Resumes For College Grads

Resumes For College Grads
By Brian G Chadra

Writing a resume for a college graduate is similar in many respects to that of any other type. In this case, however, the education section is probably more important than the experience area. Recent college graduates have the latest and greatest information available - especially in the areas of technology and science. In these venues, information is exchanged quite rapidly, sometimes updated daily as new advancements are discovered and shared in their respective communities.

So it's this particular strength that you want to highlight for prospective employers. Having the standard header and job objective parts of the resume completed, place your education header next, since it is the first thing an employer will really take a good look at. List the college attended along with dates and degrees awarded. Now, since you are probably short on experience but long on education, let's really showcase this to companies. Many employers will grant education in lieu of experience -- especially the U.S. government, they offer many paid holidays and a great pension plan if you are interested in working for Uncle Sam. Now list any relevant classes that you took that relate to the job sector being targeted.

Be sure to include any laboratories that can be used to prove a knowledge or awareness of this occupation. In addition, list any work study, internship or co-op experience that was a part of the degree program (or not). This shows a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty while also demonstrating a more well-rounded individual to a firm. Be sure to finish up with any job experience that you have had in the past no matter how small. Being able to hold a job is important, no minimize this achievement. Finally include any hobbies or volunteer work or awards that you have gained. Sometimes these will strike a chord with a manager, giving you a foot in the door. That's it, good luck!

Until next time,

BrianC

Best regards,

Brian

Resumes Writing For Internships

Resumes Writing For Internships
By Brian G Chadra

In order to be accepted into that great internship program that you've found, the potential employer wants a resume. What are the do's and don'ts of writing an impressive paper that will put you a leg up on the competition? Let's quickly run down the basic parts of the resume.

There are five sections: header, job objective, education, experience and miscellaneous. A header contains your name, address, phone numbers and email.

The job objective states your intention and level of job opportunity that you seek. Your educational background should list any schools attended, dates and degrees awarded. Experience shows all of your past work history including companies and major duties while there. Finally the miscellaneous section may include military service, hobbies, interests or volunteer. It is yours to do what you see fit.

Now that you have got the basic resume format, let see what to include. Your name in the header should be larger than the balance of the document (just don't make it overpowering). Make sure that all of your contact information in current and up to date.

A firm won't try to contact you twice. Under the job objective section, target the internship offering with a few keywords contained in the proposal that you found. This will look as if your resume is custom made for the internship and you took a lot of time composing it (only you will know the secret). Since you're probably short on experience, use your educational background to make up for that.

College students typically have the latest theories and explanations on a particular topic, therefore use this to your advantage. List any work study's or co-op experiences that you have previously completed. This can be used in lieu of experience which is something that you hope to gain with the internship.

The last section again can be customized to your liking. This can sometimes also get you a foot in the door as common interests are a great conversation starter -- so don't be shy about your hobbies. Finally a word of caution, DON'T under any circumstances put down why you left a job. This can be explained in the interview if it is brought up by the employer. Do not volunteer anything negative. Remember, you are selling yourself. Now go get that internship. Good luck!

Until next time,

Best regards,

Brian

Resumes For First Timers

Resumes For First Timers
By Brian G Chadra

One of the hardest things for a new graduate to adequately write is a resume. This document is supposed to tell a potential employer how good you are in just one page. How is he supposed to discover this without actually talking to you? That's the key here, to appear so appealing on the printed page that you are one of the lucky ones called in for an interview.

OK, so how do you start? Well, let's look at the basic resume layout and get you going. A resume contains 5 sections: header, job objective, education, experience and miscellaneous. In the header, list your name, address, cell and home phone numbers and professional email address (don't use something like dogbone@boremail.com). If you don't have one, there are numerous providers available to get one just for this.

Next comes the job objective, this is a one or two line statement that indicates what you are looking for. At this point in time, probably lead with "seeking entry level position..." and finish with particulars from the actual job advertisement. The intent here is to show some eagerness to work for the company while telling them you are willing to work your way up.

Follow this section with education. Since you probably don't have much experience, hone in on your classes and the best skills that you learned while in school. Emphasize any co-ops or internships or work study experiences that you had. Some employers will also take education in lieu of experience. The federal government is one such employer who takes this heavily under consideration.

Next, list any work experience that you have had. Include full or part time and even volunteer work. All of these have valuable skills that are important to any company. Don't leave anything out. Finally, the last section, include any hobbies or past times that you enjoy. This shows a well rounded individual, and sometimes can strike a note of interest with the hiring manager who may enjoy the same things.

Make sure to spell check and get a few friends to read and critique before getting it printed out. That's it, you have done it! Now go get that job. Good luck.

Until next time

Best regards,

Brian