Download - Resumes, Coverletters, Interviewing Final
Writing Effective Résumés and Cover Letters
& Effective Tips for Interviewing
Writing Effective Résumés and Cover Letters
& Effective Tips for Interviewing
by Miriam Lamb
Foothill De Anza CCD
by Miriam Lamb
Foothill De Anza CCD
Purpose:Purpose:
The purpose of this presentation is to help you develop an effective résumé and cover letter. You will also be provided with tips regarding the interview process.
The purpose of this presentation is to help you develop an effective résumé and cover letter. You will also be provided with tips regarding the interview process.
RésumésRésumés
Effective RésuméEffective Résumé
The best way to land a job interview. Grab readers’ attention and highlight your
achievements. Cover any skill sets the recruiter may
specify when looking to fill a position.
The best way to land a job interview. Grab readers’ attention and highlight your
achievements. Cover any skill sets the recruiter may
specify when looking to fill a position.
What are they looking for?What are they looking for?
Appearance Attitude/Personality Thoughtful
Questions Good
Communication Skills
Appearance Attitude/Personality Thoughtful
Questions Good
Communication Skills
Effective Résumé Knowledge of
Company Education Good First
Impression Confidence
Effective Résumé Knowledge of
Company Education Good First
Impression Confidence
PreparationPreparation
Do a self assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities. Summarize your work experience and
extracurricular activities.
Do a self assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities. Summarize your work experience and
extracurricular activities.
Role of the Résumé -Part of a Larger Campaign
Role of the Résumé -Part of a Larger Campaign
I. ID info about yourselfWork setting preferencesPersonal Skill Inventory
II. Targeting your EmployerNarrowing the fieldAligning credentialsOptimizing documents
III. Researching Industries and CompaniesIdentifying ProspectsInformational Interviews & Networking
IV. Securing an offerDetermining FitSubmitting materials and referencesInterview PreparationNegotiation
Preparing your RésuméPreparing your Résumé
The job search is a marketing campaign about yourself. Ask yourself:
Who will review this document? What are the primary skills/traits for which they are
looking? How will this compliment other application
materials? Where is this application going? Do you have any transferable skills applicable to
this position?
The job search is a marketing campaign about yourself. Ask yourself:
Who will review this document? What are the primary skills/traits for which they are
looking? How will this compliment other application
materials? Where is this application going? Do you have any transferable skills applicable to
this position?
What Information Should be in a Résumé
What Information Should be in a Résumé
Identify Yourself Education (Degrees) Continuing Education Work or Professional
Experience Activities Awards/
Honors/Achievements Extracurricular Activities Certifications/Publications Computer Skills Professional Associations
Identify Yourself Education (Degrees) Continuing Education Work or Professional
Experience Activities Awards/
Honors/Achievements Extracurricular Activities Certifications/Publications Computer Skills Professional Associations
Characteristics Of A Successful Résumé
Characteristics Of A Successful Résumé
Focuses on skills. Uses action words to define the responsibilities of your job-related experience.
Easy to read and understand. Visually powerful; free of gimmicks. One page, or at most 2 pages long.
Focuses on skills. Uses action words to define the responsibilities of your job-related experience.
Easy to read and understand. Visually powerful; free of gimmicks. One page, or at most 2 pages long.
Characteristics of A Successful Résumé
Characteristics of A Successful Résumé
Language- grammatically correct. Spelling has been checked. Formal style.
Language- grammatically correct. Spelling has been checked. Formal style.
Characteristics of A Successful Résumé
Characteristics of A Successful Résumé
• Must be 100% truthful.
• Contains no inappropriate personal information.
• Produced on a computer.
• Data presented in chronological order (unless functional).
• Must be 100% truthful.
• Contains no inappropriate personal information.
• Produced on a computer.
• Data presented in chronological order (unless functional).
Résumé DesignRésumé Design Use 8.5”X11” quality white or off-white
résumé paper. Print on one side of the paper. Use a font size between 10 to 12 points. Don’t use line graphics or shading. Do not fold or staple your resume. Use a large envelope to mail your resume.
Use 8.5”X11” quality white or off-white résumé paper.
Print on one side of the paper. Use a font size between 10 to 12 points. Don’t use line graphics or shading. Do not fold or staple your resume. Use a large envelope to mail your resume.
Scannable RésuméScannable Résumé
Watch bullet points (they don’t always scan).
Use “key words.” Use dashes in lieu of bullets. Keep the design simple. Minimize use of abbreviations.
