Resume and Interview Skills Workshop

1. Resume and Interview Skills Workshop Prepare for Success

2. Preparation is Key— You’ve got one shot to impress • Resumes that WOW! • Digital Resources • Applications: On-Line/Paper • Interview—Know How to WOW! • Dress Appropriately • Commonly Asked Interview Questions • What YOU Should Ask • Be a Closer…

3. Resumes that WOW! • How do I submit my resume and to whom? • What to leave in, what to leave out? • How long should my resume be? • Does one size fit all? • List all skills, awards, etc. • Get noticed!

4. Resumes that WOW! Format • Your Contact Information • Objective • Education • Work Experience • Volunteer Experience • Skills • Interests and Activities • References

5. Example Resume • Objective • To get a challenging job as a Customer Service Manager so that I can learn more and excel in my career. • Education • 1999 - B.A. with a major in Communications and a minor in Spanish, University of California, Two Ville, California; GPA 3.6; President of Spanish Club in 1998 • Experience • Green Clothiers of Northern California, Two Ville, CA • Customer Service Manager • 5/23/2003 - Present • • Recruited, trained and managed 15-member team • • Ensured continuous delivery of outstanding customer service • • Redesigned, developed and implemented employee training program which increased sales revenues • • Assisted customers when and where needed • Fine Sports Wear International, Two Ville, CA • Customer Service Manager • 3/2/2001 - 5/13/2003 • • Recruited, trained and managed 35-member team • • Ensured continuous delivery of outstanding customer service • • Designed, developed and implemented employee training program which increased sales revenues • • Assisted customers when and where needed • • Exceeded annual goals in key metrics including profit, sales, employee retention and customer service • Customer Service Representative • 7/12/1997 - 2/29/2003 • • Assisted with customer sales of women’s and children’s sportswear • • Awarded Salesperson of the Year in 1999 and 2002 for exceeding set sales productivity • • Trained 14 new representatives functioning as lead trainer, providing ongoing guidance and constructive feedback • • Achieved lowest returns percentage than all other coworkers • Hobbies • Skiing, hiking, cooking, Karate, playing with my two cats and shopping! Example of an unacceptable resume

6. ANNA GILROY • 323 South Avon Drive • Milton, NY 10945 • (914) 555-2909 • OBJECTIVE • A position as general office clerk for a major corporation. • SKILLS PROFILE • Ability to operate Lilly 5000 copy/collating machine • Knowledge and experience with corporate mailroom procedures • Good filing and organizational skills • Experience in handling confidential paperwork • Ability to take accurate phone messages and deliver messages promptly • Good customer relations background • EMPLOYMENT HISTORY • Copy machine attendant, Hodges, Wilson and Pickard, Milton, NY (1993-current) • Copy and collate all projects (including confidential papers) for 25-lawyer firm • Successfully complete all jobs by time requested • Coordinated delivery of large projects with mailroom clerk • Initiated "rush procedure," which guarantees "rush" copy projects of 1,000 total pages or less will be completed in 30 minutes of submission; meet all guaranteed deadlines and enhanced copy room operations • Won the quarterly "Employee Suggestion Award" for "rush procedure" • Mailroom clerk, Hodges, Wilson and Pickard, Milton, NY (1989-1993) • Accurately Filed and delivered mail to all company departments • Suggested new mail code system, which reduced filing errors and increased timely delivery • Computed amount of postage required for outgoing mail, depending on weight and classification • Covered phones for word processing clerk during clerk's lunch break • Waitress/Cashier, The Corner Restaurant, Harris, NY (1987-1989) • Took orders, served restaurant patrons and assisted at the cash register • Created "Tuesday Casino Night" theme, including food and games, which doubled the number of customers on a typically slow night • EDUCATION • River Valley High School, Harris, NY (Diploma, 1987) Example Resume Example of an impressive resume from someone who has limited work experience

7. Example Cover Letter Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Cell Phone Number Your Email Dear Hiring Manager: I was excited to read about the Administrative Assistant job opening at XYZ Company. I have several years of experience in a variety of fields including insurance and finance. In addition to my extensive office experience, I have strong communication, customer service, and administrative skills. My broad background makes me an excellent candidate for this position. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you to arrange an interview. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Typed Name

8. Digital Resources—Research is Key • Facebook/MySpace—employers are looking! • LinkedIn • Visit potential employer’s website • Online resources/templates • Industry research

9. Applications: On-Line vs. Paper • On-Line • Is a cover letter needed? • Uploading your resume • Follow-up • Paper • First impressions--HUGE • Be prepared for an on the spot “interview” • Follow-up

10. Applications: On-Line AND Paper • Fully complete each question/section • Do not abbreviate or complete in “ALL CAPS” • Proofread • Be confident when presenting yourself • Honesty is the best policy – most companies conduct background screenings and credit checks

