Hands on a desk at a job interview
Hands on a desk at a job interview
Hands on a desk at a job interview

Career Development Toolkit

Finding and getting the right job takes several different skills, from resume writing to technical interviewing to creating the right kind of portfolio. These resources will help you prepare to be the best possible job candidate.
Resume

A perfectly crafted resume is your key to making a standout first impression and opening doors to opportunities in a competitive job market.  Below are several CS resume templates to help you craft a flawless one-page flashing neon billboard of your awesomeness.

Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter highlights your unique strengths and enthusiasm, setting you apart from other candidates in the competitive field of computer science.  Below are several cover letter samples relevant to technical applications. While the applications for many technical positions do not require a cover letter, you will find that some make a cover letter optional.  By submitting a well-written articulate and position-specific cover letter, you signal to prospective employers that you have communications skills that are generally lacking in the tech industry.  The cover letter may be the difference that lands you the interview!

Technical Interviewing

Skillful preparation for an interview boosts your confidence and ensures you can effectively showcase your skills and fit for the role.

Exponent is a CoC-exclusive free resource to help you prepare for tech roles. It includes extensive interview prep, job referrals, and much more. There is also great advice on how to ace the behavioral-based interview as well.

Additional Technical Interview Practice resources:

Behavioral-Based (Traditional) and Case Interviews

The thought behind behavioral interview questions is that the best predictor of future performance is past performance. Employers who ask behavioral interview questions will expect specific stories that demonstrate your abilities/capabilities.  Case interviews are most frequently used in the management consulting recruiting process and by some other large corporations. In a 30-, 40-, or 60-minute time frame you duplicate the consulting process of six to nine months, supporting your case with data and logic.

Networking

Networking helps college students build crucial connections, gain industry insights, and access opportunities that can significantly enhance their career prospects and professional growth.

LinkedIn/Social Media Branding

 LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job and internship searches. From searching and connecting with alumni to learning a new skill, think of LinkedIn as your lifelong career management tool.

Reputation Management

Remove any current content that could be found professionally unflattering, and refrain from posting similar content in the future. This includes inappropriate photos, negative comments about current or previous positions, profanity, and references to alcohol and drugs.

If you have questions regarding your social media content, meet with your consultant for review.

Personal Brand

Proactively promote yourself and relevant work content under a professional username. Check privacy filters often to manage your public profile.

Market yourself by posting what projects you are working on or have accomplished. Consider sharing articles that are relevant to your expertise.

Networking

Follow employers (both companies and campus recruiters when applicable) on social media and like/comment on their posts when the opportunity arises.

Portfolio 

An outstanding GitHub portfolio highlights your coding expertise and project experience, offering employers tangible proof of your skills and making your job application more compelling.  Likewise, an exceptional personal website showcases your skills, projects, and achievements in a professional, easily accessible format, making a strong impression on potential employers.

Professionalism

Professionalism sets the tone for your work ethic and interpersonal skills, establishing credibility and paving the way for career advancement in your first job or internship.

Career Services Workshops

The College of Computing Career Services offers numerous workshops focusing on the tools and skills necessary for success in securing an internship or full-time job and successfully transition into your new role.  Check CareerBuzz for list of programs (search “Computing”) and review our weekly newsletter for upcoming events.

Iris Photo Booth

The Headshot Photo Booth is a resource for Georgia Tech students to get their professional headshot taken for their Linkedin, CareerBuzz, or professional profile photos.

The Georgia Tech Career Center (located in the Bill Moore Student Success Center) and the Student Center (located on the 3rd floor of the John Lewis Student Center) now offer professional headshots! With our new self-service professional headshot photo booths, you can stop by any time Monday – Friday from 10 AM – 4 PM to take your headshot with no appointment needed (NOTE:  Our Student Center photo booth is open seven days a week when the building is open). The headshot photo booths are offered to ALL Tech students

 

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