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Worker_Hero_Manufacturing_20220628_0242

A version of Idaho LAUNCH has been around for approximately 3 years – this program has served adults seeking to upskill or change careers. It is referred to as Idaho LAUNCH for Adults.
Idaho LAUNCH for High School Seniors is new this year! The graduating class of 2024 will be the first cohort invited to participate in this program. Idaho LAUNCH for High School Seniors aims to connect high school seniors with in-demand careers throughout Idaho. Keep an eye out for program updates throughout the year as we “launch” this initiative.

Have I heard of Idaho LAUNCH before?

No, applying for FAFSA is not a requirement for this grant. However, Idaho LAUNCH will only cover 80% (up to $8,000) of a program’s tuition and fees. The remaining program costs and Room/Board fees may be paid by other financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Are students required to apply for FAFSA to receive Idaho LAUNCH funding?

Students will receive email notifications from Scholarship Idaho. It is vital for students to have an active email address that they check regularly to ensure they do not miss any notifications that may require their attention.

How will students be notified if they have been awarded LAUNCH funding?

Check Next Steps Idaho / Idaho LAUNCH Resources for answers to common questions. For questions not answered by the website, please send an email to idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov.

What if schools, parents, and students have questions about the Idaho LAUNCH program?

The Idaho LAUNCH application opens on October 3, 2023 and closes on April 15, 2024. 
Contingent Award Letters are contingent upon verification of eligibility. There will be three rounds of Contingent Award Letters.
<ul>
<li>Round 1 Contingent Award Letters sent by December 31</li>
<li>Round 2 Contingent Award Letters sent by March 31</li>
<li>Round 3 Contingent Award Letters sent by May 31</li>
</ul>
Final Award Letters will be issued in June 2024 after eligibility is verified. Please be sure to use an active email address when applying for Idaho LAUNCH funds.

How does the application cycle work for Idaho LAUNCH?

A Contingent Award Letter is sent to applicants who submit their application and are on track to meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This offer is contingent upon verification of eligibility completion. Final Award Letters will be issued in June 2024 upon successful verification of the application.
Contingent Award Letters and Final Award Letters are distributed through Scholarship Idaho. Students will be required to either accept or decline their award. If students do not respond within the designated time frame, their award may be offered to another candidate. Students are advised to check their email over the summer.

What is the difference between a Contingent Award Letter and a Final Award Letter?

Prioritization will be based on in-demand careers and financial need. Applications will be ranked based on the program a student selects during the application process and how/if it connects to the list of in-demand careers approved by the Idaho Workforce Development Council (reviewed and approved annually).

What happens if there isn’t enough LAUNCH funding for all eligible applications?

<ol>
<li>Urgent questions can be directed to Sherawn Reberry (<a href="mailto:sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov">sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov</a>) and Cassie Mansour (<a href="mailto:cassandra.mansour@wdc.idaho.gov">cassandra.mansour@wdc.idaho.gov</a>). </li>
<li>Please email all other questions to <a href="mailto:idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov">idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov</a>.</li>
</ol>

Who do I contact for questions regarding the Idaho LAUNCH program?

