Samantha Mitchell & Fathom O’Flaherty

Help! I Need a JobDo’s and Don’t sResume writing and Interviewing

What is a resume?A resume is a brief document that highlights an individual's experience, qualifications, and

skills, in the hopes of securing a job interview!

0 In order to effectively convey your strengths, you should do a self assessment (ex: StrenghtsQuest)

0 Begin with a list of your greatest accomplishments and personal qualities.

0 Describe your skills and accomplishments with each employer by using action words. List only the skills that you would like to use on a new job. Use key words specific to that field or industry.

0 Write a chronological history of your employment, training, volunteer work and extra-curricular activities.

0 Analyze the requirements of the new job you want to apply for (job description).

0 Compare the skills required with your background and indicate how you have demonstrated these skills. (Apply for jobs where you have the closest fit and interest.)

http://www.lcc.edu/ces/resumes/content/

Did you know?Employers generally spend less than 30 seconds reviewing a résumé before deciding whether the candidate deserves an

interview, so when you're crafting yours, you'll want to include the most effective information to catch the hiring managers eye.

So what should my resume look like?0 A resume should:

• Grab the attention of whoever is reading your resume by selling yourself and your brand

• Highlights your strengths, accomplishments, and identifies your transferable skills

• Showcases why you are a potential match for the position

• Communicates your current capabilities and future potential

Resume section What it tells the reader

Top portion of resume (first third to half)

If your resume is worth reading further. This opening “snapshot” should entice readers to read more.

Header (name and contact information)

Your preferred name and how to contact you. The reader shouldn’t have to think about this (e.g., wonder what name you go by). 

Headline and Summary

What you’re looking for and why you’re qualified. Announces your job target and quickly sums up why you’re a good candidate. Note that experts recommend this approach to replace what used to be called "Objective" on many resumes.

Skills Whether you have the required skills. Helps the reader quickly match your skills to the position requirements.

Work Experience or Professional Experience or Employment History

What you’ve accomplished that’s relevant. Explains what you’ve achieved that could also benefit the reader’s company.

Education Whether you meet the education requirements. Again, helps the reader quickly match you to the position requirements.

Continuing Education

or Professional Development or Additional Training

What further training you’ve pursued. Matches you to job requirements and also illustrates initiative and commitment to learning.

Other Information What other assets you offer. Provides additional information (professional memberships, awards, etc.) to support your candidacy.

Great

You have a resume…Beth Smith, CAPM 215 W. State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53201 ● 555-263-1678 ● bethsmith@comcast.net

Mr. Paul Jones Senior Project Manager Platinum Software Consulting 1234 Drury Road Milwaukee, WI 53204 Dear Mr. Jones: I’m writing because John Allison suggested you might have an opportunity for project coordinator for your upcoming Century software project.

John tells me the project will require someone with strong Microsoft SharePoint knowledge. As you can see from the enclosed resume, I ran a project at Grant Technology that involved streamlining the SharePoint file system. The new system is now in use firm-wide.

I also understand you would prefer someone who is certified in project coordination. I earned my CAPM from the Project Management Institute in 2009. The training I received gave me new insights into the importance of strong project coordination for software projects, especially for busy consultancies such as Platinum.

I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss your requirements for the Century project. I will call you on Tuesday, June 15, to inquire about setting up an interview.

Sincerely,

Beth Smith

Enclosure: Resume

The next step is marketing yourself 1. Write an effective cover letter- it

explains to the recipient why you are writing, address your qualifications for the opportunity, and explain how you intend to follow up.

2. Network -establish professional relationships, share information, and always have copies of your resume available (LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook).

3. Distribute your resume at job fairs- it is a great way to meet people and practice your interviewing skills.

4. Post your resume wisely-explore niche job boards, target specific companies of interest, consider regional job boards, library websites, aggregator sites like indeed, or professional associations.

http://www.careeronestop.org/ResumeGuide/Introduction.aspx

You have an interview!!!

Interview EssentialsRESEARCH THE COMPANY!!!!!!

1. Bring copies of your resume2. Pen (blue or black ink)3. Notepad or notebook4. A copy of your references (at least 3

people not related to you)5. Come prepared to ask the interviewer

questions6. Have directions and contact

information for the person you are interviewing with

7. Breath mints (avoid chewing gum)8. Folder or briefcase

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-O0mAdXsp8

http://www.rasmussen.edu/images/blogs/1314022058-how-to-dress-for-an-interview.jpg

Dress for Success!

Gray -- logical/analyticalWhite -- organizedBrown -- dependableGreen, yellow, orange, purple--creativeRed—powerfulBlue—confident/loyal

Interviewinghttp://www.career.vt.edu/Interviewing/DosDonts.html

Do’s Don’ts

Always ask the interviewer questions!

0 Ask questions to determine the companies ‘culture’.

0 Provide questions that showcase your interest in the position and the company.

0 Discuss the history of the position; who held it before you

0 Ask questions about the strengths and personality types of current employees.

0 Discuss what the hiring manger wants you to accomplish within the first year, if you are chosen for the position.

Don’t forget to follow up with a Thank You!

0 Avoid “why” questions, instead ask “how?”

0 Don’t ask multifaceted questions.0 Avoid questions that might create an

atmosphere of discomfort.0 Do not discuss religion, beliefs, or

values in the interview.0 Be careful when asking personal

questions of the interviewer

What to ask?What do believe is the future of this company? What do you consider to be your firm's most important assets? What can you tell me about your new product or plans for growth? How do you rate your competition? What happened to the last person who held this job? What are some major strengths needed for this job? What types of skills do you NOT already have onboard that you're looking to fill with a new hire? What is the overall structure of the company and how does your department fit the structure? What career paths are offered in this company? What have been the department's successes in the last couple of years? How do you view your group/division/department? What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job? What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position? Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to within the company? Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed?What are the performance expectations of this position? How will I be evaluated, and how often?

The next steps: At the end of the interview don't forget to ask What are the next steps in the interview process?

What not to ask during an interview! What is the salary for this position?

When do you expect to make a decision? What does this company do?

Did I get the job? When do I start? What does the benefits package include? When can I take my first vacation days?

Do I really need to have requirements X,Y,Z as listed in the job posting? How many hours will I be expected to work?

Do I have to work weekends/overtime/holidays? How long would I expect to wait to get promoted or transferred?

When do employees get salary increases? What is it about my resume that got me this interview?

Warning: Some interview questions asked by employers could be illegal?!

USATODAY.com - Illegal interview questions

Now that the hard part is over

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Send out your Thank you cards