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Job Search Skills Job Search Skills for International for International StudentsStudentsUniversity Career Center110 Burge [email protected]
Today’s PresentationToday’s Presentation
Job Search OverviewAmerican Style ResumesAmerican Style Interviews
Job Search OverviewJob Search Overview
F-1 Visa Holders On-Campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Optional Practical Training (OPT)
J-1 Visa Holders On-Campus Employment Academic Training
H1-B Visa Please contact Please contact the the International International Student & Scholar Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)Services (ISSS) office for office for advising. advising.
American American Style Style
ResumesResumes
AgendaAgenda
Purpose of a Resume General Standards for
American Style Resumes
Formatting Guidelines Resume Components How the University
Career Center Can Help
Purpose of a ResumePurpose of a Resume
Q.Q. So, what’s the point of a resume and cover letter?
A.A. To get you an interview!But also to…
To demonstrate how your education and experience fits the requirements of the position
A marketing tool to address the needs of the employer To communicate your value to the employer Your resume and cover letter may be one method
employers will use to assess your English so be sure to have your materials reviewed to ensure correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
General Standards for General Standards for American Style American Style ResumesResumes
SuccinctSuccinct: Use concise, active statements to describe your experience. Standard length is one page.
Targeted:Targeted: Include your most relevant skills, experiences and strengths that address the qualifications of the position. You will most likely have multiple versions of your resume targeted to specific positions or industries.
Personal Information: Don’t include information about your marital or health status, your birth date or age, race/religion/ethnicity, or personal interests and hobbies.
Order: Arrange sections within your resume from most to least relevant, and within each section list information from most to least recent.
General Formatting General Formatting GuidelinesGuidelines
Stick to standard fonts that are easy to read, such as: Times New Roman, Arial, Arial Narrow, Tahoma, Verdana, and Bookman Old Style. Use 10, 11, or 12pt Font.
Utilize your margins well – 1” margins Use bolding and/or italics consistently, but sparingly to
highlight headings/position titles. Avoid abbreviations (Use Street vs. St.) Use bullets to highlight job descriptions and skills Begin descriptions with an “active verb” instead of using
complete sentences Be consistent in the format, layout, and spacing throughout
your resume Put key information on the left and near the top of the page
when possible (ie, Job titles and degree names)
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: Contact InfoContact Info
This first section of your resume should tell who you are and help prospective employers reach you quickly. Make sure you keep this information up-to-date!
If you have “adopted” an American first name, indicate this in parenthesis at the top of your resume
If name is difficult to pronounce, you might include the phonetic spelling beneath your name. (see below)
WAI KWONG (PETER) [email protected]
CURRENT ADDRESS PERMANENT ADDRESS1234 Clinton Parkway 843 Tung Lung HouseLawrence, Kansas 66047 Flat 4, 6/BPhone: (785) 555-5555 Kowloon, Hong KongUntil June 15, 2008 Phone: 123-4567-8910
(way-kong)
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: ObjectiveObjective
This section summarizes the type of work you want to do, and the career field in which you are interested
You may not want to include an objective if you think it might limit your options or if you are including a cover letter
If applying to a particular job, make it specific to that position. This is not the place to write a paragraph on your life goals—keep it concise and specific to the job.
Objective: To obtain a software engineering position with emphasis on
communication software development. (general)
Objective: To obtain the Software Engineer position with Sprint/Nextel. (specific)
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: Summary of Summary of QualificationsQualifications
Summarizes how your experience, academic background, and personal abilities relate to the specific needs of the position
This will quickly show an employer a qualitative summary of the skills and experience you have to offer. Typically a bulleted list of 4-6 summary statements.
Avoid listing vague skills, like “Good communication skills”Summary of Qualifications Three years of experience developing dynamic and
interactive databases. Proven communication skills as demonstrated through
campus leadership, delivering multiple professional presentations, and tutoring other international students in reading, writing and speaking English.
Fluent in English, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Malay. Proficient in French.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, SPSS, PageMaker, Dreamweaver, and C++.
