Resumes

1:00 – 1:15 PM - 15 minutes

A Résumé Defined

• Marketing tool that communicates to an employer your skills and experiences

• Comprised of several key components:• Objective• Education• Work Experience• Extracurricular Activities• Accomplishments• Skills and Interests

Objective

• A one line, specific description of the desired position• Objective should follow your personal contact

information at the top of your résumé• Objective should determine the content of your

résumé• Examples:

Effective: To attain the Staff Accountant position in the Finance & Accounting Development Program

Not Effective: To obtain a meaningful and challenging position that enables me to learn the accounting field and allows for advancement

Education• This section should include the following

items:• Name of degree that you will receive;• Name of major;• Name of university;• Projected graduation date;• Minor (s), if applicable.

• Listing Grade-Point Average is optional• Relevant coursework may be listed

Skills

• Analyze your experiences to identify skills that relate to the position

• Such skills can include the following:• Foreign languages;• Computer skills • Office skills• Lab techniques• Transferable skills

Work Experience• Core of the résumé – will probably take up

~50-60% of the page• Use standard resume formats and fonts• Tips:

• Proof-read! Details matter!• Results-oriented• Think about your audience• Use action verbs• Think about transferable skills

The “Other” Sections

• Examples include:• Honors/Awards

Honor Societies, Dean’s List

• Community Service Special Olympics, homeless shelters, etc.

• Leadership President/officer of clubs

• Interests Outdoor trips, personal accomplishments

References

• Make sure your references have something nice to say!!

Tips• Reread the job description – there are usually hints about

what the employer is seeking• Think about the ‘soft’ skills you’ve learned that will be

valuable anywhere:• Teamwork, communication, persuasion, etc…• Other transferable skills?

• Use “action” verbs• Use standard fonts (Times New Roman, Arial)• Always use action verbs whenever possible• Quantify and use specific examples• Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation• Seek feedback from peers, Career Center

More Tips

• Detail your resume for your key companies• Do not use flashy graphics• E-mail Address: Be cautious of what

message it sends• Do not exaggerate your experiences• Do not use abbreviations• Do not list anything you are unable to

explain in detail

Discussion Groups

• What grabs the hiring manager’s attention?

• What are key traits of a “super star” candidate?

Resume to Review

• Resume - OK to Great.doc

Interviewing

1:45 – 2:15 PM - 30 minutes

Selection Process

1. Resume review

2. Phone Interview or On Campus Interview (Career Center)

3. Second Round Interviews

4. References

5. Decision

How do I submit my resume?

• Apply on-line at company website

• Follow instructions in the job posting

• Attend job fairs

• Apply through your career services department

• Have a someone you know refer you or hand deliver your resume

Phone Interview

• Used to screen candidates and narrow down the pool of qualified applicants

• Can happen without notice, so be prepared:• Keep your resume at your fingertips• Prepare a short list of your accomplishments • Have a pen and paper for note taking• If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at

another time and suggest some alternatives. • Minimize distractions• Make sure your voicemail and/or answering machine

message is appropriate

2nd Round Interviews

• This is typically the final stage in the interview process• Format may include one-on-one and panel interviews• Key skill sets are predetermined by the interview team

based on the job (leadership, communication skills, team work, decision making)

• Interviewers will ask for examples that demonstrate the key skill sets

• The interview team will rate the responses and make hiring decisions during a wrap up session

• Candidates will be contacted with the decision

Interview Tips

• Study the company

• Practice at job fairs or school events

• Be on time but not too early

• Send “Thank You” notes