Career Advice

Are you ready to take the next big step in your career? I’ll equip you with the tools you need to improve every aspect of your job search. 

On this page I discuss the basics:

Resume basics

A strong, solid resume is your first impression. These tips can help optimize the space you have on your one page sales pitch:​​

1. What’s the appropriate length of a resume?

If you have less than 10 years of experience, no more than a one page resume is recommended.

Those of you with more experience, your resume may expand beyond a one page resume.

2. What’s the appropriate formatting?

Your resume should allow the employer to easily locate information. Employers skim when they read a resume, so be sure margins and text alignments are uniform. Margins of the page should never be less than than one inch to ensure the employer can easily print your resume.  Use separate bullet points to list major accomplishments, evidence of problem solving, leadership positions and other achievements. 

Headings, date formats and spacing should have consistent formatting. 

Recommended fonts: Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial. All are easily legible. Do not use multiple fonts, pick one! 

Font size: 10-12 point fonts. 

3. How should I build my resume?

Header

Place your name at the top of the page, make it bold and prominent. Include all relevant contact information directly underneath your name including:

  • Phone number (you should have a voicemail setup)
  • Email address
  • Mailing address

Experience

This is the section that you showcase how you can meet the employer’s needs based on your past experience. Include any jobs, internships, volunteer, or other positions that may be relevant to the job you seek.  Your resume should tell the story of your job history and experience and show how you have the RIGHT experience for the position. 

Education

List the name and location of your school and the month/year of your graduation. If you have not graduated, list the month and year of your expected graduation. Include majors and minors, study aboard programs and academic awards. 

Skills

Highlight any valuable and unusual skills such as fluency in multiple languages or specialized technology skills.

Other tips:

  • Proofread. Spell-checks and grammar-checks only catch basic errors. Keep an eye out for verb-tense errors, proper nouns and correctly spelled words that are misused. 
  • You only have one page, so use discretion with your content. 
  • Keep multiple versions of your resume. Customize for each job for which you apply! 
  • Gather Supplementary Information
  • You should be prepared for next steps in your job search process. ​Be ready to share references, writing samples and letters of recommendations.

Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter should highlight your successes relevant to the employer’s needs. State your interest in both the organization and the role. Tell the employer what you bring to the table through your prior experience. 

Quick tips:

  1. Keep your letter to-the-point and under one page
  2. Keep formatting consistent with your resume
  3. Proofread! 

Interview Preparation

  1. Research the organization by reviewing their website. Study their mission and current portfolio of work. 
  2. Research the head of the organization and any other important players. 
  3. Always dress professionally. Suit and tie for men, equivalent for women. 
  4. Bring multiple print outs of your resume.
  5. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
    1.     Why are you interested in working for this organization?
    2.     What attracted you to this position?
    3.     Walk me through your relevant experience.
    4.     What is your greatest strength?
    5.     What is your greatest weakness?
    6.     What helps keep you motivated?
    7.     How would your boss describe you?​