How long should my resume be as a new grad?

As a new graduate, your resume should be one page. Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on initial resume screening, so keep it concise and impactful. Focus on your most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Only consider a two-page resume if you have 10+ years of experience or extensive publications/research.

Should I include my GPA on my resume?

Include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher, or if the job posting specifically requires it. If your major GPA is significantly higher than your overall GPA, you can list both. After 1-2 years of work experience, GPA becomes less important and can be removed.

How do I write a resume with no work experience?

Focus on transferable experiences: academic projects, internships, volunteer work, leadership roles in clubs, relevant coursework, and personal projects. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible. Highlight skills gained through these experiences that are relevant to the job.

Should I use a resume template?

Yes, using a clean, professional template is recommended. Avoid overly creative designs unless you're in a creative field. Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), use consistent formatting, and ensure it's ATS-friendly. Many free templates are available on platforms like Google Docs, Canva, and Microsoft Word.

How many jobs should I apply to per day/week?

Quality over quantity. Aim for 5-10 well-tailored applications per day rather than 50 generic ones. Each application should be customized to the job description. Track your applications in a spreadsheet to follow up effectively. Most successful job seekers apply to 100-200 positions before landing an offer.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

In the US, do NOT include a photo on your resume. It's not standard practice and can lead to unconscious bias. Some ATS systems may also have trouble parsing resumes with photos. The exception is for acting/modeling roles where headshots are required.

When should I start applying for jobs before graduation?

Start 6-9 months before graduation for most industries. For competitive fields like investment banking, consulting, and big tech, recruiting often starts 12+ months in advance. Many companies have specific new grad hiring cycles, so research your target companies' timelines.

What's the best way to find job openings?

Use multiple channels: LinkedIn Jobs, company career pages, Indeed, Glassdoor, and industry-specific job boards. Networking referrals have the highest success rate—40% of hires come through referrals. Also attend career fairs, join professional associations, and leverage your university's career services.

How do I stand out in a competitive job market?

Build a strong online presence (LinkedIn, portfolio), gain relevant experience through internships or projects, develop in-demand skills, network actively, tailor each application, and follow up professionally. Consider obtaining relevant certifications and contributing to open-source projects or industry publications.

Should I apply to jobs I'm not 100% qualified for?

Yes! If you meet 60-70% of the requirements, apply. Job postings often describe an ideal candidate, not a minimum requirement. Women and minorities tend to only apply when they meet 100% of qualifications, while others apply at 60%. Don't self-select out—let the employer decide.

How long does the job search typically take?

On average, job searches take 3-6 months. Entry-level positions may take longer due to competition. Factors affecting timeline include industry, location, economic conditions, and your qualifications. Stay persistent and use the time to improve your skills and expand your network.

Is it okay to apply to the same company multiple times?

Yes, you can apply to multiple positions at the same company, but be strategic. Apply to 2-3 roles maximum that genuinely match your skills. Applying to too many positions can signal desperation. If rejected, wait 6 months before reapplying to the same role.

How should I prepare for a behavioral interview?

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Prepare 8-10 stories that demonstrate key competencies like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and handling failure. Practice out loud and time yourself. Research common questions for your industry and role.

What should I wear to an interview?

Research the company culture. For corporate environments (finance, consulting), wear business formal. For tech companies, business casual is usually appropriate. When in doubt, dress one level above the company's daily dress code. Ensure clothes are clean, pressed, and fit well.

How do I answer 'What's your greatest weakness?'

Choose a genuine weakness that isn't critical to the job, explain what you've done to improve, and show progress. Avoid clichés like 'I'm a perfectionist.' Example: 'I used to struggle with public speaking, so I joined Toastmasters and now regularly present to groups of 50+.'

What questions should I ask the interviewer?

Ask about the role, team, growth opportunities, and company culture. Good questions: 'What does success look like in this role?', 'What are the biggest challenges facing the team?', 'How would you describe the team culture?'. Avoid asking about salary/benefits in early rounds.

How do I handle a technical interview?

Practice coding problems on LeetCode, HackerRank, or similar platforms. Think out loud to show your problem-solving process. It's okay to ask clarifying questions. If stuck, explain your thought process and ask for hints. Review data structures, algorithms, and system design concepts.

Should I send a thank-you note after an interview?

Absolutely! Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours to each interviewer. Reference specific topics discussed, reiterate your interest, and briefly mention why you're a good fit. This is also an opportunity to address anything you wish you had said during the interview.