Watch bullet points (they don’t always scan).
Use “key words.” Use dashes in lieu of bullets. Keep the design simple. Minimize use of abbreviations.
Types of RésumésTypes of RésumésChronologicalThis is the most popular format. It places information in reverse chronological order (i.e. from most to least recent). Employers tend to prefer this format as it (hopefully) demonstrates a candidate’s steady and upward career growth. Thus, the focus is on time, job continuity, growth, and achievements.
ChronologicalThis is the most popular format. It places information in reverse chronological order (i.e. from most to least recent). Employers tend to prefer this format as it (hopefully) demonstrates a candidate’s steady and upward career growth. Thus, the focus is on time, job continuity, growth, and achievements.
Types of RésumésTypes of RésumésFunctional
A functional resume focuses on skills, credentials,
and accomplishments over the course of all jobs
held. Emphasis is on what you did, not when or
where you did it. Accomplishments, qualifications
and experience are grouped together, to emphasize
your experience in specialty areas.
Functional
A functional resume focuses on skills, credentials,
and accomplishments over the course of all jobs
held. Emphasis is on what you did, not when or
where you did it. Accomplishments, qualifications
and experience are grouped together, to emphasize
your experience in specialty areas.
Types of RésumésTypes of RésumésCombination (Uses a Career Profile) A combination resume uses a career profile, which is a functional style listing of relevant skills andaccomplishments, and then proceeds to describe employment and education histories in reverse chronological order. In other words, it is a combination of the above two concepts. The experience section directly supports the functional section.
Combination (Uses a Career Profile) A combination resume uses a career profile, which is a functional style listing of relevant skills andaccomplishments, and then proceeds to describe employment and education histories in reverse chronological order. In other words, it is a combination of the above two concepts. The experience section directly supports the functional section.
Chronological ResumesChronological Resumes
Formatting Formatting
Heading: name, address, phone, e-mail. Objective statement: clarifies the type of work you
are looking for. Tailor your objective to each employer you are pursuing.
Education: list only schools where a degree or certification was earned.
Skills and abilities: leadership, teamwork, communication, computer skills, languages.
Heading: name, address, phone, e-mail. Objective statement: clarifies the type of work you
are looking for. Tailor your objective to each employer you are pursuing.
Education: list only schools where a degree or certification was earned.
Skills and abilities: leadership, teamwork, communication, computer skills, languages.
Work HistoryWork History Overview of work history that has provided you with
useful skills. Use action words to describe your job duties:
Managed, Conducted, Demonstrated, Motivated, Trained. List recent job first and work backward, including: title
of position and name of organization, location (city, state) and dates of employment.
Summary of responsibilities, with emphasis on special skills, achievements.
Overview of work history that has provided you with useful skills.
Use action words to describe your job duties: Managed, Conducted, Demonstrated, Motivated, Trained.
List recent job first and work backward, including: title of position and name of organization, location (city, state) and dates of employment.
Summary of responsibilities, with emphasis on special skills, achievements.
Educational InformationEducational Information
New graduates list educational information first.
List most recent education information first. Include your degree (A.S.), major,
institution, minor/concentration. Add GPA if >3.0. List any academic honors/achievements.
New graduates list educational information first.
List most recent education information first. Include your degree (A.S.), major,
institution, minor/concentration. Add GPA if >3.0. List any academic honors/achievements.
Functional ResumesFunctional Resumes
Functional ResumesFunctional Resumes
Doesn’t go in chronological order. Based on competencies or skills. Used for career changers or those with
unconventional work histories. Drawbacks to this style (not as popular, employers
sometimes think it is being used to hide “gaps”). Typically brief with a simple list of positions held, etc. De-emphasizes importance of specific jobs.
Doesn’t go in chronological order. Based on competencies or skills. Used for career changers or those with
unconventional work histories. Drawbacks to this style (not as popular, employers
sometimes think it is being used to hide “gaps”). Typically brief with a simple list of positions held, etc. De-emphasizes importance of specific jobs.
Good Résumé ResourcesGood Résumé Resources
List of Good Résumé books: http://www.quintcareers.com/
resume_books.html Résumés That Knock Em Dead --Yate List of online sites http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/index.php http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/resume
List of Good Résumé books: http://www.quintcareers.com/
resume_books.html Résumés That Knock Em Dead --Yate List of online sites http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/index.php http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/resume
Cover LettersCover Letters
Writing an Effective Cover LetterWriting an Effective Cover Letter
Give enough information to interest the reader, don’t overwhelm.
