Hart Career Center Guidelines for

Ethical and Professional Internship and Job Searching

The Hart Career Center at Illinois Wesleyan University provides information, resources, and support as you explore and apply for internships and jobs. It is important that you conduct yourself in a professional, ethical, and socially responsible manner. These guidelines are to inform you and assist you in this process.

Honesty and Integrity

As a candidate you must provide accurate information about yourself, your skills, and your experiences as you pursue internships and jobs. You may not inflate or exaggerate your abilities.

Professional Conduct

As a candidate you must communicate in a professional manner, be courteous and respectful in your interactions with others, in writing, in person, via phone or email.

To that end, we ask that you read and sign the contract below:

I will respond to all calls and emails from employers in a timely manner (24-48 hours), even if I have already accepted a position with another organization.

I will attend all interviews, (practice interviews or otherwise) that I have scheduled. If I must cancel, I will do so more than 2 business days prior to the interview. If I cancel less than 2 business days prior to the interview, I understand that I will lose the privilege of using the Hart Career Center’s Titan CareerLink system.

I will be punctual and come prepared and dressed appropriately to all interviews and career-related events.

I will accept any offer of employment in the appropriate manner; by making a phone call to accept and following up by sending an acceptance letter. (This can be sent via email. See the Career Guide for assistance.)

After I have accepted an offer of a job or internship, I will withdraw from all other job/internship search activities. I will contact all other companies or organization to withdraw my application. I understand that once I have accepted a job offer, verbally or in writing, I have ethically committed to that job. I acknowledge that it is unethical to break my promise on an offer that I have accepted.

I will decline offers of employment or withdraw my application in an appropriate manner; by contacting the employer by phone and also following up by sending a letter via email or mail.

I will monitor my online social networking sites, online photos, and blogs to ensure that information that is publically available does not contain inappropriate or unprofessional information about me or my activities.

Consequences of Improper Behavior:

I acknowledge that the Hart Career Center works to build relationships with employers for my benefit and for the benefit of all Illinois Wesleyan students. The behavior of each IWU student is a direct reflection on Illinois Wesleyan and the Hart Career Center. I understand that the consequences of improper behavior and failure to adhere to this contract may result in the following:

I will need to meet with the Director of the Hart Career Center to discuss the situation.

I may be removed from the Titan CareerLink job/internship system.

I may be suspended from using any services provided by the Hart Career Center.

I have read the above contract and my signature verifies my knowledge and agreement to abide by the above terms.

Signature Date