Career Services

Resumes are one of the most important marketing tools used during your job search. An effective resume will increase your chances of getting an interview. Use resumes as part of your ad campaign to market your skills, education, and experience to employers.

Employers may use resumes to:

• Screen out applicants and determine who gets an interview
• Identify your skills, education and experience
• Evaluate your written communication skills
• Use as an agenda during the interview

Employers appreciate applicants who take the time and effort to present a well written resume. Make sure your resume is easy to read, concise, accurate, and positive. Tailor your resume to fit the job description. Include the same key words, skills, and qualities that are used in the job description to make it easier for employers to see that you are qualified.

College Central Network provides WCC students and alumni with free user-friendly Resume Builder software, resources, and examples. You can also search the internet for free resume examples based on your specific career goals (example: “automotive technician resumes” or “medical assistant resumes”).

Resources

• Chronological Resume Example
• Technical Resume Example/Instructions
• Resume Checklist
• 100 Resume Profile/Summary Statements

Cover letters give job seekers the opportunity to include more information about themselves to the employers and can help the job seeker stand out from the rest of the competition if well written. Search the internet for career-specific cover letters (example: “sales associate cover letter”).

Resources

• Why a Cover Letter?
• Cover Letter Instructions and Example

Employers appreciate candidates who enclose a list of references along with their resume. Include references on a separate page with the same heading/contact info as on your resume and cover letter. Include at least three references. Be sure to ask permission before you list a reference. Current or former supervisors and instructors make better references than classmates or co-workers. See below for an example of references.

Resources

• References: What’s in a Name?
• References Example

Interviews give you the opportunity to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the position. This is also your chance to interview the employer and decide if you would be a good fit for their business or organization.

Preparation and practice are the keys to having a successful interview. Think of the interview as auditioning for an important role. You must prepare what to say, which questions to ask, know what to wear and how to act. Making a positive first impression is critical to the success of your interview. Contact Career Services at 336-838-6545 if you need assistance preparing for your next interview.

• Job Interview Checklist
• Interviews: The Art of the Interview
• Interview Questions Decoded
• Top Interview Questions
• Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
• Questions to Ask Employer During Interview
• Interviews: Via Virtual Venue
• Interviews: Table Manners
• Interviews: Body of Evidence
• Interview: To-Do Tips
• Interviews: Taboos
• Dress for Success: Women
• Dress for Success: Men
• Thank You Letter

• College Central Network: WCC’s official jobs board and career resources
• NCWorks Online: Search jobs, create resumes, find education and training resources. Employers can find candidates, post jobs, and search labor market information.
• Indeed: Search jobs from thousands of websites and access salary and career trends information.
• Glassdoor: Company reviews, salary reports, interview reviews and questions, benefits reviews, office photos and more
• Simply Hired: Find local jobs, salary comparisons and employment trends.
• CareerOneStop: Career exploration, training, and job resources by Department of Labor
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Detailed career information, job search tips, and employment projections

Employers are encouraged to post jobs through College Central, which is the official jobs board for Wilkes Community College students and graduates at our Wilkesboro and West Jefferson campuses and the Alleghany Center in Sparta. Once registered and approved by our office, employers may post and edit jobs at their convenience. College Central resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge. Job posted on College Central may also be advertised through our Job Alerts system (via email or texts) and our social media sites.

We are happy to provide employers the opportunity to come and set up information booths with career information and company materials to help recruit WCC students.  Our office can also provide space for meeting and interviewing prospective applicants. Employers have the option of reviewing resumes online via College Central and contacting applicants to set up interviews.

Job fairs are held periodically and provide employers the opportunity to market their company and help recruiters meet hundreds of applicants. All employers registered on College Central are automatically notified of upcoming job fairs.