Writing The Effective Resume

The First Step Toward Landing Your Job

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Writing An Effective Resume

What information should be in a resume? Characteristics of a successful resume.

Resume Dos and Donts.

Chronological Functional and Scannable Resume. How To Write A Cover Letter.

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What Information Should Be in a Resume?

Identify Yourself Education Continuing Education Work or Professional Experience Volunteer Experience Activities Computer Skills

Optional Sections

Objective
Special Skills and Abilities Reference Statement

Professional Associations

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Characteristics of a Successful Resume

Focuses on skills. Use Action Verbs for accomplishments & results.

Easy to read and understand.

Visually powerful and free of gimmick. One page, or at most 2 pages long.

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Characteristics of a Successful Resume

Language is grammatically correct. Spelling has been checked.

Formal Style. Data presented in chronological order (unless functional). Must always be 100% truthful. Contains no inappropriate personal information. Produced on a computer.

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Resume Dos

Target your qualifications for a specific job

E-mail keep it professional

List relevant work historyno more than 15 years back Pleasing layout

Be sure to include some attitude in your resume

Team Player Involved with -

Contributed to
Served on Volunteered to

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Resume Donts

Dont use I or me Avoid abbreviations and acronyms No fancy fonts, binders, layouts Avoid lists of boring sentences, Photographs, Personal, family or health information Dont give references

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Dont fold resume

Types Of Resumes
1. Chronological Resumes

Most commonly used

Listing of your jobs and experience with most recent mentioned first
Good for job seekers who have practical work experience with long periods of employment Resume type most preferred by employers

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2. Functional Resumes

Doesnt go in chronological order. Based upon competencies or skills. Used for career changers or those with unconventional work histories (or executives). Might say Sales Experience then list it. Typically brief with a simple list of positions held, etc. De-emphasizes importance of specific jobs. Drawbacks to this system (not as popular).

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Scannable Resume

Watch bullet points (dont always scan). How about a dash - ? Use labels or keywords. Experiment with fonts & styles; bold, italic, and underlines

Less is more.
Keep the design simple. Margins at sides and bottom.

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Minimize use of abbreviations.

Avoid vertical & horizontal lines as well as graphics Do not fold or staple

Writing An Effective Cover Letter

How to write a cover letter. Rules Contents

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How To Write A Cover Letter - Rules

Give enough information to interest the reader, dont overwhelm.

Research the company. Address the letter to a specific person. 3 to 5 bulleted points leading to the resume. Mention the person who referred you if appropriate.

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How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents

Your address, city, state, zip, and telephone number.

Date
Name, title, company, address, city, state, and zip of person youre writing to. Greeting, followed by a colon.

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How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents

Paragraph 1: What you want. How you know about the organization. Mention enclosure of your resume.
Paragraph 2: Concise overview of work history and skills that will help you perform the job.

Paragraph 3: State confidence in your ability. Give information on how you can be contacted.

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How To Write A Cover Letter - Contents

Paragraph 4: Express appreciation Closing, signature, and typed name

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In Summary

Be sure your resume represents you in the best light possible. Use the correct resume form (functional or chronological) to highlight your skills, abilities, and work history. Use a good cover letter to get your foot in the door.

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Thank You

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Successful Interviewing Skills

Surviving and Excelling in a Behavioral Based Interview

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First Impressions Count

Do You Make The Best Impression You Can? On-Time Dress Physical Contact Eye Contact Smile Fidgeting

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Characteristics of a Successful Interview

Preparation Presentation

Content

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Preparation
Research the Job and company Review the Job Requirements Know your Resume Know Where You Are Going Be Prepared to Give Behavioral Based
Examples Anticipate Questions Be Prepared to Sell Yourself!
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Preparation
Visualize Yourself In the Interview Know this:
There is no question you cannot answer You are well suited to the position You will be an asset to the department Bring: Extra copies of resume Paper and pen A list of potential questions Breath mints

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Interview Presentation
Be Prepared and Responsive For
Questions Take Time to Organize Your Thoughts Make Effective Eye Contact and Smile Express Confidence in Your Abilities Consider Each Interview An Adventure! Be Attentive to Body Language No gum Watch those pens
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Leave The Baggage At The Door

Shut the Door to Personal Trouble

Dont Slam Organization

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Interview Content
Listen Carefully to the Question Understand Behavioral Based Interviewing Rehearse Your Answers Sell Yourself! Silence is Golden, Know When to Stop
Answering Tie Your Background to the Position Focus on Your Accomplishments Turn Weaknesses Into Strengths
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Behavioral Based Interviewing

Prepare your STARS Situation or Task Action Taken Result of Your Action

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Behavioral Based Questions

Can You Tell Me About A Time Think Specific Dont Say Usually, Always, Or Never Say I Be Prepared to Answer the Negative Question Was The Result Positive? Measurable? Dont Forget To Smile Be Concise

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Sample Questions
Tell Me About A Time
You Persuaded Someone To Do Something You Solved a Small Problem Before It Turned Into Something Large You Interacted With Someone And Wished Youd Interacted Differently You Worked Well in a Team You Worked in a Team Where Not Everyone Was Putting Forth The Same Amount Of Effort

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Technical Skills Are Important

Attention To Detail

Computer Skills
Analytical Skills Technical Skills Specific to Your Degree
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Soft Skills Are Just As Important

Adaptability Teamwork Initiative Innovation Integrity

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Interview Follow-Up
Common Interview Mistakes
Coming Unprepared Not Smiling or Showing Enthusiasm Negativity The Thank You Note References

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