feb. 9 resume-job search strategies

RESUME & JOB SEARCH STRATEGIESCareer and Professional Development http://think.stedwards.edu/careerMoody Hall 134512-448-8530

Goals of This PresentationTo help the class understand the purpose of a resume To teach resume strategies: content and format (layout/design)To give insight into the employers hiring perspectiveTo present an effective job search plan with specific strategies

The Purpose of a Resume

RESUME ONE PART OF A JOB SEARCHYour resume is a marketing document; youre promoting yourself to an employerIt should highlight your academic accomplishments and other achievements as well as relevant experience and skillsIf done properly, it can lead to an interview (The interview can lead to a job offer.)

Resume Strategies - Content

Tailor the resume to the position youre applying for:Incorporate key words from job descriptionUse action verb phrases that match skills employer is seeking Keep all content relevant to a specific jobEmphasize accomplishments and outcomes, rather than a list of dutiesDont include personal information: photo, age, marital status, etc.

RESUME CONTENT GUIDELINES

Use a professional e-mail addressUsually only include one phone number and address Dont include a list of references or references available upon requestBy junior and senior years, high school usually not includedUse expected date of graduation rather than from/to datesDont use personal pronouns

RESUME CONTENT (cont.)

Common resume categories include (sequence is flexible):Objective (judgment call)Profile (or Skills or Qualifications Summary)Education (degree, GPA, school, etc.)Academic Honors Relevant Experience (paid or unpaid)Internships (relevant)Other Work Experience (optional)Leadership and Service Activities

RESUME CONTENT (cont.)

More on objectives: Whats in it for them and keep it specific. NO: Seeking a challenging position to advance my knowledge about my field and grow professionally YES: Firmly committed to environmental education, conservation, and preservation through effective community outreach and persuasive presentations

RESUME CONTENT (cont.)

More on Profile section: EXAMPLES: - Fluent in 3 languages from study abroad and global experience: English, Spanish, and French - Go-to student for organizing creative environmental awareness events - Received positive feedback for presentation to high school students on environmental science career pathways - Wrote research paper in Environmental Science class and selected for presentation at national conference

RESUME CONTENT (cont.)

Other possible categories are:ResearchProfessional AffiliationsConferences AttendedPresentations and Published WorksThe category headings are modifiable: (Example: Academic Honors can also be called Scholastic Honors)Proofread, proofread, proofread!

RESUME CONTENT (cont.)

Resume Strategies Format(Layout/Design)

Consistency is importantUse Standard Font Styles and Sizes 10-12 (Garamond, Calibri, Candara, Cambria)Use bullets, bolding, underlining, italics to emphasize certain informationConsider your audience when getting creative: color, graphics, etc.Save it in .doc or format; submit as a PDFGenerally keep it to one page

RESUME FORMATTING GUIDELINES(LAYOUT/DESIGN)

While resume templates and wizards are helpful, they sometimes restrict flexibilityDated sections should be in reverse chronological order Year to year dates should include months (March 2013 September 2014)Keep dates to the right of the pageColumns are effective for listing skills

RESUME FORMATTING GUIDELINES(LAYOUT/DESIGN)

The Employers Perspective

A 100% match to the job descriptionFrom the job description: their summary at the top and the first 2-3 requirements are their priority needsSince they spend no more than 10 seconds reviewing a resume, grab their attention at the top of the pageRelevant skills specific to their industrySoft skills: writing, analytical skills, problem-solving, etc., but with proof

WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED

Academic achievements and experiential accomplishmentsLeadership and extracurricular activitiesMulti-lingual candidatesGlobal experience and multicultural awareness and knowledgeAssume your resume will be computer scanned, so, they are looking for resumes with key words from the industry and specific job

WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED

They need to narrow down resumes received:

WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED

AN EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH PLAN

JOB SEARCHYOU NEED A PLAN

Monitor your social media; employers ARE viewingUse social media for job searchOn Twitter, follow at least two dozen organizations/companies, youre interested inGet the word out that youre job searching: professors, upper classmen, friends, relatives Attend SEU Job & Internship Fair Mar. 25,Wednesday, 12noon-3pm in the RCCLook for jobs on Hilltop Careers (Career and Professional Development home page)

JOB SEARCHYOU NEED A PLAN (cont.)

Volunteer at non-profit organizations and for-profit companiesLook into temporary agenciesHave a back up plan to pay the bills while you search for career related jobFollow Career and Professional Developments Facebook and Twitter sitesHave an elevator pitch ready to go in case you meet someone who asks What do you want to do? (check out Career Spots on Career and Professional Development website)

JOB SEARCHYOU NEED A PLAN (cont.)

Create an account on Interview Stream and practice interview questions on videoResearch specific industries and become very knowledgeable about your fieldWhen professors have guest speakers, get their business cards, write thank-yous and if possible meet with themFollow current events, politics, world news; you can learn a lot about whats happening in the local and broader community

JOB SEARCHYOU NEED A PLAN (cont.)

Have multiple resumes tailored to specific jobs and industries Invest in professional business attireAttend a business etiquette/dining eventMake a commitment to make one new contact a week (online or in person); not someone with a job offer necessarily, but someone with more information to help with job searchAlways ask each contact to refer another person you can contact

JOB SEARCHYOU NEED A PLAN (cont.)

IN CONCLUSION