Resumes, Interviews and Life After College

Heather R. Heizer

The Process

Determine your goals

Resume

Application

Interview

The Job

What are your goals?

Whatever your main goal is at each step,1) keep it in mind,

2) do everything you can to achieve it, and 3) do not detract from it.

•Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. —Arnold H. Glasow You must set yourself on fire. —Arnold H. Glasow

"If you don’t know where you are going, "If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll probably end up........someplace else.”you’ll probably end up........someplace else.”

Preparation

Resumes- Useful Resources

http://resume.monster.com/archives/samples/

http://www.tbns.net/job/start.html

http://www.jobweb.com/Resources/Library/Samples/Four_Sample_Resumes_68_01.htm

Books:

Resumes for Dummies

Resumes for Environmental Careers

Resumes for Science Careers

Websites

Most Valuable Resources are:

1)Professors-They can look over your resume and make helpful suggestions-Make sure you get an okay from them about references and/or letters of recommendation etc…. 2) Academic Advising Center - 140 Miller Student Center - 970-247-7085-FREE Help!!!!!!

Resume

Where do I begin?Make a list of all your activities (include the ones you might deem unimportant):

For example:1) part-time jobs including work study2) events from your college 3) short-term projects (lab classes:techniques)4) training (EMT, life guard, etc…)5) research projects you have participated in * Sr. Sem.6) term papers or documents7) presentations made at school or work (Poster Session)

Resume Do’s:

Emphasize your recent education or training! Consider your schoolwork as the equivalent of work-Why?Requires self-discipline and a variety of tasks similarto a working environment.

Include other activities such as volunteer work, clubs, organizations, events, etc.

Don’ts on Your Resume:Don’t tell an employer what you want out of the job.

(Employers want to know what you can do for them)

Don’t be intimidated by experience required! (Use your youthto your advantage say things like “willing to work evenings”or “able to travel or relocate”) -this appeals to employers

Don’t misrepresent yourself or put down false information

Check your grammar and spelling

Sample Resume:

-Name and Contact information easily seen and legible-Highlight your best skills and/or attributes-Institution and Degree received (GPA optional)-Skills (relevant) -Internships (relevant)-Work experience (highlight skills in this section)-Volunteer work-Awards/Accomplishments

Resume Rough-Draft:

-The resume should be a work in progress it should be updatedregularly . (There is always room for improvement!!)

-Have friends and family look over it, they can give youinsight into things you might have neglected to mention. Have them look for grammar and spelling errors!

-Take it to a mentor or the Career Center!!! -Free Help!

Looking for a Job to Apply For:

1) Online - Our best resource especially if looking in another area:Denver Post, Science Jobs, Science Careers, Monster Jobs, USAJobs(Another excellent place is University or Hospital websites.)

2) Newspaper (Also online)

3) Word of mouth -Mingle!

Cover Letter:

The cover letter can help your resume get noticed!

Sample Cover Letter

Things to Know:1) Allows you time to sell yourself2) Be concise (break up paragraphs)3) Be professional -But don’t forget to be yourself 4) Try to address the people you will be working with5) Demonstrate what you can do for the employer6) Be creative if you can but do not go over board.7) Proofread, proofread, proofread….

Cover Letter Continued:

Mention job for which you are applying.

Tailor letter for each position with specifics: why consider you/your accomplishmentswhat distinguishes you from the rest of the packwhy you are interested

Names of references (if requested)

Enclosures *Do not exceed 1 page.

Sample Interview Questions:•Are you passionate about your work? What do you think about when you wake up at 3AM? Once it is established that you are insane and in love with your science, are you socially balanced and aware? Pippa Marrack

•What do you want to do with your life? What are your long-term aspirations?John Cambier

•Why do you want this job? Jonathan Sprent

•Where do you see yourself in 5 years/the future? Roberta Pelanda

•Do you like teaching? How do you differentiate yourself from other applicants? Laurel Lenz

•Discriminating questions: Age, Race, Family, Marital status. Some questions are illegal in a job interview. Again- think ahead.

Stay Organized:Keep records of

the date that you mailed your applicationthe dates of any correspondencenotes/info from correspondence

Follow up the most important applications with a phone call/email within a week of sending. During this correspondence, ask when the applications will be reviewed.

Always clarify any confusion or follow up with an email clarifying any information that you submitted that might be confusing. An email restating what you heard in a phone call is a worthwhile confirmation, and a good opportunity to communicate your enthusiasm or concerns.

Before the Interview: It starts with your email and phone communications.

Practice what you will say-Ask friends and others to quiz you or talk to yourself in

the mirror-Think of questions you might ask (don’t be caught off guard)

Do your homework-People, place-Get your itinerary, read work of people you will be talking with, list questions and point of discussion for each (it is fine to look at your notes while you are there).-Be able to articulate why it would be a good place for you and what you could contribute there.-What would you like each person you talk with to know about you or your work? Be ready to tell them.

Uncomfortable, for everyone

What to Wear:

Business casual = Science professional

We faculty search committee members can remember only a few things. So I remember interviewing people wearing white socks and fishnet stockings, and that used up my limited storage capacity.

Matthew Shapiro, Economics Professor

First interview: Obvious??

No BO

Be PC

Don’t drink too much

Think before you speak

Breath Mint?

Interview Day:

People are watching! Don’t sabotage yourself by unprofessional behavior:

Mistake -being rude (to a secretary or the chair)Mistake -trashing anyoneMistake –you become uninterested in this position, so you let it show. People you talk with form a lasting opinion of you.

After the Interview:

Write Thank You notes!

Format: email

When: Within 24 hours.

Who: chairman, the head of the search committee, those

that went out of their way for you, use your discretion

What: specifics about visit, follow up on items you

mentioned in your interview (manuscripts, references,

reagents etc)

Decision:Multiple offers?

-keep all informed

-ask for extension only if you need it, refuse as

promptly as possible

Get advisors’ input

Make a list of pros and cons

Gut check

Things to do before the first day of work:

-Make sure you can do calculations that you will use

-Review old notes or books

-Read up on subject manner which you will be involved with

-The day before make sure to rest

Transition into Real Life:

Some Helpful Books to Read:

-Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties by Alexandra Robbins, Abby Wilner

-What should I do with my Life? Po Bronson

Good Luck!!!

-Heather (email: hrheizer@hotmail.com)