Resume Writing and Interview Techniques March 1, H Teen Leader/Charting Weekend Jackson’s Mill Center for Lifelong Learning Presenters: Kim Suder Linda Hildebrand

Resume: A presentation of your professional objectives, academic achievements and experience background How is it used? – Support interviews – Send with Cover letters – Send with applications – Follow-up to phone calls –Send with Thank You letters

Basic Resume Rules No one way to write a resume One page in length preferred Is information to your advantage? – Will it be to your advantage? Validates your objectives

Contents of a Resume Personal – Name, address, phone, Job Objectives/Career Interest Education – Degree, school and location, GPA and Graduation Date Experience – Work/Career Related Honors, Activities, Hobbies Skills, Abilities - Computer, foreign languages, etc. References

Action Words AnalyzedAssistedArrangedCompiledCoordinatedDevelopedEstablishedFacilitatedManagedOrganizedPerformedPreparedProgrammedPromotedSoldSupervisedTaughtWrote

Types of Resumes Targeted – Choose employer – Individualized resume – For a particular position (least used) Functional – Skill oriented – For variety of experiences – Transferable qualities for career change (Administrative, Budget, Personnel) Chronological – Most recent information listed first

Paper Quality High cotton fiber content Light in color

Cover Letter: Business letter written to a potential employer (which accompanies your resume). Asking for information Applying for a posted job vacancy To discuss possible employment To confirm an interview As a keep in touch letter As an acceptance of job offer letter As a rejection of job offer letter As a request for a deadline extension

Goals for Effective Cover Letters To personalize communication between applicant and employer To elaborate on applicant skills and strengths To relate applicant’s qualities to the requirements of the position To state reasons for applicants interested in position/organization To provide a means for further communication and follow-up

Cover Letters Do: – Address to a person/title – Refer to specific resume information – Keep letter short – Use standard business letter 8 ½ x 11 – Type all letters! Do not: – Exaggerate or fabricate – Be cute

Sample Phrases “I read, with a great deal of interest, your advertisement in the January 20 issue of _____________.” “Your ad captured my attention.” “The skills you require appear to match my professional strengths.” “I would welcome the opportunity for a personal interview to further discuss my qualifications.”

Thank You Letters/Notes BriefTyped Mailed ASAP after interview Mailed ASAP after interview Used as an occasion to add information not covered during interview Used to clarify any information Used to clarify any information

Exercises  Resume writing  Cover Letter  Mock/Critique Video Interview  Thank You Letter

Wrap-Up and Evaluation Questions? Questions? Additional information: Evaluation