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Resumes

The resume should be concise, yet provide sufficient information to present effectively your qualifications and to interest the employer enough to invite you for an interview. A resume is a personal statement and should reflect your style, and will differ from any other person’s resume.

Structure of the Resume

Identification – Place your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address (optional) at the top of the resume. It can be centered or placed on the side with a line for effect. Do not use terms like name, address, or resume. Your name should be in bold or larger font size. Do NOT include personal information like marital status, date of birth, number of children, etc.

Objective – The objective is optional. However, most students use an objective to indicate whether they are looking for part-time or full-time, and the career field in which they may be interested.

Education – Your education history should be placed at the top of the page if it is your most important quality. Include the names of schools, dates attended, degrees received, and major. You may also list some relevant course work if desired. This may be particularly helpful in some of the technical majors.

Work Experience – This area can be titled “Work History,” “Employment,” “Employment History,” or “Professional Experience.” This category can include internships and volunteer activities. Do not leave any gaps in your work history. Include name of the employer, your job title, and responsibilities or duties.

Honors/Activities – This category can include information such as club memberships, awards, honors, interests, etc.

Computer Skills – This category is normally included since employers want to ensure that the candidate has the common computer skills, such as Word and Excel.

References – It is not necessary to list references on your resume. If you want to include your references, they should be placed on a separate sheet entitled “References.” Most employers do not require references to be sent with the resume. If you indicate that your references are available upon request, make sure that you are prepared to provide them.

Sample Resumes

• Resume Example - Business

• Resume Example - Health Sciences

• Resume Example - Liberal Arts

• Resume Example - Science

• Resume Example - Teacher/Education

• Resume Example - Technical

Helpful Links

• http://education-portal.com/video_library/Resume_Videos.html

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Cover Letters

1) An introductory paragraph, which includes how you found out about the position and that you want to apply.

2) A paragraph that contains some personal information about yourself. This generally includes your educational background and a few sentences about your experience.

3) In the final paragraph, ask for the interview and let them know how to get in touch with you.

Sample Cover Letters

• Sample Cover Letter

• Sample Cover Letter - Teacher/Education

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Interviews

Interview Tips

1. Be on time. This means a few minutes early.

2. Learn the interviewer’s name and how to pronounce it. You should use Mr. or Ms.

3. Bring a spare copy of your resume, pen and paper in a briefcase or folder.

4. Expect to spend some time developing rapport.

5. Be aware of your non-verbal communication including eye contact and posture.

6. Nervousness is not a negative. Nervousness indicates that you are interested in the position. However, avoid nervous mannerisms, like tapping your fingers, playing with a pen, etc.

7. Do not exaggerate or lie.

8. Do not take over the interview. Answer each question and wait for the next question.

9. Be prepared for some personal questions, even some inappropriate ones. Some interviewers may not be aware of what they can ask, legally. Try to anticipate how you would handle personal questions.

10. Be sure you understand the question. Feel free to ask for clarification.

11. Do not apologize for lack of experience or weaknesses.

12. Be self-confident, but not over-confident.

13. Let the interviewer bring up salary.

14. Silence is not a problem. Feel free to take a few moments to think about an answer.

15. Emphasize what you can do for the organization. Jobs.Employers want to know what you can do for them.

16. Do not try to give the answer the interviewer wants.

17. Always focus on the positive. Do not talk negative about previous supervisors, co-workers, etc.

18. Have a few questions ready. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to research the company.

19. Don’t expect an offer on the spot. It may take a few weeks to process your application.

20. Be yourself. You don’t want to get hired on the basis of something you are not. You want to be hired for who you are.

Commonly Asked Interview Questions

What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

How would you describe yourself?

How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you?

Why should I hire you?

What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in business?

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Why did you select your college or university?

What led you to choose your field of major study?

What college subjects did you like the least? Why?

What college subjects did you like best?

How has you college experience prepared you for a business career?

Describe your most rewarding college experience.

Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?

Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic achievement?

What have you learned form participating in extracurricular activities?

What do you know about our company?

In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?

What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?

Questions You Can Ask an Employer

What qualities do you look for in potential employees?

What does it take to advance in your field?

Has your company hired UA Fort Smith graduates before? How have they done?

What do you consider to be your organization’s three most important assets?

What do you see ahead for your company/organization in the next ten years?

Is this a newly created position or is someone being replaced?

How would I spend a typical day?

When might a decision be made as to whom will be offered the job?

Can I provide you with any further information?

Interview Dress

General Guidelines

Select conservative, professional apparel. Do not allow your apparel to divert the interviewer’s attention from what you say and your qualifications.

Make sure your hair is clean, neat, and professionally styled.

Remove piercings other than single-ear jewelry for interviews.

Cover visible tattoos.

Wear clean and pressed clothing.

Apparel should fit well and remain in place while sitting and/or walking.

