swe resume writing and make most of job fair fall 2016
TRANSCRIPT
TECHNICAL RESUMES & MAKING THE MOST OF THE JOB FAIR
Holly Justice, Engineering Career CounselorUB Career Services
TIME TO PIVOT
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
vs. EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE
WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT
Experience(internship, projects, etc.)
Data Management& Analytical skills
GPA Computational skills
Communication skills (oral & written) Problem solving skills
Leadership Creativity
Team skills Time management
Enthusiasm Flexibility
Cultural Competence
HARD SKILLS
SOFT SKILLS
Internship posting examples
What is the employer really looking for in a candidate?
How do you illustrate your skills in your resume?
INTERNSHIP POSTING
COMPANY: FISHER-PRICEPOSITION: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING INTERNDESCRIPTIONAs an Electrical Engineering intern you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of products and explore diverse areas of electronics including:• Digital and analog hardware design• Mobile gaming• Digital audio• RF• Embedded programmingInterns are an important part of our organization making real contributions, learning as they do. Over one third of the electrical engineering staff at Fisher-Price began their careers here as interns.
Primary Duties:• Build and debug electronic hardware prototypes.• Testing and debugging of software.• Debug and test production prototypes.• Embedded programming• Technology R&D projectsQUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of the fundamentals of digital and analog transistor circuit design.• The ability to read schematics and identify electronic components.• Hands-on experience building circuits including soldering and wiring.• Background in programming. Knowledge of high-level languages such as C and low level such as assembly is a plus.• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.Must be a registered student enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's Degree Program that is technically-based, preferably Electrical Engineering.
THE RESUME
THE RESUME
What is a resume?• A brief summary of your accomplishments and
skills • Your chance to present your outcomes /
impacts
What is the purpose or goal of a resume? • To get you an interview! • It should excite interest about you as a
potential employee in the recruiter/hiring manager
REQUIRED CONTENT
Identifying data:Your Name
Address (temporary/permanent, dates) Phone (professional sounding message) Email (professional address name)
Example:Yi (Mark) Wang
RESUME CONTENT: YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE
Social Media – Linkedin, Twitter, etcGithubOnline portfolios
RESUME CONTENT
Education SummaryName of College/Univ. GPA (3.0 / 4.0 - if good!) Degree, Major/Minor Coursework (if maps to keywords)Date Received or Expected Awards/Honors (if applicable)
Study Abroad (if applicable)
Example:EDUCATION
University at Buffalo – The State University of New York Buffalo, NY Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, May 2017Overall GPA 3.3/4.0 Technical GPA 3.6/4.0Dean’s List, Fall 2012, 2013Relevant Coursework: Embedded Systems, Communications Systems, Applied Electromagnetics, Electronics Devices & Circuits, Electronics Circuits Lab
RESUME CONTENT
Experience summary• Includes paid jobs, volunteering, internships & military
experience • Present in reverse chronological order • Consider your audience and carefully map to posting key
words
Example:EXPERIENCEQualcomm, San Diego, CA System Test Engineer Intern, May – Aug 2016
• Key contributor to the successful establishment of automated analog system testing and characterization entity.
• Conducted first high-volume system debug and test of QC single chip product.
• Collected and analyzed data and presented to project leaders.
RESUME CONTENT
Technical skills (optional)• Map technical skills to keywords in the posting• Only include if skills are not evident from the Experience
section
Example:
TECHNICAL SKILLS Languages: C, C++, Java, Assembly Software: Maple, Visual Basic, Microsoft Office
(Excel, Word, Powerpoint), Working knowledge of MatlabOperating Systems: Windows 98/NT, UnixOther: Soldering
RESUME CONTENT: CATEGORY HEADINGS
1. Language Skills2. Computer Skills 3. International Experience4. Special Skills5. Certification/Licenses6. Additional Experience
7. References Available Upon Request.
8. Objective
1. Engineering Projects2. Co-Curricular Activities3. Community Service
4. Honors and Awards5. Professional Affiliations
6. Professional
Development7. Leadership
PUBLICATIONS, PATENTS, PRESENTATIONS
PUBS & PRESENTATIONS
Use separate page(s) for Publications, Patents, & Presentations (if you have them)
• Use reverse chronological order, AND reverse numbering• Use citation conventions appropriate for your discipline• Highlight your name
EXAMPLE:PUBLICATIONS2. Akaighe, N.; Depner, S.W.; Banerjee, S.; Sharma, V.K.; Sohn, M.
“The Effects of Monovalent and Divalent Cations on the Stability of Silver Nanoparticles.” The Science of the Total Environment 2015, 448, 277‐89.
