Resumes: Say what?

1. Resumes: Say what? Allison Birk Career Advisor Career Services Texas State University

2. What is a resume anyway? R eal E xperience S howcase U niquely M ade(for) E mployers

3. What is a resume used for? • College • Scholarship • Job • Student Organization • Internship Hint: You’ll be able to put all these items on your resume!

4. Resume Basics • Readability? • No smaller than 11pt font • Arialor Times New Roman • Proofread, prufread, proorfead! Avoid Personal Pronouns - No I’s, me’s, or my’s • Example: I am seeking a work-study position where I can use my leadership, communication and project management skills. • Instead: Seeking work-study position, utilizing leadership, communication...

5. Nice to meet you. I’m… • Include address, phone number and appropriate email address • Write a killer objective, or axe it • Your objective is to make their company better, faster and stronger using your skills. Your objective is really theirs • Summary provides a table of contents for busy employers who might only skim a resume.

6. Summary of Qualifications (Continued) • Elevator pitch: You’ve got 30 seconds—Go! Checklist: • Name • Major/ When you’re graduating • What position you’re interested in • What experience you have • Skills • Schedule meeting? • Thank you!

7. …and this is what I know • Include full title of degree and expected graduation date • GPA is optional • To include or not to include relevant course work?

8. Here’s what I’ve done.. • Experience = PAID or UNPAID! • Quantify experience where you can!

9. The ‘Dreaded’ Experience Section Effective resumes show resultsand accomplishments Good • Managed office • Taught chemistry to students • Managed farm Better • Managed office operations and staff of 12 • Taught gas laws to groups of high school students • Managed 50 head of cattle on a farm Best • Managed sales office operations and staff of 12 to record productivity • Facilitated cooperative learning in teaching gas laws to 25 high school students • Managed 50 head of cattle and balanced rations which enhanced milk production by 35 percent

10. This is what I’m involved in… • Include title (and make it descriptive!), organization and dates • Highlight leadership, volunteer work, school club and sports participation, etc.

11. Tips for a successful resume Tips to consider: • Print out Job Descriptions and tailor your resume • Focus on achievements, not just duties • Look up resume samples online • Talk it out with family and friends • Have someone else look at it!

12. Questions?

13. Interviews: Say what? • Before the interview: • Do your homework! • Two most common complaints of employers about interview preparation? • -Unfamiliar with company • -Uncertain of personal goals

14. Professional Presence • Have a firm handshake • Speak confidently • Make eye-contact • Business etiquette excludes gender • Exhibit a positive attitude • Dress professionally

15. During the Interview • Speak slowly and clearly, and don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts • Present key information in your background as it relates to the position • Reflect on your skills, qualities, experiences, and academic work

16. Don’t forget the ?’s • Limit to 3-5 questions • Script questions in advance • It’s okay to ask hard questions, but keep your questions positive and upbeat • Focus on the future, not the present or past • Remember, your questions tell the interviewer things about you – make sure you’re sending out positive vibes!

17. Closing the Interview • Make sure you’re clear on the next step. • Always get a business card • Leave like you came – big smile, firm handshake, thank them for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the job!

18. Follow Up! • As soon as you get home, send the interviewer a “thank you” letter. • Thank you letters can be handwritten or emailed. • Thank you letters do not have to be elaborate. • Keep it short and simple!

19. Many thanks! Allison Birk abirk@txstate.edu Career Services LBJ 5-7.1 512.245.2645 www.careerservices.txstate.edu