11. Applications: On-Line AND Paper • Background – not all convictions are a bar from employment • Credit – maintaining good credit today could affect your ability to gain employment • What does good credit have to do with getting a job • Not only does good credit get you a great rate on a car, home, etc., it could also affect your ability to get a “great job”

12. Types of Interviews • Phone • One-on-One • Panel or Group • Meal • Second or On-site

13. Interview—Know How to WOW! DO: • Arrive 10 minutes early • Remember to smile • Body language is huge • Build rapport • Think before answering • Bring extra copies of your resume • Know what the job pays

14. Interview—Know How to WOW! Do not: • Arrive late – this makes a very bad impression • Chew Gum • Do not “Bad mouth” • Use filler words • Appear anxious to end the interview • Do not bring a friend • Do not bring your cell phone

15. Dress Appropriately • In the business world, your attire sends instant messages to others about your profession and professionalism, self-image, self-confidence – even your work habits and workplace. • First impressions make lasting impressions, therefore you should dress for the position you hope to achieve. • Stand out because of your professionalism and confidence.

16. Dress Appropriately • Ask about the company’s dress code • Do not over do it • Remember the B rule: • If you wear it to the bed, beach or bar—do not wear it to an interview!!!

17. Dress Appropriately When choosing your outfit, follow these guidelines to make the best impression: • Wear clean, neatly pressed clothes • Select a dress or skirt that is no more than two inches above your knee • Select pants that are the appropriate length • Your pants should cover the ankle, but not drag under the heel of your shoes

18. Dress Appropriately • Clean and polish your shoes • Conservative shoe style • Avoid too much jewelry and too many accessories • Select a tie that, when knotted, reaches the middle of your belt buckle • Hairstyle • Cologne/Perfume

19. Dress AppropriatelyExamples of Men’s Business Attire

20. Dress AppropriatelyExamples of Men’s Casual Business Attire

21. Dress AppropriatelyExamples of Women’s Business Attire

22. Dress AppropriatelyExamples of Women’s Business Attire

23. Dress AppropriatelyExamples of Women’s Casual Business Attire

24. Dress AppropriatelyClothing to Avoid • Casual • Short • Tight • Wrinkled • Revealing • Sleeveless

25. Dress AppropriatelyAccessories to Avoid • Body art • Long nails • Facial jewelry • Excessive jewelry

26. Commonly Asked Interview Questions • Give me an example of a time you worked particularly well under a great deal of pressure. How did you handle the situation? • At times, we all are required to deal with difficult people. Describe a time when you were successful in dealing with a difficult person. • Everyone has said something to a person they wished they hadn’t. Tell me about a time you did this. What did you do to correct the situation? • Tell me about the biggest disagreement you have had with someone.

27. Commonly Asked Interview Questions • What are the most successful techniques you’ve used to influence people? Provide a specific example using one of these techniques. • Provide a specific example of how you have contributed towards a teamwork environment? • Tell me about a time when you made a lasting, positive impression on someone. What did you do to make this happen?

28. Commonly Asked Interview Questions • Tell me the difference between good and exceptional. • Describe a time when your work was criticized. How did you handle it? • What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? • What attracted you to this company? • What are your short and long term career goals?

29. What YOU should ask • What does this job require of me? • Describe your ideal candidate. • What hours would I be working? • What is the next step in the hiring process? • How much travel is required? • What kind of training is provided? • What is a typical day like?

30. Be a Closer • Thank the interviewer • Ask the interviewer for a business card • Send a thank you note/email

31. Example Follow-Up Letter Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Your Telephone Number Date Name of Interviewer Job Title Company Name Address Dear <<Name of Interviewer>>, Thank you for the opportunity to interview yesterday for the position of Cashier. I am excited about the prospect of joining <<Company Name>> and working with the team to accomplish the goals we discussed. (Recap your experience) My training and experience would fit well with the direction your organization is heading. Using these techniques in my current position, my staff and I were successful in increasing customer satisfaction By 48 percent in the first three months of implementation, as measured through a reduction in customer complaints. Cost savings in terms of staff time totaled more than $40,000 in the first year of the program. I am very much interested in working as a Cashier for <<Company Name>>. I look forward to hearing from you after you have completed the first round of interviews. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Typed Name

32. Your Career at Regions Don’t settle for a job…choose a career with us Consumer Banking focuses on the retail segment, one of the core elements of our business. Associates learn about our products and services, from basic checking and lines of credit to mortgages and long term financing, as well as gain a deeper understanding of our client relationship philosophy. Many candidates looking to start a career in banking begin in this area.

33. Your Career at Regions Don’t settle for a job… choose a career with us Teller– build skills, gain experience and earn good money. Our tellers offer basic customer service and perform cash handling duties while referring bank products and services. We look for people with one year of cash handling, customer service and sales experience.

34. Interested? Visit our website at www.regions.com, and click on “careers” for a world of future possibilities. EOE/AA M/F/D/V