<h4>Check out our new Idaho LAUNCH page <a href="/launch">here</a></h4>
<h4></h4>
&nbsp;
<h4>What is LAUNCH?</h4>
Idaho LAUNCH is a grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000. With approximately 75 million dollars available for Idaho LAUNCH funding, it is possible for this program to offer between 9,000 and 10,000 awards per year!
For a complete list of eligible programs and institutions, visit the Idaho Launch <a href="http://idaholaunch.com/education-training">website.</a>
<h4>Who is eligible for LAUNCH?</h4>
To qualify, students must:
<ul>
<li>Be a graduate (class of 2024) from an Idaho High School, home school, or GED.</li>
<li>Be an Idaho resident.</li>
<li>Be enrolled in or have applied to an eligible Idaho institution.</li>
<li>Begin enrollment by Fall Semester after graduation.</li>
<li>Complete a Career Pathway Plan (see Next Steps Idaho website for complete details).</li>
</ul>
<h4>How much is available for students each year?</h4>
Students can receive up to one-half of the initial grant award in the first year of a program. However, for programs that are less than 12 months in length, students can use the full awarded amount (80% of tuition and fees up to $8,000) in one year.
Please note: always check <a href="https://idaholaunch.com/">idaholaunch.com</a> for the most up-to-date information on approved programs and providers, as these will be updated on an on-going basis.
<h4>Important Dates</h4>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>Idaho LAUNCH application opens: October 3</li>
<li>Initial applications due: November 30</li>
<li>Contingent Award letters sent by: December 31, March 31, and May 31</li>
<li>Idaho LAUNCH application closes: April 15</li>
<li>Final Award letters sent by: June 30 </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>Idaho Opportunity Scholarship and Idaho LAUNCH Comparison Chart</h4>
There are multiple avenues to secure state funding to support students in their postsecondary education and training. Idaho Opportunity Scholarship and Idaho LAUNCH are both sources of state funding, but have some key differences.
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<tr>
<th class="tg-0pky"></th>
<th class="tg-fymr">Idaho Opportunity Scholarship</th>
<th class="tg-0pky">Idaho LAUNCH</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0pky">Amount</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">Up to $3,500 
Renewable up to 4 years</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">This is a one-time benefit that provides a grant toward 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution up to a maximum of $8,000.
Students can receive up to one-half of the initial grant award in the first year of a program. 
However, for programs that are less than 12 months in length, students can use the full award amount (80% of tuition and fees up to $8,000) in one year.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0pky">Eligibility</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">- Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 
- Be an Idaho resident 
- Graduated or will graduate from an eligible Idaho high school, Idaho home school, or its equivalent (GED/HSE from Idaho) 
- Must attend during the upcoming academic year (fall semester) 
- Must pursue a first bachelor's degree 
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 
- Must attend one of these eligible Idaho colleges or universities: University of Idaho, Boise State University, 
Lewis Clark State College, Idaho State University, The College of Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, 
Brigham Young University - Idaho, Western Governors University</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">- Graduate from an Idaho High School or equivalent 
- Be an Idaho resident 
- Be enrolled in or have applied to an in-demand career program at an eligible Idaho institution 
- Begin enrollment by Fall Semester after graduation 
- Complete a Career Pathway Plan or equivalentVisit <a href="https://idaholaunch.com/">idaholaunch.com</a> for a complete listing of the eligible in-demand career programs. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0pky">Application Process</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">1. Submit an application through Scholarship Idaho 
2. Complete a FAFSA application</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">1. Submit an application through Scholarship Idaho 
2. Receive a Contingent Award Letter (the award is contingent upon meeting the eligibility requirements) 
3. Receive and accept the Final Award Letter, which is emailed through Scholarship Idaho after eligibility is verified.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tg-0pky">Deadline</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">March 1</td>
<td class="tg-0pky">April 15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h6></h6>
&nbsp;
<h6>To view a shareable Idaho LAUNCH flyer, <a href="https://preview.nextsteps.idaho.gov/assets/uploads/2023/08/LaunchFlyer_Final.pdf">click HERE</a></h6>
&nbsp;
<h6>Adults looking to access Idaho LAUNCH, please visit: <a href="https://idaholaunch.com/">idaholaunch.com/</a></h6>

Idaho LAUNCH

portfolio-resource-image-a

Portfolio Resource Image (A)

User Portfolios give students and adults the ability to customize their Next Steps journey by bookmarking scholarships or career interests, saving assessment results, and monitoring progress in activities.
Making an account is free, easy, and will give users access to a personalized account where they can:
<ul>
<li>Save results from self-assessment and career interest surveys to revisit or share</li>
<li>Favorite their interesting careers through the Next Steps Careers tool, for later research</li>
<li>Bookmark pages to read, use as a guide for a task, complete at another time, or check for updates</li>
<li>Build a portfolio of completed activities to monitor progress</li>
<li>Track important events and deadlines</li>
</ul>
Each time a user logs in, they will see their custom dashboard displaying previous work, reminders, and helpful links to pick up where they last left off.
To get started, head to <a href="http://nextsteps.idaho.gov/login">nextsteps.idaho.gov/login</a> and create a new account using your email or by linking Next Steps Idaho with your Google or Office 365 accounts.
<h4></h4>
&nbsp;
<h4>Students</h4>
Next Steps Idaho portfolios enable students to preserve and compare self-assessment results over their high school careers and keep a record of their other on-site exploration and activities, like interactive high school pathway plans. Students can create their portfolios before or during high school and access them after graduation.
<img class="alignnone wp-image-21195" src="https://preview.nextsteps.idaho.gov/assets/uploads/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-04-10-at-2.09.54-PM-1.png" alt="" width="471" height="447" />
Requested PII Information: First Name, Last Name, Personal Email, Date of Birth, Date of Graduation 
*optional* Education Unique Identifier (EDUID) Number, Name of School
<h4></h4>
&nbsp;
<h4>Adult Users</h4>
Adults can create a free account to save results from Self-Assessments &amp; Planning Tools that will help identify skills and job matches for the job hunt. The Next Steps Idaho assessments, resources, and helpful links can also guide users through resume or cover letter creation and help access job-finding support services.
<img class="alignnone wp-image-21129" src="https://preview.nextsteps.idaho.gov/assets/uploads/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-16-at-12.18.48-PM.png" alt="" width="509" height="381" />
Requested PII Information: First Name, Last Name, Personal Email, Date of Birth, Date of Graduation
For a FAQ on Next Steps Idaho User Portfolios, click <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/faq/user-profiles">here.</a>

Next Steps Idaho User Porfolio

FAQs

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No, you do not. HOWEVER, your institution may require a FAFSA in order for that college or university to consider you for their awards. Remember, you DO need to complete a renewal form each year by March 1 (see Terms of the Scholarship section above).

