ucsb resume help

• Undergraduate Careers

Career Advising

The Career Connection staff is available daily to offer students career-related advice, including resume writing, cover letter preparation, and interview skills. We are dedicated to helping you succeed in your career planning and job search efforts.

Below, you can find additional details on Suggested Plans of Study, Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews.

Resume Guidelines

A great resume effectively presents your most relevant experiences, skills, and accomplishments to a potential employer. While your resume should complement your cover letter, the two documents should not be identical. Below are some guidelines to help you create a strong resume:

• Print your resume on 8.5x11” white or off-white paper.
• Use a font size between 11 and 12 points for readability.
• Set margins between 0.5” and 1”.
• Limit your resume to one page. Summarize or remove less relevant information if necessary.
• Save and submit your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
• Use a consistent format when organizing the structure of your resume.
• Place the most relevant and impressive sections at the top, and list experiences in reverse chronological order within each section.
• Include only sections that are relevant to your experiences and the job you are applying for. Ensure each section has at least two items.
• Use three to five bullet points to describe each work or volunteer experience, keeping each bullet concise.
• Choose professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Times New Roman for readability.
• Avoid using first-person pronouns like “I,” “me,” or “my.”
• Use concise phrases rather than complete sentences. Consistency in using or omitting periods at the end of bullet points is key.
• Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to describe your accomplishments.
• Write past experiences in the past tense and current roles in the present tense.
• Quantify your achievements when possible (e.g., managed a team of 8, increased sales by 20%).
• Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Have your resume reviewed by a trusted person before submission.
• Be specific and quantify your achievements. For example, "Led a team that reduced audit discrepancies by 15%."
• If you are an international student, indicate your work authorization status clearly. Some firms provide sponsorship, while others do not.
• Tailor your resume to highlight experiences that align with the firm's needs. Emphasize strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Keep your resume to one page, as it is unlikely you have sufficient relevant experience to justify more.

Cover Letter Guidelines

A great cover letter showcases your writing skills and highlights your most relevant assets and experiences. It should complement your resume, but the two documents should not be identical. Below are some guidelines to help you create an effective cover letter:

• Print your cover letter on 8.5x11” white or off-white paper.
• Use a font size between 11 and 13 points for readability.
• Follow the format of a professional business letter.
• Limit your cover letter to one page, typically consisting of three to five paragraphs.
• Align all paragraphs to the left; do not indent for professional business letters.
• Use the same font and formatting as your resume. Recommended fonts include Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, and Times New Roman.
• Once finalized, convert your cover letter into a PDF.

Try to identify the hiring manager. Appropriate salutations include:

• Dear [Name]:
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]:
• Dear Hiring Manager:
• Dear Recruiting Team:

Introductory Paragraph

Introduce yourself and your goals. Include your school, major, year, the position you are applying for, and who referred you (if applicable). Briefly state why you are a good fit for the position and mention three skills or experiences you will highlight later.

Body Paragraphs

Support the skills or experiences mentioned in the introduction. Highlight your achievements and show how they have developed valuable skills. Avoid repeating your resume. Present the most relevant information in the same order as outlined in the introduction.

Closing Paragraph

Thank the employer and re-emphasize your skills. Encourage them to contact you for an interview and thank them again. Optionally, add one sentence customized to the firm.

Valediction

Sign your cover letter. Recommended sign-offs include “Sincerely” or “Thank you.” If possible, print, sign in blue pen, and scan your letter as a PDF before sending it. This extra effort demonstrates professionalism.

The following are some common concerns students have when interviewing for internships or job positions. We recommend reading through this information and reviewing the Interviewing resources in the sidebar as part of your preparation.

When you receive an interview offer, promptly schedule a mutually convenient time with the employer. If given a timeframe, try to schedule your interview as far in advance as possible to allow maximum preparation time. Consider your peak performance times and ensure you have enough time to prepare before the interview.

If the suggested timeframe is not feasible, politely suggest alternative dates and times. Employers are typically flexible and accommodating if they are interested in interviewing you.

When scheduling, offer multiple options to the employer, as they may need to coordinate with multiple interviewers.

Thorough preparation is key to a successful interview. Here are some steps to help you get ready:

• Research the Organization : Understand the organization's structure, values, and recent achievements. This knowledge will enable you to ask informed questions and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice Common Questions : Prepare for commonly asked questions about your strengths, weaknesses, career aspirations, and relevant experiences. Practicing your responses can build confidence.
• Prepare Your Questions : Have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest and helps you determine if the role or program is the right fit for you.
• Dress Appropriately : Choose professional attire to make a positive first impression.
• Review Your Application Materials : Be familiar with your resume, cover letter, and other submitted materials. Be prepared to discuss any aspect in detail.
• Practice Good Body Language : Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit up straight. Positive body language conveys confidence and professionalism.