1. Depner, S.W.; Watson, D.F. “Stabilization of Hydrophobically‐Coated HfO2, ZrO2, and HfxZr1‐xO2 Nanoparticles.” Journal of Hazardous Materials 2016, 396, 302‐315.
PROVIDE STRUCTURE
PublicationsPeer reviewed publicationsConference publicationsOther publications
PatentsPresentations
Conference presentations (specify oral or poster)Other presentations (e.g., at another institution)
LEVERAGE BRAND NAMES
BRAND NAMES
Use the power of recognized names on your resume.
Education section • Include your advisor’s name
Experience section• Name of company, supervisors, and/or
colleaguesReferences section
• Always provide 2-3 references, on a separate page
• Ask famous / important people!
REFERENCES
• Add a separate page formatted in the same manner as your resume with 3 references
• Provide; Name, title, company/organization, phone & email, rationale / relationship
• Ask first!EXAMPLE:
REFERENCES1. Liesl Folks, PhD, MBA
Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
University at [email protected] / ph: 716-123-4567Advisor for senior design project
So … How many pages should your resume be?
STYLE MATTERS!
Overall appearance: • Does your resume make you want to read it at a
glance? • Readability;
• Ensure lots of white space on page – wide margins
• Use a sans serif font & font size in range of 8-12 point
• Use left justified text only• Don’t use personal pronouns or full sentences
• 15 second rule• Upper third of 1st page must be impactful
• NO ERRORS! • No formatting or grammar or spelling errors!!
CONTENT MATTERS!
Do KEY points stand out at a glance?• Industry postings;
• Typically 1 page, no more than 2 pages• Use category headings to highlight your
strengths!• If 2 pages, put most important information on 1st
page• Academic postings;
• As long as you can manage! Include EVERYTHING!
Make strong statements about your impacts, accomplishments! • Craft impact statements using positive, action
words
Go back to the job posting and make sure you have the keywords in your resume.
If not, put them in your cover letter!
INTERNSHIP POSTING
COMPANY: FISHER-PRICEPOSITION: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING INTERNDESCRIPTIONAs an Electrical Engineering intern you'll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of products and explore diverse areas of electronics including:• Digital and analog hardware design • Mobile gaming • Digital audio• RF • Embedded programmingInterns are an important part of our organization making real contributions, learning as they do. Over one third of the electrical engineering staff at Fisher-Price began their careers here as interns.
Primary Duties:• Build and debug electronic hardware prototypes.• Testing and debugging of software.• Debug and test production prototypes.• Embedded programming• Technology R&D projectsQUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of the fundamentals of digital and analog transistor circuit design.• The ability to read schematics and identify electronic components.• Hands-on experience building circuits including soldering and wiring.• Background in programming. Knowledge of high-level languages such as C and low level such as assembly is a plus.• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Must be a registered student enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's Degree Program that is technically-based, preferably Electrical Engineering.
MAKING THE MOST OF THE JOB FAIR
Making the most of a job fair!
STEM UP Fair
Is Coming
Wednesday, October 5, 2016Alumni Arena Main Gym
12 noon - 5 pmProfessional business attire required.
Bring resumes!
AGENDA
Before the FairDuring the FairAfter the FairSpecial issues and Strategies
BEFORE THE FAIR
BEFORE THE FAIR
1. Resume – a) Polish your Resume
2. Introduction Speech (Elevator Pitch) – a) craft how you will introduce yourself, what you
will say and what you will highlight about yourself in your opening statement.
b) summary of your qualifications, background, achievements, and career interest
c) Practice your speech
BEFORE THE FAIR
Introduction Speech (Your 1 minute commercial) • Brief Summary (30 seconds – 1 minute)• Introduce yourself
• name, class year and major, and your career interests as they relate to the target company.
• Highlight any relevant work experience you’ve had such as an internship, volunteer experience or job and highlight your strengths/qualifications and skills
• Demonstrate knowledge of the company• Express enthusiasm and interest• Relate your background to the company’s needs
BEFORE THE FAIR
3. Research – a) Review the list of companies registered to attend
the event. Research to learn more about all the companies.
b) Rank order the companies you are most interested in meeting at the event.
BEFORE THE FAIR
4. Get the App! a) Get information on how to prepare. b) Get a list of all the employers.
a) Star your favorite employers. b) Filter the list of employers.
c) Find employers at the event using the interactive map.
d) Download the app – in the App Store or Google Play
BEFORE THE FAIR
5. Apply – a) After reviewing the list of companies. Research
the companies you are most interested in pursuing. If they have open positions listed on their websites, apply now! Then at the event discuss your interest, that you have applied for the position(s) and ask about next steps with the Company representative.
