“Résumés Get You the Interview, NOT the Job!” A workshop to equip you in developing an effective résumé by Kushi Jones Director of Career Services

The résumé in all its beauty…  Refer to Sample Resume on Student Link Page

Is a résumé really necessary?  Applications can be generic, asking only standard questions.  Your life and experience is unique and something you should share with your prospective employer! Résumés do just that!  Graduate schools and even part-time jobs are requiring résumés as part of the application process.

The Basics…  Font: Clear & easy to read. No smaller than 10 pt; e.g. Arial.  Paper Color & Size: White, ivory, or grey; no textured paper. Standard size 8 ½” x 11”  Heading: Centered or right justified. Content includes name, address, phone, . (Make sure is professional!)

Professional Objective  Sets the tone for the entire résumé  Is specific, but not too detailed as to limit your job search  Should pique your reader’s interest so they will read further and seek an interview  Should: Highlight your skills & talents Specify your desired field, discipline, focus State anticipated accomplishments, goals, & desire for advancement

Summary of Qualifications  Provides a snapshot of your résumé  Each bulleted item should be kept simple & relevant to each position pursued  Lists Transferable skills Training Foreign language ability if applicable Military service

Education  Reverse chronological order (present=>past), highlighting the degree obtained & the field of study  Include extracurricular activities such as Student Government, Choir, or ISP to show well-rounded college experience  List GPAs of 3.0 or above  Discuss any completed coursework that exemplifies your understanding of the field or the position

Awards & Honors  List honors in order of relevancy for the position. For academic positions such as teaching, mention Provost’s List, scholarships, etc.  Highlight leadership positions, professional affiliations, or activities  Address any certifications, tests, (GRE, CSET, CBEST, LSAT, GMAT, etc.)

Work Experience  List jobs and/or internships  Categorize your work experience in terms of relevance to the position, regardless if it is paid or non-paid  Reference other professional experience in a category entitled “Other or Additional Experience”  Use action verbs to detail your job duties  K.I.S.S.=>Keep it short and simple: no more than 3-4 descriptions for each position  Avoid excess verbiage, slang, or trendy phrases

Cross-cultural & Volunteer Experience  This section illustrates your sense of civic responsibility, character, and values  Emphasize any service learning experiences that helped you gain a “global perspective,” an appreciation for diversity, or community involvement  Portrays a well-rounded individual!

Special Skills & Interests  Foreign language fluency  Technical knowledge  Public speaking experience  Hobbies, NOT personal information  If you desire, place these skills in the “Relevant Skills” section

References  Failure to include this section creates suspicion  On a separate sheet of paper list the name, title, address, phone number, & for each reference. Be sure to obtain their permission first!  Do not use family as references!

References con’t…  A list of references does not simply list contact information, but illustrates positive working and/or personal relationships that reflect you! Use your descriptions of employers to highlight any special projects or skills you acquired under your supervisor’s leadership.

Some Do’s & Don’ts  Never List personal information Fail to proofread Exaggerate Be cute or clever Use abbreviations (readers may not know them)

Cover Letters…  Should Always accompany a résumé Match résumé in paper, style, & font Be personalized to the specific job Be directed to a specific person: if not stated, call to obtain the name Be only one page in length Spark your reader’s interest

Cover letters con’t…  The Opening Paragraph Explains how you heard about position & why you are interested in applying Mentions the name of the person who referred you (only if an exemplary employee) Notes something impressive about the company/institution that you obtained from their website or materials

Cover letters con’t…  The Body Briefly details your qualifications Highlights most relevant strengths & accomplishments Directly addresses the position’s qualifications

Cover letters con’t…  Closing Paragraph Thanks reviewer Requests interview Lists contact information (phone number/ )

Following Up After the Interview  Thank You Letters Are not only courteous, but expected! Readdress any points of interest from your interview Reaffirm your interest in the position & commitment to the company/institution

Final Thoughts…  Don’t be discouraged!  It’s all about “perspective”  With God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!  Jeremiah 29:11 – His future for you is filled with hope!