Happy Monday!! My name is Sean Wells. I wanted to talk to you a little bit about creating your resume.
During this semester, we, your mentoring team, have talked about what interdisciplinary studies are, critical thinking, integration, interdisciplinary research, and problem solving. Now that you have a basic understanding of what it means to be an IDS Major, you need to learn how to make yourself as marketable as possible to potential employers. As you work with your e-portfolio, you will begin to shape your knowledge and experience into a tool that you will be able to use in the future to help obtain that all-important career that you have worked so hard to land. Finding how your strengths and experiences integrate together will help you prepare an awesome resume and cover letter to present to prospective employers.
Rewind about 10 to 15 years. When you wanted a job, you would research potential openings, call the company to find out whom to send a resume to, and then hope for a call. If you got one, you knew you were one of the select few. Most of the time you interviewed with someone fairly high up in the company, who actually took time to read your resume and valued the added effort of using the finest quality stationary available.
So what’s different now versus those “old days”? It all depends. Many companies now, especially medium to large sized employers, use technology to, at a minimum, pre-screen resumes for potential candidates. Resumes are scanned by computer and compared to a database of keywords and requirements to match candidates to potential positions within the company. When a match is found, those resumes are forwarded on to the respective departments to further weed out the candidates and set up interviews. The reality is, however, that your resume is usually one of thousands.
What does make a difference is the CONTENT you put into that resume. One of the things you will work extensively on in your e-portfolio is the content pages. It is the type and quality information that you convey that is critical to a good resume. It is best to know the company and position you applying for, and tailor your resume to match. Mentioning that you volunteered as a lifeguard last summer is perfect if you are applying for the Beach Patrol, or even a paramedic type position. But it won’t do much if you are applying for an insurance or banking position.
With the advances in word processing, and resume templates, there is no excuse for a resume containing typographical errors and poor formatting. This is one of the most important documents you will ever create. You are selling yourself to potential employers. Every computer program available has some type of spelling and grammar checker built in. Take advantage of them. Use every resource available, including us. UCF even has resources that can help you. Take a look at some of these:
Write Effective Resumes and Cover Letters
Write a Winning Resume with Quiz
Cover Letters and Thank You Letters
Sample Resumes and Cover Letters
Now comes the fun part. Think about how these questions parallel your own questions and concerns about your resume. Choose any or all to answer.
· What are ways your resume can highlight your interdisciplinarity?
· What are some questions about cover letters you've have?
· Share your best cover letter
· What are questions about resumes that you have and/or share some advice?
· Share any resources you've found about cover letters and/or resumes.
Your resume is your own personal advertisement. When someone is reading it, you have a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself, and show that you are the most qualified applicant for the position. Share your thoughts and opinions on what makes a great resume. Good luck!!
Sean Wells
My resume will show the diverse activities and interests I have. It will show that I am a well-rounded individual and can bring a unique approach to the table. Some advice I would give about resumes is just as Sean suggested. One should tailor it to the specific job they are applying to. Also after going to many job seminars I have learnt that your name should stand out on the paper meaning use a bigger font and/or bold lettering. Some of the most helpful resources I have gotten apart from the information I have learnt in this class, was from attending job fairs and seminars and having actual employers critique me.
ReplyDeleteFrancine Bacchus
I agree. There is nothing like experience to increase skills and confidence. Even when it is a negative response, we can then improve and increase our presenting abilities. Tailoring the resume is another concept I've heard, but I have only done it a few times. When I've tailored, I've been offered a job.
DeleteFrancine,
DeleteI also got that advice. We have to make it a point to make our resume stand out. That is why I think that everyone should have a letter head. Most people do not have one and it adds a little extra to you resume. I also think the objective is very important because right under your name, is the objective. That should interest the employer to keep reading the resume and hopefully get a call back.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Daphne, don't be afraid to tailor your degree as well in regards to your resume. An interdisciplinary degree needs a little explanation. Explain yours in a way that best suits the needs of the position. After all, we have that luxury in IDS. Our degrees are what we made them to be. They're not just Business or English.
Delete~Hope
Excellent guidance has been given.
ReplyDeleteSample CV Template
Jaylen,
DeleteThese were excellent templates. There was one specifically targeted to the different work fields. It is amazing the wealth of information and knowledge there is on the internet.
Thanks for sharing,
Francine Bacchus
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI like the CV template. I've really never focused on learning how to write a Curriculum Vitae and have always done a resume. It will be fun to adjust and learn this process. Thanks for sharing, I'm looking forward to trying it out.
DeleteI believe it is important to focus the resume on the position or career path desired. Each position may require editing the resume to include industry key words to gain the interest of the hiring manager. It is important to determine the career path and focus on the path chosen by including the diverse education earned in my IDS degree. Focusing on the value brought to an organization by a interdisciplinary education will intrigue, I believe.
ReplyDeleteIncluding the Behavioral Sciences and Educational majors in my resume while representing activities supporting use of these majors should increase my marketability. What could be better than a teacher who understands cultural differences and how it applies to learning?
