Lifelong Learning
Giving you the tools to succeed!
“LEARNING IS NOT ATTAINED BY CHANCE, IT MUST BE SOUGHT FOR WITH ARDOR AND ATTENDED TO WITH DILIGENCE.” ―ABIGAIL ADAMS
Career Development
Creating a Resume
Interviewing
Remember when creating your resume, more information is not better. Employers want to see a brief summary of your experience, not every single detail. Most of the time a one page resume is sufficient.
Parts of a Resume
The heading of the resume should include your full name, address, personal e-mail address, and phone number (be certain to have a professional voicemail message).
A resume summary statement is a short paragraph at the beginning of a resume that highlights the writer's skills and experience. When developing a summary statement, include your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments. Also include what value you can bring to the company.
The experience section includes a chronological listing of work experience. Begin with most recent work experience first and list others in reverse chronological order. For each position listed, include: job title, company, location, dates of employment, as well as responsibilities and accomplishments for each.
In the education section, list degrees earned with the highest first. Include the degree title, date earned, and the school.
The skills portion of the resume can include skills you have directly related to the position for which you are applying. The job posting will most likely include a list of skills needed to qualify for the position. Using a bullet list, add your skills most closely related to the qualifications.
Other optional sections are certifications, awards and accomplishments, volunteer work, and personal interests. If you have items to add to any of these categories which are relevant to the position for which you are applying you can add these sections to your resume.
If you have access to Microsoft Word you can create your resume using a template. These can also be found online.
See the resources page for additional information.
A good resume may get you in the door, but the quality of your interview is what determines if you are offered a job. Learning how to present yourself better than the competition will set you apart and show the hiring manager that you are the ideal candidate for the job. It's during the interview that you convince the employer that you are the most qualified and suitable addition to the organization.
Interviewing Tips
Be prepared. Do background research on the company. This allows you to show that you are sincerely interested in the company and in the job. Examine the company website, social media, and Google for information about the company. Also, be certain to know your resume well so what you say matches what is written on the resume. This also allows you to present why you are qualified for the position. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to answer interview questions.
Use good verbal communication. Speak clearly and don't use slang. Take the time to think about responses so you are providing important information. Study possible interview questions beforehand so you are comfortable answering the most commonly asked questions.
Be aware of your nonverbal communication. Be professional and attentive. Sit up straight. Dress appropriately. Arrive early. Listen.
Have questions ready. Use the research conducted prior to the interview to identify questions to ask the interviewer. Questions can be about the company in general, or about the specific position.
Thank the interviewer. Before you leave, thank the interviewer for the time and consideration for the position. Send a follow-up e-mail or letter reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the interviewer for considering you for the position.
See the resources page for additional information.
