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Developing a winning résumé, cover letters and Interviewing

skills.

Developed by and Borrowed from

The Career Management Center

Disclaimer

Résumés are like snowflakes…no two are exactly alike.

However, each résumé, like

snowflakes, are made composed of the same

material and have the same basic properties.

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Ten Critical Success Factors

• Positive attitude toward work • Proficiency in field of study • Communication skills (oral and written)• Interpersonal skills• Confidence• Critical thinking and problem solving

skills• Flexibility • Self-motivation• Leadership • Teamwork

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Resume Basics

• Objective• Education• Computer Skills• Experience• Honors/Awards• Collegiate Activities/

Volunteerism• References

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The Job Objective:

• The “hook” that grabs the attention of the reader.

• Needs to answer 2 questions:• What you want?• Why you want it?

• Needs to be focused• Short & Concise• The ‘2’ Second rule!

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Your Education:

• What is Needed?Midwestern State University, Wichita

Falls, TX Bachelor of Science, Computer Science,

minorAnticipated Graduation Date: May 2010

• Extras• The Great GPA Debate• Should I list every class I ever took?• Scholastic Honors, Awards & Scholarships

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Computer Skills:

• List all software applications and languages that you are familiar with.

• List all hardware that you have used.

• List other “tools of the trade” that you know employers are looking for.

• Include current “buzz words”; words from job description

• What will set you apart?

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Work Experience:

• What are Employers Looking For?• General work experience• Does this person have a good work ethic?• Customer Service Skills/ Interpersonal

Skills• Teamwork skills

• Professional Experience• The Power of Three• The Use of Bullets• Utilizing Power Words

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Experience Description Sample

Wal-Mart Inc., Wichita Falls, TXCustomer Service Representative - May 2008 to

Present• Monitor customer satisfaction.• Manage inventory movement.• Train new employees in positive customer service.• Organize and participate in weekly staff meetings.Com

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Experience Description Sample

ICS Computer Solutions, Dallas, TX  Technical Support Associate - May 2008 - Present• Install, configure, and maintain software on desktop

workstations and servers-based computer systems.• Replace hardware components while performing

routine computer checks on personal computers.• Support multiple software applications with Microsoft

Windows operating systems.• Check, monitor, and chang daily backups of both

Windows 2000 and the Novell NetWare Servers.• Monitor, respond, and promote reliable customer

service as a help desk technician.

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Collegiate Activities

Why is this necessary?What is Important?

The Message…

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Sample: Activities

• MSU Student Government Association• Financial Aid Committee, 2009• Faculty Senate Representative, 2008

• Habitat for Humanity - Student Volunteer

• ACM - Secretary• Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority

• Treasurer, 2008• Rush Chair, 2009

• American Red Cross – weekly volunteer

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References

• Available upon request.• Separate piece of paper

• Name, Address & Telephone Number• Include email address• Company & Title of Individual• Perhaps, comment as to the relationship• Make sure to call those you list & send copy of

resume

• Whom should I ask to be my references?• Employers & Teachers• Co-Workers & Family Friends

• How many references should I have?

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Most Common Mistakes

• Spelling• Grammar• Too much information…• Too little information…• Inappropriate email addresses

•Hotspanishlvr@whatever.com• Length• Microsoft Templates

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Most Common Mistakes

• Font & Font Size (TNR-12 point)• Personal Information• Pictures• Colored Paper• Long-winded paragraph, Job

Descriptions• Objectives that are vague

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Cover Letters

• Basic Formula for a Cover Letter

–First Paragraph

–Second Paragraph

–Third Paragraph

• Always use job description• Cover Letter Checklist

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A basic formula for a cover letter:

Standard business letter format prospect name, title, company,

address top left

Salutation Find out who your target audience is

First paragraph Why you are writing? To meet that

company's specific need(s)!

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A basic formula for a cover letter:

Second paragraph Briefly state two or three top skills. Follow with benefit after benefit that

these features (and you as a person) will provide to the company.

Third paragraphClose! Close the deal .Give your target contact a specific

action to take and a backup action you will take if you do not get a response.

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Cover Letter Checklist

__One page and limited to three targeted paragraphs.

__Type written or word processor, spell checked and proofed.

__Written to someone specific, name and title spelled correctly.

__Company name and address are correct and complete.

__Quality paper, 8x11 inches, same as your résumé.

__Closes with "Sincerely,"- Signed with a blue or black pen.

__Place the résumé behind with no staples.__Type address & return address on envelope.__Conservative stamp on the envelope.

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Cover Letter Checklist

Do not just send off your resume and cover letter and wait for the phone to ring. It

won’t.

Final step:

__Do not forget to follow up, or all the other steps will be in vain!

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Questions?

“Seeking to develop you from start to finish.”

Professional Development Internships

Full-Time Employment

Start your career off in the right direction!

The Career Management Center,

211 Hardin South, 397-4432 web.mwsu.edu/career

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