Resume Writing & Interviewing
Sam Houston State UniversityCareer Services
The Resume
Your Resume
Marketing pieceTool for communicationEmphasis on things done wellStress aspects that make you the better candidateNot an autobiography
Items to Include in Your Resume
Name, address,phone number, & emailEducationLicenses & certificatesSkills & accomplishmentsWork historyJob objective
What Not to Include in Your Resume
AgeMarital statusHeight, weight, etc.RaceReligionReasons for terminationPhotosHigh school information
Resume Components
ObjectiveEducationExperienceInternshipsSkillsHonorsAffiliationsReferences
Objective
Focus your objectiveBe specific Do NOT mention “opportunities for advancement”Target particular positions
JAMES DAVIS
919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341
(936) [email protected]
OBJECTIVE Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance
Education
List degrees in reverse orderGPAAssociate DegreesRelevant courseworkHonorsCertifications
JAMES DAVIS
919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341
(936) [email protected]
OBJECTIVE Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance
EDUCATION Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TXBachelor of Business Administration in Finance, 3.60Minor in Management
Coursework:Strategic Management Business CommunicationsBusiness Finance Labor Economics Business Law Operations Management
Experience
Include volunteer or unpaid experienceList company, location, dates of employment, job title & relevant dutiesUse action verbsList duties in phrasesUse past tense for past experiencesBe clearBullet job duties
JAMES DAVIS
919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341
(936) [email protected]
OBJECTIVE Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance
EDUCATION Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TXBachelor of Business Administration in Finance, 3.60Minor in Management
Coursework:Strategic Management Business CommunicationsBusiness Finance Labor Economics Business Law Operations Management
EXPERIENCE The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MIFinance Intern, Summer 2000
Reviewed current Cash Flow reporting process and prepared 2Q99 Cash Flow statement using current processDesigned, tested, and implemented new process for Cash Flow reportingResearched 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 referencesList the reference’s BUSINESS address and professional titleList references on a separate pageInclude a reference category heading on resume– “References available upon request.”
Notify the references that you would like to use
Optional Categories
Honors and ActivitiesProfessional OrganizationsComputer skills & other skills relevant to the jobPublicationsResearch
JAMES DAVIS
919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341
(936) [email protected]
OBJECTIVE Seeking an entry level position in the field of finance
EDUCATION Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TXBachelor of Business Administration in Finance, 3.60Minor in Management
Coursework:Strategic Management Business CommunicationsBusiness Finance Labor Economics Business Law Operations Management
EXPERIENCE The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MIFinance Intern, Summer 2000
Reviewed current Cash Flow reporting process and prepared 2Q99 Cash Flow statement using current processDesigned, tested, and implemented new process for Cash Flow reportingResearched Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Plain English” rule, and rewrote large portion of Dow’s 1999 10K in “Plain English”
HONORS & Dean’s List: Spring & Fall 2000ACTIVITIES President’s Honor Roll: Spring 2001
The Dow Chemical SHSU Alumni Scholarship recipientHabitat for HumanityNational Collegiate Scholar
REFERENCES 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 PageResume
The Interview
The Purpose of the Interview
ObjectiveCompatibilityMotivationEnthusiasmIntelligenceAdaptability
MaturityCommitmentCommunicationAssertivenessFollow-though
Employers need to assess:
Types of Interviews
Face to Face – TraditionalStructuredOn-Campus *On-SitePanel-group interactionBehavioral *
The On-Campus Interview
Opportunity for you to begin the formal interview processEmployers seeking SHSU graduates for entry-level positionsTypes 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 impressionsFor more information on Behavioral Interviewing, read handout
How to Prepare for an Interview
Review the companies requirementsPrepare yourself– Be prepared to provide
examples of your skills, abilities, interests, etc.
Research the companyFormulate questions
First Impressions
HandshakeSmileGood postureEye contactAppearance
Suits – navy, gray, blackSkirts – below kneeClassic leather pump shoesLeather handbagSmall, simple jewelryPull hair away from faceSubtle fragrance
Business Dress for Women
Business Dress for Men
Suits – Classic, conservative style – Navy or dark gray– White shirt– Tie
Shined black shoesGood quality watchNo jewelrySubtle cologne
Interviewing Etiquette
TimingSecretariesSeatingPrivacyNamesHabitsThe money issueFarewellsThank-you notes
Career Services
Sam Houston State University919 Bearkat – Box 2238Huntsville, Texas 77341-2238Telephone: (936) 294-1713Fax: (936) 294-3616www.shsu.edu/careerservices