Your Work-related Values: What is Important for You?

Salary

Job Security

Autonomy

Location/Commuting time

Recognition

Other Fringe Benefits

Power

Professional Challenge

Variety

Flexibility

Prestige

Your Leadership Role

Making a Contribution

Professional Development

Relationship with Co-Workers

Opportunities for Advancement

Work-Life Balance

High Degree of Competition

Low Level of Pressure

Integrity

Predictability

Teamwork

Relationship with supervisor

Opportunity for Travel

Helping Society

Other -      

Other -      

Short-term Career Goals

1) Position       ______________________________

2) Sector / Field       __________________________

3) Public or Private      ________________________

4) Organization(s)       _________________________

5) Salary       ________________________________

6) Work Environment       _______________________

7) Education Required       ______________________

8) Experience Required       _____________________

___________________________________________________

9) Barriers to Entry       __________________________

10) Overcoming Barriers       _____________________

11) Next Steps

A       _________________________________________

B       _________________________________________

C       _________________________________________

Long-term Career Goals

1) Position       ___________________________________

2) Sector / Field       _______________________________

3) Public or Private       _____________________________

4) Organization (s)       _____________________________

5) Salary       ____________________________________

6) Work Environment       ___________________________

________________________________________________

7) Education Required       ___________________________

8) Experience Required       __________________________

_____________________________________________________

9) Barriers to Entry       _____________________________

_____________________________________________________

10) Overcoming Barriers       __________________________

_____________________________________________________

11) Next Steps

A       _________________________________________

B       _________________________________________

C       _________________________________________

Resume Do's and Don'ts____________________________________

by Katharine Hansen Do consider a bulleted style to make your resume as reader-friendly as possible. Don't get overwrought about the old “one-page resume rule.” It’s good to keep your

resume to one page, if possible, but if you have a lot of experience, two pages may be more appropriate. If your resume spills beyond one page, but you have less than a half a page of material for the second page, it may be best to condense to one page.

But don't go beyond two pages with your resume. Do consider a resume design that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Many jobseekers

use Microsoft Word resume templates and wizards. There’s nothing wrong with them, per se, but your resume won’t look distinctive if you use one; it will look like the resume of everyone else who used a Word template. These templates and wizards can also be a bit inflexible to work with.

Don't use justified text blocks; they put odd little spaces between words. Instead, make your type flush left.

Don't ever lie on your resume. Do include as much contact information as possible -- any information that would enable

an employer to reach you during business hours. Do give your resume as sharp a focus as possible. Given that employers screen resumes

for between 2.5 and 20 seconds, you need a way to show the employer at a glance what you want to do and what you're good at. One way to sharpen your focus is through an objective statement. The objective statement can be very simple and straightforward; it can be simply the title of the position you're applying for, which can be adjusted for every job you apply for. Or you can embellish the Objective statement a bit with language telling how you'll benefit the employer. Something like: "Objective: To contribute strong ________ skills and experience to your firm in a _________ capacity."

Do consider a section such as "Summary of Qualifications," or "Profile," which can also help sharpen your focus.

Don't discount the possibility of a functional format for your resume. This format can be strategic for career changers, students and others who lack experience, those with gaps in their employment, as well as those re-entering the workforce. A functional resume is organized around functional skills clusters. After listing three to four skills clusters and showing how you've demonstrated those skills, you provide a bare-bones work history at the bottom.

Don't use personal pronouns (I, my, me) in a resume. Do list your job information in order of importance to the reader. In listing your jobs,

what's generally most important is your title/position. So list in this preferred order: Title/position, name of employer, city/state of employer, dates of employment.

Don't leave out the locations of your past jobs (city and state). This information is expected, but many jobseekers unwittingly omit it.

Do list your jobs in reverse chronological order. Don't mix noun and verb phrases when describing your jobs. Preferably, use concrete

action verbs consistently. Do avoid the verb, "Work" because it's a weak verb. Everyone works. Be more specific.

"Collaborate(d)" is often a good substitute.

Do think in terms of accomplishments when preparing your resume. Accomplishments are so much more meaningful to prospective employers than run-of-the-mill litanies of job responsibilities.

Don't use expressions like "Duties included," "Responsibilities included," or "Responsible for." That's job-description language, not accomplishments-oriented resume language that sells.

Do emphasize transferable skills, especially if you don’t have much experience or seek to change careers.

Do quantify whenever possible. Use numbers to tell employers how many people you supervised, by what percentage you increased sales, how many products you represented, etc.

Don't list too much experience on your resume. The rule of thumb for someone with many years of experience is to list about 15 years worth of jobs. Age discrimination, unfortunately, is a reality, and even more likely, employers may think you're too expensive if you list too much experience on your resume.

Don't emphasize skills and job activities you don’t want to do in the future, even if they represent great strengths for you. In fact, you may not even want to mention these activities. Why describe how great your clerical skills are if you don't want to do clerical work in the future?

