NLT CAREER BEGINNINGSResume Writing I Social Media I Interviewing
Come learn the fundamentals that will help you in your professional career.
SUMMARY!
The purpose of the summary is to provide a synopsis of your
experience, qualifications, and attributes you posses. This should be a brief paragraph highlighting some key skills.
You can make it specific to the job or industry you are applying for or keep it general.
Years of experienceManagerial skillsDecision making skillsProblem solving
SUMMARY!
A sales professional with ten years of corporate experience, strong communication, management, and organizational skills. Effective decision maker with the ability to build
relationships at all levels of management while providing
quality service.
EDUCATION
Add all completed higher education
Add all higher education actively pursuing (Only if you are a current student)
Do not add incomplete education
EDUCATION
University of Florida Current - Anticipated Completion - June 2015
Doctorate of Business Administration 2012 (DBA)
University of Florida - Graduated 2009 (MBA)Master of Business Administration
University of Florida - Graduated 2007 (BA)Bachelors of Arts
WORK EXPERIENCE
Must be in a chronological order (Most recent job 1st )
Company name, city & state, dates of employment and current job title
Make sure dates are accurateBullet point your job responsibilities
(no stand alone paragraphs)
Highlight all career accomplishments (Increased profits, decreased expenses, performance awards)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Chandran Media Las Vegas, NV 10/2008 – 10/2010
U.S. Area Sales Manager/Recruiter Developed a sales strategy that ensured a 7% increase in
monthly revenue Responsible for the performance and development of the
Account Executives on a quarterly basis Prepared action plans for individuals for effective lead
generation Initiated and developed action plans to penetrate new
markets Oversaw all internal recruiting for account managers
across the country
THE DO’S OF YOUR RESUMEDo
Use action words, such as developed, managed and designed. Keep paragraphs under seven lines. Since resumes are often scanned by
hiring managers and recruiters it has a better chance of being read if it is condensed.
Be honest. Check thoroughly for grammar and spelling mistakes. It's a good idea to
have a friend look it over for unnoticed mistakes. Use Spell Check on computer. Use past tense for past jobs and current tense for current jobs.
Use high-quality paper that is white, ivory or another conservative color. Use normal margins (1 inch on top and bottom, 1.25 inches on sides).
Make sure your resume is clear and visually pleasing. Make your resume unique. List technical skills, certificates awarded,
professional memberships, military experience, travel and community work if it relates to the job you are seeking.
THE DON’TS OF YOUR RESUMEDon’t
Be vague. Use percentages and numbers wherever possible, such as "Cut subsidiary costs by 25%, saving the company $1,400 for the fiscal year."
Be too focused on job duties. Go above and beyond, listing the new programs you took part in.
Write about inappropriate and unnecessary personal experiences.
Always pertain to your activities to the job you are seeking. Use personal pronouns, such as "I" and "me." Include copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation or
awards. Include reasons you left your previous job or salary. Staple your resume.
Personal BrandNow that we are ambassadors for Christ …
2 Corinthians 5:20
Personal Brand directly represents you as an Ambassador of Christ
Therefore it is our due diligence that the representation of Christ is upheld in an upright and professional manner
Personal Brand
Recruiters or Hiring Managers will research your personal brand to ensure it matches resume or interview
Topics that are not legally allowed to ask in an interview, we can find on social media due to its public display
Job seekers need to carefully develop and maintain their brand.
Your brand represents you, your social media reflects your personality and potentially your approach to professionalism
Personal BrandClean-up all social media sites prior to submission
of job application:
Social Media sites should not include controversial topics - example: political discussions
Should be modest True representation of character Include professional picture Reflects soft skills – example: usage of correct grammar
Even if you are not friends with someone, people can usually see your profile photos, things that you "like," and your personal information. Therefore, it is important to make sure you keep your account
professional.
LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site that allows you to connect with employers and follow groups and organizations that interest you. This will
also help educate you about the organization and notify you when jobs have been posted. When setting your
profile picture, make sure to use the most professional photo you own. Your profile allows you to connect with
other people in you network and contributes to your personal brand so make sure to keep your information
updated and current.-Note -
Linked-in is a Revolving door Gives insight to the employer just as much as it gives
the employer insight to a potential employee
Twitter is a micro-blogging platform, allowing you to share updates with your followers in 140 characters or less. Share
content about your own interests or your industry. Engaging in a conversation is a great way to make
connections and get noticed; utilize (#) hashtags that prospective organizations are using to enhance your
chances of communicating.
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Research company website (In-Person or Phone)
Prepare your clothesPrepare your resumes Prepare your questions (In-Person or Phone)
Prepare your driving directions Get some rest Prepare to WIN!
PROPER INTRODUCTION
Always give a firm handshake
Always keep eye contact
Always give your first & last name
Always speak clearly
Always smile
PHONE INTERVIEW TIPS
Be Professional
Be Positive
Be in a quiet space
Articulate & enunciate your words
Smile
PHONE INTERVIEW TIPS
Don’t get distracted
Personal Voicemail
Personal Ringtone
Keep resume in front of you
Have company website open to review (If possible)
INTERVIEWING DO’S & DON’TSSource: MRI Network
DoArrive 10 minutes early. Being late to an interview is never excusable.Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible.
Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a
one-sided conversation.Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of
voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.Be professional. Smile, make eye contact and maintain good posture. These are
simple but important things that are easy to forget to do during an interview.
INTERVIEWING DO’S & DON’TSSource: MRI Network
Don'tDon't answer vague questions. Ask the interviewer to clarify
fuzzy questions.Don't interrupt the interviewer. If you don't listen, the
interviewer won't either.Don't be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is. Don't ramble. Overlong answers may make you sound apologetic
or indecisive. Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully. Don't express resentment. Avoid derogatory remarks about
present or former employers. Don't wear heavy perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not
share your tastes.
CLOSING THE INTERVIEWSource: MRI Network
Job seekers often second-guess themselves after interviews.
By asking good questions and closing strongly, you can reduce post-interview doubts. If you feel that the interview went well and you want to take the next step, express your interest to the interviewer.
Try an approach like the following: "After learning more about your company, the position and responsibilities, I believe that I have the qualities you are looking for. Are there any issues or concerns that would lead you to believe otherwise?"
This is an effective closing question because it opens the door for the hiring manager to be honest with you about his or her feelings.
CLOSING THE INTERVIEWSource: MRI Network
If concerns do exist, you may be able to create an
opportunity to overcome them, and have one final chance to dispel the concerns.
Sell your strengths and end the interview on a positive note.
Make sure that you have thoroughly answered these questions during the interview: "Why are you interested in our company?" and "What can you offer?"
Express appreciation for the interviewer's time and consideration.
Don't expect an offer to be made or a specific salary to be discussed during your first interview.
THE FOLLOW-UPSource: MRI Network
After your interview, follow-up is critical. When you get in your car, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. A "thank you" letter or email should be written no later than 24 hours after the interview. If you are working with a recruiter be sure to call them to discuss your interview and your next steps.
Men/Women: No tight fitted clothing, Tailored clothing
Women: No skirts above the knee
Men/Women: No visible tattoos
Men: No excessive facial hair, keep it well groomed
Women: No outrageous long nails French tip or clear polish preferably
Men/Women: No wild haircuts/hairdos, keep it conservative
Men/Women: Conservative color suits (Black, Blue, or Grey)