Do I need to complete a FAFSA each year?

All students who earn or attempt more than 120 credits are required to complete a graduation plan with the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education. Reminders to submit this plan are usually emailed to students during the summer.

Why are you requesting a graduation plan from me? 

The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship cannot be used for graduate programs. Once your official program at your institution is a graduate-level program, you are no longer eligible for this scholarship.
If you are an undergraduate student who has not yet graduated and you are just taking a graduate-level course, that is allowed.

I’m going to graduate school, can I still use my scholarship there?

You can receive the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for up to four years. You can be awarded the first year, then renew three more times for a total of four years.

How many years can I renew the scholarship?

That is not possible. The maximum award amount for one semester is $1,750.

I’m graduating in December; can I receive the whole amount in the fall?

There is no minimum enrollment requirement each semester. There is a requirement to complete a certain number of credits each year. For example, if you are attending BSU and take 18 credits in the fall, then you can take 6 credits in the spring and still meet requirements. Or, you can take 8 credits each term (fall, spring, and summer) and still meet the scholarship requirements that way.

I’m not enrolled in the minimum 12 credits. Is that ok?

<h4>Terms of the Scholarship</h4>
<ul>
<li>If you stop enrollment/do not enroll, you must let the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education know within 30 days prior to the start of the semester of which you plan to stop enrollment. If not, you will lose this scholarship and must apply as a new applicant next year (or whichever year you wish to re-apply for the scholarship).
<ul>
<li>You must notify the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education in advance (30 days) if you are taking a semester or more off. If you are not sure if you will need a semester off, email <a href="mailto:scholarshiphelp@osbe.idaho.gov">scholarshiphelp@osbe.idaho.gov</a> or call the Scholarship Programs team at (208) 334-2270 to discuss your situation and learn about your options.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In order to renew, you must maintain at least a 2.7 GPA.
<ul>
<li>Your cumulative GPA must be at or above a 2.65 (2.65 rounds to a 2.7)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You must complete 24 credits during each academic year if you are attending a four-year institution. Students attending a two-year institution for the 2023-24 year must complete 18 credits during the 2023-24 academic year. If you are on a leave of absence for part of the year, you will be held to half of the yearly credit requirements at the institution where you are enrolled.
<ul>
<li>You must pass at least 24 or 18 credits (per the specifications above) over the course of the academic year's fall, spring, and summer terms in order to renew each year. If you fail a class, you did not complete it or earn the credit so those credits will not count.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You are responsible for completing a renewal questionnaire each year by March 1. Please set a reminder on your calendar and do not depend on reminder emails.
<ul>
<li>You can renew each year by logging in to your <a href="https://scholarships.idaho.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scholarship Idaho</a> account. There will be a Renew/Request Leave of Absence button by the scholarship on the status page. If you do not see this, your award is not ready to renew yet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If you drop any classes, you must immediately inform the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education. Not doing so could jeopardize your award.
<ul>
<li>Class drops may affect your ability to renew.</li>
<li>For example, if you are attending Boise State University and completed twelve credits in the fall, then enrolled for twelve credits in the Spring but later dropped that to six credits. If and when you notified the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education of the dropped credits, you would be advised to take 6 credits in the summer—bringing you to 24 credits for the year—to meet the eligibility requirements for renewing the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h4>I just accepted the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. What do I do now? 
</h4>
<ol>
<li>August: Make sure you have been awarded the correct amount at your institution.</li>
<li>November: Login to your <a href="https://scholarships.idaho.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scholarship Idaho</a> account to see if you can renew. There will be a Renew/Request Leave of Absence button by the scholarship on the status page. If you do not see this, your award is not ready to renew yet.
<ul>
<li>Also in November: 
Make sure you notify the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education if you are taking a leave of absence in the spring. You will need to submit your leave request this month! There are instructions on the status page when you log in to your <a href="https://scholarships.idaho.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scholarship Idaho</a> account. If you are not sure if you will need a leave of absence, email <a href="mailto:scholarshiphelp@osbe.idaho.gov">scholarshiphelp@osbe.idaho.gov</a> or call the Scholarship Programs team at (208) 334-2270 to discuss your situation and learn about your options.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>December: Are you switching institutions? Login to your <a href="https://scholarships.idaho.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scholarship Idaho</a> account to submit a transfer request. Instructions are on the status page.</li>
<li>February: Login to your <a href="https://scholarships.idaho.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scholarship Idaho</a> account to double check that you renewed for next year. The deadline is March 1!
<ul>
<li>That’s it! As long as you complete the required number of credits for your institution and meet the minimum GPA (your institution reports this to us), you should be awarded sometime over the summer. It might be as late as September. If you are taking summer classes to meet credit requirements, you will not be awarded until you have shown you have completed the classes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<h4></h4>
<h4>Award Calculations 
</h4>
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship award amounts are calculated after taking into account all other grant and scholarship aid that a student has received; including federal, state, and private awards. Potential scholarship award amounts range from $0 – $3,500. If a student’s total scholarship and grant awards are equal to or greater than your institution’s cost of attendance or the state-set cost of attendance of $23,250; your Opportunity Scholarship award amount will be rendered at $0. An Idaho Opportunity Scholarship award will never exceed the amount of a student’s actual tuition and fees.
&nbsp;
<h4>Ongoing Expectations 
</h4>
Please note that by accepting this offer, students are indicating that they understand and agree to the <a href="https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/08/080113.pdf?cache=1534172989870?cache=1534187927934">requirements</a> associated with the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. Continuing Eligibility appears on page six, section 302; 01-04. <a href="https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/08/080113.pdf?cache=1534172989870?cache=1534187927934">Review the rules HERE.</a>

