Your Resume, Interviewing, and HENAAC

Presented by Career Services and

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

Resume Basics• Marketing Tool: Representation of who you are, what you offer, and what

you want (education, skills, and experience)• Think of resume as a legal document: Anything you say or do can and will

be held against you• Neat, organized, and concise: 1 pg undergrads; 2 alumni; more CV• Easy to read; aesthetically pleasing; empty spaces; consistency!• Balanced margins; 11+ size font; quality paper• Brief phrases or sentences; Action Verbs• No errors; correct abbreviations; 3rd person; no personal pronouns• Tailor to job or industry (titles, headings, terminology)• Prioritize contents (importance, impressiveness, relevance)• Competencies rather than job duties; quantify when possible (#s, %s, etc)

Resume: Contact Information

Carolyn M. Meeker

10555 W. Flagler St, EC 2780

Miami, FL 33174

305.348.1281

carolyn.meeker@fiu.edu

Carolyn M. Meeker10555 W. Flagler St, EC 2780 ∙ Miami, FL 33174 ∙ 305.348.1281 ∙ carolyn.meeker@fiu.edu

Resume: Objective or Summary

Objective: Responsible, hard working student with strong laboratory skills and

research experience seeking internship in industrial engineering

Mechanical Engineering StudentResponsible, hard working student with strong laboratory skills and research experience

seeking internship to gain experience while contributing to dynamic organization

AREAS OF STRENGTHS

Bilingual/Multilingual in… Working knowledge of…

Leadership in (student org)… Undergraduate research in…

Etc… Etc…

Resume: Education• Reverse chronological, highest first, then certificates and/or advanced training• Bold or SMALL CAPS items to stand out• Include dissertation/thesis topic, selected course work, or honors, if relevant• Missing GPA may appear as if you’re hiding something

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Miami, Florida

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Anticipated May 2010

Minor: Spanish

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, Los Angeles, CA

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, GPA 3.56, graduated cum laude June 1999

Minor in Education Studies; Recognized for Outstanding Participation in Education Studies Minor

Peer Teacher: Education Studies Minor Peer Advising Program – Organized mentors and advising table

Study abroad in Granada, Spain, Summer 1999

Resume: ExperienceAccomplishments rather than job duties• How you contributed or took initiative• Did you improve a system, increase customers, reduce cost, etc.? • Quantify actions if appropriate, “surveyed 30 employers to identify system errors”

Work Experience:• Focus on most recent or relevant; or by categories• Summarize others in one line/short paragraph or list basic responsibilities• Name of organization, dates of employment, position title, and responsibilities

Meeker Equipment Fabricators, Westwood, CA July 1996 – June 2001

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Promoted from Staff Engineer to Section Managing Engineer after six months• Established manufacturing/production lines that fabricate farm equipment• Hardware design and implementation using proprietary logic controller• Designed and implemented software in C language to operate automated assembly machinery

Resume: Other CategoriesIf impressive and relevant:• Honors: Academic from University or organization; scholarships; national or

Greek honor societies. Dates may look cluttered• Significant Courses: Could help if little relevant professional experience.

Select upper level courses that may set you apart• Publications/Research: Articles accepted for publication. Insight into

professional abilities by listing past and present research projects• Professional Affiliations: How involved you are in chosen field. (Excellent

ways to network and learn about job opportunities)• Licensure/Certification: Employer needs to know of relevant licenses • Languages: Fluency in 2+ languages is often sought. Specify competency• Volunteer/Leadership: Skills gained through a role/organization• Activities: Time outside classroom or work. May include volunteer/leadership

Qualities Employers Seek

Source: Job Outlook 2008, National Association of Colleges and Employers

Communication Skills (verbal and written) Computer Skills

Teamwork Skills Technical Skills

Initiative Detail-oriented

Interpersonal Skills Organizational Skills

Problem-solving Skills Leadership Skills

Analytical Skills Self-confidence

Flexibility/Adaptability

Interviewing BasicsKnow Yourself:• Work-related values• Interests• Skills; strengths and weaknesses

Know Company: Industry rank and size Subsidiaries Sales and profit trends Current plans Why does this job exist? Competitors’ services and products

Know Interviewer: Name, title, function

Arrive at InterviewOn time:• Take names and phone numbers in case you need to call• Plan for traffic, getting lost, or unplanned prep time• Arrive at site 30 minutes early; at office 10 minutes early• Bring reading material or something else to keep relaxedCarry portfolio with:• College transcripts• Examples of work (don’t violate confidentiality)• Letters of recommendations (if they might be requested)• References• Resumes

Responding to Questions• Rehearse possible responses• Understand behavioral-based interviewing

• Most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations

• STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action taken, Results achieved• Decision making and problem solving• Leadership and motivation• Communication, interpersonal, and social skills• Behavior in a stressful situation

• Tie background to position• Focus on accomplishments: They won’t know if you don’t tell them• Turn weaknesses into areas of growth

Concluding an InterviewWrap up

Notice signs that interview has run its course Thank interviewer for their time Ask for business card Ask about next step Maintain confident, friendly attitude

Follow up Business thank you letter Reaffirm interest in position Reiterate qualifications discussed

Popular Interview Questions• Tell me about yourself• Which of your accomplishments have made you most proud?• What’s your greatest strength?• What’s your greatest weakness?• Why do you want to work here?• Why should we hire you?• Give me an example of a situation in which your ethics were

challenged. How did you handle it?• Tell me about a time when you were participating in a team

project and somebody dropped the ball. What did you do to help the team finish the project on time?

