Résumé Writing and
Interviewing
Student Learning Objectives
# 7 communicate effectively
# 8 engage in life-long learning
Objectives of a Résumé
Markets you to
prospective
employers
• communicates your
skills/
accomplishments
Serves as roadmap of
your skills and
abilities
You only have one chance
to make a first impression!
Hire
No hire
Chronological
JOANNE MILLS
7312 Parkway Drive, Reno, Nevada
(775) 787-0000
jmills@yahoo.com
OBJECTIVE:
Obtain a position in electrical engineering in the Reno area
EDUCATION:
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
October 2010
Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Minor in Computer Science
University of Nevada, Reno
TECHNICAL SKILLS &
COURSEWORK
AutoCAD
Matlab
ESOF
C++
Novell 3.12, 4.0
P-CAD 200
JavaScript
Microsoft NT 4.0
RELATED WORK
HISTORY
Senior Electrical Engineer Intern
May 2011
2010 – 2011
Lights & Security Engineering, Inc. - Sparks, Nevada
 Researched costs and implemented design of power supplies, lighting
and security systems.
 Analyzed and defined system/software development and integration.
Test Engineer Intern
Fall 2009
Reno Gas & Electric - Reno, Nevada
 Introduced and implemented new testing procedures currently
practiced in ten field offices.
AFFILIATIONS:
President SWE,
UNR Student Chapter
May
Basic Components of a Résumé
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Heading
Objective
Education
Experience (includes F/T, P/T, Internships,
Volunteer)
• Professional Development
Heading
Purpose
Provides your name and contact information
KATHY SMITH
18 Pleasant Avenue
Reno, Nevada 89000
775-555-1111
gsmith@yahoo.com
KATHY SMITH
18 Pleasant Avenue
Reno, Nevada 89000
775-555-1111
gsmith@yahoo.com
Objective
Purpose
Precisely states for what kind of job you will be applying:
•
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING - A position in electrical engineering at the
technician/integration level.
•
APPRAISER - Registered appraiser seeking an internship with a progressive
appraisal service that will provide opportunities to further develop appraisal skills
and expand real estate knowledge.
•
CUSTOMER SERVICE - A customer service position in the airline industry,
preferably in the Chicago area.
- Rather Than -
To obtain a full-time position with a growing company that will
provide me with opportunities to use my education and
experience…..
Education
Purpose
Lists all formal education, credentials,
certification, licenses you have earned
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Bachelor of Science
Chemical Engineering
List highest degree first
List type of degree, major, college name, and date awarded
GPA?
Which comes first: the degree, the school?
– School First
University of Nevada, Reno
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Dec. 2016
– Degree First
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno
• Omit high school
Dec. 2016
Experience
Purpose
Communicate previous work experience that is evidence of
the knowledge, skills and accomplishments relevant to
the position for which you are applying
Experience
Format
Position/title
Company and location
• Duties/responsibilities/accomplishments
• Duties/responsibilities/accomplishments
• Duties/responsibilities/accomplishments
Dates
Experience
Developing Bullet Statements:
Four elements of a bullet statement
1. Action Verb
1. Implemented
2. Quantifier
2. three new engineering
approaches
•
Detail-oriented and includes
specific information such as
numbers and percentages
3. Qualifier
•
Answers the “who, what, where,
when, why, and how,” of the
action verb
4. Result
•
3. to problem identification and
Focuses on accomplishments. If
no result is appropriate, then
describe the work environment,
such as “a busy retail store.”
4. achieved a defect density rating
of 1.9 when the industry
standard is 1.4 and perfection
is 2.0
Experience
When?
Year
Years
Month & Year
Semester
Season
2016
2014 to 2016
August 2016 – November 2016
Academic Year 2014-2016
Summers 2013-2016
Avoid using just numbers
6/14 - 11/16
Experience
Example:
Bently GE, Minden, Nevada
Fall 2016
Engineering Intern
• Implemented an engineering approach to problem identification
and achieved a defect density rating of 1.9 when the industry
standard is 1.4 and perfection is 2.0.
-OREngineering Intern
Fall 2016
Bently GE, Minden, Nevada
• Implemented an engineering approach to problem identification
and achieved a defect density rating of 1.9 when the industry
standard is 1.4 and perfection is 2.0.
Professional Development
• Computer programs and skills
• Professional society
memberships
• Publications
• Design projects
• Volunteer work
Preparing a draft résumé using
appropriate elements,
components and formatting
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No Mistakes!!!
