THE VIRTUAL INTERVIEW

Practicing for the interview means practicing several behaviors - not just answering
questions. You must dress well, watch your body language and posture, practice your
manners and eye contact as well as practice answering questions correctly, smoothly, and
with confidence.

The practice questions below, in one form or another, account for a large percentage of
interview questions. With each question, you are given a series of choices as to how you
might answer the question. When you select an answer, you will learn whether your
answer is correct-and why. Answering these questions will help you polish your
interviewing techniques. The questions and answers in this exercise are generic and, in
many cases, must be tailored to your individual situation. Still, the logic behind the
answer remains essentially the same.

1) Why are you the best person for the job?

a) "I've held a lot of positions like this one, and that experience will help me here."

b) "Because I am good at what I do."

c) "Our discussion here leads me to believe this is a good place to work."

*d) "You need someone who can produce results, and my background and
experience are proof of my ability. For example..."

e) I am a person who will produce results consistently; my scores are the proof of my
ability.

2) If asked a point blank question such as:

Are you creative? Are you analytical? Can you work under pressure? etc.
What is the best way to answer?
a) Answer yes or no.

b) Answer yes and give a specific example.

c) Answer yes and give an explanation.

3) Tell me about yourself.

a) Outline personal data, hobbies, and interests.

b) Give an overview of your personality and work habits.

c) Give three specific examples of your personality traits and accomplishments.

4) What was your GPA? Why is it low?

a) My GPA is 2.8. basically because I had a lot of fun in college.

b) My GPA is 2.8 because I held a full time job while in college, working my way
through school. It is not reflective of my ability to do the job.

c) My GPA is 2.8 which I don't think is too low, at least compared to my friends.
5) What are you looking for in a position?

*a) "I'm looking for an opportunity to apply my skills and contribute to the growth of the
company while helping create some advancement opportunities for myself."

b) "I'm looking for an organization that will appreciate my contributions and reward my
efforts."

c) "I'm looking for a position that will allow me to make enough money to support my
lifestyle. I am a hard worker and will give a concerted effort to earn the money I need."

6) What do you know about our organization?

a) "I've done a little homework and here is what I know about your organization...(cite
examples)"

b) "Everything I've seen and heard makes me want to be a part of this organization. I
understand your industry is ________ and your primary customer is __________. A
particularly exciting part of your business appears to be _________ ."

c) "I know enough to know this is an exciting place to work. It appears to be fit for my
career goals."

7) What is a weakness?

a) "I get really frustrated with my co-workers when they whine about everything."

b) "I don't 'toot my own horn'. I like to go in and get the job done and I don't dwell
on who gets credit."

c) "I don't think I have a weakness."

b) While working as a team, I expect my fellow classmates to put in as much effort

as I do, in order to optimize results. Ex: In 1998, while I was the president of the
Interact Club in school; we did a number of mini projects, which would benefit
the school and students; I expected every member to work consistently along with
me so that we could bring out the best results.

8) How would you characterize your work style?

a) "I am a very driven person. I make a list of what needs to be done and then tackle the
items until I've completed the job.
b) "I show up whenever I'm scheduled to work."

c) "I haven't held a job yet so I don't know what my work style will be."

9) What are your strengths?

a) "I am good at giving constructive criticism to my coworkers. This honesty is

something I'm very proud of and have found essential to having open working
relationships."

b) "I consider myself to be very consistent and provide an efficient performance;

my scores justify this point. I’m someone who can be counted upon to do what is
expected – leadership skills. I easily gel along in a group where I am an active
participant – inter departmental activities. I’ve been a part of a number of
organisations – EA, IEEE, Interact Club, Committee of prefects - CHS " I get a
great deal of satisfaction from helping others do their best. I believe I can build
loyalty and a team environment, obtain results and develop people."