Traveled extensively throughout Asia, France and Russia and developed a solid understanding of the cultures and customs.
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: EducationEducation
EDUCATIONMaster of Science in Computer Engineering Expected:
May 2010The University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas
GPA: 3.5/4.0
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering May 2008The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Globally recognized and ranked as the #1 university in both Hong Kong and China
Typically listed near the top of your resume If you list degrees from foreign institutions, provide a frame of reference when possible If you include a GPA from a foreign institution, convert the number to be consistent with the 4.0 GPA scale
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: ExperienceExperience
Experience can be…. Work-related (internships, summer jobs, part-time jobs) Unpaid Positions Academic Classes or Projects Study Abroad / International Travel / Internships Abroad Leadership Roles
Experience may be organized into multiple sections: Relevant Experience Additional Experience Teaching Experience Research Experience Relevant Academic Experience Leadership Experience International Experience Volunteer Experience
Try using headings that reflect your job targets.And then, put the rest of your experiences in
“Additional Experience”
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: ExperienceExperience
RELEVANT EXPERIENCESystems Analyst January 2007 -
PresentOffice of Systems Development, The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS Created the personnel database for the Department of Educational Services. Analyzed, designed and implemented the Job Matching Program for the
University Career Center. Helped implement inter-departmental computer communications system. Wrote FOCUS programs to extract information from student records database. Established supercomputer connection with Florida State University. Coordinated and presented training sessions for computer users in the
Department of Student Affairs.
Tips for writing descriptions of your experience:• Use action verbs to begin your descriptions• Describe not just what you did, but how well you did it • Quantify when it strengthens your description• Use bullet points
Winning formula for writing descriptions = Verb + What you did + Outcomes
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: Campus & Community Campus & Community InvolvementInvolvement
Demonstrates that you are active in your profession and do things above and beyond what’s expected (school and work)
Other possible headings for this section include: Campus Activities Community Activities and Volunteer Work Student Organizations/Clubs Leadership Experience Professional Memberships
Campus and Community InvolvementVice President of International Students Association - The University of Kansas 2008-09Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – The University of Kansas
August 2006-Present
Parts of a Resume: Parts of a Resume: Honors & AwardsHonors & Awards
This section typically includes: Scholarships Honor Roll (College only) Dean’s List Competitive Awards
Don’t include $$ amounts for scholarships. Can be listed as a separate section or may be
included within your Education section if only a few items.
Honors and AwardsDean’s List – The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
August 2006 – PresentRecipient of Academic Scholarship – KU Department of Computer
Engineering 2008, 2009
Other SectionsOther Sections
Professional Development / Additional Trainings Community / Volunteer Experience Relevant Coursework/Academic Projects Additional Skills Additional Experience
These are just a few samples.
Create headings that will market
your particular set of skills to your job
target.
What NOT What NOT to Put in a Resume…to Put in a Resume…
Employment Status (You may want to include this information in your cover letter instead where you have more room to elaborate)
High school information Personal information (birthdate,
marital status, photograph) Personal interests/hobbies (unless
they relate to the position or could be a conversation starter)
Personal goal statement (unless requested)
Clipart I’s, my’s or complete sentences
WAI KWONG (PETER) [email protected]
CURRENT ADDRESS PERMANENT ADDRESS1234 Clinton Parkway 843 Tung Lung HouseLawrence, KS 66047 Flat 4, 6/BPhone: (785) 869-5432 Kowloon, Hong KongUntil June 15, 2008 Phone: 123-4567-8910
OBJECTIVE________________________________________________________________________________________________________To obtain a software engineering position with emphasis on communication software development.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS____________________________________________________________________________________
Three years of experience developing dynamic and interactive databases Proven communication skills as demonstrated through campus leadership, delivering multiple
professional presentations, and tutoring other international students in reading, writing and speaking English
Fluent in English, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Malay. Proficient in French Proficient in Microsoft Office, SPSS, PageMaker, Dreamweaver, and C++ Traveled extensively throughout Asia, France and Russia and developed a solid understanding of the
cultures and customs
EDUCATION_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Master of Science in Computer Engineering Expected: May 2010The University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
• GPA: 3.5/4.0Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering May 2008The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam, Hong Kong
• Globally recognized and ranked as the #1 university in both Hong Kong and China
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE__________________________________________________________________________________________Systems Analyst/Programmer, Academic Technology Services – The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
January 2007 - Present• Created the personnel database for the Department of Educational Services• Analyzed, designed and implemented the Job Matching Program for the University Career Center• Helped implement inter-departmental computer communications systems (Outlook)• Wrote FOCUS programs to extract information from student records database• Established supercomputer connection with Florida State University• Coordinated and presented training sessions for computer users in the Department of Student Affairs
HONORS & ACTIVITIES____________________________________________________________________________________________Dean’s List – The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS August 2006 – PresentRecipient of Academic Scholarship – Department of Computer Engineering, The University of Kansas 2008, 2009Vice President of International Students Association - The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2008-09Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
August 2006-Present
CV vs. ResumeCV vs. Resume
Resumes C.V.sTypically used in business, industry and non-profit settings.
