Presented by: Heather Stocking St. Ambrose University 563.333.6339 www.sau.edu/cdc

1. Preparing For Your Future By Integrating Career Resources Presented by: Heather StockingSt. Ambrose University 563.333.6339www.sau.edu/cdc

2. Think of your resume as a… • Targeted summary of skills, qualifications, experiences, and achievements • Document used to track your accomplishments, network with others and obtain job interviews • Method for communicating your professional value to future employers

3. Where can you begin? Reflect on your skills, knowledge, and experience. Take out a piece of paper and jot down answers to the following 3 questions: • What makes you uniquely qualified for this position and for work in this industry? (even if you’re not currently applying you should find an interesting job description and practice tailoring your resume to it) • What skills do you have that would be useful to this employer? • What have you accomplished in school, internships, student orgs, or as a volunteer, etc. that you want to highlight? In a moment, we will look at how to incorporate these elements into your resume.

4. Consider highlighting these skills… • Organizational & Planning Skills • Teamwork Skills • Interpersonal & Communication Skills • Leadership Experience • Initiative • Attention to Detail • Adaptability

5. What do resumes look like? Resumes generally have this appearance and contain 3 broad categories of information. 1. Name & contact information 2. Education information 3. Descriptions of your experience, skills & accomplishments

6. A few technical logistics… • Use a Microsoft/Mac Word Doc to create your Resume, as templates are very difficult to change • Should use a 12 point font throughout EXCEPT for your header section (14 point); use no smaller size than 11 point font • Use a professional font such as Times New Roman or Arial • Top Margin: 0.8” or above • Bottom Margin: 0.6” or above • Left and Right Margins: 0.8” or above • DO NOT USE acronyms • Limit to one page! • List References on a separate page, NOT the bottom of your resume.

7. Create the education section Pleasant Valley High School, Bettendorf, IA Graduation: May 2012 GPA: 3.65/4.0 Other possible headings in the Education section include the following: Honors Courses: Relevant Courses: (e.g. a job that requires math skills, computer skills, communication skills, etc.) Languages: Sydney University, Sydney, Australia, Summer 2010 Coursework included Australia art, Australian politics and economics *When including your GPA, be sure to put the number out of 4.0 (example: 3.6/4.0) because some schools are on a 5 point system If you have completed any internships or summer programs, you can list those as well.

8. Tell them about your experience • This is the most important part of your resume • Start by making a list of these areas: • Employers and organizations where you’ve worked, volunteered, participated • Location of employer/org (City, State) • Your job/position title • Months/years worked • Duties & responsibilities • Accomplishments • Skills you gained • Projects you worked on If you only have 20 minutes to work on your resume, spend 15 of them working on the experience sections

9. Use bullet points, 3-5 is a general recommendation Play with fonts, italics, and bolding to make your title and the organization name stand out Start each statement with a strong action verb Highlight your accomplishments!! Be sure to write out abbreviations that others may not recognize

10. You can find lists of action verbs online. Try doing a Google search using ‘resume action verbs’.

11. Use creative headings to group your experiences This student could integrate more about the transferable skills she gained during these experiences. Remember not to be too focused on your duties; incorporate skills and accomplishments too. Example: “Honed decision-making skills and ability to multi-task while being responsible for 75+ children at bus stop” Quantify your experience when you can

12. Work Experience Volunteer Experience Extracurricular Activities Certifications, Licensure Community Service/Involvement Student Organizations Technical/Computer skills Be sure to include the activity, city/state, and date of each Narrow down these sections so only the most relevant activities are included You’re probably only going to include 2-4 of these headings. Ideas for headings

13. “References Available Upon Request” • Always, ALWAYS ASK someone to be a reference for you BEFORE you put their name down as a reference. • Create an additional page, separate from your resume, which lists your references and their contact information. • Put your SAME personal header at the top of that page in case it gets separated from the others. The header should exactly match the one on your resume. • You can send this list along with applications or wait until you’re asked for it. • Ask only those with whom you have a professional relationship (supervisors, teachers, coaches, etc) to serve as your reference (no family members).

14. Example format for your references Dr. John Deere, Ph.D. Assistant Professor St. Ambrose University (563) 555-5555 deerejohna@sau.edu

15. Check, check, check your resume! • Scan it! What jumps out at you? Is that the first thing you want employers to notice? • Read it! And have others proofread for errors, especially spelling. • Print it! Check margins, print type, font size, never email before printing it yourself. Use high quality white paper. • Revise it! Target your resume for every opportunity, generic resumes are less successful.

