All candidates take a math verification test when applying for a position.

We’ve got you covered with a practice test that you can take as many times as needed!

Use of a calculator for the practice test is encouraged.

Brand yourself in a unique way with a stellar resume that stands out. This piece of paper should show off your skills in a professional yet exciting way.

“I don’t have any work experience related to this job at all. What should I put on my resume?” These might have been questions you asked yourself especially if you’re making a career change or a freshman in college. No need to fret! In this article, we’ll talk about what you can add and what you should not put on your resume. 

Before applying to any position, it is best to tailor each copy of your resume to each role. If you are interested in more than one role, simply using the same resume won’t make you stand out against other candidates. As such, it is important to highlight your accomplishments most relevant to the role you want the most.

For some general advice, here are some Do’s and Don’ts to put on your resume:

DO Include:

• Education information
• Portfolio links (Github, LinkedIn, blog, personal website)
• Hard skills (languages, software programs)
• Awards, Certifications
• Extracurricular activities (personal side projects, volunteer work)

DON’T Include:

• High School information
• Objective statements
• References
• Different and conflicting font styles
• Funky format

We don’t recommend to include your high school information unless you’re a freshman in college/accredited degree program. If you don’t have enough direct work experience, add relevant class projects or any extracurricular activities that you have done. For instance, tutoring others, making self-made videos, or participating in hackathons.

If you don’t have enough direct work experience, add relevant class projects or any extracurricular activities that you have done. For instance, tutoring, making self-made videos, or participating in hackathons. 

 

List out any work that you have done to show your technical skills. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, add links to your blog or video channel. If it is for a software development position, add your Github profile or websites that you have made. Take keywords from the job description and look up active verbs that are relevant to the role. 

 

Be specific about your accomplishments. Saying that you are “organized” or “a team player who works well in a group” doesn’t mean that you are. These phrases are subjective and can be measured differently by each person. Instead, list out factual, hard things that you have attained or are currently learning. Don’t forget to quantify your results, too. 

 

Another thing you do not need is the objective statement. We already know which position you are applying for and you “want to gain experience.” Also, list everything on one page, no more than two unless you have 10+ years of experience. You do not need to include references either. This will help make it easier for the interviewers to review your resume without scrolling too much. 

 

Overall, do not just have one resume to apply to every role. A tip you can use is to have one universal resume and make different versions for each role you’re applying for. This is especially true if you’re applying for more than one position for the same company. Try limiting your options to 3 positions at most that you like. Gather opinions from other people, too, even if you are not looking for a job. Lastly, be passionate about the role itself. We want you to like the nature of your job and make it into a career where you can grow in. 

 

That’s it, good luck! If you have any questions, please email us at recruiting@hcss.com.

So you passed that phone interview. The next steps are the onsite (in-person) interviews! Here are some general steps that you should take before coming to see us:

1. Analyze the job description

         Before you apply to that position, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Do not assume that all jobs with the same title are similar. Read the job duties and requirements carefully. It’s fine if you do not have any related work experience but you need to think realistically if you can do it with the right training and resources. Think from the employer’s perspective. Would you consider yourself a fit for this role? 

2. Align yourself with the role 

     List out your top 10 assets and skills. They could be languages, software programs you have used, awards and certifications you have earned from school or work. If you do not have much hard skills, write down your best soft skills. Whatever defines you the best. Know yourself first before anything else. 

3. Research the company 

         This is a must. Some things to search up: their history, products and/or services, departments, and the interviewers. Check how much of the company’s values align with yours. You can easily find all this info on their website. You could also read online reviews to get an idea about their culture. That way, you have something you can talk about to start a conversation. 

4. Tailor your resume 

         It’s important to tailor your resume towards each role you apply for. One tip you can use is to grab keywords from the job description and include them in your resume. The more specific you are, the better. 

5. Practice, practice, practice 

         To help you practice for the real thing, do some mock interviews with your friends, family members, career counselor, people in the actual field that you’re applying for, etc. Get opinions about how people would view you as a professional. Trial and error is the best way to learn from your mistakes and improve after all. 

