You Are Your Resume Part Three

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.

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.

The Job Fair.

You're slouching through the student center tastefully slobbed out in the same jeans and hoodie you've been wearing for the last three years. There, before your eyes, are rows of folding tables with company literature carefully displayed and the dressed-for-success company representatives on the cheap folding chairs that go with the tables. There, also before your eyes, are students at least some what neatly dressed, distributing carefully composed resumes and conversing earnestly. Whoa. The Job Fair. On your campus is it coming or has it gone? Or do you know? Campus job fairs are another staple on Planet College as the term grinds on. They are usually arranged by The ASU or sometimes Student Services to facilitate students getting to the point of their education. Work. Full time work.

If you like thousands of others, OK, hundreds of thousands of others on Planet College have, up until now, taken a totally casual approach to your future back on Earth it is quite possibly time to kick your career planning up a notch.

Here's a few ideas. First, if you do happen to accidentally wander through The Job Fair go ahead. Stop and talk to a few of the company representatives. Pick up business cards and send them an e-mail, "Thanks, I enjoyed talking with you."

Also, look around for a campus organization which even generally relates to careers you may be interested in. Some of these groups may be volunteer. Some of them may even have their own Career Fair or what ever they want to call their job deal. Even if you are not a member of their respective society you are probably still welcome to attend the fair. These experiences are basically informational right now but they can be inspirational in the sense that you may come across a field in which you are actually interested.

Also these events function as that time honored approach to job getting, networking. The more people you know the more likely you are to get work.

Accepting Applications

Planet College endorses jobs on campus. Most student's work at least one job, often more. Working on campus provides some simple advantages. You are there anyway so transportation costs are eliminated. Depending on the place where you work there can be useful discounts, books, food, tickets and stuff. You can meet people. Social is a big part of life on Planet College so working on campus can mean expanding your in-person facebook page.

That's jobs on campus.

How about around campus, near campus, by campus? You'll see the signs at the dry cleaners, bike shop, coffee place and all, "Accepting applications." A job near campus is practically the same as a job on campus. No transportation hassle, meet people, discounts on stuff and a few bucks. Cool.

About that interview or Just exactly what does this company.

Right about now, especially if you are graduating, a big part of Back to Earth from Planet College is jobs. A big part of jobs is just simply getting one. You've probably had several but if you are getting your degree this term then this time the job is a little different. It is the next step and maybe even the first step in your career.

If you are now involved in interviews there are a few basic points to bear in mind. The simple ones may seem obvious but as the TA said at your last class meeting, "Let's review." For any given interview first of all show up on time. In the world of business on time means a few minutes early.