RESUMES. Your job search first impression.

Transcription

1 RESUMES Your job search first impression.

2 What is a resume? Brief and concise document that should effectively present and sell your most relevant and positive credentials for employment.

3 » An effective resume gets you an interview, not the job» If your resume has a typo or grammatical error, it will probably jump off the page to an employer» Your resume may be the only chance you get to make an impression, so make it a good one» The content of your resume must be clear, concise, and targeted to the type of job for which you are applying» Quiz: How much time does an employer typically spend reviewing your resume? 6 seconds (TheLadders.com)

4 Getting Started Step 1: Determine what you would like to do & how your past experience is related, giving special consideration to your skill sets Step 2: Write a rough draft listing everything in your past that could be relevant (work, class, RSO, volunteer, etc.) Step 3: Consolidate, reorganize, be careful not to repeat information

5 Guidelines» Present your qualities in the most positive and honest manner» Be consistent with format use space to allow skimming» Use short, concise phrases not sentences (begin with action verbs)» Include skills such as foreign languages, technical & computer skills, etc.

6 Guidelines» Try not to exceed 1 page 2 nd page should be filled with content, include name and page number as a header» Use consistent format Margins should be identical (.5 inch minimum) Allow space between categories & items within categories Headings or titles may be bolded, capitalized, italicized or underlined All headings should be the same style Choose a font with good highlighting characteristics and use point for content

7 Guidelines» Check for neatness & accuracy» Carefully check grammar and spelling» Verb tense should match» Desktop publishing appeal» Use standard 8 ½ x 11 white, bone, or light gray paper (28-32 lbs.) avoid textured paper

8 Guidelines» Do not include high school accomplishments unless they are related to your college experience.» Do not use personal pronouns» Do use action verbs to relate specific information

9 Contact Information Identification Name Street, City, State, Zip Phone Number Address (professional) Susan Day 1234 Grand Ave. Carbondale, Illinois

10 Career Objective A brief statement regarding the type of position you hope to obtain. Your statement should be clear, concise (10 words or less) and right to the point. All other information on the resume needs to support the objective. Career Objective Samples A Project Management position focusing on Program Development and Training An Arborist Advisor, focusing on tree health, care and maintenance A Greenhouse management position Turf-grass specialist

11 Education List most recent or highest degree first Include ALL post-secondary education For each entry, list Degree title Name and location of institution Date of completion Major and minor, if applicable Emphasis or specialization GPA(3.0/4.0) required for some majors Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois Bachelor of Science, May 2013 Major: Speech Communication Specialization: Public Relations GPA 3.7/4.0

12 Relevant Coursework» List only classes that are specific or unique to your major» Titles only!» 4-8 classes» Bulleted list Example: Business Economics Relevant Coursework Business Data Analysis Financial Accounting The Legal & Social Env Forecasting & Capital Budg more more more

13 Work Experience *Reverse Chronological Order* Job Title Dates (m/yr m/yr) Company Name, City, State List Major responsibilities Start with action verbs Be specific and include outcomes, accomplishments or results whenever possible Don t list every duty

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15 Skills Format» Create a heading e.g. Highlight of Qualifications or Relevant Skill Sets» List 2-4 skills in order of importance e.g. Management, Problem-solving, Communication Give examples of how you have demonstrated these skills, including your scope of responsibility and results, outcomes, accomplishments

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17 Types of Experience» Volunteer» Relevant» Additional» Teaching» Computer» Etc. Any experience must be in Reverse Chronological Order

18 Summary of Experience Additional Experience OR Volunteer Experience Job Title, Company, City, State, Month/yr-Month/yr Job Title, Company, City, State, Month/yr-Month/yr Job Title, Company, City, State, Month/yr-Month/yr Job Title, Company, City, State, Month/yr-Month/yr

19 Certifications/Licenses and Skills» Certification/License» Skills computer/technical foreign languages (include fluency level) laboratory skills equipment

