Karissa Chabot-Purchase

Assistant Director, Career Services Network

James Madison College
Interest Area Career Advising: Education and Public Services; Social and Cultural Studies

All Posts

How Can I Build a Winning Cover Letter for a Student Job?

Milinda from New Mexico State University asks:

“What would be an example of a good cover letter for a student job?”

Thanks for your question, Milinda.  Writing a cover letter for a student job is no different than for a …

By The Campus Career Coach
The Campus Career Coach | Real-world career advice for students.
Read more

Using the STAR Technique to Answer Interview Questions

Behavioral interview questions—the ones that usually start with “Tell me about a time when…”—can often be the hardest to answer. You have to recall a relevant experience and explain what happened in a way that shows you’re well-suited for the …

Read more

Say My Name | Why Pronouncing Names Correctly is Important

Most people would agree that names matter. At the most basic level, they serve as important identifiers. We introduce ourselves with them. We even choose new ones because they are more aligned with our identities.

Given their elemental importance, it …

Read more

Is a National Service Year for You? Tips from an AmeriCorps Alum

Are you in the midst of earning a degree, but unsure about the career direction you want to take after graduation? Or are you looking to make a change from your current day-to-day? Then a national service year might be …

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Read more

5 Lessons I Needed to Learn About Job Searching as a Disabled Person

Once upon a time, I was a newly crowned master of journalism who used to roll out of bed mid-afternoon, brush my hair, and eat something before I settled in for my “day.” By “day” I mean I’d check in …

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase Assistant Director, Career Services Network
Read more

What It’s Like Living and Working With a Chronic Illness

It’s 6 AM and your alarm is going off. You hit the snooze button, hoping for a few more minutes of sleep before you drag yourself out of bed. This is a morning routine most people are familiar with. But …

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase Assistant Director, Career Services Network
Read more

7 Ways to Address Your Cover Letter That Aren’t “To Whom It May Concern”

To Whom It May Concern: I am applying for this job I found at this company that I spent so little time researching I can’t quite remember what role is open and I’m not positive I know the name of …

By Karissa Chabot-Purchase
Karissa Chabot-Purchase Assistant Director, Career Services Network
Read more