Charting Your Way to Career Success

1. Charting Your Way to Career Success Résumé Writing and Interviewing

2. Objectives of a Résumé • Markets you to prospective employers • communicates your skills/ accomplishments • Serves as roadmap of your skills and abilities You only have one chance to make a first impression!

3. Chronological • JOANNE MILLS • 7312 Parkway Drive, Reno, Nevada • (775) 787-0000 • jmills@yahoo.com • OBJECTIVE: Obtain a position in electrical engineering in the Reno area • EDUCATION: Fundamentals of Engineering Exam October 2010Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering May 2011 • Minor in Computer Science University of Nevada, Reno • TECHNICAL SKILLS & AutoCAD Matlab • COURSEWORK ESOF P-CAD 200 C++ JavaScript • Novell 3.12, 4.0 Microsoft NT 4.0 • RELATED WORK Senior Electrical Engineer Intern 2010 –2011 • HISTORY Lights & Security Engineering, Inc. - Sparks, Nevada • Researched costs and implemented design of power supplies, lighting and security systems. • Analyzed and defined system/software development and integration. • Test Engineer Intern Fall 2009 • Reno Gas & Electric - Reno, Nevada • Introduced and implemented new testing procedures currently practiced in ten field offices. • AFFILIATIONS:President SWE, May • UNR Student Chapter

4. Basic Components of a Résumé • Heading • Objective • Education • Experience (includes F/T, P/T, Internships, Volunteer) • Professional Development

5. KATHY SMITH 18 Pleasant Avenue 775-555-1111 Reno, Nevada 89000 gsmith@yahoo.com Heading • Purpose • Provides your name and contact information KATHY SMITH 18 Pleasant Avenue Reno, Nevada 89000 775-555-1111 gsmith@yahoo.com

6. Objective Purpose Precisely states for what kind of job you will be applying: • ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING - A position in electrical engineering at the technician/integration level. • APPRAISER - Registered appraiser seeking an internship with a progressive appraisal service that will provide opportunities to further develop appraisal skills and expand real estate knowledge. • CUSTOMER SERVICE - A customer service position in the airline industry, preferably in the Chicago area. - Rather Than - To obtain a full-time position with a growing company that will provide me with opportunities to use my education and experience…..

7. Education Purpose Lists all formal education, credentials, certification, licenses you have earned • List highest degree first • List type of degree, major, college name, and date awarded • GPA? • Which comes first: the degree, the school? • School First University of Nevada, Reno Bachelor of Science (Chemical Engineering) Dec. 2012 • Degree First Bachelor of Science (Chemical Engineering) Dec. 2012 University of Nevada, Reno • Omit high school Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering

8. Experience Purpose Communicate previous work experience that is evidence of the knowledge, skills and accomplishments relevant to the position for which you are applying

9. Experience Format Position/title Company and location • Duties/responsibilities/accomplishments • Duties/responsibilities/accomplishments • Duties/responsibilities/accomplishments • Dates

10. Action Verb Quantifier Detail-oriented and includes specific information such as numbers and percentages Qualifier Answers the “who, what, where, when, why, and how,” of the action verb Result Focuses on accomplishments. If no result is appropriate, then describe the work environment, such as “a busy retail store.” Implemented three new engineering approaches to problem identification and achieved a defect density rating of 1.9 when the industry standard is 1.4 and perfection is 2.0 Experience Developing Bullet Statements: Four elements of a bullet statement

11. Experience When? Year 2013 Years 2010 to 2012 Month & Year August 2012 – November 2012 Semester Academic Year 2012-2013 Season Summer 2012 Avoid using just numbers 6/12 - 11/12

12. Experience Example: Bently GE Nevada, Minden, Nevada Fall 2012 Engineering Intern • Implemented an engineering approach to problem identification and achieved a defect density rating of 1.9 when the industry standard is 1.4 and perfection is 2.0 -OR- Engineering Intern Fall 2012 Bently GE Nevada, Minden, Nevada • Implemented an engineering approach to problem identification and achieved a defect density rating of 1.9 when the industry standard is 1.4 and perfection is 2.0

