BUILD A BETTER RESUMEBUILD A BETTER RESUMEFOR TECHNICAL JOBSFOR TECHNICAL JOBS

Nadia DoviCORNELL CAREER SERVICES

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/EVENTS• What is Consulting?, Tues., Sept. 8, 4:45, 255 Olin Hall• Strengthen Your Interviewing Skills, Tues., Sept. 8, 4:45,

G64 Goldwin Smith Hall• Career Fair: Day 1: Technical & Engineering Employers

• Wed., Sept. 9, 10 AM- 3:30 PM, Barton Hall • Career Fair: Day 2: Employers from all Industries

• Thur., Sept 10, 10 AM- 3:30 PM, Barton Hall• Co-op Information/Registration Meeting

• Tues., Sept. 22 & Wed. 23, 4:45, B14 Hollister • Crack the Case Interview, Mon., Sept. 28, 4:45, 251 Malott

Career.cornell.edu/events/calendarwww.engineering.cornell.edu/resources/career_services/

events.cfm

HANDSHAKE• http://www.career.cornell.edu/students/jobs/recruiting/registering.cfm

RESUME RESOURCES• Cornell Career Services Career Guide (online/hardcopy)

• http://www.career.cornell.edu/resources/downloads.cfm • Cornell Engineering Co-op & Career Services website

• www.engineering.cornell.edu/resources/career_services• Students-Resumes & Cover Letters

• Optimal Resume

• Versatile Ph.D. (non-academic, non-faculty careers in humanities, social science, and STEM)

• One-on-one resume appointments• Call (607) 255-5006, or stop in 201 Carpenter Hall (M-F, 8 AM- 430 PM)• Call (607) 255-5221, or stop in 103 Barnes Hall (M-F, 8 AM- 430 PM)

• Walk-In Hours, 15 minute appts. Monday-Friday, 2-4 PM

RESUME STYLES

Keep in mind…

The only “wrong” resume is one that is not truthful/accurate. Effective resumes are clear, concise, and appeal to the reader.

• Chronological*• Functional (strengths/skills-based)• Combination (recommended for

graduate students)

* List experiences in reverse chronological order within each section*Most used and most preferred by employers

FUNCTIONAL

COMBINATION

CHRONOLOGICAL

Include coursework?

• Proofread to avoid typos

• Ask a friend to review your resume

9 bullets for 1 experience?

1 email (appropriate); 1 phone # (check VM message); address (current and/or permanent)

Use consistent formatting (abbreviations vs. spelling out- states/months)

Make the best use of available space

ELEMENTSEDUCATION

EducationCornell University, College of Engineering, Ithaca, NY May 2013Bachelor of Science in Computer ScienceGPA: 3.57; Dean’s List

Study Abroad: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Fall 2011Tel Aviv Engineering Program

Milton Academy, Milton, MA June 2009

What’s the minimum GPA I should include? Include your college

Include HS?•By end of so. yr. HS experiences should come off•Exceptions: relevant HS experiences; nationally recognized; alums at organization)

ELEMENTS

EducationCornell University, Ithaca, NY Aug 2014-Dec 2018 (expected)Ph.D. Major: Fiber Science Minors: Materials Science and Chemistry Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Aug 2012-July 2013M.S. Major: Fiber Science Minors: Materials Science and Chemistry Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY Sept 2008-May 2012B.A. Major: Chemistry Minor: Musicology

• Include GPA? If you list for MS/MEng, list for BS/BA (Ph.D. is optional; talk to ppl in the field)

• Include Master’s Degree? Yes, if you received on the way to your Ph.D.

• Include high school experiences? No.

Consistent formatting throughout (name of the organization, location (city, state), job title, and dates (month & year)

Clear section headings; listed in order of most relevant to least relevant

Include an objective?

ELEMENTS

OBJECTIVE (+): To secure a position applying operations research and economics skills to analyze and solve manufacturing problems.

