Application

This is the first impression an employer gets of you!

• The application provides the employer with specific information in a designated order. Never write "see resume" in any area of the application.
• Through the application, the employer senses attitude, stability and motivation. It also reveals communicative skills. It should never be done illegibly, hastily or incompletely.  
• Print or write neatly, or even better, type the information. Be sure to read the instructions on the application. Statements should be brief and concise.  
• All questions must be answered; all sections must be completed. If it doesn't pertain to you, place a dash or N/A in that space.  
• Know start/stop dates of your employment history, pay rates and your supervisors' name.  
• Use action words to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. 
• It's a good idea to have a "dummy" application with history and references. 
• Reasons for leaving: refrain from any negative statements. You want to present a positive picture of yourself. Use "further my education" or "interesting new job opportunity", etc. 
• Salary: when the definite pay rate is unknown, write "open".  
• References: make sure you have correct addresses and phone numbers. Let your references know you list them and keep them informed. 
• Additional remarks: do not leave blank! Use it constructively by inserting statements regarding your abilities and reasons why you would be a desirable candidate for the position. 
• If you have extensive experience in community service or organizations, you may treat it as you would work experience. Keep in mind that this information provides a well-rounded profile of the type of person you are. 

Resume

The purpose of the resume is not to get a job, but to obtain an interview. It should be a clear and concise summary of qualifications that pertain to
the position and should be limited to one page. The goal is to attract sufficient attention to create an interview opportunity. 

Basic Requirements:

• Visually attractive with appropriate margins on all four sides.  
• Must be error free with attention to detail. It must be consistent in format, punctuation and verb tense. 
• Good organization of information is critical; should have headings appropriate to the information provided. 
• Organize information with strongest information at the top and weakest at the bottom. 
• Present information in reverse chronological order within the categories. List education and work experience starting with the most recent first. 
• Never include personal information (marital status, birthdate, etc.)
• When mailing resumes or responding to want ads, a cover letter must accompany the resume. 
• Resumes and cover letters should always be laser printed onto high quality bonded paper, white or off-white are best choices. 
• Unless they have been requested, references are never sent with the cover letter and resume. 

Content:

Design the content to emphasize strengths and accomplishments and to minimize weaknesses. You can determine the appropriate headings for the information you include. The amount of space devoted to each category and the order in which they appear are matters of choice.

Identification:

At the top of the resume, include name, address, area code and phone number. Your name should be in large bold print. 

Job Objective:

This portion should focus on the job/position you are seeking and the skills you bring to the position. This is not the place to state what you want to gain from the position. 

Sample:

• "To obtain an entry level engineering position where I can use my education and experience to make a valuable team contribution."  
• "To obtain an audit position in a public accounting firm seeking an individual with motivation, goal orientation, and demonstrated leadership skills."  

Education: 

• This section usually includes only the college/university where you have completed a bachelor's degree or higher. High schools are never used if you are a junior or higher.  
• Bold and list the degree and major first followed by the name of the institution, city and state. Starting with the highest degree awarded or to be awarded upon completion of your program. Always provide the graduation date, but do not include the number of years attended.  
• Most employers are interested in your GPA. You may want to consider including your overall GPA and/or major GPA.  
• Include in this section (or make a new heading) honors, awards and scholarships or any related certifications.  
• If you worked and earned a large share of your educational expenses, make a statement regarding your contributions to your education. This demonstrates better organization and time management skills and greater focus on educational and career goals.  

Sample: 

• "Earned 100% of educational expenses" 
• "Self-financed 100% of education" 
• "Financed 90% of educational expenses by working part time, scholarships, grants, and loans." 

Experience: 

• List any full-time, part-time or summer job experience - even if the type of work has no direct bearing on academic or career plans.  
• Try to mention some positive contribution that the work experience provided.  
• Employer is interested in how your time is/was spent while in college and the extent to which a contribution is/was made to college expenses.  
• The description of experience includes position/ title, name of employer, dates worked, city and state, and a brief description of accomplishments.  
• Use action words/verbs to describe accomplishments and skills that have been developed.  

Other Information: Organizations/Activities/Honors

Professional affiliations and qualifications, as well as leadership positions held, may be included under appropriate headings 

Other Information: Skills 

A foreign language proficiency, computer skills or other skills should be
included in an appropriate section of the resume.

The Interview

The interviewer will try to establish rapport and break the ice. Your goal is to: 

• Establish a very positive first impression of yourself  
• Demonstrate confidence, enthusiasm and positive attitude 
• Actively make an effort to connect with the interviewer. 

Specific information about your education, experience, skills, abilities and accomplishments will be asked.  

• Listen closely to each question. Your ability to communicate is one key factor on which you will be rated  
• Be aware of non-verbal behavior and body language  
• Relate past experiences and accomplishments to the position you are seeking  
• Seek opportunities that will allow you to emphasize your strong points  
• Be prepared to ask poignant questions about the job or the department  

At the end, take the opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and inquire about the next step in the selection process.