Typically used in research, academic, law and medicine settings.
Length is usually 1 to 2 pages. Average length ranges between 2 and 10 pages or more.
In general, there is more of an emphasis on relevant skills, experience and projects.
In general, the focus is more on academic preparation, research, and publications.
Names of supervisors and/or advisors are typically not highlighted in a resume.
Name-dropping is more common in CVs. For example, if you performed research with a certain professor, you would probably include his/her name and title.
Objective statements are used more frequently on resumes to state specific position applying for.
Usually does not include an objective statement.
Emphasis on action verbs and accomplishments - more stylistic
Emphasis on facts and details – typically just a listing - the power is in what is listed.
ReferencesReferencesWAI KWONG (PETER) LEE
CURRENT ADDRESS PERMANENT ADDRESS1234 Clinton Parkway 843 Tung Lung HouseLawrence, KS 66047 Flat 4, 6/BPhone: (785) 869-5432 Kowloon, Hong KongUntil June 15, 2008 Phone: 123-4567-8910
REFERENCES Name, Person’s TitleOrganization/Company NameStreet AddressCity, State Zip CodePhone NumberEmail Address
Name, Person’s TitleOrganization/Company NameStreet AddressCity, State Zip CodePhone NumberEmail Address
Name, Person’s TitleOrganization/Company NameStreet AddressCity, State Zip CodePhone NumberEmail Address
Get permission from your potential references BEFORE including them in an employment application.
List them on a separate page.
Usually 3-4 names is generally what you are requested to send.
Make sure they can all speak to your professionalism, how well you take direction, your reliability, and ability to work alone and/or in groups.
How the University How the University Career Center Can Career Center Can Help…Help…
Individual appointment with a career coach to review your resume or cover letter
Optimal Resume (http://ku.optimalresume.com/) – online tool to help you build your own resume
Resume Dropbox – email your resume to the UCC and have it “virtually” critiqued within 1-2 days
American American Style Style
InterviewsInterviews
AgendaAgenda
Purpose of Interviews Before the Interview Day of the Interview After the Interview
Purpose of InterviewsPurpose of Interviews
For the job seeker: Get the job! Convince employer that you can do the job Convince employer that you want to do the
job Convince employer that you are the best fit for
the job and organization For the employer:
Hire the best candidate for the job! Determine if you can do the job Determine if you want to do the job Determine if you are the best fit for the job
and organization
Before the Interview:Before the Interview:Get Some DetailsGet Some DetailsYou have just been offered an interview! Before you hang up the phone, ask…
Where will the interview be held?• Get directions if necessary• Find out where to park
What type/style of interview will it be?• Individual, group, multiple interviews, etc.
How long will it last?• 30 minutes, half a day, etc.
Who will be interviewing you?• Titles/roles within the organization
Before the Interview:Before the Interview:Do Your ResearchDo Your Research Research the organization…
Gain best understanding possible of who they are, what they do, their mission/values, etc.
