10
jayplay
thursday, august 21, 2003
RÉSUME WRITING TIPS
A good résumé could be the deciding factor for an employer to hire an applicant. With this in mind, it is important to know the basics of how to write a good résumé and what steps should be taken to produce that outstanding résumé.
After compiling a solid list, go through and identify the information that should be used on the résumé. To do this, students must think about the employer and who it is looking for to fill the position. Its important to choose the information carefully, while also focusing the information so it is clear and brief.
The first steps are to brainstorm, compile and organize the information. This means students need to put together a list of all the significant achievements, hobbies, volunteer projects, school history, extracurricular activities and any other information the employer may want to know.
www.jobweb.com
www.vault.com
jobsmart.org
The University Career and Employment Services Web site, www.ku.edu/~uecs,
provides suggestions for students on how to write a résumé.
Now students should be ready to write the résumé. The résumé should reflect the student through the format, headings, customization and the experiences of the student. Although everyone applying for the job will turn in a résumé, students should try to format their résumés to represent themselves as individuals.
ON THE WEB
Once the résumé is written, it should be proofread several times and edited more than once. It is also a good idea to have outsiders look at the résumé because they may notice something that the writer did not. These proofreaders could be family members, friends or references from the résumé. Students can also take their résumés to UCES and have its employees look it over.
When writing a résumé, it is good to keep in mind that résumés do not necessarily get students jobs; they get them the interviews needed to get the jobs. Also remember that résumés should convey unique skills as they relate to the position, but they should not indicate every personal detail, rather only those that highlight the specific qualifications applicable for the position.
THE HUNT IS ON
By Maggie Koerth
mkoerth@kansan.com
Jayplay staff writer
The prospect of another year working part time to make ends meet is, admittedly, not awe-inspiring. Few students look forward to serving food, selling clothes or working a campus job for minimum wage. But the proverbial "crap job" doesn't have to be without its upside. Part-time campus jobs that relate to specific majors are available and even off-campus jobs can provide skills you can use in the real world.
Keith Redmond, Kansas City, Kan., senior, is a theatre major. For the past few semesters he has been working in the costume shop at the University, helping to pick and create the outfits student actors wear on stage. Redmond says the
experience helped
director for University Career and Employment Services. Her office helps students connect with career-enhancing job opportunities through their Web site, www.ku.edu/~uces. Hartley says internships probably provide the best opportunities to learn skills and get résumé-worthy credentials, but she cautioned that not all internships would bring home the bacon. "Depending on the skills you need, you might need to take an unpaid internship to get the experience," she said. "You might need to take a part-time job on top of that, but if it's what you want to do and what you really love, then you should try to make it work."
Hartley also suggested getting involved with campus organizations related to your major. That way you can get experience and skills, even if not through a job. Some student organizations, such as Student Union Activities, even have paid leadership positions.
For some students, an off-campus retail or service job can provide career-applicable skills. Fallon Farokhi, Lawrence senior, has worked at the Gap in Lawrence since she was in high school. Farokhi wants to teach elementary school after she graduates. She says working at the Gap has helped to prepare her for that."You have to learn how to adapt yourself and your personality to deal with so many different customers and managers and co-workers," she said. "That's just the kind of thing I am going to have to do with students, their parents and school administration later on."
Whether you're looking for an on-campus job, off-campus job or an internship, the Web site of University Career and Employment Services is a great place to find opportunities. Another tactic for finding a position is to just keep your eyes open and talk to people about what you're looking for. For instance, when Keith Redmond decided he wanted a second part-time job, he got one by chatting with the boss of a friend.
Job Search Tips
You've got a résumé. You've got an "interview" suit. But do you really know how to find a job? It isn't as easy as just dropping off a résumé. Hartley, associate director of University Career and Employment Services, makes a living by helping students find both full- and part-time jobs. She shares some of her job-hunting tips with Jayplay.
1) Do your homework.
"Definitely know something about the organization you are applying to," Hartley says. "Their history, who's in charge, who they are." Not doing background research is one of the biggest mistakes career-hunting students make. Hartley says. This research might also help you get the part-time job you need to make ends meet during school. Hartley says research isn't expected in parttime jobs, but with the job market tight this year, even for part-time jobs, anything you can do to make yourself stand out is important.
2) Don't be passive.
Dropping off a résumé is just the first step in a process. In a bad job market, it's important to keep in contact with the employer so he knows that you really want that job. Hartley says. It helps to make face-to-face contacts so that you become more than a disembodied application. "Don't call every single day," Hartley says. "But unless they tell you 'no phone calls,' most employers don't have a problem with follow-ups."
3) Be positive.
Attitude is everything on the job hunt. "It's like going on a blind date," Redmond says. "You try to make yourself look good and sound articulate and right for the job." Hartley calls this "selling yourself to the employer." She says the one thing interviewers everywhere look for is an applicant with a positive attitude who is willing to work and be reliable. These are all things you can show off in an interview setting.
4) Be open-minded.
"Ive had so many students go to the career fair and find jobs at companies they didn't even know existed," Hartley says. Don't pick out one amazing company as the only one you'll work for. There are more options available than you know about. Even if you have to take a job you aren't thrilled with at first, it could lead to something better. Hartley says.
5) Pay attention.
Part of impressing a potential employer is proving that you notice detail and can follow instructions, Hartley says. The best place to start is by turning in your application materials in the format that the company wants them. Don't just think you can mail in your materials and be done. "A lot more is done electronically now," Hartley says. "They may not do anything with a mailed-in copy."