The document provides comprehensive guidance on writing an effective resume and preparing for interviews, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and presenting qualifications. It outlines key components of a great resume, such as contact information, work history, and relevant skills, while advising against including unnecessary personal details. Additionally, it offers tips for crafting tailored cover letters, job application strategies, and effective interview techniques, stressing the importance of owning one's career.

1. Tips for Writing a Great Resume
&
Preparing for your Interview

2. Why is a resume
important?
• Employer’s first impression of
you
• Gives you a chance to brand and
sell yourself
• Highlights your unique abilities
• Shows why you are qualified for
the job that you are applying for
• Documents your successes in
and out of the workplace
• Proves your ability to perform at
a high level
• Golden ticket to your first
interview

3. Components of a Great Resume
Contact Information
Name, location, phone number, email address, links to online portfolio, social media, or
virtual resume
Summary
“Strategic, analytical, and highly motivated sociology student with an economics focus.
Interested in challenging internship opportunities within the education technology
industry. Strong desire to contribute my strategic market research abilities, scholarly
aptitude, and tireless work ethic in a professional environment.”
Education
Graduation date GPA, Scholarships, Awards, etc.
Technical Skills / Social Media
HTML, MS Excel (pivot tables), Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, LinkedIn, Google+
Strengths
Project management, prioritization, problem solving, communication, etc.
Work History
As it relates to the job you’re applying for
Other
Languages, leadership roles, community involvement, notable achievements

4. Resume Buzz Words

5. What does a great resume look like?

6. What does a great resume look like?

7. What does a great resume look like?

8. Do NOT Include…
 Date of Birth
 Social Security Number
 High School information
 Names and contacts of former employers
 Salary history
 Low GPA (less than 3.0)
 The wrong company/job title!
 Grammatical errors
 Positions that lasted 2-3 weeks
 Reasons why you were fired
 Religious/Political views

9. Use Social Media to Enhance Your Resume

10. Cover Letters
A great cover letter contains the following elements:
• The hiring manager or recruiter’s name
• A tailored introduction specifically for the company and position
• Your knowledge of the company
• 2-3 reasons why you want to work for the company – BE SPECIFIC!
• Any connections you may have with the company (referrals, attended an info
session, met a recruiter, etc.)
• Your accomplishments as they relate to the position you are applying for
• What value you can add to the company and position
• Your availability to interview
• A compelling closing statement that stresses your interest in the company and
position
• Contact information

11. Applying for the Job
 Ask yourself the following questions
 Do I meet 80% - 100% of the qualifications list in the job description?
 Am I confident in my ability to perform the functions in this role?
 How much training would I need?
 Is it in my salary range?
 Can I commit to a lengthy interview process?
 Why am I the best fit for the role?
 Do I know enough about the company to create a cover letter?
 How interested am I in this position?
 Do I have the skills and education to apply to the job?
 Do I have the ability to relocate for the position at my own expense?

12. Applying for the Job
• Research, Research, Research
• Begin connecting with company employees on LinkedIn & other social
media sites
• Conduct informational interviews over a coffee break
• Follow ALL instructions on the job posting
• Follow up with the recruiter via email about your application & include
your resume and cover letter
• Pick up the phone

13. Nailing the Interview
• The interview starts on the phone
• Confirm the interview!!
• Dress for success
• Practice interviewing
• Write down 10-15 questions you’d like to potentially ask the employer
• Know the company and the person you’re interviewing with
• Arrive 10 minutes early – not 30!
• Be friendly to everyone you encounter – even in the parking lot
• Bring several copies of your resume, a notepad, and a pen
• Don’t get too comfortable
• Be aware of your body language – eye contact and a smile!
• Make yourself the obvious choice
• Bring tangible documents of your work
• Send a hand written Thank-You note and an email

14. Owning Your Career
“The biggest mistake that you can make is to
believe that you are working for somebody else.
Job security is gone. The driving force of a career
must come from the individual. Remember: You
own your career!” - Earl Nightingale