Topic 7: Cover Letters and Résumés

Last week we spoke about the Interviewing Process. Within that post we also spoke about what you should do at the interview and how to make the right first impression. But, what about getting the interview? That’s where the résumé and your cover letter (CV) come into play. These two items are the key players in the world of employment. The UCF Career Services website has tons of helpful handouts for one to look at and mimic, as well as walk-in appointments at the Career Services and Experiential Learning Building on Memory Mall, where you can go and receive one-on-one help. (Just make sure to bring a copy of both your résumé and your CV.)

My experience with résumés and CVs has always been a tricky one because I didn’t know how to make one the “right way”. So one day I went to the Career Services Center (when it was in Ferrell Commons) and asked for some help. They provided me with a couple of the handouts that are on the website. With the guides, I created a brand new résumé and CV that was geared towards employment history. Now, after years of updating and experiences, it’s geared towards a focus on my community service, volunteer experiences and skill set because I want to work in a Nonprofit Organization.

Your personal résumé and CV may not look exactly like the ones you will review at for your assignment, but it will give you a great place to start. You may even have to spicy up your current ones with the tools provided. Your résumé and CV will be the first thing the employer sees whether that’s online or in person.  And remember, when printing both out make sure they are on the same kind of paper so that there’s consistency and a sense of professionalism.

Your assignment:

Part 1- Handouts: Go to the Career Services website at look all the handouts provided.

http://www.career.ucf.edu/Students/Undergraduate_Students/Write_Effective_Resumes_and_Cover_Letters/Handouts_49_193.aspx

1. Which handouts were the most helpful? The least?

2. Do you have any handouts or tips for writing an effective résumé to share? If so please provide the link.

3. What do you think makes a résumé stand out (in either a good way or bad way)?

4. What do you want your résumé to say about YOU?

Part 2- Cover Letter Exercise: Using the Handouts as a guide, draft the opening, body, and closing of one of your cover letters. Make sure to include the purpose, interests, qualifications, and your experiences in the letter. 

This posting should be labeled “Cover Letter Exercise” and should be at least two paragraphs

Topic 6 - The Interviewing Process

Last week we talked about how being interdisciplinary relates to our professional life. This week we’re going to be talking about the interviewing process.

Before you even think about going to an interview, make sure you Google the company and know who you’re interviewing with. Is it the marketing manager or their assistant? Make sure you know the company’s products, especially if you’re planning to go into sales and marketing.

Most interviewers make their decision about whether or not they’re going to hire you within the first minute. Having said that, it is imperative that you make a good impression!
To make a good impression, here are some simple steps:
1. Dress professionally: Please review this advice from Career Service's website: Dress for Success
2. Arrive 10-15 minutes early: This gives you time to people watch and to get a feel for the work environment. Also, avoid arriving any earlier because the interviewer many feel rushed.
3. Come prepared: Bring at least 2 copies of your résumé, even if you already emailed one to them before your meeting. If relevant, bring a portfolio and CD/DVD copies of work you've done. Providing the portfolio on a disk, will be easier for viewing and allowing the employer to keel a copy without permanently handing over your portfolio.
4. Most importantly, stay off your cellphone/tablet/computer unless you're turning it completely off.


When interviewers ask unusual questions like, “If you were an animal, what animal would you be?” Take a breath and think of the best way to answer the question. In this case, they’re not necessarily interested in the animal you pick, but rather the way you answer the question. They are looking for the quality of your answer.

Not only will the interviewer ask unusual questions, there will be the most common ones such as, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Always be prepared to answer this. When it comes to listing your weakness, make sure you add a positive spin, like how you’re working on making your flaw into a strength. Another major one is, “Why should I choose you for this job?” Please take this moment to politely brag about why you would be the perfect candidate for this job. It is helpful to use examples from your own experience to show credibility.

Preparing for Interviews: A great way to help prepare for interviews is to practice! I have a few apps on my iPhone that list sample questions and answers, like InterviewPrep and JobInterviewEdge. Depending of the job you’re seeking, many websites also offer the same service. I have even found some sites that list questions interviewers have asked for the exact interview I was preparing to have. LinkedIn, Career Builder, and Simply Hired are also great resources to help prepare you for your next interview.

Types of Interviews: There are many different ways one can be interviewed: face-to-face, phone, Skype, in front of a panel or in a group setting with other applicants. Although, face-to-face and phones interviews are the most common, both require a different kind of preparation. It is important you know what kind of interview you will have in order to help you prepare appropriately.


When taking part in a phone interview, make sure you have sent your resume to your interviewer ahead of time. When it comes time for the actual interview, make sure you have a copy for yourself for reference. Just because it’s a phone interview, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to prepare and do your do your homework on the company. Lastly, if you’re the one calling, make sure you’re on time (but no earlier than 5 minutes), and make sure you have quiet surroundings and strong reception.


When is the time to talk about salary?: From my experience it is not something to be brought up in a first interview, unless the interviewer asks. However, you should always be prepared to answer the question if it is brought up. Make sure you research salaries for the type of job you’re applying with the appropriate geographical area. Salaries differ greatly from one city/state to another, depending on taxes and standard living.


Lastly, make sure you thank the person with whom you interviewed. Perhaps you’ll be surprised to hear that most people never send a “Thank you” letter to people they’ve interviewed with, which shows poor follow through and lack of interest. This should be done within a few days after having met with someone, especially if you’re interested in the job position.


Please visit the site listed below to get some interviewing practice. There is an optional video portion, which I recommend doing so you can see your body language. Yes, I know it’s awkward, but it can be really helpful.

http://www.perfectinterview.com/ucf/


1. Please write a 150-250 word response about your interviewing experience with the Perfect Interview.
2. Are there any specific interview questions you’re unsure how to answer?
3. What is another helpful tip for interviews that I might not have mentioned?

Week 5 - Your interdisciplinary degree opportunities and job skills.

Welcome back cornerstone students! I am sure by now you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work cornerstone requires. Not to worry! In the end you will gain valuable knowledge about your degree and well on your way to great job opportunities.

Last week we learned about how interdisciplinary affects our daily lives. This week we are going to discuss interdisciplinary studies in a professional manner relating to our job skills and professional opportunities that interdisciplinary studies majors are open to.

There are many positive outcomes in being an interdisciplinary study major. Think of your job history and how your professional and career life wise has changed since becoming Interdisciplinary studies major.  Answer the following questions in a few sentences:

1.      What is your professional history?

2.      How have you used your interdisciplinary studies in your professional life?

3. How have your career goals altered?

4. What are your strongest jobs skills? What are your weakest?

5. What areas can you improve in your professional life using the interdisciplinary studies skills you have learned so far?

Remember to reply as a comment, not a new post. Also, please respond to at least two other students comments!