CiCi Shamieva | Career Center | 16 September 2013

THE POST-GRADUATION EXPERIENCE

TOPICS COVERED

Resumes/ Cover Letters/ Portfolios

Networking

Graduate School

Job Search

Internship Search

Career Center Resources

RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS

RESUME WRITING REALITIES

Provides a summary of experience,

education, and skills

Resumes should be

tailored and targeted to a

specific job/industry

Purpose of a resume?

INTERVIEW

1 full page or 2 full pages

RESUME WRITING IS AN ART, NOT A SCIENCE

20-40 seconds of read time—

TOPS!

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Contact Information

Degree(s), Education

Professional/Work experience

MyResum

e

OTHER OPTIONS

Volunteer, Community Service, and Extra Curricular Activities

Honors and Accomplishments

Other possibilities: Summary of Qualifications section, technical skills, languages, related coursework, skill sets (certifications, training, etc.)

FORMATTING

Consistency! Punctuation, spacing, verbs, bullets

Free of erors (proofread + spellcheck) Appropriate use of font style/font size Clean, organized, and easy to read Print on high-quality resume paper No funkiness

Paper color, prints, patterns, watermarks

Tips

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Match resume to the job/grad school (keywords) Focus on transferable skills Prioritize from top to bottom Hold page at arm’s length

Balanced and consistent? Too much white space?

Be able to talk about anything on the resume Show finished document to multiple people

Tips

WHAT STAYS OUT… Hobbies and interests

Abbreviations, acronyms, and Truman jargon – spell it out!

High school*

I, me, we

Lengthy paragraphs, long sentences: - take out the fluff!

Cute symbols for bullet points

(i.e. , , , , etc.)

Additional personal info, headshots

Tips

WHAT’S IN A RESUME?Recommendations for sections and what information goes in each

Spike Dawg Local Address Permanent Address432 Ashland Road 6579 Juniper WayKirksville, MO 63501 Hazelwood, MO 63125314-555-9878 trd43j@truman.edu Spike Dawg 432 Ashland Road Kirksville, MO 63501 314-555-9878 trd43j@truman.edu

CONTACT INFORMATIONSections

EDUCATION Truman State University Kirksville, MOBachelor of Science in Business Administration May 2013 GPA: 3.75/4.00

EducationTruman State University, Kirksville, MO May 2013Bachelor of Science in Business AdministrationConcentrations in Marketing and Management 3.75/4.00 GPA

EDUCATION/TRAININGSections

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE

Important and relevant info goes first Capitalize on ALL experiences

Don’t be afraid to show off your skills Focus on outcomes and contributions Use vocabulary of the profession Utilize good action verbs Quantify your experiences using numbers

Provides context to employers

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Camp Counselor, Camp Arcadia May 2011 – August 2011Lee’s Summit, MO

• Supervised a co-ed group of 16 at-risk children, ages 8-10 years, attending an all day sport-oriented camp for 8 weeks.

• Created daily curricula of physical activities and team projects related to performance standards.

• Communicated weekly with parents in one-on-one sessions regarding their child’s progress, behavioral issues, and individual successes.

• Provided additional resources to struggling children in individual practice sessions, resulting in greater success of camp participants.

• Collaborated regularly with 16 staff counselors to problem solve, plan activities, and combine groups for particular activities.

Strong action verbs Numbers to add context Descriptive words/phrases

Sections

ACTIVITIESPublicity Co-Chair, Habitat for Humanity, March 2012–August 2012• Marketed organization through email campaigns and

local newscast spots to recruit 200 volunteers for Mid-Missouri construction

projects, resulting in houses for 6 families Volunteer, Humane Society, January 2011 – February 2012• Provided administrative support, assisted with animal

care, and maintained facility for 5 hours weekly

Treasurer, Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity, June 2011 - August 2012• Accurately tracked funds by maintaining database of

collected dues and monies rendered for projects, promotions, and events

COMMUNITY, VOLUNTEER, AND EXTRA CURRICULAR

Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) January 2011 – Present Language Partner Women’s Center, Truman State University August 2010 – May 2012 Receptionist Family Care Center May 2010 – June 2011

HONORSWriters Digest published essay: “Volunteerism in College”, 2011

Lambda Pi Eta– Communication Honor Society Member, 2010-Present Dean’s List each semester, 2010-2012

HONORS & AWARDSSections

ELECTRONIC RESUMES

Attachment PDF document is the way to go!

