Resumes: Say what?

Allison Birk Career AdvisorCareer Services

Texas State University

eal xperience howcase niquely ade (for)

mployers

What is a resume anyway?R

ESUME

College Scholarship Job Student Organization Internship

What is a resume used for?

Hint: You’ll be

able to put all

these items on

your resume!

Resume Basics Readability?

o No smaller than 11pt font

oArial or Times New RomanoProofread, prufread, proorfead!

Avoid Personal Pronouns - No I’s, me’s, or my’so Example: I am seeking a work-study position where I

can use my leadership, communication and project management skills.

o Instead: Seeking work-study position, utilizing leadership, communication...

Nice to meet you. I’m…

• Include address, phone number and appropriate email address• Write a killer objective, or axe it

• Your objective is to make their company better, faster and stronger using your skills. Your objective is really theirs

• Summary provides a table of contents for busy employers who might only skim a resume.

Elevator pitch: You’ve got 30 seconds—Go!

Checklist:1. Name2. Major/ When you’re graduating3. What position you’re interested in4. What experience you have5. Skills6. Schedule meeting? 7. Thank you!

Summary of Qualifications (Continued)

…and this is what I know

• Include full title of degree and expected graduation date

• GPA is optional

• To include or not to include relevant course work?

Here’s what I’ve done..

• Experience = PAID or UNPAID!

• Quantify experience where you can!

Effective resumes show results and accomplishments

Good• Managed office• Taught chemistry to students• Managed farmBetter• Managed office operations and staff of 12• Taught gas laws to groups of high school students• Managed 50 head of cattle on a farmBest• Managed sales office operations and staff of 12 to record

productivity• Facilitated cooperative learning in teaching gas laws to 25

high school students• Managed 50 head of cattle and balanced rations which

enhanced milk production by 35 percent

The ‘Dreaded’ Experience Section

This is what I’m involved in…

• Include title (and make it descriptive!), organization and dates

• Highlight leadership, volunteer work, school club and sports participation, etc.

Tips for a successful resume Tips to consider:o Print out Job Descriptions and tailor your

resumeo Focus on achievements, not just dutieso Look up resume samples onlineo Talk it out with family and friendso Have someone else look at it!

Questions?

Interviews: Say what?Before the interview:

•Do your homework!

•Two most common complaints of employers about interview preparation?

-Unfamiliar with company-Uncertain of personal goals

Professional Presence

•Have a firm handshake•Speak confidently•Make eye-contact•Business etiquette excludes gender•Exhibit a positive attitude•Dress professionally

During the Interview•Speak slowly and clearly, and don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts

•Present key information in your background as it relates to the position

•Reflect on your skills, qualities, experiences, and academic work

Don’t forget the ?’s•Limit to 3-5 questions•Script questions in advance•It’s okay to ask hard questions, but keep your questions positive and upbeat•Focus on the future, not the present or past•Remember, your questions tell the interviewer things about you – make sure you’re sending out positive vibes!

Closing the Interview•Make sure you’re clear on the next step.

•Always get a business card

•Leave like you came – big smile, firm handshake, thank them for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the job!

Follow Up!•As soon as you get home, send the interviewer a “thank you” letter.

•Thank you letters can be handwritten or emailed.

•Thank you letters do not have to be elaborate.

•Keep it short and simple!

Many thanks!

Allison Birk abirk@txstate.edu

Career ServicesLBJ 5-7.1512.245.2645www.careerservices.txstate.edu