Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills

Presented By Elisa Paramore

Student Support Services Counselor

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What is a Resume

A résumé, is a document containing a summary or listing of relevant job experience and education, usually for the purpose of obtaining an interview when seeking employment. Often the résumé is the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker, and therefore a large amount of importance is often placed on it.

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3 Types of Resumes

Chronological Resume Functional Resume Combined Resume

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Chronological Resume

The first and most common type Lists your educational and work experiences in

reverse chronological order The best type because it is easy to do from

scratch

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Pro’s of Chronological Resumes

Easy for employers to read and scan career history Most accepted format- estimates are that 80 to 85% of Human

Resources professionals prefer this type Most preferred and enforced by most internet job boards Great for listing steady employment history with no major gaps

or changes in career direction Great if employment history includes good organization names as

former employers Effectively highlights recent experience A universal format best for international job seekers

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Con’s of Chronological Resume

May not be best format if employment history is messy, inconsistent, has gaps, is very long or not relevant to job you are currently seeking

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Functional Resume

This format presents skills and experience without putting them in sequential date order

Skills and experience grouped according to type of function

Career history either reduced to a list of dates and company names as well as job titles towards the end of the resume, or either no details can be given since skills have been listed functionally

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Pro’s of Functional Resume

Combines skills gained in a number of different areas or groups so they will appear stronger

This format includes volunteer work, student activities, work experience, classroom work, project and social organizations

Best used when required skills for a job are things you possess but are not sufficiently shown in chronological resume format

Emphasizes what you can and have done rather than where and when you did it

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Pro’s of Functional, con’t

Good for those who have little or no work experience, such as recent graduates

Good for those reentering job market after a long period of time

Good for older workers who want to de-emphasize time span of their experience

Especially good for those seeking career change

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Con’s of Functional Resume

Not always well received by employers because many feel it is a way employees try to hide something

Many internet applications ask for dated information, so it can be hard or impossible to type online applications in this format

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Combined Resume

Begins with functional summary of relevant qualifications, key skills, key abilities, and relevant experience

Gives chronological career history which is much shorter than it would be in chronological format

A great compromise if you would like to use functional format but are afraid employers won’t like it

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Pro’s of Combined Resume

If done well, is accepted by employers Great for giving chronological resume but also

highlights particular skills and experience for position Very useful if relevant experience gained some time ago Can result in well-targeted resumes because you tailor

functional section to requirements in job posting Good for justifying a career change

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Con’s of Combined Resume

Some employers want to see what you did at each job

It can be hard to input on some online applications

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Final Considerations

After resume format chosen, now need to concentrate on content to be included.

Place most important and impressive information in the top third of the resume under the heading “Summary” or “Qualification Highlights”

Be certain resume has a explicitly or implicitly stated objective

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Final Considerations, con’t

Do not use boring descriptions of job responsibilities Describe specific examples of accomplishments and

achievements Tell employer how you will be of value to them by

describing how you were a valuable employee in previous companies- include actual dollar figures and percentages if mentioning how you saved a previous employer money, increased profit, improved productivity, or enhanced services

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Characteristics of a Good Resume

A resume should be bold, exciting and enticing but not flashy

A resume should be somewhat conservative A resume should show you have confidence in

your abilities, but you are not being a braggart A resume should sound like you are eager to

do the job, but are not desperate

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Characteristics, con’t

A resume should use intelligent language but not use long, flowery, or uncommon words or phrases

A resume should be as short as possible and get to the point

A resume should be no longer than 3 pages

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Resume Tips Do not use the words “responsibilities included” instead say

“on the job accomplishments” Do not forget to include the Job Objective- this tells the

employer what job you are applying for, and it gives the employer a sense that you have definite direction

State your objective in 5 or 6 words- anything more indicates lack of clarity and direction

If you don’t have paid experience in a field you are applying for a position in, get some volunteer experience in the area. Also, look at volunteer work you have done in the past to see that helps document skills you need for a particular job

Don’t leave gaps in work history- include anything of value you were doing to fill in those gaps (examples: self-employment or raising children)

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Resume Tips

Combine several short term jobs under one job title and include dates:

1993-1995 Secretary/ Receptionist; Jones Bakery, Sony, Michelin

Drop less important and briefest jobs you have had

Impress employers by including PAR statements in your resume

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Explanation & Example of PAR

PAR stands for Problem, Action and Results To write one you identify a problem, state what

action you took, and state the end result

- example- “Transformed a disorganized, inefficient warehouse into a smother running operation by totally redesigning the layout: this saved the company thousands of dollars in recovered stock.”

