resumes continued

12 Common Mistakes In Résumé Writing

1. Font is too small — Make sure that your document is legible. A recommended font size is 11 or 12.
2. Spelling mistakes — Use the spell-check tool but the best proofreader is another set of eyes. Be sure that there are no spelling errors, poor word choice, or misuse of language. These mistakes are not acceptable as it might appear that you are negligent with your work.
3. Repetitive words — Do not use the same verb to describe your work experience. Use a variety of action verbs to prove your transferable and diverse skills. Utilizing different action verbs can highlight the wide range of skills and knowledge that you possess.
4. Leaving out dates — Include dates on your résumé. Leaving them out might seem like you are trying to hide certain information.
5. Inconsistent layout of résumé — Present your résumé in a consistent layout. Set your margins evenly (right and left sides 1" margins; top and bottom). Have an even amount of space between each heading. Be consistent with your verbiage. For example, if you are describing your current job, use all verbs in the present tense.
6. Using someone else's words — It can be obvious that what is written is not in your own words when you do not speak like you write. It is important to prepare your résumé in your own words.
7. Just having one version — Résumés need to be "fluid." The critical part is to tailor your résumé content to the job for which you are applying. You may have several different versions depending on the jobs you are targeting.
8. No cover letter — A cover letter should be sent out with every résumé. The cover letter is your sales document. It will augment your résumé.
9. Unprofessional email address — Use an email address that is professional. Your professionalism has to come through in your résumé.
10. Cluttered information — Filter out information that might seem irrelevant to the position. Be wise in choosing certain facts to be included on your final résumé.
11. Including personal information like age, gender, and head shot — Personal information, like age, gender, and head shot should not be included on your résumé (unless you are a performing art student).
12. Using abbreviations or contractions — Remember your résumé is a formal document, be sure to omit abbreviations or contractions in your words or sentences.

resumes

Everything About Résumés

A résumé is an executive summary of your qualifications to perform a responsible role in the workplace. A résumé distills to one page all of your education, training, work, and life experience in relationship to your potential value to an employer or an opportunity.

A résumé is...

• An introduction to employers and evaluators. Be sure to check your grammar and spelling with many reviews.
• An advertisement of your employability and career potential. Make your résumé attractive, easy to read, and market-savvy.
• A document of achievements. Never misrepresent your qualifications, and always show learning, pursuit, and contributions.
• A roadmap of your career growth and direction. Make it easy for employers to see chronology and patterns of development.
• An interview prompt for recruiters. Highlight the achievements you want to talk about in an interview; and be sure you are prepared to discuss the achievements you highlight. (For example, if you report that you are a member of the Sociology Society, what will you say if the interviewer asks you to describe society benefits and activities?)

Interview Tips

Plan Ahead

1.       If possible find out as much about the company as you can before the interview.

2.       Look online for company pictures.  They might give you an idea of what the company dress code is.

3.       Be ready to talk about your experience and accomplishments.

4.       Bring extra copies of your resume, cover letter and reference sheet.

5.       Arrive at least 15 min early.

6.       Bring pen and paper.

Body Language

1.        Eye contact.

2.       Shake hands with interviewer when you enter the room.

3.       Sit straight in your chair.

4.       Speak Loudly.

Answering Questions

1.        Always use examples from your experiences.

2.       Keep answers skill/job related.  Do not talk about your hobbies or interests unless asked specifically.

3.        Try to be positive when you answer questions. 

4.       If you think you are having trouble with English keep your answers simple.

Questions to ask

1.        Don’t ask about money.

2.       Ask about possible advancement (shows that you want to work for the company for a long time)

3.       Ask about training opportunities if you think you might not have the correct skills.

4.       Ask when the hiring decisions will be made.

10 Most Common Interview Questions

1.        What are your weaknesses?

This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your   strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."

2.       Why should we hire you?

Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."

3.       Why do you want to work here?

The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices."

4.       Why did you leave your old job?

If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."

If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."

5.       When are you most satisfied with your job?

Pick an situation that would also happen in the new job.

6.       What are your strengths?

Stay away from personal strengths and only talk about professional skills.  Make sure to use examples.

7.       Tell me about yourself.

For this question it is best to talk about yourself.  Do not give a detailed story of your past life.  Just explain why you are right for this job.

8.       What are your goals?

Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."

9.       Do you work better with a team or alone?

If you can, be honest, but its best to choose the one that will be the situation at your new job.

10.   What motivates you?

For this question you should not say “money” use something like “doing a job well”  or “being the best at what I do”.

RESUMES

After the power point presentations, we will focus on writing a resume.  I have attached some notes for class.  Please bring a copy to class, so you can follow along.

Business - presentations

Power point presentation worth 20%

Case scenario

You are representing your company to a group of potential investors.

You will choose a company of your choice and you will research it and give a power point presentation to the class. 

Requirements:

1)      You need to give information about the history and background of the company. 

2)      What services or products do they provide?

3)       What are some of the strengths of the company?  

4)       Explain the different markets they are involved in (internationally, locally, expanding into new markets).

5)      You will introduce and describe (in detail) one service or product that your company has developed.

6)      You will be asked questions at the end of the presentation.   You may be asked about other competitors in the same field or about the material that you presented.

For this assignment, you can choose to work in groups of two or three.   Try to keep your presentation within 10 to 15 minutes and cover the material asked.  Include other information that you think is relevant.    

You will be graded on the following:   

Did you do the required research? 

How knowledgeable are you about your material?

Are you confident about the material presented?  Are you reading your notes (eye contact with the participants). 

Fluency, pronunciation, volume  ( hard to hear).

Slides – easy to read- colourful  graphics etc.

Provided material prior to presentation ( submit material to my office room 318 the day before the presentation).

Appearance -dressed appropriately for the presentation.   

  

Items graded				Score/comments
Required research	Missed many points	covered most of the points	covered all the points
Knowledge about the company	Somewhat knowledgeable	A good knowledge	Very knowledgeable
Confidence about the material presented (reading notes/ eye contact)	Needs more work	good	Excellent
Pronunciation	Needs more work	Good
Volume	Hard to hear	Good
Fluency	Needs more work	Good
Slides Easy to read font Amount of text on slide Colorful/ graphics	Needs more work	good	Excellent
Material provided to professor ahead of time	No	Yes
Business appearance/ attire	No	Yes
Overall presentation