13. Professional Development • Computer programs and skills • Professional society memberships • Publications • Design projects • Volunteer work

14. No Mistakes!!! Paper Originals One page One sided Margins (min. 1 inch) Alignment (consistency) Justification Type face (Verdana, Arial, Times New Roman) Font size (10 - 12) Horizontal and vertical lines Underlining and italics Bold Capitalization Graphics and pictures Use of bullets Staples and folding Scannable and uploading formats Preparing a draft résumé using appropriate elements, components and formatting

15. Resources to assist with future résumé writing • Rock Port Institute • CN Job Web • NVCIS • Career Development Office • Library (ref. section) • Riley’s Guide • Damn Good Résumé • Job Boards • Career Fairs • Workshops • Reference Lists Provided

16. Interviewing

17. Types of Interviews Two main types: • Screening • typically short (30 min.) • phone call • basis for second interview • Selection • longer (1 hr. - all day) • on site • series of meetings

18. Interview Strategies • Believe you have a right to be happy in your work and get the job you want. • Face it and embrace it: They want someone who can increase profits and cut costs. • Concentrate on one thing: getting the job! • Arm yourself with information about yourself, the company and the job. You must do some research before the interview!

19. Interview Strategies • Interpret and identify each phase of the interview, so you know when to do what. - Before - During - After • Anticipate the questions and their intent, then plan your answers • Prepare questions to ask - show knowledge

20. Before the Interview • Know time and place • Arrive early • Know names and title of interviewers • Bring nice pen and paper • Bring several copies of resume

21. During the Interview:Non-Verbal Communication First Impressions: • Dress professionally • Firm handshake • Eye contact • Watch gestures, habits, posture • Exhibit energy and enthusiasm • Have a positive attitude • Listen

22. Be verbal--not too Be articulate Pause and think before you answer Get to the point - don’t babble Be honest Be yourself Avoid general or vague statements Sell yourself -know strengths - Know accomplishments Don’t bring up salary or benefits Show that you want the job During the Interview: Verbal Communication

23. During the Interview:Most Common Questions • Tell me about yourself? • What are your strengths? • What are your weaknesses? • What are your long-range goals? • Why do you want to work for us? • What do you know about our company? • Why should we hire you? • What questions do you have for us?

24. During the Interview:Behavior-Based Interviews • Assumes that your past behavior is the best predictor of future performance: • Not just telling that you “can” do a good job • Tells if you “will” do a good job • Questions developed around traits and skills necessary for success in the position • Draws a verbal picture through examples from your past

25. During the Interview:Categories Probed in Behavioral Interviewing • Decision Making and Problem Solving • Leadership • Motivation - Career Focus • Communication • Interpersonal Skills • Planning and Organization • Working on Teams

26. During the Interview:Examples of Behavioral Questions • Tell me about the last time you made a decision that backfired. • Tell me about a time that you planned a and implemented a project.

27. Is there a reason why you would not hire me? As an employee, how could I exceed your expectations? How could I help your company meets its goals? What excites you about coming into work? My research shows that…… can you expand? What are the long range plans for the company - new projects? During the Interview:Do you have any questions?

28. During the Interview:Answering Questions -The Kiss of Death Lying Bluffing Having a negative attitude Blaming others for your failure Complaining about previous employers/professors Being artificial or over confident Being gushy and ingratiating

29. During the Interview:How to Close an Interview and Follow Up • Can I clarify or add any details? • I believe I am the best person for the position! • I am really excited about the position! • What is the hiring process - next step?

30. After the interview • Make notes - evaluate your performance - follow up on holes • Write a thank you note within 24 hours • Call about five days after they say they will have a decision

31. Not prepared for interview - no research Ill defined purposes and goals Poor communication skills - rambles Little interest - bland Unrealistic - expect too much too soon Makes excuses - hedges on weak points No confidence Overbearing - conceited Poor appearance Little depth to questions asked Employer doesn’t get to know you Reasons candidates get rejected!

32. Questions?