c) "I would have to chose between two skills. I am very proud of my

determination and ability to get things done. At the same time, I am very proud of
my analytical abilities and problem solving skills. These skills combine to give
me a unique ability to solve problems and then implement the solutions."
10) How would co-workers describe you?

a) "They perceive me as a leader. The people who have worked with me learned great
deal and accomplished in many cases more than they thought possible."

b) "My employees would tell you they got direction when they needed and the room to
work when it was appropriate. I believe a measure of a good manager is how much he is
able to get done through others."

c) "They perceive me as someone who cared about t them personally and had high
expectations. I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping others do their best. My
former employees would highlight three of my priorities which are to build loyalty and a
team environment, obtain results and develop people."

11) What did you like and dislike about college?

a) "I didn't like the tremendous about of homework some professors assigned us. I
liked those professors who realized I had a life outside of class."

b) "I liked the opportunity to be involved on campus. It was a small campus that
allowed students to take responsibility, organize events and be a part of the
planning team. I can't really think of anything I disliked, college was a wonderful
experience."

c) "I liked having Wednesdays off. I think the thing I disliked most was living in
the dorms."

b) The best part of my college is the beautiful campus we have, the Central Library -
a calm and quiet place where we could study; creates a very calm and comfortable
atmosphere. We have well equipped laboratories. We are provided with ample
opportunity for participation in a number of inter departmental activities and
sports. The College Annual Day is the mega event of the year; which is a package
of fun. I disliked writing assignments since the matter was available in text books,
and I always study a text book.
12) Are you willing to relocate?

a) "No."

b) "I'm open to opportunities within the company so if that involves relocation I would
consider it."

c) "I'd move, but I know your headquarters is in Alaska and that's too cold for me."

13) What are your short term goals?

a) "Short term, I just want a job."

b) "Bills are beginning to pile up. In the short run I need to find work so I can keep up
with my obligations."

c) "Short-term, I'd like to find a position that is a good fit and where I can contribute to a
company's bottom line. The position we are here to discuss today would appear to be
such an opportunity. Could you tell me more about it?"
14) Where do you want to be in 5 years?

a) "I haven't really thought that far ahead but I think I'd want your job."

b) "If selected I would give the company my best, meet my goals and take advantage of
opportunities to learn so I will be considered for other positions within the company. I
hope to build my career with a company such as this one."

c) "Long term, I hope to start my own business."

15) Describe a situation you've encountered with a difficult customer.

a) "In my last job I dealt with customers at a retail store. One customer wanted to return
an item she had obviously bought several years ago, which was against store policy. I
talked to her calmly and explained our policies and encouraged her to shop and I would
exchange the item however I could not give a refund.".

b) "I rarely encounter a difficult customer because of my excellent customer service."

c) "I had a customer once who claimed her steak was not cooked correctly....I picked up a
knife and cut it open and explained that's the way it's supposed to be."
16) Before we go any further, what kind of money do you need to make?

a) "I feel I am worth at least $30,000."

b) "My salary requirements are negotiable. Your firm has a reputation of compensating
employees fairly and I trust you would do the same in my case. I am very interested in
finding the right opportunity and will be open to any fair offer when I do so."

c) "Money is not very important to me. I need to be able to pay the bills but the work
environment is far more important to me."

ANSWER #1

Question: Why are you the best person for the job?

a) Incorrect: May denote an inability to sustain consistent performance. Experience is

good, however, "a lot of jobs" is not.

b) Incorrect: This is a confident answer but too vague. You will be expected to support
your answers with examples and you must be diplomatic. This may come across
sounding arrogant.

c) Incorrect: This is a pleasant, flattering statement but sounds self serving. Always
position your answering with some give and take. Describe what you can offer the
employer.

d) This is the best answer. Acknowledging the need and giving a supported answer is the
best tactic here.

ANSWER #2

Question: If asked a point blank question such as:

Are you creative? Are you analytical? Can you work under pressure? etc.

