Sample Resumes, Cover Letters, Interview Questions, and the 4-Year Developmental Plan.

Transcription

1 Sample Resumes, Cover Letters, Interview Questions, and the 4-Year Developmental Plan. Register in the AIC Career Services database to view part-time and full-time jobs, work study opportunities, and internships in the Career Services web-page. View MonsterTrak jobs (jobs requiring 1-3 years) experience directly through the Career Services Job database. AIC Career Services is located in the Campus Center. or call to schedule an appointment Visit the college web-page at access the Career Services link to register.

2 WHAT IS A COVER LETTER? A cover letter is an application or letter of interest for a particular job whether solicited from advertisement or non-solicited. A cover letter should always be included with a resume. A cover letter introduces a job hunter to an employer and indicates a desire for an interview with that employer. THREE COMPONENTS TO A COVER LETTER 1. First Paragraph: States the desired position and how you learned about the job. Job hunters find employment openings through the newspaper, school, an employee of the company, or the Internet. 2. Second Paragraph: Includes the body of the letter and explains why you should be hired by describing how your work experience qualifies you for the job. Refer the employer to the resume when describing qualifications. But do not repeat the same information that is in the resume. Indicate why you are interested in the company. (Use a third paragraph to further explain your qualifications and interests if necessary). 3. Final Paragraph: Indicates a desire for an interview. Include contact information and indicate the type of response you anticipate from the letter. Always detail how you will follow up on your application. With the exception of school districts, never end the cover letter with "look forward to hearing from you soon." An employer (other than school districts) may not call candidates so it is ineffective to put the ball in the employer's court. COVER LETTER TIPS Always address the cover letter to a specific person, usually the individual responsible for filling the position. Never address the cover letter to "Sir or Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern." This is a letter to a real person so it should be addressed to a person's name. Call the company or research the company at the library or over the Internet to get the name and title of the person responsible for hiring. If you cannot find a particular person's name use the person's title such as "Human Resource Manager." Be concise but natural when writing the cover letter. Write the letter similar to the way you normally speak. Omit any personal information. Remember that this is a formal letter. Do not use clichés such as "I've taken the liberty of enclosing my resume," or "I'm a people person." A cover letter should be unique to your talents and capabilities. The more unique the letter the higher your chance of securing an interview. Avoid sending standard cover letters to employers. You never know if one hiring manager at one company knows another hiring manager at another company. You would not want both individuals to discover that each received the same letter! Always proofread the letter for grammatical and spelling mistakes. Remember to sign the letter and keep a copy for yourself for future reference.

3 Solicited Sample Cover Letter Your Name 17 Any Road Any Town, NJ April 15, 2011 Robert E. Barnes Director of Human Resources ABC 99 Any Plaza New York, NY Dear Mr. Barnes: (Always find out the Director's name if possible) This letter is in response to your advertisement on April 12th in The New York Times for a Public Relations Assistant. I have enclosed my resume for your review and consideration. Next month I will graduate from American International College with a degree in Communications. I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa this month and expect to graduate with honors in May. I am interested in working in the television industry and would be most pleased to be a part of the ABC team. I possess strong written and verbal communication skills and feel certain that I would do an excellent job in meeting the demands of this position. I have prepared featured articles with the AIC Yellow Jacket, prepared press releases with the public relations office, and organized three major recruiting events with our admissions office and other departments. I will contact you within a week to ensure receipt of this letter of application. I am willing to travel to New York for an interview if necessary. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Barton T. Quigley American International College 1000 State Street Box 99 Springfield, MA Encl.: resume

