1. Altoona Area High School
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February 2, 2010
Altoona Area High School
Interview Tips
Building Your Resume
Dress the Part
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2. Altoona Area High School
How to Build Your Resume/Application
Northeast Division

3. Altoona Area High School
Why Should I have a Resume:
It gets you the interview
Resumes open the door
Resumes typically are reviewed for 7-10 seconds before a decision is made
Resumes (applications) are a review of education, skills, accomplishments, and experience
Northeast Division

4. Altoona Area High School
Basic Rules
Be brief but highlight accomplishments – 1 page for less than 5 years
Use a standard structure – chronological order
Remember presentation is important – typed, heavy bond paper, no borders or pictures – Keep it professional.
Northeast Division

5. Altoona Area High School
Format
One page for recent graduates
Header – Name, Address, Phone Number, address
Objective – Statement that expresses your career path and interests
Education – listed before work experience, will change with more than 5 years experience.
Employment History – if unknown company, one line to describe entity
Unpaid employment may also be listed – Volunteer History!
Additional Skills
References – do not list, rather list “References available upon request:
Do not list salary history and requirements
Northeast Division

6. Altoona Area High School
Tips and Tricks
Get involved – school activities, volunteer activities
Gain Employment
Form relationships with teachers to create references
Read business based books to speak about in an interview
Read industry based magazines
Do your research about the company before the interview
You are displaying yourself – don’t be shy!
Northeast Division

7. Altoona Area High School
Write a Cover Letter
Cover letters are critically important
Note the order of importance of job requirements that reflect your skills
Draw attention to your experience, education
Add relevant information
Never do the following
Use a form letter
Change the resume to suit the job – change action verbs
Never send a resume, application or cover letter without checking spelling, grammar or appearance
Never include the following information: age, ethnicity, political affiliation, birthplaces, photos, height, weight or health
Northeast Division

8. Altoona Area High School
Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing
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9. Altoona Area High School
Interviewing Do’s
Research the Company that you’re applying to
Bring a professional, not handwritten resume`
Dress professionally, remove any facial piercing
Bring a paper and pen
Have a stern handshake
Northeast Division

10. Altoona Area High School
Interviewing Don’ts
Do not chew gum, candy or tobacco
Do not wear blue jeans, shorts, flip flops or anything offensive
Do not over-do perfume or cologne
Do not come unprepared
Don’t slouch
Don’t use poor grammar, slang or swear words
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11. Altoona Area High School
Don’ts
Don’t say anything negative about the company you’re applying to
Don’t make any reference to sexual preference, race, religion, or National origin
Don’t get too personal
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12. Altoona Area High School
Do’s
Use Eye contact
Have good posture
Smile
Speak proper English, no slang
Ask two questions, not wage related, such as working hours or immediate supervisor
End with a sincere Thank you and a firm handshake
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13. Altoona Area High School
Role Play/Skits
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14. Altoona Area High School
Questions?
Northeast Division