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ICT408 Career Planning

WRITING A RESUME Your resume is a summary of your qualifications that relate to the position for which you are applying. It serves as an advertisement and creates a prospective employers first impression of you. The resume should be concise, yet provide sufficient information to present effectively your qualifications and to interest the employer enough to invite you for an interview. A resume is a personal statement and should reflect your style, and will differ from any other persons resume. Preparation A well-constructed resume requires that background work be done before you begin writing. You cannot properly bring your credentials before an employer without proper preparation. Begin by taking a personal inventory. Examine and define your skills, interests, accomplishments, and experiences. You need to know what types of positions for which you are qualified and what types of positions that are of interest to you. You also need to identify what employers for whom you would like to work and the entry-level qualifications for those companies. Personal Inventory Prepare an inventory that presents your skills, experiences and accomplishments. Begin by listing your career-related skills. These might include: Management experience Problem-solving skills Interpersonal skills Organizational skills Writing skills Sales experience Identify courses you have taken that relate to your career interest. Writing Your Resume An effective resume incorporates action words, phrases or statements, which communicate accomplishment-oriented information. A good resume conveys a sense of participation and involvement. You should use short phrases, be direct and not too technical. Try to match some of the words or terms in the job announcements with your resume
Prepared by: Engr. Maria Diorella A. Paguio

terminology. Structure of the Resume Identification - Place your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (optional) at the top of the resume. It can be centered or placed on the side with a line for effect. Do not use terms like name, address, or resume. Your name should be in bold or larger font size. Objective - The objective is optional. However, most students use an objective to indicate whether they are looking for part-time or full-time, and the career field in which they may be interested. Education - Your education history should be placed at the top of the page if it is your most important quality. Include the names of schools, dates attended, degrees received, and major and impression that you will job hop as well. You may also list some relevant coursework if desired. This may be particularly helpful in some of the technical majors. Work Experience - This area can be titled Work History, Employment, Employment History or Professional Experience. This category can include internships and volunteer activities. Do not leave any empty dates or gaps in your work history. Include name of the employer, your job title and responsibilities or duties. Honors/Activities - This category can include information such as club memberships, awards, honors, interests, etc. Computer Skills - This category is normally included since employers want to ensure that the candidate has the common computer skills, such as Word and Excel. References - There is no need to list references on your resume. If you want to include your references, they should be placed on a separate sheet entitled References. Most employers do not require references to be sent with the resume. If you indicate that your references are available upon request, make sure that you are prepared provide them. Style, Organization and Layout There is no single prescribed resume format. Your resume is a work in process. There will be many edits. Remember that the purpose of your resume is to secure an interview. It must be well organized,
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attractive and easy to read. The writing style should be direct and concise. Do not use long sentences or paragraphs. A resume that is too long will not be read. A one-page resume is strongly recommended. You may condense jobs that are not directly related to the job in which you are applying. You may need more than one resume. Try to slant your resume towards the job. The more you fine-tune your resume to a specific job, the more qualified you will appear. Employers do not read resumes, they skim them. Think of your resume as an advertisement, instead of a personal data sheet. Looks are very important. Use up to 3 fonts, bold what you want to stand out. Looks are important. It is imperative that no typographical errors, punctuation errors, misspellings, smudges or any other imperfections appear on your resume. Select good quality paper with high cotton content for both the original and copies. Other resume writing rules: Keep sentences and paragraphs short Use indented or bulleted statements Put the strongest statements at the top Avoid the use of I Have someone else review your resume Scannable Resumes Some large organizations use a system called electronic applicant tracking. Resumes are scanned into the computer as an image. Optical character recognition (OCR) software creates a text file which is read by artificial intelligence to extract key information. To prepare a scannable resume: Use standard fonts and crisp dark type List many skills and facts to match available positions Use common heading such as Employment Use only 8 x 11-inch paper printed on one side only Do not fold or staple the resume Avoid lines of any kind, vertical or horizontal Your name should appear at the top on each page
Prepared by: Engr. Maria Diorella A. Paguio