4 Unsolicited Sample Cover Letter Brian Washington 2556 Any Street Springfield, MA April 22, 2011 Ms. Leena Johnson Crestwood Elementary School 99 Any Drive Holyoke, MA Dear Ms. Johnson: I will be graduating from American International College in May with a Master's degree in Elementary Education. Please consider my application for employment as an elementary school teacher in Crestwood Elementary School. I have enclosed my resume for your consideration. I can also supply a complete credentials file upon request. American International College has exposed me to the latest developments in the teaching profession. It has also given me the opportunity to participate in different classroom situations. I will continue to strive to be a successful teacher because I enjoy challenges, work hard, and I am concerned with doing the best I can at all times. I attain key strengths in student counseling, cooperative learning, child-centered classrooms, and seek to instill a sense of worth in students. I would like to meet with you to answer any questions you may have, and so I can explain how I can be an asset to Crestwood Elementary School. I will contact you within the next week to ensure receipt of my resume. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Brian Washington Encl.: Resume

5 Sample Cover Letter - Referral by Employee Martha Wayans 99 Any Street New York, NY mwayans@verizon.com May 3, 2011 George Jacobs Department of Human Resources AT&T 999 Any Avenue New York, NY Dear Mr. Jacobs: Mitchell Sanderson, who works in the sales department at AT&T, suggested I contact you regarding a possible opening in your public relations department. I have enclosed my resume for your consideration. I will graduate this month from American International College with a degree in Communications. My recent induction into the Communications Honor Society (Beta Alpha Psi) was a personal milestone. I am also a member of the Association of International Business (A.I.B.). I am interested in working in the communications industry in the field of public relations and I feel that AT&T would offer much opportunity, especially since the company is renowned in the telecommunications industry. I will call you in one week to follow up on this letter. I am very excited about the prospects for working at AT&T. Please feel free to call Mr. Sanderson for a reference. Sincerely, Martha Wayans Encl.: resume

6 August 21, 2011 Sample Cover Letter: Job Fair/Employer Presentation On-Campus Dan Lui 17 Any Road Any Town, NJ Robert Crain Director of Human Resources Farallon, Inc. 99 Any Drive Any Town, NJ Dear Mr. Crain: After your visit to American International College last May, we spoke about opportunities for business majors within your company. At that time, you indicated there would be openings in this area in September. I would like to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience. In May, I graduated from American International College with a B.S. in Business Administration. I was one of fifteen students who graduated with honors in a class of two hundred fifty business students. My coursework included: International Business Communications, International Marketing, Business and Marketing Strategies and several accounting and finance courses. StanleyMorganDeanWhitter provided an excellent internship that provided me with a great foundation in business fundamentals. As I look forward to my career in this field, I know I would be an asset for Farallon due to my tireless efforts to be a productive team player. I will contact you within a week to ensure receipt of my resume. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hear from you in the near future. Sincerely, Dan Lui Encl.: resume

7 RESUMES "A resume should describe a picture of you and be free of errors." Resume Formats Chronological - Traditional format. It lists and describes education and work experiences by company in reverse order, beginning with the most recent with name and titles. This resume is perfect for job hunters that pursue one career path. It shows progression in the chosen career path and adds emphasis to experience and training. Functional - Information is organized by skills or functions, these being the skills or functions of the new job that is being sought. It focuses on your skills and abilities and accomplishments. The functional resume is perfect for job hunters with gaps between jobs, short lengths of employment at each company and limited experience. It can omit employers and job titles. It is also ideal for those who are returning to a career after an absence and for those who are changing careers. Combination - The most common variant of the chronological resume is the combination resume. It takes this name because it combines elements of both a chronological and functional resume. Typically a Summary section leads off the resume. The Summary may be brief, as short as two to three lines. Or it may be an introductory sentence followed by a bulleted list. The Summary can also be quite extensive, such as the Executive Summary that consumes nearly three-quarters of a page of a two-page resume. Samples are on the following pages.