Research the company. Address the letter to a specific person.
Mention the person who referred you if appropriate.
Give enough information to interest the reader, don’t overwhelm.
Research the company. Address the letter to a specific person.
Mention the person who referred you if appropriate.
How to Write A Cover Letter-Contents
How to Write A Cover Letter-Contents
Your address, city, state, zip, telephone number, e-mail
Date Name, title, company, address, city, state,
and zip code of person you are writing to Greeting
Your address, city, state, zip, telephone number, e-mail
Date Name, title, company, address, city, state,
and zip code of person you are writing to Greeting
How to Write a Cover LetterHow to Write a Cover Letter 1st Paragraph-what you want,
how much you know about the company, enclosure of your résumé.
2nd Paragraph-consise overview of work history and skills required by employer, why you are interested in position.
3rd-Paragraph-confidence in your ability, how you can be contacted.
4th paragraph-appreciation. Closing, signature, typed name.
1st Paragraph-what you want, how much you know about the company, enclosure of your résumé.
2nd Paragraph-consise overview of work history and skills required by employer, why you are interested in position.
3rd-Paragraph-confidence in your ability, how you can be contacted.
4th paragraph-appreciation. Closing, signature, typed name.
InterviewingInterviewing
Successful Interviewing SkillsSuccessful Interviewing Skills
Making the Best Impression Be on Time Professional dress Good Eye contact Smile Avoid Fidgeting
Making the Best Impression Be on Time Professional dress Good Eye contact Smile Avoid Fidgeting
Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews
Face-to-Face Panel/Committee Behavioral Telephone Group Lunch/Dinner Stress
Face-to-Face Panel/Committee Behavioral Telephone Group Lunch/Dinner Stress
PreparationPreparation
Research the job and company. Review the job requirements. Know your résumé. Know where you are going. Be prepared to give behavioral based examples. Anticipate questions. Be prepared to sell yourself!
Research the job and company. Review the job requirements. Know your résumé. Know where you are going. Be prepared to give behavioral based examples. Anticipate questions. Be prepared to sell yourself!
Parts of an InterviewParts of an Interview
Greetings and small talk. Interviewer gives details of the
position/organization. Interviewer asks you questions. You ask the interviewer questions. Closing: the next steps.
Greetings and small talk. Interviewer gives details of the
position/organization. Interviewer asks you questions. You ask the interviewer questions. Closing: the next steps.
Prepare For All Aspects of the Interview
Prepare For All Aspects of the Interview
Research the employer. Practice sample interview questions. Write down questions to ask.
Research the employer. Practice sample interview questions. Write down questions to ask.
Learn As Much As You Can About the Employer
Learn As Much As You Can About the Employer
Approximate number of employees Products and/or services Types of clients Growth and financial stability Competition Mission/values/vision statements Typical career path
Approximate number of employees Products and/or services Types of clients Growth and financial stability Competition Mission/values/vision statements Typical career path
Know YourselfKnow Yourself
Before the interview, think of your goals, interests, strengths, and experiences. Be able to discuss them.
Before the interview, think of your goals, interests, strengths, and experiences. Be able to discuss them.
Completing Applications…Completing Applications…
Follow directions. Print clearly, be neat. Avoid providing negative information. If you do not have a lot of experience,
emphasize education, volunteer work, etc. If something is unclear, ask.
Follow directions. Print clearly, be neat. Avoid providing negative information. If you do not have a lot of experience,
emphasize education, volunteer work, etc. If something is unclear, ask.
Types of Interview QuestionsTypes of Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions
Describe a situation in which you:
…employed good time management skills.
…had to persuade someone to do something.
…made a split second decision.
…had to go beyond the call of duty in order to get job done.
Behavioral Questions
Describe a situation in which you:
…employed good time management skills.
…had to persuade someone to do something.
…made a split second decision.
…had to go beyond the call of duty in order to get job done.
Types of Interview QuestionsTypes of Interview Questions
Broad based questions such as:
Why do you want to work with us?
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
Why did you choose this major/career?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Broad based questions such as:
Why do you want to work with us?
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
Why did you choose this major/career?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Types of Interview QuestionsTypes of Interview Questions
The Ice Breaker Question-Tell me about yourself: Have a concise, relevant task:
“ I am a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering. I chose this major because I always liked math and science and I have a natural curiosity of how things work. When I researched different majors, Chemical Engineering seemed to offer the most potential for leading me to a career I would enjoy. I am active in several organizations on campus and am eager to begin a Co-op to apply what I know and also learn more about this field.”
