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resume writing
Sample Resumes
Job Search Letters
Interviewing Tips
Researching Companies Online
Salary Information/Calculator
Relocation Information
Preparing for a job search can be very confusing and intimidating; however, with proper
planning, organization and time management skills, it can be very rewarding.
Career Services invites you to use the many services that are offered to assist you
during your job search process.
Job Search Seminars:
Career Services staff conduct seminars throughout the year to assist students and alumni in
preparing for their job search. Dates are posted online and topics include resume and cover
letter writing, interviewing tips, and other job search strategies. Employers also conduct
"mock interviews" which give students and alumni a "second chance to make a first
impression." Register by contacting Career Services.
Career Services Resource Room:
Books, handouts and videos are available to assist with all areas of your job search.
Individual Appointments:
If you want to discuss career options, preparing for your job search or have your resume critiqued, contact Career
Services to schedule an appointment with a member of our staff during our office hours: 7:45am - 4:30pm.
Internet Links:
The following are a few of the sites which provide a wealth of information to assist you in
developing the necessary tools and skills needed to "market yourself" and conduct a
successful job search:
www.Jobweb.com
The National Association of Colleges and Employers site with valuable career-related
information, salary surveys and employment related articles.
www.Collegegrad.com
Especially designed for college graduates.
Salaries and info for thousands of careers.
Over 200 entry level resume templates.
Free online access to the best-selling book, College Grad Job Hunter.
www.rileyguide.com
Margaret Riley Dikel is an expert on Internet job hunting and this site is a great resource
for anyone seeking employment or career-related information.
www.MonsterTrak.com
www.acinet.org
Carreer InfoNet - Has a Resume Tutorial, wage and employment trends, occupational
requirements and an extensive career resource library.
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The foundation of a successful job search is an effective resume. Webster defines a resume
as "a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant
for a position." The purpose of a resume is to get the applicant a job interview by
generating the employer's interest in the applicant and their qualifications for the
position.
General Guidelines
Length:
- A one-page resume works well for current students or recent graduates.
- Two pages are reasonable if you have extensive work experience; however, limit
information to what is pertinent to your current job objective.
- The most important information should be stated on the first page.
Appearance:
- Must be well-organized, neat and concise.
- Proofread to make sure grammar, punctuation and spelling are flawless.
- Recommend using high-quality white, ivory or beige paper. References and cover letter should also be on the same paper.
- Layout should generally have a l" margin on top and all sides.
Content:
- Design your resume with a particular objective in mind.
- Accent your strong points by listing them first. ( If you are a new graduate with little or no practical
experience, list your degree first. If your work experiences are relevant to the position and your degree is an added benefit, you may list the work history first.)
- Be honest. Never falsify or exaggerate information.
- Concentrate on the positive and highlight your strengths, downplay your weaknesses.
- Use power statements beginning with action verbs (supervised, organized, planned, developed, created, etc.)
- Use key words and phrases instead of complete sentences. Eliminate the pronoun "I".
- Don't include unnecessary personal information - race, religion, political affiliation, height, weight, age, marital status, etc.
Choose a Format
There is no "perfect" or "right" format. The one you choose will depend upon your
particular circumstances and the job you are applying for. Three formats are:
Chronological Resume:
- Start with the most recent employment and education, then work backward to your first job.
- Advantages: It is logical and easy to follow. Gives a clear picture of where you've worked and what you have accomplished. Many employers prefer this form.
- Disadvantages: Limited experience, any gaps in employment or other weak areas may be evident.
Functional Resume:
- Work experience is arranged according to areas of skill.
- Advantages: Draws attention to accomplishments. Highlights skills rather than your work experience or lack of it.
- Disadvantages: Some employers are suspicious of this form; they think the candidate may be trying to cover up something such as gaps in employment. Also presents a major challenge for the writer; employment objective must be very clear.
- Suited for the following personal circumstances:
- Mature professionals with a wealth of expertise and jobs.
- Entry-level types whose track records do not justify a chronological resume.
- Career changers who want to focus on skills rather than credentials.
- Military personnel embarking on a civilian career.
- Those returning to the workplace after a long absence.
- People closer to retirement than to the onset of their careers.
Basic Categories to Include on Your Resume
Contact Information:
Start at the top of the page leaving a 1" top margin. Include:
- Full Name
- Complete Address (both permanent and present if different.)
- Home phone number with area code, cell phone, if applicable, and work number only if appropriate to contact you there.
- Email address.
- Make sure that the message on your answering machine and your email address are professional and appropriate for a potential employer.
Objective:
- Gives your resume focus; tailor it to the position you are applying for.
- Usually a single phrase expressing the specific type of employment you are
seeking and/or the specific skills or abilities you want to use on the job.
Education/Training:
- List in reverse chronological order with the highest degree or education first.
- Include university/college/school name and location, degree, date of graduation (or expected graduation), major, related coursework and possibly G.P.A.
- May also include honors, awards, scholarships, dissertation and thesis topics.
- List licenses earned or training certificates received.
Experience:
- Start with your most recent employment and work backward.
- Includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, internships, co-op, or volunteer work.
- Provide names and location of employers, dates of employment (month/year to month/year).
- Describe your duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments using short, powerful phrases beginning with action verbs. Quantify and qualify data with specific details and statistics whenever possible.
Additional Areas: Activities/Honors/Special Skills:
- List extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills, accomplishments and leadership, teamwork, self management, organization.
- Include computer skills and/or foreign languages.
