Students & Alumni

SUNY New Paltz students are encouraged to actively engage in career planning and thoughtfully choose their majors. Undeclared Exploring students should meet with Senior Career Specialist Dawn McCaw for guidance regarding career paths. Take some time to learn what you can do with your major, and try to gain experience through internships.

The SUNY New Paltz Career Resource Center Counselors will be happy to review your resume with you. During the academic year, drop-in counseling hours are Monday through Thursday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Drop in hours take place both in person at the CRC and virtually, schedule an appointment with our office.

Creating Your Resume

A resume is a marketing tool that highlights the aspects of your background you wish to draw to an employer’s attention.  It is a connection between YOU & your intended AUDIENCE. 

For information regarding resume format and content, use our Resume Writing Guide, and review sample resumes by industry.

Automatic Tracking Systems (ATS)

98% of Fortune 500 companies use automatic Tracking Systems (i.e. scan resumes using keyword search software) and this practice is becoming commonplace with employers in every sector. Job seekers need to be aware of how this strategy is used by companies and how not to get past the ATS bots and into the hands of a hiring manager. Human Resources Today provides a comprehensive overview of facts about and tactics you can use to get past the ATS hurdle.

Cover letters are marketing tools used to create interest in you as a candidate for jobs and/or internships and are an important part of the application process. Each cover letter you write must be unique. The goal is to motivate the recipient to review your resume and ultimately invite you for an interview. A good letter will clearly demonstrate how you fit with the particular organization and position you are applying to.

The SUNY New Paltz Career Resource Center Counselors will be happy to review your cover letter with you. During the academic year, drop-in counseling hours are Monday through Thursday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Drop in hours take place both in person at the CRC and virtually, or you can make an appointment to meet with a Career Specialist.

Steps to Writing a Strong Cover Letter

• Learn about the organization
• Consider skills you have relevant to the employer’s needs
• Write a draft that clearly spells out how and why you should be considered for the position

For information on what to include in your cover letter, formatting guidelines and to see an example use our Cover Letter Writing Guide

Think of your work wardrobe as a visual shorthand for your competence and respect for the environment. Dressing the part does three major things:

• Boosts Your Confidence: There is a psychological "enclothed cognition" effect—when you look sharp, you tend to feel more focused and authoritative.

• Signals Reliability: Showing up in polished, appropriate clothing demonstrates that you understand professional norms and pay attention to detail.

• Eliminates Distractions: When you dress within the company’s culture, your ideas and performance become the focal point, rather than your outfit.

We know that building a professional wardrobe on a student budget can be a challenge. That’s why SUNY New Paltz students now have an incredible resource at their fingertips: The Professional Edge Career Closet.

Provided by the Career Resource Center (CRC), this initiative allows students to access free professional attire for:

• Upcoming interviews

• Internships

• Career fairs

• First-job orientations

References or statements such as "References on request" are no longer included on the resume (it is presumed by employers that you have references). Instead, prepare a REFERENCE LIST, in a separate document, that includes the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your references. This list should have the same paper, font and header as your resume.

 The Goal of Interviewing

• Convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job
• Demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills for the position:
  • Job specific skills
  • Transferable skills
• Personal characteristics
• Exhibit enthusiasm, confidence, professionalism, and preparedness throughout the entire interview process!

Preparing for Your Interview

• Prepare for typical interview questions
• Know why you’re a good candidate
• Research the company or organization: Company Research Resources (Sojourner Truth Library)
• Prepare answers to possible interview questions 
  • Sample Interview Questions
• Use LinkedIn's instant, AI-powered feedback on the delivery of your answer when you practice and record a video. How to log into LinkedIn learning with new account. 
• Meet with a career specialist for a mock interview.

During Your Interview

• Ask Questions!
• Appropriate Mannerisms/Behaviors
  • Focus on the positives, not negatives
  • Show positive body language
  • Make eye contact
• Making a positive impression
  • Sample questions to ask the interviewer
• Be aware of illegal interview questions: Interviewers are required by law to keep questions asked job related. Charges of discrimination may result from improper or illegal interview questions.  These are interview questions that are related to a candidates age, race, ethnicity, color, gender or sex, country of national origin or birthplace, religion, disability, marital or family status or pregnancy. 

Post Interview: Follow up! - Send a thank-you letter within 24-48 hours of the interview.

For more information on Interviewing access our tip sheet

Access our Negotiating your Salary and Benefits tip sheet for information on:

• Deciding on expected salary range, initial salary research, 
• Researching Geographic Differences in Salary Offers
• Benefits
• Discussing benefits and salary with employers

For the most detailed information and an applying to graduate school time line use our Applying to Graduate School Applying to Graduate School tip sheet.

As you compare graduate school programs, things you might like to consider are:

• Curriculum
• Internships or Practical/Clinical Experiences
• Faculty
• Facilities
• Student demographics within department and school
• Location
• Employment of Alumni

As you complete the application package, most graduate and professional schools require the following items from applicants:

1. Personal Statement
2. Transcripts
3. Standardized Tests
4. Letters of Recommendation

• Creating Your LinkedIn Profile | Rate your LinkedIn Worksheet
• Establishing Your Online Image
• Networking
• Career Fair Navigation Tip Sheet
• Transition to the World of Work
• LinkedIn Learning
• Harness AI for Career Services

• International Students
• LGBTQ+
• Military, Veterans and Dependent
• Students of Color
• Differently Abled Students