1. Building a Resume That Gets Attention

2. Resume Quiz How long does an employer look at a resume? 30 seconds 2 minutes 5 minutes 30 minutes

3. Resume Quiz That’s right! 30 Seconds!

4. Resume Know-How How do I grab the employer’s attention?  Easy to read  Logical flow  Focused on accomplishments  Targeted to reader  Intriguing Sample Resumes

5. KEY POINTS – THE DO’S Clean format that is easy to read/easy to scan. Most important information first. Choose strong headings. Stress results, skills, and accomplishments rather than duties. Write to an outsider. Use consistent tense. Begin sentences with action verbs. Laser print on quality paper.

6. KEY POINTS – THE DON’TS #1 Resume mistake???? ERRORS!!! Do not include personal information. Avoid personal pronouns. Try to keep it to 1 page Avoid use of abbreviations, slang or jargon. Do not include long wordy paragraphs.

7. Categories of a Resume Identifying Information Professional Summary Education Experience Skills Activities, Honors, Interests References

8. Identifying Information Name Permanent address Temporary address (if applies) Phone number E-mail address Web sites- be careful

9. Professional Summary A snapshot of your abilities and accomplishments Be specific 4 ways to focus  Position, Industry, Skills, Long-term goals Examples: “College Senior with eight months of experience as a USDA intern and crop scout. Worked with scientists and farmers displaying communication, teamwork and leadership. Aspire to utilize soil and plant knowledge as an Agronomy Researcher.” “Passionate care giver with an optimistic and compassionate approach who is determined to impact the health of children with a proven track record of achievement both in the classroom and in a clinical internship setting.”

10. Education University and BS degree Graduation Date Majors & Minors Include GPA if + 3.0 Relevant Coursework Can include honors Expenses Paid Research Projects (here or experience section)

11. Sample Education North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, May 2008 Concentration in Turfgrass Management GPA: 3.4/4.0 Multiple Scholarship Recipient, Dean’s List

12. Experience Paid Jobs Volunteer Work Internships, Co-ops Family Business Family Farm Student Groups Leadership Roles

13. Formatting Experience Title of position Name/Location of organization What you accomplished on the job Use action wordsaction words

14. Action Words Incorrect  I took the weight of the animals. I made appointments. I checked blood samples. Correct  Weighed animals; scheduled appointments; assisted vet with lab analysis.

15. Better Action Words Stress accomplishments over duties  Computerized office record-keeping procedures; earned vet assistant certificate via on-the-job experience.  Managed research project investigating water quality; managed budget, supervised internship staff, presented findings to board.

16. ACCOMPLISHMENT STATEMENTS Past tense – still doing or did before Use action verbs Quantify & qualify “Responsible for campers” Becomes...... “Planned and coordinated activities and fieldtrips for 30 children ages 6 – 12” “Operated cash register” Becomes..... “Provided prompt and friendly service to patrons and averaged $1000 in daily sales”

17. EXPERIENCE - Sample Server, Houlihan’s, Jobsville, PA, 9/04 – present. Handled orders for over 200 patrons daily, including business, family, and tourist clientele Succeeded in providing excellent communicative, tactful and proficient services Independently resolved customer complaints and dissatisfaction Averaged $600 in daily sales

18. What Do Employers Want? Use ONET online (online.onetcenter.org/find) to identify job tasks Look at multiple job descriptions by searching online (Google the job title you are applying for with the words ‘job description’). What stands out in all of them? Search online for resumes of people in your field. What do they focus on & what you like/dislike. See what your industry’s professional associations focus on. Include transferable skills (see a list at www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills.html)

19. Strengthen You Statements Why is this experience/skill meaningful? What was the advantage/result of your tasks/accomplishment? How were you different/better than someone else? What strength did you bring? How did your task further the overall goal/mission of the company? Did your actions improve anything? How – what was the measurable benefit? From your future employer’s standpoint – “What can this candidate do for me?”

20. Skills  Computer  Technical  Laboratory  Communication  Leadership  Language

21. Sample Skills Proficient with analytical methods such as ELISA, HPLC, GC, and Titrations. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and several Database Programs. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

22. Activities, Honors, Interests Clubs Leadership Roles Professional Associations Unusual hobbies Include only if active member Avoid “padding”

23. ACTIVITIES Can be placed in experience section to draw attention to something meaningful NCSU Intercollegiate Soccer Team 2001-2005 Awarded a four year athletic scholarship Trained year round, approximately 25 hours a week Selected as a Wolfpack Team Representative (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) Managed a demanding schedule as an athlete and full time student, maintaining a 3.4 GPA Demonstrated leadership skills as the team captain, junior and senior year of college

24. References Available on request At least 3 to support your candidacy Talk with your references FIRST On separate page Bring to interview Include all particulars (name, title, company, address, phone, email)

25. Formatting Resumes Needs to look professional One page is preferable Organize for reader Visually pleasing Use quality paper Proof, edit, proof, edit…..

26. Now Create Your Own Resume! Click here to register and upload your resume to ePack.

27. Business Cards Invaluable asset when you are at events where a resume would be inappropriate Always carry a couple in your wallet or purse They provide all of your important information

28. Business Cards A business card typically includes:  student's name  school affiliation (usually with a logo)  contact information: local and permanent addresses telephone number professional e-mail address

29. Business Cards A white background is appropriate and professional Color lettering will make it stand out A unique design will catch the reader’s attention