What is the best way to answer?

a) Incorrect: Unsupported answers are often viewed as not credible.Even a closed-ended
question normally requires some explanation.

b) This is the best answer. A brief, specific example supports youranswer well and says
you are confident, well prepared, and genuine.

c) Incorrect: Specific examples offer a much

ANSWER #3

Question: Tell me about yourself.

a) Incorrect: Normally interviewers want to know about your work habits and demeanor.
Detailed information about your personal life is rarely appropriate.

b) Being vague will not set you apart from the competition. When all is said and done,
you must be memorable and believable. An overview likely will not accomplish either.

c) This is the best answer. Examples are proof of your ability and a sign of confidence.
Giving a clear concise example will be more memorable and set you apart from the
group. Before the interview, think the needs of the job and how your personality could be
a fit.

ANSWER #4

Question: What was your GPA? Why is it low?

a) Incorrect: This doesn't describe your skills and abilities and sounds like you had a bit
too much fun in college.

b) This is the best answer. This shows you have given some thought to your college GPA
and are aware of what influenced it outside of the classroom. The more involved and
busy you were during college the more likely the employer will accept a lower GPA

c) Incorrect: This has a bitter sound to it. Perhaps you should set your standards higher.
This answer doesn't show much motivation, sounds like you are willing to be average. Be
careful to steer clear of negatives which will exclude you from consideration.

Go to question #5

ANSWER #5

Question: What are you looking for in a position?

a) This is the best answer. This answer shows ambition, willingness to work for
opportunity, and a desire to work for a dynamic organization. In this response you have
energy and confidence.

b) Incorrect: This is a one-sided answer. The interviewer may perceive this as an

unwillingness to give and work hard for the good of the organization.

c) Incorrect: It is alright to be money motivated to some degree, but be more subtle. Most
interviewers are looking for people who are willing to work hard and get the job done.
Such a concentration on financial rewards will not look good in most cases

ANSWER #6

Question: What do you know about our organization?

a) Incorrect: Doing your homework is good. This approach however, denotes a lack of
confidence in the knowledge you have and leaves a lot of room to ramble. A concise
answer is better when possible.

b) This is the best answer. Although this takes a little preparation, this level of knowledge
and precise presentation will do wonders for starting an interview on the right foot.

c) Incorrect: This is the right answer if you don't know anything. Remember, when
distinguishing yourself from the competition, there is no substitute for preparation.

ANSWER #7

Question: What is a weakness?

a) This is the best answer. This answer diplomatically states the importance of looking at
someone's individual capabilities and determining if they apply to the open positions. It
also identifies two critical skills applicable to almost any position.

b) Incorrect: It is good to be driven but not good to be one dimensional. Describing

yourself as a "driven person" may say to the interviewer "this person runs over people
and may focus completely on results and not on the appropriate tactics and developing
people".

c) Incorrect: It is important to be compassionate to understand the value of people. It is

also important to acknowledge the importance of the bottom line and getting results.
Being one dimensional give too much of an opportunity to miss what the interviewer is
looking for.

Go to question #8

ANSWER #8
 Question: How would you characterize your work style?

a) Incorrect: Most people want a manager who is driven, but they also need to know that
others can work with you. A bit of compassion is advisable.

b) Incorrect: Extreme dedication only to people may indicate a lack of toughness or

willingness to focus on results when necessary. Some attention must be paid to the
importance of the bottom line and making a profit.

c) This is the best answer. Really understanding people and working hard for results are
important. This answer delicately balances the two with clear attention given to bottom
line results. ANSWER #9

Question: What are your strengths?

a) Incorrect: While this answer may be true, it may also send a red flag saying you are
critical of others. It would be much better to simply say (and give an example of) how
well you work with others.

b) Incorrect: This answer is not a bad answer but it lacks energy and creativity.
Consistency is good, but it has nothing to do with action and solving problems and could
exclude you from consideration.

c) This is the best answer. This shows you have given some real thought to your strengths
and highlights not only the skills you have, but also of what use they are to the employer.