Use standard typefaces such as New Times Roman Use a standard font size of 10 to 14 points Use a laser printer Cover letter Whenever mailing your resume, you need to include a cover letter. It is the piece of paper the employer sees first, so it must be carefully constructed. Purpose: To serve as a business letter to transmit your resume to a prospective employer. It is also a good way to highlight points on your resume. To introduce you and your background to the employer. To serve as a sales letter, intended to convince the prospective employer that you have something valuable to contribute and it would be worth the time to interview you.

The cover letter needs to be: Typed Original Addressed to a specific person Upbeat and confident Not repetitious of the resume Written on matching stationery Short and to the point Proofread! The Follow-up Letter Purpose: The purpose of a follow-up letter is to thank the interviewer for his or her time and information. It also provides you with another chance to remind the interviewer of your interest in the position and the skills that you have to offer. Timeliness: Follow up letters should be sent promptly after the interview (within 24 hours if possible). These can be a formal letter or a simple thank you card that is handwritten.

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Olivia Smith
OBJECTIVE To obtain an IT position with Alltel.

PO Box 5555 Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71999-0001 (870) 555-5555 oliviasmith@hotmail.com

SUMMARY
Proficient in C++, HTML & Assembly. Experience with breadboards and programming microcontrollers using VHDL. Utilization of STL, Data Structures including: Stacks, Queues, Linked Structures, and Search Trees. Object-Oriented Design and Implementation. Algorithm Analysis. Database Systems including: implementation of RDMS, SQL, Object-Oriented Databases, Indexing, and Hashing. Computer Organization and Design including: Machine Arithmetic, Memory Hierarchy, Interfacing and Multiprocessors. Fluent in Portuguese. Maintained grades for Athletic and International Academic Scholarships for four years.

EDUCATION B.S. in Computer Science, May 2007 Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas Business Administration Minor EXPERIENCE
Athletic Department Work Study, August 2006-Present Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas Provided event assistance to assistant athletic director. Liaison for away-teams. Computer Service Help Desk, June 2005-August 2006 Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas Served as a computer expert providing timely assistance to faculty, staff, and students with helpful advice on solving computer problems. Excellent reputation with campus as a competent, knowledgeable, and helpful professional.

ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Member, Henderson International Student Association, August 2003-Present Member, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, August 2003-Present

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Volleyball Clinic for Elementary Students, Summers 2003-2006

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Sample Chronological Resume

KAREN D. SMITH
School Address: 5555 North University, Apt. B Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 (870) 555-5555 OBJECTIVE SUMMARY To obtain a Marketing Trainee Position. Excel at balancing leadership activities and academic responsibilities. Developed marketing skills in public relations firm. Strengthened communication abilities through leadership activities. Extensive exposure to customer relations. Bachelor of Business Administration, Fall 2006 Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas Marketing Major Cumulative GPA: 3.72 Major GPA: 3.93 Administrative Assistant, June 2005-Present D & C Forms, Inc., Hot Springs, Arkansas Created graphics for customized forms. Managed receipt of purchase orders. Devised and maintained a simple systematic filing system. Summer Intern, June 2004-August 2004 Clayton-Davis and Associates, Inc., Glendora, California Developed public relations skills through media coordination, copyediting, and research. Collaborated in the composition of articles for national publications. HONORS AND Vice-President, Marketing Society, Spring 2004-Present Member, Students in Free Enterprise, Fall 2004-Present ACTIVITIES Deans List (4 semesters) Home Address: 555 Columbia Street Pomona, California 92372 (213) 555-5555

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

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COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

Your name Mailing address City, state, and zip Telephone number(s) Email address Todays date Your addressees name Professional title Organization name Mailing address City, state and zip

