Tidy Up Your Resume at Resume Roadshows

An essential part of finding the job you want is being able to present yourself in a nutshell.  In essence, the resume is that nutshell; it is a one page summary that shows the company your capabilities and who you are.
Resume writing can be difficult, especially for college grads without a ton of experience.  Formatting and keeping it to one page shows an employer you can concisely organize your writing. 

Career and Academic Planning Suggests 3 different types of resume formats.  All are workable to use.  You should chose a resume format based on the job you are seeking.

1. Chronlogical Resume Format- This emphasizes work and experiences with focuses on dates.  This is an easy read to employers and highlights your career growth.

2.  Functional Resume Format- Organizes information under headings of accomplishments or strengths.  Examples of headings are Writing and Editing Experience, Leadership Experience, etc.  This type works well when you want to describe transferable skills, and are looking into a field different than your own.  

3.  Combination Resume Format- This uses aspects of both the chronlogical and functional formats.  It shows off work history and skills and accomplishments.  It makes it easy to highlights experience as well as transferable skills. 

A great program to help you with different formats are JMU's Resume Roadshows. These roadshows offer feedback to your resume draft, and are offered around campus for the entire semester.  Upcoming Resume Roadshows are:

• October 21st- 1-3 p.m. in Harrison Hall 1131
• October 27th- 3-5 p.m. in ISAT 259

Attending one of the roadshows will help you get on the right path to that perfect resume.  With recruiting season coming up, you want to be proud of you in that "nutshell."

More on Resume writing:
http://www.resume-help.org/resume_writing_tips.htm
http://www.questcareer.com/tips.htm

Denise Says...Mock Interviews Are a Must

This week's posts features advice from Career and Academic Planning's own Denise Meadows, the assistant Director of Employer Relations and Recruiting Services.

Her focus is on building relationships between employers and expanding new ones.  She likes to maintain a close relationship with students, and is highly involves with the many services and programs offered through Recruiting Services.

One program Denise would like to highlight is the Mock Interview program.  Students can practice their interviewing skills with REAL employers, who offer them feedback on how to improve.  It is best to dress professionally and bring a copy of your resume to discuss.  Denise adds that mock interviews get students ready for that real life experience, and are an area that can be worked on in any point of one's life.

So get out those jitters now!  Sign up for a mock interview on Recruit-A-Duke
Upcoming interviews are with companies such as ARAMARK and the CIA.  On-campus interviewing is a great tool that is convenient and a good way to start searching for good companies.

Click here for more information on general interviewing techniques and tips.
Denise will also be featured next week, with more tips on landing your dream job.  

Thanks for reading :)