How to Renew Your Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

Beyond the Military - Career Preparation for Service members and Veterans

<h4>What Is a Cover Letter and How it Complements Resumes</h4>
A cover letter is a short narrative, two to five paragraphs long, that is submitted along with your resume and serves as your pitch for yourself to your new potential employer. It is unique for each job you apply to, addressing the employer by name and briefly explaining who you are and why you’re a fit for the job. It also introduces your resume and provides context for it without just repeating what’s already in there. Cover letters can take time to craft, but help your application shine. 
<h4></h4>
<h4>Why It’s Important</h4>
A cover letter shows the employer that you care about this opportunity, and are willing to put in the work to create a tailored introduction. The cover letter also helps the employer connect the dots and get a better understanding of you as a person, your communication style, and your resume. If needed, cover letters can also address areas in your resume like lack of experience, gaps in employment, and frequent job changes.
<h4></h4>
<h4>Before Getting Started</h4>
Before starting your cover letter, you’ll want to complete the resume first to know what to talk about. At this point, you should also be familiar with the organization, the position, and what type of person they are looking to fill this job. If you are hazy on anything, look through the company website, or scroll through the company’s social media accounts—you could even contact the employer for clarification if you have questions. The more understanding you have of the job and organization, the more tailored your cover letter will be to help you get closer to an interview.
<h4></h4>
<h4>Basic structure</h4>
All that being said, the cover letter is concise and one page long with an intro, body, and closing. You should follow the common structure of written letters:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Your contact information</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The company’s contact information</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">An appropriate salutation to the hiring manager/recipient</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Intro</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Body
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Why you are qualified and excited about this position</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Keywords from the job posting</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Closing</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Signature</li>
</ul>
You can paste this structure below into a document, then fill in the details. If you need additional clues for language, visit the <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/browse-careers">Browse Careers</a> page and refer to career cards for jobs you’ve had and the job you’re applying to.
Your First Name Last Name
Your Town, State
Your Email@email.com
Your phone number
Your LinkedIn ur (optional)
 
Date of application
<h4></h4>
Name of  the recipient
Title of the recipient (or use generic recipient like “Hiring Manager” or “Human Resources Department”)
Company name
Company address
 
<h5>Salutation</h5>
Use one of the following
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dear Mr./Mrs. [ contact’s last name ]</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dear Hiring Manager</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">To Whom It May Concern </li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
<h5>Intro </h5>
Start by addressing what position you are applying for and why you would be a good fit
Include how you learned about the position
<h4></h4>
Examples:
<h4></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“I am applying to the position of [ job title ] that I found listed on your website.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“As a [ professional title ] with a background in [field of work or education ], I am confident I would be a great fit at [ name of company].”</li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
<h5>Body</h5>
Why you are a strong candidate for this position through your work experience, skills, and achievements
 