ANSWER #10

Question: How would co-workers describe you?

a) Incorrect: In most cases this is not the best response. It sounds as though you are a task
master and rule with an iron hand

b) Incorrect: This is not the best answer in most cases. While this may be true it could
give a signal that you do not get involved as a manager. This opinion could exclude you
if the interviewer does not agree with you.

c) This is the best answer. This answer depicts a manager who cares about people but is
keenly focused on productivity. This answer give clear examples of important aspects of
one management style which is largely accepted.

ANSWER #11

Question: What did you like and dislike about college?

a) Incorrect: This sounds as though you are opposed to hard work and are looking for the
easy way out.

b) This is the best answer. It is positive, demonstrates your ability to juggle several things
at once and shows your commitment to get involved.

c) Incorrect. You may sound like you can't get along with others living in the dorm and
that a 5-day a week job could overwhelm you.

ANSWER #12

Question: Are you willing to relocate?

a) Incorrect: This answer portrays youth and inexperience and will ensure you don't get a
job if it requires relocation.

b) This is the best answer. It leaves the options open without making a definite decision.

c) Incorrect: This answer is deadly. It definitely closes the door to any opportunities with
this company.

Go to question #13

ANSWER #13

Question: What are your short term goals?

a) Incorrect: Will "any old job" do.

b) Incorrect: This may be true--but no employer wants someone who has family or
creditor problems or who sees the job under discussion as simply a paycheck. This
answer implies a one-way relationship with this potential employee and little interest on
the part of the job seeker to become part of the company long term.

c) This is the best answer. This answer alludes to "giving" as well as "getting" AND it
refocuses the discussion on the job opening.

ANSWER #14

Question: Where do you want to be in 5 years?

a) Incorrect: This answer might be true but it could very easily threaten the interviewer.
b) This is the best answer: This answer suggests both a desire to move up and an
understanding that the exact pace of movement is subject to many factors. Reassuring the
interviewer of a desire to stay with a company is always a good idea.

c) Incorrect: This answer might also be true--but it says that you intend to learn on the job
and then become a potential competitor. Few interviewers would look forward to training
their competitor!

ANSWER #15

Question: Describe a situation you've encountered with a difficult customer.

a) This is the best answer. This answer is clearly explains a situation and the action you
took to resolve the situation.

b) Incorrect:This is unbelievable as anyone who has had a job has probably dealt with a
difficult customer. If you really have never encountered this, then you need to think of a
difficult situation in class, in the dorm or elsewhere during college.

c) Incorrect: This is a very aggressive answer and inappropriate.

ANSWER #16

Question: Before we go any further, what kind of money do you need to make?

a) Incorrect. It is acceptable to be money motivated to some degree, but be more subtle.

Most interviewers are looking for people who are willing to work hard and get the job
done. Such a concentration on financial rewards will not look good in most cases.

b) This is the best answer. It shows a willingness to work with the organization to
determine a fair salary. If you have done your homework you know about how much that
would be annually.

c) Incorrect:This is a one-sided answer. The interviewer may perceive this as an

unwillingness to give and work hard for the good of the organization.

INTERVIEW SKILLS
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Learn about the company and its operation. You'll impress the interviewer if it is obvious
you've done some research. It will also help you develop good answers to the
interviewer's questions.

Information you should know about the company prior to your interview:
Organizational structure
Name of the interviewer
Divisions/departments that interest you
Areas they are eliminating
Products/Services
Training Programs
Size of company
Career paths
How long have they been in business
Types of clients
Growth in the past and future potential
Job description & job title
New products and services they are developing
Employee benefits
Geographic location of home office, branches, stores

Resources for this information:

Company's annual report

Literature produced by company
Information interview
Inside source
Professional journals (library)
Magazine articles
Peterson's Guides
Moody's Industrial Manual (library)
National Job Bank
National Trade and Professional Associations
Colorado High Tech Directory (library)
Dunn's Employment Opportunities Directory (library)
Standard & Poors Industry Survey(library)
The 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (library)
Walker's Manual of Western Corporations (library)
Ward's Directory of the 51,000 Largest U.S. Corporations (library)

Prepare answers to typical interview questions. Study and practice your answers.

