Resume Writing & Interviewing

Sam Houston State University Career Services

The Resume

Your Resume

Marketing piece Tool for communication Emphasis on things done well Stress aspects that make you the better candidate Not an autobiography

Items to Include in Your Resume

Name, address, phone number, & email Education Licenses & certificates Skills & accomplishments Work history Job objective

What Not to Include in Your Resume

Age Marital status Height, weight, etc.

Race Religion Reasons for termination Photos High school information

Resume Components

Objective Education Experience Internships Skills Honors Affiliations References

Objective

Focus your objective Be specific Do NOT mention “opportunities for advancement” Target particular positions

OBJECTIVE JAMES DAVIS

919 Bearkat Blvd.

Huntsville, TX 77341 (936) 294-1713 [email protected]

Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance

Education

List degrees in reverse order GPA Associate Degrees Relevant coursework Honors Certifications

OBJECTIVE EDUCATION JAMES DAVIS

919 Bearkat Blvd.

Huntsville, TX 77341 (936) 294-1713 [email protected]

Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance

Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

, 3.60

Minor in Management

Coursework: < Strategic Management < < Business Finance Business Law < < < Business Communications Labor Economics Operations Management

Experience

Include volunteer or unpaid experience List company, location, dates of employment, job title & relevant duties Use action verbs List duties in phrases Use past tense for past experiences Be clear Bullet job duties

OBJECTIVE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE JAMES DAVIS

919 Bearkat Blvd.

Huntsville, TX 77341 (936) 294-1713 [email protected]

Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance

Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

, 3.60

Minor in Management

Coursework: < Strategic Management < < Business Finance Business Law < < < Business Communications Labor Economics Operations Management

The Dow Chemical Company,

Midland, MI

Finance Intern,

Summer 2000 < < < Reviewed current Cash Flow reporting process and prepared 2Q99 Cash Flow statement using current process Designed, tested, and implemented new process for Cash Flow reporting Researched Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Plain English” rule, and rewrote large portion of Dow’s 1999 10K in “Plain English”

References

Use 3-5 professional references List the reference’s BUSINESS address and professional title List references on a separate page Include a reference category heading on resume – “References available upon request.” Notify the references that you would like to use

Optional Categories

Honors and Activities Professional Organizations Computer skills & other skills relevant to the job Publications Research

OBJECTIVE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE HONORS & ACTIVITIES REFERENCES JAMES DAVIS

919 Bearkat Blvd.

Huntsville, TX 77341 (936) 294-1713 [email protected]

Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance

Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX

Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance

, 3.60

Minor in Management

Coursework: < Strategic Management < < Business Finance Business Law < < < Business Communications Labor Economics Operations Management

The Dow Chemical Company,

Midland, MI

Finance Intern,

Summer 2000 < < < Reviewed current Cash Flow reporting process and prepared 2Q99 Cash Flow statement using current process Designed, tested, and implemented new process for Cash Flow reporting Researched Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Plain English” rule, and rewrote large portion of Dow’s 1999 10K in “Plain English” < < < < < Dean’s List: Spring & Fall 2000 President’s Honor Roll: Spring 2001 The Dow Chemical SHSU Alumni Scholarship recipient Habitat for Humanity National Collegiate Scholar Available upon request

The Resume

Length – 1 page for recent graduates – 1-2 pages for advanced degrees – 2-3 pages for senior executives Paper Guidelines – White or neutral, 24 lb. Paper – Standard: 8 ½ x 11 inches – Matching cover letter and envelope One Page Resume

The Interview

The Purpose of the Interview

Employers need to assess: Objective Compatibility Motivation Enthusiasm Intelligence Adaptability Maturity Commitment Communication Assertiveness Follow-though

Types of Interviews

Face to Face – Traditional Structured On-Campus * On-Site Panel-group interaction Behavioral *

The On-Campus Interview

Opportunity for you to begin the formal interview process Employers seeking SHSU graduates for entry-level positions Types of On-Campus Interviews – Open Interview Schedule – Pre-Select Interview Schedule

The On-Campus Interview

JOBS 4 KATS System – Create your own account – Upload your resume Eligible for: – On-Campus Interviewing • Open and Pre-Select schedules – Resume Referral Service – View Job and Internship Listings

The Behavioral Interview

Based on the idea: “The best way to predict future behavior is to determine past behavior.” Focuses on actions & behaviors rather than subjective impressions For more information on Behavioral Interviewing, read handout

How to Prepare for an Interview

Review the companies requirements Prepare yourself – Be prepared to provide examples of your skills, abilities, interests, etc.

Research the company Formulate questions

Handshake Smile Good posture Eye contact Appearance

First Impressions

Business Dress for Women

Suits – navy, gray, black Skirts – below knee Classic leather pump shoes Leather handbag Small, simple jewelry Pull hair away from face Subtle fragrance

Business Dress for Men

Suits – Classic, conservative style – Navy or dark gray – White shirt – Tie Shined black shoes Good quality watch No jewelry Subtle cologne

Interviewing Etiquette

Timing Secretaries Seating Privacy Names Habits The money issue Farewells Thank-you notes

Career Services

Sam Houston State University 919 Bearkat – Box 2238 Huntsville, Texas 77341-2238 Telephone: (936) 294-1713 Fax: (936) 294-3616 www.shsu.edu/careerservices