Resume Writing & Interviewing

1. Resume Writing & Interviewing Sam Houston State University Career Services

2. The Resume

3. Your Resume • Marketing piece • Tool for communication • Emphasis on things done well • Stress aspects that make you the better candidate • Not an autobiography

4. Items to Include in Your Resume • Name, address,phone number, & email • Education • Licenses & certificates • Skills & accomplishments • Work history • Job objective

5. What Not to Include in Your Resume • Age • Marital status • Height, weight, etc. • Race • Religion • Reasons for termination • Photos • High school information

6. Objective Education Experience Internships Skills Honors Affiliations References Resume Components

7. Objective • Focus your objective • Be specific • Do NOT mention “opportunities for advancement” • Target particular positions

8. JAMES DAVIS919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341(936) 294-1713student@shsu.edu • OBJECTIVESeeking an entry level position in the field of finance

9. Education • List degrees in reverse order • GPA • Associate Degrees • Relevant coursework • Honors • Certifications

10. JAMES DAVIS919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341(936) 294-1713student@shsu.edu • OBJECTIVESeeking an entry level position in the field of finance • EDUCATIONSam Houston State University, Huntsville, TXBachelor of Business Administration in Finance, 3.60Minor in Management • Coursework:<Strategic Management <Business Communications<Business Finance<Labor Economics<Business Law <Operations Management

11. Experience • Include volunteer or unpaid experience • List company, location, dates of employment, job title & relevant duties • Use action verbs • List duties in phrases • Use past tense for past experiences • Be clear • Bullet job duties

12. JAMES DAVIS919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341(936) 294-1713student@shsu.edu OBJECTIVESeeking an entry level position in the field of finance EDUCATIONSam Houston State University, Huntsville, TXBachelor of Business Administration in Finance, 3.60Minor in Management Coursework:<Strategic Management <Business Communications<Business Finance<Labor Economics<Business Law <Operations Management EXPERIENCEThe Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MIFinance Intern, Summer 2000 <Reviewed current Cash Flow reporting process and prepared 2Q99 Cash Flow statement using current process<Designed, tested, and implemented new process for Cash Flow reporting<Researched Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Plain English” rule, and rewrote large portion of Dow’s 1999 10K in “Plain English”

13. References • Use 3-5 professional references • List the reference’s BUSINESS address and professional title • List references on a separate page • Include a reference category heading on resume • “References available upon request.” • Notify the references that you would like to use

14. Optional Categories • Honors and Activities • Professional Organizations • Computer skills & other skills relevant to the job • Publications • Research

15. JAMES DAVIS919 Bearkat Blvd.Huntsville, TX 77341(936) 294-1713student@shsu.edu OBJECTIVESeeking an entry level position in the field of finance EDUCATIONSam Houston State University, Huntsville, TXBachelor of Business Administration in Finance, 3.60Minor in Management Coursework:<Strategic Management <Business Communications<Business Finance<Labor Economics<Business Law <Operations Management EXPERIENCEThe Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MIFinance Intern, Summer 2000 <Reviewed current Cash Flow reporting process and prepared 2Q99 Cash Flow statement using current process<Designed, tested, and implemented new process for Cash Flow reporting<Researched 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 recipient<Habitat for Humanity<National Collegiate Scholar REFERENCES Available upon request

16. One PageResume 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

17. The Interview

18. Objective Compatibility Motivation Enthusiasm Intelligence Adaptability Maturity Commitment Communication Assertiveness Follow-though The Purpose of the Interview Employers need to assess:

19. Types of Interviews • Face to Face – Traditional • Structured • On-Campus * • On-Site • Panel-group interaction • Behavioral *

20. The On-Campus Interview • Opportunity for you to begin the formal interview process • Employers seeking SHSU graduates for entry-level positions • Types of On-Campus Interviews • Open Interview Schedule • Pre-Select Interview Schedule

21. 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

22. 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 impressions • For more information on Behavioral Interviewing, read handout

23. How to Prepare for an Interview • Review the companies requirements • Prepare yourself • Be prepared to provide examples of your skills, abilities, interests, etc. • Research the company • Formulate questions

24. First Impressions • Handshake • Smile • Good posture • Eye contact • Appearance

25. Business Dress for Women • Suits – navy, gray, black • Skirts – below knee • Classic leather pump shoes • Leather handbag • Small, simple jewelry • Pull hair away from face • Subtle fragrance

26. Business Dress for Men • Suits • Classic, conservative style • Navy or dark gray • White shirt • Tie • Shined black shoes • Good quality watch • No jewelry • Subtle cologne

27. Interview Etiquette Interviewing Etiquette • Timing • Secretaries • Seating • Privacy • Names • Habits • The money issue • Farewells • Thank-you notes

28. Career Services Sam Houston State University 919 Bearkat – Box 2238 Huntsville, Texas 77341-2238 Telephone: (936) 294-1713 Fax: (936) 294-3616 www.shsu.edu/careerservices