★ How to use the CRSearch Alumni Network ★

★ Tips for a better resume and cover letter ★

Resume/cover letter tips you can follow unless otherwise noted:
1. Keep resumes to 1 page, 2 max, for cover letters follow the suggested length in the application, if none, 1 page will do
2. Do not add a picture of yourself, ethnic or gender information, or your address unless this is customary in your country/region
3. Use a classic style and avoid unusual colors
4. Use active verbs, include all relevant information, avoid common mistakes; succinctly describe your accomplishments, using data to back them up when possible.
5. Punctuate bullet point lists properly, be aware of the difference between a hyphen (-), an em dash (—), and an en dash (–), and follow other punctuation rules.
6. Many people have one bucket resume where they track all their experiences, but will often create resumes tailored for each role they are seeking, or for each sector. For example, you might have a 3-page long resume with all your information but a 1-page resume for internship applications in finance and a different 1-page one for applications in nonprofits. You should do this for two reasons:
  1. Different sectors will want to see different experiences highlighted
  2. Some big companies use software to automate application reviews, this software runs a keyword search, so you want your resume to have the right keywords to pass that first test.

★ What is an Informational Interview? ★

You are more than welcome to reach out to CRS alums (or other people in your network) to ask for informational interviews. These are quick chats of about 30 minutes you can do over a phone call or video chat.

What the informational call interview is:

It is a pretty informal conversation for you to learn more about the kind of work this person or their organization does. Most people are happy to make time for them. We just recommend you look into the person’s professional background and prepare questions about their job or studies. Importantly, do not expect the person you are “interviewing” to do all the work!

What it isn’t:

It is not the time to push for them to give you a job, you are just trying to learn more about the field. You can ask things like: what kind of courses or experience do you recommend I pursue to be able to find an internship in your sector? A job could come from this but the goal

Sample interaction to land an informational interview:

Your email:

Hi {name of interesting alum}, I am a fellow CRS alum interested in Biotechnology. I am currently a {insert what you are doing, e.g. freshman in college} and I find your work as a Biotechnology Engineer at The Best Biotech Corp INC. very interesting and I would love to learn more about your journey there. Would you have some time over the next couple of weeks for a phone call? {IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING SPECIFIC YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO ASK THEM, YOU CAN ADD IT HERE}. I imagine you are really busy, so please do not worry if you don’t have the time.

Kind regards,

Your Name

Their response:

Hi {interested alum}. It’s great to hear from you! Sure, I’d love to chat with you. Let’s have a zoom call, does {date and time} work for you? Thanks!

Your response:

Hi {name of interesting alum},

Yes, that’s perfect, thank you. We can use this zoom link, I have sent you a calendar invitation. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Kind regards,

Your name

Before, during, and after the call:

Before the call: Prepare for the call, look them up on LinkedIn, read about their work, their organization, prepare a few open-ended questions.

During the call: Relax, introduce yourself and the purpose of the call, ask questions and give them time to answer. Be ready to answer questions like: why are you interested in this field? What do you study? What do you want to do in the near future?

After the call, send them an email thanking them and add them on LinkedIn

Sample thank you email:

Hi {name of interesting alum}, Thank you again for your time today. I loved learning more about {what you learned} and your words have definitely helped me clarify potential paths. I look forward to {whatever}.

You can find more info on the informational interview here, or here.

★ Tailoring your resume ★

Many people have one bucket resume where they track all their experiences, but will often create resumes tailored for each role they are seeking, or for each sector. For example, you might have a 3-page long resume with all your information but a 1-page resume for internship applications in finance and a different 1-page one for applications in nonprofits. You should do this for two reasons:

Different sectors will want to see different experiences highlighted
Some big companies use software to automate application reviews, this software runs a keyword search, so you want your resume to have the right keywords to pass that first test

★ Budgeting ★

There are many free online resources to help you budget, like this one. Regardless of which one you use, many financial advisors recommend you have some system of tracking your income and expenses.

Fill out my online form.