Deciding on a career field is a life-changing decision. Make sure you know the kinds of positions you are best suited for. Here are some career-planning sites and helpful resume and interviewing techniques that can help steer you in the right direction.
Career Planning Sites
Resume Help
Find out the qualifications of a good, scannable resume
Name - Place your name at the top of the page on its own line. Scanning software assumes that your name is the first thing it will read and any other text on the first line will simply confuse it. If your resume runs to two pages begin the second page with your name at the top and below that type 'page two.'
Type faces - Use a sans serif typeface if possible, or pick a popular serif typeface. Serifs are the small tails on the ends of letters and characters.
This text is written in Arial a sans serif typeface.
This text is written in Times New Roman a serif typeface.
Good typefaces to use are Helvetica, Universe and Arial (sans serif) and Times, Courier and Palatino (serif).
Fonts - Avoid font variations where possible -such as bold, italic, underline and decorative. Although most scanning packages can recognize a bold font, there are still some that have problems doing so. Do not take the risk unless you have checked with the recruiter first. If in doubt, use capital letters to emphasize words. Simple formatting is the name of the game with scannable resumes.
Size - Keep your text size between 11 and 14 points.
Bullet points - Do not use bullet points. Alternatives to bullets include the asterisk key * the hash key # or the angled bracket key >.
Horizontal and vertical lines - Use as few ruled lines as possible. Any lines you do use should be surrounded by plenty of white space.
Columns - These cause problems with some scanners so try to keep all your text running in a single column.
Color - Try to keep as strong a contrast as possible between the text and the paper. It's best to use plain white (or slightly off- white) paper and black ink for the text. Do not use any colors and do not use any shading to emphasize particular points. Obviously do not use any graphics - these will be ignored and may ruin the rest of the scan.
Paper - Use good quality, standard sized paper. If you run to more than one page do not staple them together - use paperclips. Only print on one side of the paper. Do not fold the sheet if possible. The best thing is to send your resume in a cardboard-backed envelope. If you do have to fold the sheet, then make sure you do not fold it along a line of text in case the letters lose their integrity.
Parentheses - Be careful using (parentheses) and [brackets], since they can cause problems. This is particularly so when they surround numbers. Write your phone number as 214-555-1414 without brackets.
Justification - Justify all text to the left.
Printers, faxes and photocopies - Use a laser or good-quality inkjet printer. Do not use a dot matrix. If you are sending your resume by fax set the machine to the most detailed setting available. Always follow-up a faxed resume with an original copy in the post. Do not send a photocopy of your resume - you should send a pristine copy. Remember that your resume will probably be passed around and photocopied for the recruiter's own records so it should start in as good a condition as possible.
Tips for a technical resume that works
It's best to show the full range of your skills that are relevant to the position you are seeking. On your resume, focus on accomplishments that required the specific skills the new position is asking for. You may need to customize your resume for the position.
Use your resume to sell yourself! Show the skills that the company is looking for. List your achievements (or the achievements of the project team) instead of just listing responsibilities. Show what you have gained and how you contributed to the team. Always list your degrees and certifications. Try to keep your statements concise and honest. Remember, your resume is usually your first contact with us and the old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" applies.
Here are things we look for in resumes, by job title:
DBA/Architect
- Logical and/or physical design
- Number of databases designed
- Number of tables created
- Area of expertise and length of time
Internet/Web/E-Commerce
- Programming languages, databases, and servers worked with
- Examples of URLs
- Development of web-based applications
- Analysis and design
Network/Systems Administrator
- Workstation and/or server level
- Communications protocols
- Size of network (number of servers, workstations, etc.)
- What platforms you have worked on and for how long
Programmer/Software Engineer
- Your experience with, and part you played in, the full life cycle development
- Any applications, servers, or databases with which you are experienced
- Programming languages
- Area of expertise and length of time in it
Support
- Operating Systems supported and length of time
- Products supported and length of time
- Internet/e-mail packages supported and for how long
- Level of support
Click here for some great resume links
Interviewing Tips
The 30 minutes to an hour that you spend interviewing could determine your future. So make it count. Here are a few helpful hints when preparing for an interview:
- Know the exact place and time. Get directions and even drive there the night before to ensure you know the exact location. Know the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and title. When you arrive, greet employer by his or her surname and shake his or her hand firmly.
- Research the company. This will give you some insight about the company and allow you to formulate your own questions. You can find information on the Internet, or at a library, or request brochures and annual reports from the companies you will visit.
- Prepare a list of questions. You don't have to feel like you're getting the third degree. Just hold a conversation. When you finish answering an interview question, ask a question in return. By asking questions, the interviewer will learn more about you and your abilities. Importantly, you want to learn about the company in order to determine if this is the right opportunity for you. However, don't lead with questions that emphasize your self-interest, such as questions about pay and benefits. Save these questions for discussion after the employer has indicated a sincere interest in you as a candidate.
- Don't answer "yes" or "no". Try to explain your answers whenever possible. This will help the employer understand who you are. Answering just "yes" or "no" may turn the employer away. Get your points across in a factual, logical, sincere manner. And be sure to emphasize your achievements.
- Watch your "P's and Q's". Don't make derogatory remarks about past employers. Answer questions truthfully and concisely. Don't chew gum or smoke during the interview.
- Wait until the second interview to discuss salary. Unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you, hold off on asking about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement or other benefits.
- Keep in mind that the interviewer is ALWAYS judging you. Some things that could lead to rejection include poor appearance, an overaggressive manner, poor grammar, a lack of planning, lack of confidence, an overemphasis on money and benefits, a limp handshake, a lack of courtesy, failure to ask questions, failure to look the interviewer in the eye and condemnation of past employers.
- Close the interview on a good note. If you're interested in the position, ask for it - or ask for the next interview. Don't be discouraged if no offer is made on the first interview. Employers will often have you return to meet other people. Thank the employer for his or her time. If you are interested in the position, be sure to write a hand-written note expressing your thanks and interest in the company.
