very targeted written pitch! Read WHO Logic Chapter 5 and check out the two cover letter versions: narrative and value point.
WHO Logic Chapter 5 (Your easy guide to cover letter writing)
Cover Letter Basics & Samples (Narrative or value point version - what's your favorite?)
HANDSHAKE
Your Resume is ready. Now it's time to go to Handshake!
Want to land a job? You have to know Handshake! Spend 10 minutes with our Handshake Guide to get started with Handshake and learn how to get the most out of the system.
APPLYING TO JOBS + ATS
You & the Bot!
If you want the job, you will likely have to conquer the Application Tracking Software (ATS)!
Yes, it’s real. The ATS (AKA: The Bot) has some serious control over your job applications. So, you can let a computer control your career destiny, or you can grab some control. Learn how to use Keyword Matching and Fast Networking to “beat the bot” and advance to the interview.
Everything you need to know about ATS can be found in this 10 minute read. Take the time, read the document, learn how to Beat the Bot.
Read WHO Logic Chapter 7 for matchmaking tips, and learn about Fast Networking in WHO Logic Chapter 8 (pages 81 - 87)
LINKEDIN + THE PITCH
At this point you should have a WHO Logic resume and Handshake profile. Wait! Did you do that? If not, return to the Resume and Handshake sections. We’re not kidding, this stuff is important!
Your Written Pitch - LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn profile is one big pitch. Recruiters search for talent using LinkedIn, so it’s important for you to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Don’t worry, we can help!
(Check out the Value Proposition Chapter in WHO Logic to support Headline creation)
Your Verbal Pitch - Used during recruiting events, career fairs, while networking, and when interviewing. Verbal pitching is all about promoting your skills and experiences in alignment with specific jobs and companies of interest.
Read the Pitch Chapter in WHO Logic to pitch like a champion then check out our Verbal Pitch Example to see how easy it is!
NETWORKING
Relationships can make all the difference!
There are two forms of networking. Fast networking and slow & steady networking. Fast networking is a strategy used when you apply for jobs. Slow & steady networking is about building relationships over time with people who work at companies of interest. Seriously, you really need to network. Slow and steady networking can make all the difference for your career search and advancement!
Networking Message Suggestions (Sample slow & steady outreach messages)
Informational Interviewing (A great exploratory tool and launch of slow and steady networking)
Sample Communication Tracker (A comprehensive spreadsheet to help you keep track of companies, jobs, and people)
Read through WHO Logic Chapter 8 (pages 88 - 106) to begin building your networking plan!
INTERVIEWING
You are Awesome, Now Go Prove it During Your Interview!
Ace the interview using WHO Logic. Regardless of interview type - virtual-recorded, virtual-live, or in-person interviewing - WHO Logic can help. WHO is a perfect response framework for almost any question you get from an interviewer.
WHO Logic Interviewing Quick Guide (Your interview starts in 15 minutes - use this!)
Types of Interview Questions & Sample Behavioral Questions (It's always good to practice a few of these before an interview)
Post-Interview Communication (Don’t forget to say thank you!)
Read WHO Logic Chapter 9 (This is the go to! Read it and follow Jane Avatar’s lead!)
Practice your interview skills with Interview Stream! You'll find premade interview sets that allow you to record your practice response and send to our staff (careers@egr.msu.edu) for feedback.
On-Campus Interviewing Resources
Late Cancellation and No Show Policy
Reserve an on-campus interview space (must be logged in to MSU gmail to access)
OFFER MANAGEMENT
Yay!Congratulations on your job offer!
Just when it seems the self-marketing is over... Is it? Check out resources on salary data and WHO Logic powered tips to help you manage offers including how to ask for an offer deadline extension, and respectfully request a compensation increase. By the way, you don't have to do this alone. The Center full-time staff is here to help!
Reneging on an accepted job offer is prohibited at MSU. Make sure to review the MSU Renege Policy.
Tips on how to Negotiate using WHO Logic
Offer Deadline Recommendations for Employers (This guide may help support your request for an offer extension)
Review WHO Logic Chapter 9 (pages 126 - 129) and use the resources to help you manage your offers.
INTERNATIONAL & GRADUATE STUDENTS
Welcome & Please Use Our Site!
Market Readiness Tools. The self-marketing tips are the same across majors, degree levels, and career aspirations. We do recognize your need for differentiated services and support and there are resources!
International Students - please review the international student job search guide offered by the Office for International Students and Scholars. Learn about OPT & CPT as well as other unique information to help you become job market ready. We strongly advise a home-country job search strategy as an important part of your next destination planning.
Graduate Students - PhD Career Service, together with the MSU Graduate School, provides multiple online resources, as well as workshops and advising, to support the many paths graduate students choose to pursue. More information can be found at https://grad.msu.edu/phdcareers
The Center welcomes all students to use our online Powered by WHO Logic Market Readiness Tools. Please know that The Center does not provide resume reviews for graduate students due to staffing constraints. Please find support at https://grad.msu.edu/phdcareers.