Examples:
<h4></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“As my resume shows, I have…”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“In my last position as [ former title ], I [ work that is relevant to the new job ].”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“As [ title ], I have a comprehensive background in [ area of expertise ].”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“I look forward to using my [ skill ] to assist in [ new job responsibility 1 ] and [ new job responsibility 2 ].”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“My professional qualifications in addition to my [ personal qualities, soft skills, or interests ] will help me make a seamless transition into [ new job title ].”</li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
<h5>Closing </h5>
<h4></h4>
Thank the employer for their consideration and extend an invitation for them to reach out
<h4></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“Thank you for reviewing and considering my application.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“I am excited to learn more about [ company ] and how I can help in its success.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">“I look forward to the chance to discuss my qualifications further and can be reached at [ phone number ] or [ email address ] at your convenience.”</li>
</ul>
<h4></h4>
 
<h4></h4>
 “Sincerely,”
[ Your name ]
<h4></h4>
<h4>Double Check Your Work</h4>
<h5>Did you: </h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Read it out loud to yourself. Does it make sense? </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Are your paragraphs easy to understand? Are the words you use simple?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use spell check </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Can you send it to a friend or family member to review?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Show that you know about the organization and the job requirements?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Showcase why you are a good fit, and why you want the position? </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use a personal, but professional tone</li>
</ul>
<h5>Make sure you don’t: </h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guess who the recipient is.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">If you aren’t certain what the recipient’s name is, use a generic term like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom it May Concern”</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mention the wrong company or job title</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use different contact information than is listed on your resume</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Simply repeat your resume</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be too informal or casual in your language</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">State any frustrations, badmouth your previous employers, or emphasize hardships</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Overuse buzzwords like “synergy” or words that may require a dictionary</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use acronyms the reader may not know (like PTO for paid time off) </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lie or embellish</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Plagiarize, or copy, a letter from an existing template</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Good luck!