Dear Mr. (or Ms.) last name: Start your letter with a grabber - a statement that establishes a connection with your reader, a probing question, or a quotable quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for. The mid-section of your letter should be one or two short paragraphs that make relevant points about your qualifications. You should not summarize your resume! You may incorporate a column or bullet point format here. Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e.g., call the employer) or instigate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Close by saying thank you. Sincerely yours, Your handwritten signature Your name (typed) Enclosure: resume

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THE JOB INTERVIEW TIPS ON JOB INTERVIEWING 1. Be on time. This means ten to fifteen minutes early 2. Know the interviewers name and how to pronounce it. You should use Mr. or Ms. 3. Bring a spare copy of your resume in a briefcase or folder. This demonstrates that you are prepared. 4. Expect to spend some time developing rapport. Personal chemistry is very important in the hiring process. 5. Watch your non-verbal communication. This includes posture, eye contact and distance between you and the interviewer. 6. Nervousness is not a negative. Nervousness is a good sign, it indicates that you are interested in the position. However, avoid nervous mannerisms, like tapping your fingers, playing with a pen, etc. 7. Do not exaggerate or lie. It will come back to haunt you. 8. Follow the interviewers lead. Do not take over the interview. Answer each question and move on to the next point. 9. Be prepared for some personal question, even some inappropriate ones. Some interviewers may not be aware of what they can ask, legally. Try to anticipate how you would handle personal questions. 10. Be sure you understand the question. Feel free to ask for clarification. 11. Emphasize the positive. Never apologize for lack of experience or weaknesses. Be self-confident, but not over-confident or cocky. 12. Do not interrupt the interviewer. 13. Let the interviewer bring up salary. 14. Silence is not a problem. Feel free to take a few moments to think about an answer. 15. Emphasize what you can do for the organization. Employers want to know what you can do for them. Focus on communication skills, interpersonal abilities, analytical thinking talents and other skills developed during college. 16. Do not try to give the answer the interviewer wants. Interviewers know a rehearsed answer when the hear one. 17. Bring a pen and paper to take notes. Never slight a former employer, teacher or colleague. Always focus on the positive.
Prepared by: Engr. Maria Diorella A. Paguio

18. Have a few questions ready. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to research the company. 19. Dont expect an offer on the spot. It usually takes at least two to three weeks. 20. Be yourself. You dont want to get hired on the basis of something you are not. You want to be hired for who you are. COMMONLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Personal Information What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses? How would you describe yourself? How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you? Why should I hire you? What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in business? What qualities should a successful manager possess? Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her. What two or three things are most important for you in your job? Do you have a geographical preference? Will you relocate? Does relocation bother you? Are you willing to travel? Are you willing to spend at least six months as a trainee? In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable? How do you work under pressure? Goals What are your long range and short range goals and objectives, when and why did you establish these goals, and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them? What specific goals, other than those related to your occupation, have you established for yourself for the next 10 years? What do you see yourself doing five years from now? What so you really want to do in life? What are your long range career objectives? How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
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Education Why did you select your college or university? What led you to choose your field of major study? What college subjects did you like the least? Why? What college subjects did you like best? If you could do so, how would you plan you academic study differently? How has you college experience prepared you for a business career? Describe your most rewarding college experience. What changes would you make in your college or university? Why? Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree? Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement? What have you learned form participating in extracurricular activities? Experience In what part-time or summer jobs have you been most interested? Why? What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it? What have you learned form your mistakes? What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Motivation What are the most important rewards you expect in your business career? Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing? Which is more important to you, the money or the type of job? How would you describe the ideal job for you following graduation? What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort? How do you determine or evaluate success? Common Knowledge Why did you seek a position with this company? What do you know about our company?
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What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like ours? In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company? Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size? Why? What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work? Additional Questions Are you a leader? Give me examples. Tell me about accomplishments in which you take pride. What are your career goals? How does your education relate to our needs? Would you make a good ____? (e.g. sales representative, advisor, editor, etc.) Why do you want to work for us? In addition to the literature we sent out, what other sources did you use to find out about our company? What percentage of your college expenses did you earn? QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY ASK AN EMPLOYER What kinds of people do you usually look for? What sort of person are you looking for to fill this position? What happens during the training program? What does it take to advance in your field? Has your company hired Henderson State University graduates before? How have they done? How do you rate your competition? What do you consider to be your organizations three most important assets? What do you see ahead for your company/organization in the next ten years? What are your plans for expanding the ________ department? Is this a newly created position or is someone being replaced? How would I spend a typical day? When might a decision be made as to whom will be offered the job? Can I provide you with any further information?
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GUIDELINES FOR PROPER INTERVIEW DRESS Work clothing and school clothing are not the same Be conservative Dont just get by with your college wardrobe Quality over quantity Details are important MENS DRESS GUIDELINES Conservative silk tie Dark suit White or light blue shirt Dark shoes (lace-up) Dark socks Well-groomed No earrings Minimal cologne WOMENS DRESS GUIDELINES Conservative business suit No high heels Conservative hosiery Small or no purse, carry a portfolio Minimal makeup Minimal jewelry (no dangling earrings) No powerful perfume Conservative nail polish What Employers Look For 1. Decent Grades Recruiters often use G.P.A. criterion as a way of screening our less desirable job candidates. To some, good grades indicate the applicant is motivated. 2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills The ability to communicate effectively with others and get along with a variety of different types of personalities are two of the most desirable qualities in job candidates, according to recruiters and employers. 3. Enthusiasm Its not enough just to have the right qualifications; and employer needs to know that you are willing

