Anthony Fasano, P.E.Executive Director

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers, Inc.

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers,

Inc.

Overview

Winning Resume

Resume Customization

A Formula for a Winning Resume

Resume Length/Experience Challenges

Understanding/Researching the Prospective Employers

The Interview

The Follow Up

What is a Winning Resume?

Helps you land the job or more specifically a job interview

The One Key Factor You MUST Know The One Key Factor You MUST Know About How Your Resume Will be ReadAbout How Your Resume Will be Read

Visual presentation

Neat, easy to read, contains some key points

Importance of Customizing Your Resume

Executives look at

resumes that match up

to their company’s needs

Mention the company’s

name

Use the same words

from the job description

The Formula to Building a Winning Resume

1. Include your contact information in the header

2. Justify the text

3. Ensure layout is consistent

4. Place your most relevant work experience at the top of your resume

5. Use numbers where applicable

6. Bold important items that you want to stand out

7. Lose the objective or make it count!

Sample Resume

Sample Resume

Sample Resume

Proper Length of a Resume and How to Make Yours Fit

For engineering students: no longer than 1 page

First 5 to 10 years of your career: 2 to 3 pages

For over 10 years of working experience: 5 to 10 pages

Tips for Keeping Resume at a Reasonable Length

Contact information in headerRemove the objectiveYou do not have to put references available

upon request List only the projects/experience relevant to the

position you are applying forDecrease margin size slightlyHave a colleague proofread it

How to Effectively Provide Non-Engineering Experience

Make two different sections:

1.Engineering or Related Experience

2.Non-Engineering Experience or Non-Related

Write job descriptions for unrelated experience,

showing how the skills learned will help the

prospective employer

Importance of Honesty

Always be truthful on your resume

There are times that it is okay to leave something off a resume especially when it will look really bad to prospective employers

Update and validate your LinkedIn profile

“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” - Albert Einstein

The Interview

Understanding the Prospective Employer and Their Needs

(Do You REALLY Fit the Bill?)

Review the job description in detail again.

Do a thorough check of your LinkedIn network for people who:

• Work for the company; contact them if they know anything about the position or department you would be working in

• Hold similar positions to the ones you are going to interview for; ask them what challenges they face in that position

Prepare a plan to describe the steps or strategies you would implement to improve the department.

Interview Research and Preparation

Thoroughly review the company’s websiteSearch for the person who will interview you or who

you will be working under on LinkedInIdentify average industry salary for the position (+/-

$10,000) and play dumbEmphasize your strengths and how you feel they

would still give you (and them) an advantage regardless of the location

Try to explain the reason you left from past positions in a way that makes them feel comfortable to hire you

Interview Etiquette and Attire

(No, Jeans & Work boots Are NOT Acceptable!)

Familiarize yourself with the location of interview in advance

Wear a suit, no questions askedTurn off your cellphone Show up at least 15 minutes earlyPay a compliment to the interviewersDo not cut people off during the interviewDon’t ask for a drink, but don’t refuse if offered

The Interview

• Brief Introduction

• Ask a question: What need is the company looking to satisfy by filling this position?

• Present yourself, your skills and your experience as the perfect choice to fulfill the need (example)

• Answer any questions, concerns or objections they may have

• Ask them when they plan on making a decision

Closing Thoughts

A winning resume is one that helps you to land a job interview, nothing more, nothing less.

Hiring managers will typically scan your resume for 10 seconds and decide whether or not to do a more detailed review, so be sure your resume can gage their interest quickly.

Your resume should be customized for every job you apply for.

Closing Thoughts

Be honest throughout the job search process.

You must build a strong presence and network on LinkedIn, and also leverage LinkedIn groups to find new opportunities.

Do your research on a company prior to an interview and be prepared to discuss some aspects of their company/website.

Closing Thoughts

Show up on time for your interview, dress appropriately, and turn your cell phone OFF.

Be sure to ask a question about the specific duties of the job early on in the interview, so that you can present yourself as a perfect match.

Ensure that you take your FE exam as soon as possible and seek to obtain engineering experience that will qualify towards the NY PE license

NYSSPE Student Resources

NYSSPE Student Resources

NYSSPE Student Resources

The New York State Society of

Professional Engineers, Inc.6 Airline Drive

Albany, NY 12205(518) 283-7490

www.nysspe.org

Anthony Fasano, P.E.

afasano@nysspe.org

(518) 620-6770

Questions

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers, Inc.