Structure of a Cover Letter

<h4>Significance of Interviewing</h4>
Not all organizations or employers conduct interviews during the application process, but chances are you will participate in one before your next job. Whether over the phone, virtual, or in-person, interviews give employers a better sense of who you are as a potential employee and how you would be on their team. Interviews also show off your behavior, personality, and non-verbal communication. On the flip side, interviews let you ask questions and see if the new company would be a good fit for what you’re envisioning in a new position, workplace, team, and boss.
<h4></h4>
<h4>Questions you may get</h4>
Each interview will look different, but remember that the purpose of interviews is to get a good sense of who you are as a candidate. The interview fills any gaps that might’ve been unanswered by your resume or cover letter about your work history, your intentions, and your qualifications for the position. You may be asked to give examples of how you resolved conflicts or met goals in the past in addition to getting hypothetical questions about your new role: “Tell me about a time you received criticism for your work and how did you react” or “How would you handle working with an upset customer?” Occasionally, you may receive irrelevant or off-the-wall questions just to gauge your personality and see how you would respond in an unusual situation. Don’t get overwhelmed, there are a lot of questions they can ask you and for those, refer to some of the related links on this page. At the very least, have answers to the following:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tell me about yourself</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why do you want to work here?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What do you know about this company and position?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Why did you leave or are you leaving your last position?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"> Where do you see yourself (professionally) in the future?</li>
</ul>
You should also know that there are questions that employers should <a href="https://www.hmc.edu/human-resources/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2014/04/EEOC-Guide-to-Pre-Employment-Inquiries.pdf">NOT ask regarding religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, or race. </a>
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<h4>Making a Pitch for Yourself</h4>
The last thing you’ll want to do is sell yourself short during the interview. That doesn’t mean lying or embellishing your answers, but instead be comfortable in expressing why your history, skills, or traits make you a great candidate for this position with this company. In preparing for your upcoming interview:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Review the job posting as well as your resume and cover letter to jog your memory on some of the accomplishments you’ve had and may be asked about by the interviewers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take a look at those common interview questions linked on this page and prepare answers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Create a personal reference sheet for some other things you’ve done and list examples of successes, problem-solving, and overcoming obstacles
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Focus on your work-related accomplishments, but if you have limited experience, you can mention those from volunteering, school, sports, clubs, or personal life</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Craft a 30-second “elevator pitch” about yourself: who are you, what do you do, what do you want to do</li>
</ul>
Take a look at this <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/curriculum/brag-sheets-references">brag sheet</a> to help you come up with some ideas.
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<h4>How to Get Mentally Ready</h4>
Being in a good headspace for your interview is extremely important. Feeling confident, relaxed, or positive will show in how you answer your questions and interact with the interviewers. Set aside time to do something beforehand that will put you in a good mood, whether it’s exercising, listening to your favorite songs, or relaxing. It would also be wise to avoid time on social media or doing/watching things that may upset you before your interview.
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<h4>Preparation checklist</h4>
<h5>Here are a few things you should do prior to an interview:</h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Look over your resume and become very familiar with it</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do some more research on the company and the people who work there</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prepare some questions you would like to ask the employer</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Purchase or set aside a notepad and pen that you can take with you for notes</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Confirm your location and time of the interview</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Plan out what you will wear and clean or iron your attire if needed
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Make sure it still fits if you haven’t worn it in a while</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Practice interviewing with a friend or record yourself to notice your tone, enthusiasm, and non-verbal communication</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Print extra copies of your resume to have available and share with the interviewers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">For in-person interviews, figure out your commute and plan to give yourself extra time to deal with traffic, find parking, walk to the correct building, get past security, and still arrive at the interview with a few minutes early</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">For virtual or phone interviews, make sure you have a place where you will be without distractions, have a good connection, and can hear clearly; download any necessary software and test the mic and camera with the platform if you will be doing a video interview</li>
</ul>
<h5>On the day of the interview:</h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Practice good hygiene</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wear the interview outfit that makes you feel/look good</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do something that will get you in a good headspace, but not make you run late</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brush up on any last-minute research</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Depart for the interview or set up your office space with plenty of time to spare</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take a deep breath and get your mind in as good of a spot as you can</li>
</ul>
<h5>During the interview:</h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Greet everyone and introduce yourself
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2">Shake hands if appropriate</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be present and approachable</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Talk yourself up and be your own advocate</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Focus on the position and your relevant skills</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Leave your cell phone turned off or away from the interview space</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take notes on anything you find important, including the names of interviewees</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Keep as good of posture as you can in addition to courteous eye contact and a smile</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Answer questions to the best of your ability; if you didn’t hear a question correctly, politely ask if they can repeat it</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ask appropriate questions for the employer that you have about the position or company</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">At the end of the interview, inquire about what the next steps are or what you can expect</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thank the interviewer(s) for their time</li>
</ul>
<h5>What Not To Do:</h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Skip the interview</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Arrive unprepared</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Arrive too early (more than 15 minutes) or be late; sit in your car if you need to kill a little time</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Take extensive notes during the entire conversation; the point is to engage in a dialogue with you, not attend a lecture</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ask personal questions to the interviewers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Asking about money or compensation early in the interview</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Overdo eye contact or a smile, especially if it feels unnatural</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be standoffish—the employers want to get to know you</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use body posture that makes you seem uninterested</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Overshare information</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Interrupt</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Speak negatively about former employers or experiences</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Check your cell phone or get distracted</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chew gum</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lie or be arrogant</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Post anything negative about the interview on social media before or after</li>
</ul>
<h4>What to consider for special populations</h4>
<h5>HS student</h5>
It’s ok that you don’t have a lot of work experience as a student—in fact, it’s expected that you will have focused on academic studies and not have much experience, if any, outside of a few clubs, sports, or volunteering opportunities. In interviewing students or recent graduates, employers will be considering the potential you have as an employee within their organization so they may ask more hypothetical or scenario-based questions, but prepare to discuss anything on your resume or application. You can call out things like helping a neighbor install new cabinets or running your first marathon after training for a year, but make a list of some things you have done that are similar in responsibilities to the new job and can translate to success. Also, don’t badmouth any of your teachers, former employers, coaches, advisors, or colleagues.
<h5>Transitioning Military Members and Veterans</h5>
Military members and veterans have a great deal of prior service and skill sets that are extremely applicable to the civilian sector. Think of how you can frame some of your expertise and knowledge in a way that would make sense to the interviewer. For example, if you were a recruiter, you most likely had strong written and verbal communication as well as event-planning skills. Make a list of some of your accomplishments and impacts that you had in your role outside of completing regularly assigned tasks. Also, interviewers will understand that you come from a military world, but avoid using military terminology that the interviewers may be unfamiliar with.
<h5>Returning citizen</h5>
Returning citizens have an open landscape to work in and are sought after by employers across some industries. During your interview, highlight any training or skills you have and can bring to the table, especially those learned during incarceration. Employers love hearing success stories, so prepare some examples of how you overcame adversity or remedied a negative situation. Refer to other preparation tips in this section and be honest about your background, but don’t overshare.