To perform well during the interview, consider the following tips:

• Be Punctual : Arrive on time or log in a few minutes early if the interview is virtual. Punctuality shows reliability and respect for the interviewer’s time.
• Listen Carefully : Pay attention to the questions and provide relevant responses. Ask for clarification if needed.
• Be Honest : Answer questions truthfully and authentically. If unsure about something, it is better to admit it than to fabricate information.
• Show Enthusiasm : Express your eagerness for the role or program and your readiness to contribute. Positive energy can leave a lasting impression.

Post-interview steps are also important for maintaining a good impression:

• Follow Up : Send a thank-you email to the interviewer, expressing appreciation for the opportunity. Reiterate your interest in the role or program and mention any key points discussed during the interview.
• Reflect on the Interview : Consider what went well and what could be improved for future interviews. This reflection can help you develop your interview skills.

Schedule an Appointment       

• Email:   [email protected]
•   Request a Meeting

Have the following information:

• UCSB Perm Number
• Reason for appointment
• 3 dates and times that you're available in the afternoon

Bring a printed copy of your resume or cover letter if you would like them critiqued

Resumes and Cover Letters Guides

Career roadmaps, interview resources.

• UCSB Career Services: Interviews
• Vault Interview Questions
• Glassdoor Interview Questions
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Job & Career Skills Education Program

What is the job and career skills education program.

The Job and Career Skills Education Program is a Program designed to support students in their job search and expand their work readiness skills.

Requirements

Student's enrolled in the Job and Career Skills Education Program are required to complete the following each quarter:

• Schedule at least ONE quarterly appointment (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) with a Basic Needs Peer Advisor and/or a Career Peer Advisor virtually or in-person during center drop-in hours.
• Attend at least ONE Career Services workshop, job fair, and/or other Job and Career Skills Education workshop quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer)

Other Required Workshops may include, but are not limited to:

• Job search training,
• Mock interviews,
• Resume development, and more!

How To Apply!

Job and Career Skills Education Program Application

Please complete this form to submit your application for the Job & Career Skills Education Program.

JCSE Application Form

Job and Career Skills Education Program Advising and Workshops/Event Verification

Please complete this form to verify you have completed the requirements for the Job & Career Skills Education Program.

Note: You will receive an email once you have completed BOTH requirements.

Advising & Workshop Verification

How To Complete The Advising And Workshop/Event Requirement

To meet with a Basic Needs Peer Advisor, visit the Food Security & Basic Needs Advising Center, across from the Campus Store inside the UCEN, Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM or book a virtual appointment through shoreline.

Basic Needs Advising

To meet with a Career Peer Advisor, visit the Career Services Center in Building 599,  Monday-Friday 10AM-4PM or book a virtual appointment through handshake.

Career Services Advising

Step 2: Career Services events are updated every quarter and can be found on the Career Services website (also linked below). Career fairs and job fairs are acceptable for the workshop requirement. Career Services Events

Students can watch the "Overview of Career Services" and one other virtual workshop series video (from "exploring majors to grad school 101") to complete their workshop requirement for Summer 2024.

Virtual Workshop Series Requirements for Fall 2024, must be completed by December 13, 2024.  For any questions regarding this program, please contact Daisy Basulto at [email protected] or call the Food Security and Basic Needs Advising Center  (805) 893-2282 .

Who qualifies for this program?

Any registered UCSB student (Undergraduate or Graduate), enrolled at least half time or more.

How to enroll in the program?

UCSB students enrolled at least half-time or more (undergraduate students and graduate students) can submit an application for the Job and Career Skills Education Program using the application form. All applicants will receive an email to confirm their enrollment within 1-3 business days.

• Important Link
• Student Services

Professional Career Advising

Thinking about a new career? Changing fields? Wondering how you can advance in your career?  We may be able to help at no cost to you.  Get career advice and benefit from the insights of the experts.  These services are free for PaCE students.  Even if you are not our student yet, we may be able to help you. Check our PaCE Career Center for additional tools and resources.  

Access to a wealth of professional courses at a discounted price

Current pace students, pace alumni, prospective students, north county, slo, kern county residents.

Are you a UCSB Student? Go to UCSB Career Services .

