Career Resources

Explore and define your vision by setting achievable milestones and aligning your actions with your goals. A well-defined plan empowers you to make informed decisions and adapt with confidence as your career evolves.

Explore:

• Roadtrip Nation
• Myfuture
• Teach for America
• MyMajors
• Olympic College Programs by Interest
• Level All

Define your vision and start mapping your plan:

• Find Career Ideas Worksheet
• Career Development Plan Worksheet
• NACE Career Readiness Competencies, then take the NACE Self-assessment

Career planning starts with setting clear, achievable goals. Use the SMART framework to take charge of your future, one step at a time.

Resources to get started:

• SMART Goal Examples
• New Graduate's Guide to Career Planning

SMART Framework:

• S - Specific
  Who, what, when, where, and why?

  Example: “I want to land a summer internship in marketing by applying to 10 companies by March.”

• M - Measurable
  Track your progress with a clear outcome that will show you have accomplished it.

  Example: “I’ll submit 2 job applications each week.”

• A - Attainable
  Goals should stretch you, but still be realistic.

  Think: “Can I do this with the time and tools I have?”

• R - Relevant
  Make sure the goal aligns with your long-term plans, connecting to your true direction.

  Ask: “How does this support my career vision?”

• T - Timed
  Set a deadline to stay motivated.

  Example: “I’ll have my resume reviewed by next Friday.”

On My Next Move, O*NET OnLine, and CareerOneStop you can take free career assessments to identify your interests, values, and strengths. These tools help you explore potential career paths that align with who you are and what matters to you.

• Interest Profiler
  • Take a short assessment to discover what types of work match your interests
• Occupations by Interest 
  • Explore career options grouped by interest areas and learn about job duties, wages, and required education.
• Olympic College Programs by Interest 
  • Once you know your interests, you can explore OC programs that align with those career paths.

Washington Career Bridge is Washington State’s free online career and education exploration tool. It helps students and job seekers discover career paths, compare education programs, and access labor market data to make informed decisions about their future.

Washington Career Bridge

Washington Occupational Information Service (WOIS)/The Career Information System allows you to complete online career assessments and explore a wide range of resources. 

Note: A site key is needed to access this system, email @email.

Personality assessments are designed to assess a person’s motivations, preferences, interests, emotional makeup, and interaction style with people and situations.

• Dependable Strengths offers activities to help you explore and identify your strengths as a starting point for career exploration by reflecting on your skills, talents, and academic experiences.
• Meaningful Work Kit is a tool designed to help you identify and prioritize the elements of work that make you feel fulfilled and energized.
• VIA Strengths helps you identify your core character strengths. Research shows that using these strengths can boost confidence, happiness, and positive relationships, while reducing stress and anxiety.
• 16 Personalities is based on the Myers-Briggs framework. It provides in-depth type descriptions, including insights into communication styles, strengths, and career guidance.
• Human Metrics offers a personality assessment based on Carl Jung’s and Isabel Briggs Myers’ typological theories. It provides a type formula, personality profile, key strengths, and career and education suggestions tailored to your type.
• Enneagram describes nine interconnected personality types, each with three subtypes. These are grouped into three centers of intelligence: instinctive, feeling, and thinking.

*While personality assessments can offer valuable insights, it’s important to use them as just one tool in your decision-making process.

Please note:

• These tests capture only certain aspects of your personality and don’t account for factors like your passions, values, or real-world experiences.

• Career interests and strengths can evolve over time, so what fits now may not be the best fit in the future.

• Real-world factors such as market demand, salary expectations, and personal experiences should also play a role in your career decisions. 

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook - Bureau of Labor Statistics

Resume Building Templates

• Resume Building 
• Resume Template
• Resume Checklist

Sample Resumes

• Business, Accounting
• Communications, Digital Technology
• Human Services
• Military to Civilian, Organizational Leadership
• Nursing
• Office Assistant
• Running Start
• Welding
• Federal Specific Resume (Only pertains to USAJobs.gov)

Sample Letters

• Cover Letter Template
• Networking Letter for Informational Interview
• Thank You for the Interview
• Resignation Notice
• References Page

Study the Job Description Carefully

1. Identify what is most important to the employer:
   1. Key Qualifications  
   2. Skills and Abilities 
   3. Experience 
2. Identify “buzz” words (use same words on your resume):
   1. Industry jargon
   2. Skills
   3. Abilities 
   4. Experience
   5. Equipment (industry-specific tools, systems, software, machines, programs, technology, etc.)

