Writing an eye catching resume

Career Action: Establishing Your

Professional FoundationTips to help you write an eye catching resume and cover letter and prepare for the

interview process

Developed by Sarita Venkat

Outline Internships and Why They Are Important How to Write a Resume How to Write a Cover Letter Tips on Interviewing First 100 Days on the Job/Internship Final Thoughts

The Importance of Internships Work-related references

Diverse experiences

Different types of management styles

Potential of working at these places on a full time basis after graduation

How to Write a Resume Question: How long does the typical

recruiter look at your resume?

What purpose does a resume serve? The goal of a resume is to give an organization insight into the skills and capabilities you have in order to determine whether you can do the job.

How to Write a ResumeHEADER

Contains your name and contact information Be sure your name stands out; include nickname

in parentheses Include one or two phone numbers where you can

be easily reached (home and cell are best) and be 100 percent sure the contact information is correct; ensure the voicemail messages on those numbers are professional and simple (i.e., no humor, music or children’s voices)

Use an e-mail address that is professional; [email protected] or [email protected] is not acceptable

How to Write a ResumeSample Header

YOUR NAMEStreet Address · City, State and Zip Code

Cell number · E-mail Address

How to Write a ResumePROFILE

Designed to draw the reader in; gives an overview of who you are, what you bring and what you are looking for

3-4 lines at the top of your resume Do not write it in the first person (“I”) or

third person (“Ms. Smith”) Supported by your content

How to Write a ResumeSample Summary Profile

Experienced writer and editor with over five years of researching the strategic needs and challenges confronting Fortune 500 companies. Possess solid written, communication, analytical and organizational skills. Consistently recognized by management and peers for producing high quality work and demonstrating a results-oriented work ethic.

How to Write a ResumeHow Do You Write a Summary Profile?

Peruse job openings to determine what’s important to employers.

Write a list of your matching skills, experience and education.

How to Write a ResumeEDUCATION

Shows your degrees or coursework you have completed at degree-granting institutions.

Be formal--don't write sentences (i.e., BA Political Science, not “Received BA in political science”)

List the degrees first—they are always more important than where you got them (however, also list name of university/college below the degree)

If you choose to include the city and state, list after the institution.

How to Write a Resume Include minor, thesis and specific

coursework if it’s important to the audience reading your resume

Put projected graduation date if degree completion is more than a semester away (“Expected May 2007”)

Right justify all graduation dates GPA isn’t crucial to include, but include if

it’s over a 3.0

How to Write a ResumeExample Education Section

EDUCATIONBA Political Science, GPA: 3.8/4.0 Concentration: If you have oneList College/University Name, City and StateProjects: List projects completed Coursework: List actual courses here—if applicable

to the job/internship you are seeking

How to Write a ResumePROFESSIONAL

EXPERIENCE/INTERNSHIPS

This section describes elements of your work history that are the most relevant to the audience receiving your resume.

How to Write a ResumeQuick Test: Which of the following statements

is more powerful?

“Responsible for supervising software engineers.”

OR

“Managed a team of eight software engineers.”

How to Write a Resume“Compiled research data and dialog from six

focus group sessions.”

OR

“Transcribed research data.”

How to Write a Resume“Excellent written communication skills.”

OR

“Wrote jargon-free User Guide for 11,000 users.”

How to Write a Resume“Helped develop a brand identity for NPR’s

jazz programs.”

“Led a company-wide team that developed a brand identity for NPR’s five jazz programs, by creating a logo, press materials, and web site; efforts resulted in a 20% increase in jazz program sales.”

How to Write a Resume Distinguish duties (activities you performed on

the job) vs. skills (tools and techniques you used to accomplish the tasks)

List out your duties List out skills/abilities necessary to accomplish

each task Focus on your accomplishments NOT your

job responsibilities. DEMONSTRATE your achievements. Use

metrics whenever possible. (e.g., Include the amount of the budget you managed, number of people you supervised, percentage increase in sales, number of client accounts you managed, etc.)

How to Write a Resume Eliminate vague words--“some” or “various” or

“many” Use descriptive words. Should lead with a

past-tense action word. (examples: directed, led, managed, achieved, delivered, generated, increased, initiated, launched, created, established, implemented, saved, etc.)

Don’t include everything you did at every job—select relevant bullets based on your audience.

How to Write a Resume For each employer, list each position

beginning with the most recent first—it shows progression and promotion.

