1 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Development Presented by T. Lahdhiri, PhD, PE, PMP, BB-DFSS, SM-IEEE November 2016 To the facilitators: This is part of a series of seminars that has been developed to aid technical people in their search for a job. Other parts include career planning and maintenance, where to look for jobs, and job interviewing technique. This seminar should last about 30 to 45 minutes. The facilitator will notice that the amount of public text is rather sparse. There are two reasons for this: it is never good to just read from a presentation. Giving explanations and examples that are not in the public text will keep the audience interest level higher. We encourage the facilitator to "customize" the text, find his own examples and analogies. This will make the presentation more personal and, therefore, more effective. The second reason is to force the audience to write. We have found that writing reinforces memory, and sometimes causes people to think more carefully about what they're hearing. You might decide to put more of the "private" text into the "public" text. It's up to you. Bring your own resume to the seminar. During the seminar, there is a discussion of the various parts of a resume. It's nice to have a complete example. If your resume differs from the suggested format, you can discuss the Differences. This is all to the good. Try to get the attendees to bring a resume to the seminar. Before going into the seminar, there is an exercise you can try if a majority of the people have brought a resume. Have everyone pass their resumes to you.You pass them out at random and face down to the seminar attendees. When you tell them to start, they should turn over the resumes and start to read. After 20 seconds, tell them to stop and turn the resume over. They are then to write on the back of the resume what they remember from their 20 seconds of reading.This sometimes shows the most common resume problem: a failure to describe yourself accurately.

2 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Overview Resumes & job search Resume basics Resume strategy Resume guidelines & structure Cover letters References Last comments Source materials Introduction There are many books and courses on how to write a resume. Many layoffs include outplacement services that give this kind of instruction. This module has been included because no series on searching for a job would be complete without some advice on resumes and cover letters. So this is either an introduction or a review.

3 Resumes and Job Search Focusing all your energy on your resume shifts the responsibility of clearly defining who you are and what problems you solve from you, the seller, to the buyer. Resumes are presented showing a catalog of jobs and activities, with the hope that the reader will be able to figure out what the owner should be doing for his/her next job Focus instead on how you will add value to the employer based on understanding their needs

4 Resumes and Job Search Remember – Just-in-time Employment!Only send a resume AFTER networking People hire people they Know and Like Resume is a Marketing Tool not a History (unless academia) Tailor resume to needs of job – network! Recast accomplishments if necessary

5 Resumes and Job Search First Job Issue of “unknown”s (track record)Stress co-op/internship experience Stress skills learned, major class projects Technical Soft skills Business skills Key activities Have good references

6 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Myths If a company likes what they see in my resume, they'll call me. [not necessarily] If it isn't advertised, it's not available. [false] A cover letter is just a throw away addition to a resume. [think marketing intro] A resume should explain responsibilities at previous jobs. [accomplishments!] The more resumes I send out, the better. [target] Every resume should show a chronological procession of experience. [not always] The following points are true of all resumes. The main purpose is to get you an interview. Get the prospective employer interested. This is difficult, because: The first look at a resume averages 20 seconds. You have that long to interest a prospective employer. Otherwise your resume gets discarded. Keep that in mind as you design your resume. Things on page 2,or even on the bottom half of page 1 might never be seen. A resume should not exceed two pages in length. Therefore, space is at a premium. Spelling must be absolutely correct. There are people who look at resumes and mark the mistakes. Usually, this is instead of actually reading it for meaning. Spelling errors stand out and show lack of attention to details. Things not to include on your resume: Personal data of any kind. The words "References available on request". The words "Willing to relocate". Richard Fein – “6 myths about resumes”

7 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Basics Your Resume is a Marketing Tool The main purpose is to get you an interview The first look at a resume averages 20 seconds Paper resumes should not exceed two pages Spelling must be absolutely correct Questionable items to include: Personal data of any kind (e.g. hobbies, kid’s names) The words “References available on request” The words “Willing to relocate” The following points are true of all resumes. The main purpose is to get you an interview. Get the prospective employer interested. This is difficult, because: The first look at a resume averages 20 seconds. You have that long to interest a prospective employer. Otherwise your resume gets discarded. Keep that in mind as you design your resume. Things on page 2,or even on the bottom half of page 1 might never be seen. A resume should not exceed two pages in length. Therefore, space is at a premium. Spelling must be absolutely correct. There are people who look at resumes and mark the mistakes. Usually, this is instead of actually reading it for meaning. Spelling errors stand out and show lack of attention to details. Things not to include on your resume: Personal data of any kind. The words "References available on request". The words "Willing to relocate".