Prepping for Interviews

<h4>What are soft (professional) skills and hard (technical) skills</h4>
Skills are learned or improved traits people use to perform tasks or maintain positive, working relationships with others. Soft skills, also known as professional skills, are competencies and abilities associated with your personality and help build a good dynamic with others. Soft skills are not confined to one job and can benefit you in any workplace. Hard skills, or technical skills, are measurable abilities and knowledge that come through learning and can be job or task-specific. Everyone has skills that are important at work and for your independent development. These skills can also make you stand out in your job search.
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<h4>Examples of different skills</h4>
Hard skills are teachable abilities that you can measure and are needed for specific roles:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Computer-Aided Design (CAD)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Social Media</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Microsoft Office</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Welding</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">French</li>
</ul>
Soft skills are developed character traits that impact how you work on your own and with others:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Adaptability</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Time Management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Communication</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Leadership</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flexibility</li>
</ul>
Check out this <a href="https://careerinfo.nextsteps.idaho.gov/learning-plan/10th-grade/?step=4">NSI Career Pathway Plan on soft skills</a>.
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<h4>How to build skills</h4>
You can learn hard skills through schoolwork, online courses, watching how-to videos, classes taught by local organizations, or even on-the-job learning. Soft skills courses are becoming more common, but most soft skill development comes by working with others and asking for feedback or constructive criticism. It may require that you step out of your comfort zone, but awareness and self-reflection of soft skills can help you both in the workplace and in areas of your personal life.
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<h4>How to present your skills to an employer</h4>
As you apply to jobs and participate in interviews, you’ll want to demonstrate how your skillsets can benefit employers and make you successful in your new position. Think of skills you have and make a list of those that match the traits sought in this new position. For example, if you are applying for a Human Resources position, listing welding on your resume would be neat, but there are much more relevant skills like accounting, scheduling, communication, or problem-solving. If you need help, reach out to friends and former colleagues to see what skills they think you have. You can also visit the <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/browse-careers">Browse Careers</a> page and refer to career cards for jobs you’ve had and the job you’re applying to.
When talking about your skills, try to show the impact they had. Here’s an example that demonstrates soft skills like listening and adaptability as well as hard skills like scheduling and accounting: “While dealing with post-pandemic staff shortages, I listened to the needs and concerns of our employees and structured a schedule to accommodate their best interest, minimize absence, and decrease turnover for increased sales during high demand.” Before going into your interview, practice going over examples of how you demonstrated important skills in the workplace.

Skills: Hard (Technical) vs Soft (Professional)

