Career Services Resource Library

• 16 Personalities: This 10 minute online assessment helps connect you interests and skills to one of 16 personality types and then helps you see related careers and potential opportunities.
• Career Explorer: Career Explorer is a unique career matching platform that will build career recommendations for you, based on your input. It’s a comprehensive interest, personality, and preference assessment that measures you against over 140 traits and uses that data to accurately find your top matches with our 800+ career encyclopedia.
• Career One Stop: This website, founded by the US Department of Labor, offers free self-assessments, interest assessments, and skills assessments that help you connect and grow in your career development.
• Career Perfect Assessment: Answer these simple 24 questions to see what your work preference may be. 
• Clifton Strengths: The CliftonStrengths assessment ($20) outlines your top talents, and then reports on featured definitions of each of those talents that are specific to you.
• Enneagram: These 2 free online assessments help connect you to one of the 9 enneagram numbers. From there, your results help connect you to different aspects of your personality and how they affect your professional goals.
• Interest Assessment: Take this quick assessment to discover your interest profile then read the descriptions to determine which matches you the best.
• MBTI (Jung Typology) Test: This free personality test is based on Carl Jung and Isabel Briggs Myers personality type theory. Upon completion of the questionnaire, you will: Obtain your four-letter type formula according to Carl Jung and Isabel Briggs Myers typology, along with the strengths of preferences and the description of your personality type.
• MyNextMove Career Assessment: If you’re still unsure of a career, use this free website with over 900 career options to browse the many different industries that might interest you.
• O*NET Interest Profiler: The O*Net Interest Profiler can help you find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work. You can find out what you like to do. The O*NET Interest Profiler helps you decide what kinds of careers you might want to explore.
• Plum Discovery Survey: The Plum Discovery Survey takes only 25 minutes to help you see what kind of work will make you feel fulfilled. Receive insights that are catered to your work preferences, interests, and style.
• Truity: Truity offers a range of free tests including 9 different personality types, career finders, and a DISC assessment to find your own work style.
• Values Inventory & Work Preference: Choose from 2 different online assessments that allow you to pick some of your favorite work preferences and then your important work values to help you choose the right job fit.

• InsideCareerInfo: InsideCareerInfo is a site that provides insights and tips on thousands of career tips in hundreds of career categories. This site has surveyed working professionals asking them what their jobs are really like and reports on their results.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: This site, created by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, provides in-depth resources for thousands of different career paths. For each path, it describes general salary information, tips on how to enter this field, and a solid overview of common workplace expectations and environments.
• What Can I Do With this major: Learn about the typical career paths for students with your major and the types of employers that hire graduates with your major, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate by articulating the value of your major. Continue your research on majors and careers through major-specific links. You have to enter this site through this page to gain access to the resources.

• 5 Steps to Crafting a Killer Cover Letter: Every cover letter should be personalized to the job you're applying for. Here are some other steps to take in order to land the interview.
  
• 6 Things Your Cover Letter Should Never Say (But Probably Does): A cover letter should sound like you're sure of yourself and how you can benefit the company. So just when you think you've got a solid cover letter, make sure to exclude these one liners.
• 6 Unconventional Ways To Start Your Cover Letter: You're the only you. Make sure the company you're applying for can tell that by giving examples and standing out amongst the crowd. Your cover letter is a great place to start.
• How to Write a Cover Letter that Doesn't Just Recap Your Resume: One fatal move to writing a cover letter is just regurgitating your resume. Some things to highlight in your cover letter are highlighted in this article. Take these easy steps to ensure your cover letter leaves a positive lasting impression.
• Indeed - Internships and co-ops are an excellent start to a lifetime career. Here are some things you should include on your cover letter to ensure you land the internship or co-op of your dreams.
• MyTutor - Sometimes it can be hard to write a letter all about yourself, especially if it’s the determining factor for your career and future. This site breaks down all the necessities of a stand-out cover letter to help you get the job you want.
• ResumeGenius - Needing a cover letter shouldn’t deter you from applying for jobs. Here is a step by step walk through of how to create a personal and professional cover letter.

• Assessing an Organization's Commitment to Inclusion: When searching for a career you want to find potential employers who have similar values as you. If diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are part of your values and goals, here is a list of probing questions from the Ohio State University to ask during interviews to assess the organizations priorities.
• Disability Equality Index: The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion.” Use this resource to see if a company matches your preferences for an inclusive environment that focuses on disability resources and equity.
• DiversityJobs.com: This is the #1 diversity job board online. The site unites employers dedicated to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) with job-seeking Black Americans, Latinx, Asians, Native Americans, Women, Veterans, People with Disabilities, and Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Diversity Jobs publishes an annual list of Top Diversity Employers by industry and original thought leadership on a variety of workplace diversity topics.
• Diversity, Inc.:This website, which includes top 50 companies for diversity and inclusion management, also has more information on how to evaluate and analyze employer hiring practices.
• Forbes: Forbes partnered with the market research company Statista, to create an annual list of America’s Best Employers for Diversity. In this list you will find 500 different companies with at least 1000 employees that can be identified as most dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Fortune: Fortune has put together a list of 75 of the largest industries that provide the best working environment for women. Going back to 2015, the list shows the number of employees in the company, as well as what percentage of those employees are women.
• Human Rights Campaign - Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index is a tool that rates workplaces equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. You can view past workplace reports as well as search for the best place to work for LGBTQ+ equality.

