2008 flicc career and job fair resume tips from robert newlen

Resume and Interview Extreme Makeover: Quick Tips to Polish Your Skills

Robert R. Newlen

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Some Resume/Cover Letter Bloopers

Reason for leaving last job: maturity leave Failed bar exam with relatively high grades Let’s meet, so you can “ooh” and “aah” over my

experience You will want me to be Head Honcho in no time Am a perfectionist and rarely if if ever forget details Marital status: often. Children: various. Finished eighth in my class of ten

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Ten Deadly Sins of Resume Writers

Failure to account for periods of unemployment All gaps, such as childcare or academic

pursuits, should be explained. When dismissal is in an issue……

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Myth of the one page resume No hard and fast rule Experience and background govern length Don’t reduce margins to make everything fit

on one page

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Resumes sent by fax or e-mail Never fax or email unless specifically

requested Faxed documents don’t photocopy well

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Omission of non-professional experience Can be useful for those more junior in their

careers Can demonstrate valuable skills

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Failure to describe involvement in professional associations

Indicate extent of involvement Marketable skills – budget, planning, etc. Attendance at conferences Indicates interest in staying abreast of

current developments

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Typographical, grammar, and punctuation errors

This is your first work product for the new employer

Review several days after you complete the resume

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Use of unfamiliar acronyms Acronyms may have little or no meaning for

the employer Explain to reader if not readily apparent

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Omission of volunteer experience Experience in volunteer organizations

produces marketable experience Develops skills such as fundraising,

promotions, public speaking, leadership, etc.

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Hard-to-read resume layout Make it easy-to-read Use bullets Bold headings Make it easy to scan Don’t make the type size too small

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Ten Deadly Sins of Resume Writing

Use of official position descriptions Write your resume in your own words Make it goal driven and action oriented Quantify when appropriate Used action verbs like “achieved, identified,

improved, etc.”

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Interview Checklist

Anticipate questions that the employer might ask

Practice answering these questions Rehearse in front of a mirror Practice with a friend or colleague

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Interview Checklist

Prepare questions to ask at the interview Be ready when the employer asks “do you

have any questions about the position?” Your potential employer is looking for

someone with curiosity and interest in the library

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Interview Checklist

Do your homework about the library or organization

Research every aspect of your potential employer

Check newspapers, annual reports and talk to others in the library

Demonstrate to the interviewer that you have done your homework

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Interview Checklist

Use common sense in planning your wardrobe Not a fashion statement opportunity Err on the side of conservative Avoid loud colors, too much jewelry, and

perfume or after-shave “Practice” wearing your interview outfit

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Interview Checklist

Know the exact location of the interview Arriving late is the kiss of death Stake out location well in advance Arrive 10 minutes early

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Interview Checklist

Shake hands firmly Smile Stand up straight Look confident Maintain good eye contact

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Interview Checklist

Be enthusiastic and show energy Look eager Use tone of your voice and body language If you are given a tour of the library, be sure

to display curiosity by asking questions

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Interview Checklist

Do your best to look relaxed and comfortable Try to look like you are enjoying the process Trick to make you relax

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Interview Checklist

Know when to stop talking Don’t be afraid to ask to have question

repeated If you have problem with a question, come

back to it later in the interview

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Interview Checklist

Never say anything negative about yourself Appropriate to say you have learned from

past experiences Not the moment for true confession

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Interview Checklist

Always close the interview with a succinct statement

Sum up your strongest qualifications Thank the employer for the interview

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Interview Checklist

Send a thank you letter to each interviewer Send a hard copy – not an email – immediately Provide some brief statements about your

qualifications for the position based on the information you obtained during the interview

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Robert R. Newlen

[email protected]

2008 flicc career and job fair resume tips from robert newlen

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