This document provides an overview and tips for resumes, job applications, and interviewing presented by Mr. Cameron Lewis for the 2018 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute. It covers common resume mistakes and tips for an effective resume. It also discusses strategies for finding and applying for jobs online and through networking. Finally, it offers best practices for acing an interview, including being prepared, researching the company, practicing interview skills, and following up with a thank you note. Sample interview questions are also provided to allow partners to do a practice interview session.

1. Resumes, Job Applications, and
Interviewing
Urban Teachers
Presented by: Mr. Cameron Lewis
Mid-Atlantic Recruitment and Selections Specialist
For The 2018 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute

2. • Resume Reviews and Tips
• Job Searches and Applications
• Interviewing Skills
Session Topics

3. Resume Review
What makes a bad resume?
• Odd fonts or including pictures
• Too wordy
• Too long
• Grammatical Errors
• Missing contact information
• Lengthy Summary
• Lack of details on work experience
• Not clearly labeled or sectioned
• Informational that is not true or
verifiable!

4. Resume Review

5. Resume Review: The Bonner Resume

6. How Might This Person Revise Their Resume?

7. Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Example of a Curriculum Vitae:
https://profiles.howard.edu/sites/profiles.howard.edu/files/Dawn%20Williams%20CV%202017.pdf
CVs are typical of professionals who work in academia/higher education.
The purpose of a CV is to provide a very thorough, detailed review of an individual’s
professional and academic career.
A resume’ is intended to provide snapshots of the most important aspects.

8. Resume Review
General Resume Tips
• Keep a master resume with all of your
work / volunteer / education experience
and TAILOR to specific jobs
• Spell check, spell check, spell check!
• Have multiple people review and give
feedback
• Be concise but specific in your job duties
• What, How, Outcome for each task

9. Resume Review
Common Questions
• Can my resume be more than 2
pages?
• Should I include “x” volunteer
experience?
• Do I put my GPA?
• Where do I capture athletic
experience?
• How do I handle gaps in
employment?
• Where can I put my awards,
scholarships etc.?
• I’ve moved jobs a lot, how
should I handle that? (Multiple
positions for same employer)
• Should I include my high school
job?

10. Resume Review
Questions?

11. Job Searches and Applications

12. Job Searches and Applications
Applications
• Yes, you have to fill in all of the
information (and yes we know
that’s annoying)
• Make sure to include a cover
letter when given the option
• Explain who you are
• What your qualifications are
• Why you want this specific job
• Make sure everything is accurate,
especially contact information
Application Tips
• Only apply for jobs you actually
want BUT apply to a lot of jobs
• Keep a spreadsheet of each job
you apply to so you can keep
track
• Write down what you like / dislike
about each job you apply to. This
will help narrow down what job
will be a good fit

13. Job Searches and Applications
Where can you find those jobs to apply to?
• Indeed.com-The best “catch-all” site
• Idealist.org-The best for non-profit specific work
• Glassdoor.com-You can research the company but also find job postings
• LinkedIn-Has a pretty substantial job board. Make sure your profile is up to date as you
can also let others know you’re looking!
• Us.jobs-A comprehensive list of state jobs and direct employer postings
• Flexjobs.com-Jobs with flexible work schedules or telecommuting options
• Commongoodcareers.org-Less comprehensive additional non-profit jobs
• Your University’s career services / job board (Handshake, Symplicity,etc…)
• Your University alumni connections
• Specific company or organization sites
• Youngedprofessionals.org-Specific for jobs in the education sector
• Americorpsalums.org-Jobs specific to Americorps service members

14. Job Searches and Applications
How to Search Well
• Use keywords and specific ”buzz” words for jobs you want-Be
specific!
• Search by skill or experience you’re looking for
• Narrow your searches
• By location
• By salary
• By posted date

15. Job Searches and Applications
The Power of Networking
• 85% of jobs are filled via networking*
• Tap your network via Linkedin, Facebook, clubs, alumni connectors,
athletics, etc…Let the world know what you’re looking for!
• Join professional societies
• Attend networking events
• Schedule informational interviews with people who work in jobs or
industries that interest you
• Be gracious with your network and pass along the help you receive!
*https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-survey-reveals-85-all-jobs-filled-via-networking-lou-adler

16. Interviewing

17. Interviewing
Acing an Interview
• Show up early (10 minutes)
• It’s better to overdress than underdress
• Have a good reason why you want THIS job
• Be yourself and answer honestly but don’t overshare
• Do your research
• On the company
• On the job
• On the person interviewing you (if possible)

18. Interviewing
Insider Tips
• Practice makes perfect: do mock interviews and ask others to
interview you. The more you do the more comfortable you’ll
be!
• Take a bottle of water with you to an interview and sip it to
keep yourself calm
• Send “thank you” cards.
• It’s okay to take a few moments to think about an answer.
• Watch your posture and non-verbal communication.
• No gum chewing or playing with anything in your hands.

19. Interviewing
Virtual Interviews
• Treat these the same as regular interviews
• Dress professionally
• Show up early
• Make sure you have good wifi connection (or go where you do)
• Watch your background (i.e. liquor bottles are not a good
look!)
• Find somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed
• Download the software ahead of time (i.e. Skype, Zoom,
Hirevue)
• Do your research and be prepared

20. Interviewing Practice
With a partner, one of you will be the interviewer, the other the interviewee:
• Interviewee: Give an overview of who you are, your experience, what kind
of job you’re looking for, and what you bring to the table (also known as an
elevator pitch)
• Answer the following interview questions
• Describe a situation in which you didn’t meet a goal, how did you handle it?
• Describe a situation in which you took the initiative to change a process or system and
made it better. How did you identify the problem? How did you go about instituting
change?
• Switch partners, repeat, then give feedback
Share with the Group: What did you learn or notice?

21. Stay In Touch
Questions?
Contact me at:
Cameron.Lewis@urbanteachers.org
Check out our website: www.urbanteachers.org