Current PaCE students 

You signed up for professional training with PaCE and chose to upskill yourself.  Congratulations! That’s the first very important step in the direction of your career advancement. If you have already finished taking at least two courses with us, then consider taking advantage of a  no cost  career advice hour We have reached out to industry experts and professionals who deeply care about helping the community in professional growth.  They will be giving you an hour of their valuable time (either via Zoom or in-person, that’s to be decided mutually between the two of you)  You can ask them about your field of interest, career opportunities, and their professional insights.  Please do not ask them to give you jobs and/or to hire you.  

Please click on the link below and give us some information about your career goals so we pair you with the best match among career advisers.  

You have completed your professional certificate program with PaCE.  Congratulations and best of luck as you proceed along your professional journey! 

If you completed your professional certificate program course requirements within the past two years, then consider taking advantage of one NO-COST career advice hour. We have reached out to industry experts and professionals who deeply care about helping the community in professional growth.  They will be giving you an hour of their valuable time (either via Zoom or in-person, that’s to be decided mutually between the two of you).  You can ask them about your field of interest, career opportunities, and their professional insights.  Please do not ask them to give you jobs and/or to hire you.   To take advantage of this great opportunity, at no cost to you , please click on the link below to provide us with some information about your career goals so we can find the best match for you among our career advisers.

We hope you choose us for your professional development and become our student soon.  In the meantime, you can still take advantage of some of our career services. Let us know if you would like someone to reach out to you to help you with the process.   

North Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo, and Kern County Residents

Under the GROW program, we are offering our customized career resources to Santa Barbara North County, San Luis Obispo, and Kern County residents at no cost . You have a unique opportunity to get customized help with resumes and interview preparation, in addition to two free career counseling hours with our industry experts.  You can also access hundreds of local and statewide jobs through our customized portals. 

You will be able to benefit most from this opportunity if you are already enrolled with us in one of our certificate programs listed under GROW .  They are heavily discounted for residents.  If not, then we encourage you to enroll in at least one of our essential business skills courses listed below  to enhance your transferable professional skill set.

We will be happy to help you plan your time with us and/or time with a career counselor. Schedule an appointment and let us know what you are looking for.

Career Services at Bren

• Career Services

As your personal career coaches, we help make your environmental career goals a reality—empowering you with skills, resources, and connections to land your ideal job and excel throughout your career.

Explore initial career placement data for our master’s and PhD graduates:

• MESM & MEDS Placement: See the Bren Student Data Explorer
• PhD Placement: See the  UCSB Graduate Statistics

1-ON-1 ADVISING TOUCHPOINTS

Number of individual student and alumni advising touchpoints from the career team in 2023-24, including meetings, electronic document reviews, and more

HIGHLY RANK CAREER SERVICES

Percentage of MESM, MEDS, and PhD students who ranked career services as “Excellent” or “Good” in 2023-24 (76% “Excellent” and 21% “Good”)

STAY CONNECTED

Percentage of Bren alumni who are signed up for BrenConnect, our exclusive networking and career resources platform

As your career team, we're fully dedicated to your professional success at Bren and  beyond.

At Bren, prioritizing your career development isn’t just an available perk—it’s a way of life steeped into our ethos as a professional program and community of change-makers serious about solving environmental problems.

From day one of orientation, to graduation and beyond, we prepare you to enter or re-enter the workforce and thrive in a competitive, ever-changing job market. We’re here to guide you every step of the way with personalized advising, workshops, online resources, job/internships opportunities, alumni connections, and more.

You’re our hope for a sustainable future, and we’ve got your back.

Meet your career team.

As the Career Development and Alumni Relations Team, we have a combined 50+ years of collective career advising, higher education, and recruiting experience. Throughout your student and alumni years, we passionately support you in developing lifelong career skills and maximizing your impact on the world as we solve environmental problems together.

Amanda Asquith-Caya

Director of Career Advancement and Program Services

David Parker

Executive Director of Career Development and Alumni Relations

Monica Illes

Career Development and Alumni Relations Program Manager

Miya Scheble

MEDS Career Development Program Manager

Daisy Martinez

Career Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator 

The Bren Career Edge

Rather than using cookie-cutter techniques, applying to hundreds of postings online, or relying on existing channels to find jobs, we focus on teaching career development techniques that will help you strategically define, pursue, and refine your unique career goals not only as a student but also as an alum.

Our teaching begins with Bren-specific workshops and online resources, and we build on this foundation through personalized 1-on-1 advising to coach you through your specific goals. Our approach includes a strong emphasis on creating individual connections within Bren’s tightknit alumni network and beyond (which we’ll teach you how to do), helping you build relationships to draw on and give back to throughout your career. 