Determine Resume Format

1. Chronological: List work history in reverse chronological order. Use if you have:
   1. Relevant work history in your field of interest
   2. A consistent work history with no significant gaps
2. Functional/Skill-Based: Focus on transferable skills gained through education and past experiences. Use if you have:
   1. Little, older, or no work history
   2. No direct experience in the field
3. Combination: Emphasize both skills and experience. Use if you have:
   1. Relevant transferable skills
   2. Solid work history in other or related fields

Prioritize Order of Information

1. Name and contact information at the top of a resume.
2. Objective or Professional Summary:
   1. Objective is only recommended for career fairs and networking 
   2. Professional Summary is typically recommended for industry-experienced career professionals

3. Most Relevant Information:

   1. Prioritize skills, education, or experience that directly match the employer’s needs (based on the job description). For example:

   2. If education is a key requirement, list it first.

   3. If years of experience with a specific skill are emphasized, highlight that first.

4. Subsequent Information:

   1. Arrange additional details (e.g., work experience, certifications, volunteer work) based on their relevance to the employer’s needs, prioritizing the most important content near the top. 

5. Keep It Concise:

   1. Limit the resume to 1-2 pages. Ideally, they should see that you are qualified on the first page! Ensure the most important qualifications and skills are visible first to capture the employer’s attention quickly. 

   2. Federal resumes are typically longer than traditional ones, ranging from 2 to 5 pages, depending on your experience and the job requirements. Aim for a length that clearly outlines your experience, skills, and qualifications tailored to the specific position.

Do Not

1. Do not include information that is not relevant to the job or personal information such as birth date, physical factors, marital status, pictures, etc. 
2. Do not use 'I' or "my" statements on a resume. (focus on action-oriented language).
3. Do not list references. Create a separate reference page including the reference’s name, company, title, and contact information (have the list available at the interview).

Do

1. Use industry language, acronyms, and terminology.
2. Use descriptive action verbs and maintain proper verb tenses (e.g., present for current roles, past for previous roles).
3. Pay close attention to grammar, spelling, spacing, and overall document organization.
4. Proofread thoroughly and have someone else proofread as well.
5. Use white or off-white paper, preferably resume paper, with at least 11-12 point font for readability.

Explore and discover skills required for different roles using O*NET OnLine.

• Customize for each job (mirror the language in the job posting).

• Quantify results when possible (percentages, dollar amounts, timelines).

• Show context how you applied the skill through specific experiences and examples, not just that you have it.

Soft Skills (Transferable Across Most Jobs)

• Communication (verbal & written)
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Team collaboration
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Leadership
• Conflict resolution
• Attention to detail
• Customer service

Job-Specific Technical Skills 

General / Office

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Data entry
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Trello, Asana)
• IT & Software Development: Programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, C++)
• SQL / Database Management
• Web development (HTML, CSS, React)
• Git / GitHub
• Network troubleshooting
• Design / Creative: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Canva
• UX/UI design
• Video editing (e.g., Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)

Marketing

• SEO/SEM
• Google Analytics
• Social media platforms & tools (Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Email marketing (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)

Finance / Business

• QuickBooks
• Financial modeling
• Budgeting & forecasting
• Excel (advanced functions: pivot tables, VLOOKUP)

Healthcare

• Electronic Health Records (EHR/EMR)
• Patient scheduling software
• Medical coding (CPT, ICD-10)
• HIPAA compliance

Skilled Trades

• Blueprint reading
• CNC machine operation
• OSHA safety standards
• Welding (MIG, TIG)
• HVAC systems

Engineering

• AutoCAD / SolidWorks / CATIA / Creo
• MATLAB / Simulink
• Microsoft Excel (advanced: macros, pivot tables)
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus)
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Python / C++ / Java (for automation or analysis)
• PLC Programming / Ladder Logic
• Project lifecycle (PMP, Agile, Six Sigma)
• Technical documentation / specification writing
• Tolerance analysis / GD&T
• Engineering standards (e.g., ASME, ISO, IEEE)

1. Begin your Search Early!
   • Apply to full time roles 2-3 months before graduation.
   • Recruiting Timelines
   • For internships, the earlier the better, you can start looking as soon as your first year of college!
     • About Summer Internships for College Students 
     • Tip: Don’t just look for any internship, look for the right one. The best internships grow your skills, expand your network, and move you closer to your career goals.
2. Search on Job Boards 
   • Use platforms like Handshake, CareerOneStop, O*NET OnLine, USAJobs, WorkSource, and LinkedIn. 
   • Filter by location, industry, experience level, and more.
3. Visit Company Career Pages and Sign up for Job Alerts
   • Go directly to the websites of companies you're interested in.
   • Check their Careers page regularly and sign up for job alerts to be notified of new openings.
4. Attend Job Fairs and Virtual Hiring Events
   • Participate in on-campus, local, or industry-specific job fairs.
5. Use Alumni and Professional Networks or Associations 
   • Connect with alumni through LinkedIn.
   • Join professional associations in your field, many have exclusive job boards and networking opportunities.
6. Apply to Rotational or Training Programs
   • Many large companies offer new grad programs or rotational roles that give broad experience.
   • Look at companies in finance, tech, healthcare, or consumer goods.