Online forms Formatting and style options are limited

Regular bullets may not be an option (consider * or - )

Can be impersonal, may not be able to tailor

Scannable Usually looks for keywords

Plain format: unusual fonts and italics may not scan well

RESUME VS. CV (CURRICULUM VITAE)

1-2 full pages

Brief and concise targeted summary of skills

Includes:

Education

Skills

Experience

Purpose:

Job Interview

At least 2 pages

In-depth summary of achievements

Includes:

Academic background

Research Experience

Publications

Presentations

Purpose:

Academic, education, scientific or research positions

Resume CV

List on a separate sheet of paper Same contact info heading as resume

Name, title, employer, address, phone, and email (if available)

Check with your references in advance! How would they prefer to be contacted? (email,

phone, etc.) Choose professional references (school, work)

vs. personal character references (friends, family) 3-5 professional references

List in order, strongest reference first

REFERENCES

Spike Dawg1703 Choctaw Street, Columbia, MO 65021573.476.8219sdawg@gmail.com References Taylor Paleet Public Relations DirectorUniversity of Kansas1450 Jayhawk Boulevard Lawrence, KS 66045785.842.6541tpaleet@kansas.edu(Former Supervisor) Abby KashExecutive DirectorGreater Kansas ChapterMarch of Dimes 4400 College Boulevard, Suite 180Overland Park, KS 66211913.327.8541abby_kash@mod.com(Former Supervisor)

COVER LETTERYou’ve got a great resume, now add a great cover letter to set yourself apart from the pack

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

Document included with a resume to:

Tell specifically what type of position you are seeking

Entice the employer to learn more about you by reading your resume

Further detail your experience and potential fit with company/organization

Show how you express yourself, particularly your written communication skills

Ask for an interview!

Read on…

Cover

Cover HEADING AND OPENING

Heading

Your address could be listed standard or use heading from resume

Date, employer name and address

Salutation: be specific if possible

Dear Ms. or Mr. _____________ ,

Option to not use a salutation*

Opening Paragraph

Job, company, where you found it, and who you are

Laura Stuhlman8356 Big Bend Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63124 lcs121@truman.edu 573-555-6849

March 7, 2012

Ms. Amanda Keller ** Notice the difference in Managing Editor company from inside addressAmazon.com to the body of letter!! OOPS!! P.O. 8349Seattle, Washington 98621

Dear Ms. Keller,

While researching internship opportunities on Truman State University’sExperience.com website, I discovered the Marketing Communications Internship position for Google, Inc. As a junior seeking a degree in journalism and anxious to make a contribution to an institution of Google’s caliber, I am very interested in this position.

BODY OF DOCUMENT

Second Paragraph Draw attention to your resume and explain

how you are qualified

Highlight specific/relevant skills and achievements

Mention items not in your resume if necessary

Third Paragraph Why are you right for this job?

Do company research and cite how you fit with the mission, style, work projects, and overall philosophy

How can you contribute to the employer, not what the employer can do for you

I have had extensive experience in media writing at newspapers and magazines, along with writing creatively in the corporate world. However, my true interest lies in merging writing with cutting edge marketing strategies. For the past year, I have been an on-line editor and web designer for the Index, Truman’s weekly student newspaper . In addition, I have worked as a reporter for the technology beat at the Index and as a feature editor for Detours. I am confident, because of these experiences, that I can bring creativity, style, and solid writing skills to the internship.

I understand that Google has been at the forefront of technology and market innovation since its inception. With my skills, I will work to enhance your already thriving marketing department to exceed its goals. Your emphasis on originality is unmatched in the industry which is a focus I deeply share. I feel I could substantially aid your company with not only my writing and advertising experience, but my interest in providing only the best for product users.

Cover

Cover

CLOSING IT OUT

Closing paragraph states what you will do next

Take action. Ask for an interview. Inform the employer when you will make contact with them (if appropriate)

Give a timeline when you will follow up on receipt of materials

Thank the employer for their time

Restate your phone number and e-mail address

Closing:

Sincerely,

Add some space to sign your name, then type your name

Enclosure(s)

Please refer to my enclosed resume for further information on my qualifications. I would like to discuss my background with you in person and would be willing to travel to California at my own expense to do so. I will contact you at the end of next week to discuss whether such a meeting would be possible and to confirm that you have received my resume and writing samples.

Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

Laura StuhlmanLaura Stuhlman

enclosures

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

http://career.truman.edu Guide to Resumes Guide to Cover Letters Guide to Transferable Skills Career Spots GoinGlobal

Truman Career Center Services Get individualized critiques Resource library Presentations on career topics Appointments available Personality & Interest Inventories And more!!!

INTERNSHIP & JOB SEARCH 101

DETERMINE YOUR TARGETS

Step 1

Don’t let your major

define you too

narrowly, but be sure to

make selections based

on your interests and

passions.

WHAT ARE MY CAREER GOALS?

By selecting five

locations, your job

search will be effectively

defined and much easier.

WHERE DO I WISH TO LIVE?

Your four year plan should

include:

• Internships

• Part-time employment

• Job

Be aware that each of these

takes months of planning.

