Creating a Resume

Student resumes need to be fairly simple. On most occasions, it is a good idea to keep the resume to 1 page. You don’t want to go into too much detail. A general guide for a resume is to include the following headings:

• Objective
• Education
• Professional skills
• Office skills
• Awards and Honors
• Work experience

Writing a resume can be a daunting task. Sell yourself to your prospective employer by delivering a complete, error-free, appealing resume. Below are some helpful tips!

1. Collect all of the information that you will need before you begin writing your resume (dates of schooling, awards, work experience dates, employers and responsibilities for example)
2. Make your resume short, crisp and sweet. If your resume is too long then nobody will want to read it.
3. Effectively use the white space on the resume page. You will have to use catchy words to hook the employer to read further.
4. Your resume should be professionally written and you should avoid all jargon or slang. Use simple language and directly say what you mean.
5. Revise your resume until you think it’s perfect and to the point and then ask someone else to review it.
6. If you want a good job, you have to put in the effort to give a good first impression.

Helpful websites & samples:

https://www.myperfectresume.com/

http://resumizer.com/free_resume_templates.htm

Creating a Cover Letter

You should include a cover letter along with your resume whenever you apply for a job, it is just as important as your resume. A cover letter is a one page document that you send with your resume. It is meant to:

1. Introduce yourself to the hiring manager
2. Argue why you’d be a good fit for the job
3. Fill in places your resume cannot describe
4. Further explain other aspects of your resume

By hitting those 4 aspects, a cover letter can be a convincing and powerful companion to a well-written resume.

Helpful Websites & Samples:

https://resumegenius.com/resume/cover-letters-the-how-to-guide

Job Hunting

Looking for a job can be difficult and time consuming. The tips below can help you be more successful:

1. Make a good impression from the start.

If you walk in off the street to respond to a “help wanted” sign, be professional. Make eye contact. Use confident but pleasant body language (stand up straight, smile, and ask to speak to the manager on duty). Come prepared to fill out an application. Have everything you need with you, including your drivers’ license, social security number, a list of references, and a resume.

2. Dress the part.

Whether you’re walking in off the street or coming in for a pre-arranged interview, plan to dress slightly more formally than you would if you got the job. If you’re applying for a job at a retail store, for example, wear something nicer than a t-shirt and jeans.

3. Have a resume at the ready.

A functional (as opposed to a chronological) resume can highlight your special skills and interests.

4. Consider volunteering!

Volunteering is a great way to gain fulfilling experience, while showing prospective employers that you’re dependable, take initiative, and stick to your commitments. Find volunteer opportunities at DoSomething.org/Volunteer.

5. Clean up your online identity.

Are you active on Facebook and Twitter? Guess what—so are most employers! Employers are getting increasingly savvy about screening potential employees by looking them up online. If your prospective employer googled you, what would she/he learn?

6. No texting or slang

Texting language and slang is still considered unprofessional by most employers.

7. Get a work-friendly email address.

Is your email address “HotPrincess@email.com” or “MrMan@email.com?” Remember, every part of the package you present needs to show that you’re mature and professional. Consider getting a second, work-appropriate email address for professional communications.

8. Tailor your application to the employer’s needs.

This seems obvious, but remember: you must show an employer that you understand what the job is about and that you can fit the bill. If you’re applying for a job as a sales clerk at a clothing store, highlight your interest in clothes or your ability to interact with customers. If you’re applying for a pizza delivery job, focus on your good driving record and your punctuality. A generic resume sends a signal to the employer that the job isn’t that important to you.

9. Be flexible.

You have one thing going for you that older workers may not: flexible schedules!  Are you able to work weekends, late-night shifts, or other odd hours? Be sure to mention this if it’s appropriate to the job you’re applying for.

10. Follow up.

Learn the art of follow-up. Be sure to express your appreciation for an interview with a firm handshake, a smile, eye contact, and a follow-up thank you note. If you promised to provide more information, make sure you follow through on your promise.

Job Hunting Resources

• Career Builder
• Monster
• Job Spider
• Press Republican

Local Employment Agencies

Westaff: 307 West Bay Plaza, Plattsburgh, New York 12901 (518) 566-6061

One Work Source: 194 Us Oval, Plattsburgh, NY 12903 (518) 561-0430

ETS  https://etsjobs.com/

Coryer Staffing  http://www.coryerstaffing.com/

Manpower  https://www.manpower.com/wps/portal/ManpowerUSA/home?utm_source=G&utm_medium=lpm&utm_campaign=manpowerlpm

Ridgefield One  http://ridgefieldone.com/

Spherion   https://www.spherion.com/

Interviewing

Don’t be late for the interview!

Punctuality is very important when arriving to an interview. This is the first impression the employer gets, and if you’re late, it gives the impression that you don’t value the interviewer’s time. Be sure you have directions and you know how to get to your interview location

Turn off all technology before you walk in the door

Cell phones and iPods are handy little devices, but always remember to turn them on silent or off before you go into an interview.

Dress up

Keep your interview outfit casual, but not too casual. Showing up in jeans and a T-shirt may be comfy but doesn’t give the best impression, even if that’s what you’d be wearing on the job. Khakis and a nice collared shirt, or a tailored top and (not mini) skirt are always a good choice.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Did I mention prepare? Know the company you are interviewing with and have questions ready for your interviewer. This shows the interviewer that you have an interest in the company. Keep in mind that it never hurts to practice

Be aware of your body language

At the job interview, do your best to keep still, sit up straight and look the interviewer in the eyes. You want to appear calm and in control.

Practice interview questions and answers

“Tell me a little about yourself.” This is always a tough one, because you ask yourself, “What do they want to know?” Focus on your skills, abilities and your interests. The interviewer wants to know about you and what your plans are for the present and the future. Definitely don’t start talking about your childhood, the music you like, your soccer trophies or anything else that’s not relevant to the job. Remember to keep the answer brief, because it can set the tone for the rest of the interview.

 

Some common interview questions:

“Why do you want to work for us?”

• Here’s your chance to tell the interviewer why you chose to apply for the job. Don’t say because of the pay. This is your opportunity to talk about why you think you’d fit in really well and what you could bring to the team.

“What extracurricular activities do you participate in?”

• This is your chance to talk about you and show your personality – but again, keep it short! Your extracurricular activities should reflect your best traits and your interests.

“Why should I hire you?”

• Be honest. Let the interviewer know why you are the best for the job. This is your chance to sell yourself and set yourself apart from the other job candidates.

Good luck on your interview!

References:

Student Resume Examples. Retrieved September 21, 2008, from Resume Resource Web site: http://www.resume-resource.com/examples-student.html

Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide. Retrieved July 8, 2015, from Resume Genius Web site: https://resumegenius.com/resume/cover-letters-the-how-to-guide

Interview Prep. Retrieved July 8, 2015, from Snag a Job Web site: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/job-interview-tips-for-teens/