PROS•State your specific goal clearly for the reader (MechE- automotive; Civil- waste water treatment)•Majoring in one field, looking for a position in another•Present credentials separate from a cover letter

CONS•Takes up valuable space•If vague, doesn’t add value•Need to tailor for different jobs•Can be limiting if your purpose is general (e.g. networking, career fairs, etc.)•Your focus/interest is obvious w/out it

OBJECTIVE (-): Looking for a position that allows me to fully utilize my skills and attributes and provides professional advancement opportunities.

OBJECTIVE (-): To obtain a summer internship in the field of engineering.

OBJECTIVE (+): A full-time software-development position, preferably related to systems or web applications.

ELEMENTS

Keep in mind…

Use headings strategically to highlight your qualifications based on your experiences.

EXPERIENCERELATED EXPERIENCE (or RELEVANT EXPERIENCE)Programmer Intern May-August 2011Deneisha Co., Ltd., Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan•Implemented blogging feature on one of Oita Prefectural Tourist Association’s websites.•Designed, developed, and tested J2EE application for monitoring state of multiple web servers using Sesar (dependency injection) and Hibernate (persistence).

Programmer Analyst September-December 2010Northwood Pulp Mill Canadian Forest Products, Prince George, BC, Canada•Created two ASP.NET web applications: one for analyzing historical production data stored in a database, and one for storing daily reports on environmental incidents. •Maintained two other ASP web applications and made improvements based on user requests.•Created over ten business reports in Crystal Reports (CR) format.•Recognized as one of the most knowledgeable CR developers within Pulp and Paper IT department.

Volunteer Programmer May-August 2010Everlasting Business Solutions, Ithaca, NY•Programmed and tested Delphi-based application for scheduling appointments; developed associated user documentation.•Wrote test plan and performed testing on two other software products.

The “related” experiences may change if applying for different types of positions (e.g. engineering, consulting, finance, research, etc.

ELEMENTS

Keep in mind…Be prepared to discuss confidently in an interview any activity, experience, or skill that is on your resume.

ADDITIONAL SECTIONS

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCEMechanical Engineering Dept., Cornell University, Aug 2013-PresentPhD Admissions Committee Member•Analyzed 15 PhD student application essays and academic records according to admissions criteria and identified top 7 applicants•Persuaded six-member faculty committee in 15-minute presentation to accept 7 applicants

Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Cornell University, 2009-2012Professional Networking Dinner & Lead Membership Chair •Corresponded with major corporations to organize the SWE Professional Networking Dinner, an event designed for Cornell students to network with company recruiters.

Women’s Varsity Fencing Team, Cornell University, Aug. 2011–PresentCaptain•Lead captain’s practices in the preseason, organize weekly lifting routines, and run drills during practice every day

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENTStart Up Spirit, Cornell University, Member, Fall 2012-PresentCeltic Club, Cornell University, Member, Spring 2011-PresentBadminton, Cornell University, Member, Fall 2010-Present

Some experiences may fit into more than one category (e.g. “Athletics”), only list once.

ELEMENTS

Keep in mind…The projects (project team/academic) you highlight may change depending on the position to which you’re applying.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: PROJECT WORKRELEVANT ACADEMIC PROJECTS or RESEARCH PROJECTS Embedding Silicon Nanoparticles in High-Performance Fabrics Aug 2014-PresentGraduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Fiber Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY•Created waterproof cotton fabrics with increased durability by synthesizing silicon nanoparticles, applying them to cotton fabrics, and conducting characterization tests.

Senior Design Project, Ithaca, NY Laboratory for Intelligent Machine Systems Fall 2010- Spring 2011•Designed, built, and tested a 10.5 GHz microwave antenna for power harvesting.