Overcoming Pitfalls of the Resume

<h4>Applications</h4>
Job applications vary widely depending on the job title, industry, and company. Some job openings simply ask for your contact information, work history, and availability, while others require you to complete an application form and send professional documents like a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and a list of references.
Submitting applications can be time-consuming and feel repetitive, so we recommend identifying the jobs you really want and putting your best effort into those. If you're filling out an online application form, it would be helpful to have copies of your general resume and cover letter open where you can copy and paste information into the appropriate fields.
&nbsp;
<h4>Customizing Resumes and Cover Letters for Each Job</h4>
Submitting applications can be a job in itself, but it's important to customize each resume and cover letter to the job. As much as you want the job, the employer also wants to find the right person for the position. 
Hiring staff will review applications individually, but many also use computer software like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to weed out generic applications that don't include specific keywords from the job description. One trick that helps is using word-cloud generators to identify which words are most important in job postings or the company's "about us" page.
&nbsp;
<h5>Tailoring your Cover letter</h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Address the hiring manager (by name if possible)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Include the job title and name of the company from the job posting</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">State how you found out about the position and why you're interested in it</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mention some of the skills and experience wanted in the job posting</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h5>Tailoring your Resume</h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tie your experience and qualifications into those wanted in the job posting</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use some of the keywords and language from the job posting</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h4>Employer-Led Searches</h4>
Once you submit applications, employers interested in you may look you up through search engines and social media. According to various surveys, <a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/71_of_hiring_decision_makers_agree_social_media_is_effective_for_screening_applicants/prweb17467312.htm">nearly 3 out of 4 employers admit they use social media</a> to evaluate candidates and almost <a href="https://themanifest.com/digital-marketing/5-personal-branding-tips-job-search">8 out of 10 employers have rejected a candidate because of their social media activity</a>.
There might not be much you can do about your search engine results, but when getting into the job hunt, take inventory of your social media profiles and what you've shared through pictures, videos, comments, and links. Use your discretion and consider the following:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Be mindful of your username and how it can reflect on you</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Update your profile picture to appear professional or sharing public content that relates to your professional interests or background</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Go private on accounts that are intended only for family and close friends</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Remove pictures, inflammatory language, or content that could raise eyebrows or red flags</li>
</ul>
Social media platforms serve different purposes, but LinkedIn was designed specifically for professional networking and resources. If you have a LinkedIn account, update your profile to show who you are and what you've done as if it's your second resume.
&nbsp;
<h4>Receiving Phone Calls and Emails</h4>
In addition to getting more views on your social media accounts, you will also be receiving phone calls and emails from employers. The phone number and email address listed on your resume, cover letter, and application forms should be current and accessible so you don’t miss any messages. Here are some quick tips:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not use work phone numbers or work email addresses</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use a professional email address and create a signature block that includes your name and contact info</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Answer incoming calls professionally by stating your name</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Try to take calls when you can speak without distractions or current coworkers nearby</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Record a professional voicemail greeting that asks callers to leave a message so you can respond as soon as possible</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">When you respond to a message, try to do so during respectful business hours</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h4>Attending Networking Events or Sitting in on Webinars</h4>
When you're not filling out forms or sending emails, you'll have opportunities to attend in-person and virtual events to connect with other job seekers, learn best practices for job hunting, and meet with employers looking to hire. Look into resources from <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/calendar">Next Steps Idaho</a>, <a href="https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/calendar">the Idaho Department of Labor</a>, community colleges, local libraries, and employers to access job-related events that match your interest and goals like
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Job fairs</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Conferences</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Professional mixers</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Speed networking</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Webinars</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Workshops</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Getting comfortable enough to participate in social events takes time for some of us, but talking about yourself is great practice for an interview and may even lead to your next job.
&nbsp;
<h4>Working with a Recruiter vs. Going Solo</h4>
Sometimes people choose to use professional help in their job hunt by using recruiters. Recruiters serve as a middle-person between an employee and employer, essentially like a matchmaker. Their goal is to understand the goals and capabilities of both parties to relieve the stress of job hunting and recruiting while increasing efficiency. If you choose to go the recruiting route, do your research before working with them, and if you're unsure about their integrity or reputation, walk away. Note that recruiting services should also be free for job seekers since employers cover the cost of finding the right people. 
&nbsp;
<h4>How to Turn Down Job Offers</h4>
At some point along the job hunt, you will hopefully begin to receive invitations to interview and offer letters for a job—in that case, congratulations! You might also decide that those opportunities are for positions you no longer want. If that’s the case, you should inform the employer to remove your name from consideration so they can pursue other candidates, and don’t forget to thank them for their time. As both a job seeker and a professional, you will want to be respectful and keep positive relationships with employers who may one day be your customer, refer you to others, help you grow your business, or keep your application on file for the future. 
&nbsp;
<h4>The Uncertain Length of the Job Hiring Process</h4>
A few things are certain in the job hunt, but there’s also uncertainty in how long it will take and how it will look. Everyone's process is different and influenced by factors within and outside of our control. Unfortunately, that means days or months could go by without a response from employers, affecting your personal and professional decision-making. Here are some tips to help with managing the uncertainties of the job hunt:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If at least a week has passed after submitting your application or last hearing from the employer, reach out to ask if there's anything you can provide to help answer questions about your application or if they know when you can expect an update</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Attend events or webinars that can help you with job hunting opportunities and improving your approach</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Revisit your resume and online social accounts to check for areas to edit or update</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You may never hear back from some employers, but don't take it personally; employers have their own factors like staff turnover, industry changes, or economic constraints</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Don't put all your eggs in one basket; Continue to search for other jobs that interest you and submit applications</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">For tips on staying confident and avoiding burnout, check out our other resources <a href="https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/staying-confident-and-avoiding-burnout/">here</a></li>
</ul>

What to Expect and How to Navigate the Job Hunt

<h4>Searching Through Job Boards</h4>
There are plenty of job boards available to the general job seeker, either through aggregation sites, government pages, social media, company websites, industry groups, and more. Each site uses different parameters to choose what it displays and algorithms that will adjust your results based on filters, user profile, and search history– so use as many job boards as feel appropriate.
If you find yourself digging through job boards, you might notice that some of the results will be similar or repetitive the more you look through a site. Try mixing up search terms or keywords, using different search filters, clearing your browser’s trackers, or using incognito mode. If you upload a resume to a job board, your results may also be influenced by key terms found in your resume or user profile.
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<h4>How to Avoid Scams and Outdated Postings</h4>
With job boards and postings comes the possibility of scams, phishing, and other traps. Although most job boards will be free to use, there are some legit sites that ask for a signup. Watch for sites like Craigslist and Facebook that have less oversight on their job boards and can display a larger volume of phony or corrupt listings. If you’re asked to pay or provide sensitive information that does not pertain to the application, that should raise a red flag. When you’re unsure about the legitimacy, look to see if you find the job opening on other reputable sites, including the employer’s page, or contact the employer directly via the information on their site and ask for verification.
You may also see fake, “phantom”, or outdated postings that could have been valid at some point. The innocent reason would be that an employer forgot to remove the posting past the deadline, but they could also be intentional to gauge interest from jobseekers (to determine salary offering), satisfy legal requirements with no intent on hiring externally, or collect emails for marketing purposes. There can be serious frustration from encountering these illegitimate job postings, but the headache can be worse if you find out you were taken advantage of, so be cautious; when in doubt, confirm with an employer or continue searching for another position.

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