The Career Resource Center offers unique services, programs, and resources, to both current students and alumni of all majors, to assist with their career development. Whether you are deciding on a major, applying to graduate school, or searching for an internship or full-time position after graduation, we offer guidance.
Use the links below to access more information about our services.
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. Upon completing your undergraduate program at SUNY New Paltz, you might consider graduate school to increase your level of education and improve your employability.
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 major.
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.
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
- 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
- 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