Popular Interview Questions• Describe a specific problem you solved for an employer or professor.

How did you approach the problem? What role did others play? What was the outcome?

• Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?

• If you were a vegetable what kind would you be?• Imagine you’re in the lobby of a hotel. How many people are in the

lobby with you?• How would you cut a circular cake into eight pieces, making only

three cuts?

Questions to Ask an InterviewerAsk questions that interest you; missing questions may show disinterest• What do you do in a typical work day?• Why did you choose to work for this company?• What is the career progression for employees with my skill set?• Does this organization have a mentor or coaching program?• What kind of internal and external training do you provide?• How would you describe your company culture?• Does your organization use strategic planning? How often? Who

participates?• What is your company’s policy on sustainable development?

Don’t ask basic questions that you should know

Approaching Employers• Create lists of employers “A,” “B,” “C”• Approach “C” employer first; you’re genuinely interested, but

it could be a warm up for “A” companies• Do not walk up to an employer and just stand there or shove

your resume in their face• Keep records of your contacts – who you interview with,

who offers assistance, etc. This may be handy in the future• Treat vendors/booths as potential contacts. You never know

who may be at dinner or who knows who

Meeting New People• Look and Act Professional• Now is not the time to hang out with your friends

• A recruiter may not approach a group of strangers

• Know what you want from the interaction• Communicate effectively• Do your research; Know what you’re talking about• Present a detailed, accurate, and up-to-date resume

Meeting New People (Career Fair)First 30 Seconds Next 2 Minutes Last 30 Seconds

Smile Ask first question Ask for materials

Make/Keep eye contact Look for cues Get business card(s)

Introduce yourself Maintain eye contact Maintain eye contact

State objective Use resume Ask about next step

State qualifications Leave resume

Be factual Thank for time

Be direct Leave

Practice Responses30-60 Second Sound Bites• Articulate in active detail; discuss what you learned and outcomes• Express why the skill is important and how it will benefit their company• Actively participate in dialogue

Your Pitch: A 90 Second Commercial• 30 Second Summary:

• Name• Statement about experience and what you have to offer• Best achievement without details• Finish with positive statement about what you’re looking for

• A few interesting highlights or achievements of your experience• A few key skills that you can bring to the company• Write out and practice pitch in a slow, natural voice

HENAAC Conference Tips

• Read “HENAAC 2008 Student Guide & Information” http://www.henaac.org/conference/2008/students.php

 • Upload resume onto LYNX accurately

• BRING HARD COPIES and an E-COPY, as well

• Look through Career Guide, which will list positions and requirements open through sponsors

Dress Code Tips from HENAAC“First impressions are very important and you can expect hundreds

of recruiters from companies and government agencies to be there, watching you and scrutinizing you from head to toe.“

Business casual (slacks and collared shirt for men; nice top for women) is acceptable at most events

Some events require more care:• College Bowl: Business Casual/Casual • Seminars: Business Casual• Career Fair: Business• Awards Show Gala: Business for Students (Black Tie event)

Student Leadership Luncheon : Dress to Impress

HENAAC Tips for Business AttireShoes

Well polished Ladies: Good pair of low-heeled pumps

No open-toe sandals, stilettos, or tall heels Gentlemen: Shoes should complement suit

Wing-tips are typical

Suits Dark blue or black preferred Ladies: White, off-white, or neutral blouse with modest neckline. If

skirt, no more than 1-2” above knees (note hem when legs crossed) Gentlemen: Suit must have tie. Wear belt to keep pants up to

appropriate level around waist

HENAAC Tips for Business AttireMakeup and Fingernails

Neat and trimmed nails. If polished, no chips; lighter, conservative color Conservative makeup

Hair Neat hair away from face. Pull back long hair Neat and trimmed facial hair

Additional Tips Remove visible body piercings and cover up visible tattoos Light cologne or perfume Carry notepad or portfolio and resumes

Ladies, avoid carrying purse Leave enough time to dry clean suit before you leave

More Tips• Minimal jewelry, but wear a watch• Bring lint brush and iron • Don’t smoke before event; no coffee, spaghetti, etc. in interview clothes • Person next to you in line or at bar may interview you later

Greeting Skills:• Eye contact without staring• Firm hand shake• Wait to be invited; wait to sit down• Confident and friendly

Non-Verbal Skills:• Body Language; attentive posture• Tone of voice• Content• Limit nervous mannerisms (playing with hair, fiddling with pen, etc.)