Get Started
putting together a
great resume
Becca Clemons
A
resume is one of the most impor-
—
tant — if not the most important
leges you have attended, your GPA if it’s 3.0
— document during a job search.
or higher and any academic honors or schol-
List your education, including col-
A potential employer needs it to see what
arships. Include an objective that clearly
you’ve done and what you’re capable of
states the position you’re applying for. In-
doing. Coupled with a cover letter, a resume
clude any skills, extracurricular activities,
is an introduction to you and your work ex-
volunteer experience and relevant hobbies.
perience.
—
Make it readable and if you do an
unconventional design, don’t make it too Here are a few tips, courtesy of the James
busy or cluttered. Employers and interview-
W. Stuckert Career Center’s website, for
ers look over resumes quickly and might
making an easy-to-read resume to send
have trouble finding the important informa-
with a job application or present at a career
tion if there are lots of lines, multiple
fair.
columns or small print. White space, bolding and bullets can make a resume look clean
—
Slim your resume down to one
and legible.
page. Emphasize your most recent experi-
—
ences related to the job you’re applying for,
someone else proofread it, too. A mistake
and list only relevant skills.
or typo can make a bad first impression on
—
an interviewer.
Be clear and accurate when describ-
Proofread your resume. And have
ing your experience in a past job. If the job title doesn’t tell what you did, include a
It might be necessary to make different re-
brief description of your responsibilities and
sumes for different positions. Have multiple
skills learned. Use action verbs when de-
copies on hand when attending a career fair
scribing these responsibilities.
or interview.
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3
Fashion
How to dress for an interview Shelisa Melendez
ANDING an interview for your dream job after perfecting your resume and cover letter can be extremely nerve racking, especially when you’re unsure about how to “seal the deal” with your interview outfit. The pressure of what to wear to your interview is nothing to take lightly. After all, a first impression is a lasting impression. The expectations of interview attire vary from one industry to another; however, the purpose still remains the same. The following tips can be adjusted to the work environment within each career field.
L
• Carry a large-sized bag. This is a perfect way for you to carry your portfolio without the traditional briefcase look. Corporate jobs. These positions are typically within a more formal setting. Personal style can still be reflected in your interview attire. • Wear a suit. A suit does not equal a frumpy look. Try a high-waisted pencil skirt or tailored pants for a more modern look. • Choose a simple top. Neutral colors like white, blush, cream and gray are good options. • Avoid open-toe shoes and pointed-toe shoes. A standard 3-inch round-toe pump is best. • Express your personal style with how you accessorize your look, but remember to keep the main focus on you, not your jewelry. • Wear no more than two buttons on blazer. Any more than two buttons looks old, outdated and bulky.
Girls
Creative jobs (design, publishing, advertising, art, etc.). Jobs in this field are typically more open to personal style and self-expression, and employers actually prefer to see how your creativity is expressed in more areas than one. • Choose one professional piece (Ex.: a blazer, pencil skirt or pants). Despite a more relaxed interview look, a professional piece still lets your interviewer know that you still take the interview seriously. • Wear a patterned or colorful top. This is your opportunity to express your personal style. • Accessorize with a statement piece (Ex.: a necklace, ring or brooch). A bold statement piece will help you stand out from other candidates. However, think minimalist. Try to avoid statement earrings or bracelets, as these may distract the interviewer from what you are saying.
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• Wear a cardigan. A cardigan over a shirt and tie gives the look a more professional feel. • Your shoes are on you. Depending on how dressy or casual your look is, you can wear dress shoes for a more professional look or tone things down with a pair of loafers. Corporate jobs. • Wear a power suit. In this career path, power and confidence are key! A black, charcoal or navy suit is best with a white dress shirt and tie. Ties can be bold, but remember the tone of the company interviewing you.
General Tips
Guys
Creative jobs. • Wear casual slacks. Because of the more casual environment, dress slacks are probably a little too dressy. Be sure to wear something casual, yet still polished and professional. • Be bold. Since your pants are casual, draw attention with your shirt and tie. Don’t be afraid of bold patterns (striped or gingham) or colors.
Kernel Entertainment Guide | Career Guide | November 2011
• Know the style of the company. • Dress for the position you are interviewing for. • Fit is key. A well fitting suit, skirt or pants can make an outfit much more polished. • Hair should be clean, neat and away from the face. • Nails should be well manicured and short. Women should wear very light colors or clear polish. • Keep perfume and cologne to a minimum. • Panty hose are preferred by most employers (women). • Makeup should be neutral and minimal (women). • Men should avoid jewelry other than a wedding band and watch. Dressing for a job interview is always a stressful process, but an accurate reflection of you and your abilities is worth it.
In the Field
Kate Carpenter
I
NTERVIEWING can be quite the over-
ask you questions in an interview-like
whelming experience.
setting and see how you do. After it is
But, the rocky relationship you may
through, your interviewer can tell you
have with interviewing doesn’t necessari-
what you need to improve on. The
ly have to exist. Think of it this way: You
Stuckert Career Center, located on Rose
have been invited to an interview
Street, actually offers practice inter-
because the employer saw something in
views. Just call the center at 859-257-
you or on your resume that sparked his
2746 to schedule an appointment.
or her interest. The interview is only used
Step three: Be on time and dress profes-
to cement that you are indeed who the
sionally. Arrive to the location of the
company has been looking for in an
interview about 15 minutes early. In
employee.
terms of dress code, it is always better to
So prove that you have what it takes to
be safe than sorry. Don’t go too trendy or
be their future employee by following
too casual. Go with something conserva-
these simple steps.
tive and something you’re comfortable
Step one: Do your research. Show that
in.
you have taken some time to see what
Lastly, just be yourself. You are the one
the company is all about. Throwing in a
who wants to get hired, not the person
couple of facts in the interview from your
you are pretending to be. Being honest
research always proves to be a good
will pay off in the end. Also, sending a
thing. You are already showing initiative
thank-you note after an interview is a
about your future.
good idea to establish a good rapport
Step two: Practice, practice, practice.
with the interviewer and keep you in his
This is often an overlooked area of inter-
or her mind.
viewing. Get your friends or professors to
Good luck!
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Kernel Entertainment Guide
|
Career Guide
|
November 2011