Etiquette includes anything from how to follow company cultural cues in your office full of peers as well as how to dine with strangers. First impressions are everlasting and proper etiquette helps ensure a positive lasting impression.

• 13 Dining Etiquette Tips for Your Next Business Meal: Whether it's for an interview or at your next job, at some point you will have to dine while talking about business. People lead busy lives but everyone has to eat! These tips are detailed and will help you become a natural at multitasking between food and work.
• Columbia University Etiquette in The Workplace: This Columbia University Center article provides career seekers with the ins and outs of etiquette in the workplace.
• How to Make a Great First Impression: The first time you meet someone, no matter where it is (interview, networking event, coworker, etc.), having a proper knowledge of business etiquette will leave everyone with a positive lasting impression of you.

• Handshake Blog & Tutorials: The Handshake blog has many resources that can help you navigate using this resource as a student or employer.
• Handshake Profile Tips: Employers love to see a Handshake profile that is specific and clear. This resource walks you through things that can help your profile stand out. 
• Top 100 Companies: Discover popular employers that are actively hiring college students on Handshake today.
• Your Handshake Profile - Get started on Handshake with this basic profile setup walkthrough to begin your search for a career.

Until getting the interview, everything about you has only been on paper and you're only a 2D figure to your potential employer. The interview is the time to demonstrate your professional attitude that came across in all your paper documents.

• BigInterview is a virtual interview practice tool that mimics a real-life job interview. It also offers video and written lessons on professional communication skills, workplace etiquette, social media presence, wardrobe, body language and much more. BigInterview combines training and practice to help improve interview skills and build confidence. The service is free for UC students and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• 4 Moves You Didn't Realize Make You Look Unprofessional in an Interview: Professionalism is a delicate balance between being genuine and being restrained, both in person and via social media. It's important to make sure you're being true to yourself but don't burn bridges before you even have the job interview.
• 7 Ways to Banish (Almost) All of Your Pre-Interview Jitters: You get nervous before an interview? The good news is that you're not alone and employers understand the pressure of interviewing. Give yourself a break, take a breather, and use these suggestions to prep for an interview.
• 10 Types of Interviews and How to Ace Them: Did you know there's more than one, even more than two, types of interviews? Each one requires different preparation, knowledge, and a level of social intelligence. Make sure you know what to expect for the type of interview you have.
• 30 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview: While some questions and statements might seem like common knowledge to you, you'd be surprised what some people will say during a job interview. Make sure to check out this list just to avoid any potentially embarrassing situations.
• 51 Interview Questions You Should Be Asking: An interview isn't just about the questions you are being asked. At the end of every interview, the employer should give you a chance to ask questions, don't miss your shot! We recommend having at least 3-5 questions prepared. This will demonstrate your interest in the company and ensure you'll leave a lasting impression while getting your questions answered.
• How to Answer the 31 Most Common Interview Questions: There are some questions you'll hear in nearly every interview. Be prepared to answer them with these helpful hints.
• Phone Interviews: How To Put Your Best Voice Forward: Phone interviews vary from in-person interviews because you have to make an impression using only your voice. Here are some tips to make sure your personality and professionalism are coming across using only one of your assets.
• Smart Job Interview Advice No One Tells You: The interview is broken into three major parts. Here's how to make the most of each part in order to leave a positive and lasting impression.
• The Best Way to Answer "What's Your Biggest Weakness?": It's the question that everyone struggles to answer: what's your biggest weakness? This is the best, and most authentic, way to answer that difficult question.
• The Muse: We make study guides for exams so why not make one for the most important test of all? This list contains more than 50 of the most common job interview questions will help you create the perfect study guide to ace your interview.
• The STAR Job Interview Technique: Behavioral interview questions are formatted to give employers a window into the way you react in different situations. Using the STAR method is a simple way to break down your role and impact on each event and situation in order to fully answer the interviewer's question.
• The Ultimate Interview Guide: 30 Prep Tips for Job Interview Success: Practicing your answers for routine interview questions is good preparation for a job interview but preparation goes beyond your answers. Knowing the company and being in the right headspace are crucial to success.
• Why Phone Interviews Are So Hard, and How to Ace Them Anyway: Phone interviews are very similar to in-person interviews expect for one paramount difference - the interviewer can't see your face. Body language is half of the way we communicate and without that piece something can feel like it's missing. These steps for a phone interview can help bridge that gap while also avoid other common phone interview mistakes.

