Tips for Writing a Great Resume

&Preparing for your Interview

Why is a resume important?

• Employer’s first impression of you

• Gives you a chance to brand and sell yourself

• Highlights your unique abilities • Shows why you are qualified for

the job that you are applying for • Documents your successes in

and out of the workplace • Proves your ability to perform at

a high level • Golden ticket to your first

interview

Components of a Great Resume Contact InformationName, location, phone number, email address, links to online portfolio, social media, or virtual resume

Summary “Strategic, analytical, and highly motivated sociology student with an economics focus. Interested in challenging internship opportunities within the education technology industry. Strong desire to contribute my strategic market research abilities, scholarly aptitude, and tireless work ethic in a professional environment.”

Education Graduation date GPA, Scholarships, Awards, etc.

Technical Skills / Social MediaHTML, MS Excel (pivot tables), Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, LinkedIn, Google+ StrengthsProject management, prioritization, problem solving, communication, etc. Work History As it relates to the job you’re applying for

OtherLanguages, leadership roles, community involvement, notable achievements

Resume Buzz Words

What does a great resume look like?

What does a great resume look like?

What does a great resume look like?

Do NOT Include…

Date of Birth Social Security Number High School information Names and contacts of former employers Salary history Low GPA (less than 3.0) The wrong company/job title! Grammatical errors Positions that lasted 2-3 weeks Reasons why you were fired Religious/Political views

Use Social Media to Enhance Your Resume

Cover LettersA great cover letter contains the following elements:• The hiring manager or recruiter’s name• A tailored introduction specifically for the company and position• Your knowledge of the company• 2-3 reasons why you want to work for the company – BE SPECIFIC!• Any connections you may have with the company (referrals, attended an info

session, met a recruiter, etc.)• Your accomplishments as they relate to the position you are applying for• What value you can add to the company and position• Your availability to interview • A compelling closing statement that stresses your interest in the company and

position• Contact information

Applying for the Job Ask yourself the following questions Do I meet 80% - 100% of the qualifications list in the job

description? Am I confident in my ability to perform the functions in this role? How much training would I need? Is it in my salary range? Can I commit to a lengthy interview process? Why am I the best fit for the role? Do I know enough about the company to create a cover letter? How interested am I in this position? Do I have the skills and education to apply to the job? Do I have the ability to relocate for the position at my own

expense?

Applying for the Job• Research, Research, Research• Begin connecting with company employees on LinkedIn & other social

media sites• Conduct informational interviews over a coffee break• Follow ALL instructions on the job posting • Follow up with the recruiter via email about your application & include

your resume and cover letter• Pick up the phone

Nailing the Interview• The interview starts on the phone• Confirm the interview!!• Dress for success• Practice interviewing• Write down 10-15 questions you’d like to potentially ask the employer• Know the company and the person you’re interviewing with • Arrive 10 minutes early – not 30!• Be friendly to everyone you encounter – even in the parking lot• Bring several copies of your resume, a notepad, and a pen• Don’t get too comfortable• Be aware of your body language – eye contact and a smile!• Make yourself the obvious choice• Bring tangible documents of your work • Send a hand written Thank-You note and an email

Owning Your Career“The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else. Job security is gone. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember: You own your career!” - Earl Nightingale