20 Honors An honors and activities section might include the following: academic awards and scholarships membership in campus, national, or international organizations leadership positions held in campus, national, or international organizations university and community service positions Dean s list, President s list, Honor s Day recognition Don t forget the date of award or dates of involvement in an activity

21 Memberships and Achievements Memberships Social Academic Professional Achievements/Accomplishments Scholarships; service, athletic, or any nonacademic awards

22 Professional Development and References Professional Development workshops, seminars, or conferences References (separate sheet of paper) List the names, job title, employer, city/state, phone number and of three to five individuals Best to include your relationship to the reference and number of years associated

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25 Editing Tips Check print quality for bleed, jagged or crooked edges, and overall readability Run spell check, visually edit the resume Have 3 friends or family members review and edit Meet with a Career Services Specialist to have your resume critiqued

26 COVER LETTERS Who says they aren t important?

27 Purpose of a Cover Letter» Introduce your resume to the employer A cover letter should accompany each resume you send» Highlights your most significant qualities directly applicable to the position» Demonstrates your written communication skills

28 Writing the Cover Letter» Be aware of and understand the employer s needs and requirements. Read the job description!» Organize information and examples which demonstrate how your background, training, work experience, and abilities can meet those needs

29 Basic Principles» Research the employer s organization and personalize each letter Knowledge about company Interest in employer» Briefly highlight 1 or 2 most significant accomplishments or abilities to show you are an above average candidate

30 Basic Principles» Use a polite, formal style, which also demonstrates both self-confidence and respect for the employer Clear, objective, & persuasive» Be positive in the tone of personal descriptions & expectations Do not call attention to weaknesses, or cause uncertainty about your confidence or ability to do the job

31 Basic Principles» Use powerful action verbs Holds employer s interest Conveys energy & enthusiasm» Group similar items in paragraphs Organize paragraphs to relate logically Use strong topic sentences

32 Basic Principles» Close letter with a thank you for taking the time out of their day to review your credentials» State your plan to follow-up, when appropriate (phone or e- mail) within a couple of weeks or after the closing date

33 Format» 1 st Paragraph Explain why you are writing Identify the position and source of information Summarize your strongest qualities for the position using a series of strong phrases

34 Format» 2 nd Paragraph Outline your strongest qualifications in more detail and show how they match the position requirements (job description) Provide evidence of Related work Extracurricular activities Academic experience and accomplishments Refer to enclosed resume

35 Format» 3 rd Paragraph Optional (recommended) Convince the employer that you have the personal qualities and motivation to succeed Relate your interests and qualities to your knowledge of the company

36 Format» 4 th Paragraph Indicate how you can be contacted Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration Indicate your plans to follow-up.

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38 » DOs Cover Letter DOs Write to a specific person Send an original cover letter for each application Demonstrate that you know something about the organization Provide information that reflects the employer s interest (relate how you can meet their needs) Use powerful words

39 » DOs Cover Letter DOs Typed; not handwritten One page; use business letter style Realize the reader will view the cover letter as an example of your written communication skills

40 » DOs Cover Letter DOs Be honest and sincere Give an impression of modest confidence Make sure the letter is well organized and carefully worded Proofread and sign your letter

41 Cover Letter DON Ts» DON Ts Do not use a duplicated form letter Do not over use the pronoun I Do not repeat the same material detailed in your resume, but DO make reference to your resume Never use company stationary

42 Career Services» Information on careers» Career Exploration» Workshops/Seminars» Internship/Externship/ Co-Op Information» Career Fairs» Job Search Assistance» Delta Epsilon Iota» Salary & Employment Information» Saluki Recruiting» Resume Development/Critique» Interview Preparation» Mock Interviews» InterviewStream» On-Campus Interviews» Graduate School Information

43 Where can you find us? Career Services Student Services Building, Suite Appointments (Mon-Fri) or Walk-ins (Mon-Fri, 11 a.m. 2 p.m.)