Do remember that education also follows the principle about presenting information in the order of importance to the reader; thus the preferred order for listing your education is: Name of degree (spelled out: Bachelor of ________ ) in name of major, name of university, city/state of university, graduation year (unless you graduated more than about 15 years ago), followed by peripheral information, such as minor and GPA. If you haven’t graduated yet, list your grad year anyway. Simply by virtue of the fact that the date's in the future, the employer will know you don't have the degree yet.

Don't list high school! Don't include on your resume your height, weight, age, date of birth, place of birth,

marital status, sex, ethnicity/race, health, social security number (except on an international resume), reasons for leaving previous job(s), names of former supervisors, specific street addresses or phone numbers of former employers, picture of yourself, salary information, the title "Resume," or any information that could be perceived as controversial, such as religion, church affiliations, or political affiliations.

Don't include hobbies or other irrelevant information on a resume. In most cases, they are seen as superfluous and trivial. An argument can be made that hobbies are interview conversation starters or that they make you seem well-rounded, but they are generally seen as fluff or filler.

Do, however, list sports if you’re a college student or new grad. Many employers specifically seek out athletes because of their drive and competitiveness, as well as teamwork and leadership skills. Collegiate athletes should even consider listing their sports background in the Experience section.

Don't list references right on your resume. References belong in a later stage of the job search. Keep references on a separate sheet and provide them only when they are specifically requested.

Do realize that the phrase "References available upon request" is highly optional because it is a given that you will provide references upon request. If you couldn't, you would have no business looking for a job. The line can serve the purpose of signaling: "This is the end of my resume," but if you are trying to conserve space, leave it off.

Do proofread carefully. Misspellings and typos are deadly on a resume.

ACTION VERBS for RESUMES

Communication/People Skills

AddressedAdvertisedArbitratedArrangedArticulatedAuthoredClarifiedCollaboratedCommunicatedComposedCondensedConferredConsultedContactedConveyedConvincedCorresponded

DebatedDefinedDevelopedDirectedDiscussedDraftedEditedElicitedEnlistedExplainedExpressedFormulatedFurnishedIncorporatedInfluencedInteractedInterpreted

InterviewedInvolvedJoinedJudgedLecturedListenedMarketedMediatedModeratedNegotiatedObservedOutlinedParticipatedPersuadedPresentedPromotedProposed

PublicizedReconciledRecruitedReferredReinforcedReportedResolvedRespondedSolicitedSpecifiedSpokeSuggestedSummarizedSynthesizedTranslatedWrote

Creative Skills

ActedAdaptedBeganCombinedComposedConceptualizedCondensedCreatedCustomized

DesignedDevelopedDirectedDisplayedDrewEntertainedEstablishedFashionedFormulated

FoundedIllustratedInitiatedInstitutedIntegratedIntroducedInventedModeledModified

OriginatedPerformedPhotographedPlannedRevisedRevitalizedShapedSolved

Data/Financial Skills

AdministeredAdjustedAllocatedAnalyzedAppraisedAssessedAuditedBalanced

BudgetedCalculatedComputedConservedCorrectedDeterminedDevelopedEstimated

ForecastedManagedMarketedMeasuredNettedPlannedPreparedProgrammed

ProjectedQualifiedReconciledReducedResearchedRetrieved

Helping Skills

AdaptedAdvocatedAidedAnsweredArrangedAssessedAssistedClarifiedCoached

CollaboratedContributedCooperatedCounseledDemonstratedDiagnosedEducatedEncouragedEnsured

ExpeditedFacilitatedFamiliarizedFurtheredGuidedHelpedInsuredIntervenedMotivated

PreventedProvidedReferredRehabilitatedRepresentedResolvedSimplifiedSuppliedSupportedVolunteered

Management/Leadership Skills

AdministeredAnalyzedAppointedApprovedAssignedAttainedAuthorizedChairedConsideredConsolidatedContractedControlledConvertedCoordinatedDecided

DelegatedDevelopedDirectedEliminatedEmphasizedEnforcedEnhancedEstablishedExecutedGeneratedHandledHeadedHiredHostedImproved

IncorporatedIncreasedInitiatedInspectedInstitutedLedManagedMergedMotivatedNavigatedOrganizedOriginatedOverhauledOversawPlanned

PresidedPrioritizedProducedRecommendedReorganizedReplacedRestoredReviewedScheduledSecuredSelectedStreamlinedStrengthenedSupervisedTerminated

Organizational Skills

ApprovedArranged CataloguedCategorizedChartedClassifiedCodedCollectedCompiledCorrectedCorresponded

DistributedExecutedFiledGeneratedIncorporatedInspectedLoggedMaintainedMonitoredObtainedOperated

OrderedOrganizedPreparedProcessedProvidedPurchasedRecordedRegisteredReservedRespondedReviewed

RoutedScheduledScreenedSubmittedSuppliedStandardizedSystematizedUpdatedValidatedVerified

