1. Update your Resume for Engineering Students Leslie Rand-Pickett, Asst. Director Liaison to CSC & ECE departments 2100 Pullen Hall * 2112 EB2 515-2396 * www.ncsu.edu/careerwww.ncsu.edu/career leslie_randpickett@ncsu.edu

2. How are resumes like newspapers or magazines?

3. My answer? They both have a few short seconds to capture your attention They utilize headings or headlines to engage readers Their articles are written so that the most important information is first They are aesthetically pleasing and well organized for quick reading They reflect the interests and preferences of their readers

4. Quick Tips on Resumes Resumes should… Be brief (probably one page) –You have 30-60 seconds to engage the reader Display your most important qualifications at the top & to the left of the page Be directed to the type of position for which you are applying

5. Your Resume Might Include Objective/Summary Education Relevant Experience Computer or Technical Skills Course Projects Language Skills Volunteer Experience Honors Additional Work Experience Relevant Coursework Campus Activities

6. Sample Engineering Resume A few samples…

7. A Few More Hints Within each section, use reverse chronological order When describing experience be sure to begin your phrases with action verbs Focus on your accomplishments Give ##’s and results when possible If experience isn’t relevant, focus on the transferable skills used

8. Common Resume Issues No relevant experience (intern/co-op, etc) –Solution: describe projects from classes, list relevant courses taken, and demonstrate transferable skills from un-related jobs Resume doesn’t fit on one page –Solution: eliminate unnecessary information (old achievements or less notable items) or re-format. Use your horizontal space efficiently. Adjust margins to.75-1.00” ** use 10-12 pt. fonts

9. Suggestions for each section Skills: be sure to organize this section, give it subheadings if necessary & make good use of horizontal spaceSkills Projects: use action verbs to describe what YOU did on the project. Incorporate technical terms to show application of skill.Projects Experience: use space to describe your accomplishments. Use varied action verbsExperience

10. sample skills sections back

11. sample projects sections back

12. sample experience sections back

13. Resumes for On-line Applications Copy & paste your “pretty” resume into a separate document Justify all items to the left Remove bullets, bold, italics and underline Use only keyboard characters (* - ), ALL CAPS, and white space to show separation Copy & paste the file into the text box on web applications This can also be used when an employer requests you send your resume via email, but not as attachment

14. Sample Online- Application Resume

15. It’s all about BALANCE Think critically about your own skills, experiences and qualities. What will the EMPLOYER see as most valuable to their organization? Choose to include information THEY will view as important, and ARRANGE it so that it is easily read & understood.

16. Test Yourself Hold your resume out at arm’s length What jumps off the page? Do you quickly see your most important qualifications? What impression does it make? Trade with a friend to see if they can determine what your strengths are.

17. CV vs. Resume Resume for business * CV for academia Main difference, CV can be longer and includes more info on research, teaching, publications & presentations CV’s should still follow some resume rules, like keeping the most important info first, and keeping details well organized & consistent

18. Sample CV’s available http://chronicle.com/jobs/tools/cvdoctor/2006/ Additional info on statements of teaching philosophy & other elements of an academic job search available @ http://www4.ncsu.edu/~lcrandpi/index.htm

19. Upload & Publish to ePack Allows you to apply for positions with on-campus interviews Allows employers to find your resume, and for Leslie to refer your resume out to employers who contact the Career Center Is a secure place to store your resume! www.ncsu.edu/epack

20. For More Information Visit the University Career Center –2100 Pullen Hall –Or our website, www.ncsu.edu/careerwww.ncsu.edu/career Leslie’s walk-ins in EB2 2112 –Monday afternoons & Thursday mornings Counselor Drop-In Hours in 2100 Pullen Hall –Monday through Friday 11-2 Leslie is also available by appointment –call 515-2396 Leslie’s website –http://www4.ncsu.edu/~lcrandpi/index.htmhttp://www4.ncsu.edu/~lcrandpi/index.htm for today’s PPT and other tips just for tech students