Helps tailor your answers Helps to develop good questions to ask
To find information… Visit their website Review other profiles on Hoovers.com,
Vault.com, GlassDoor.com, etc. Search for news stories on the organization Talk to current and/or former employees Ask for an annual report (if available)
Before the Interview:Before the Interview:Do Your ResearchDo Your Research Research yourself…
Can you do the job?• Strengths, skills, experiences
Why do you want to do the job?• Motivation, goals, work ethic
Why are you the best fit for the job?• Values, personality, style
How will you communicate all of this to the employer? Brainstorm and practice ahead of time…
Let’s Practice!Let’s Practice!
Turn to your neighbor…Tell them your 5 best qualities
On a sheet of paper…Write your 5 best qualities downPick one – describe it and give an
example of a time when you demonstrated this quality
Turn to your neighbor again and share what you wrote
Before the Interview:Before the Interview:Practice Your Practice Your TechniqueTechnique Two effective answering techniques:
A+1 Method : Answer plus one example
STAR Method : Situation, Task, Action, Result
Practice answering interview questions… Write out your answers (if it helps) Rehearse saying your answers out loud
• Mock interviews at the UCC• With friends/roommates/faculty/supervisors• On your own in front of a mirror
Before the Interview:Before the Interview:Practice Your Practice Your TechniqueTechnique Tips for good technique…
Stay positive and be confident Keep answers brief (30 sec – 2 min) Show animation and interest in your vocal
tone and facial expressions (smile!) Limit hand gestures and body movements Speak clearly and at an even pace Have good posture - sit straight and lean
forward slightly (no slouching!) Make direct eye contact frequently
Before the Interview:Before the Interview:More Tips for More Tips for PreparationPreparation Check your travel route for construction &
traffic Get your look together
Put together a professional outfit Outfit should be cleaned and pressed ahead of time Get your hair cut, practice styling your look, etc.
Get your portfolio together 5+ copies of your resume on nice paper 5-10 questions to ask the employer at the interview
Get plenty of sleep before your “big day” Eat wisely before your interview
Day of the Interview:Day of the Interview:First ImpressionsFirst Impressions Allow yourself adequate time to shower,
dress, eat, prepare, and travel Turn off your cell phone (or leave it at home) Arrive 5-15 minutes early
Anything else is too soon or too late Be polite and professional to everyone
You are “on” as soon as you arrive on-site Use good manners
Greet your interviewer with a strong handshake Use proper titles (Ms., Mr., Dr., etc.) until invited
to do otherwise (“Please, call me Susan.”) When invited into the interview room, wait to sit
until you are invited to do so (“Please, have a seat.”)
Accept a water if one is offered to you
Day of the Interview:Day of the Interview:Answering Their Answering Their QuestionsQuestions Put your hard work & practice into
action Monitor your own behavior Be yourself! Ask for clarification if you don’t
understand (or didn’t hear) a question
Pause or ask for a moment if you can’t think of an answer
Day of the Interview:Day of the Interview:Closing the InterviewClosing the Interview Ask good questions
Ones you prepared ahead of time Ones you thought of during the interview
Ask about the expected timeline for the hiring process When should you expect to hear from
them? Are there subsequent interviews?
Always thank your interviewer! Shake their hand & get a business card too
After the InterviewAfter the Interview Take some notes
What went well? How could you improve for your next interview?
Summarize what you discussed Always send a thank you letter
Within 3 days Typed vs. Handwritten Email vs. Mail
Follow up if you do not hear from them by the time they said they would contact you
How the University How the University Career Center Can Career Center Can Help…Help… Mock Interview Appointments
Meet 1:1 with a Career Coach to practice for interviews
Optimal Interview (http://www.ku.optimalresume.com)
Online tool to help you practice for interviews (requires web camera)
Sample QuestionsContact our office for sample questions – we have industry-specific lists for many fields
Questions?Questions?
Thank you!Thank you!