Cornell University Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team, Ithaca, NY Software and IT Sub-teams Sep. 2012 - Present•Implemented serial protocol for communication between onboard computer and embedded boards on competition/research vehicle Tachyon.•Tuned and improved mission code to complete AUVSI/ONR AUV competition mission.•Maintained IT infrastructure to support team operations.

ELEMENTS

Keep in mind…

The “Additional Experience” section can include work experience that is important to show, but not necessarily relevant to the type of job you’re seeking.

ADDITIONAL SECTIONS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTBig Brothers Big Sisters of Ithaca and Tompkins County, Big Sister, Ithaca, NY, April 2011 – Present•Mentor a young community member and provide educational and emotional support by facilitating opportunities for learning, fun, discovery and personal growth.

Into the Streets, Ithaca, NY, Volunteer, Fall 2011•Supported the initiatives of a local technology ReUse center by cleaning and constructing donated furniture and computer parts for re-sale

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCEApplebee’s, Cortland, NY, Server, Summer 2011YMCA, Ithaca, NY, Camp Counselor, Summer 2010

AFFILIATIONSAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Student Member, September 2011-Present

INTERESTSRock Climbing, Marathon Running, Listening to Classical Music, Following the NY YankeesCompetitive RAAS Indian Dance Team ▪ Tree Climbing ▪ Flashmobs ▪ Salmon Fishing

Employers have different opinions on whether to include an “interests” section.

Demonstrate work experience not necessarily relevant to the job-May be N/A for grad students

ELEMENTSINTERESTS

• Conversation starter; break the ice (salmon fishing)

• If you include, make sure you have some level of expertise or experience (i.e., more than a passing interest)

• Don’t include generic hobbies and interests (reading, listening to music, cooking)- doesn’t really add much to the conversation

• Don’t lie about your hobbies/interests (anything you put down is far game)

• Don’t take up too much space

ELEMENTS

Keep in mind…You may want to qualify your skills (“familiar with, basic knowledge of, proficient with, intermediate”)- subjective, but may put it into context for the employer

ADDITIONAL SKILLS SPECIALIZED SKILLSProgramming Languages: Java, OCaml, Python, C++, C#, MATLAB, AMPL, C, Perl, Tcl, Simulink, LabVIEW, OCaml, PHP, SQL, PHP, HTML, XML, UNIX, Visual Basic, Pascal, and Alice

Programs: SolidWorks, ANSYS, Autodesk AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Professional, Final Cut, Inventor, Inkscape, PowerPoint, Excel

Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows 7, Mac OS 9, Linux (Ubuntu & OpenSUSE)

Circuit Development: gEDA gschem (schematic software), gEDA PCB (PCB layout software), Multisim, NI myDAQ, PCB construction (photo- and film-resist methods), reflow soldering

Fabrication Skills: Operation of lathes and mills (Green Apron machinist at Cornell). Utilization of G code for CNC machining. Experience with arc welding, 3D printing, drills, sawing, wiring, soldering, welding, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and Genie lifts

Manufacturing: Okuma CNC Mill • Bridgeport Knee Mill • Hardinge and DoAll Lathes • General shop machines

Laboratory Skills: nanocrystal synthesis, nanocrystal characterization (spectrometer), metal evaporation, spin-coating, external quantum efficiency measurements, device performance measurements (solar simulator).

Foreign Languages: Fluent in Spanish; Proficient in French

ELEMENTS

Keep in mind…when applying for jobs in industry•Option 1: list a summary of your publications and presentations if you’re running out of space.•Option 2: submit a 2-page resume, the second page listing your publications

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONSPublications:Student, A., Advisor, T. Nanorod Antibacterial Coatings for Cottons. Carbohydrate Polymers (2012): 86, 517-29.Student, A., Advisor, T. Embedding Silicon Nanoparticles in High-Performance Fabrics. Manuscript in preparation. Presentations:Delivered four poster and two invited oral presentations at six international conferences.