*Be aware of jobs scams - more info at Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice page.

Internships can shape your career path, open doors, and give you a major edge in the job market. Don’t just look for any internship, look for the right one. The best internships grow your skills, expand your network, and move you closer to your career goals.

What Makes a Great Internship?

1. Meaningful Work
   • You are not just shadowing, you are contributing to real projects that make a difference.
2. Skill Development
   • You gain practical experience, whether it’s technical tools, communication, or industry knowledge.
3. Mentorship & Support
   • You have access to a mentor or manager who provides guidance, feedback, and answers to your questions.
4. Positive Work Culture
   • You are welcomed into the team, included in activities, and respected for your contributions.
5. Fair Compensation
   • Whether it’s paid or offers other benefits (like stipends or perks), your time is valued.
6. Clear Goals & Structure
   • You have defined responsibilities, timelines, and expectations, no confusion about your role.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Vague job descriptions
• No clear mentor or supervisor
• Promises of “exposure” instead of pay or learning
• High turnover or consistently poor reviews online
• You’re asked to pay fees or sell something upfront

LinkedIn Learning is available at no charge through your local Washington public library, and at your local WorkSource Center.

Free Software and IT Certification for Washingtonians
Certification is the best way to validate skills and knowledge to employers, to increase employability and wages. Washingtonians are eligible to receive free certification prep resources, and exam vouchers to become certified in dozens of software applications like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Quickbooks, and entry-level IT and computer science certifications. Contact your local Washington public library, or the State Library, to learn more.

Mental Health First Aid Certifications
The Office of Well-Being & Health Promotion offers Mental Health First Aid Certification courses for free to all students and staff at OC! More info here!

Before the Interview

• Dress Smartly and Neatly: Ensure your hands, nails, hair, face, shoes, and clothing are tidy and well-groomed. Avoid strong fragrances to keep the focus on your professionalism.
• Prepare Your Documents: Organize all essential materials, including your resume, school certificates, letters of recommendation, work samples, and any other documents relevant to the role. Have them in a professional folder or portfolio.
• Bring the Essentials: Carry a pen, a notebook, money, and any personal items you may need. It's also smart to have a power bank for your phone just in case.
• Double-Check the Details: Write down the date, time, and location of the interview, along with the company’s full address, phone number, and area code. Keep this information easily accessible, such as in your phone or wallet.
• Know the Location and Parking: Research the company’s address, parking options, and the best route to take. Identify on-site or nearby parking, and plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to allow for potential delays and ensure you have time to get to the interview location and mentally prepare. If the building has multiple entrances, make sure you know where to go once you arrive.
• Learn the Interviewer’s Name: Make sure you correctly pronounce and spell the interviewer's name. A little attention to detail shows respect and preparation.
• Attend Solo: Plan to go to the interview by yourself to ensure you appear confident and focused.
• Prepare for Common Questions: Review your personal and professional qualifications. Be ready to answer the common question, “Tell us about yourself,” in a concise yet impactful way, highlighting your strengths and alignment with the role.

During the Interview

• Arrive On Time and Solo: Aim to arrive on time, allowing for any unexpected delays. Attend the interview alone to maintain a professional focus.
• Present Yourself with Confidence: Greet everyone with a confident yet approachable demeanor. Politely inform the receptionist of your name and who you are meeting with.
• Professional Introduction: When meeting the interviewer, offer a firm handshake, smile genuinely, and introduce yourself clearly.
• Wait to Be Seated: Stand until invited to sit, demonstrating respect for the interviewer’s space and time.
• Stay Composed: Sit comfortably while maintaining a confident and composed posture. Remember to stay focused and calm throughout the conversation.
• Avoid Distractions: Refrain from vaping, chewing gum, or engaging in any other distracting behaviors during the interview.
• Think Before Responding: Take a brief moment to consider your answers. Be truthful and specific about your skills, experiences, and how they align with the role. Avoid broad or generic responses like “Anything.” Instead, focus on how your expertise fits the needs of the company.
• End on a Positive Note: Close the interview politely by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role. For example, “Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. I look forward to the possibility of working together.”

Need clothing? Let us know how we can help.

How to choose an interview outfit

The right interview outfit can help you feel confident and professional. Here are some specific tips on how to dress for your next job interview:

1. Research the company’s dress code.
2. Choose clothing that matches the climate and season.
3. Check for wrinkles, pet hair or any noticeable defects.
4. Ensure clothing is wrinkle-free.
5. The night before the interview lay out or hang up your outfit to save time.
6. Use your best judgment and don't overthink it.

