College to Career: All the Job Search Support You Thought You Didn't Need in College

Before You Get Started on Your Resume-

--Make a list of 10-15 "good-fit" employers to target.

--Research what positions those employers have available and gather at least 5 open positions that you would be qualified to fill.

Then ask yourself, what makes you uniquely qualified to help them meet their current challenges and uncover relevant keywords and phrases from the job description.

For Example, notice the key terms and tasks in italics:

"The Marketing Coordinator will support marketing and sales efforts with the development and maintenance of collateral materials, implementation of marketing campaigns, management of social media and fresh, current and relevant communication directed at clients, prospects, medical providers and plan participants."

--Use this information to create content for your career marketing materials (resume, biography, LinkedIn profile, etc.) that will resonate with those target employers.

Be Specific -

--Target 3 - 4 key qualifications listed in the job description and be very specific with regards to what you can offer pertaining directly to those qualifications.

Customize Your Resume-

--Customize your resume to reflect the priorities emphasized by the company for this position, using language similar to theirs. This also means resisting the urge to tell them everything you've done and can do. Rather, look at your resume from the employer's perspective.

--Select the skills, qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that speak directly to their stated and implied needs.

Demonstrate Your Achievements-

--Ensure your resume is a forward looking document that demonstrates how your achievements are in alignment with results desired by the hiring organization. Do not write a historically-focused document that simply shows where you have been - show where you are going and how you will add value. ~Lisa Rangel, Chameleon Resumes

Focus on Your Accomplishments-

--Make the focus of the job descriptions listed on the resume a summary of what you accomplished and contributed in each of your positions. Employers are more interested in these than in what you actually did on the jobs.

For example:

Shay’s Pub and Wine Bar Cambridge, MA Server, Bartender, Floor Manager 2001-2008
Coordinated and promoted weekly specials to generate optimal revenue. Participated in development, expansion and improvement of wine program. Recruited and trained all floor staff. Increased overall restaurant sales by 75%.

Check out Monster.com for more information about moving from tasks to accomplishments: http://career-advice.monster.com/resumes-cover-letters/resume-writing-tips/resume-dig-deep-accomplishments/article.aspx

Assignments this Week

~Watch: "How to Write a Great Resume" by Linda Spencer, assistant director and coordinator of career advising at Harvard Extension School http://www.extension.harvard.edu/hub/blog/extension-blog/how-write-great-resume-cover-letter

~Connect with a fellow course participant and share your resume draft so that he or she can share feedback, note typos or confusing language, and offer any suggestions.

~Distribute your resume to close friends, family and references and ask them, "Does this resume communicate my strengths and experiences in a way that will be interesting to the person interviewing me?"

Friends and family can be excellent resources for pointing out strengths you have not recognized about yourself.

~Submit your edited resume to the instructor for final feedback and completion. Utilize Google Drive for submission to Jra212@lehigh.edu

Once all of the items above are completed you can apply for your Resume Rockstar Badge using the link below this session in the left column.