Resume Writing Tips

These Career Center Partners generously support Michigan Tech students!

These Career Center Partners generously support Michigan Tech students!

Create an Outstanding and Effective Resume

• The first and perhaps the most vital step in preparing yourself for a successful job search is to create a powerful resume that will open doors and generate interviews.

• You’ll want a powerfully effective and attractive resume because:

“On average, most recruiters spend about 30 seconds scanning a resume and cover letter before sending it to the “yes” or “no” pile.”

Top Ten Skills Companies are Looking for in YOU!

1. Co-Op/Internship/Project Experience

2. Communication Skills (both written and oral)

3. Strong Work Ethic

4. Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

5. Computer and Technical Skills

6. Motivation and Initiative

7. Problem Solving/Analytical/Ingenuity

8. Flexibility/Adaptability

9. Accomplishments/Achievements

10. Confidence in your own character and skill set

Evidence

• Use your resume to provide

evidence of those skills companies

are looking for.

• Provide detailed examples.

• If you don’t have many of those

skills, start developing them NOW!

How do I create a resume?

Consider the following categories:

Objective - what you want to do, who you want to work for)

Education - schools, locations, degrees, dates, GPAs

Project Experiences - Enterprise, Senior Design, Coursework, Extra-Curricular

Work Experiences - paid, unpaid, volunteer

Skills - Computer, Technical, Language

Accomplishments - don’t be shy

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Make it easy for recruiter to find you

• Include name, permanent and/or school address, telephone number, e-mail address

• Avoid information that is about to expire

• E-mail address should be civil, business-like

• URL of personal webpage may be included, if only professional information and images

EDUCATION

Michigan Technological University Houghton, MIB.S. Electrical Engineering Expected May 2009Minor:Concentration: Focus:GPA 3.1

CO-OP/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Caterpillar, Inc. Peoria, ILManufacturing Co-op Engineer 2008

Researched Designed Processed Fabricated Tested Identified Programmed Assembled Repaired Upgraded

ENTERPRISE/SENIOR DESIGN/PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Michigan Technological University Enterprise Program

SAE Formula One – Fuel Systems Team

Objective: to design and build a small formula style race car that will compete in a national competition against 100+ technical universities and colleges

Methods:

• Working on a team of 10

• Researching and analyzing fuel injection systems

• Identifying optimal systems for use in car

• Designing and tuning engine systems using GTPower

Results: successfully built race car that beat the pants off of all our competition

WORK EXPERIENCE

ABC Electrical Company Anytown, MI

Electrician Assistant Summers 2006, 2007

Installed electric service

Designed circuits from blueprints

Wired outlets, lights, switches, hot water heater

Country Diner Anytown, MIChief Cook and Bottle Washer Summer 2005

COMPUTER SKILLS

Operating systems: Windows (98, XP) UNIX

Programming: Java, C++, C, Fortran, Assembly

Software: Mathematica, CADKEY, DATACAD, Matlab, MathCAD, Verilog, UGNX, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Labview, Star Office

ACCOMPLISHMENTS/ACHIEVEMENTSLEADERSHIP/VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Scholarships Awards Honors Certifications 4-H Honor Society Boy Scouts Athletic Teams Missions Church Youth Group Martial Arts Aviation Entrepreneurial Experience

REFERENCES

NameTitleDepartmentCompany/University/OrganizationAddressAddressPhoneemail

Understanding Michigan Tech’s Powerful Job Posting Software

What is NACElink?

Michigan Tech Career Center’s on-line system for: Co-op, summer intern and full time postings

Resume books

Interview scheduling

Career Center and company events

Open to all registered students and alumni

Offers career articles, advice and blogs

NACElink vs Monster?

NACElink:

Is specific to Michigan Tech students

Allows you to sign up for interviews directly

Shows employer contact names and info

Lists Career Center events

The Power of NACElink

2006-2007 Quick Facts:

27,974 = Resumes reviewed by employers

1,325 = Jobs posted just in Dec. 2007!

54% = Increase of job postings from 2006

Demonstration Login and complete profile

Upload resume, cover letter, etc.

Publish resume(s) in appropriate books

Search and apply for jobs

Review Calendar functions

Search for specific employers

Visit us at the Career CenterOffice Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am – 5 pm

Drop in or call ahead for an appointment 487-2313

Check out our website – www.career.mtu.edu

Additional Web Resources

JobCentral.com

Engineer.info

Medzilla.com

Remember Google!

usajobs.gov

Godefense.gov

Sciencecareers.org (Grad students)

Career.mtu.edu (check out links)