Resumes: Say what? Allison Birk Career Advisor Career Services Texas State University

eal xperience howcase niquely ade (for) mployers What is a resume anyway? R E S U M E

 College  Scholarship  Job  Student Organization  Internship What is a resume used for? Hint: You’ll be able to put all these items on your resume!

 Readability? o No smaller then 11pt font o Arial or Times New Roman o Proofread, prufread, proorfead! Avoid Personal Pronouns - No I’s, me’s, or my’s o Example: I am seeking a work-study position where I can use my leadership, communication and project management skills. o Instead: Seeking work-study position, utilizing leadership, communication...

Nice to meet you. I’m… Include address, phone number and appropriate address Write a killer objective, or axe it Your objective is to make their company better, faster and stronger using your skills. Your objective is really theirs Summary provides a table of contents for busy employers who might only skim a resume.

 Elevator pitch: You’ve got 30 seconds—Go! Checklist: 1. Name 2. Major/ When you’re graduating 3. What position you’re interested in 4. What experience you have 5. Skills 6. Schedule meeting? 7. Thank you! Summary of Qualifications (Continued)

Include full title of degree and expected graduation date GPA is optional To include or not to include relevant course work?

Experience = PAID or UNPAID! Quantify experience where you can!

Effective resumes show results and accomplishments Good Managed office Taught chemistry to students Managed farm Better Managed office operations and staff of 12 Taught gas laws to groups of high school students Managed 50 head of cattle on a farm Best Managed sales office operations and staff of 12 to record productivity Facilitated cooperative learning in teaching gas laws to 25 high school students Managed 50 head of cattle and balanced rations which enhanced milk production by 35 percent The ‘Dreaded’ Experience Section

Include title (and make it descriptive!), organization and dates Highlight leadership, volunteer work, school club and sports participation, etc.

Tips to consider: o Print out Job Descriptions and tailor your resume o Focus on achievements, not just duties o Look up resume samples online o Talk it out with family and friends o Have someone else look at it!

Before the interview: Do your homework! Two most common complaints of employers about interview preparation? -Unfamiliar with company -Uncertain of personal goals

Have a firm handshake Speak confidently Make eye-contact Business etiquette excludes gender Exhibit a positive attitude Dress professionally

Speak slowly and clearly, and don’t be afraid to pause for a moment to collect your thoughts Present key information in your background as it relates to the position Reflect on your skills, qualities, experiences, and academic work

Limit to 3-5 questions Script questions in advance It’s okay to ask hard questions, but keep your questions positive and upbeat Focus on the future, not the present or past Remember, your questions tell the interviewer things about you – make sure you’re sending out positive vibes!

Make sure you’re clear on the next step. Always get a business card Leave like you came – big smile, firm handshake, thank them for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the job!

As soon as you get home, send the interviewer a “thank you” letter. Thank you letters can be handwritten or ed. Thank you letters do not have to be elaborate. Keep it short and simple!

Allison Birk Career Services LBJ