Memorize the name of the person who will interview you .Nothing could be more
embarrasing than forgetting their name or calling them by the wrong name!

Decide what you will wear. Check out the section titled "Interview Dressing" for some
pointers. Be sure your outfit is ready to go.

Find out exactly where you are going, where to park, and how long it will take to get
there If you are travelling in an unfamiliar city, it is a wise idea to do a dry run prior to
your interview time. Drive to the business, park, find the escalator and time how long all
this takes. This will alleviate any undue stress the day of the interview.

Get a good night's sleep

Arrive 15 minutes early .This not only shows that you are prompt it also gives you a
chance to gain your composure. Be friendly to the receptionist/secretary....they often are
asked their opinion!

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Start it off like a winner. Offer your hand, and give a firm handshake, a pleasant smile
and a positive confident attitude. Introduce yourself.

Be comfortable. Take a seat facing the interviewer, however, slightly off center. Be sure
you are not facing into direct sunlight or some other uncomfortable situation.

Listen attentively. Look at the interviewer directly, but don't get into a stare down! Sit up
straight. Try to relax. It's okay to take a few notes if the questions are lengthy, or you
need to remind yourself of something you want to stress.

Avoid nervous mannerisms. Pay attention to nervous mannerisms you might have such as
clicking your pen, jingling change in your pocket, twisting your hair, biting your nails.
Control these impulses! Everyone is nervous to some extent, the key is to appear calm
and collected.

Speak clearly. Use good grammar and a friendly tone. Never answer just "yes" or "no" to
a question. Always clarify, expand on your answers. Be sure not to ramble on.

Be positive and enthusiastic. You want to outshine all other candidates so "turn it on"
during the interview! No matter how sterling your credentials are, you won't be hired if
the interviewer isn't sold. Pump up your enthusiasm prior to the interview. Never whine,
gripe or complain about past employers, jobs, classes etc.

Ask pertinent questions. Be prepared to ask a few questions. Do not monopolize the
interviewer's time, particularly if you know they have appointments scheduled following
your interview. Do ask thoughtful questions. Don't ask about salary and benefits, this can
be discussed when the company is definitely interested in you!

Here's a sampling of questions you might ask.

What are the company's greatest strengths?

In what areas it the company trying to improve?
Who will I report to?
Could you give some examples of projects I would be working on?
How much travel is involved?
Will relocation be required?
What kind of assignments could I expect in the first 6 months?
What products (or services or stores) are in the development stage?
Is this a new position or will I be replacing someone?
What is the largst single problem facing your company now?
What qualities are you looking for in a candidate?
What characteristics do successful employees in your company share?
Is there a lot of team work?
Describe the advancement opportunities.
What growth areas do you foresee?
Will I be encouraged to attend professional conferences?
Could you describe your training program?
How frequently are performance appraisals done?
How do you feel about the company?
Could you describe possible advancements within the company?
What is the next step in the interview process?
What is the company's management philosophy?
What would a typical day be like?
How much contact is there with management?
Is this job a result of increased growth or expansion?

Watch for cues the interview is over. Don't linger if you sense the interviewer is done
interviewing you. When it is over, stand up, thank the interviewer for their time and
shake hands firmly. Don't forget to express interest in being hired. Say you are impressed
with the company and would like to work there.

Be sure to find out the next step. Ask the interviewer when the decision will be made,
when you can expect to hear from them. This way you won't be left hanging.