Research Skills

AnalyzedClarifiedCollectedComparedConductedCritiquedDetectedDetermined

DiagnosedEvaluatedExamined ExperimentedExploredExtractedFormulatedGathered

InspectedInterviewedInventedInvestigatedLocatedMeasuredOrganizedResearched

ReviewedSearchedSolvedSummarizedSurveyedSystematizedTested

Teaching SkillsAdaptedAdvisedClarifiedCoachedCommunicatedConductedCoordinatedCritiqued

DevelopedEnabledEncouragedEvaluatedExplainedFacilitatedFocusedGuided

IndividualizedInformedInstilledInstructedMotivatedPersuadedSimulatedStimulated

TaughtTestedTrainedTransmittedTutored

Technical Skills

AdaptedAppliedAssembledBuiltCalculatedComputedConservedConstructedConverted

DebuggedDesignedDeterminedDevelopedEngineeredFabricatedFortifiedInstalledMaintained

OperatedOverhauledPrintedProgrammedRectifiedRegulatedRemodeledRepairedReplaced

RestoredSolvedSpecializedStandardizedStudiedUpgradedUtilized

*Source: Quintessential Careers: http://www.quintcareers.com/action_skills.html

Interview Do's and Don'ts __________________________________________

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. Do take a practice run to the location where you are having the interview -- or be sure

you know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there. Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering. And do

prepare and practice for the interview, but don't memorize or over-rehearse your answers.

Do dress the part for the job, the company, the industry. And do err on the side of conservatism.

Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you are running late, do phone the company.

Do greet the receptionist or assistant with courtesy and respect. This is where you make your first impression.

Don't chew gum during the interview. If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately. Do bring extra resumes to the interview. (Even better, if you have a job skills portfolio, do

bring that with you to the interview.) Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified

you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer. Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the

pronunciation. (If you're not sure, do ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview.

Do shake hands firmly. Don't have a limp or clammy handshake! Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. And do remember body language and

posture: sit upright and look alert and interested at all times. Don't fidget or slouch. Don't tell jokes during the interview. Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s). Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company. Don't smoke, even if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. And don't smoke

beforehand so that you smell like smoke. And do brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or have a breath mint before the interview.

Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as "like," "uh," and "um"). Don't be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence. Do have a high confidence and energy level, but don't be overly aggressive. Don't act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment. Do avoid controversial topics. Don't say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers. Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere

manner. Don't ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly. And don't over-answer

questions. Do stress your achievements. And don't offer any negative information about yourself. Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe

those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.

Do show off the research you have done on the company and industry when responding to questions.

Don't bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems. Do remember that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the

interviewer and the company she represents. Don't respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying

something like, "boy, that's a good question." And do repeat the question outloud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay.

Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity until you are sure about it.

Don't answer cell phone calls during the interview, and do turn off (or set to silent ring) your cell phone and/or pager.

Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you. Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after

you've received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements, but do try and delay salary talk until you have an offer.

Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Don't ever not ask any questions -- it shows a lack of interest.

Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job.)

Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with -- or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don't make assumptions about simple names -- was it Jon or John -- get the spelling.

Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don't forget crucial details.

Do write thank you letters within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you. And do know all the rules of following up after the interview.

Sample Interview Questions

Your answers to interview questions should be complete but concise, well-organized, and use specific examples from your past. Try to vary the situations that you use throughout the interview (talk about different work or educational experiences for each question).

Conventional questions: some interviewers don’t ask these questions anymore, but you should still be prepared with concise, informative answers that are specific to the job and organization - to the following types of questions:

1. Tell me about your work and educational experiences, and why those experiences make you an excellent candidate for this position.

2. Why do you want to work for this organization?

3. Tell me about things that you enjoy doing at work.

4. What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?

5. What is your work/management style when you work on a team?

Behavioral questions: the common assumption is that past behavior is the best predictor of a future behavior. Provide real-life examples.

Common Behavioral Questions:

1. Tell me about changes that you have tried to implement in your area of responsibility. What have you done to get them underway?

2. Tell me about some projects that you have generated on your own. What prompted you to begin them?

3. Tell me about a situation where you helped a peer or co-worker.

4. Tell me about a time when you needed someone’s cooperation to complete a task/project and they were uncooperative. What did you do?

5. Tell me about an unpopular decision that you made. What was your thinking process? What happened and how did you handle the effects of your decision?

6. Tell me about the biggest problem that you had to face in the last six months. How did you handle it?

7. Tell me about recent problems/issues in which you included others in determining solutions. How did you do it? Were you successful?

8. Tell me about a time when your persistence in overcoming obstacles paid off.

9. Tell me about the processes you follow to control errors in your work. When was the last time that these methods helped you? How?

10. Tell me about some specific situation that was frustrating? How did you manage it?

11. Tell me about a situation in which you worked for or with someone you did not like or respect. How did you deal with it?

12. Tell me about how you have gotten around obstacles preventing you from finishing a project/task.

13. Tell me about a situation in which your solution failed. How did you change your approach?

From: What Next: the complete guide to taking control of your working life. Barbara Moses. New York: DL, 2003.

Suggested Resources for your employment search

University Career Center/Office

Muskie Alumni Directory