6. Dress appropriately 

        Your attire should be business professional even if the company’s culture is casual. Do not speak informally to the interviewers, even if you know them. How you act outside work is none of our concern but do not show it at your potential workplace. 

7. Things to bring 

         Depending on the position, bring a few copies of your resume, and documents such as a portfolio or a Github project on your laptop. We like seeing physical work from candidates. It shows your technical skills. Just make sure that you know all the aspects of the work you’re showing. Do not bring something or talk about a project that you did half-heartedly. 

8. Get all the logistics 

         Do not be that person who gets lost and is late to the interview. If you can’t make it, let the recruiter know ASAP. Get the address and parking information from the recruiter beforehand. Print a few copies of your resume or email the recruiter an updated one. Remember that you are trying to make a good first impression so put in the effort to prepare for every risk. 

9. Close out the interview

Wrap up by asking the interviewers questions. You can ask them about how they joined the organization, what made them stay, what do they enjoy, etc. Be genuine about asking them, not just to take up the time. It shows that you are motivated to join us and that you did your research about the company. 

10. Follow up 

         After the interviews are done, ask for the interviewer’s business card or contact info, so you can thank them later through an email or handwritten letter. Ask the recruiter how long you should hear back from them as well. If for some reason you did not receive an update in one business week, contact them to know where your application stands. 

Now off you go to ace your interviews! Good luck and if you have any questions or concerns, you can always reach out to us at recruiting@hcss.com 

Questions about what to expect? We want your candidate journey to be smooth and simple. Check out our answers to frequently asked questions.

General FAQs:

How long does an internship last?

• • It depends when you are hired. For instance, if you are a year-round intern, you would work at least one semester (Fall or Spring). If you’re a summer intern, then you would work at least 11 weeks.

How many hours can I work as an intern? 

• • During the Fall/Spring semester, you can only work up to 25 hours a week. For major school breaks, such as winter break or summer break, you can work full-time up to 40 hours a week. Overtime is not allowed. 

How much do you pay your interns?

• • We pay per hour and it depends on the position. You can discuss with the recruiter once you reach the interview stage. 

Do you provide housing? If not, can I work remotely?

• • No, we do not provide housing or any relocation assistance. You can’t work remotely either. You must be able to commute to our office on your own means of transportation. The HCSS campus is located in Sugar Land, Texas.

 

Qualifications for an Internship:

Who is qualified for an internship?

• • During the internship period, you must be enrolled in an accredited degree program or college. If you are less than 3 months away from graduating, we recommend applying for our full-time positions instead. 

Can graduate students apply?

• • Yes. Even if you are only taking evening classes, your hours are still limited to 25 hours a week during the Fall/Spring semester. You can work full-time (up to 40 hours a week during the summer, spring, or winter breaks. 

Is there a minimum GPA to apply?

• • Not really. If you have a low GPA of <2.5, we recommend not to put it on your resume. However, we may ask you about it during the interviews. 

Can I get school credit for my internship?

• • Yes, as long as your work is relevant and get the school’s approval. We will help fill out your paperwork.

 

Interviewing for an Internship:

What should I wear? 

• • Wear business professional clothing during the interview process. Once you start working, you can dress more casually. 

What should I bring? 

• • Depending on the position, we recommend to bring a laptop with your work saved in a hard drive or a portfolio of printed materials. 

Can I apply to more than one position if I’m not sure which one I want?

• • Yes, you may. However, we recommend to tailor your resume towards each position you apply for and make sure it aligns with your career interests.

 

During your Internship:

How big of a team do I work with? 

• • Teams vary from 3-10 people since you will work with cross-functional teams. You will work closely under a full-time employee at least. 

How do I get feedback on my performance during the internship? 

• • You will regular feedback from not only your supervisor or manager but your peers as well. Generally, you will check in with your supervisor every week or two. 

Are interns offered an opportunity to join full-time?

• • It is not guaranteed for each intern. Opportunities are given depending on your performance, the team’s needs, and your manager’s approval. If everything checks out, the HR team will set up the Executive Interviews.