Bullet point your experience—no one wants to read long paragraphs and don’t use periods at the end of bullets—bullets are meant for statements—use dashes, colons or semi-colons to connect thoughts

Don’t include orphans (lines with one or two words); the white space can be distracting

How to Write a ResumeExample listing from an internship at C-SPAN:

International Relations Intern Summer 1996C-SPAN, Washington, DC Attended eight press briefings and congressional

hearings and summarized key points of these events to the Division Director

Edited scripts for regularly scheduled international shows

Assisted in the research and editing of Booknotes, a compilation of interview excerpts conducted by CEO Brian Lamb with high-ranking government and business leaders

How to Write a ResumePROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This section shows all of the additional work and effort you have undertaken to develop yourself professionally

Use formal titles of software and be sure to spell correctly

Include leadership roles Volunteer activity is optional; include if it shows

community involvement or is relevant to your area of expertise (e.g., finance analyst who is also treasurer of a local community group)

How to Write a ResumeExample listing in Professional

Development:

Technology Skills Awards Clubs Volunteer

How to Write a ResumeDon’t underestimate your abilities;

strategically market your campus activities:

Coursework Part-time jobs Campus leadership positions Clubs and other activities Volunteer work

How to Write a ResumeQuick Recap

Keep all of the info. on your resume relevant. Be specific about your qualifications; too much info. can

work against you. Keep everything on your resume positive. Don’t be too quick with that send button. Double check

everything before you submit any message. Confidence is great but there is such a thing as too much

self-promotion. Proofread! Politics, religion and other loaded subjects have no place on

a resume. Badmouthing former bosses will get you nowhere with

potential employers.

How To Write a Cover LetterWhy is it important to craft a good cover

letter?

It provides a word-based snapshot of who you are, what you’ve done, what you know and what you’re capable of doing.

How To Write a Cover LetterThree Elements to the Cover Letter:

The opening: Tell the organization why you’re contacting them.

The body: Tell them how you’re qualified and why you’re the best candidate.

The closing: Tell them how and when you’ll follow up, then exit on a positive note.

How To Write a Cover LetterThe Opening

Generates interest

States or implies employment/internship interest

How To Write a Cover LetterThe Body

A paragraph that:

demonstrates your ability to add value to the group

highlights your key strengths and abilities

A background summary paragraph that briefly summarizes your relevant education and experience

How To Write a Cover LetterThe Closing

A statement that either compels or ensures follow-up action

A statement of appreciation Example: “Thank you for considering my

application for what I know will be an exciting and rewarding position. I will contact you the week of September 5, or I may be reached at…”

How To Write a Cover LetterCover Letter Dos

Address your cover letter to a specific individual. Answer logical questions, such as why you’re interested in

this particular opportunity and why you’re the best choice. Ask for an interview and tell the recipient that you will

contact him/her. Cite real examples: concrete outcomes; notable

accomplishments. Mirror the words the employer used to describe the position. Limit your cover letter to one page. Refer to yourself in the first person “I” instead of “one” or by

name. Spell and human check your cover letter. Your cover letter

should illustrate your very best writing and communication skills. If your best work contains errors, what is the quality of your everyday work like?

How To Write a Cover LetterCover Letter Don’ts

Expect employers will intuitively know which job/internship you’re applying for—SPELL IT OUT.

Assume the employer will read between the lines—they won’t.

Lie about your education, experience or achievements. Be chummy or arrogant. Plead, beg or share sob stories. Include threats or say anything negative. Repeat every detail you’ve included in your resume. Don’t use more than one font in a cover letter. Don’t use a lot of bold, underlines, capitalization and italics

for emphasis. Don’t write a letter in all capitals—ever. Don’t use clip art or flashy logos.

Submitting Your Cover Letter and Resume

IMPORTANT TIP: Remember to clearly label your resume and cover letter file names.

Example: resume_sv or 1106finalresume is unacceptable.

Instead: SaritaVenkat - Resume or another clear label is preferable.

“The Write Stuff”Keep these tips in mind: Know what you want to say Keep it simple Identify your reader Trust your ear

Interview TipsFirst and second most common mistake

people make during job interviews?

Second: Not showing enough enthusiasm. First: Not presenting a professional

appearance.

Source: JobsOnTheWeb.com

Interview TipsWhat’s the interviewer thinking? Punctuality Appearance/grooming Eye contact Non-verbal comm. (gestures, poise) Communication skills/articulation Knowledge/interest of the organization Knowledge/interest of the industry/field Self-confidence and initiative Quality of resume Overall impression of student

Interview TipsTo summarize, use these 10 strategies: Research the company/organization before you go on the

interview. Study your qualifications and abilities for a brief presentation. Remember what’s in your resume/cover letter. Try to link/relate your skills to the organization’s needs. Think about potential interview questions. Be well-groomed; dress appropriately. Be friendly and outgoing; give a firm hand shake; maintain

good eye contact. Get to the interview 10 minutes early. Ask for a business card before leaving. Send a “thank you” card/e-mail within 24 hours of the

interview.

Final ThoughtsOnce in an Internship: Observe the organization Be nice to everyone Keep in touch with your former boss Find a mentor Build on functional skills and don’t worry about

subject matter expertise Keep a running list of all your accomplishments Build your portfolio with a wide variety of things to

take away with you and show in future interviews