THE INTERVIEWER'S HIDDEN AGENDA

The following are some typical concerns interviewers have, which you need to address
when answering questions. Be sensitive to these concerns, answering all questions in the
most positive way to build psychological leverage and position yourself for the offer.

Does the applicant have the ability to do the job?

Can he or she manage people?
How does he or she relate to people?
What kind of a person is this? A leader?
What strengths does he or she have that we need?
Why has there been a number of job changes?
In what areas is he or she weak? How will this affect performance?
What contribution has the applicant made?
What are his or her ambitions? Are they realistic?
Does she or he have growth potential?
How is the chemistry between us?
How will other interviewers react?
Should this person get an offer?

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Say thanks. The next day write the interviewer a brief note reiterating your interest in the
job. Spell his or her name correctly!

Follow up. If you haven't heard from the interviewer within the time frame indicated at
the close of the interview, call them to relay a polite reminder that you're still interested
in the job. Ask when they plan to make a hiring decision.

If you aren't hired... If you continue to be interested in the company, it pays to keep in
touch with the interviewer. Often, through persistence, you may be offered a position at a
later date.

Chin Up. Gear up for your next interview. After all the more interviews you tackle the
more polished you become. You may want to contact the interviewer who rejected you
and see if you can get any pointers on what to improve before your next interview.

INTERVIEW DRESSING

DO'S

Dress conservatively

Check out what management wears and dress similarly without overkill

Practice good grooming

Do have clean, neatly styled hair

Do have clean hands and trimmed nails

Do carry a portfolio or briefcase with extra copies of your resume

Do bring a clean notepad and pen that works

Do wear basic hosiery (no textured hose)

Do wear shoes you can walk easily in

DON'TS

Don't wear torn, soiled, wrinkled clothing

Don't dress casual

Don't wear a lot of jewelry (Men should avoid earrings)

Don't wear a lot of cologne

Don't wear athletic shoes

Don't eat spicey, offensive smelling foods prior to the interview

Don't wear sexy clothing

Don't wear "cutsey" ties (i.e. a flashing Mickey Mouse tie)

Don't chew gum or smoke

Don't wear a mini-skirt

Don't wear heavy make-up

Don't carry a purse AND a briefcase

WRITING A RESUME
What is a resume?

A resume is a concise written statement which highlights the qualifications and skills you
possess as a result of your life experiences.

It communicates a maximum amount of relevant information through a minimum number

of words. A resume is a printed synopsis, a capsule biography designed to persuade an
employer to grant you an interview or to request your formal application.

Who should have a resume?

Everyone! In today's tough job market, the average individual changes jobs at least once
every 4-6 years. The primary tool used by almost every employer to weed out prospective
employees is the resume. The resume is your entry ticket to the job game.

When should I begin putting my resume together?

Now! A resume is something that grows and changes as you do. It's never too early to get
started.

A well-prepared resume is a necessary tool for effective employment seeking. The time
and effort devoted to resume preparation is a worthwhile investment in your future.
Another major advantage to developing your own resume is that the very discipline
required to collect, analyze, and prepare your data for writing provides the opportunity
for necessary self-assessment. In addition, you will be better prepared to interview
effectively with your educational and employment history at your fingertips.

Where to start?

Think of your resume as an advertisement. Before you write the advertisement, you must
know what the product is that you are selling. You are the product! Make sure that you
can clearly state what the benefits of this product are: your skills, abilities, competencies,
motivation, and potential. Start by sketching your past work and educational experience.

Do not worry about form, that will be covered later. The important thing is to create a
pool of information on which to draw. The best resumes are those that target the
employer's needs. Do a little research into the employer's needs. This can be done
through the job referral itself, annual reports and other publications by the employer, and
publications in the Career Services Library .

Creating Your Resume

The Resume Heading:

You do not need to title this document as a resume; it should be readily apparent that it is
a resume. The heading should consist of your name (which should be in bold capital
letters), your address, phone number (including zip codes and area codes), and e-mail
address. The ease with which a potential employer can contact you is vital. If you are in a
transition period, you can list a current address and a permanent address.