WHEN AM I GRADUATING?

PREPARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL MATERIALS

Step 2

RÉSUMÉS & COVER LETTERS

Accomplishment Oriented Tailored to Position

Created membership marketing plan

Increased attendance by 17%

Developed and managed organizational

budget for $2000

Experienced with membership database

management

As your mission statement outlines…

Fulfill your need for web design

REFERENCES & LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

• Be certain to ask whether they would be able to provide you a highly positive recommendation

• Provide them copy of résumé.

PRACTICE INTERVIEWING

Step 3

Student Led Mock Interviews

Sign up in advance in the Career Center with

resume

S.C.O.R.E. mock interviews

Sign up in advance in the Career Center with

resume

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

BEGIN YOUR SEARCH

Step 4

Identify & Research Companies (Top 20)

Read company websites, business

journals, and popular business magazines

Contact people within organization Network online

Stay on the radar screen of the

company

Keep the traditional search methods going

TARGETED JOB SEARCHING

Job Search

Hoovers

LinkedIn

Salary Wizard

Employer Search

EXPERIENCEBEHANCE.COM

NETWORKINGStep 5

As many as three out of four job

openings are not posted online. These

positions are obtained through networking.

Career & Grad School Expo

October 2nd

Networking—on-line and traditional

The Importance of Networking -- Career Spot

Professional Associations/Organizations

Federal & state employment sites

And more!

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

POSITIVE ONLINE PRESENCE

Facebook Maintenance

Professional Photo

Build contacts & recommendations

Join groups

Before, During and After

CAREER EXPO

BEFORE CAREER EXPO:

Be

prepared!

Prepare Materials• Résumés• Electronic Résumé• Padfolio & Pen• Notes

Prepare Business Attire

• Suit• Well-groomed

Practice Posture & Demeanor

• Confident• Calm & Poised• Interested

MOCK INTERVIEWSStudent Mock

InterviewSCORE or

Employer Mock Interview

Requirement √

No/Limited Experience

√

Limited Availability

Personal Development

√

Actively Interviewing

√ √

Conduct research so you can ask informed questions to provide evidence of your

potential.Company & Job Info

Facts & News

Examples of Your FitProof of

QualificationsImmediate

contributions you could make

APPROPRIATE EXPO ATTIRE

Everyone

No Fragrance

Shined Shoes

Groomed Hair

Dress Above Requirements

Cover Tattoos

No Obvious Piercings

30-SECOND COMMERCIAL

Using the format of past, present, and future, give a “commercial” about yourself.

State your name, major, and year in school.

Share information about yourself, your background, and professional and personal interests.

Practice this again and again before Expo.

Be sure you stand out in their minds.

DURING CAREER EXPO

Be

Confident!

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING TO CAREER EXPO?

Materials

Résumés

Padfolio

Pen

Notes

Notes should Include:

List of companies

Research about companies/positions

Notes on your strengths/qualifications

MAKE A GOOD FIRST

IMPRESSION

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Smile

Eye Contact

Firm Handshake

“The deciding factors are professional attire and a

professional attitude, including interest in and

knowledge of the company, and unfailing politeness.”

“‘Many candidates lack communication and people skills,’ Reeves says, explaining that he’s more likely to hire a good communicator with a slightly imperfect grade point average over someone with a 4.0 GPA but poor communication skills.”

COMMUNICATION

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Ap

proach

•Confidently•With Knowledge

Av

oid

•Taking freebees without talking•Treating Expo Casually

Mark

et

•Your skills and qualifications•Professional experience

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

If they are recruiting your major:

Inquire about potential professional opportunities including full-time positions and internships.

Inquire about the recruiter's background and how he/she joined the company.

Also ask questions about how he/she got started and for any advice for pursuing a similar career.

Ask recruiters for their business cards so that you know with whom you have spoken, and have proper spelling of names, titles, etc.

If they are not recruiting your major:

Ask him/her for the name of the person who recruits your major or to forward your résumé to the appropriate person.

“They don’t know you, so you have to tell them what

you can do.”-Job Choices

BE POLITE

Thank

Representative

for their time.

SEND THANK YOU NOTES

Write thank-you notes within 1 week to each employer with whom you speak. This letter should thank the employer for their info, review your qualifications, and ask for an interview.

FOLLOW-UP

Continue Researching

Keep Communication Open

Keep in touch with connections you have made!

CAREER CENTER RESOURCES REVIEW

Resume/Cover Letter Critiques

Personal Statement Critiques

Student led mock/S.C.O.R.E./Alumni Interviews

Career Center Library

Online Resources: Experience.com, GoinGlobal

Career Expo

CAREER EXPOWednesday, October 2, 2013

11am-4pmSUB

•Register at http://career.truman.edu•Dress: Business Professional•Bring Your Résumé•Network