resume is one of the most impor-

tant — if not the most important

— document during a job search.

A potential employer needs it to see what

you’ve done and what you’re capable of

doing. Coupled with a cover letter, a resume

is an introduction to you and your work ex-

perience.

Here are a few tips, courtesy of the James

W. Stuckert Career Center’s website, for

making an easy-to-read resume to send

with a job application or present at a career

fair.

— Slim your resume down to one

page. Emphasize your most recent experi-

ences related to the job you’re applying for,

and list only relevant skills.

— Be clear and accurate when describ-

ing your experience in a past job. If the job

title doesn’t tell what you did, include a

brief description of your responsibilities and

skills learned. Use action verbs when de-

scribing these responsibilities.

— List your education, including col-

leges you have attended, your GPA if it’s 3.0

or higher and any academic honors or schol-

arships. Include an objective that clearly

states the position you’re applying for. In-

clude any skills, extracurricular activities,

volunteer experience and relevant hobbies.

— Make it readable and if you do an

unconventional design, don’t make it too

busy or cluttered. Employers and interview-

ers look over resumes quickly and might

have trouble finding the important informa-

tion if there are lots of lines, multiple

columns or small print. White space, bolding

and bullets can make a resume look clean

and legible.

— Proofread your resume. And have

someone else proofread it, too. A mistake

or typo can make a bad first impression on

an interviewer.

It might be necessary to make different re-

sumes for different positions. Have multiple

copies on hand when attending a career fair

or interview.

3The Kentucky Kernel | Celebrating 40 years of independence

Get Started

putting together a

great resumeBecca Clemons

A

ANDING an interview for your dream job after per-

fecting your resume and cover letter can be ex-

tremely nerve racking, especially when you’re unsure

about how to “seal the deal” with your interview outfit.

The pressure of what to wear to your interview is

nothing to take lightly. After all, a first impression is a

lasting impression.

The expectations of interview attire vary from one in-

dustry to another; however, the purpose still remains

the same. The following tips can be adjusted to the

work environment within each career field.

GirlsCreative jobs (design, publishing, advertising, art, etc.).

Jobs in this field are typically more open to personal style

and self-expression, and employers actually prefer to see

how your creativity is expressed in more areas than one.

• Choose one professional piece (Ex.: a blazer, pencil

skirt or pants). Despite a more relaxed interview look, a

professional piece still lets your interviewer know that

you still take the interview seriously.

• Wear a patterned or colorful top. This is your oppor-

tunity to express your personal style.

• Accessorize with a statement piece (Ex.: a necklace,

ring or brooch). A bold statement piece will help you

stand out from other candidates. However, think mini-

malist. Try to avoid statement earrings or bracelets, as

these may distract the interviewer from what you are

saying.

• Carry a large-sized bag. This is a perfect way for you

to carry your portfolio without the traditional briefcase

look.

Corporate jobs. These positions are typically within a

more formal setting. Personal style can still be reflected

in your interview attire.

• Wear a suit. A suit does not equal a frumpy look. Try

a high-waisted pencil skirt or tailored pants for a more

modern look.

• Choose a simple top. Neutral colors like white,

blush, cream and gray are good options.

• Avoid open-toe shoes and pointed-toe shoes. A

standard 3-inch round-toe pump is best.

• Express your personal style with how you acces-

sorize your look, but remember to keep the main focus

on you, not your jewelry.

• Wear no more than two buttons on blazer. Any

more than two buttons looks old, outdated and bulky.

GuysCreative jobs.

• Wear casual slacks. Because of the more casual en-

vironment, dress slacks are probably a little too dressy.

Be sure to wear something casual, yet still polished and

professional.

• Be bold. Since your pants are casual, draw attention

with your shirt and tie. Don’t be afraid of bold patterns

(striped or gingham) or colors.

• Wear a cardigan. A cardigan over a shirt and tie

gives the look a more professional feel.

• Your shoes are on you. Depending on how dressy or

casual your look is, you can wear dress shoes for a more

professional look or tone things down with a pair of

loafers.

Corporate jobs.

• Wear a power suit. In this career path, power and

confidence are key! A black, charcoal or navy suit is best

with a white dress shirt and tie. Ties can be bold, but re-

member the tone of the company interviewing you.

General Tips• Know the style of the company.

• Dress for the position you are interviewing for.

• Fit is key. A well fitting suit, skirt or pants can make

an outfit much more polished.

• Hair should be clean, neat and away from the face.

• Nails should be well manicured and short. Women

should wear very light colors or clear polish.

• Keep perfume and cologne to a minimum.

• Panty hose are preferred by most employers

(women).

• Makeup should be neutral and minimal (women).

• Men should avoid jewelry other than a wedding

band and watch.

Dressing for a job interview is always a stressful

process, but an accurate reflection of you and your abil-

ities is worth it.

Shelisa Melendez

4 Kernel Entertainment Guide | Career Guide | November 2011

Fashion How to dress for an interview

L

NTERVIEWING can be quite the over-

whelming experience.

But, the rocky relationship you may

have with interviewing doesn’t necessari-

ly have to exist. Think of it this way: You

have been invited to an interview

because the employer saw something in

you or on your resume that sparked his

or her interest. The interview is only used

to cement that you are indeed who the

company has been looking for in an

employee.

So prove that you have what it takes to

be their future employee by following

these simple steps.

Step one: Do your research. Show that

you have taken some time to see what

the company is all about. Throwing in a

couple of facts in the interview from your

research always proves to be a good

thing. You are already showing initiative

about your future.

Step two: Practice, practice, practice.

This is often an overlooked area of inter-

viewing. Get your friends or professors to

ask you questions in an interview-like

setting and see how you do. After it is

through, your interviewer can tell you

what you need to improve on. The

Stuckert Career Center, located on Rose

Street, actually offers practice inter-

views. Just call the center at 859-257-

2746 to schedule an appointment.

Step three: Be on time and dress profes-

sionally. Arrive to the location of the

interview about 15 minutes early. In

terms of dress code, it is always better to

be safe than sorry. Don’t go too trendy or

too casual. Go with something conserva-

tive and something you’re comfortable

in.

Lastly, just be yourself. You are the one

who wants to get hired, not the person

you are pretending to be. Being honest

will pay off in the end. Also, sending a

thank-you note after an interview is a

good idea to establish a good rapport

with the interviewer and keep you in his

or her mind.

Good luck!

6 Kernel Entertainment Guide | Career Guide | November 2011

In the Field

IKate Carpenter