• After Graduation - Check out this UC resource page to find service programs in your area to help build your skill set after graduation.
• Career Shift: Create a free account to customize your job search for careers in your field.
  
• College Central Network: Search for full-time, part-time, seasonal, co-op/internship, and volunteer positions; contact employers and upload your resume.
• GlassDoor: An excellent resource for salary research, company reviews and job listings.
• Handshake: Handshake is the career platform used by the University of Cincinnati where students, career centers and recruiters come to meet, talk and share opportunities.
• LinkedIn Jobs:A customizable profile and search tool, and also our #1 recommended social networking site, to link students with over 35 million professionals. Harness the power of your network to uncover insights such as who you know at a company, providing you an edge in your job search. Be sure to check out our co-op/Internshipsearch too!
• Ohio Means Jobs: A great place to search for jobs in Ohio.
• Ohio Means Internships & Co-ops: Find Ohio internships and co-ops that best fit your criteria
• USAJobs: The official job listing site for the federal government. Shown are employment search, information center, veteran information and forms.
• VolunteerMatch: Your ultimate resource for finding that volunteering position that will set you apart on your resume.

LinkedIn is still the most professionally used social media platform. Being a member of this community can expand your network and help you discover potential jobs. Make sure to have a complete and professional profile in order to be noticed by top recruiters of your dream company.

• 4 Key Elements of a Killer LinkedIn Summary: Besides your professional headshot and your tagline, the summary is the first thing a potential employer will really know about you. Be engaging and unique with some of these helpful tips.
• 8 Secrets to Building a Stunning LinkedIn Profile: From the big picture to the nitty-gritty, your LinkedIn profile needs to be polished and unique to you. Make it complete, and stunning, to catch the eye of recruiters and potential future employers.
• Great Resumes Fast PDF- Use this guide and follow the 5 simple steps to find a job using Linkedin.
• How to Build a LinkedIn Profile That Turns Heads: "How to Build a LinkedIn Profile That Turns Heads" - in a good way! These four simple steps is all it takes to ensure you're getting the attention of recruiters and your connections.
• LinkedIn Jobs: A customizable profile and search tool, and also our #1 recommended social networking site, to link students with over 35 million professionals. Harness the power of your network to uncover insights such as who you know at a company, providing you an edge in your job search. Be sure to check out the co-op/Internship search tool!
• LinkedIn Salary: This tool allows students to understand their earning potential and make an educated decision based off accurate salary data.
• LinkedIn ProFinder: A freelance platform to connect freelancers with real business projects.
• How Recent Grads Can Leverage LinkedIn To Get A Job: One of the most helpful tools for recent grads, or soon to be grads, is LinkedIn - if you know how to use it correctly.
• LinkedIn Profile Examples: Need some help getting started with your LinkedIn profile? Want to revamp what you already have? Check out this profile examples broken down by section for some inspiration.

• Care Center: Volunteers are a big part of this non-profit organization. Lend a helping hand to provide relief to those experiencing poverty in the Cincinnati area.
• CityLink Center: CityLink volunteers can dedicate their time to help guide clients along their journey towards an improved life. With many different roles to choose from, there is a good chance something will work for you!
• UC Volunteer Portal: Looking to give back to your community but you don’t know where to start? UC’s Center for Community Engagement resource page is the perfect place to find volunteer work near you. Search under different causes to find which agency would be best for you!

Having a strong network is vital to finding a job. Building up your network takes time and energy but is worth it knowing it's the most common way people are hired. It's not necessarily what you know, it's who you know.

• 7 Conversation Starters Better Than "What Do You Do?" and 7 That Are Even Worse: How do you start a conversation with a stranger you want to connect with? Here are some simple one-liners you can use, and some not to use.
• 8 Networking Conversation Starters that Work Every Time: Networking can be intimidating but there are conversations that will always help break the ice and that everyone can relate to. Here are some to get you started.
• Identifying Your Network: Whom Do You Know?: Who is in your network? Start by identifying your network so that you can ask them to continue to introduce you to new people and expand your ever-growing network.
• Informational Interviewing: Looking to build your network? Use these informational interview questions to find the answers you are looking for. 
• How to Get Awesome References That Will Make You an Irresistible Job Candidate: Once you have your network, it's time to start thinking about who will be your references. There are several things to consider when narrowing down your network. This list is a good place to start thinking through who you'd like to ask to be on your final reference list.
• How to Build a Strong Networking By Connecting With Total Strangers: Strangers are just untapped connections! You never know who you might meet at a networking event so be prepared to explain who you are, what your goals are, and to work to maintain that newfound relationship.
• Hunter: Search for professional’s email address to connect with and create a relationship and build your network. 
• The 5 People You Need in Your Professional Life: Whether you realize it or not, people in your network all help you achieve certain outcomes. Having these 5 types of people will help you succeed and advance your professional career.