BEFORE THE FAIR
6. Set your intention for the event – a) What is your goal for this event? b) What do you want from attending the event? c) What do you want to communicate to the
recruiters?d) How do you want recruiters to remember you?
BEFORE THE FAIR
7. Attire – a) Make sure you have professional, formal
business attire to wear to the event. 8. Questions –
b) Prepare questions you would like to ask the company representatives.
QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS
•What is the natural career progression for an engineer with my skill set within your company?
•I can work both independently and as a group member. How much group or teamwork is involved in this position? What will my responsibilities be as a team member? How do you see me complementing the existing group?
•What are the major projects I will be working on within the first six months to a year?
•How are market trends (or recent developments in the engineering field) affecting the company’s growth?
QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS CONTINUED
I read in (name of source) that your company has begun efforts to expand (provide location or field). What other new endeavors is the company actively pursuing?
Ask about next steps – What is the next step in the hiring process? May I have a business card? Would you mind if I contact you to follow up?
Close your conversation by thanking the employer for taking the time to speak with you.
BEFORE THE FAIR
9. Social Media – a) Twitter - Consider following UB Career Services,
the STEM UP event (#STEMUP) and Companies10. Attend “Meet the Employer” sessions –
b) Great opportunity to meet with employers of interest
11. Register to meet with an Employer during the Career Fair Prep Days event –
c) Register.
BEFORE THE FAIR
Career Fair Prep Days “Meet with an Employer!”Wednesday, September 21
&Tuesday, September 27
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Career Services office, 259 Capen Hall Register through BullsEye system
QUESTIONS?
DURING THE FAIR
DURING THE FAIR
Do arrive early and plan to stay late
Do dress in a conservative, professionally tailored, well-pressed suit, generally navy blue, dark gray, olive or black
Do wear comfortable dress shoes
Do make eye contact, shake hands firmly, smile, and use the rep’s name when appropriate
Do take the initiative, start the conversation, speak up so they can hear you over the noise
Do remember to bring a supply of resumes
Do use breath mints.
DURING THE FAIR
Do turn your cell phone off or put on vibrate or mute
Do ask the recruiters knowledgeable questions that demonstrate you have done your research on the company. This impresses the recruiters
Do know your resume. Know what items to highlight on your resume depending upon which company you are speaking with
Do ask for a business card from the recruiter. This provides you the contact information you need to follow up after the event.
Do bring pen and paper in case you need to take notes
QUESTIONS?
AFTER THE FAIR
AFTER THE FAIR
1. Follow up via email, phone or Linkedin with the company representatives you spoke with at the fair. a) Shows appreciation and interest! b) Allows you to include any additional information the
employer was seeking at the fair, while demonstrating your ability to follow through
c) Share any additional information about you that you did not have time to discuss at the fair
2. Connect with company representatives on Linkedin
3. Complete any tasks that company representatives asked you to do after the event.
QUESTIONS?
JOB FAIR
Special Issues & Strategies
JOB FAIRS: SPECIAL ISSUES •So many companies, so little time •Crowds & lines •Limited time with recruiters•“Nice to meet you. Have you been to our website?”
JOB FAIRS: SPECIAL ISSUES & STRATEGIES
So many companies, so little time List all the employers you want to visit and put them in rank order so you can make the most of your time at the event.*
Crowds & lines Anticipate lines for brand name companiesWhile standing in line, practice what you are going to discuss with the recruiter, review the floor map and review which employer you are going to next.
JOB FAIRS: SPECIAL ISSUES & STRATEGIES
Limited time with recruiters Have your 30 second commercial and questions for employer ready so you can maximize your time with the recruiter!
JOB FAIRS: SPECIAL ISSUES & STRATEGIES
“Nice to meet you. Have you been to our company’s website?”
•Many employers have an online application system as their primary recruiting tool and they want you to go there first before they really begin talking to you. •Before the fair, apply online to your top companies. Then at the fair, tell them you have done so and would like to further discuss opportunities with their organization. This enables you to continue the conversation.
QUESTIONS?
CAREER SERVICES
CONTACT UB CAREER SERVICES
Contact us:259 Capen Hall 8:30am – 5:00pm M-F Call 716-645-2231Email us at [email protected]
Website resources www.buffalo.edu/career
Individualized appointments Express Career Consult appointments
Hours 10:00am-4:00pm M-F