8 SAMPLE RESUMES Internship Sample Your Name Present Address: 1000 State Street ~ Box 999 ~ Springfield, MA ~ (413) Home Address: PO Box 99 ~ Any Town, NJ ~ (999) ~ aic@yahoo.com OBJECTIVE: To obtain an internship in marketing. EDUCATION: American International College, Springfield, MA BSBA Degree, Major. Marketing Anticipated May 2011 RELATED COURSE WORK: Professional Sales Development Marketing Technology Marketing Research International Marketing ACTIVITIES: Member, American International College Soccer Team, Captain of AIC Soccer Team, 2010 Captain of Sussex County Community College Soccer Team, 2006 CAREER RELATED CASE PROJECTS: Course project on simulated production marketing in fictional industry. Used market analysis, research and segmentation, as well as market positioning based on pricing and promotion. Placed second out of ten teams competing. Completed project that entailed start-up of retail store. Compiled market research of trade area for site selection, product selection, merchandise display, competitive pricing through analysis of area price structure. Coordinated promotion of store opening with media and in store visual displays. WORK EXPERIENCE: Stewart Holley Landscaping Company, Inc., Andover, NJ Jun Aug. 09 Assistant Foreman/Seasonal Promoted to assistant foreman during Summer of Serviced customers and scheduled crew workload. Oversaw site productivity and supervision of seven person work staff. Jarnesway, Inc., Newton, NJ Jun Aug. 06 Customer Service Representative/Seasonal Handled customer transactions and inquiries. Merchandised and stocked sales floor. Balanced register daily.

9 Sample Resume (Education, Chronological) Tabitha Joseph 1000 State Street ~ Box 999 Springfield, MA (413) Objective: To obtain a full time special education position at the elementary level. Education: American International College, Springfield MA May 2011 Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Psychology Certification: Massachusetts Teacher Certification Special Education Pending Career Related Experience: Salvation Army Children Learning Center, Dorchester, MA Substitute Teacher Teach pre-school and kindergarten children, ages 2 to 6 years of age. 5/09-present GOALS, (Children Study Home), Springfield, MA Psychology Internship 9/09-11/09 Assessed clients' daily interactions. Documented activities, noted positive and negative behaviors. Assisted in case management duties, including interaction with state agencies. English High Day Camp, Jamaica Plain, MA Senior Counselor 6/07-8/07 Planned daily activities for ten to fifteen children, ages 6 to 10 years of age. Oversaw children safety while supervising outdoor activities. As senior counselor, coordinated work schedule of two junior counselors. Rebecca M. Johnson, Springfield, MA Student Practicum 9/06-5/07 Instructed classes in Math and Reading to Second Grade Special Education students. Prepared and facilitated lesson plans in accordance with state guidelines. Haitian Multi Service Center Daycare, Dorchester, MA Assistant Day Care Teacher 7/06-9/06 Worked with children ages 4 and 5. Language Skills: Fluent in English, Haitian Creole, and French.

10 Sample Resume - OT Major, Chronological Jason L. Brimmer 99 Any Drive ~ Any Town ~ Virginia (888) name@hotmail.com OBJECTIVE: Occupational Therapist position with Mercy Hospital. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science Degree, Occupational Therapy, May 2011 American International College, Springfield, MA Bachelor of Science Degree, Business and Hotel Management Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford, NJ ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS Dean's List Alpha Chi Honor National Honor Society, 2009 Who's Who, College Students of America, 2009 Secretary, SOTA, 2008 Representative, Student Government, Volunteer, United Way "Save our Children" Program, Springfield, MA VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE Riverside Rehabilitation Institute, Newport News, VA Level I Field Work January, 2006 Completed Level I field work at 75-bed rehabilitation hospital. Followed and observed occupational therapists conducting work with brain injured and stroke patients. Frames of reference included: Biomechanical, NOT, and Model of Human Occupation. Attended patient conference meetings as well as community group sessions covering Cognitive Awareness, Dysphasia, and Lunch Club Feeding Session. Riverside Rehabilitation Institute, Newport News, VA Volunteer Summer, 2005 Assisted Occupational Therapist with patient care. Rendered support in rehab activities for patients with hip and knee replacements as well as amputees. Chicopee Child Development Center, Chicopee, MA Student Project Spring, 2005 Observed and interacted with children, ages 5 and 6. Planned and directed activities with children. Examined child social interaction and fine and gross motor skills. Documented findings for class report. Reed's Landing, Springfield, MA Fall, 2004 Student Project Coordinated activities for small group of senior citizens. Conceptualized with peers various leisure activities to encourage group participation.