Professionalism means a lot of different things. Not sure where to start? Check out these resources. For additional information, or to get connected with local companies that offer free and/or discounted professional attire, set up an appointment with UC Blue Ash Career Services.

• Decoding: Dress Codes 101: This quick infographic by Mannix Marketing is an easy and quick guide to how to dress at the office and for more formal events.
• Dress for Success – Dress for Success helps prepare women for an independent lifestyle by providing a network of support, free professional attire, and development tools.
• Fly 4 The Low: Fly 4 The Low is a service that helps provide men with discounted attire they need for the professional world.
• What Not to Wear to Your Next Job Interview: Interviews are all about first impressions and what you wear can go a long way in telling people who you are before you've even started speaking. Take these steps to ensure you're professionalism comes across in your first impression.

Your resume is one of the most powerful tools you'll create to help you market yourself to potential employers — so you gotta nail this! Your resume needs to communicate exactly how your knowledge, skills and abilities make you the best candidate for the job.

UC "How to Write a Resume" Resource

Additional Resources:

• Fundamentals of Resume Writing Guide: This overview serves as a guide to help you to create and organize your resume to make it stand out to employers.
• Great Resume Fast Resources Library: This link provides an array of free resources to help improve the looks of your resume, plus which words to avoid and add.
• How Do I Use Resume Keywords: Help your resume stand out by adding these keywords and improve your chances at landing an interview!
• The Muse Resume Tips: Creating a resume that will wow employers is a hard task to achieve. This article gives a step-by-step guideline to help create a winning resume. 
• The Muse Dos and Don’ts: Wouldn’t life be easier if we were told what to do? Well, this article lists 42 Dos and Don’ts of resume-writing to relieve just a little bit of the stress that comes with job hunting.
• What Is the Best Format for A Resume: Did you know hiring managers only look at resumes for 6 to 7 seconds? Use these helpful tips to make the most of your resume format.
• Zety Resume Critique: Do you have a resume but you’re not sure if it is up to par? Use this free checklist to review your resume and make any improvements that will enhance your chances of scoring the interview. 

Your “brand” is a great way to highlight your skills, experiences, and professionalism. Think of it as a “first impression” that allows you to really highlight who you are.  

• 4 Ways To Give Your Brand A Little Swagger: Give your brand some swagger! Being professional doesn't mean you can't be passionate and fun. Know your brand and your industry and how they align.
• How to Craft Your Personal Brand Statement: Crafting your personal brand can help ensure your social media profiles portray your professional self so make sure your brand is a true depiction of you.
• 10 Ways to Clean Up Your Social Media Profile for a Job Hunt: Social media can make or break your chances of getting the job. Employers will be weary if you don't have social media. When you are posting on your accounts make sure that you follow these guidelines so you can 1) get the interview and 2) the job!

Negotiating your salary can be stressful and worrisome for both parties. These articles discuss different ways to approach the sensitive subject with your supervisor and when the time is right.

• 5 Smart Approaches to Take When You're Asked to Name Your Salary (Besides Just Writing All the Zeros): When naming a price know your value and what benefits you can offer the company. Always put yourself in your employer’s shoes and consider what justifications they want to hear.
  
• 5 Rules of Salary Negotiation: Don't let the fear of being perceived as pushy or feeling uncomfortable about the negotiation process keep you from earning the salary you deserve.
• 6 Tips for Negotiating with Someone More Powerful Than You: Your mindset during salary negotiation can determine how an employer views your request. Stay calm, stay positive, and use these tips to help set your mind at ease.
• 6 Resources for Salary Research: When you're negotiating your salary, you should know the statistics on current salary for your job title. Use these resources to help you determine your professional value.
• 10 Tricks to Getting a Higher Salary: This quick infographic is a great way to prep for salary negotiation when you have a short time window. These simple steps summarize the large points of salary negotiation.
• A Fail-Safe Guide to Salary Negotiation: Confidence is key! But there are a few other keys that might be helpful for your success. This slideshow presents a more in depth look at some vital steps for salary negotiation.
• CNN Money Cost of Living Calculator: Use this cost-of-living calculator to estimate how far your current salary will go in another city.
• Job Seekers Free Salary Calculator: Discussing money can get a little uncomfortable, not knowing what is too little or too much to ask for. Try searching for the average salary of your occupation in your area to determine what is appropriate to ask for.