8 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Basics (2) Recruiters must know your career focus within seconds of opening your resume You can't assume they will take the time to search through your resume for clues Most recruiters consider "Career Objective" statements worthless if they do not contain information about the specific position you are looking for and the industry expertise you offer The following points are true of all resumes. The main purpose is to get you an interview. Get the prospective employer interested. This is difficult, because: The first look at a resume averages 20 seconds. You have that long to interest a prospective employer. Otherwise your resume gets discarded. Keep that in mind as you design your resume. Things on page 2,or even on the bottom half of page 1 might never be seen. A resume should not exceed two pages in length. Therefore, space is at a premium. Spelling must be absolutely correct. There are people who look at resumes and mark the mistakes. Usually, this is instead of actually reading it for meaning. Spelling errors stand out and show lack of attention to details. Things not to include on your resume: Personal data of any kind. The words "References available on request". The words "Willing to relocate".

9 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Basics (3) Resumes should match to what the employer is asking for Analyze job descriptions to find the core competencies that must be displayed in your resume Include only those core competencies relating specifically to your focus Do not “muddy” your personal marketing message by including extraneous skills The following points are true of all resumes. The main purpose is to get you an interview. Get the prospective employer interested. This is difficult, because: The first look at a resume averages 20 seconds. You have that long to interest a prospective employer. Otherwise your resume gets discarded. Keep that in mind as you design your resume. Things on page 2,or even on the bottom half of page 1 might never be seen. A resume should not exceed two pages in length. Therefore, space is at a premium. Spelling must be absolutely correct. There are people who look at resumes and mark the mistakes. Usually, this is instead of actually reading it for meaning. Spelling errors stand out and show lack of attention to details. Things not to include on your resume: Personal data of any kind. The words "References available on request". The words "Willing to relocate".

10 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Strategy Match what you do to the behaviors and assumptions of the people to whom you're giving that resume Stress long-term relationships, memberships or group allegiances list short term assignments under headings avoid anything that makes you seem different or unusual use white space and vocabulary to give a clean, open appearance Tailor the resume to fit each employer. The emphasis throughout a resume is on relevance. You must know your intended audience. By tuning the resume for an employer, you: Maximize the employer's interest, and Ease the crowding on the page. The chronological format. This format is the norm. It is preferred by HR people and, more importantly,by hiring managers. It is very straightforward and easy to read. Its hallmark is a list of employers in reverse chronological order. This format should be your default choice. The functional format. A functional type resume is good for someone with a time gap in the work experience, for someone with a very diverse background, or for someone with many, many jobs. In this format, job experience is arranged by skill, rather than by chronology. When employers see a resume of this type, they generally try to figure out what the applicant is trying to hide. Only use this format if you have to. Other formats. Hybrid formats that can work well. Have you successfully used a hybrid format?

11 Resume Strategy Base Resume on Value Proposition and Career Objective:Your skill base—the type of work you do or services that you offer Your industry experience and knowledge base Your focus and the value you add for your customers/employer The hook that demonstrates your belief in your ability to achieve results Use your work history/portfolio for examples

12 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Strategy Tailor your resume for each employer Technology-illiterate recruiters may be screening you! The chronological format The functional format Other formats? Tailor the resume to fit each employer. The emphasis throughout a resume is on relevance. You must know your intended audience. By tuning the resume for an employer, you: Maximize the employer's interest, and Ease the crowding on the page. The chronological format. This format is the norm. It is preferred by HR people and, more importantly,by hiring managers. It is very straightforward and easy to read. Its hallmark is a list of employers in reverse chronological order. This format should be your default choice. The functional format. A functional type resume is good for someone with a time gap in the work experience, for someone with a very diverse background, or for someone with many, many jobs. In this format, job experience is arranged by skill, rather than by chronology. When employers see a resume of this type, they generally try to figure out what the applicant is trying to hide. Only use this format if you have to. Other formats. Hybrid formats that can work well. Have you successfully used a hybrid format?

13 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Strategy Recasting Your Accomplishments Useful (Necessary?) in Career Transitions When Job Requirements ≠ Your Projects Understand what’s important to hiring managers Recast your knowledge, skills, abilities, accomplishments, and education to this Highlight Value Added Turn Baggage into an Asset

14 Resume Strategy Recasting Your Accomplishments (2)Having no experience in your target field does not mean you do not have many of necessary skills Know your transferable skills Know skills the employer is seeking Highlight in your cover letter, resume, etc Be sure to present yourself in a way that will prove to the company that you are qualified.

