1 Resume Overview & Interview ProcessPresented by Roni Banerjee

2 About Me Business owner, entrepreneur, husband, father to 2 boys (14 and 9). Have been an interviewer and interviewee many times in my career. Have architected a software that did resume screening. From India, moved to the US in 1998. Education - Civil Engineering, finishing an MBA from Warwick Business School (UK). Enjoy strumming guitars, playing golf, cooking and talking geek.

3 The Resume

4 What do employers look for on resumes?Elevator Pitch USP/Niche – what makes you different? Personal Brand Concreteness (not big adjectives) Your story The employer’s language (subconsciously) Progression in your life

5 What must always be included on a resume?Well-formatted, easy to read (Calibri is the default font for most people so it is a safe font to use). Keep it 1 page (experienced resumes are 2 pages and if it is 3 then it has to be really worth it, more than 3 and it will not be read). Do not worry about “standing out” with graphics, gimmicks – it will stand out on its own merit and if you are a good fit (and vice versa).

6 Standard Sections of a ResumeName, how you can be contacted (professional , phone number). Objective (1, 2 lines) – this is your 13 second elevator pitch! Do not try to be “clever”. Be confident. Not arrogant. Education – clearly mention your latest, month, year in 1 line. Mention your school name, city, state in the next line and some courses you feel are “relevant” in the next line. Skills – Specific, specific, specific – do not use “flowery” languages. Eg: Proficient in Spanish (reading, writing and conversing fluently); Advanced knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel & Power-point); Proven track record of leadership and teamwork. Experience – Reverse chronological order of any work (paid, unpaid) you have done. List each with a “title”, name of organization and date range (eg Jan 16 – Oct 16). Then write 2 or 3 things you were “accountable” for and map them to achievements. QUANTIFY. Eg: Organized fund-raising event “Hoopla” and helped raise $5,000; Updated company database of 1,500 contacts in 10 days; Activities – Again be specific. Here put activities you have done in school (your story, why you stand out). You can highlight volunteer work your have; how have your helped a community; mentorships; leadership roles; list extra curricular activities. References available on request – have them ready. Request them to say what you want them to say; give them your resume; thank them or see how your can help them in return (they will be doing you a favor).

7 Which resumes stand out?Follows the “body language” of the job (and the company) Easy to read, highlights the “selling” points, not over-crowded (use the real-estate wisely) Grabs attention in the 1st few seconds and keeps their attention Tells a story, shows initiative, eagerness to learn and adapt (without saying them) Use “action” verbs Use a “thicker” paper (feels different in the hand) FINALLY, One that is a good fit (for both parties)

8 Examples – do not copy these, duh!https://goo.gl/YLm9Tr https://goo.gl/k6Ntio https://goo.gl/yIfP54

9 The Interview

10 The Interview - General PointsThe resume is your “Marketing” tool and in the interview you “Sell” it. You are going to sell yourself – “selling is a transference of feeling” (Zig Ziglar) – if you believe, it will come through. 1st thing to remember: You do not “need” the job, You “want” the job (say it aloud before your interview) Write down – “I am good at these things – WHY? Are they in my resume with proof?” “I am not-so-good at these – WHY? How do I overcome them if asked?” If you are not sure –ask your teachers, peers, parents, SIBLINGS!

11 Prep! Know your resume (by heart) – you are going to sell this during the interview (which means your resume should be “sellable”!) Stand in-front of the mirror and practice talking – answer these questions So tell me about yourself? What interests you in this job? (pick a fictitious job) What are your strengths and why? What are some of your achievements? Name 1 weakness Record them – see them, show them to your best and worst critic! Are you being professional? Friendly? Approachable? Adaptable? Kind? Good Person? When you speak your words should sound in your brain. Talk from your stomach. Breathe. Smile, but do not laugh. Look at your eyes when you speak in the mirror. Do they show confidence? Kindness?

12 Day of! Arrive early – 30 mins.Take several copies of your resume in a neat folder. Listen before you speak. Ask questions that show interest, understanding & considerations for the job. Be the solution. You will be filling a requirement. What is that requirement? Maybe you are not the right person (better to find out now than repent later!)

13 Etiquettes Dress professionally & comfortably – if you are not used to formals, start wearing them! Shake hands, if the other person is willing to. Maintain a safe distance – should be able to hear you, but should not be able to “smell” you. If you are sitting down put your hands on your lap. Look into the eye of the person when talking, with a smile and glitter of hope in your eyes (mirror practice!). If you have to look away from the eyes look to the sides, never look down (not confident) or up (arrogant).

14 What is the Interviewer trying to see?Is this person the “right fit” for the job? Will this person be able to work in the team? “Cultural” fit. Can I trust the person to do the job? Responsible, Accountable, Dependable. Does the resume match the person? Does the person stand-out (for this job)?

15 When you are asked “Any questions for me?”What opportunities are there to grow within the company? Are there career tracks/paths? Are there provisions for continued education? Tuition reimbursements, flexibility in timing? Tell me about the organizational culture – what is it to work there? What will I be doing on a daily basis? What would define success in this role? What are my measurements? How you will measure my achievements and failures, if any? How did I do in the interview? If they do not ask “any questions for me” – request them “do you mind if I ask you 1 or 2 questions? I promise it will not be long!”

16 You do not have to know everything!Know yourself – really well! Know what you are capable of (A LOT OF THINGS!) Employers want you as much as you want the job! If you do not understand something, ask (intelligent questions) - do not assume. If you do not know the answer say it straight away and follow-up with a question – “reverse” the position

17 After the Interview

18 After the Interview Thank the person for the time they gave you. Shake hands and walk away confidently (exit). Follow-up through or phone. When following-up, give them some guide that will rekindle something you told them – “I am the person who was discussing…” In the follow-up write about something you found during the interview that will help the person, the job, the requirement and your chances (research). Remember – you do not “need” the job, but you “want” it.

19 Good Luck! May the force be with you all  Questions?

20 Helpful Links advice/ fair/how-to-introduce-yourself-at-a-job-fair/ https://www.dit.ie/media/careers/pdf/Preparing%20for%20interviews;%20s elf%20asssessment%20and%20research.pdf https://www.csbsju.edu/career/students/howto/jobfairprepandetiquette