Going Global 2008

Going GlobalExpand your horizons…your career…your futureExpand your horizons…your career…your futureExpand your horizons…your career…your futureExpand your horizons…your career…your future

Going Global 2008

WHAT IS A RESUME/CV?

• A selected summary of significant facts about you.

• Make the link between your skills and the employer’s needs

• Dedicate more space to describing experiences of greatest importance to employer

• Resumes don’t get jobs – Resumes get interviews.

Going Global 2008

GLOBAL STANDARDS

• “Reverse” chronological order; two pages max; use 10 –12 pt. font; never print front/back; limit graphics

• Expanded education details are important

• Use industry terminology that is common worldwide

• Prepare two versions – one in local language/format; beware of cultural “no-no’s”

Going Global 2008

USA - RESUMES

• No photos or personal information

• Illegal for employers to ask about: race, religion, marital status

• Strong emphasis on: facts and figures, awards, special achievements, outside activities/volunteerism

Going Global 2008

NON-USA RESUME/CV’s

• Photos & personal info are common

• CV’s not as detailed/shorter

• Variables: Cover letters, education/employment attachments, personal contacts, “downplay” awards/achievements

Going Global 2008

WHAT SHOULD A RESUME INCLUDE?

• Work experience

• Job skills

• Awards/Achievements

• Education

• Professional Assoc. memberships

Going Global 2008

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Job objective

• Qualification Summary

• References

• Outside/Volunteer Activities

• Personal information

Going Global 2008

HEADING

• List name, address, phone, fax and email

• List two addresses if at school or abroad; consider “in-country” post office address

• Record professional/bi-lingual voice mail

Going Global 2008

HEADING

Going Global 2008

JOB OBJECTIVE

• What do you want (more importantly, what can you contribute)?

• Only useful when your objective exactly matches open position

• Be as specific as possible

• “Qualification Summary” best if applying for a variety of positions

Going Global 2008

JOB OBJECTIVE

Going Global 2008

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

• Highlight most relevant assets

• Use as the opening section of resume and include in the cover letter

• Use brief, direct phrases – include relevant “facts and figures”

• Goal: Get employer interested and make them want to read more

Going Global 2008

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

Going Global 2008

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

Going Global 2008

EDUCATION

• Less than five years job experience?

• Education history is critical

• Show how courses/special projects/outside activities/internships/study abroad prepared you for job

• Emphasize: good grades, awards, leadership roles, any “work-like” experience

Going Global 2008

WORK EXPERIENCE

• List the most important details of every job – facts and figures are key

• Pay particular attention to recent positions/“work like” experiences

• Don’t dismiss part-time jobs/internships

• Separate full/part-time; relevant vs. other employment

Going Global 2008

Going Global 2008

“ON THE JOB” SKILLS

• Concentrate on “what it takes to do the job” (repeat job ad)

• List experience with various computer programs

• List proficiency in speaking or writing languages

• Use action words and be specific

Going Global 2008

OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

• Particularly valuable if limited work experience

• Describe responsibilities/accomplishments in professional terms

• Outline different roles/leadership in organization

• Make sure activities are “culturally acceptable”

Going Global 2008

REFERENCES

• Write “Available on request”

• Exception: if references are well-known people

• Talk with references before using their names

• Write letter yourself or provide bullet points of key assets

Going Global 2008

EMAIL RESUMES/CV’s

• Use universal format (Word); no web resumes

• Beware attachments/spam filters

• Use industry “key words”; repeat job ad wording

• Print to test; send backup copy by Post

Going Global 2008

GENERAL ADVICE

• Paper size/Computer setup: A-4 vs. 8½ x 11

• British vs. American English

• Get a local to critique

• Spell check, spell check, spell check

Going Global 2008

FINAL ADVICE

• Do your cultural homework: words, body language, discussion topics

• Let embassy know you are in-country

• Take copies of birth certificate/

passport

• Analyze: benefits, vacation, medical care, pension, paycheck currency

Going Global 2008

EE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

• Worldwide openings; China has acute shortage = great opportunity; language not necessary

• Construction projects, manufacturing companies, power plants hiring electrical, mechanical and system engineers

• Most jobs only require bachelor degree; 1-5 years experience and design experience preferred

Going Global 2008

IT EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

• Openings for: IT administrators, system architects, software developers, web producers

• Prime opportunities in India and China; USA/California has job growth

• Bachelor degree and certification required; 1-2 years experience with C++, Java, Unix preferred