Resumes, Cover Letters, Interviews

ResumesOptimalFirstImpression

For many professionals, creating the resume can be the most stressful aspect of the internship/job search process. Most individuals lack the confidence to sell themselves, their experience or the skills through powerful accomplishment statements.

Remember, the resume is an advertisement of yourself, your education, your experience and your abilities to get the job done. It is perhaps the most powerful tool available in creating an impression, obtaining an interview or documenting your work history and professional credentials.

Simply put, the resume should present (1) the position you are seeking, (2) what you can do for the agency, (3) your knowledge, skills, and talents, (4) your professional achievements, (5) previous positions held, (6) training, education and certifications, and (7) a supplemental list of references.

Centered Resume Format (PDF)   Creating A Text Resume for Email or Online Submission (PDF)
Do's and Don'ts of the Resume (PDF)   Fax/Email Etiquette (PDF)
Five Easy Ways to Improve Your Resume   Left Justified Resume Format (PDF)
Powerful Action Verbs for Accomplishment Statements (PDF)   Reference Format (PDF)
Resume Guide (PDF)   Resumes and Interviews--Free Samples (JobWeb)
Rock Your Resume In Any Situation    
Sample Resumes (JobWeb)   Writing Personal or Professional Strengths (PDF)

Cover Letters

Cover letters serve as a bridge between your resume and the specific job you are applying to. Therefore, there isn't a "one size fits all" cover letter. A cover letter is also a reflection of your writing skills, so take time and care to proofread and review your document.

Cover Letter Guide (PDF)   Cover and Thank You Letters (PDF)
     

Interviews

Did you know? The interviewer is interested in the following: (1) Can you get the job done? (2) Are you motivated to solve his problems? (3) Will you fit in with the organization? With the increase in communication through the use of technology, the job search process has become less formal in the past few years. This has occurred for two main reasons. Employers receive and review as many as 100 applications a day. Secondly, professionals are constantly in search of employment opportunities where skills are demanded at competitively high salary ranges. These 2 factors alone have resulted in multiple job changes nationwide with considerable movement among employees young and old. While use of the Cover Letter is still considered the ultimate courtesy in the application process, use of FAX and email has become increasingly popular.

Asking Questions in a Job Interview (Video)   CareerCam
Dining Etiquette (Video)   Dressing for Success (PDF)
50 Behavior Based Interview Questions (PDF)   The Formal Interview/Interviewing for Success
    How to Handle Referrals
Importance of Preparation (PDF)   Informational Interviewing Guide: The Best Way to Get First-Hand Advice!
Interviewing Guide   Interviewing to Win (PPt)
On-Campus Interviewing   Optimal Resume (Interviewing Practice)
Phone Interview (Video)   Portfolio Guide (PDF)
    The Practice Run (PDF)
Relaxation Technique (PDF)   Sample Questions and Answers Frequently Asked by Employers (PDF)
The Telephone Screening Interview

Due to the limited amount of time allowed for placement of student interns, most employers will use the Telephone Screening Interview as the initial type of contact. The employer will call and set up a telephone conference or make arrangements for the student to contact him at a convenient time to both parties. The Screening Interview is just that, a series of questions from the employer to gain some idea of the students interests, skills, talents and abilities. This may also be a time when the employer wants to clarify information on the resume or ask the student exactly what type of job they would like to do during the internship. The student should answer all the questions and give the interviewer as much information as he may need to make a definite decision about bringing the student on board as a staff member.

At the end of the screening, the interviewer may ask if the student has any questions. This is not a time to ask about wages or amount of pay, as the position has not been offered as yet. The student may be asked, at this point, to visit the worksite for a formal interview. If, after several days, a formal offer for an internship has not been received, the student should follow up with a telephone call and ask if a decision has been made about the position.
The Two Minute Introduction

At the onset of the interview, the employer or the person conducting the interview might begin the session by asking you “Tell me something about yourself.” This is called the 2-minute introduction or 2-minute drill. Very few people can talk about themselves during such a stressful situation as the interview session. While most people can talk about themselves for an average of 20 seconds, you may want to practice what you will say should the employer introduce the 2-minute drill or introduction.

Before you practice your introduction, write down some details about yourself that you would want the new employer to know. Details should include where you were born and raised, your educational background, why you have chosen your major or course of study, your work experience and how you feel your experience can be of benefit to the company. It’s also important to include in your introduction what type of internship you are pursuing and what type of assignment you want.

Your introduction should be divided into the following segments:  First 30 seconds:  Discuss your early years, where you were born and raised;  Next 60 seconds:  Your education and work experience;  Last 30 seconds: How you feel you can benefit the company through an internship.

Below is a sample introduction:

My name is Bill Smith and I am originally from Northern Virginia where I graduated from Fairfax County High School. While in high school I was a member in several math and computer clubs. I represented my school in several competitions, with most of those competitions resulting in my school receiving state honors. I was also happy to receive a scholarship to attend Radford University as a result of my work with math and computers in my high school. During the summers, I worked in computer stores in my community helping customers with computer sales and service. At Radford, I have pursued my B.S. in Computer Science and have chosen business classes as my electives. I have a broad knowledge of programming languages including C+, Java, and Visual Basic. I also have some knowledge of HTML and will be doing more work with that this coming school year. I would eventually like to get into the sales and marketing end of business working for a large computer firm. I think my knowledge of basic computer applications coupled with my knowledge of business strategies would benefit your organization in an internship opportunity where I might work with your sales and marketing department.

The 2-minute introduction gives the interviewer the opportunity to learn something about you other than what he sees on the resume. Don’t repeat the  resume. Talk about yourself. The information that you relay in your introduction will give the interviewer the opportunity to open the door for more questions and a formal or informal discussion of your talents, skills, and abilities.