Choose professional apparel in accordance with industry standard or specific company policy.

Guidelines for Women's Interview Attire

Wear a conservative (dark blue or gray) two-piece business suit.

Skirts are traditionally knee-length but those slightly shorter or longer are also acceptable.

Avoid transparent, tight-fitting clothing, low necklines, or revealing waistlines.

Wear conservative hosiery.

Do not wear strong perfume.

Use natural-looking makeup and conservative nail polish.

Carry a purse or briefcase with extra resumes.

Wear conservative shoes that match the suit.

Accessories should be worn in moderation.

Guidelines for Men's Interview Attire

Wear a conservative matching suit in navy, black or gray or wear a navy blazer and gray dress slacks.

Wear white or a light blue dress shirt that coordinates with the jacket and pant.

Wear a conservative silk tie that coordinates with the jacket and pant.

Socks should be dark blue, black or gray, and coordinate with the suit.

Wear conservative, clean, and polished shoes that coordinate with your suit.

Wear a belt that matches your shoes.

Wear minimal jewelry.

Wear minimal cologne.

Bring a portfolio with extra resumes.

Helpful Links

• http://education-portal.com/video_library/Job_Interviewing_Videos.html

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Teacher Placement Files

What is a Placement File?

A Placement File is an attractive packet of information used in the application process by Education graduates. It usually contains a cover sheet, a student's resume, letters of recommendation, Praxis scores and transcript. Copies of the Placement File are usually submitted with an application for a teacher position. The Placement File is maintained in the Career Services Office. Copies can be mailed by request of the student or picked at the Career Services Office with proper identification.

Who Needs a Placement File?

Students need a Placement File if seeking education-related employment. In general, public school administrators expect teachers to have an established Placement File. Placement Files are viewed prior to selecting candidates for interview. A Placement File is a concise and convenient source of information about a job candidate. The Placement File is a safe place to house a student's resume and important letters of recommendation.

How do I set up a Placement File?

To establish a Placement File, obtain a registration packet from the Career Services Office. Then the student must submit the following items to the Career Services Office: Completed Data Form, Resume, Letters of Recommendation, Praxis Scores, Transcript, and Teacher’s License Certificate (if available).

How do I request a copy of my Placement File?

Your placement file contains highly confidential information. For your protection, the Career Services Office has to be very careful in the dissemination of that information.

Please adhere to the following guidelines when requesting placement files:

Current Students:

To request a placement file to be picked up or mailed, you have three options:

• Send the request through your LionsLink email

• Send a written request using the “Send Credentials” form

• Visit Career Services in-person with a valid picture ID (school ID, driver’s license)

Alumni:

To request a placement file to be picked up only:

• Send requests through either LionsLink email or an outside email address

Please note: If you send a request through any email other than LionsLink, we will reply with a generic response confirming the request has been received; however, we cannot guarantee the files will be ready for you to pick up if the file does not exist or is incomplete.

• Visit Career Services in-person with a valid picture ID (school ID, driver’s license)

To request a placement file be mailed:

• Mail a written request with signature using the “Send Credentials” form

• Fax a written request with signature using the “Send Credentials” form

• Visit Career Services in-person with a valid picture ID (school ID, driver’s license)

To update documents in placement files:

• Mail new documents to Career Services

• Email new documents to Career Services using LionsLink only

• Visit Career Services in-person with a valid picture ID (school ID, driver’s license)

For your protection, the Career Services Office can NOT accept the following types of requests concerning your Placement File:

• Phone calls

• In-person without ID

• Email other than LionsLink requesting information about your placement file

To view or pick up your placement file, you must present valid picture identification (school ID, driver’s license).

Please allow 24 hours when possible for the preparation of your request.

What happens to my Placement File after I graduate?

Information that is submitted for the Placement File is kept on file for two years. After two years the information is scanned and the paper copy is destroyed. The scanned copy is maintained for eight additional years. Original information should not be submitted.

Is there a fee for Placement Files?

Rates for students the semester before, and one year following, graduation:

Initial Set-up.......................Free

10 copies, picked up...........Free

5 copies, mailed.................Free

Additional copies, picked up..$1.00 each

Additional copies, mailed.......$2.00 each

Alumni Rates: (one year after graduation)

Placement Files picked up....$1.00 each

Placement Files mailed.........$2.00 each

If multiple files are mailed to a single address, the charge is $2.00 for the initial copy and $1.00 for each additional copy. Only three placement files may be mailed in a single envelope.

Students can use their LionsLink email or the "Send Credentials Form" to request copies to be mailed. Alumni should use the "Send Credentials Form" to request files to be mailed and submit payment.

Placement File Forms

• Information Letter

• Checklist

• Data Form

• Letter of Recommendation Form

• Evaluation Checksheet

• Send Credentials Form

• Guidelines for Requesting Placement Files

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