Cover letters are always a mystery to me. Not too long, but informative and eye-catching to get your foot in the door for an interview is what I've heard. Unfortunately, it is a delicate balance and subjective depending upon the HR person skimming the letters. Researching the organization and possibly the person who will decide to call you in, if possible, will help me write a better cover letter.
Daphne Keys
Daphne,
DeleteI agree with you about coverletters. It shouldn't be too long and it should be eye catching. I had difficulty writing a coverletter because I didn't know what to write. I found a sample letter and used it to make mine. I also think that a resume should be based on the career. It should be in relation to the job we are applying for.
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Great idea suggesting using key industry words. It really is about selling yourself to prospective employers. Many companies now even have software that scans resumes for key words and phrases. Based on the findings, some applicants are automatically eliminated. It's a scary technological world we are moving forward in!
DeleteEmily Pate
Daphne,
DeleteI agree with what you said about researching the organization and basing the cover letter on your findings. This way you have an idea as to what the organization is looking for and you can market yourself accordingly. It definitely creates a better cover letter, and no two cover letters should be the same when applying for various positions.
Jana Read
Daphne,
DeleteYou gave two very excellent points. First being the newest thing I have learnt about resumes and that is key words. After learning about the new database that potential employers are using to screen applicants my whole idea of how I would market myself has changed.
Also for a person unsure of what key words to use research on the company is the best way to go.
Thanks for sharing,
Francine Bacchus
I have always struggled with how long cover letters should be and how to best catch the reader. The previous module helped by outlining what each section of the cover letter should include, but the cover letter is still by far my most dreaded aspect of a resume. When writing resumes I use a check list to make sure that I have everything done in order to hand in my best work. This checklist includes:
ReplyDelete-Utilized best format (chronological, functional, combination)
-Easy to read font min 10pts
-Equal margins
-1 page
-Consistency in information presenting (format, etc)
-Heading name larger in bold at the top of the page
-Contact information clear and up to date
-Objective necessary and short
-Current degree listed
-Accomplishments such as honors, scholarships, deans list
-Relevant experience/Courses
-Experiences are listed in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent
-Inclusive dates
-Consistent verb tense throughout
-No spelling or punctuation errors
-Consistent capitalization and punctuation
-Stephanie Krall
Stephanie,
DeleteThis is such a good idea. I also struggle with cover letter and what needs to be included. This checklist is very helpful because it tells me exactly what needs to be in the letter. I think the most important thing in the letter should be direct intent in the position. You made it very clear to add an object that is short. Great Post!
-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Stephanie,
DeleteI disagree with the notion resumes should only be one page. That used to be a school of thought in years past, but now, employers don’t want you to limit or minimize experiences and jobs to conform to one page. Perhaps if it’s an entry level position it may be more appropriate, but I’ve seen CVs of some very high level individuals that were a few pages long. They weren’t looked down upon because they contained their information to just one page. I think it’s about catering to and knowing your audience. One standard set of rules cannot always be applied in every situation.
Emily Pate
Emily,
DeleteI think in most cases, the resume should be only one page, unless there is extensive undergraduate work or years of career experience to be explained. Otherwise, the resume should be just one page to make it easy to skim over, highlighting those important aspects of educational and occupational experience. The cover letter is what should be use to add more background information and detailed experiences.
Jana Read
Before taking this course I had never even heard of a cover letter. I've heard of a resume, and a portfolio, but never a cover letter. I now understand what it is and it's purpose. I really like your check list. I copied it to keep :). Sometimes you can become consumed in making sure you get everything on you resume and it looks just right, and forget something really important. Thanks for the checklist!
Delete~Ashley Monk
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteYour checklist looks great. The main point of the cover letter is the like to cover of a book. It needs to grab the reader at moment one and intrigue them to read on. Each one of the items on your checklist look great, but I would think about picking what you feel are the best ones, are the ones that highlight your best qualities, and go with those. Keep it simple, but powerful.
I think the most important thing in a resume is the resume itself. It should look different so that your resume stands out. I created a personal letterhead with all my information. I also wrote my cover letter on the letter head and it just adds that little something extra that hopefully catches the eye of future employers. According to the video we saw for the resume assignment, it said that a resume should be printed on beige or gray paper to make it different from white paper resumes. These are some of the many suggestions available to help make a memorable resume.
ReplyDelete-Rafaelina A. Mercado
Good idea about using a unique letterhead. I do that myself. I also added a header on each page after the first. It creates fluency to the resume and is eye catching. Sometimes, unfortunately, that’s all it takes. It isn’t about content sometimes but flare!!
DeleteEmily Pate
I agree that the cover letter should stand out because like they say first impressions always last, but I struggle with the tone that I should have in the cover letter. I feel that when being interviewed you should be professional, but then a line is drawn between your personality and trying to remain professional. One one specific interview I had when I first entered college the employer said that they could not tell what my personality was like. I feel that at interviews though you should act more professionally but then you run the risk of the employer not seeing the real you.
DeleteStephanie Krall
Just be careful with this, you don't want your resume to have a cartoon look. Keep it professional, and what makes you stand out is your cover letter. Show how YOU are the one for the job and how only YOU can bring such great work to a company.