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Resume Tips

Replace inaccurate job titles to reflect level of responsibility in past jobs

- example use title “Office Manager” instead of Administrative Assistant if that is a more accurate description, or use their job title and your actual one together such as “Administrative Assistant (Office Manager)”

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Resume Tips

If you are over 40, 50 or 60, you only need to describe the last 10 or 15 years of your work history. If you do this, Title the section “Recent Work History” or “Relevant Work history” – below this section you could include a paragraph titled “Prior Relevant Experience” and refer to additional experience you have had in the field

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Resume Tips

If you have been self-employed list that on your resume also- add statement “customer references available upon request” after listing that experience

Students may include summer jobs by listing them as Spring 1996 rather than 6/96

If degree or credentials not yet received, but are expected by a specific date say either:- Eligible for U.S. credentials; Graduate studies in Instructional Design, in progress; or Master’s Degree anticipated December 1997

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Resume Tips

If you only worked for one company for a long period of time, include each different position you held so that job progression is more obvious

Don’t include hobbies on your resume unless relevant to the job or clearly reveals a characteristic that supports your objective

Don’t include race or religious affiliations unless they support objective

Use prefix Mr. or Ms. If you have a first name that could be either male or female

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Resume Tips

If you received your degree from another country say “Degree equivalent to U.S. Bachelor’s Degree in Economics- Tehran, Iran”

Only print your resume on plain white or ivory paper labeled “Resume Paper”

Do not fold a laser-printed resume along a line of text because it may flake off along the fold

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Resume Tips

Give your resume a KISS- Keep it short and simple

Keep sentences under 12 words long Don’t write in paragraph form Give examples of your accomplishments Be positive and optimistic

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Resume Tips

Don’t give class ranking, grades or GPA unless you are very proud of them

Don’t mention salary and wages Don’t list personal references Use 8.5” by 11” resume quality paper Keep a 1” margin on all sides of the page Avoid fancy or hard to read font styles Don’t include cutesy artwork or photos

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Resume Tips

Double space between sections Single space within sections Bold, underline or capitalize section headings

so they stand out Use dots or an asterisk at the beginning of a

list Proofread for spelling and grammar

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Parts of Resume

Heading- include full name, address, telephone number with area code and email address if you have one- Center this at the top of the first page

Objective- in short sentence tell what kind of work you are seeking

Education- show you are capable of learning- include on-the-job training, special workshops and/or seminars you attended, military training, self-study, high school, vocational school, or colleges attended

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Parts, con’t

In education section start with the most recent school you attended- include completion date, degree or certificate earned, school’s name and address- all in one line

List any courses taken at each school that will help you in the job you are applying for

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Parts, con’t

Skills and abilities- list all relevant skills you possess that will help you on the job- under each skill list examples of how you used that skill

Work Experience- if you have never worked, skip this section- if you have volunteer experience you may include it in this section-start with most recent employer and work backward- in one line state day you left the job, your job title, name of the company and company address- under each job listing list accomplishments in that job- list military duty stations under this section

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Parts, con’t

Include military service in your resume- give date you left, rank and rate, and branch of service- in next line include security clearance, special assignments, and decorations received

Personal- do not include age, sex, race, marital status, family size or handicaps, but you may want to include special talents, skills, interests accomplishments or experiences in relevant to job being applied for

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How Do I Know What a Company Needs Read job advertisement 3 times and pay attention to what

the ad says the ideal candidate will be able to do write down all requirements and then explain your

qualification under each of them- use buzzwords, examples and numbers to show how well you can do for the company

if you don’t have all of the requirements- focus on strengths you do have and offer an alternative skill that you do have to show that you can learn quickly

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Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Seize the attention of the reader in the first sentence by telling him/her you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with him/her

Explain what about you would make you an excellent employee- what training or education have you received that you feel would make you a valuable asset to the company

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Other Advice for Writing Letters

Inject a little humor in last line of letter if appropriate Proofread your letter(s) and resume(s) before mailing

them Mail your letter(s) and resume(s) as quickly after you

see the ad as possible- mail is usually heaviest 3 days after a job is posted, so mail yours before that

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3 Things You Should Display During The Interview Good appearance Good Manners Good Attitude

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Tips on Presenting Good Appearance

Create a good first impression by presenting a good appearance, - look fresh, clean and proud

- dress the way you would for the jobexecutives should wear suits, white collar workers should wear dress clothes and workers should wear work clothes- make sure your clothes are clean, neat and pressed- wear conservative colors like blue, gray or brown