15 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Strategy Skills (and Values) Analysis - Matrix Find/make list of skills for job type of interest both technical and non-technical Rank by your motivation to use (1-3, or 1-5) Then for each, rank your proficiency (1-3) Will reveal gaps and if job matches your motivation(s) See

16 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Resume Strategy EXERCISE List your Value Proposition Recasting Your Accomplishments List 3-5 significant work experiences List the key knowledge, skills, talents, etc Are there any common themes? List what you think employers want List 3-5 “Value Added” statements

17 Recasting Your AccomplishmentsTactical Like doing Experience Knowledge/skills /talents yes no Managed successful project Planning, directing, leading, etc x y Gave customer demos Speaking, selling

18 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Chronological Resume Objective Qualifications or career summary Education Work experience The top of the first page is where you try to hook the reader. Objective Be as clear and concise as possible. What type of position. Try to mention where you can add value.

19 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Chronological Resume Work Experience This is the main part of a chronological resume List each item in reverse chronological order Different job at the same company count as separate items Keep it short This is the main part of a chronological resume. List each item in reverse chronological order. Different jobs at the same company count as separate items. Each item consists of three parts: 1. The header, in bold, which consists of: a. Starting date (year only) b. Ending date (year only). If still employed, put "Present" on your current job. c. Company name, city and state. d. Job title. 2. A short description (several lines) of your major job duties. 3. A bullet list of your accomplishments, using active verbs in the past tense.

20 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Chronological Resume Objective A position designing CPU circuits, where experience with superscalar architectures will enhance the final value of the product Qualifications Electrical engineer with 12 years of printed circuit board (PCB) layout experience. Has been successful as an individual contributor and as the manager of a 10 person PCB layout group. Experience 1995 – 1997 Varian Associations, Palo Alto, CA-Senior Engineer Designed microwave tubes using computer codes. Wrote codes to improve the tube design process. Assisted design of framistat, now a major product. Wrote design code decreasing design time by 90% Education

21 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Functional Resume Useful when CHANGING career The emphasis shifts to skills, and away from specific jobs Shrink the work experience section to just the headers Put all duties and accomplishments into skill categories The emphasis shifts to skills, and away from specific jobs. Shrink the work experience section to just the headers. Put all duties and accomplishments into skill categories. The list of skills come before the list of jobs. Put the most relevant skill first.

22 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Functional Resume Objective A position designing CPU circuits, where experience with superscalar architectures will enhance the final value of the product Qualifications Electrical engineer with 12 years of printed circuit board (PCB) layout experience. Has been successful as an individual contributor and as the manager of a 10 person PCB layout group. Design of microwave tubes using custom computer codes. Assisted design of framistat, now a major product. Wrote design code decreasing design time by 90% Work Experience 1995 – 1997 Varian Associations, Palo Alto, CA-Senior Engineer Education

23 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Cover Letters Critically important No more than one page in length First paragraph Why How you learned about the job Why you are the best candidate Body Final paragraph The cover letter emphasizes and further refines your approach to the particular job. No more than one page in length Like the resume, grammar and spelling must be perfect. The writing must be as polished as you can make it. First paragraph Explain why you are writing. Explain how you heard about the opening. Explain why you are the perfect candidate. Body Summarize relevant qualifications Give examples Expand on key items in your resume. Final paragraph Proposal for the next step in the process. For example: "I will contact you in several weeks."

24 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 References Collected on the job Collected from your network Always notify your reference before you use them

25 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Last Comments Focus, rather than shotgun Network first before sending resume Stay in control of your job search Now that you have resume in hand, what do you do with it? There are two general points to remember: Focus, rather than shotgun Stay in control of your job search These principles favor selectively targeting your resume, rather than mailing it to every company in the book. They also suggest that posting your resume is not generally a good idea. I have heard stories about a woman with extremely marketable computer skills who posted her resume. She got dozens of calls ... and a new job. Unfortunately, the calls continued after the job search was over. She removed her resume from the net. This reduced the number of messages, but didn't stop them. In some sense, she had lost control of her job search. (In any event, with such a demand for her skills, she could have targeted a few good companies and gotten a job fairly quickly.) For the same reason, it is best not to deal with recruiters that have not been retained by a company.

26 Employment & Career Services Committee12/15/2017 Sources “To Boldly Go: A Practical Career Guide for Scientists” American Geophysical Union. ISBN # “Engineer’s Guide to Lifelong Employability” IEEE Press. ISBN# This seminar is too short to be complete. There is a wealth of material out there. Here are a few books that I have found to be useful in preparing for an interview. To Boldly Go: A Practical Career Guide for Scientists American Geophysical Union. ISBN Although slanted towards scientists and academics, this book has lots of good advice and examples of resumes, and it has the best section on cover letters that I have ever seen. "Engineer's Guide to Lifelong Employability" IEEE Press. ISBN Published by the IEEE. This is a short, general guide to job hunting for engineers. It contains much of what we know about mounting an effective job search. It is well written, and short enough to get through in one or two sittings.

27 Useful Web Sites http://www.ieeeusa.org/