This document provides resume and interview tips. It recommends starting with a comprehensive list of accomplishments and experiences and customizing multiple resume versions focused on different jobs. Key tips include quantifying accomplishments, using relevant keywords, and proofreading thoroughly. For interviews, it suggests preparing stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and being ready to discuss projects and challenges. Interviewers should ask thoughtful questions and demonstrate knowledge of the company, without quizzing the interviewer on their performance.

1. Resume and Interview TipsBy Jennifer Arguello, SHPE Region 1 Vice President10/15/2011

2. Resumes that RockTips

3. Start with a Big List, then Shorten It Go big!Write it ALL downKeeps you from forgetting anythingThen shrink it down Make multiple versions of a resume from this big list

4. Know what not to includeInclude most important accomplishmentsKeep Trust worthyKeep relevant to career goalsStay relatively recent

5. Avoid overused phrasesRemove canned phrasesResponsible forExperiencedTeam Player… othersDon’t be vague, say what you didBadResponsible for production costsGoodReduced production costs by 15% over three months

6. Quantify your accomplishmentsUse numbers to measure you accomplishmentsHow many?By how much?etcRemember to say howMake sure to always be measuring your performance so you have this information

7. Find the key words your employer is looking for and use themResumes get scanned for wordsUse relevant words for your industryRead job descriptions and notice which words are used over and over.

8. Use Multiple Resumés for Different Potential JobsCustomize for the job your applying forRearrange accomplishments for relevancyAdd and omit accomplishments as appropriateresumetracker.codeplex.com

9. Proofread Proofread ProofreadPrint out your resumeGet another set of eyesRead it out loudTake a break after writing and before proofreadingRead from the bottom to the top

10. Finishing Touches – Be a resume ninjaKeep it to one pageEasy to read fontsScannable fontsHave it on a USB drive as PDFNo fancy paperNo scented paper

11. Modern Resumes

12. Interview Like a Rock Star

13. Shoot for the STARSTAR interviewing – Situation, Task, Action, ResultSituation/Task – Describe the situation/task you faced.Action – What actions did you take in the situation?Result – What was the outcome? What results did you achieve?

14. More TipsWhen asked about a negative situation (like a time you disagreed with your boss):Think of one and explain! Don’t blame anyone else. Be proactive!Explain how your actions created a positive outcome.Before going to interview, have a story about solving interpersonal problems, and a story about resolving a hard challenge. These can be applied to a number of common types of behavioral questions.Be ready to explain all your projects. Tell the interviewer what *you* did to contribute (use the STAR technique)If you don’t know something, talk about how you would find out.

15. Interviewing the interviewerBe familiar with the company's productsAsking a thoughtful question about their products is good if you have one. One question about benefits is okay, but too many looks bad. Don't ask how you are doing. The interviewer typically won't tell you and it makes them feel awkward.

16. THANK YOU!Jennifer.arguello@shpe.org@engijen