11 Sample Combination Resume Marshall Manley 329 Main Street, Any Town, OK (567) ; cell: (567) Objective To obtain a Management Information Systems position that utilizes and advances my current skills, education and experience. Skills Computer Knowledge Operating Systems: Windows 2004/NT, MS-DOS, Macintosh Programming Languages: C++, BASIC Word Processing: MS Word, Corel WordPerfect Spreadsheet: Lotus, MS Excel Graphics: Paint Shop Pro, Adobe Photoshop Database: MS Access, Oracle Presentation: MS PowerPoint Web Page Design: MS FrontPage 98 Hardware Experience Systems building/configuring Install/upgrade motherboards, processors, sound cards, modems, video card, hard drives Management/Leadership Reorganized management of fraternity house and delegated responsibility to exceed set goals. Managed a $12,000 budget after financial setbacks without cutting programs. Took firm steps to enforce alcohol policy within Greek system. Organized an awards banquet for 360 people. Education Honors American International College, Springfield, MA May 2011 Masters in Business Administration University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK May 2010 BBA, Management Information Systems Member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity President's Honor Roll Vice President's Honor Roll Dean's Honor Roll Work History Salesperson, Atria Custom Framing, Norman, OK October Present Graphic Designer, Hatfield & Bell, Inc., Norman, OK May Present Computer Lab Assistant, University of Oklahoma September 2007-May 2008 Promotions Assistant, KAUT Fox 43, Oklahoma City, OK May August 2006 Banner Designer, Mountain Mall, Ardmore, OK March 2005-April 2007

12 Sample Functional Resume Lauren Hales 99 Any Street Any Town, CT (999) Summary Detail-oriented, organized, flexible, enthusiastic team player seeks entry-level finance position. Excellent communication skills demonstrated through class presentations and as president of Business Club. Education American International College, Springfield, MA B.S.B.A: Concentration in Finance, G.P.A. 3.4/4.0 May 2011 Communication Skills Interface articulately in pleasant speaking voice with diverse clients. Answer multi-line telephone system in a timely and professional manner. Handle questions from clients and refer clients to appropriate person or department. Answer and diplomatically handle client inquiries and complaints. Administrative Skills PC proficiency with Microsoft Access, Excel and PowerPoint. Conduct various administrative duties such as invoicing and scheduling clients, conducting inventory and coordinating travel plans. Maintain an efficient filing and retrieval system. Generate reports and proposals and perform complex document preparation. Employment Administrative Assistant, James Law Offices Federal Square Administrative Building, Springfield, MA Developed and organized database and spreadsheets of client data. Performed clerical functions. Answered and/or referred potential client inquiries. Lifeguard, Town of New London New London Beach, New London, CT Observed swimmers and ensured their safety. Maintained order and civility among bathers as needed. Activities Business Club Member, American International College, Springfield, MA President:'09 -'11, Member:'07 -'08 Big Brother/Big Sister Association, Springfield, MA: Big Sister: '08 -'11 Intramural Softball, American International College, Springfield, MA: '07-'10

