Career Services
Services Available to You
The Career Services team at CCBC is here to help you plan for your future. Whether you’re just exploring your options or preparing for job interviews, we’re here for you. Our one-on-one services include:
- Resume writing
- Cover letter writing
- Interview preparation
- Career assessments
- Exploring majors and career options
- Job search strategies
We also host Career Fairs throughout the year to help you connect with potential employers, so stay tuned for announcements!
Career Coach
What is Career Coach?
Career Coach is a free online tool available to all CCBC students.
It helps you:
- Discover careers that match your interests
- Take assessments to learn more about your strengths
- Explore programs at CCBC that support your goals
- Find job postings and internships
Resources & Tips
Resume Building
CCBC’s Career Center can help you with your resume!
If you have a resume that needs updating, or if you need to start the process of developing a resume, Career Services has the tools to help. Download our Career Planning Guide Here for tips, tricks, and example resumes. Or watch the video below for a guided walkthrough.
Cover Letter Tips & Tricks
Cover Letter Tips & Tricks
- Key Components to Include:
- Date: Use the date you plan to send the letter.
- Greeting: Address the letter to a specific individual when possible. If a name is unavailable, use a professional salutation such as Human Resources, Selection Committee, or Hiring Committee.
- Body Structure: Include an introduction, main body paragraphs, and a closing.
Contact Information & - Signature: Provide your name, email, phone number, and a professional closing with your typed signature.
- Structure Your Letter Effectively:
- Introduction: Clearly state the position you are applying for and express your interest in the role and company.
- Body Paragraph(s): Focus on two to three key qualifications that align with the job description. Use specific examples from your education, work, or volunteer experience to demonstrate how you have developed or applied those skills.
- Closing Paragraph: Summarize your qualifications and explain your next steps (e.g., willingness to provide further information or attend an interview). Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and restate your contact details.
- Final Touches:
- After completing your letter, review it carefully for accuracy and professionalism.
- Sign your name (for printed letters) and type your full name beneath your signature.
Download our full guide Here! If you have any questions or want help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to career.services@ccbc.edu. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Interview Skills
Be Prepared for your Interview
Before the Interview
- Read the job description and prepare examples of your experience. Why do you want this job?
- Research the company and prepare questions you would like to ask the employers.
- Practice answers to common questions.
- Test your technology if it’s a virtual interview.
- Set up a mock interview with Career Services.
- Plan your outfit and your travel. Determine the location, travel time, and be sure to obtain and save the interviewer’s contact information.
On Interview Day
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Silence your phones and other devices
- Smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly
- Ask thoughtful questions
After the Interview
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.
- Track the interviews you’ve had and follow up if needed.
- If offered a position, ask any questions you have before accepting. Ask for more time to make a decision if needed.
- If you do not hear from the employer after the hiring timeline, you may follow up once.
Sources and more tips:
Interview Prep Guide
Columbia University Interview Guide
LinkedIn Tips
- Upload a photo
- This is the first thing an employer sees. Make sure it is a recent, professional headshot of high quality.
- Write a strong industry-specific headline
- Write a summary
- Briefly describe your background and your goals.
- List experience and internships
- Begin with the most recent. You may follow a similar format to your resume, but be concise.
- List your education and honors
- You may include institutions where you are pending graduation, with your expected graduation date.
- Add certifications, licenses, and volunteer work
- Highlight your top 5 strengths
- Include recommendations from professors, advisors, mentors, or career services!
- Customize your LinkedIn URL
- Follow companies, alumni, and groups related to your career.
- Upload or link to documents, photos, videos, and presentations.
- Start networking!
- Customize your connection requests. Instead of using the generic “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn” message, tailor each request. Remind the contact you are reaching out to where you met, or explain why you want to connect. They’ll be more likely to respond.
Sources and helpful links:
17 Steps to a Better Profile
LinkedIn for Students
Internships
Why do an internship?
- Internships give you hands-on experience, help you apply what you’ve learned in class, and build your resume. They also help grow your professional network and prepare you for a successful career.
How does it work?
- Some programs require internships; others offer them as electives
- You’ll complete:
- 135 hours of work experience
- 4 journal entries
- A supervisor evaluation
- A final reflection paper
Are internships paid?
- Some are paid, some are not
- Job Training Beaver County (JTBC) may offer financial support. Ask us how!
When are internships offered?
- Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters
- Flexible scheduling depending on student and employer needs
How are students matched with internships?
- Employers may choose students
- You can reach out to companies directly
- You can use your current job (with supervisor approval)
Questions? Contact your academic advisor or Helen Kissick, Internship Facilitator:
helen.kissick@ccbc.edu
Other Helpful Links:
https://www.usajobs.gov/
Internships.com
Internshipprograms.com
Internweb.com
Were Here to Help You Stay Strong!
Office of Career Services
- 724-480-3412
- career.services@ccbc.edu
- Upper Level, Building 1 - SSC (Student Services Center)
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 7:00 pm