DeleteI think it is a great idea to put you resume and cover letter on "special paper" and do something different with you header. Of course you don't want to do anything to crazy that would make it look unprofessional, but you do want it to stand out. If I were an employer looking through resume after resume and they all looked the same, then I came across one that was a little different I would pay more attention to that one. It will catch the readers eye and cause them to be more interested. I believe this is perfectly doable without making your resume look like a cartoon.
Delete~Ashley Monk
One note from the blog I disagree with slightly, depending upon the options for volunteer work you have to list on your resume - "Mentioning that you volunteered as a lifeguard last summer is perfect if you are applying for the Beach Patrol, or even a paramedic type position. But it won’t do much if you are applying for an insurance or banking position." If you have no other volunteer work or limited options to list, I think you should list it. Many employers today are looking for well-rounded individuals and volunteer work is important, even when it's not necessarily relevant to the skill set of the position sought.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this. In my opinion if an employer is looking at a resume and there are only a few listed jobs they will pick someone who has more experience or was actually involved in the community. Not only will listing volunteer work fill in gaps, it will show that the individual is involved and compassionate about others and issues in the community.
DeleteStephanie Krall
Very good response stephanie and daphne, I think that volunteer work is essential and will show who you are as a person.
DeleteCover letters seem to be a recurring theme! They often puzzle me. To my knowledge, they are a relatively new part of everyday resumes. I know in the past, the resume was often enough, except for in higher positions. It seems that in order to get a leg up in today’s world, even the most rudimentary positions would like a cover letter attached. Quite frankly, they all seem a little mundane a rudimentary, which really defeats the whole purpose!
ReplyDeleteI realize that through the cover letter, employers are trying to get a sense of who you are, but it seems like a literal black and white issue that doesn’t translate very well. So, I tend to focus on the resume. I think one thing younger applicants need to know, from my view point anyway, is that EVERY job you’ve had needn’t be listed. It tends to make you look like you can’t stay focused or loyal for long. So I would omit any jobs you weren’t at for very long, especially if you didn’t learn anything pertinent you can apply.
What I’d like to know from you guys, have you ever applied for a job that asked you for your salary history or requirements up front? If so, how did you handle that situation? Also, does anyone have any response to the latest media focus on employers asking for Facebook passwords?
Emily Pate
I have been in situations where employers ask for your last job pay or ask how much you believe you should be paid. I have always handled the situation by telling them what my last pay was and then tell them that in order to state an accurate salary I will need to know the responsibilities that the job entails. As for the Facebook issue, I know that Disney has been checking Facebooks for a while, and they do not play. If they find that you post anything on your FB about the park such as a ride going down or other information that "ruins the magic" they will notify you immediately to have it removed. FB monitoring serves as a way to keep tabs on employees and an informal background check to see what people are like. I do not agree with it completely, but I do see how an employee such as a teacher who does not have the most appropriate pictures on their FB could cause a school to receive negative attention.
DeleteStephanie Krall
My experience with resumes and cover letters are that each HR personnel look for such vast different things. I try to make my cover letter say the write words to catch the companies eyes, by seeing what the company is about from their website. Usually their mission statement gives me great insight on what they are looking for.
ReplyDeleteI am right now interviewing with Progressive Insurance and from the first phone interview they told me the pay and asked me if I wanted to accept that to go on with the interviewing process. Well, since I would like to get back into the workplace I told them yes. This company has sent me so much information about their company to get me prepared for my face to face interview in April. They are advocates to allowing their employees to use facebook. I have to say, that I would have never thought of a career at progressive Insurance but as I look find more information about them, they are such family oriented company.
My resume changes due to whatever job I am applying for. As stated my many, if the job doesn't fit a past volunteer experience, I leave it out. My one challenge is trying to make sure to keep my resume to one page because I feel that I have some much experience that needs to be shown to the employer. As a graduating senior, I have to say our career service center has been a great help with my resume.
The resume should definitely change according to the job you're applying for! But I've only recently learned that this is okay, since I'm gaining more job experience and educational experience and I can no longer fit it all in my resume. Sometimes I struggle with what I should leave in and what I should cut out from my resume. I have a lot of restaurant experience, but who knows, maybe the interviewer for a restaurant position will appreciate that I have teaching experience or retail experience. Or the other way around, if I'm trying to land a teaching or tutoring position, maybe my employer would like to see more than just my experience with teaching, and that I do have skills in other areas. I'm sure this is something I'll get better at in the next few years as I build more resumes for various positions.
DeleteJana Read
As mentioned above UCF has great resources for making a resume and cover letter. So far all of the resources I utilized don't have anything about past work experience. They all have a place for the volunteer work, internships, or clubs and organizations you've participated in, but know mention of your job history. I understand if your current job is not relevant to the job you are applying for you don't want to include it, but the job I currently have I've been at for seven years. So although the job and skills may not be relevant, doesn't it say something that I haven't been job hopping most of my young adult life?
ReplyDelete~Ashley Monk