13 ACTION VERBS Management/Leadership Skills replaced analyzed appointed approved assigned attained authorized chaired considered consolidated contracted controlled converted coordinated decided delegated developed directed eliminated emphasized enforced enhanced established executed generated handled headed hired hosted improved incorporated increased initiated inspected instituted led managed merged motivated organized originated overhauled oversaw planned presided prioritized produced recommended reorganized replaced restored reviewed scheduled secured selected streamlined strengthened supervised terminated Communication/People Skills addressed advertised arbitrated arranged articulated authored clarified collaborated communicated composed condensed conferred* consulted contacted conveyed convinced corresponded debated defined described developed directed discussed drafted edited elicited enlisted explained expressed formulated furnished incorporated influenced interacted interpreted interviewed involved joined judged lectured listened marketed mediated moderated negotiated observed outlined participated persuaded presented promoted proposed publicized reconciled recruited referred reinforced reported resolved responded solicited specified spoke suggested summarized synthesized translated wrote

14 Research Skills analyzed clarified collected compared conducted critiqued detected determined diagnosed evaluated examined experimented explored extracted formulated gathered identified inspected interpreted interviewed invented investigated located measured organized researched reviewed searched solved summarized surveyed systematized tested Technical Skills adapted applied assembled built calculated computed conserved constructed converted debugged designed determined developed engineered fabricated fortified installed maintained operated overhauled printed programmed rectified regulated remodeled repaired replaced restored solved specialized standardized studied upgraded utilized Teaching Skills adapted advised clarified coached communicated conducted coordinated critiqued developed enabled encouraged evaluated explained facilitated focused guided individualized informed instilled instructed motivated persuaded set goals simulated stimulated taught tested trained transmitted tutored Financial/Data Skills administered adjusted allocated analyzed appraised assessed audited balanced budgeted calculated computed conserved corrected determined developed estimated forecasted managed marketed measured planned prepared programmed projected reconciled reduced researched retrieved Creative Skills acted adapted began

15 combined composed conceptualized condensed created customized designed developed directed displayed drew entertained established fashioned formulated founded illustrated initiated instituted integrated introduced invented modeled modified originated performed photographed planned revised revitalized shaped solved Helping Skills adapted advocated aided answered arranged assessed assisted cared for clarified coached collaborated contributed cooperated counseled demonstrated diagnosed educated encouraged ensured expedited facilitated familiarized furthered guided helped insured intervened motivated prevented provided referred rehabilitated represented resolved simplified supplied supported volunteered Organizational/Detail Skills approved arranged catalogued categorized charted classified coded collected compiled corrected corresponded distributed executed filed generated implemented incorporated inspected logged maintained monitored obtained operated ordered organized prepared processed provided purchased recorded registered reserved responded reviewed routed scheduled screened set up submitted supplied standardized systematized updated validated verified More Verbs for Accomplishments achieved completed expanded exceeded improved pioneered reduced (losses) resolved (issues) restored spearheaded succeeded surpassed transformed won

16 WHAT IS AN INTERVIEW? An interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself to the employer. Once an employer has received your resume and cover letter you may be contacted for an interview. Most employers will call you if they are interested in setting up an interview with you. However, if you haven't heard from an employer within one week you can call the employer to inquire about your resume and to ask if the company would like to interview you. (Note: It is not acceptable for job hunters applying for teaching positions to call a school; the school will contact you if they are interested). Interviewing Tips Know yourself and review your accomplishments so that you will be prepared for the employer's questions. If possible, research the company so you can impress the interviewer with your knowledge. Dress appropriately: neatly and conservatively. Be on time; arrive 15 minutes early if possible. Be polite and personable. Try to establish a rapport with the interviewer. After all, you may be working with this person so you want to show that you will get along well together. Let the interviewer tell you where to sit and ask for a business card to ensure you have the proper spelling and title of the interviewer's name as well as the correct telephone number. Demonstrate enthusiasm, interest, and confidence. But don't over extend yourself and your abilities. Simply say you will do your very best and note that your background speaks for your abilities. Stress that you are a team player. Be an interested listener and observer. Do not discuss salary or benefits until the interviewer has opened up the discussion (usually by the second interview). If asked to give a salary requirement, simply tell the interviewer you expect to be paid a fair amount for someone with your background and qualifications. Ask the employer what the salary range is for the available position. (You do not want to impede your chances of employment by quoting a salary well above the employer's means). Most importantly, be yourself.