Paper
Originals
One page
One sided
Margins (min. 1 inch)
Alignment (consistency)
Justification
Type face (Verdana,
Arial, Times New Roman)
• Font size (10 - 12)
• Horizontal and vertical
lines
• Underlining and italics
• Bold
• Capitalization
• Graphics and pictures
• Use of bullets
• Staples and folding
• Scannable and uploading
formats
Resources to assist with future
résumé writing
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Rock Port Institute
CN Job Web
NVCIS
Career Development Office
Library (ref. section)
Riley’s Guide
Damn Good Résumé
Job Boards
Career Fairs
Workshops
Reference Lists Provided
Interviewing
Types of Interviews
Two main types:
– Screening
• typically short (30 min.)
• phone call
• basis for second
interview
– Selection
• longer (1 hr. - all day)
• on site
• series of meetings
Interview Strategies
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Believe you have a right to be happy in
your work and get the job you want.
Face it and embrace it: They want someone
who can increase profits and cut costs.
Concentrate on one thing: getting the job!
Arm yourself with information about
yourself, the company and the job.
You must do some research
before the interview!
Interview Strategies
•
Interpret and identify each phase of the
interview, so you know when to do what.
- Before
- During
- After
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•
Anticipate the questions and their intent,
then plan your answers
Prepare questions to ask - show
knowledge
Before the Interview
• Know time and
place
• Arrive early
• Know names and
title of interviewers
• Bring nice pen and
paper
• Bring several copies
of resume
During the Interview:
Non-Verbal Communication
First Impressions:
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Dress professionally
Firm handshake
Eye contact
Watch gestures, habits, posture
Exhibit energy and enthusiasm
Have a positive attitude
Listen
During the Interview:
Verbal Communication
• Be verbal--not too
• Be articulate
• Pause and think
before you answer
• Get to the point don’t babble
• Be honest
• Be yourself
• Avoid general or
vague statements
• Sell yourself
- know strengths
- Know
accomplishments
• Don’t bring up salary
or benefits
• Show that you want
the job
During the Interview:
Most Common Questions
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Tell me about yourself?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
What are your long-range goals?
Why do you want to work for us?
What do you know about our
company?
• Why should we hire you?
• What questions do you have for
us?
During the Interview:
Behavior-Based Interviews
• Assumes that your past behavior is the
best predictor of future performance:
– Not just telling that you “can” do a good job
– Tells if you “will” do a good job
• Questions developed around traits and
skills necessary for success in the position
• Draws a verbal picture through examples
from your past
During the Interview:
Categories Probed in
Behavioral Interviewing
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Decision Making and Problem Solving
Leadership
Motivation - Career Focus
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Planning and Organization
Working on Teams
During the Interview:
Examples of Behavioral
Questions
• Tell me about the last
time you made a
decision that
backfired.
• Tell me about a time
that you planned a
and implemented a
project.
During the Interview:
Do you have any questions?
• Is there a reason why
you would not hire me?
• As an employee, how
could I exceed your
expectations?
• How could I help your
company meets its
goals?
• What excites you about
coming into work?
• My research shows
that…… can you
expand?
• What are the long
range plans for the
company - new
projects?
During the Interview:
Answering Questions The Kiss of Death
Lying
Bluffing
Having a negative attitude
Blaming others for your failure
Complaining about previous employers/professors
Being artificial or over confident
Being gushy and ingratiating
During the Interview:
How to Close an Interview and
Follow Up
• Can I clarify or add any
details?
• I believe I am the best person
for the position!
• I am really excited about the
position!
• What is the hiring process next step?
After the interview
• Make notes evaluate your
performance - follow
up on holes
• Write a thank you
note within 24 hours
• Call about five days
after they say they
will have a decision
Reasons candidates get
rejected!
 Not prepared for
interview - no
research
 Ill defined purposes
and goals
 Poor
communication
skills - rambles
 Little interest bland
 Unrealistic - expect
too much too soon
 Makes excuses hedges on weak
points
 No confidence
 Overbearing conceited
 Poor appearance
 Little depth to
questions asked
 Employer doesn’t
get to know you
Questions?
Course Evaluations
 Please complete course evaluations today no later than
4:00
 If 85% of students complete the evaluation, students
will receive an upward rounded decimals
 With evaluation completed
 89.2 = 90 (from B+ to A-)
 89.7 = 90 (from B+ to A-)
 Without evaluation completed
 89.2 = B+ (no rounding)
 89.7 = B+ (no rounding)