4.

5.

6.

7.

to give 100 percent to your job. Interviewers are impressed by candidates who are alert, responsive, and energetic. Flexibility Employers need to know that the people they hire can expand and change as their companies do. Applicants who are receptive to new ideas and concepts are highly valued by employers. Leadership Even in entry-level positions most employers look for evidence of leadership qualities. Successful companies need self-starters who are not afraid to take responsibility for doing the best job possible. A High Energy Level A job candidates willingnes s to work hard matters a great deal. Employers want to know that you are committed to devoting the prime hours of your day to the job. Maturity An illusive quality that employers almost always mention in connection with first job hires, maturity essentially means knowing how to handle yourself in a business situation. Misplaced humorous remarks, giggling at inappropriate moments or being indiscreet about company information are tell-tale signs of immaturity.

What Employers Really Want To Know 1. Can you do the job? 2. Do you have a good work attitude? How motivated, team oriented, and conscientious an employee will you be? 3. How interested are you in this kind work? Recruiters can get an idea of your interest in a field by how focused your career plans are. Good indicators are how your summer and part-time job experience relate to your career plans. 4. Will you fit into the company? Determined by a combination of your manner, background, and appearance. Questions a recruiter might ask to decide your fit: What kinds of people do you feel comfortable with? What kind of environment do you work best in? 5. Why you want to work for this company? One of the biggest turn-offs for recruiters is students who arent sure why they want to work for their company.

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Reasons for Success 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Ambition and Motivation Grades Related work experience Creativity and Intelligence Teamwork capabilities Personality Initiative and Responsibility Job fit Specific knowledge Adaptability Leadership ability Ability to communicate Strong work ethic Positive attitude Clarity of goals

Reasons for Rejection 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Poor personal appearance Know it all attitude Inability to express oneself clearly poor voice, diction, grammar Lack of planning for career no purpose or goals Lack of interest and enthusiasm passive and indifferent Lack of confidence and poise nervousness, ill-at-ease Overemphasis on money Poor scholastic record Unwillingness to start at the bottom Making excuses evasiveness - hedging on unfavorable factors in record Lack of tact Lack of courtesy ill mannered Condemnation of past employers Lack of vitality Failing to look interviewer in the eye Limp, fishy handshake

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