17 SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ASKED BY AN EMPLOYER What qualities have you exhibited in your present position? Your next-to-last position? The one before that? Where do you expect to be in your career within five years? Ten years? What do you know about our company? What are your educational goals? What future training do you plan in connection with your career goals? If the people who work with you were to evaluate you, what would they say? What is your management style? What motivates you? What clubs do you belong to? What skills, experience and training do you have that make you qualified for the job? How are your people-management skills? Can you give me one or two examples? Have you written any articles for a professional journal, magazine, or newspaper? When? What were they about? What other positions have you had that qualify you for the position? Do you know about other countries and cultures? If so, which ones? If your career demanded it, would you be willing to relocate for advancement? What have you contributed to your past employers that saved the company time, money, or enhanced its image? Why do you want to change careers? How many raises were you given at your last position and why were you given them? What did you learn in your last three positions? During your career, which position did you like best? What are you particularly good at in your present position? Why? What major strengths do you feel you have that will make you a great manager? What are your three greatest strengths? What kind of people do you like to work with most? Which of your job supervisors did you like best? Why? Why did you leave your last job? Which job responsibilities did you like least? Why? How well do you communicate in writing and orally? Give me some examples of this. What do you know about the position I am interviewing you for? What are your lifetime goals? How do you best motivate others? Can you meet deadlines? If so, give me an example. Give me an example of a decision you made that benefited your company. Are you willing to travel for this position? What would your boss say about you? Do you like your job? Why? Which job responsibilities did you like best at your previous positions? Why?

18 How soon would you be able to start work if you were hired? How many promotions did you receive and why were you given these promotions at your last or present company? Your next-to-last position? The one before that? What professional associations do you belong to? What volunteer work do you do or have you done in the past? Have you ever received any fellowships? When? Why? What did you do? Have you any supervisory or administrative experience? Please tell me about it. What are your hobbies? Have you ever done consulting work? If so, why and for whom? What do you do in your spare time? What awards or honors have you received? Have you ever traveled? If so, where? Do (or did) you travel for your present or past position? How much travel was involved? How do you get along with people? How many days of work did you miss at (name of former employer)? Have you ever been fired or asked to resign? Why? Have you ever been convicted of a felony crime? What kind of people do you like to work with least?

19 Sample Job Interview Questions to be asked by a Candidate General: What do you think are the most important skills for this job? What kind of person do you think will do the best in this job? Exactly what would be expected of me in this job? Who would be my supervisor (boss)? What would my responsibilities be? How much training would I receive? How would my progress be rated? By whom? To evaluate your future opportunities: What might I expect to be doing over the next three to five years? How much freedom do employees have to determine their own job movement and responsibilities? What could be done if an employee doesn't feel challenged or satisfied? Are lateral or rotational job moves available to provide broader experience? Are they considered valuable? Are they expected? How do promotion opportunities become available? To evaluate the company's education programs: How are employees able to stay current on changes and trends in their field? How are employees encouraged to continue their professional development over an extended period of time? Do you have or sponsor any continuing education programs for employees? What kind of training is provided for prospective supervisors or managers? To evaluate the overall quality of management at the company: How would you describe the quality of your company's management? What seem to be the strengths and weaknesses? What are management's basic philosophies in managing the business and employees? What do your company's managers and supervisors have in common? How does a person become a manager or supervisor at your company? To evaluate the company's values: What are the company's values? What does the company stand for? How are the company's values reflected in everyday activities? Why is the work environment what it is (i.e. formal/casual, elegant/simple)? What kinds of people are most successful or satisfied at your company?

20 To evaluate the company's compensation philosophy: What is your company's compensation philosophy compared with other companies'? What kind of increases might I expect over the first several years? How are individual increases determined? How are changes to the benefits package made to keep it up to date with employee needs?