Career or Job Objective:

This is a brief statement telling the reader what type of position you are seeking. Don't
leave it to the employer to assume anything. They don't have time to guess. An objective
is favored by most resume advisors.

Sample Objectives:

"A position in real estate management or development, requiring financial, analytical,

and communication skills."

"Entry level position in a consumer goods manufacturing company."

"A position requiring a combination of editorial, research or administrative skills in a
non-profit or research organization."

Education:

Whether educational experience is discussed first will depend on the individual. The
education of a recent college graduate with little experience will make up the bulk of the
resume. The resume is read from top down, therefore, put the most impressive or relevant
data first. Normally, the further along one is in his or her professional career, the less
importance will be given to their additional credentials and more importance will be
given to specific accomplishments and experiences.

Under the heading of education list the institutions you have attended, after high school,
names and dates of degrees conferred, special certificates, and majors. Grade point
average (GPA) is a concern of many employers; you do not have to list it, but if it is
impressive you should. Examples are GPA in major or senior year. Courses should not be
listed by name and number. Your transcripts will define these specifics. Honors and
extracurricular activities may be better if listed under separate headings. See examples
listed at the end of this pamphlet.

The Content or Body:

There are three basic resume formats: chronological, functional, and a combination of the
two. All of these formats combine the previous headings in various order, so as to present
the information in an appropriate manner depending on the individual and type of
position you are seeking. The following paragraphs will discuss each format and the pros
and cons. Examples are given at the end of this pamphlet.

Chronological Resume The chronological resume lists most recent experience first, then
the rest follow in reverse order.

Pros:

When the name of your last employer is an important consideration;

When staying in same field as prior jobs;
When job history shows real growth and development;
When prior titles are impressive;
In highly traditional fields (education, government).

Cons:

When work history is spotty;

When changing your career goals;
When you have changed employers too frequently;
When you wish to de-emphasize age;
When you have been doing the same thing too long;
When you have been absent from the job market for a while;
When you are looking for your first job.

Compiling a Chronological Resume

1. Start with present or most recent position and work backward.

2. Detail only the last four or five positions, or employment covering the last few years.
3. You do not need the complete date, year and month are sufficient.
4. Do not repeat details that are common in several positions.
5. Within each position listed, stress major accomplishments and responsibilities that
demonstrate your full competency to do the job. Use action verbs.
6. Keep your next job target in mind, as you describe your prior positions.Emphasize
accomplishments that are most related to the position you are seeking.

Education is not included in the chronological order. A general rule is, if it is within the
last five years, it should go at the top of the resume. If earlier, it should be placed at the
bottom.

Functional Resume'

If the functional format is used, you will need to identify several functional or topical
headings under which you will describe all elements of your work experience that give
evidence of development of these particular skills. For example: editorial and writing,
research, administrative, and organization.

These are major skill areas. One may describe, under a single heading, experience gained
in more than one job. No attention is given to when or where these experiences were
obtained, nor is it important to even identify, by name, the employers. In fact, "pure"
functional resumes have no dates or organizations identified. See the example of a
functional resume, attached.

Pros

When you want to emphasize capabilities not used in recent work experiences;
When changing careers;
When entering the job market for the first time;
When reentering the job market after an absence;
If career growth in the past has not been good;
When you have had a variety of different, relatively unconnected work experience;
When much of your work has been free-lance, consulting, or temporary in nature.

Cons

When emphasizing a management growth pattern; for highly traditional fields;

When you have performed a limited number of functions in your work;
When your most recent employers have been highly prestigious.
Combination of Chronological and Functional Resumes

The functional resume effectively communicates what your skills and competencies are,
but fails to communicate where and when you acquired these skills. This is its major
limitation. Many employers seek to know the context of your skill development. The
combination resume highlights your skills in functional categories as well as answers the
questions of "where" and "when?".