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Appearance, con’t

- Make sure shoes are clean and shined

- Avoid trendy fashions and patterns that clash

- Avoid excessive jewelry, makeup and strong

perfume or cologne

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Tips on Manners

Display good manners-- be punctual

- when checking in with the receptionist be pleasant and courteous- when meeting the interviewer(s) stand up, smile and offer friendly greeting and a firm handshake- address the interviewer(s) as Mr. and/or Ms. unless they ask you to call them by their first name- once inside the interviewer’s office, don’t sit until invited to do so

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Manners, con’t

if the phone rings during the interview, distract yourself and don’t listen in on the conversation

if someone comes in the office during the interview, stand up always accept a cup of coffee or soft drink if offered don’t smoke, even if the interviewer does and ask you to join

him/her don’t chew gum sit up straight don’t drum your fingers or a pen, swing your foot or rock in

your chair

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Manners, con’t

- don’t drop the names of important people you know- it implies you believe you are important and deserve special treatment

- don’t carry your coat into the interviewer’s office

-don’t argue about anything

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Tips on Attitude

- Managers agree that attitude separates the winners from the losers and can be even more important than experience

- To present a positive attitude, do the following:

- show enthusiasm and motivation

- show excitement

- show that you are bright, alert and alive

- look the interviewer in the eye and smile

- sit on the edge of the chair

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Attitude, con’t

- use your hands to show what you mean

- show interest in what company does and what you can do to help the company

- don’t be afraid to say that you really want the job

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Tips For Completing an Application

Print Use a pen Be neat Try to answer every question- if confused about

what a question is asking, ask for clarification. If you feel question is improper, leave it blank. If it doesn’t apply to you, write “not applicable”

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Tips, con’t

Be accurate- make sure all names spelled correctly and all other information is correct

Make sure reason for leaving a job is a good one

Be honest Don’t forget to sign and date it

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What is the Best Way to Prepare for the Interview Role play

- during role play try to come up with an automatic and honest answer to all questions you may be asked

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What You May Expect During the Interview Tell me about yourself- talk about your

accomplishments, skills and abilities All other questions asked during the interview will

cover three important issues:Can you do the jobWill you do the workWill you get along with others at the company

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Questions You Should Not Ask

Salary Vacations Holidays with pay Paid sick leave

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A Interviewer’s Biggest Fears

That if you are hired you will need too much time to get your feet on the ground, become productive and pull your own weight

That you won’t put in an honest day’s work You are sloppy and will constantly need to recheck your work That you will frequently call in sick, be late, leave early, refuse

overtime, and constantly ask for raises You will be lazy and only give minimum effort and be told what

to do all of the time That you are a quitter and you will leave when needed most

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Biggest Fears, con’t

You are a constant complainer or bragger You would let others pay for your mistakes You are arrogant, conceited, rude, pushy, antagonistic or

moody You show no pride in work, appearance or behavior You would steal, lie or cheat You would disgrace the company, department, manager or

fellow workers

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How to Know When The Interview Is Over The interviewer will stand and thank you for

coming In return you should thank him or her and

offer a sincere handshake If the interviewer says a decision will be made

in a certain time frame, ask if you may call to inquire at that time

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What Should I Do After An Interview

Send a thank you note to the interviewer

- this could give you an edge since most people will not do it

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Tips for Writing a Thank You Note

Keep it brief- thank him or her for their time and repeat that you would like to be hired for the job

Offer a trial period- say that you would like to call in a week to see if a decision was made

Write and send the Thank you note as soon as you get home from the interview

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What To Do If You Decide You Don’t Want The Job Send a note to interviewer thanking him or her

for his/her time but that you have decided you want to seek employment elsewhere

Ask him or her to remove your name from consideration

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What To Say If You Don’t Get the Job

Thank interviewer for his/her time and consideration and that you learned a lot about yourself, the job and the company

Ask interviewer if he/she would call you for another interview if the person hired doesn’t work out for some reason

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Avoid These Job Interview Mistakes

Don’t interview for your favorite companies first Don’t get caught unprepared for the interview Don’t be a motor mouth during the interview Don’t be a zombie during the interview Don’t bad mouth others Don’t be pushy or beg for the job Don’t forget to sell yourself during the interview Don’t forget to follow up with a Thank You note

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Conclusion

Writing a job winning resume and “acing” an interview are like many things in life. To present the best work you can, you must practice these skills. It may seem as if writing a resume that shows your accomplishments sounds as if you are bragging, but you are not. You are simply trying to convey what you have to offer a potential employer. Think of these tasks as a job in themselves, with your objective being selling yourself to that person.

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Important Note

I hope that this presentation has been helpful in regard to explaining how to prepare a resume, what to expect during an interview, as well as how to write a thank you note. Please come by Student Support Services to fill out an Academic Seminar Evaluation form or complete the online version so that we may document your participation.