Resumes 101
True or false: 80% of resumes don't make it past the first screening
True
Can your employers look at candidates social media profiles?
Yes
How long should my resume be?
1-2 pages
Should I add a job description for each job I have had? If so how much?
Yes; 2-4 bullet points
1. Research company and interviewers
2. Practice your answers
3. Reread job description
True or false: job postings are more focused on qualifications than skills and responsibilities
False
Can your employer ask you your age?
No
How should you order your job experiences? First to last or last to first?
The most relevant and most important should go on top!
Should I add my hobbies to my resume?
As long as it related to your desired job yes! (ex. photography and graphic design; finance and managing stock portfolio)
What should I bring to my interview?
A copy (or more) of your resume and professional references as well as a pad of paper and pen
Should you put a career objective on your resume?
No! It tells an employer what you want from them, when the focus should really be on the employer’s needs
Is it legal for an employer to ask if you are pregnant or your marital status?
No
Should you list your internship under "work experience" or "education"?
Work experience
Should you add your GPA (grade point average) on your resume?
Nope, this is irrelevant information. However you should add your degree(s)
What is the STAR method?
S- Situation. Give context to your answer
T- Task. Elaborate on the challenge and your role
A- Action. Explain how you handled the situation or overcame the challenge
R- Result. What you achieved in the process
What are examples of soft skills?
Communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, adaptability, time management, leadership, creativity, interpersonal skills
Can employers ask if you are a US citizen?
No
Should you put your professional references on the you resume?
Nope! Keep that separate from your resume
Should you add volunteer work to your resume?
Yes! This shows you are a well-rounded person
What should I wear? (3 types)
Casual- dark jeans or pants, blouse/ button down shirt, knee-length skirt or dress, cardigan, flats or heels (close toed shoes)
Business casual- dark dress pants, knee length dress or pencil skirt, cardigan or jacket, close toed flats or heels
Business formal- dark colored suit, tailored dress with matching jacket, suit pants, tie, close toed shoes
* note- check jobs tattoo, colored hair, and piercings policy
What are the 3 main formats of a resume?
Chronological, functional, and combination
Can employers ask you if you have any convictions other than misdemeanors?
Yes
What are 5 essential sections of a resume?
Contact information, professional summary, work experience, education, and skills
How should I explain a gap of employment? (3 possible answers)
1. Leave out months in your resume (if the gap or employment was less than a year) to soften the game
2. Highlight what you accomplished during this gap (volunteer, finished degree, continued education, family caregiver, side projects, travel etc.)
3. Add transferrable skills or perspectives you gained to make you a stronger candidate for the job
What should I do after my interview?
Ask next steps and send a thank you letter!