Experience:

This is the most important part of the resume and usually the most lengthy. Job title alone
will not do. You should describe your actual responsibilities, make your positive assets
known, express your duties in terms of your accomplishments and use action words.
Stress the benefits that your previous employer derived from your contributions and your
strong points in terms of benefits to future employers. If your job experience has only
been part time or limited to summer jobs or volunteer work, do not short change yourself.
Think about the positive aspects, the skills used and accomplishments.

Begin with your current or most recent job and work backwards. Make sure all your time
is accounted for, do not leave time gaps. Be sure to list all your work experience, whether
paid or unpaid. Employers like to see volunteer and community work.

List the job title, company name, location, duties on the job and dates of employment. If
it is a job you went to each summer, just list the years and note below the years,
"summer".

Other Optional Sections:

Honors/Awards

This section would include any honors or awards received pertaining to your academic
career, sports, and job related. Also include any scholarships you may have received.

Extracurricular Activities

List any clubs you belonged to during your college career or subsequently. If you held an
office, be sure to include that. No dates are needed in this section, only the organization's
name and your office if you held one. Any professional organizations related to your
career look good to an employer. Also in this section list any sports that you played
competitively. during college.

Computer Skills

List computer programs you know how to operate.

Special Certification

List any certification (i.e. CPR, First Aid) pertinent to the career you are pursuing.

References

At the end of your resume you should include a page titled, "References". You should
have at least 3 references. You will need their name, title, address, and phone number
typed on this sheet of paper. Be sure to let your references know you are using them! If
the companies ask for letters of reference, contact your references, ask them to write a
letter on their stationary, and mail it to you or the employer depending on instructions
given by the employer. References should be people who are familiar with your abilities,
either in college or at work. Use former employers or college staff. The higher up in the
organization, the better. Do not use personal friends or relatives.

Wording

Remember that an employer usually only skims a resume, spending 40 to 50 seconds on

it. For this reason it is important to avoid long sentences and paragraphs. When
describing experience, concentrate on achievements and accomplishments, not assigned
duties. Wherever possible, qualify results with figures: "increased membership or sales
by X%.", "reconciled budget of $X.00" Also keep in mind the following hints:

Do not use personal pronouns. The subject of every section is "I", and it becomes
redundant.

Start sentences with verbs that convey action.

Use an outline format. Short sentences-even fragments. Delete repetitive statements.

Avoid abbreviations.

Use the vocabulary of the field for which you are applying, not from the field from which
you are coming.

Whenever possible, refer to specific quantitative qualifiers or results.

Be sure to use correct voice and tense in you wording-past and present tense depending
on employment situation.

Be consistent once you have chosen a style and format.

Always write in the employer's interest.

Appearance
Now that you have created a product with which to market yourself, we come to the final
and one of the most important aspects of the resume: Appearance!! Your resume must be
aesthetically pleasing to hold the readers attention as long as possible. The following are
suggestions to help you with this area:

A resume should not look like a page out of a novel.

The use of margins and white spaces is very important in creating a positive visual
presence.

Spacing is important to allow important items to stand out.

Boldface, underlining, and capitalizing should be used sparingly and consistently, to help
the reader key into those areas you believe are important: skill areas, job titles, or
workplace.

Indenting helps to separate different type of information and makes reading easier.

Only use letter perfect type and triple check for typos and spelling errors.

Guidelines to Remember:

A resume should be one page in length-two only if necessary.

A resume should be professional in appearance.

A resume should be typed or printed on (8 1/2" X 11") white bond

or off-white colors.

A resume may have underlined or italicized words for added

emphasis.

A resume should not contain a photograph.

Gimmick resumes should be used with care and good taste.

Important credentials should be presented first

Specific information on work experience should be included.

Do not use unusual type styles.

Have good quality copies made.

If you need additional