Sorting through the pre-interview process, that is resume distribution and application submittal can be tedious, even irritating, but it is the only way to get through to the next big and critical step in your burgeoning work career, the interview.
Your interview may be causal or formal, it may involve one person or a small committee but the one main component it definitely involves is you. From the posts above you have determined it is important for you to provide accurate information during the various stages leading to the interview.
Now you are representing yourself, in person, and this is the part where You really are Your Resume. The person or people who are interviewing may have questions about you, your attitude, your background and your experience. You should be prepared to present yourself clearly and concisely. Typically the questioning will involve information you have provided which is why it is extremely important that you have supplied accurate information. Don't fib, exaggerate (much) or lie. Those who hire understand you are anxious. But even a hint of dishonesty seriously clouds your desirability as an employee. When the interview has concluded, thank him, her or them and leave.
Here is the super secret, inside scoop, now-it-can-be-told, Planet College exclusive about your interview. What this committee was looking for and will be discussing after you leave is this; "Of the otherwise eligible candidates we have interviewed who, which one, could we actually stand to work with all day?"
That's it. Seriously. You are inexperienced. They know it. You have a lot to offer. They know it. You have a lot to learn. They know it. They could hire any one of dozens of applicants. They know this, too. So. What they really, really consider, all other things being equal, is whether or not your potential co-workers could get through an average work day with you without any further problems than their job already has.
That is it. Finally. As far as you are your resume. Be the person other people could stand to spend an average workday with.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
You Are Your Resume, Part Two
If you have been getting no calls and seriously distributing resumes the post above is a good place to start. If now your resume has reliable information then read on. This part might be called Your Resume Is Not An Application.
Because there are a variety of procedures, depending on the industry and particular company, which involve filling in forms and supplying information both before and after hiring, this post will deal with the simplest before hiring procedure.
For most businesses, no matter what size, some standard has been used to organize hiring. This standard is almost always an application. You may have filled out several in your work life. Whether at a computer terminal or at a desk with a pen they ask for information, sometimes extensive information about you. This is information which is probably not on your resume. Social Security number, names, addresses and phone numbers for previous employers as well as additional information for references. (If this information is on your resume remove it. Resumes are not applications and should not include extensive personal information.)
Some applicants assume that attaching a resume to an application after having filled in their name is sufficient for the process. It isn't. If you have been handed an application fill it out as completely as possible. Even if this application essentially duplicates information you have on your resume fill it out anyway.There is a purpose for this beyond what you can imagine. (For example, it could be a useful preliminary test to see if you can follow directions.)
If you have not been called for an interview but are simply applying, the information you have provided will be forwarded to the appropriate department, usually known as Human Resources, and often called "HR".
If you have been called for an interview based on your resume or resume and application, these documents will be forwarded to the interviewer or interviewers, with whom you will be speaking shortly.
And this leads to You Are Your Resume, Part Three.
Because there are a variety of procedures, depending on the industry and particular company, which involve filling in forms and supplying information both before and after hiring, this post will deal with the simplest before hiring procedure.
For most businesses, no matter what size, some standard has been used to organize hiring. This standard is almost always an application. You may have filled out several in your work life. Whether at a computer terminal or at a desk with a pen they ask for information, sometimes extensive information about you. This is information which is probably not on your resume. Social Security number, names, addresses and phone numbers for previous employers as well as additional information for references. (If this information is on your resume remove it. Resumes are not applications and should not include extensive personal information.)
Some applicants assume that attaching a resume to an application after having filled in their name is sufficient for the process. It isn't. If you have been handed an application fill it out as completely as possible. Even if this application essentially duplicates information you have on your resume fill it out anyway.There is a purpose for this beyond what you can imagine. (For example, it could be a useful preliminary test to see if you can follow directions.)
If you have not been called for an interview but are simply applying, the information you have provided will be forwarded to the appropriate department, usually known as Human Resources, and often called "HR".
If you have been called for an interview based on your resume or resume and application, these documents will be forwarded to the interviewer or interviewers, with whom you will be speaking shortly.
And this leads to You Are Your Resume, Part Three.
You Are Your Resume. Part One
If you are new to the serious job market you may be some confusion about basics. Basics like resumes, applications and interviews , what they mean and how they apply.
Whether or not you've heard the term or even think you know what it means. A resume is a brief summary of your work or experience as it applies to the position you are seeking. A prevailing standard now in the big workplace called Planet Earth says keep it brief. There are two reasons for this. First the person who is reading it is busy. Second, if you have yet to reach the quarter century mark on Planet Earth you don't have that much experience. At least not the kind that directly applies to any position you may be seeking. So including every paying situation you've had since you started at the drive-up window of WackyTaco may not be necessary.
Keep it simple. Not too artsy. Not too flashy. Simple, plain and clear.
But.
There is one bit of information which is absolutely critical. Your current contact information.
This means that resumes which you are now submitting must contain your current phone number, probably your cell phone.
Whether your resume is electronic or paper, posted on your WebFace page or hand delivered by a uniformed courier, lack of reliable current contact information is one sure way to early elimination from the hiring process.