Learn more about the career development benefits of Bren’s program:

Personalized 1-on-1 guidance for your unique career journey

We get to know you, your interests, and your dreams, and we support you every step of the way. With an open-door advising policy, we pride ourselves on providing a high level of customer service.

Practical training for lifelong career development skills    

Through career workshops, career talks and panels, and an annual mingling practicum—along with weekly career guidance emails, 1-on-1 advising, and 24/7 online resources—we prepare you to network, land jobs (and a summer internship if you’re in the MESM program), and grow throughout your career.

A foundation in viewing, thinking, and doing things differently

Behind everything we teach is a goal to help you develop the right mindsets—such as writing your resume for the jobs you want, not those you’ve done; building a network that transforms you from an outsider to an insider; finding ways to stand out in the interview process; and confidently negotiating offers in a more natural and comfortable way. You’ll not only get results, but you’ll also be nimble, marketable, and strategic during future job hunts, life transitions, and industry changes.

New Bren students are all smiles during the team-building activities led by the career team at orientation each year.

Strong alumni and employer connections  

Thanks to Bren’s highly engaged alumni and industry connections, we have a strong network of people who can support your career. This network helps Bren students land rewarding initial post-Bren jobs and summer internships (for MESM students in between their 2 years), facilitates alumni transitions between roles, and provides connections willing to share insights and expertise not only while you’re a student but into your alumni years.

A team with a robust blend of professional insights

With our combined expertise, we translate our insights from recruiting, corporate training, and career advising into innovative “Bren approaches”—such as our 3-tiered job search strategy for success in any economy and our attention-grabbing cover letter format that’s easy to tailor to different positions.

Support after Bren

It doesn’t stop after you leave! The Bren career team directly supports our grads during the months after graduation as you start the next chapter of your career. And, as an alum, you retain 24/7 access to our Bren-specific online career resources and networking tools, including 100+ articles, a robust alumni database, job announcements, and more via BrenConnect.

Career training is one of the many reasons why the Bren School ranks among the nation’s top. I benefited most from the career team’s personalized feedback on my cover letters, which improved them into highly focused, results-driven documents that landed me multiple interviews during my internship and job search. I would not be in my current job without the Bren career team!

Matt Panopio Program Manager, Energy & Sustainable Operations at Amazon (MESM 2019)

Bren's career team sets you up for success. From in-person consultations to helping you build your network, their coaching is a main reason why Bren students excel. Looking back, my first internship (WWF, Vienna), first job (Environmental Investigation Agency in DC), and entire career trajectory are due to the tools I learned, connections I built, and career advising I got at Bren.

Anne Middleton Executive Director at ECOLIFE Conservation (MESM 2008)

BrenConnect

BrenConnect links you to hundreds of alumni and jobs.

Your go-to resource for career development and networking,  BrenConnect  is a one-stop platform for current students and alumni to stay connected and access career resources. More than 80% of Bren’s 1,900+ alumni are BrenConnect users, meaning you can find and connect with fellow Bren change-makers working on environmental solutions in all industries, from global NGOs and Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and alumni-owned businesses. 

BrenConnect was also recognized as a finalist for a Salesforce Higher Education Overall Excellence in Innovation Award and as a  case study in alumni networking platforms . Ultimately, BrenConnect enhances career advising and networking opportunities for students and alumni, helping strengthen the connections within and impact of the Bren community.

BrenConnect offers:

Environmental job and internship listings shared by alumni, staff, students, and employers (3-10+ commonly posted each weekday, especially during peak search seasons). Wondering how to get your foot in the door? Alumni often include inside info and/or offers to speak with anyone interested.

Powerful alumni finder and search tool to query Bren grads by location, sector, specific employer, or name. Looking for a job with a certain public agency in a certain city? Find a Bren alum who can open that door.

Bren-specific career resources available 24/7 , including how-to guides and examples covering our tried-and-true steps for networking, searching for jobs and internships, applying, interviewing, negotiating salary, and more.

Your personal BrenConnect profile , which you can update throughout your career to make your job and contact information available to fellow classmates and alumni looking to connect, collaborate, or catch up.

Bren Grads Change the World

Colleen McCamy, MEDS 2023

Allison Horst, PhD 2012

A Career Transforming Sustainability: Q&A with Fahmida Bangert, MESM 2006

Jamie Montgomery, MESM 2013

Bren alumni solve environmental problems in every sector.

