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Résumés 101:
The purpose of the résumé is to get you a job interview, not to tell the prospective employer everything you’ve ever done. Send a one-page résumé to start; if you want, you can bring a longer version to the interview. Be absolutely honest about your skills and qualifications on your résumé and in interviews. Most companies test you before hiring, and lying about your abilities may disqualify you for many other opportunities for a long time. The first reader of your résumé will probably be either a low-level screener or a computer program. Most human readers decide whether to keep or reject a résumé in about 15 seconds. Keep all vital information at the top, and copy the exact wording of the job ad if it is appropriate to your qualifications. When you send an employer your résumé, be ready to participate in a phone interview, an in-person interview with one or more interviewers, and tests of any abilities that are required for the job. Drug and other security testing may be included. Your résumé should include skills and qualities that you think would be useful to your employer. Work experience, paid or volunteer, says that you are reliable and mature; volunteer activities and awards say that you are interested in learning and making an effort beyond what is required. The most important thing to most employers is your good character and maturity; be sure to include things that show evidence of that. Keep your résumé format simple, so that it will be clear and easy to read if you email it or send it as a paper document. The most common format is Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, 12 point type. Avoid templates; they are obvious, and make you look as if you are unsure of your qualifications. Remember that the people who could hire you are older than you, and know more than you do about their company. Show respect, and do not ever underestimate their abilities. Be very, very cautious about posting your résumé or videos on the Internet, and about going to any interview with an organization you don’t know. Know what a company may legally ask you, and what they may not. Do not offer information that is personal or not relevant to the job. If you are asked for such information, answer the concern, not the question. Do your homework: when you apply for a job, find out everything you can about the company and the people who work there before you are called for an interview. Be prepared to offer at least three good references: adults, not related to you, who know you well. Be sure to ask your references if they are willing to speak for you, and what address and phone number they would like you to use. Do not assume that because someone seems to like you that they would be willing to be a reference, or that references will not be checked. |