Presentation Transcript

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 then 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