Your resume and interview are your chance to make a strong first impression with potential employers. Our Director has gathered essential tips to help you stand out and put your best foot forward.
Karl Schimmoeller Director
Resume Tips:
- Include Volunteer Work
Even if it’s something as simple as helping someone with their homework regularly, volunteer work shows initiative and a willingness to contribute. Don’t hesitate to include any unpaid work that reflects your skills or values. - Highlight Extracurricular Activities
Being part of activities like Band, Sports, 4H, or Boy Scouts speaks volumes about your time management, dedication, and teamwork skills. If you’ve taken part in any of these, make sure to showcase them. - Leadership Positions
If you’ve held a leadership role in sports or clubs, be sure to highlight it. Employers love to see examples of leadership, especially when paired with conflict resolution. If you’ve helped solve an issue within your team, explain how you managed the situation and led others. - Work Experience
Even part-time jobs like mowing lawns or babysitting carry significant responsibility. Include these experiences on your resume, especially if they involved managing money, setting prices, or handling confidential tasks. If you’ve had work experience where you dealt with issues or conflicts, give specific examples of how you handled them successfully. - Keep It Concise
Don’t overload your resume with too much detail. Keep it to one page, ensuring the font is readable and the content is easy to follow. Less is often more when it comes to making a strong impact. - Add Hobbies and Interests
Including personal hobbies can help you connect with your interviewer on a more personal level. These details offer the interviewer an opportunity to see who you are beyond your qualifications.
Interview Tips:
- Use a Professional Email Address
Make sure your email address is professional and based on your name. A practical and professional email makes a better impression than a quirky one. - Introduce Yourself Clearly
When meeting the interviewer, state your full name clearly. This not only makes a professional impression but also helps the interviewer pronounce your name correctly. - Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”
This is your moment to shine, build a relationship with the interviewer. Don’t just focus on your family background—use this time to share a five-minute summary of your story, your achievements, and what you enjoy. Use your resume as a guide, and think of this as telling the story of your life, emphasizing how your experiences make you a great fit for the job. - Provide Examples for Qualities
If you describe yourself as hardworking or trustworthy, back it up with a specific example. For instance, instead of simply saying, “I run the cash register,” say, “By my third week at the local pizza place, I had earned my employer’s trust and was put in charge of handling the cash register and managing the day’s transactions.” - Handling Conflict
When asked how you resolve conflicts, be specific. For example, instead of saying, “I talk it through with the person,” say, “I was having an issue with a co-worker, and we kept getting in each other’s way. So, during a break, I approached them to talk about how we could divide up the work to make it easier for both of us. We came up with a plan that improved our teamwork and made us both more productive.” - Prepare 6-8 Stories
Come to the interview with six to eight stories ready to illustrate your skills. These could be about leadership, handling conflict, or solving problems at work. Be ready to use these as examples when asked questions. - Don’t Worry If You’re Unsure About Your Career Path
It’s okay to admit you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet. What matters is that you’re open to opportunities and eager to learn. - Practice Makes Perfect
Practice answering common interview questions out loud. Whether by yourself or with a friend, practicing your responses will help you feel more confident during the actual interview. - Pro Tip: The Same Job, Different Pay
Remember, you can often do the same job in different industries and make a significantly different salary. Keep your options open and explore where your skills might be most valuable.
With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to create a resume that stands out and walk into your interview with confidence. Good luck, and remember to be yourself!
Looking for more resources?
Check out all the resources available for students in our Resource Hub