So, go check right now. Do the resumes you are distributing right now contain the number of the cell phone you are using right now?
If not make that change promptly.
Whether or not you've heard the term or even think you know what it means. A resume is a brief summary of your work or experience as it applies to the position you are seeking. A prevailing standard now in the big workplace called Planet Earth says keep it brief. There are two reasons for this. First the person who is reading it is busy. Second, if you have yet to reach the quarter century mark on Planet Earth you don't have that much experience. At least not the kind that directly applies to any position you may be seeking. So including every paying situation you've had since you started at the drive-up window of WackyTaco may not be necessary.
Keep it simple. Not too artsy. Not too flashy. Simple, plain and clear.
But.
There is one bit of information which is absolutely critical. Your current contact information.
This means that resumes which you are now submitting must contain your current phone number, probably your cell phone.
Whether your resume is electronic or paper, posted on your WebFace page or hand delivered by a uniformed courier, lack of reliable current contact information is one sure way to early elimination from the hiring process.
So, go check right now. Do the resumes you are distributing right now contain the number of the cell phone you are using right now?
If not make that change promptly.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Physics For Future Presidents
On Planet College most students have learned to concentrate on courses which will lead to their degree.
Once a student finds a major their focus must necessarily be on completing the requirements as promptly as possible. This goal dictates their term schedules.
Undergraduates who are still in lower division or have not found a major have a somewhat wider base of choices for courses and this can be advantageous. Many students on Planet College who do not feel mathematically inclined shy away from any course which suggest a mathematical component.
Universitys attempt to ease these students' anxiety by offering 'survey' courses.
These survey courses do just that. They cover the subject generally offering the students an overview. These types of courses can enrich a student's education without requiring the time commitment difficult, at least for some, science course requires. One such course is offered on one of the UC campuses. At the University of California Berkeley a student can enroll in Physics 110, a survey course titled, Physics for Future Presidents.
The intriguing title tells students here is a course meant for leaders. Most students value being regarded capably and the University acknowledges this in the courses title.
If your schedule is not yet set for next term possibly you might peruse the catalog or class schedule and find a horizon widening course such as this. It could be a welcome addition to your schedule, a refreshing glimpse outside your usual boundarys. Expanding your world view in this manner is a large part of the purpose of your experience on Planet College.
Once a student finds a major their focus must necessarily be on completing the requirements as promptly as possible. This goal dictates their term schedules.
Undergraduates who are still in lower division or have not found a major have a somewhat wider base of choices for courses and this can be advantageous. Many students on Planet College who do not feel mathematically inclined shy away from any course which suggest a mathematical component.
Universitys attempt to ease these students' anxiety by offering 'survey' courses.
These survey courses do just that. They cover the subject generally offering the students an overview. These types of courses can enrich a student's education without requiring the time commitment difficult, at least for some, science course requires. One such course is offered on one of the UC campuses. At the University of California Berkeley a student can enroll in Physics 110, a survey course titled, Physics for Future Presidents.
The intriguing title tells students here is a course meant for leaders. Most students value being regarded capably and the University acknowledges this in the courses title.
If your schedule is not yet set for next term possibly you might peruse the catalog or class schedule and find a horizon widening course such as this. It could be a welcome addition to your schedule, a refreshing glimpse outside your usual boundarys. Expanding your world view in this manner is a large part of the purpose of your experience on Planet College.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Sands of Summer and The Sands of Time.
Planet College wide and culture wide the summer months, June, July and August have a vacation atmosphere. The general attitude is these months are a little more kick-back, a little more of a 'time out' feel. Students who are accumulating time and experience on Planet College aren't long seduced by this illusion. Which is what it is for a person whose time is as valuable as yours, an illusion.
For some lolling on beaches enjoying the sands of summer and the parties of summer nights is a rewarding and even necessary time out. For career focused students the sands are running through the big hour glass of their lives all the same.
Now, summer has become time to add hours at work or get another, additional job. This can reduce or possibly eliminate the need for loans this coming term.
Some students take advantage of summer courses offered either at their main campus or some campus closer to home. Making sure this course or these courses ultimately hasten their graduation date is basic wisdom, the kind earned through experience.
Experience shows no matter how you use your time it is still your time you are using. It is only in the hour glass that the sands of time replenish themselves. On Planet College and on Earth a day gone is a day gone for good.
This summer, your summer, will only happen once. When it is done how much closer will you be to graduation?
For some lolling on beaches enjoying the sands of summer and the parties of summer nights is a rewarding and even necessary time out. For career focused students the sands are running through the big hour glass of their lives all the same.
Now, summer has become time to add hours at work or get another, additional job. This can reduce or possibly eliminate the need for loans this coming term.
Some students take advantage of summer courses offered either at their main campus or some campus closer to home. Making sure this course or these courses ultimately hasten their graduation date is basic wisdom, the kind earned through experience.
Experience shows no matter how you use your time it is still your time you are using. It is only in the hour glass that the sands of time replenish themselves. On Planet College and on Earth a day gone is a day gone for good.
This summer, your summer, will only happen once. When it is done how much closer will you be to graduation?
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