How do I network if I'm introverted?

Focus on quality over quantity. One-on-one coffee chats are often more comfortable than large events. Prepare talking points in advance. Use LinkedIn for initial outreach. Remember that networking is about building genuine relationships, not collecting contacts. Follow up with people you connect with.

What should I say in a LinkedIn connection request?

Always personalize your request. Mention how you found them, what you have in common, and why you'd like to connect. Example: 'Hi [Name], I'm a CS student at [University] interested in product management. I saw your post about PM career paths and would love to connect and learn from your experience.'

How do I ask for an informational interview?

Be specific about why you're reaching out to them specifically. Ask for 15-20 minutes of their time. Make it easy for them to say yes. Example: 'I'm exploring careers in data science and noticed your transition from academia. Would you have 15 minutes for a quick call? I'd love to hear about your experience.'

How do I ask for a referral?

Only ask people you have a genuine relationship with. Share why you're interested in the specific role and company. Provide your resume and the job link. Make it easy for them by offering to draft a referral note. Always thank them regardless of outcome.

How often should I follow up with my network?

Stay in touch every 2-3 months with key contacts. Share relevant articles, congratulate them on achievements, or simply check in. Don't only reach out when you need something. Build genuine relationships over time.

Is cold emailing effective?

Yes, when done right. Keep emails short (under 150 words), personalize them, be specific about your ask, and make it easy to respond. Response rates are typically 5-15%, so send multiple outreach messages. Follow up once after a week if no response.

Should I negotiate my first job offer?

Yes! 84% of employers expect negotiation. The worst they can say is no—offers are rarely rescinded for professional negotiation. Research market rates, know your worth, and negotiate based on data. Even a $5,000 increase compounds significantly over your career.

How do I respond when asked about salary expectations?

Try to defer: 'I'm flexible and more focused on finding the right fit. What's the budgeted range for this role?' If pressed, give a range based on research, with your target at the lower end. Example: 'Based on my research, I'm looking for $75,000-$85,000.'

What should I consider besides base salary?

Total compensation includes: signing bonus, annual bonus, stock/equity, 401(k) matching, health insurance, PTO, remote work flexibility, professional development budget, and other perks. A lower base salary with strong equity could be worth more long-term at a growing company.

How long do I have to respond to a job offer?

Typically 1-2 weeks, but you can ask for more time if needed. Be honest: 'I'm very excited about this opportunity. I have another process wrapping up next week—would it be possible to have until [date] to give you my decision?' Most employers will accommodate reasonable requests.

Can I negotiate after accepting an offer?

Generally, no. Once you accept, the negotiation is over. That's why it's important to negotiate before accepting. If circumstances change significantly (e.g., you discover the role is different than described), you can have a conversation, but it's not ideal.

What if I have multiple offers?

This is a great position to be in! Be transparent with companies about your timeline. Use competing offers as leverage, but don't be dishonest. Consider all factors: compensation, growth potential, culture, location, and long-term career impact. Don't just chase the highest salary.

When should I apply for OPT?

Apply for OPT 90 days before to 60 days after your program end date. Processing takes 2-4 months, so apply early. You cannot start working until you receive your EAD card. Work with your university's international student office for guidance.

How do I find H-1B sponsoring companies?

Use the H1B Salary Database (h1bdata.info) to see which companies sponsor visas. Large tech companies, consulting firms, and financial institutions are common sponsors. Ask directly during interviews: 'Does your company sponsor work visas for qualified candidates?'

What happens if I don't get selected in the H-1B lottery?

Options include: STEM OPT extension (24 additional months), employer transfers you to a foreign office, pursue a master's degree (additional lottery chances), O-1 visa if you qualify, or work for a cap-exempt employer (universities, nonprofits). Plan ahead and discuss with your employer.

Should I mention my visa status in applications?

You don't need to mention it in your resume or cover letter. When asked 'Are you authorized to work in the US?', answer based on your current status (OPT = yes). Be prepared to discuss sponsorship needs in later interview stages. Many companies are willing to sponsor strong candidates.

Can I start a business on OPT?

Yes, but with restrictions. You must be actively employed by your business in a role related to your field of study. Self-employment must be reported to SEVP. Consult with an immigration attorney to ensure compliance with OPT regulations.

What's the difference between OPT and CPT?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is work authorization during your studies, must be part of curriculum. OPT (Optional Practical Training) is post-graduation work authorization. Using 12+ months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. Plan your work authorization strategically.

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