The Ice Breaker Question-Tell me about yourself: Have a concise, relevant task:
“ I am a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering. I chose this major because I always liked math and science and I have a natural curiosity of how things work. When I researched different majors, Chemical Engineering seemed to offer the most potential for leading me to a career I would enjoy. I am active in several organizations on campus and am eager to begin a Co-op to apply what I know and also learn more about this field.”
Answering Interview QuestionsAnswering Interview Questions
Set up the situation(s)Describe the TaskDescribe the ActionState the Result
Set up the situation(s)Describe the TaskDescribe the ActionState the Result
Example of Setting Up the Situation
Example of Setting Up the Situation
After working one week at my summer job with XYZ, the person who supervised my position left. I was asked to take on some of his responsibilities until a replacement was hired. I didn’t mind helping out, and was eager to contribute and take on a higher level of responsibility.
After working one week at my summer job with XYZ, the person who supervised my position left. I was asked to take on some of his responsibilities until a replacement was hired. I didn’t mind helping out, and was eager to contribute and take on a higher level of responsibility.
Example of Describing the TaskExample of Describing the Task
One of the assignments I was given involved contracting vendors to confirm delivery dates of inventory items. The vendor numbers and delivery dates were written in a notebook, and in some cases it was difficulty to interpret the notes.
One of the assignments I was given involved contracting vendors to confirm delivery dates of inventory items. The vendor numbers and delivery dates were written in a notebook, and in some cases it was difficulty to interpret the notes.
Example of Describing the Action
Example of Describing the Action
When I had a little down time between customers, I created a record in Excel showing vendor names, numbers, inventory items being shipped, dates and any adjustments being made to the order. I also recorded the date of the confirmation call so the new assistant manager would know that status.
When I had a little down time between customers, I created a record in Excel showing vendor names, numbers, inventory items being shipped, dates and any adjustments being made to the order. I also recorded the date of the confirmation call so the new assistant manager would know that status.
Example of Stating the ResultExample of Stating the Result
When the manager asked if I had been able to reach all the vendors, I showed him the Excel program letting him know I could transfer the information back into the notebook if he preferred. He was pleased with the file I created and asked me to explain the process to the other staff. He also asked if I could set up files for other data.
When the manager asked if I had been able to reach all the vendors, I showed him the Excel program letting him know I could transfer the information back into the notebook if he preferred. He was pleased with the file I created and asked me to explain the process to the other staff. He also asked if I could set up files for other data.
When Preparing for the InterviewWhen Preparing for the Interview Think of examples you might share if asked
about… Showing initiative Leading others Coping with disappointment Juggling responsibilities Using logic to solve a problem Achieving Working under pressure
Think of examples you might share if asked about… Showing initiative Leading others Coping with disappointment Juggling responsibilities Using logic to solve a problem Achieving Working under pressure
Interview DO’sInterview DO’s
Arrive ten minutes early unless they ask you to arrive even sooner for paperwork.
Sit straight with legs uncrossed or crossed at ankles.
Stand straight with shoulders back and eyes ahead.
Smile!!! Offer a firm, but not crushing handshake.
Arrive ten minutes early unless they ask you to arrive even sooner for paperwork.
Sit straight with legs uncrossed or crossed at ankles.
Stand straight with shoulders back and eyes ahead.
Smile!!! Offer a firm, but not crushing handshake.
Interview DO’sInterview DO’s Dress appropriately for the industry. When in doubt be
conservative (i.e suits and jackets with button down shirts or pull over tops/camisoles and simple accessories; jackets with pants or skirts; plain, neutral colored hose; moderate heal shoes (black, navy or neutral); neatly groomed hair, conservative makeup; clean breath; conservative jewelry, and pressed/clean clothes). Personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable. Cologne and perfume should be at a minimum.
Know the exact location and time of the interview.
Dress appropriately for the industry. When in doubt be conservative (i.e suits and jackets with button down shirts or pull over tops/camisoles and simple accessories; jackets with pants or skirts; plain, neutral colored hose; moderate heal shoes (black, navy or neutral); neatly groomed hair, conservative makeup; clean breath; conservative jewelry, and pressed/clean clothes). Personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable. Cologne and perfume should be at a minimum.
Know the exact location and time of the interview.