Order of sections may change depending on position (e.g. industry vs. research)

-Start with a strong action verb (switch them up)

-Don’t use first person (“I” or “we”); avoid personal pronouns (e.g. he/she, him/her)

-Use present tense/past tense when appropriate

-Experiences listed in reverse chronological order-Dates on one line, no spill-over

ELEMENTS

Don’t forget…

Stay within one page (graduate students can have up to 2 pages), optimize readability, and be consistent with all font, spacing, and headers!

DEMONSTRATING STRENGTHS

LANGUAGE

CONTENT

• Start descriptions with action verbs

• Use succinct, strong language

• See “Action Verbs” for Engineering

• What, how, why?

• Quantify! (show results/use #s)

• Emphasize level of responsibility/ interactions (you vs. team)

• Put accomplishments into context

-Optimized truck routes and employee hours to save company up to $60,000 annually.

-Selected as 1 of 12 students to participate in the year-long Kessler Fellows Program which had a 15% admit rate in 2015.

ELEMENTSDEMONSTRATING TRANSFERABLE SKILLS/STRENGTHS

Role/Title Tasks

Global Transportation Intern

• Studied transportation routes

• Researched vendors options

• Wrote a final report

President of Graduate Student Association

• Ran Meetings• Worked with other student

groups to plan fundraiser

Skills

• Researched sea and land transportation routes and identified optimal routes based on cost, time, and feasibility

• Proposed 7 alternative international vendor sources to reduce transportation cost by 80% and lead time by 42 days

• Compiled 45-page technical report and analysis and presented to senior management

• Facilitated monthly meetings for executive board of 5 and weekly activities for 60+ members

• Collaborated (or Partnered) with 20 student groups to organize campus event that raised $2000 for local charity

Focus on the “WHAT?”

Employers are more concerned with the skills you demonstrated

ELEMENTSDEMONSTRATING STRENGTHSGood:•I worked with the professional staff. I helped them with specifications and drawings for an engine. I was involved in performance testing of engines. Additionally, I was responsible for getting the conference room ready and attending weekly staff meetings.

Better:•Worked with engineers in developing specifications and drawings for an engine. Tested engines and recorded a range of measurements. Set-up the conference room and attended weekly staff meetings.

Best:•Collaborated with team of five engineers in developing specifications and drawings for a dynamic simulation model of an internal combustion engine. •Conducted durability and performance testing on 15 engines to measure fuel consumption, fuel temperature, oil pressure, torque, and engine speed to ensure safety and suitability.•Prepared conference room and attended weekly staff meeting with 35 engineers and technicians to stay apprised of current projects, upcoming deadlines, and department updates.

Focus most of your energy on

developing strong, active descriptions

of your accomplishments

RESUME POINTERS

Keep in mind…

Proofread, proofread, proofread!

OOPS!

TYPOS

GRAMMAR

INCORRECT WORD CHOICE

• Develop and recommend an annual operating expense fudget.• Cornell University, August 1890-1994• Proven ability to track down and correct erors.

• Maintained files and reports, did data processing, cashed employees’ paychecks.

• Responsibilities include checking customers out.

• Led campus tours for perspective students and their families.• Dealing with customers’ conflict that arouse.• I’m a rabid typist.• I never take anything for granite.• Suspected to graduate early next year.• Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain

operation.

SUMMARY• Prepare to discuss confidently any activity, experience, or skill • Be truthful, without underselling your skills and abilities

• Use effective language: action verbs and succinct, descriptive phrases

• Quantify your accomplishments and show results

• Be visually appealing; avoid templates

• Limit to one page (two pages sometimes acceptable for graduate students)

• Use appropriate tenses (past vs. present); discuss future plans (research, study abroad) in cover letters

• Don’t include personal data such as age, citizenship, “native” language, religion, etc.

• Use headings strategically to highlight your qualifications

• Convert to a pdf before uploading in Handshake

• Always preview your resume (and other documents) after uploading

QUESTIONS?