16. General Outline for a Cover Letter Applicant’s Name and Address Applicant’s Phone Number Date of Letter Employer’s Name and Title Address (use complete address) Salutation: (if possible, address it to a particular person by name) Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or type of work for which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or organization. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Middle Paragraph(s): Specify your reasons for desiring this type of work and how your personal traits and skills will be a good fit for this job. If you have had relevant work experience or related education, be sure to point it out, but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your letter of application as an example of your writing skills and your attention to detail. Closing Paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed resume (which give you a summary of your qualifications). Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for the interview. Sincerely,  (Signature) Your name typed

17. Job Listing • Read over once • Re-read and underline the characteristics, responsibilities they are looking for • Highlight requirements and where to send your application

18. Site Managers: Playgrounds/Tot Lot/Day Camp/ Sports & Games/ Coach Pitch Baseball & Softball • Responsible for working with the Program Manager in planning activities, serving in a leadership role with in the program, supervising field trips, special events, problem solving and interaction with the parents. Individuals should possess a level of knowledge normally acquired through completion of one year of college course work with an emphasis in Recreation, Education of closely related field. Starting hourly pay rate: $7.79

19. Site Managers: Playgrounds/Tot Lot/Day Camp/ Sports & Games/ Coach Pitch Baseball & Softball • Responsible for working with the Program Manager in planning activities, serving in a leadership role with in the program, supervising field trips, special events, problem solving and interaction with the parents. Individuals should possess a level of knowledge normally acquired through completion of one year of college course work with an emphasis in Recreation, Education of closely related field. Starting hourly pay rate: $7.79

20. Heather Stocking Pleasant Valley High School 604 Belmont Road Bettendorf, IA 52722 April 5, 2010 City of Bettendorf 123 State Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 To Whom It May Concern: It is with great enthusiasm that I would like to apply for the Site Managers: Playgrounds/Tot Lot/Day Camp/ Sports & Games/ Coach Pitch Baseball & Softball position that was advertised on the City of Bettendorf website. After reading the position description, I feel that my education and experience fit well with the qualifications for this position. While in high school, I have gained many of the skills required for this position such as planning activities and serving in a leadership role for various class projects. While working as a babysitter I have had to supervise children, problem solve and interact with the parents on a regular basis. I have also participated in the summer camps that City of Bettendorf offers, so I know what to expect. I have enclosed my resume for your review.  I would like to discuss this opportunity with you in more detail.  My phone number is 319-255-4351 and my email address is stockingheather@gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Heather Stocking

21. Interview Techniques

22. Grooming First Impressions Count Make sure the product you are selling is poised and polished. Clean, well groomed hair Well manicured nails, not too long and neutral colors Minimal cologne or perfume No eating or chewing gum

23. Professional Dress for Interviewing Men Dress Pants White or light colored pressed, long-sleeved shirt Ties – striped or small patterns, no loud colors

24. Professional Interviewing Dress Women Pressed pants or professional skirt (NO mini-skirts) Nice top/blouse (NO cleavage) Accessories should be simple and understated Flip flops are considered unprofessional by potential employers Cosmetics Remember: Cute is NOT always Professional

25. First Impression Introduce yourself—greeting, name(“Hi. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Megan Smith.”) Make eye contact Project an attitude of confidence (but not arrogance)

26. Organization – Know yourself Assets Accomplishments Strengths/Weaknesses Goal/Objectives Expectations

27. Preparation Continued Practice sample responses to interview questions Research the company Be prepared if they say, “Do you have any questions for me?”

28. Interview Principles • Listen to the question and be sure you understand the nature of the question • Take time to think through your response • Use positive information to answer each question • Reinforce your skills and abilities during the interview and how they can be put to productive use for the employer

29. Be a STAR! Situation - Task - Action - Result • Utilize specific references highlighting marketable skills • Prepare “stories” in advance • Provide concise and descriptive examples

30. Demonstrate/Communicate Discuss ways you can contribute to the organization Watch for cues and feedback from the interviewer Ask questions focusing on their needs and what you can offer to meet them Show interest • Do not ramble • Answers should be complete, clear, concise and true • Give concrete examples of your strengths • Be specific • Ask for clarification

31. Created for the Career Center by: Heather Stocking – Career Counselor