Employers never stop raving about Bren graduates—we have a reputation for preparing students who excel as employees. As a Bren student and future alum, you’ll be inspired by the careers of our network alumni—and you’ll be able to connect with them via BrenConnect to talk internships, job opportunities, and career advice.

The Nature Conservancy Conservation International World Wildlife Fund Natural Resources Defense Council Environmental Defense Fund

Levi Strauss & Co. Tesla  Google Patagonia The Walt Disney Company 

Public Agency

Environmental Protection Agency NOAA US Forest Service US Fish and Wildlife Service California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Research/Think Tank

Center for Ocean Solutions  National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis Resources for the Future  Natural Reserve System Public Policy Institute of California

AECOM  ICF Rincon Consultants  Woodard & Curran WSP

Entrepreneurship

Bren-founded companies: The Hurd Co.  EVmatch Beni Virga Labs Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.  

Are you ready to solve environmental problems?

Request more information, get to know the Bren School, and start planning your application today.  

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

ATTEND A WEBINAR OR EVENT

START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY

• Career Professional/Continuing Education
• PaCE Career Center

Should I try to improve my resume until it gets a score of 100?

The scoring algorithm in VMock is intended to help you understand your resume's areas of improvement and suggest potential revisions. Because no resume is ever "perfect" or "finished," your goal should NOT be to obtain a score of 100, but to make specific improvements strategically. Once you have made some improvements based on the System Feedback and Targeted Feedback, and your resume has reached a score of 60 or higher, you are ready to request Network Feedback. Network Feedback ensures that your resume reaches its full potential for a specific job target, with the assistance of a friend or mentor.

No account? Sign up here.

University of California, Santa Barbara

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Launch the next step in your career.

Hire the next generation of talent.

Career Centers

Bring the best jobs to your students.

• UC Santa Barbara Career Services

Create Your Letter

Draft Your Targeted Story  

Cover letters support your resume by providing deeper context about a few of your most relevant attributes. Rather than simply summarizing your resume, cover letters are effective at connecting your experiences in meaningful ways and illustrating why you are interested in a specific position through a narrative format. 

Similar to writing a love letter, writing a tailored cover letter requires an understanding of your audience. Use this page to guide your draft.

Creating an effective cover letter requires that you craft an engaging pitch for your employer audience. Focused on emphasizing the unique value that you offer as a candidate, your cover letter draws the reader's attention by telling an evidence-based story about your most relevant qualifications and emphasizing how you can contribute to the organization.

To correctly format the top of your cover letter, include the following items in order, with a line of space between each item:

• The exact header of contact information from your resume, formatted and stylized using the same method. You can simply copy and paste this from your resume’s header.
• The date of submission of when your letter will be sent, written in the format of Month Day, Year (e.g., January 1, 2020).
• The name of the person you are addressing, their title , the name of the organization , and the address of the organization , each indicated on a separate line. If you do not have a specific name you are addressing, use only the name and address of the organization.
• A formal salutation to the individual you are addressing (i.e., “Dear ...”). If you do not have a specific contact to address, use the salutation “Dear Hiring Manager:” or “Dear Recruiter:”. Because a cover letter is written in a business letter format, the proper punctuation mark to use after your salutation is a colon (i.e., the “:” symbol) rather than a comma.  

Here is an example of the format for the top of a cover letter:

Tomás Teacher Culver City, CA | (555) 333-5942 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/tteacher   May 1, 20xx Dr. Judith Myers, Principal Oakwood High School 4567 Hillside Drive Carpinteria, CA 93013 Dear Dr. Myers:

Unlike the bulleted statements on a resume, a cover letter provides a more contextualized and targeted  structure of information. Through this structure, you are able to share more detail about the most relevant aspects of your qualifications, through specific examples that showcase your experiences and transferable skills.

The body paragraph(s) of your cover letter can be structured as traditional paragraphs, or they can be structured as bulleted “miniature paragraphs.” Regardless of your preferred structure, the strongest cover letters typically highlight two to four  relevant themes within your qualifications, in an organized fashion.

In total, a cover letter should be a maximum of one page in length and composed of  three to five paragraphs , including an introduction paragraph, one to three body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph. It is acceptable to write a cover letter that is a little less than one page, but it is best to not write more than one page.

Similar to a resume, you want to use space as usefully as possible in your cover letter. When it comes to writing your story, every word counts.

Throughout your career, you are likely to encounter some people who say that cover letters are not worth writing. Consider the value of cover letters for yourself by reviewing this LinkedIn article by Andrew Seaman, Do You Really Need a Cover Letter?

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