Resources
Ridgewater College offers a variety of resources to support where you’re at in your career journey. Here you can find information on assessments, resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and other career tools.
Explore Career Options
Career Services at Ridgewater College aims to help students and alumni make connections between their interests and career goals. Undecided or unsure? Take a look at some of our career exploration resources to get started*.
- Questions to ask yourself about your career
- Career and Education Explorer
- CareerForce
- CareerOneStop
- Career Exploration Videos
- O*Net Online
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Need a “Reality Check” about cost of living ? Check out this interactive tool to learn more about income and different pathways to get you where you want to be!
Get to know yourself through these self-assessments:
Remember: No assessment will tell you exactly what to study, what career to pursue, or provide all the answers. Determining what you want to do takes time, reflection, and life experience.
You should not have to pay for these assessments – use caution if you are asked to provide any financial information. There are assessments for purchase like CliftonStrengths or Myers-Briggs.
*This is not a comprehensive list of tools for career exploration.
Job Search
There are dozens of job search platforms to aid in your search. Find what works best for you. Here are some resources to get you started*:
- Handshake
- Indeed
- Minnesota Works
- Minnesota State (Colleges and Universities)
- LinkedIn
- Major Employers in Willmar / Kandiyohi County
- Major Employers in Hutchinson / McLeod County
BE AWARE OF SCAMS: As you search for jobs, please be aware of potential job scams and how you can protect yourself. Do your research, trust your instincts, and reach out to someone you trust for help. Here is one resource that might help.
*This is not a comprehensive list of sites for a job search.
Resumes & Cover Letters
There are hundreds of resources dedicated to resume and cover letter preparation. Find what works best for you! Here are some resources to get you started:
- How to Write a Cover Letter (Video)
- Cover Letter Samples – Indeed
- Resume Samples – Indeed
- How to Make an easy Resume in Microsoft Word (Video)
- Ten Do’s and 10 Dont’s of Resume and Cover Letting Writing
Interview Preparation
Preparation is key! Different industries have unique approaches to job interviews, so research ahead of time and be ready. Most importantly, you know yourself best—confidently showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the job!
Here are some resources to get you started:
- 6 Interview Skills that Will Get You Hired
- How To Prepare for an Interview in 11 Steps
- The Job Interview (Department of Employment and Economic Development)
- Common interview questions
- “Soft Skills”: What are they and why are they so important?
- Behavioral interview questions
- Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce
- What to Wear to an Interview
Don’t forget to research the company and prepare questions to ask about them and the job for which you’re applying!