Spice Up Your Resume Served by D R I V E T H R U

Explore Take time to reflect on and list your accomplishments both in and out of the classroom Answer these questions What have I done in my life, academic or otherwise that would make me valuable to this company? What qualifications do I have that would be of value? How am I special?

Speak The Language Review the job description Research company Look at the company web site Read recent press releases Do an internet search on the company Incorporate the “LINGO” used with all of these into your resume

The Basics NO typos, spelling errors or use of poor grammar Don’t use templates Your resume = You Neat resume = neat Organized resume = organized Error-free resume = careful Professional resume = competent Keep it relevant to the position Be concise and clear Be consistent One page is preferred Balance the info, equal margins No personal pronouns Use strong action verbs Bullets Avoid parentheses Print on high-quality white or off-white bond paper Never fold, staple or use paper clips

Choose a Style Chronological Presents your Education and Work experience in a straightforward, REVERSE chronological order. Effective if your work is relevant to your objective. Functional Concentrates on your qualifications that relate to the skills necessary to perform the desired job. This style is effective if your work experience is NOT closely related to your objective. Combination Uses Both styles. The skills or qualifications section identifies your skills in relation to your job or career objective. This format grabs the reader’s attention early.

Heading Name- stand out Address- 1 or 2; state Telephone Number- 1 or 2; area code Email address- appropriate Be Creative with your heading. Make your resume stand out from others.

Objective Sets the course for the resume Be specific to the individual position, field or industry May include the company, industry, or organization Do not add plans for advancement Objective Real Estate Agent Objective High School Agricultural Teacher Area of Interest Banking Industry

Summary of Qualifications 3 to 5 bullets List years of experience in area you are applying for List personal traits that make you stand out List skills relevant to your objective Be specific and descriptive

Education Include degree Major, minor, emphasis College or university with location Expected date of graduation GPA or major GPA if 3.0 or above Optional- Part of the Texas A&M University System

Experience Job Title Name of Employer Location Dates of Employment Description (Under Related only) Having relevant experience will make you stand out from other applicants.

Types of Experience Work Internships- paid or unpaid Class assignments Group projects Volunteer work Campus organizations Job Shadow

Selling Yourself Insert bullets Start each bullet with an action verb Use the correct tense Rank order the information by importance to objective Showcase your accomplishments, skills, and abilities Keep your descriptions specific and concise Emphasize leadership, problem-solving, organization, communication, ingenuity, teamwork, and promotions Use numbers, percentages and details

Other Categories Related Courses Computer or Specialized Skills Foreign Languages Honors and Achievements Scholarships and Awards Volunteer Experience Leadership Experience Campus or Community Activities Certificates, Licenses, and Additional Training

Checklist Spell check and proofread Formatting—Does it make a good first impression? Is it relevant? Does it showcase my skills? Make appointment with Career Services Post resume in the Tarleton Connection Database

Then add the following information…

Cover Letter Your street address City, State Zip Today’s Date Ms. Elizabeth Ford Assistant Director Meadows Corporation 7439 Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60610 Dear Ms. Ford: The opening paragraph should arouse the interest of the employer. State why you are writing and give information to show your interest in this specific organization. If it is a letter of application, name the position for which you are applying and how you heard of it. The middle paragraph(s) should create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or requirements. Refer the reader to the general qualifications on your enclosed resume. Highlight important points, but do not repeat your entire resume. Also highlight points that will be of particular interest to the organization. The closing paragraph should pave the way for the interview by asking for an appointment, by offering to call the employer in the near future or by making some similar suggestion to facilitate an immediate and favorable reply. Sincerely, (sign here in black ink) Jennifer S. Lane Enclosure (You are noting that you have enclosed your resume or other documents as requested by the employer.)

References Separate page Use resume paper Copy & paste your resume heading 3-6 references Ask each person 1st Provide each person with a copy of your resume Professional rather than personal if possible Include Name Position Place of Employment Contact Info

Interview Practice interview questions Mock Interview Dress professionally Plan driving route & parking Make copies of resume & references Prepare questions for the interviewer Arrive 10-15 minutes early Be courteous & professional to everyone there

1 Resume Pres 0 00 3 Sides of Tips 0 00 Total FREE Thank You!  Brittany

TSC, 218 968-9078 www.tarleton.edu/~careers D R I V E T H R U TSC, 218 968-9078 www.tarleton.edu/~careers