Understanding resumes, interviewing, and the job search Career Readiness Understanding resumes, interviewing, and the job search

What do recruiters/ hiring managers look for in resumes? Simple, brief, key points that relate to the job description they are recruiting for or job they are filling. Good grammar, punctuation, and no spelling errors Tangible, measurable, results oriented information May tailor resume to job in some circumstances

How do I choose a career? What do you enjoy doing? Do your research. Have a hobby? Take some courses. Cross-train Network

How to overcome fears…. Take a Public Speaking class. If you belong to a community organization (such as a church, volunteer organization, etc.) take an opportunity to speak on a topic you feel passionate about. Speak in front of a mirror as if you are speaking to a hiring manager. Take note of your posture, tone, and eye contact. If people have often told you that you are “soft spoken” or “laid back”, make an effort to speak confidently. Information is power. Research the company before your interview so you can speak confidently about the company. This will impress the interviewer.

Things to remember… If you have an interview, they have seen your resume, like your experience, and want to meet you. A lot of the meeting is getting them to like you. Be charismatic, likable, and relate your answers to stories from your past experience. An interview is not the time to make a fashion statement. Wear neutral colored suits (women, too). Take out piercings (ear piercing are acceptable)and cover tattoos (once you know their dress code, you can know how to address these daily). If you smoke, don’t smoke before the interview. Wear minimal make-up and perfume. If you have a trendy hairstyle (like a mohawk, etc.) consider wearing your hair in a very common way. The focus should be on you, not your clothes, hair, or scent.

Challenges with furthering your education…. Consider furthering your education with a trade school, technical school, college, or university. Financial issues can often be a burden while attending school, so make sure you look at multiple schools, the costs of tuition, meet with the financial aid advisor, and research scholarships. Also some jobs have tuition reimbursement programs. Working while in school, running a home, raising children and life in general in addition to going to school can be very stressful. Before you go to school, make sure you have a great support system. Don’t fall behind…it is difficult to catch up. Try to set aside a couple of days a week that are your “days off”.

Things to research…. Before a interview, google these things: The company you are interviewing with “Behavioral Questions” in an interview The location of the interview. If you are unfamiliar with the area, leave early or scope it out one day before the interview. If you know the name of the person you are interviewing with, google them, and/or look them up on LinkedIn.

Questions???