Interview TipsBuilding Your ResumeDress the Part

Presented by: Walmart

February 2, 2010

Altoona Area High SchoolImage Area

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Altoona Area High School

How to Build Your Resume/Application

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Altoona Area High School

Why Should I have a Resume:

• It gets you the interview• Resumes open the door• Resumes typically are reviewed for 7-10

seconds before a decision is made• Resumes (applications) are a review of

education, skills, accomplishments, and experience

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Altoona Area High School

Basic Rules

• Be brief but highlight accomplishments – 1 page for less than 5 years• Use a standard structure – chronological

order• Remember presentation is important –

typed, heavy bond paper, no borders or pictures – Keep it professional.

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Altoona Area High School

Format

• One page for recent graduates• Header – Name, Address, Phone Number, E-mail address• Objective – Statement that expresses your career path

and interests• Education – listed before work experience, will change

with more than 5 years experience.• Employment History – if unknown company, one line to

describe entity– Unpaid employment may also be listed – Volunteer

History!• Additional Skills• References – do not list, rather list “References available

upon request:• Do not list salary history and requirements

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Altoona Area High School

Tips and Tricks

• Get involved – school activities, volunteer activities• Gain Employment• Form relationships with teachers to create

references• Read business based books to speak about in an

interview• Read industry based magazines• Do your research about the company before the

interview• You are displaying yourself – don’t be shy!

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Altoona Area High School

Write a Cover Letter

• Cover letters are critically important – Note the order of importance of job requirements that reflect your

skills– Draw attention to your experience, education– Add relevant information

• Never do the following– Use a form letter– Change the resume to suit the job – change action verbs– Never send a resume, application or cover letter without checking

spelling, grammar or appearance– Never include the following information: age, ethnicity, political

affiliation, birthplaces, photos, height, weight or health

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Altoona Area High School

Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing

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Altoona Area High School

Interviewing Do’s

• Research the Company that you’re applying to• Bring a professional, not handwritten

resume`• Dress professionally, remove any facial

piercing• Bring a paper and pen• Have a stern handshake

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Altoona Area High School

Interviewing Don’ts

• Do not chew gum, candy or tobacco• Do not wear blue jeans, shorts, flip flops or

anything offensive• Do not over-do perfume or cologne• Do not come unprepared• Don’t slouch• Don’t use poor grammar, slang or swear words

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Altoona Area High School

Don’ts

• Don’t say anything negative about the company you’re applying to• Don’t make any reference to sexual

preference, race, religion, or National origin• Don’t get too personal

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Altoona Area High School

Do’s

• Use Eye contact• Have good posture• Smile• Speak proper English, no slang• Ask two questions, not wage related, such

as working hours or immediate supervisor• End with a sincere Thank you and a firm

handshake

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Altoona Area High School

Role Play/Skits

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Altoona Area High School

Questions?