Interview DO’sInterview DO’s Treat the interview seriously and show interest in
the employer. Watch the tone of your voice (keep tone consistent). Answer questions using professional experiences or
descriptive information to demonstrate how you would react or respond to a situation. Evaluate the interviewer and the organization.
Make sure you understand the next step in the process.
Treat the interview seriously and show interest in the employer.
Watch the tone of your voice (keep tone consistent). Answer questions using professional experiences or
descriptive information to demonstrate how you would react or respond to a situation. Evaluate the interviewer and the organization.
Make sure you understand the next step in the process.
Interview DO’sInterview DO’s
Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by Mr. or Mrs.
Maintain eye contact during the interview. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand
a question. Use good grammar (i.e. yes, not yeah; avoid
um or ah; you know, like, see or okay.
Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by Mr. or Mrs.
Maintain eye contact during the interview. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand
a question. Use good grammar (i.e. yes, not yeah; avoid
um or ah; you know, like, see or okay.
Interview Don’tsInterview Don’ts Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your
decisions and actions. Don’t make negative comments about previous
employers (or supervisors) or others. Don’t treat the interview casually, as you are just
shopping around or doing the interview for practice. Don’t give the impression you are desperate for
employment. Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke. Don’t take cell phone calls during an interview. Turn the
cell phone off.
Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and actions.
Don’t make negative comments about previous employers (or supervisors) or others.
Don’t treat the interview casually, as you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice.
Don’t give the impression you are desperate for employment.
Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke. Don’t take cell phone calls during an interview. Turn the
cell phone off.
Other Interview TipsOther Interview Tips
Consider developing a biography about yourself to assist you in examining what you enjoy doing and what has given you a sense of accomplishment (use this to gather your thoughts so you feel comfortable answering challenging questions).
Discuss long/short term goals in interview. Discuss qualities you have that will assist you in
reaching the goals.
Consider developing a biography about yourself to assist you in examining what you enjoy doing and what has given you a sense of accomplishment (use this to gather your thoughts so you feel comfortable answering challenging questions).
Discuss long/short term goals in interview. Discuss qualities you have that will assist you in
reaching the goals.
What to Ask ThemWhat to Ask Them
What is a typical day like for this position? How are employees trained? Evaluated? Does each employee have a mentor? What types of assignments might I expect
during the first six months? What is the biggest challenge the
organization faces today?
What is a typical day like for this position? How are employees trained? Evaluated? Does each employee have a mentor? What types of assignments might I expect
during the first six months? What is the biggest challenge the
organization faces today?
Save $$$ Questions Until After the Second Interview
Save $$$ Questions Until After the Second Interview
In your first interview, keep the focus on your qualifications and interest in the job.
You can inquire about money, benefits, vacation, etc. during the 2nd interview.
Know your worth!!! Research salary ranges (in the geographical area) for an entry level employee with qualifications similar to yours (http://www.salary.com/).
In your first interview, keep the focus on your qualifications and interest in the job.
You can inquire about money, benefits, vacation, etc. during the 2nd interview.
Know your worth!!! Research salary ranges (in the geographical area) for an entry level employee with qualifications similar to yours (http://www.salary.com/).
After The InterviewAfter The Interview
Inquire about the next step. Close with a smile and handshake. Send a thank you note to everyone with
whom your interviewed. Make sure you have an appropriate
outgoing voicemail message and good system for receiving messages.
Inquire about the next step. Close with a smile and handshake. Send a thank you note to everyone with
whom your interviewed. Make sure you have an appropriate
outgoing voicemail message and good system for receiving messages.
Interview PresentationInterview 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 and adventure! Be attentive to body language. No gum, watch those pens!
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 and adventure! Be attentive to body language. No gum, watch those pens!
ResourcesResources
www.quintcareers.com www.jobweb.com www.careerbuilder.com www.collegegrad.com www.wetfeet.com www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/interview/l/
aatp_interview.htm Great Interview; Eyre, Osen Williams
www.quintcareers.com www.jobweb.com www.careerbuilder.com www.collegegrad.com www.wetfeet.com www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/interview/l/
aatp_interview.htm Great Interview; Eyre, Osen Williams
Questions?Questions?
My contact info:
Miriam Lamb-Perrone
Employment/Classification Supervisor
Foothill/De Anza Comm. College
(650) 949-6216
My contact info:
Miriam Lamb-Perrone
Employment/Classification Supervisor
Foothill/De Anza Comm. College
(650) 949-6216
