Resumes Format Education Work Experience Activities/Honors Internship Relevant Coursework Overseas Studies Computer Skills Capstone Project Career Objective

Interviews First Impressions Interview Preparation Proper Dress Code Closing an Interview Interview Skills/Techniques Cover Letter Format Introduction Identify Skills/Experiences Closing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resume Tips

Format:

-Your resume should be one page long. If you are a graduate student, it is acceptable to use two pages.
- Make sure it fills the page, yet it is not overcrowded. Spelling should be double checked to make sure there are no errors.
- On average, an employer only glances at each resume for 5-30 seconds only, so make it catch the employer's eye. This is when they will determine weather they would like to pursue you further.
- Use consistent font, spacing and margins throughout your resume.

Back to Top

 

Education:

- Make sure this section includes your institution with its location, graduation date, major, degree, GPA (depending on what it is), study abroad, and possibly relevant coursework.
- It is recommended that if your GPA is above a 3.0, you should include it. If your GPA is lower than a 3.0, it is up to you.
Back to Top

Work Experience:

- This section is designated to define the places you have previously worked. You should include the place of employment, location, title, and dates of employment.
- Include a short description of your duties and experience.
- Bulleted lists make it easier for the employer to read. If you choose to use a bulleted list, try not to include more than 7 items.
- Include your work experience accomplishments by giving actual numbers and awards.
- Use action verbs. Action verbs make your sentences come alive. The more effective verbs used, help create an exciting statement to read.

Back to Top

 

Activities/Honors:

- These are listed activities or honors that you have achieved recently. Do not add any activity or honor that was achieved in high school.
- You may include a short description that includes skills gained or the roles that were held.
- You may include the dates when these occurred.

Back to Top

Relevant Coursework:

- If you chose to add this field, add the classes that you feel are appropriate and relate to the position you are applying for.
- Make sure to not overcrowd this section, as well as leaving too few courses.
- We recommend listing 4-6 courses.

Back to Top

Internship:

- If you have completed an internship, you are strongly encouraged to add this section to your resume. Make sure to include your job title, duration, employer, location and description of duties. Employers are usually very impressed when students complete an internship, so make sure to use many action verbs in your description.

Back to Top

 

Overseas Study:

- In the situation that you have studied abroad, you will want to state this on your resume. You will list the school, duration, location and a short description of your experience.

Back to Top

 

Computer Skills:

- If you are in a technical major, where you have learned many computer skills, you might want to list these different areas. Some examples of this section might be:

Languages: Java, Visual Basic, Scheme, C/C++
Platform : UNIX, Microsoft Windows, Mac-OS, and DOS
Databases : Standard Query Language, MS Access, FoxPro, Oracle
Web development: Front page, Java Script, Cold Fusion, HTML, XML
Miscellaneous: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Page Maker, Quark Express

Back to Top

 

Capstone Project:

- Not everyone has a capstone project to include. By providing your capstone project, you are giving employers an inside look at something important that you have accomplished during your college career.
- Employers look for relevant work experience and capstone projects are seen as almost equivalent.

Back to Top

Career Objective:

- Career objectives are tricky. Many people include them on their resume, however it is completely acceptable to not include this section.
- Use vivid words to help elaborate your objective. Action verbs are always recommended.
- Keep short, simple and consise. Try to keep it to one sentence.
- Tailored it to the employer and position which you are applying for.

Back to Top

 

 

Interview Tips

First Impressions:

- Greet the employer and shake their hand. Make sure to smile, and show the employer that you are happy to be given this opportunity. Introduce yourself.

Back to Top

 

Interview Preparation:

- Go to the companies' web site priorto attending the interview. Research about the company and be well knowledgeable on the position youare interviewing for.
- Prepare questions that you would like to ask the employer during the interview.
- Bring a portfolio or briefcase to the interview. In the portfolio, include a pen and notepad to take down notes, questions or any necessary information.

Back to Top

 

Interview skills/techniques:

- Be confident. If you are unsure of yourself, it will show your weaknesses.
- Practice before you enter the room.
- Know as much as you can about the position and company that you are interviewing for.
- Keep making eye contact throughout the entire interview, but do not make them feel uncomfortable by staring.
- Listen attentively and ask questions when you think it is necessary.
- Be positive and enthusiastic. You are trying to sell yourself to the company and the employer. Make sure the employer knows how grateful you are to be interviewing with the company.

Back to Top

 

Proper dress code:

- Dress to impress! If you are unsure, overdress.
- Men: Typically most interviews will require a suit to be worn. Wear a plain white or light shirt with a stripped tie. Do not wear anything too flashy or something that makes you look unprofessional. Make sure to have dark socks and professional shoes.
- Women: Try to wear a solid colored, conservative suit. Make sure that your blouse coordinates with your suit. Simple is better. Do not wear perfume and try to limit your jewelry.Keep nails nicely groomed.

Back to Top

 

Closing an interview:

- Leave the interview with how you want to be remembered. The last things that you will say may be the last things on the interviewer's mind when trying to remember you.
- Leave the room enthusiastic. Let the employer know that you are very excited about the company and the opportunity.
- You may want to ask about the next step of the interview process.
- Before leaving the interview, ask the interviewer for contact information. A few days following your interview, contact the interviewer. Thank them for their time and once again, show your enthusiasm towardthe position.

Back to Top

 

 

Cover Letter Tips

Format:

This is an example of how the cover letter should appear:

Your Address
City, State, Zip code

Date

Individual's Name, Title
Firm/Organization Name
Address
City, State, Zip code

Dear Mr./Ms:

Paragraph one- Introduction
Paragraph two- Body
Paragraph three - Closing

Sincerely,

(your handwritten signature)

Your typed name

Back to Top

 

Introduction:

- This section should tell the employer who you are and what position you are interested in.
- Express your genuine interest for working at the company.
- If you have a specific referral, state their name and title in this section.

Back to Top

 

Identification of skills and experience(body):

- Use the job announcement to pick out key words and phrases which the employer is looking for to add to your letter.
- These one or two paragraphs should tell the employer more about you.
- Focus on your strong qualities which will relate to the position.
- Mention achievements or qualifications.
- Highlightimportant points from your resume that you feel the employershould be aware of.
- Do not just repeat your whole resume.

Back to Top

 

Closing:

- Offer to call the interviewer, or to meet with them again.
- Express appreciation for the interview opportunity.
- Leave your telephone number that the employer should reach you at.

Back to Top