It s About the Skills: Resumes for International Students

It s About the Skills: Resumes for International Students

It s a marketing piece! It s always in draft. Resume Basics Its job (along with the cover letter) is to get you to an interview! This information should guide your choice of style, format, categories, and the information you choose to include

Styles Chronological Most common Easy for employers to read Lists jobs and experiences in reverse chronological order

Categories to Consider Contact Info: Use of your English name Education GPA 3.5 or higher Experience- Individual contributions Professional Development Leadership Community Service Activities and Interests Student Organizations and Memberships Professional Memberships Skills Languages Research What else???

What skills do employers want? Written and verbal communication Honesty and Integrity Interpersonal Skills Motivation and Initiative Strong Work Ethic Teamwork Skills Computer Skills Analytical Skills Flexibility Attention to detail -from NACE Job Outlook Survey

Leave on or Take off? Photo Family Affiliation 3.6 GPA I created My club. We developed. Membership in the Catamount Dance Crew International permanent address Fluent in English High school

Generic International Student Entry Work Experience: Hospitality Internship Burtenbach Hotel, Burtenbach, Germany 01/11-05/11 Assisted in making reservations for 300-room, full-service hotel Managed guest check-in/check-out, regularly up -selling guest rooms during the arrival process Resolved guest issues and consistently followed-up to ensure guest satisfaction Prepared, managed, and served Buffet Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, and Evening Cocktails in Club Lounge

Look at Sample Resumes What do you like? What do you notice and think should change? What questions do you have?

The Take Away Being an international student demonstrates MANY of the skills employers value; your skills will transfer to so many work environments! Go beyond the basics job descriptions and quantify and describe the specific contributions YOU have made. Think about how to communicate what you have done and what you know so that the reader can grasp the level of responsibility and skills involved in your work

REMEMBER WHAT YOU BRING Knowledge of markets, cultures, business practices outside the US Contribute to a diverse workforce New Perspective Adaptability Each individual has their own skill set

Part 1: Introduction Paragraph The first paragraph introduces you, identifies main areas of your qualifications, sets the stage to discuss in greater detail your skills and qualifications (2-4 sentences). Name the position you would like to apply for and how you learned about the position or company. Why do you want this position? Why do you want to work for this company? Why are you uniquely suited for the position?

Part 2: Body Paragraph The body of the letter discusses your experience as it relates to the position and describes how you are qualified (5-10 sentences, perhaps 2 paragraphs). Describe your unique skills. Discuss what qualifies you for this position using specific examples. Tailor your experiences to the position. Promote yourself, your experience, your understanding of the position and your desire to work for this company. One way to do this is to connect to the company's mission statement.

Part 3: Closing Paragraph Reiterate your interest in a position with this company. Provide contact information where they can reach you. State when you are available. Ask for a further contact. Thank them for their time and consideration. Sign your name in pen above your typed name (if you are sending a paper document). Add enclosure for your resume or attach resume to e-mail.

Sample 111 North Willard St. Burlington, VT 05405 September 17, 2013 Date Your address Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Attn: Human Resources Department PO Box 199 Winooski, VT 05404 Dear Search Committee: colon Employer address I am writing to express my interest in the position of Assistant Loan Processor at VSAC. A career counselor at the University of Vermont brought this position to my attention. I am a recent graduate of the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. I am very interested in pursuing a career in either loan analysis or research. My experiences with both finance and education have led me to place great value in the field of educational lending and assistance. As a sociology student, I have developed skills in analyzing and interpreting research data. My responsibilities as a teaching assistant included performing, editing, and interpreting the results of statistical analysis. Further duties in data processing of departmental evaluations have given me excellent compilation and organizational skills, as well as an analytic approach. As an employee at Northfield Savings Bank, I have gained solid experience with finance, money management, and have outstanding customer service skills. Furthermore, I have the ability to adapt and work with many diverse groups of people in a variety of situations. Also, as a former college student, I understand the financial needs of individuals as well as the system of higher education. As someone new to the workforce, I would like my career to have purpose and meaning and I see the mission of VSAC as providing that purpose and meaning. Enclosed please find my resume which further details my work experience and education. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you in person about this position. Please contact me regarding any questions at 802-555-0000 or by email at thayes@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thomas Hayes

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