What not to wear to a job interview:

1. Clothing with a stain, snag or holes.
2. Clothing that doesn't fit properly.
3. Clothing that makes you feel self-conscious or needs to be readjusted as you move.
4. Anything that's uncomfortable.
5. Clothing or accessories that will be distracting or draw too much attention. (Creative industries have more flexibility with this suggestion, as long as nothing you wear will distract from what you have to say.)

Want more details? Check out this guide: Professional Dress for Interviewing

Handling Illegal Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself.

Keep it concise and focus on showcasing how your experiences make you ready for the role you're applying for! Start with your background. Briefly mention your current educational status (e.g., major, year in school, relevant studies). Highlight key experiences or skills. Mention relevant projects, internships, or extracurricular activities that have helped you develop valuable skills. Show enthusiasm for the role. Explain why you're excited about the position and how it aligns with your goals or interests. Conclude with why you're a good fit. Wrap up by explaining how your background and skills make you a strong fit for the position.

What are your weaknesses?

This is the most dreaded question, according to many job seekers. The best way to handle this question would be to minimize your weakness and emphasize the strengths you will be bringing to the position. Avoid any discussion on personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving my communication skills in order to be a more effective presenter. I recently enrolled in a public speaking class at Olympic College, which I find very helpful.”

Why should we hire you?

The best answer to this question would be to summarize your prior work experiences: “With ten years of experience in the financial industry and my proven record of reliability, I could make a big difference in your company. I’m confident that I would be a great addition to your team.”

Why do you want to work here?

The interviewer is looking for an answer that indicates you have given this some thought and are not sending your resumes just because there is an opening. A response to this question may be: “I’ve selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does and your company is very high on my list of desirable choices.”

Why did you leave (are you leaving) your current position?

If you are currently unemployed, be sure to state your reason for leaving your previous position in a positive context: “I was able to survive three rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 15% reduction in the workforce, which included my position.” If you are employed, focus on what you want in your upcoming position: “After three years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I will be able to add to my current work experience.

What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?

Ask yourself, “What makes me unique?” You may want to make an assessment of all of your experiences, skills, and traits.  Be sure to summarize concisely: “Because of my past military experience, I have a unique combination of strong technical skills as well as the ability to build strong customer relationships. This combination allows me to use my knowledge to break down information in a more user-friendly way.”

What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?

It’s time to reexamine your employment portfolio and pull out your previous performance appraisals and boss’ feedback.  This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else’s words: “My supervisor has told me that I am a great designer, he can always rely on me, and that he likes my sense of humor.”

When were you most satisfied in your job?

The interviewer wants to know what motivates you in the workplace. If you can relate an example of a job or project that you completed in school or at a prior work position in which you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea about your idea of preferences. An example might be, “I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems. I felt a lot of satisfaction with helping customers find the right answer.”

What salary are you seeking?

It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. However, if that does not happen, prepare yourself ahead of time by educating yourself about the going rate of employees in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer might be: “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?”

What are your career goals?

Sometimes it is best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, “My immediate goal is to obtain a position in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal is to eventually grow into a position of responsibility at this organization.”

How do you handle disagreements with your co-workers or supervisors?

Don’t say that you never have any. Pick a situation, even a hypothetical one, and describe how you would work through it.  For example, “If I were to come to a disagreement with my supervisor, I would recommend that we have a discussion, in private, about the situation. If no mutual agreement could be reached, I would consent, unless I felt compelled to stand my ground on moral or ethical issues.”
 

Asking thoughtful questions during an interview shows that you’ve done your research, are engaged, and are serious about succeeding in the role. Below are some strong questions that recruiters appreciate hearing from students and early-career candidates:

What does a typical workday or week look like?

Ask this question in your interview with a hiring manager. It demonstrates curiosity about the daily responsibilities and shows you're eager to understand the work environment.

Why did you choose to work for this company?

This question encourages the recruiter or manager to share their personal perspective, giving you insight into the company culture and values.

Does the organization offer a mentorship or coaching program?

This question highlights your commitment to professional development and becoming a strong contributor.

What internal or external training opportunities are available?

This is another question that signals your interest in ongoing learning and doing the job well.

How does the organization approach strategic planning? Who is involved, and how often does it occur?

This question shows demonstrates that you understand organizational structure and are thinking critically about how the company sets and achieves goals.

How would you describe the company culture?

This question helps you and the employer assess whether there's a good cultural fit.

What is the typical career progression for someone in this role?

Avoid making it sound like you're only interested in how quickly you can get promoted. Focus on learning about growth opportunities and how success is measured over time. This question shows you're thinking long-term and are interested in growing within the company.

What is the compensation range for this position?

Don’t make this your only question and only ask if the information hasn’t been provided elsewhere (such as in the job posting).Pose it amid questions about the company and don’t ask it at all if the information is available elsewhere.