PR&R: Ch. 10 Resumes & Portfolios

Checklist for Resumes

Does my résumé's organization (reverse chronological or functional) emphasize my best characteristics? Is my contact information accurate? Does my statement of objective show a clear sense of purpose? Have I included a summary of skills or qualifications, as needed? Is my educational background clear and complete? Have I accurately but briefly described my previous jobs? Have I presented education versus experience in the appropriate sequence? Have I included personal data and interests, as appropriate? Have I listed references or offered to provide them? Have I offered to provide a portfolio, as appropriate? Have I used action verbs and key words? Have I limited the résumé to a single page, if possible? Is the résumé uncluttered and tasteful? Have I used quality (white) paper? If I have a scannable résumé, does it use key words and effective formatting? Am I being scrupulously honest? Have I proofread exhaustively?

Assess Your Skills & Aptitudes p. 162

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Solicited Application Letters p. 171

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Resumes p. 164

A resume is an applicant personal advertisement for employment, providing a snapshot of a persons qualifications.

Portfolios & Webfolios p. 175

Contains a(n) • introduction or mission statement explaining what you have included in your portfolio and why • resume • examples of your work • copies of documents from your dossier Does not contain • anything not directly related to your quantifications

Dossiers (pronounced: dȯ-sē-ˌā) p. 174

Contains credentials, college transcript, recommendation letters, commendation letters, etc. The college placement office keeps the dossier and sends it to employers on request.

Checklist for Supporting Materials

Is my dossier complete, with letters of recommendation and other supporting materials? Is my portfolio or Webfolio (if applicable) up-to-date? If my portfolio has hyperlinks, are they all functioning? Have I prepared for interviews? Have I sent the appropriate follow-up correspondence?

Checklist for Job Application Letters

Is my letter addressed to a specifically named person? If my letter is solicited, do I indicate how I heard about the job?If my letter is unsolicited, does it have a forceful opening? Does my introduction get directly to the point? Does the body section paint a clear picture of qualifications sketched in the résumé? Does the conclusion restate my interest and encourage specific action? Have I made my case without merely repeating the résumé? Is my letter free of "canned" expressions? Is my tone confident without being arrogant? Have I avoided a tone that is overly formal or overly stiff? Have I avoided flattery and exaggeration? Have I proofread exhaustively? Am I being scrupulously honest?

Electronic Resumes p. 168

It is essential to have a resume in electronic format for emailing, scanning, and posting on websites.

Unsolicited Application Letters p. 172

Submit for nonadvertised openings. Needs a forceful opening.

Application or Cover Letter p. 171

The function of a cover letter is to explain how your credentials fit the particular job and convince the reader to interview you.

Interviews p. 177

The purpose of an interview is to confirm the employer's impression from your application, resume, and references. Bring your portfolio and a copy of it that you can leave with the interviewer.

Organizing Your Resume p. 166

Three organizational formats: • standard or reverse chronological resume - lists most recent education and work expeirence first • functional resume - highlights skills relevant to a particular job and is the best choice if you have limited experience or work history gaps

Follow-Up Letters p. 178

Two types: • thank you letter • job acceptance / refusal letter

Strategies for Dossiers, Portfolios, and Webfolios p. 175

• Always provide an introduction or mission statement • Collect relevant materials Include copies of dossier materials • Assemble your items • Omit irrelevant items • Omit your street address and or number from a webfolio

Strategies for Hard Copy Resumes p. 168

• Begin your resume well before your job search • Tailor your resume for each job • Try to limit the resume to a single page • Stick to experience relevant to the job • Use action verbs and key words • Use bold, italic, underlining, colors, fonts, bullets, and other devices for emphasis. • Never invent or distort credentials • Use quality paper and envelopes • Proofread, proofread, proofread

Strategies for Interview and Follow-Up Letters p. 180

• Confirm the interview's exact time, location, and the name and position of the interviewer • Bring a briefcase with a pen, notepad, and your portfolio • Make a positive first impression • Don't worry about having all the answers • Avoid abrupt yes or no answers as well as life stories • Don't answer questions by repeating the material on your resume • Smile and be friendly and attentive • Never criticize a previous employer • Prepare to ask intelligent questions • Watch for hints that signal the interview is over • Send a thank you letter to everyone you interviewed with.

Refusal Letter p. 179

• Even if you refuse an offer by phone, write a prompt, cordial letter, explain your reasons while allowing for future possibilities.

Job Interview Tips

• Know about the company and the role you would play as an employee.(Explore their website, send for literature, etc.) • Know what you are worth, but don't over inflate your value. • Know how your education prepared you to do the job • Dress appropriately • Exhibit self-confidence. • Have a clear idea of how you can benefit the employer • Speak positively of former employers

Acceptance Letter p. 179

• Respond to written job offer with a formal letter of acceptance. (If you were offered the job by phone, request a written offer.) • Spell out the terms you are accepting. • Accept with enthusiasm

Researching the Job Market p. 163

• Search • Work step by step • Start by talking to job experts, friends, and family • Consult industry-specific resources • Read job postings & send out unsolicited application letters

Thank You Letters p. 178

• Send thank you letters, to each person you interviewed with, by USPS within 24 hours of the interview. • Open by thanking the interview and reemphasizing your interest int he position. • Refer to some detail from the interview to help the interviewer reconnect with the experience. • If you forgot to mention something important, briefly include it in the letter. • Close with genuine enthusiasm • Provide contact information again to make it easy for the interviewer to respond

Strategies for Scannable and Emailed Résumés p. 170

• Use a simple font • Use simple formatting • Save your resume in "text only" or "rich text" fromat • Proofread • Do not staple or fold pages

Strategies for Application Letters

• Use caution when adapting sample application letters. • Create a dynamic tone with active voice. • Never be vague • Avoid being overly informal or overly stiff • Never settle for a first draft, or even a second or third.

Strategies for Online Résumés p. 170

• Use keywords • Add hyperlinks to portfolio material • Avoid personal information (use your city and email only)

Questions to Expect During an Interview

• Why does this job appeal to you? • What do you know about the company (and the department)? • What do you know about our core values (for example, informal management structure, commitment to diversity, or to the environment)? • What do you know about the expectations and demands of the job? • What are the major issues affecting this industry? • How would you describe yourself ans an employee? • What do you see as your biggest weakness? Biggest strength? • Can you describe an instance in which you came up with a new and better way to do something? • What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

Parts of a Resume p. 164

• contact information • career objectives • education • work experience • personal data and interests • references