- Personal accomplishments (example: "financed 70% of college education")
- Unique experiences such as travel to a foreign country, study abroad.
References:
- References and, in some cases, portfolios or transcripts can be listed as "available
upon request" if you have enough room at the bottom of the resume. Employers know that they
can request this information so it is not necessary to include this phrase.
- You should have a separate reference page. Generally, this page will have the same
heading as the resume and will list the name, title, employer, business mailing address and
phone number of 3 to 5 academic or business references. Obtain permission from each
reference before giving to a prospective employer and give each a copy of your resume.
Tips for Scannable Resumes
- Make sure that your name is the first readable item on each page.
- Focus on nouns not verbs.
- Use popular, nondecorative typefaces.
- Use a font size of 10-14.
- Avoid italics, script and underlining.
- Avoid graphics and shading.
- Avoid horizontal and vertical lines.
- Avoid staples and folds.
Sample Resumes
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Information on writing effective cover letters, E-mail etiquette, and sample cover letters
can be viewed online at:
www.Jobweb.com
www.Collegegrad.com
www.Jobstar.org
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The interview provides an opportunity for the employer to get to know you and determine if you
are a good fit for their company. It also gives the applicant the opportunity to "market
themselves" and learn as much as they can about the position and the company. Remember that
"first impressions" make a statement and that you do not have a "second chance" to make a
first impression!
Before the Interview
Research the Company:
Find out all you can and be able to discuss products, services, etc. Visit the company's
website, obtain annual reports if available and/or talk with employees if at all
possible. Know what position you are interviewing for and obtain a job description.
Gather Materials You May Need:
Bring extra copies of your resume, a list of references, letters of recommendation, work samples or
portfolio if applicable.
Make a List of Questions You Want to Ask:
Rehearse Answers to Some of the Questions You Expect to be Asked:
Make sure that you have directions to the interview site and plan to leave so that you can arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Dress for Success
It is important to know your potential employer before you meet with them since each company has its own dress codes. However, if in doubt, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Professional Dress is generally recommended and includes:
Men:
- A solid colored two-piece suit.
- A conservative tie, avoid flashy or eccentric ties.
- Wear polished shoes with socks high enough so that your skin is not visible when you sit down and cross your legs.
- Always be well groomed.
- Men should refrain from wearing earrings and heavy jewelry.
Women:
- A suit with a knee-length skirt and tailored blouse is most appropriate.
- Basic closed-toe shoes, stockings, modest jewelry and makeup are recommended.
- Pants are more acceptable today; however, they are not recommended unless you are sure that they would be appropriate.
- Hair should be neat.
In some cases an "interview suit" is not necessary and business casual attire is
appropriate. The business casual look can be slacks, skirts or khakis. It includes a
collared shirt (button-down or polo style), a nice blouse for women, a sweater or
coordinated separates. Women should wear skirts that come to or near the knee,
closed-toe shoes and stockings. Avoid low-cut blouses. Never wear jeans, shorts,
tank tops, excessive jewelry, tennis shoes or flip flops. Always be well groomed.
During the Interview
Structure of a Typical 30-minute Interview
- 5 minutes of small talk.
- 15 minutes of mutual discussion with employer asking questions about your background and credentials as they relate to the needs of the employer.
- 5 minutes for you to ask the employer questions.
- 5 minutes to conclude the interview.
Be Yourself and Relax:
Remember you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.
Show Enthusiasm and Interest:
- Greet the interviewer by name.
- Smile and give a firm handshake.
- Show your interest in the employer, its facilities, its mission and its people. Relate your interests to the organization's.
- Maintain eye contact.
Listen Carefully and Answer Questions Completely:
- This is your opportunity to SELL, SELL, SELL yourself.
- Be honest. Don't exaggerate or underestimate your past experience.
- Be positive: keep the atmosphere pleasant; don't put others down or criticize others to make yourself look good. Don't complain about previous employers.
- Express yourself: Speak clearly, use complete sentences and avoid one-word answers. Don't use slang and don't ramble.
- Emphasize your strengths, focus on work experiences, qualifications, courses or personal qualities which fit the requirements of the job.
- Avoid personal issues. Don't discuss family, personal or financial problems.
- Be aware of your body language: your tone of voice, posture, etc. all give clues about your feelings and attitude. Face the interviewer in a relaxed, open manner.
- Don't be afraid to admit that you do not know something.
- Respect the status of the interviewer.
Ask Questions: Find out all you can about the position and company.
Thank the interviewer for their time and interest, stress your interest in the position
and find out what the next step in the hiring process is.
After the Interview
Send a thank you note addressed to the interviewer within 24 hours. A handwritten note
is acceptable; however, a typed personal letter is preferred. If an employer asks you
to correspond through email, that is a signal that they would accept your thank you via
email.
If you have not heard from the company after the expected date, contact the company by
phone to ask if the position has been filled. If you don't get the job but are very
interested in working for the company, you might want to express your interest in future
openings and check back periodically to find out if any new openings are available.
If the position was not the right one for you, don't despair. Review your job search
plan and your presentation skills. Get help if necessary and continue your job search.
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Researching Companies Online: www.learnwebskills.com/company
A business research tutorial for finding free company and industry information on the web.
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As you begin your job search, it is important to do some research to determine the salary
range for the position(s) that you are applying for. The following sites provide average
salary ranges; however, the job that you interview for may provide a salary that is below or
above the reported ranges depending upon location, supply and demand.
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If you are considering accepting a position that requires you to relocate, these links will
provide cost of living information and other details about your destination city.
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